Latest reviews

Andre Hundley reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"I had been meaning to purchase a router for some time but despite watching numerous YouTube tutorials, felt that I really needed hands on tuition to give me the confidence to use it. The router course was excellent with just the right balance of theory and practical and I can only say that I came away delighted. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone thinking of purchasing a router for the first time, regardless of your woodworking skills."

Carys Palmer reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"This is the third time I have been on one of Lindsey's courses and as ever it was a wonderful and relaxing experience. She is such a good teacher and very inspirational. I am always amazed at how easy and so very achievable Lindsey makes it all feel. I am definitely hooked on mosaics now and even daring to do some small projects on my own, but I will definitely come again and would love to do a longer course to try a more challenging project. Thank you Lindsey for yet another great class."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"You are very welcome, Carys. It was lovely to see you again and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your third session with me! I will certainly think about a two-day longer course for 2020 so that people can try more advanced pieces of work. Watch this space! Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated."

Oswald reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Had an awesome day at Kerr forge! 100% worth the time and money. As a nerd, the best part was to finally find a real-life use-case for high school chemistry."

David Norwood reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"As a disabled user I foubd the course teacher Richard very understanding arrange a stool so I could sit during the whole course, he was also well versed in resin problems and how to avoid wasting any extra resin left over, ways to avoid cross over of colours and how to calculate amount of resin needed, also none mathematical methods of working out the amount needed, thus enable person who are not great at maths a easy way of working out what you need, also useful suppliers and ongoing help from a company who supplies resin, he also run the course in a Covid19 friendly environment with space for all to avoid to much contact, I.E. less than on a bus or train."

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Such and great course and I couldn’t recommend it enough! I went to the course with no candle making experience and left feeling confident to start experimenting on my own. Jo is fantastic! She shared all her invaluable knowledge and is a great teacher. Her workshop is lovely and a great setting for the course."

Julia reviewed: Glass Fusing Taster Day in Ware, Hertfordshire

"I had the most fantastic day creating my dish, I learnt so much and it was such a lovely experience. Jane was patient, kind and guided me through my creation. It was relaxing and time for me to get creative! Thank you I will be back!"

A Touch of Glass responded:

"Hi Julia, so glad you enjoyed your day! It's always a joy when someone enjoys their course so much, and is so happy with their piece. Look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Best wishes, Jane"

Joanna reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"We've had such a lovely a lovely time, both myself and my children loved it. Really well run with just the right amount of help and support. Thanks so much, hope we can do another course in the future."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments and taking the time to do a review. It was lovely to meet you and you all did so well! All the very best. Rach"

Sharon reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Had a great day with John. A wonderful setting and John provided excellent instruction. Highly recommended."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks for that Sharon. Always a pleasure passing on my knowledge of stone carving. Had a great day myself. Hopefully see you again to create another fabulous sculpture. Take care John."

Sam Cheesman reviewed: Birch Bark Container Workshop

"We had a great day learning how to make bark canisters in Wimborne. The tutor was great - patient and passionate about his craft. Thank you for a lovely day."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Sam! Hope to see you again!"

Molly reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I would really recomend this course for anyone interested in wood turning. Simon was such a great teacher and so knowledgeable. It was a great introduction and it was wonderful to be able to make something lovely by the end of the day. It left me wanting to do more. Thank you sinon and louise for the day and for being so welcoming!"

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

"Hi Molly, Thank you for a lovely review and we're really glad you enjoyed your day. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any more help or information. - Simon & Louise"

Carol bonfield reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"My 3rd course with Barbara and as enjoyable and informative as ever. I had never done batik before and Barbara was very helpful every step of the way but knowing when to step in without taking over. I will be back to try the advanced course. Loved it!"

Sara Mckillop reviewed: ZZZ Silver and Copper Stacking Rings Workshop, South Devon.

"Really well run course, everyone produced fantastic quality items. Lots of individual support where needed. Clear instructions. Friendly, too. Can’t wait to make more jewellery with you!"

Bigbury Mint responded:

"Great review! Glad you had a super time, we look forward to seeing you again in the future! :)"

Gilly Haines reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Loved today’s batik course!!! Lovely being out in the garden in the marquee in the rain!!! ?? Learned a lot from Barbara!!! Really pleased with what I’ve done and will definitely be coming back for more! Barbara is a very calm relaxed tutor and very helpful !!!"

Karen Smith reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Fabulous day very relaxed, informative, learnt a new skill batik with hot wax. Barbara is very helpful and attentive. Great cake too! Plenty of time to experiment and gain confidence in this technique, well paced course feel I’ve learnt a new skill …. Thank you! Will be back."

Lizzy reviewed: Beginners Get to Grips With Your Sewing Machine

"I attended a one-to-one tutorial with Janet to get to grips with my sewing machine that has been left untouched for years!!! Janet was so welcoming and I immediately felt at ease. She talked me through all the basics of setting up, different stitches and footers and gave lots of useful advice for future projects I have in mind. I was so nervous and full of self doubt prior to the tutorial but Janet has now given me the knowledge and confidence to have a go and keep going! Added bonus that we had a good laugh too! 100% recommend. Thank you Janet X"

Anthony Broad reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"A great back to basics hands on course. Bob is a highly skilled Blacksmith and guided me patiently through all the stages. I was so pleased with the things i made. Don't expect any frills or modern touches, this is a grass roots, down to earth Blacksmithing workshop with a coke fired furnace. Exactly what i wanted."

Tania reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Thia was the most amazing morning. Angie is so lovely and Steve and Chris are the most amazing, knowledgeable, supportive and patient teachers. This was something ive wanted to do for a long time and it didn't disappoint! It really was brilliant, thank you so much!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Tania, and choosing us to do a glass course with we are always pleased one soneone enjoys our courses as much as you have. It was a pleasure to meet you. Angie, Steve and Chris"

Jane Jackson reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I attended my 2nd course with John Davey a few weeks ago at the idyllic setting overlooking Portland Harbour. He is such a good tutor and I've been delighted with how my relief sculptures turned out. His passion for stone carving is infectious."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks Jane its great to have another happy Student. Shouldn't really be teaching you too many skills! You could become a future stone carving competitor. Really glad you enjoyed yourself. Take care and keep chipping. John."

Gill Nye reviewed: Lino Printing on Fabric Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops - Fabric Printing

"Claire is a great artist but also an excellent teacher. The workshop was lovely and full of inspiration. The atmosphere she created made us all feel at ease and comfortable. Claire demonstrated clearly how to make various marks and supported us individually as we practiced and went on to design, cut and then print. The day was well paced and perfectly structured so we all ended up with end products to be proud of. I had a wonderful day. Definitely a ten out of ten experience."

Paula & Tony reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"We had a great day with John. He passed on his skills in a way that we could understand. We both produced a lovely relief carving to display in our garden. He was attentive,informative with a good sense of humour. Location was fabulous .would return for anotner session.Thanks John Paula&Tony."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Paula, Tony. Was great to have you there. Really enjoyed seeing how your sculptures developed during the day. Was thinking of doing a two day course next year carving a deep relief carving in Maltese Limestone to push sculpting techniques. Will keep you up to date. Take care and keep chipping. John."

Jess reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Really fun day. You start by making basic shapes and a chain link in copper to get familiar with using the tools. After a delicious slice of cake & a cuppa you move onto the fun with silver, a bit of alchemy too with the heating of your silver! Jonathan was a great host & we came away with a pair of beautiful silver rings. Recommend."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Jess. I'm glad he enjoyed his birthday treat and you both did very well. I'm so pleased the ring fitted nicely! Jonathan"

Louise reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"I had such a fab time! Nina is patient, funny and just a breath of fresh air. Nothing is rushed and everything is explained so well you do come out really having learned something. Will definitely be booking with Nina again. Thank you!"

Claire Bourne reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thank you Debbie, Adrian and Andy for a fun and interesting day on my quest to learn new skills, would highly recommend."

Michael Archer reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A truly engaging and thoroughly interesting day. Anvil Forge worked hard to make sure that every one of us who attended their course got the maximum enjoyment from the day and a truly rewarding experience. Patient, clear, friendly and helpful instructors were with us each step of the way, showing us exactly how to work with the metal ourselves while allowing us the opportunity to practise and DO, instead of simply watching. The end result of the day is a knife that I have crafted with my own hands that I am immensely proud of and very grateful for all of their help and advice."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Michael thanks for review it was a pretty full on day! everyone worked hard , instructors and students but as the photos showed some stunning results so very worthwhile. I must admit it is tempting to get carried away with showing how its done as it is an absorbing thing to do but letting you all do your own thing turned out to pay off. Well done Michael you turned in a great bit of workmanship."

Ollie Moore reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Just superb. A wealth of information without getting bogged down. Everything you will need to get on the right foot for a new candle business. Jo is full of energy and a great "teacher". Can't reccomended highly enough in all honesty!"