Latest reviews

Marc Elsley reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"I have a small amount of experience making green wood spoons but still came away learning loads from David. David is knowledgeable, passionate and calm and obviously knows what he is talking about, importantly he can also transmit this to a range of students, I would definitely recommend this course."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Thanks Marc, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day carving. Thanks again, David"

Rob reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Bought as a gift for my partner, who loved it. Due to COVID, the only bit he couldn't do was blowing into the pipe - but that's a really minor part, so didn't detract from the experience. He brought home 5 pieces (which seems a lot more than other courses offer). Highly recommended!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review Rob, so glad your partner enjoyed the course."

Michele Sappa reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"My sister and I had a lovely afternoon, making a small willow hurdle. There was just the two of us, so we had plenty of attention. The experience , made us want to learn more. Highly recommend the course and tutor."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Michele, glad you both enjoyed the workshop, your hurdles were very well woven and I really liked the choice of colours, look forward to seeing you at another workshop. Thanks, Julie"

Ian Warner reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I had a fantastic day making a lovely kitchen knife with Jon. Jon's forge is a brilliant work space and Jon's friendly, knowledgeable tuition makes the day incredibly enjoyable. I would 100% reccomended anyone thinking about giving this a go to book with confidence that you will have an excellent and worthwhile experience."

Kerr Forge responded:

"Thanks Ian! It was a great day and lovely to work with you. You kitchen knife is awesome and I hope it serves you well for many many years!"

Sharon Foxall reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"What can I say except...what a fantastic experience my friend and I had while doing the silver jewellery workshop, the setting was magical and Rach was so patient with us as we decided to go totally off piste and design our own pieces. Can’t wait to do the next work shop and will be recommending it to all my friends and family. Many thanks Rach, see you soon."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Sharon. You are such a star. I loved working with you on your creative ideas. Such a pleasure. You both made such beautiful and unique pieces. Look forward to seeing you again. All the very best. Rach"

Martin Rookard reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Really enjoyed the day. Relaxed and friendly environment. Jon was a great teacher and I found the course very informative as well. Came home with a fantastic knife!"

Kerr Forge responded:

"Thanks Martin, it was a pleasure working with you for the day and you produced a truly beautiful knife. Congratulations!"

liz maling reviewed: remove

"Chrissy was really helpful when Royal Mail delivered the kit to the wrong place. The kit is very detailed and includes everything possible that’s needed!"

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"I'm glad it has finally been found. I will catch up with you soon. Thanks for the lovely review."

Will Ellice reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Fantastic morning. Stephen had a wealth of knowledge on this subject and bundles enthusiasm which kept everyone engaged. It was lovely to learn new skills. I’d highly recommend this to anyone. It’s a Great way to unwind on the weekend. Lovely camomile and honey tea to go with it. Thanks Stephen."

Wes Finch reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"Liz was a great host and teacher, instruction was clear and materials and tools of good quality provided. All was Covid safe and I felt relaxed and able to enjoy the experience."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Wes, Thanks for taking time to review your day. It was lovely working with you and I hope you enjoy your creative journey with lino cutting and printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

linda tiernan reviewed: Animals in watercolour

"Really love the way Liz teaches, she is great at getting the concepts and ideas across. The course is very well set out and makes great sense in putting together an animal portrait. I have since purchased further courses from Liz and look forward to learning more from her. I don't know what to say except i am a beginner yet have found the confidence in my skills to take part in all the lessons. thanks Liz"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you Linda. That is so good to hear. I’m delighted the course has given you confidence and skills. That’s just what I hold for! Lizx"

Lisa Ashton reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The whole experience was fabulous from start to end. Sebastian is an excellent teacher and guides you through the techniques you needs to produce a piece os sculpture by the end of the two days. The workshop is situated in a beautiful rural setting, so peaceful. I am definitely going back again before too long!"

Stuart Jarrold reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The beginners wood turning course by the Blended monkey was great. I booked the one to one course and I had never done woodturning before at all and Simon was an excellent teacher. Simon was patient and clear demonstrating the various techniques. I had a really enjoyable day and it surpassed my expectations and I am keen to now put into practice what I was taught. I would highly recommend this course."

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

"Hi Stuart, thanks for a great review. You were a pleasure to teach - nothing beats an enthusiastic student! Do get in touch if you need any help and advice in the future."

John Williamson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a highly experienced teacher and master blacksmith, giving you ample time to work on individual projects or smaller ones to build your confidence. If you have never done any blacksmithing before, this is a great place to start. The hand's on training is well worth it. Best of luck!"

Steffan Parry reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"What a great day! The setting is wonderful with a nice cafe within 20 steps and a rippling brook too. More importantly the instruction was fantastic - as a secondary school teacher I think a lot about quality instruction and Jack nailed the day in terms of safety, scaffolding the teaching with phased delivery of skills and enough time for practice under his supportive observation. The teaching was real quality and the advice on suitable tools really useful. His knowledge of his field and enthusiasm is an inspiration. It was almost a two hour drive but I would go again in a heartbeat. He allowed some more experienced students to move on quicker and threw in a sharpening talk and demo for those interested. Highly recommended."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thankyou Steffan!"

Doug reviewed: Traditional Garden Plant Support Structure - Afternoon

"A very good Safe learning environment.Immediately felt at ease. My wife and I enjoyed learning how to make obelisks and where very pleased to take home the completed items. Look forward to coming back. Best Regards Doug & Linda"

Stephanie Jewell reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"Having signed up for the six week beginners course over a year ago, have now finally completed it. What a brilliant course and Sue such a good teacher. Very patient, helpful and inspiring. I have learnt so much and become so inspired and now have taken up oil painting. I had never painted before and had often thought about it but never felt confident enough to do it. So glad to have completed the course and done several paintings that I feel very proud of. Lovely surroundings to be painting in. Highly recommend."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Stephanie. I look forward to seeing you for your next project. You are always a welcome visitor to the Studio. Sue"

Dale Bunton reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"My grandson and I enjoyed this course. Richard was a really good teacher and helped us so much. We have a small home forge and have been self teaching. Doing this course with Richard has encouraged us to be more adventurous.Thank you Richard"

Kerry G reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"Absolutely fantastic afternoon. As a complete novice, I expected disaster but was very proud of my little pots! Richard was a wonderful teacher- really engaging and targeted his guidance perfectly. I'm already trying to organise another visit!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks Kerry, a pleasure to help you make some pots. Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Diane Grainger reviewed: Needle Felting workshops taught live online via Zoom by Heartfelt by Heidi

"I very much enjoyed the course and learned the basic techniques which is exactly what I was aiming for. Heidi was very informative and encouraging and recommended a book and materials for further use. I would certainly recommend this teacher."

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"Thank you so much Diane for taking the time to write a review and your kind words. I am so pleased you enjoyed your 1:1 Zoom, Needle Felting Workshop, I enjoyed spending time with you. I hope now you can move forward with confidence to use your fabulous felting items you had been gifted. I am sure you will get many more hours enjoyment and I look forward to seeing your future makes x"

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

"A fantastic introduction to wood turning with the fab Blended Monkey team! Simon obviously has a deep supply of wood turning knowledge, he pairs it well with a patient and enthusiastic teaching manner. Both Simon and Louise were lovely, conversation flowing freely throughout the day. Great lunch, loads of coffee! Even managed to come home with a couple of turned pieces. Would highly recommend."

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

"Thanks, Chris - glad you enjoyed your day. You were a very able and enthusiastic student and a pleasure to teach. We hope you continue with the craft and look forward to see you again."

Philip Brodie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best Forge ive ever been to and Nigel was a fantastic teacher perfect bslance of hands on experience and smithing knowledge to all levels attending left with some great pieces and a wealth of knowledge. Great teacher Gereat host Fantastic Forge I would Thoughrully recommend a day with Nigel if you want to know all ther is to know about forging and blacksmitjing"

shelly stansfield reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"I'd definitely recommend this course as a great general introduction to Bee Keeping! The course was really informative, clear and hands on; with a chance to be with the bees towards the end of the day and having an opportunity to both see and practically have a go at what we'd learnt. John is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and both open and patient to having lots of questions thrown at him. Sue and John were lovely hosts, offering a tasty lunch, lots of friendly chats and the course was set in a sweet spot in Sussex. It was great to meet other like minded people on the course and was definitely a confidence boost in taking the first step towards getting my own bees. A great added bonus was getting a gift of honey and pollen chart reader at the end of the day. Overall, it was a wonderful day and Id definitely join more courses again with John and Sue. Thank you! xx"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Shelly, it was lovely for John to have someone who asked lots or really good questions. Really glad you got a lot from the day, that's what it is all about! I will pass your kind words onto John. We didn't look at the climbing room - next time! Take care and if you have any questions John's email is on the jar of honey, or contact me. Best wishes, Sue and John"

Sandra Johnston reviewed: Slow Stitch Kit- Lakeland Hues - UK Postage Only

"This is a lovely kit with a good selection of fabrics,ribbons and embellishments to reflect the Lakeland Hues theme."

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

"I had a fabulous afternoon with Sara in her workshop in beautiful Kent. It was amazing to have one-to-one tuition from someone who is so talented and knowledgeable, not to mention a really lovely person. She was brilliant at explaining every step and answering my endless questions! I was able to make a silver cuff and a ring, both of which I absolutely love. I have come away with a long shopping list of items that I'm hoping to invest in, to be able to start making silver jewellery items for my small business. A big thank you to Sara for a really great afternoon. x"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Caitlin - Thanks so very much for taking the time to write me such a lovely review. I really enjoyed working with you and good luck with making all your new things .... you will be great! Sara"

Julie reviewed: Coloured Pencil Techniques

"Excellent step-by-step tuition with coloured pencils at a good pace. All aspects of the techniques needed are covered in the workshop leaving you with the necessary skills to finish the picture in your own time. Perfect for both beginners and improvers. Highly recommended."