Latest reviews

Gill Guest reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I had a brilliant day ‘Having a Bash’ at Blacksmithing. Jake was a wonderful teacher - very friendly, encouraging and patient. His clear instructions and ‘how to’ demonstrations quickly made me feel more confident about handling hot metal and hitting it with hammers. I was amazed to make anything in a day, let alone to manage a passable poker with twirly bits and fancy twists, as well as a useable knife with a scrolled handle. An amazing day, I highly recommend it."

Wendy reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the stone carving course last week. Andrew’s patience, encouragement and instruction were excellent and I was so pleased with what I achieved over the two days. It was such a lovely venue to learn something new as well, the gardens at Mount Pleasant are stunning. I would definitely like to return for another course."

Eva Stacey reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"Having never ventured on a week spent together with complete strangers before, I’m happy to say that Rosie made the whole experience really relaxed, calm and very enjoyable indeed. I learnt so much about both dyeing and spinning, and within such a lovely and peaceful environment. Everything was well organised but never felt too disciplined or restricted and we could all work and develop our skills at our own pace. Ele’s singing brought something extra to the experience and it is a credit to her that we all joined in! Thank you so much for a lovely time spent in a beautiful part of the world!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with us Eva- it was lovely to have met you, i'm so glad you found it relaxing and enjoyable. Many thanks! Rosie"

Steve Mortimer reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I've just returned from the Shave Horse course and I can't thank Andy enough, his style of tutoring is brilliant with a good mix of humuor and guidance. We had a group of seven with mixed experience and his patience with us all was greatly received. The course is quite demanding to complete your own Shave Horse on time, but with Andy's help we all achieved it. You could not wish for a better location to learn new skills, even though we didn't have the best weather we were well sheltered and kept dry at all times. Lunch was provided and was very good especially the quiche. I can't wait to go back next year and try another course. I would not hesitate to recommend Sallerton Wood for your green woodworking courses. Once again thanks Andy for a brilliant couple of days."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Steve, for posting that enthusiastic review - much appreciated. We look forward to your return next year on another course. Don't forget to ask for a Return Booking discount which currently stands at 15%."

Anon reviewed: Print 'n stitch - one day course

"Wealth of information from tutor, gentle flow allowing time for questions and practice"

Anon reviewed: Print 'n stitch - one day course

"Benefitted from the tutor's knowledge and ideas. Good to be able to have a go and take something home."

Anon reviewed: Print 'n stitch - one day course

"Information and chance to put it into practice. Support from experienced very helpful tutor"

Joe reviewed: Fidget/Spinner Ring: Silver Jewellery Making

"Such a great way to spend an afternoon and so pleased with the fidget ring- as is my wife. Would definitely recommend. Nina is lovely, patient and a good teacher. No question seemed too much and I even left with a sheet of materials and tools I'd need to start this up as a hobby. I'll be seeing you soon Nina- looking forward to the private classes"

Nigel LLoyd reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"A great Day! Had a brilliant day with Andy. After woodturning for 2 years, it was great to spend a day with an expert and sort out all the things I was doing wrong. The day has inspired me to keep practicing and improving and shown me how I can get better. A really worth-while day. Thank you."

Jaimie reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"Friendly welcoming atmosphere"

Nicky Lambert reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"I loved spending time with Rosie and her team! Everthing was well organised from our pick up, to our departure - I woudnt have changed a thing! The accommodation was spacious and the surroundings lovely. The food was delicious and our activities were varied, interesting and well-chosen. Most of all though, Rosie is calm, patient, endlessly helpful and a joy to be around. I found my time on the course incredibly relaxing and came home rejuvenated. I have since bought a spinning wheel!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Thank-you for your review Nicky, -that's great you have bought yourself a wheel- just let us know if you need any advice. Happy Spinning- lovely to have met you. Yours Rosie"

Chris Atkey reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Graham and Dave are great couple of guys who know their business, I came out with a knife and the urge to make my own forge. Will effeminately do it again."

Bill Young reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Sent on the course by my wife for some bonding with our teenaged son, I was apprehensive as I'd not been in a workshop since middle school woodwork and avoid DIY, both of which I hated. However I was amazed by the product we were all able to produce after the two days thanks to some brilliant encouragement and step-by-step coaching from Graham and David. The pace was just right and broken down into understandable and achievable steps. We were never hanging around waiting for stuff to happen or tools to become free. From hammering hot steel to angle-grinding to using bandsaws and grinders, we were allowed to get on with it with a light touch but a watchful eye from the instructors. There was plenty of refreshment and chances to chat while building some camaraderie over cups of tea. The atmosphere was fun and friendly with a serious undertone of wanting to do a good job. I've been recommending it to all my friends and showing off the best knife I'll ever own ever since I got back. My son and I can't wait for the axe course."

Sue Kirkham reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"I had a brilliant weekend attending Kathy's course with my friend. I have made some teddy bears using a sewing machine before but a LONG time ago. Kathy explained everything very clearly and I was delighted with my new smiley bear! The other ladies on the course were very friendly and there was a really nice atmosphere in which to create. The food Kathy provided was excellent and the accommodation was very comfortable. As a dog lover there was an extra bonus when Kathy's two delightful dogs were around! Thank you for a great crafty weekend!"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"I am delighted you both enjoyed your weekend Sue, and thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to welcome you both. All the bears were very individual and your smiley bear indeed looked a very happy-chappy."

Alison Leith reviewed: Abstract Landscape with Award Winning Artist Catherine MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District

"Absolutely loved the venue - gorgeous Barn with huge logburner. George made us feel very welcome and provided some excellent lunch and a wide variety of dessert and homemade cakes."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such lovely comments. Hope to see you again."

Clare Crosley reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I had the most brilliant day, Paula was just excellent, such a lovely lady full of knowledge and was so helpful. The soap making was really fun and enjoyable and I learnt a lot. She went out of her way to cater for me as a vegan and made the most yummy vegan sandwiches and scones, I was very spoilt. I would extremely recommend this course ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Clare. So happy you enjoyed!"

Tim Garwood reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with David. Excellent 1-1 teaching, simple to follow instructions and a great experience. We are so pleased with the Hooks and Froe that we brought home! Totally recommend!!!"

Richard Cummins reviewed: Whittling course

"A great beginner course that teaches you the health and safety aspects of handling really sharp knives, this is so important plus sharpening your tools. Also wood types and where to sustainably source the materials, you then finish with a few projects that will impress your friends. Add a great homemade lunch, and an excellent day was had by all."

Gillian reviewed: Heritage teddy bear making - residential

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend creating my heritage jointed bear called Wilbur. I have never attempted to make a bear before and was thrilled to see Wilbur taking shape and actually finished. All the bears created had their own individual personalities and were delightful. There was lots of banter and laughs between all the ladies on the course, creating a lovely atmosphere in which to work. Kathy is a kind, helpful, and generous host / instructor, always ready to give help and encouragement. She provided us with lots of drinks, biscuits, cakes and delicious lunches, a real treat. Thank you for a wonderful memorable weekend. Regards Gillian"

Crafty Breaks in the Lakes responded:

"Thank you Gillian for such a heart-felt review. It was, indeed, a pleasure to teach such a lovely group of ladies, and we certainly had a few laughs! I hope your family welcomed Wilbur into their midst and who knows - you may create some siblings for him at some point in the future."

David Tasker reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"What a great course! The tutor Peter and assistant Eamonn were great at keeping the group working with simple blocks of instructions we could all follow and produce a surprising amount of finished work. I really enjoyed it. If you like hitting things with a hammer - this is the course for you."

clare campbell reviewed: 3D pyrography with colour workshop in Lincolnshire

"I received the course as a birthday gift, I had been practicing pyrography for more than 6 months, so not a beginner but certainly no expert! Susan took this into account and tailored the course to fit my needs. The course was well structured and interesting, building on the skills I had. The course has opened my eyes to the diversity of pyrography, media, 3D and colour. I have more confidence and knowledge to be creative. Would highly recommend the course for those wanting to learn more."

Becky reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"A very enjoyable evening with Chrissie - who's great at creating a fun and relaxed environment. Creative and relaxing!"

Kirsty reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"Absolutely fantastic, thoroughly enjoyed the evening, like therapy! Calm, relaxing and fun!"

Sarah reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"It was a fun workshop and very relaxing, just what i needed for a good night out. I'd definitely come again."

Anne - Sophie reviewed: Paint night, paint, sip, chat and take home your masterpiece

"Great atmosphere, very good explanation with the freedom to decide what to do, i wouldn't change a thing. Thank you very much for the opportunity to try something new."