Latest reviews

Jane Millership reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Ohhh I have become very addicted, the course has been such a joy, but the time goes so quick, I am left wanting more. Martin creates a calming, friendly supportive atmosphere he is a fabulous teacher, supportive and calm, I'm so happy I found this place. Just can't wait for September the 9th to start all over again. Massive thanks to Martin."

Ann Ashforth reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We had a fantastic time at Blended Monkey, Simon and Louise both led us through our new crafts in an understandable way. They made us feel very welcome and were easy to talk to, Louise treated us to a lovely lunch too! We were very happy with the way we progressed through both sessions and are proud of what we made!! We had great fun and highly recommend them as an experience"

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

"It was great having you and Ian in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio, and it's lovely to hear that you both enjoyed your day. You have every right to be proud of what you made! I'll be in touch as soon as your beautiful ceramic pieces are ready."

Ellen Boyle reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"I attended a workshop with Eleanor on10/7 in the hope of kickstarting my jewellerymaking mojo. I was not disappointed! We had a fabulous day and Eleanor is an amazing tutor. I can definately recommend this workshop. Ellen Boyle"

Ellen Boyle reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"I've had a fantastic creative day. The whole process is amazing. Eleanor was very welcoming and we had a beautiful lunch. I'm very pleased to have a finished necklace to take home. Thank you, Melissa"

Tina Clark reviewed: Introduction to frame weaving

"The weaving course with Pamela print was amazing. Will go again for another course at later date."

Rory Molloy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just done this course- fantastic! Made a brilliant walnut and oak box. Mark is an excellent teacher, I learned more during the weekend than after months of struggling on my own. Lovely setting, relaxed atmosphere!"

Colin Newman reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Fantastic day led with skill and very supportive manner. Great mix of teaching, great practical learning and a careful yet relaxed approach to learning. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Cathy reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"I recently attended the silver clay workshop and had a wonderful day. Loved learning the process and being guided expertly by a friendly and experienced teacher. I was delighted with what I made and hope to have a go at home too. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys being creative and no previous knowledge necessary. Thankyou. Hope to go again one day."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you - I am pleased you enjoyed your Workshop. Look forward to seeing you again soon, Sally"

Bob Jefferson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is the 3rd course I have done with the guys at Penrith. Another excellent course. Knowledgeable teaching and support. I can now make hinges work in a beautiful yew box! Well worth spending the weekend doing it."

Marian Greensmith reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"Joined this course as I wanted to find out more about making silver clay jewellery. Enjoyed the morning learning the basics and some useful tips along the way. It’s definitely something I’d like to try at home."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Hi Marian, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review - it's greatly appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and found it useful - please do feel free to get in touch if you need any help with anything. Kind regards, Tuuli"

Cheryl Foreman reviewed: 2 day jewellery/silversmithing course - all materials provided

"Excellent course. Sue is a mine of information and takes time to show you whatever you need or want to learn. The beautiful surroundings are an added bonus! I made a ring which i will treasure and skills which i am keen to add to now i have had a taste of what can be done. A fantastic way to spend a weekend and im so grateful for Sues patience and experience."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Cheryl, thank you for the kind words. and anytime you want to come back it will be great to see you. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask :) Sue"

Rob reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"First time in a forge, so didn’t know what to expect but Graham, Dave and Dex made me feel really welcome in a very relaxed atmosphere. As a proper novice, the 1-day knife course was ideal. The instruction was clear, constructive but not intrusive - the guys got it just right. As a result, I was really pleased with my knife at the end of the day - testament to the quality of the teaching. In short, a great day and highly recommended."

Kat reviewed: Brush lettering kit - modern metallics in colour

"Bought this as a birthday gift for my mum in Australia. She’s a keen card maker, working to a high standard, and always looking for new designs to challenge herself with, but her hand lettering has not reached the level of her cardboard construction skills. Jen, who produces this kit, was beyond helpful, researching the cost to post abroad and providing a bespoke payment option for me and keeping communication open throughout. My mum was really impressed at the presentation and quality of the kit on arrival, and invited a couple of likeminded crafting friends to explore the kit over coffee. They all enjoyed following the written tutorials (with varied success!) and commented that the quality was excellent. Thank you so much for producing something so different for my very-difficult-to-buy-for mother, and for going to such lengths to get it to her in time for her birthday ?"

Jen Roffe responded:

"Thank you so much Kat, I am so pleased that your mum (and her crafting friends!) loved the kit ? I am delighted to have been able to help you out providing a brand new kit for her to enjoy and learn along with. Am glad she had an excellent birthday! Best wishes, Jen"

Mark reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Fantastic beginners course, great insight into how to start making resin pieces, will definitely try to make the 2nd course to learn more."

Marina reviewed: Metal jewellery and silversmithing, beginner to intermediate, 4 weeks.

"I just finished the Course with Tracey. She is very helpful warm and approachable. She knows everything about making jewellery. Her workshop is very comprehensive and well organised. Just in for sessions she helped me to produced the silver set of earrings and pendant with cornelian stones!!! I will recommend this course most highly!!! Thank you Tracey ."

Sandi reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"Gaynor is an excellent and inspired tutor who will help you to master calligraphy from 0 to 100. I can highly recommend Gaynor to everyone wishing to have calligraphy taught by a truly professional and very attentive teacher. Thank you very much Gaynor, Sandi from Switzerland"

Julie reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"We had a wonderful time making rabbits with Barbara on this course. A small group and everyone was so friendly, can’t remember when we laughed so much and had so much fun. Great day out, got more confidence to have a go at making more needle felted creations."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I'm so pleased that you had a great day :-) and you both made the cutest characterful bunnies ever lol. There is the more advanced needle felting armature technique to learn next. Keep creating. Barbara"

Kevin Cheetham reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"A very enjoyable and informative experience. The two day course has inspired me to take stained glass making up as a serious hobby. From the outset Paul led us through every stage with meticulous attention to detail, only getting involved when necessary. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. And the tea was great."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hello Kevin - thank you for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed the course and the tea ☕️ ? Best wishes Natalie"

Damian reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"So it was pouring with rain and 10 degree’s colder but no matter to the talented Ruth. My first pyrography course and I learned a great deal. Very welcoming and I learned a great deal and created a piece far better than I expected. I will be back."

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Damian, I am pleased that you enjoyed it and learnt loads, hopefully see you on the next course."

Charlotte reviewed: Birds on a wire - creating small sculptures in Derbyshire

"Had a really lovely day with family. Liz was so welcoming, we felt immediately at ease and the studio is just beautiful. It was great to learn a new skill and Liz is an excellent teacher. We’re already planning what we can try next! Thank you :)"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Charlotte, Thanks for taking the time to review your day. It was lovely to work with you all and a great way to celebrate multiple Birthdays. You all created some lovely pieces, with lots of originality and personality. Bert and I will look forward to seeing you. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Luis Rosa reviewed: Make a leather belt at the Wolfram Lohr Hove Studio

"What an amazing experience! Wolfram is super friendly and knowledgeable and he makes you feel right at home. He gives you enough space to express your creativity but is always there to help and guide you through the process. I'm very pleased with the end result and I'll proudly show it to all my friends. Can't recommend this course highly enough!"

Jane Stubbs reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"Had such a lovely day with Julie. There were 5 of us in the group and we were all made to feel very welcome with a cup of tea/coffee on arrival. The location was easy to find, parking was easy to locate and the cottage itself was a charm. We all had our own space where all the equipment and our first set of "creative" ingredients were laid out ready. To begin with we were made a soap load using the liquid soap method. Julie went into great detail, explaining the different methods of soap making before we moved onto creating our own soap scented with uplifting grapefruit. There were various colours to chose from, all natural, and lots of different embeds and embellishments to choose from. I went for poppy seeds and calendula. I was very pleased with the final result, which cut into 5 bars of soap. From there we went on to make a lip balm, body scrub, body butter, bath bomb and bath salts. Julie provided all the pots and labels needed and we were handed instructions on each to take away with us. The lunch we had was wonderful. It was a shame that Covid prevented the "afternoon tea", but they picnic hamper style box we each had was lovely, with sandwiches, cake, fruits, and a pastry along with a mug of tea. All in all a fabulous day. I would definitely recommend and will certainly be looking to take part in some of the other courses run by Julie."

Hannah Emerton reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"What a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Jack was a delightful tutor and I even managed to make 3 pretty even looking pots.....rescued once or twice by Jacks skillful hands! A great introduction to using a pottery wheel. Will definitely do some more"

Bill Good reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The level of tuition was exactly right - clear, well explained and the right pace. I was pleased to learn so much and come away with pieces that looked good. The facilities there are good, with a good light lunch and pleasant surroundings too. I'd readily go back for more, but wondering how and where I can put kit of my own! Many thanks to both."

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

"Hi Bill, Thank you so much for a lovely review and we're glad you had a great time. If you do manage to find space, please keep in touch around your progress and shout if you have any questions or issues. -- Simon & Louise"

Ian reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We decided to give each other as a Christmas present 2020, the 2 crafts in 1 day course, wood turning and pottery with Blended Monkey, managed to book it in July. I have done woodworking which is not the same as wood turning and have never done pottery, my wife had not done either. The day started on time at 10am and ended at 5pm with one hour for lunch at 1pm. Enjoyed both, good teaching in the wood turning and we both manged to produce the set piece of a honey spoon. Also, good teaching in the pottery, three styles taught hand formed, slab and wheel. The wheel is the hardest one and found the slab the easiest or more productive style. We await the outcome of our pottery efforts when they have been fired. Lunch was provided which provided a relaxation and chance to chat, with the hosts Louise and Simon. Overall, I would recommend this Blended Monkey course, regardless of skill level."

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

"Thank you for your review Ian :-). It was lovely having you and Ann in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio. You both produced some fabulous pieces and Simon and I enjoyed your company. Your pots are drying nicely and will be biscuit fired shortly. I'll let you know as soon as they are ready."