Latest reviews

Linda reviewed: Online garden club

"I was very happy with the Gardens Club and hope it will continue month by month."

The Gardener's Friend responded:

"Thanks Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes Esther"

Lesley Hall reviewed: Willow in the woods (morning)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the class and Lorraine is an excellent teacher."

Hedges & Hurdles responded:

"Thank you for your review Lesley, it was lovely to meet you and I look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, Lorraine"

John reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"You are doing a great job Raya! I have been enjoying your interactive online Portrait art courses. Your classes are fun and interesting but also offer a path to challenge and improve upon our existing abilities and experience levels. I have learnt a lot about art history, anatomy and various techniques and improved my drawing skills a lot. Thank you for your valuable feedback every lesson which helped me progress much faster. I would recommend your art classes to anyone. Thank you!"

Lydia Cottingham reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"My 12 year old daughter Grace has completed a 6 week art class with the lovely Sue. The final two sessions ended up as a one-to-one day due to Covid. I’ve been amazed at the standard of work Grace has completed under Sue’s tutelage. Grace thoroughly enjoyed learning many different techniques and is justifiably proud of her finished paintings. Sue has a lovely studio, with a very relaxing and homely atmosphere. Highly recommend! Thank you, Sue, for making Grace feel so comfortable and giving her confidence in her artistic abilities."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Lydia, Thanks for the lovely message. I hope to see Grace again one day soon. Sue"

HPG reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I had a good day. Nicky was well orgsnised and it felt very covid safe with just one other participant and perspex screens. I created 2 glass panels - the final product is waiting for firing so the outcome is currrntly unknown. The tuition was good and it was good fun. My first draft course"

Isabel and Stan Toward reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"We had a superb day learning an ancient craft with a master craftsman. The surroundings were wonderful and Rachel's admin was efficient and professional and the lunch was delicious."

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Isabel and Stan, So glad that you found the workshop in the National Park 'what's on' Visitor guide to be able to take part whilst on holiday to celebrate Stan's birthday. Well done for keeping it totally secret from him until the workshop started! Hopefully you'll be inspired for more willowy workshops in the future. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, and trust that the plant supports find a good home in your garden. Thanks Rachel"

Sara-Louise Meyer reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"What a wonderful day felting, Nancy was an excellent tutor with incredible patience for the complete beginner. Her instructions were clear and you never felt out of your depth. She made it fun and enjoyable and the time passed all too quickly. Tea and coffee were provided as well as biscuits, she created the atmosphere of crafting with a friend, I cannot recommend this workshop highly enough. I will definitely be booking one of her others."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"Thank you - to everyone who has responded, as I have only just discovered I can reply. Sara-Louise you and Karen were a joy to teach, and so cheering after a year when teaching face to face was off the cards!"

Karen Teagle reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"OMG can’t recommend this course enough. A fantastic day of felting with a teacher who could communicate well and had the patience of a saint. Nancy was very welcoming, friendly and made you feel at home straight away. Tea and coffee was provided with a yummy biscuit and easy parking. The course was so much fun it was over to soon. And to End the day the local pub for lunch couldn’t have been better. Food was delicious and reasonable priced. We are definitely going to book another course later in the year."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"Thoroughly enjoyed today's workshop! You two were a breath of fresh air after a barren year! Look forward to seeing you again for basket-making, perhaps!"

Alan Brown reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Took a long time to get the course because of covid restrictions but worth the wait. Instructions were relaxed but on the mark and easily understood. The work was quite physical but rewarding and the final result was a beautiful wooden bowl which I didn't think was possible from a complete novice. The day flew by and I would highly recommend this course and its leader. Thanks Steve"

Frances Coates reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I had a lovely day, and took home a really nice willow structure. Rachel and Michael made us feel very welcome, made us a wonderful lunch and were the perfect hosts. Philip is a great tutor and I found his instructions easy to follow and his gentle manner of teaching really helpful. I would definitely recommend this course to anybody who would like to try working with willow."

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Fran for your great comments - and glad that you took home more willow for another plant support! I did warn you that working with willow can be addictive...! Hope to see you at Broadrake again soon! Rachel"

Janice reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Really enjoyed myself- first discussing what I wanted to produce and then Jackie helped me think about the design. She was very patient with me and offered me lots of help in the future too. She has lots of materials available so you can do any design or colour that you want. Thanks for a very useful day."

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Hi Janice Thank you for your lovely review it was very kind of you to take the time to do that. I’m always here if you need any advice. When you get chance I’d love to see your finished bee mosaic. Kind regards Jackie"

Karen reviewed: Fused glass Robin

"It is beautiful I may order more and very good service from the maker"

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thank you Karen much appreciated ."

Elizabeth Wakefield reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Great day. Lovely tutor. Rachel and Mike very welcoming. Lunch and cookies excellent. Thoroughly good day. Would recommend."

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Elizabeth! It was lovely to meet you. I hope that working with the willow has inspired you to continue weaving - it's pretty addictive!! Hope that plant support 2 turns out well and maybe we'll see you again for another willowy day here. It was great too that your husband was able to give his spanking new electric bike a trip to Hawes and back! Rachel"

Helen Bonner reviewed: Get to know your sewing machine - North Devon

"I enjoyed the experience and I’ve definitely gained a lot more confidence now. Alex is a good professional teacher and certainly knows her stuff!"

Charlotte reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"Really enjoyable course. Learnt lots of new skills using a variety of tools. Ged is a great teacher and it's so satisfying being able to make your own piece of kit, can't wait to use my shavehorse. Would definitely recommend"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Charlotte. It was a great course. Happy shaving!"

Katrin reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"A well planned course with scope for everyone to take their printing in a personal direction whilst under the instruction of two excellent tutors. The beautiful rural setting makes this a delightful venue and the spacious barn allowed for comfortable social distancing."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Katrin, Lovely to work with you again. Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your day and we’re really pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Happy printing. Alison & Liz"

Bonnie Stuart reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Amazing course, I am a total beginner and I learned so much. Sara is an amazing teacher and I can't wait to book a other course!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Bonnie - thanks so much, I had a great time working with you and loved your bangle, you did a great job ..... looking forward to seeing you again! Sara"

Lynda reviewed: "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course with live tuition.

"I attended the "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course. It was such a friendly, relaxed day. Raya was so patient and explained everything so well, I was delighted at how well the wool painting turned out. It was thanks to the great kit & excellent demonstrations by Ray. I would thoroughly recommend trying this technique and I will be looking at other courses with Raya to build on my new skills."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Linda, Thank you so much for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course and you are happy with your wool painting! It was a pleasure meeting you (virtually) and teaching you. Look forward to seeing you again at my courses. Best wishes Raya"

Yas reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I just loved this creative, fun and engaging class. I'd never done anything like it, and Nadine was such a good teacher - I soon felt comfortable using the tools, and experimenting with colour, pattern and design. Not only is Nadine very skilled and technical (handy for a newbie like me) - she's also great chat and incredibly helpful. Thanks again, I can't wait for my next class. Yas"

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"Thanks for the kind words, I hope you are getting great use out of your coasters."

NIgel Whittingham reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"Excellent all round - good safety brief, plenty of time to work on own pieces, worked for beginners and those with past experience, we all learned something, marvellous venue. I will continue with Lino printing and will keep an eye out for other courses. Thank you!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Nigel, Lovely to work with you. Thanks for making time to tell us about your day and keep on cutting and printing. Alison & Liz"

Jan Hill-Tout reviewed: Lino Printing at Larkswold (2.30pm-5.30pm)

"I had a wonderful time doing lino cut printing with Melinda and Emma at Larkswold. They were so welcoming and supportive and I enjoyed every minute. Thank you"

Larkswold responded:

"Thankyou Jan, Really glad you enjoyed the session. We also appreciated you graciously putting up with our social media frivolities! Melinda ?"

Mr David Witter reviewed: Bandsaw box making day

"Finally (lockdown permitting) I got my Bandsaw Box Making day. Ted was very flexible with the re-booking due to 3rd wave lockdown restrictions. I did ensure that I had a good look at Google Maps first, but my SATNAV route did come off the A500 a junction too soon, the one-way system and locals are not very forgiving. My past woodwork experiences were 40+ years ago at school and so it was good to be back in a proper workshop. Ted is a salt-of-the-earth, easy-going person and so it was nice to chat as the day progressed. The Bandsaw is by far the workhorse here, I'd recommend a few practice runs on marked-up scrap pieces to develop the feel for moving the wooden block through your stenciled outline. Outside and inside curves provide their own challenges when adjusting the piece and time spent here helps to produce cleaner lines later. With the parts cut out, it was time to use the belt and oscillating sanders being mindful to maintain those consistent lines and edges for a smooth fit. Ted is always on hand to advise and help with your progress, but it is very much your own creation. Once the box is glued, which is no mean feat (I think we had 12 clamps to keep the box and drawer secured), we can use the sanders to get rid of any remaining overlaps - ready for the Danish oil finish. I was very happy with the day and what I'd achieved. A big thank you to Ted for showing me the way and providing this opportunity."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"David was a typical hands on no fuss sort of guy and the results of his effort certainly paid off. After a few practice runs on the bandsaw he was soon going for the real thing. I hope he get to use his box as much as I use mine ! I'm looking forward to David coming back on another course soon too. Well done mate the inner craftsman was with you all day! see you soon!"

Sarah W reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"Lino printing, so much fun remembering your school days but in a much easier friendly style. Alison & Liz, our hosts, were attentive and knowledgeable with a constant supply of coffee it tea. This is our second workshop here so enough said, it can’t be that bad, wink wink! Will we return...I know so!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sarah, Lovely to have you here again and already looking forward to working with you again. What tempts you for our October event? Keep on cutting and printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Daria Panas-O'Brien reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We received a crafts voucher for Christmas from our children back in 2019 and eventually managed to book a date. We decided on the 2 crafts in 1 day with Blended Monkeys as it seemed like a good idea to get an introduction to 2 different crafts and perhaps to continue with one of them. It definitely turned out to be a good choice as we both had an amazing day, came away with a piece of woodwork at the end of the day and are waiting with bated breath for our pottery pieces!!! Louise and Simon were very welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We felt relaxed with no unnecessary pressure."

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

"Hi guys, We're so pleased you enjoyed your woodturning and pottery workshops. You both made some lovely woodturned pieces, and we're sure your ceramic items will look fab when they emerge from the kiln too :-). Lovely to meet you both :-)."

Karen reviewed: Slow Stitch Kit- Lakeland Hues - UK Postage Only

"Lovely fabrics good quality and coordinating colours love it ?"