Latest reviews

Pete and Lorna Scurfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The course was a surprise birthday gift for my wife and I booked another place to go along with her. We both had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Debbie welcomed us with a hot brew and some homemade flapjack before Adrian gave us a brief introduction and before we knew it, we were hammering away at red hot steel over the anvil. The practical demonstrations were given in small easy to follow steps then we all went away and copied what we had just been shown. I was surprised how much we learned in such a short time and very pleased with what we managed to produce in one day (a key ring and a three-hook dragon coat rack). Adrian and Andy gave us all the help and support we needed throughout the day and their warm and friendly banter made us feel at ease from the start. Debbie provided a splendid lunch and home-made cakes to go with tea and coffee at the end of the day. Everyone there said they had enjoyed it when we were sat having a cuppa before leaving for home. We would definitely recommend giving it a go, you will not be disappointed."

Daksha reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"I booked this course for my niece’s belated 21st birthday present. Helen was so helpful right from the beginning with regards to dates and choice of venue. We chose Halford and what a beautiful place - perfect for us! We all thoroughly enjoyed our day and nothing was too much trouble for Helen. She was there to help us when we required assistance. I received the goods in the post and OMG they are so beautiful. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another course that Helen hosts in the future. Thanks Helen!!!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Daksha, thank you for taking the time to review my fused glass course, I really appreciate it . I’m thrilled you all enjoyed your day and I was lucky to have such good company. The pieces you created were really beautiful and I imagine they are real talking points in your home. What a thoughtful gift for your niece and I’m sure a happy memory for you all to cherish. I hope to see you all again.Thanks, Helen."

Nick Hill reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"We have done a few craft courses over the last couple of years, and this was (by far) our favourite. Les is a really friendly guy who strikes that fine balance between teaching you and letting you learn from your mistakes. But he also manages to do that without letting you turn your piece of craft into a meas. Would highly recommend and we will visit again for sure"

Pren responded:

"Thank you so much for the review....I thoroughly enjoyed working with you both and will be more than happy to see you again."

susie reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"wonderful tutor and excellent course, ged takes time to teach and support you in the making of the stool, wonderful tools, authentic tool shed and environment! highly recommend"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Susie. Glad you enjoyed the course and hope to see you again on a course."

Mark Carrington reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Having been bought this course as a birthday present, I was very excited to go and experience woodturning for the first time. I enjoy woodworking generally as a hobby, so this felt like the natural next step for me and I can confirm that this experience has helped me make up my mind and see that woodturning is definitely for me. Both Simon and Louise were very welcoming and Simon’s passion, calmness and clear tuition gave me a great amount of confidence throughout the session. I left feeling very proud of what I had learned and a with a determination to follow this up further! A huge thank you to Blended Monkey for giving me a fantastic day and a wonderful experience."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Mark, Thank you for a lovely (and speedy!) review - felt like you were only here yesterday ;) So glad you enjoyed your experience and I hope to see you again soon for more. Any help in the meantime, please do get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Mike reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Can't recommend Ged and this session highly enough! Ged is tremendously knowledgeable and his calm, friendly and encouraging approach puts you at ease right away and really instills confidence in the absolute beginner. The beautiful, brilliantly equipped workshop is the ideal location and I'm absolutely delighted by the finished product! A huge thanks to Ged, can't wait to build my skills and experience at future workshops :)"

Gedwood responded:

"Ah thanks Mike! Hope to see you again on a workshop?"

The William reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"An amazing day! Under Simon's excellent tuition, supervision, and encouragement I turned a 2x2" square section length into a passably attractive honey dribbler, and an ugly lump of sycamore into a very bowl-like piece. (I wish I could add photographs - they are quite beautiful and I am so proud!) It was utterly absorbing. As a complete novice (but an expert klutz) I was in danger of turning (geddit?!) my bowl into an eggcup but Simon rescued me. He was generous with his time, determined we should go away with fully finished pieces. It was also inspiring to see what SimonTheExpert achieves - paper-thin bowls in example shapes, and spindles-as-art (both in their own right, by eccentric centring, and as a set that creates female forms in the gaps between them). Can't recommend this highly enough :-) But, if you don't want to find wood shavings in your underwear, wear one of the offered smocks!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi William, So glad you enjoyed your experience - you were a pleasure to teach and lovely company. If you do get the bug and need more help, don't hesitate to get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Liz reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"What a fantastic day! Jonny and Becky were friendly and helpful and excellent teachers. There was a lovely atmosphere and going through the entire process of making a basket from start to end was really interesting and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this course!"

Linda reviewed: Summer natural dyeing in Pembrokeshire

"Lovely atmosphere in the session. Knowledgeable and informative session leader, left confident enough to try it at home and am pleased with results. A lovely touch was the refreshments and cake"

Susan Martin responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the workshop. Have fun experimenting at home."

Angela Drake reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"A very well organised and well equipped course with clear instructions and explanations. A friendly atmosphere and plenty of help when needed. I was surprised how much we all achieved in just one day. Really very good."

Jeff Jones reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"A huge thankyou to Wendy & Clive for such a lovely day! I've learned so much today to start my leather working journey. A beautiful location, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and a massively knowledgeable couple that make learning new skills so easy! I'll be back ASAP after practicing my saddle stitch. Cheers Jeff"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Hi Jeff, Thank you for the review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. We look forward to welcoming you back on another workshop soon."

Karen Fraser reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"In person course today was a refresher for me, after not being able to continue at home due to health issues. Was lovely to be able to be shown how to do different designs/patterns I had done a while ago. Many thanks Alice, for a lovely productive day. Very pleased with my work."

Marje Callister reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"I’ve just had a lovely day! Caryl is a very clever lady and an excellent teacher. As a stained glass beginner, I needed lots of help and Caryl was there with suggestions and assistance when necessary. I was very pleased with my creation and my family think I’m a genius! Thank you Caryl!"

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"So pleased to hear that you had a wonderful day, especially as you've had to wait many months for this birthday treat. Thank you for your kind feedback. Caryl"

Dawn Mander reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Second time even better than the first. Thank you so much and see you soon for the spinner ring!"

Rob reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Loved the rings! Thank you Nina!"

Chris Wood reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Everything about this course was excellent. The tuition clear and helpful taking note of my previous lack of experience. The tutor was very helpful and ensured the safety of the pupil at all times. The venue was well looked after and well stocked with appropriate equipment. This was one of the most enjoyable days I have spent for a long time and I would return for a more advanced course if it were to be offered. Lunch and refreshments were provided throughout the day, and were much appreciated. The follow-up notes and photos were unexpected and well thought through. A thoroughly enjoyable experience."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Chris, Thank you for a lovely and honest review; we're really glad you enjoyed your experience and will hopefully be setting up a follow on course soon. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Emma Reynolds reviewed: Beginner's Cupcake Decorating

"Booked this for my parents and daughter as a birthday present, they had a wonderful time, Jane and Paul were so welcoming and friendly and the cakes they brought home looked amazingly professional for a beginner's course. Plenty of yummy refreshments provided. Many thanks for the hospitality and a fabulous day."

Tara House Bakery responded:

"Thank you for this very positive feedback. I am so pleased that your parents and your daughter had a wonderful time. Your father was the first male participant that we have had on our Beginner's Cupcake Decorating course. Your daughter and your parents produced some lovely cupcakes, and were a pleasure to teach. So glad they had a 'fabulous day' and took home some beautifully cupcakes. I hope to see them at a future course."

John Rayner reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Excellent day had on the wood turning course. Both Simon & Louise made me feel most welcome on arrival. Very constructive morning and afternoon sessions with Simon. There to help you constantly and was most grateful for his advice. Nice to receive the follow up notes, photos and video reminding me of a memorable day. Highly recommend the course to anyone. Will certainly be going back! Thank you Louise for a lovely lunch by the way. Kind Regards John Rayner"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi John, We're so glad you enjoyed your course and look forward to seeing you again in the future. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Ross and Jen reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"excellent day completed the 5 hours 2 people workshop. Richard is a fantastic teacher, really patient, super friendly and talked through all the steps showing techniques to aid you in making your desired items. made the best use of time and let us be independent with what we wanted to make. highly recomend this and other sessions - will definatley go back again, we made an original fire poker, display hook and viking/pirate knife. loved every min even the blisters showing how hard we worked :) thank you again for the experiance Richard."

Rosie reviewed: Painting Masterclass - Tenby South Beach - all welcome in lovely Lawrenny

"I had a brilliant time and I learnt so much about the layering process. Louise was so helpful and welcoming and I really enjoyed meeting her and the other people at the workshop. Highly recommend her courses and I look forward to doing another in the future!"

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"Thanks so much Rosie. It was a pleasure to have you on the workshop and I will look forward to seeing you again and following your own artistic journey. x"

Terry Emberson reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Being a total novice and not very creative, I was surprised at how easy Will made it for me to actually use the carving tool successfully! Will is a brilliant teacher - patient, understandable and vastly talented."

Jackie Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Huge thanks to Debbie, Adrian and Andy We had a fantastic day making flowers, with very clear instructions and help when needed. Enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and great flapjacks and coffee on arrival. Would strongly recommend this course to anyone."

Mona and Tim reviewed: One-day woodcarving for beginners

"We've had a one day course with Will on an off-grid retreat and it was so brilliant. We both never done anything like that before but Will was so good at putting us at ease, explaining the technique and making it so fun and lovely, letting us be creative!!! The few hours flew by and we had amazing little coasters, hand carved, by the end of it. We wish Will all the best in Devon and we can recommend his courses to anyone who's interested in wood carving or just want to try something new!"

Alison reviewed: Garment construction techniques - A beginners guide to sewing

"I really enjoyed this course, and learnt loads of techniques to make garments in a friendly supportive environment. I recommend anyone wanting to learn the basics of garment making that they attend this course to give them the know how and confidence to start making their own garments. Thanks for a great course."

Christine Such reviewed: 10 Week, 30 hour Silver Jewellery Day School, Thursday

"Really made welcome. Teresa is calm and her steadiness made it easier to start work as a beginner. I felt inspired and came away from the first class bursting with ideas. She respects and nurtures creatbity in her students. A really joyful occasion."

Creative Therapy Space responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Chris, it was such a pleasure to meet you and I can't wait to get to know you more... ooh the stories we shall share whilst creating beautiful treasures!"