Latest reviews

Ben reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"Attended the 2 day chef's knife course, received as a gift, and had a thoroughly enjoyable time, would highly recommend. I have since been proudly sharing pictures with friends and family of my knife (emphasis on MY - there will be no knife exactly like mine and I hope to use it for years to come). I started the course with a good idea about what I wanted to achieve - a chef's knife with a patterned/black forged finish and am so, so pleased with how it turned out. I wasn't sure what wood would be available for the handle, but was surprised by the huge choice. I opted for a beautiful piece of Cocobolo (central American hardwood), shaped and sanded until it was just right. Steve is highly skilled, knowledgeable and incredibly passionate about knife making, guiding us through the hands-on process over the 2 days. Thanks again Steve! Cheers, Ben"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Ben I'm very pleased that you enjoyed your two days in the shop so much. I have to agree that the knife you made did look rather special especially with that Cocobolo handle and with the edge we gave her I'm sure will allow your knife to perform any task you require in the kitchen. Thank you for wanting to take a course with me and enjoy your new creation. Kind regards Steve"

Keri Thomas reviewed: Stone Carving 'taster session' in Maltese Limestone

"Great day being introduced to the joys of stone carving in beautiful Maltese limestone . Kezia gave really helpful support and encouragement to us all. Good to get the chance to create something from the heart that meant something to each of us - I did an enfolding symbolic image I use in my meditation prayers , and so good to see it revealed gradually in the stone. Could be longer next time! Thoroughly recommended . Thanks Kezia."

Sharon Cawthorne reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"I can highly recommend this workshop. Liz is an excellent teacher who easily establishes rapport with her class. She is obviously highly skilled as an artist and imparts her knowledge in a lovely manner. I felt very comfortable and relaxed throughout the class and finished the day yearning to improve, put liz's advice into practice and carry on painting. I will be booking more classes and spreading the word !"

Liz Goulding responded:

"Thanks Sharon much appreciated Hope you carry on painting! Liz Goulding"

Leone Hartnell reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Karen was very well prepared, explained everything very well. All the materials were of a high quality and most of all it was fun! Thank you Karen!"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"I'm thrilled you had a good time, it is so nice being back teaching the courses again. I hope you enjoy your creations! Best Wishes Karen"

Ella reviewed: Online beginners freehand machine embroidery workshop

"An absolutely brilliant course and I'm so grateful to have taken part. 3 hours absolutely flew by and we managed to fit so much in that time. The pre course material was really helpful too and so many personal touches. Meg was knowledgeable and approachable and made the course really enjoyable and accessible. I'm feeling inspired about future projects."

Carol Woodcock reviewed: "Power of Place" Mosaic and Tile Making

"Had a great day in Tracey's workshop just wish the day was longer! Learnt a lot about fixing and grouting and how to cut the tiles. Tracey was very friendly and helpful and I would love to go on another of her courses."

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Carol Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to work with you and I'm glad to know that the workshop was a useful learning opportunity. I'd love to see you at another workshop and I'm also looking forward to seeing how your charming blackbird looks once you add in his surroundings. All the best, Tracey"

Karen Shaw reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished course one and it was a really confidence builder for me, having never had any formal woodworking tuition before. Richard and Mark are excellent at teaching, their tutorial sessions are clear and well set out to follow the stages you are doing as you work through making your project. They demonstrate the use of tools very clearly and then allow you to do the work whilst being quick to step in if needed or for advice. Lots of information to help with how to take things forward in the future, so I’m now off to build my own work bench and go from there. Looking forward to the second course."

Lucy Bonney reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A awesome day for 6 work colleagues - the day was down to earth and no-nonsense, it suited novices (with some simple items to make) but also allowed those who wanted to be ambitious to be more creative. Everyone was catered for and it was great fun."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Lucy your guys were great and had the right mind-set to produce their projects which I must say were pretty varied and possibly a bit challenging to do in a day but we all worked together to achieve some great work. they are welcome back as a team or individually. John"

Marion reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"I became more health conscious after the last year and I always wanted to learn how to make my own soap. Now I absolutely fell in love with my new hobby. It's so creative and my house smells gorgeous from all the amazing scents, and I can't wait to make more soap. Roxana was also so willing to share her knowledge and answered all questions I had. Great course!"

Nabeela Gomery reviewed: Mosaic workshops for beginners Adults make a mosaic heart using vintage china

"I had a good time my daughter enjoyed very much I will treat my niece to a workshop when it’s her birthday"

Ric de Mowbray reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Such a beautiful experience. Sebastian is a great, supportive teacher. The surroundings are idillic, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Albeit with plenty of motivation on completing our projects."

Steven reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"I'm a stained glass artist and I'd been wanting to learn how to screen print on glass for about 4 years but couldn't find the right course; if you're like me, then this is the right course. It requires proper understanding of the many types of glass and glass paints/enamels to deliver this course and Jim clearly has years of experience. He is actively experimenting to push the methods as far as they can and he enthusiastically encourages you to start your own journey. His course is very well planned to take you logically through the many stages of the process and he makes sure you're not struggling. I was really impressed to see how committed he was to ensure the students maximised their experience. After two days I was so pleased with my images and feel confident to start making on my own. Thanks Jim."

Leila reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"We had an excellent day learning candle making. Its a lot more complicated than you think so learnt a great deal. Thank you Paula, it was great to see you again. Kindest regards Leila"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Leila, thanks for coming to another course with me, take care and best wishes. Paula"

Bev reviewed: Mosaic workshops for beginners Adults make a mosaic heart using vintage china

"A really lovely afternoon making a mosaic, learnt a new skill, the tutor was very welcoming and was very patient with us newbies to mosaics. Thank you Eva"

Emma Harris reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"An absolutely wonderful course! I learned a lot about candle making. I think it is a must-take course for those who are interested in making candles at home as a hobby and gift to friends and family. Thank you Paula I had a fabulous day, your scones are delicious by the way."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Emma, I'm really pleased to hear you enjoyed the course. Good luck in your new found hobby!. Paula"

Ian Waughman reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"Brilliant day. Wanted to make a shutter stay to match the ones on my Victorian house cos we're one short. I'd done no metal work before but Richard's enthusiasm and enjoyment of sharing his skills made it real fun. Demonstrations and guidance while I was working made me feel both that I'd made it myself and that it was always going to succeed. The friends I went with all had an equally good day, we felt very welcome. When I need to make more ironwork to restore the next bit of my house I'll be back! Thank you Richard from all four of us."

Rachel Hatfield reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"Brilliant course. Lovely tutors were very supportive and friendly and made the course very enjoyable. Highly recommended."

Jane Whiteman-Turl reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Despite having to wait a year or so to actually attend the course (Covid not Judith!!) I am so glad I finally made it. Judith was extremely well organised and considerate of the regulations and how we interacted during the day. The course content was great - Judith challenged each of us to do the maximum we could in a day. Everyone left with a massive selection of prints - me included. Judith encouraged me to do more than I thought I was capable of and I have come away eager to try it again. If you have even a tiny thought that you want to give it a go I encourage you book up and experience a day where you can expand your own known universe.... Judith was a patient and supportive teacher and nothing is too much trouble and to cap it all there was endless tea and biscuits and a final reward of cake...."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Hi Jane Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and positive review; very much appreciated. It was a pleasure to work with you on your gorgeous prints. All the best, Judith x"

June reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"I thoroughly enjoyed this beginners photography workshop. Our tutor, Sally, was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Nothing was too much trouble. I came away enthusiastic to get started taking better photographs 'in real life' It was a small group (3) which made social distancing easier in this small but wonderfully appointed and accessible venue. I look forward to returning to further my learning in this and other subjects."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you June - I am really pleased you enjoyed your day on the Workshop. Look forward to seeing you again soon :)"

Audrey Simm reviewed: Crochet for Beginners - Discover your 'crojo'

"Thanks Donna for a fantastic session, could not believe how fast the time went by, and how patient you were. It had been many years since I had initially learned to crochet with my grandma teaching me so rusty was an understatement. By the time I had finished with Donna’s session I felt confident and able to crochets several rows with double chain, turn a corner and produce a magic ring. Now onto my project stuffed animal for my granddaughter and then hopefully some more lessons to try something more adventurous items. Thoroughly enjoyed relearning this skill thanks very much Donna."

Arwen Taylor reviewed: Botanical Lino cut & print class KIT INCLUDED - Hoylake Wirral (£40)

"I spent a fabulous day with Catherine learning to cut Lino. I would thoroughly recommend this course if you wish to learn this wonderful skill at a pace that suits you. Many thanks Arwen"

Ian Armstrong reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"Just got home from my whittling course with my Green Man sculpture. Have surprised myself with the end product. Jason was a great instructor and helped and guided everyone as required. The group on the course were really friendly. A great day out - highly recommend."

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"It was a great day and thanks for pursuing your carving through to completion- your green man tag team team up was most unexpected but made for a great pic, thanks to you and Ed!"

Phillip Leverett reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A day to savour. Simon introduced me to lathe and tools and we quickly began to get hands on, looking at techniques and learning do's and dont's. A lovely lunch broke up the session and I was very happy with the honey dipper and the bowl which I had produced by the end of the day."

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

"Phil, we're so pleased you enjoyed your 1-2-1 woodturning experience. It was a pleasure to have you in the workshop, and don't hesitate to contact us if you need more info when you're setting up your own workshop. The figuring in and the shape of your bowl is lovely, and thank you for the photo you sent to us showing how you're putting it to good use :-)."

Andrew Hill reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"Brilliant watercolour course and I have enjoyed Raya's passion and energy. She is very talented and has given me new skills to continue my art journey. I feel more confident now after attending Raya's water colour course at her Magic Wool Studio and I will recommend her art courses to my friends. Thanks for all your support....."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Andrew, Thank you very much for your review. I am so glad that my watercolour course has helped you improve your painting skills and gave you more confidence . You have produced some lovely watercolours. I wish you very success with your next watercolour projects. Please, keep in touch and come to my studio to show us your future artwork."

Susan reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"A great, relaxed workshop... Despite the three of us having zero imagination, we all produced a lovely piece of jewellery that we were all happy with, thanks to Claire's inspiration!..."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"The pieces were great. Well done and thank you for booking the workshop. Claire"