Latest reviews

Becky Rankin reviewed: Silver Jewellery Ring making workshop

"Would highly recommend doing a workshop with Sarah. The minute we arrived we were welcomed with a beaming smile, making us feel relaxed. Sarah gave us freedom to create with our own style and allowed us to do the whole task independently, but with reassuring back up of Sarah’s knowledge at all times. My daughter and I had a wonderful experience and were really pleased with our final pieces. Thanks."

Sarah Bradley Designs responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you both. Thank you for coming along for the workshop, and happy to welcome you back anytime. Thanks Sarah"

Susanne Mooney reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Absolutely brilliant!!! Loved it all. Learning traditional skills and techniques, lovely tutor, and fabulous surroundings to work in. Support when you needed it but also freedom to experience the materials and work with the tools. Brilliant two day course ..!!"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for the review Susanne, glad you enjoyed it."

Nicole B reviewed: Beginners introduction to modern calligraphy at Rudding Park

"What a fantastic course! Jools and Helen were so welcoming and instantly made me feel at ease. I learnt so much in a relatively short space of time and I came away feeling mentally and physically equipped to start my calligraphy journey. They added lots of personal touches which really added to the experience. If you’re thinking about booking the course, don’t hesitate. I can assure you, you won’t regret it!"

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words, Nicole, we are absolutely delighted that you enjoyed your morning with us! We were really impressed by your beautiful lettering and we’ll look forward to seeing how you develop your own lovely style of modern calligraphy."

Carol Tierney reviewed: Lampwork glass making workshop in Nottingham

"Rosie is an excellent teacher who managed to make everything seem easy. She is clearly passionate about lampwork and very skilled. She guided us through the process in easy to manage steps and took away any fear of making mistakes. The time flew past so quickly as it was constantly engaging. We both made several unique beads that I am really looking forward to showing people. Absolutely brilliant way to spend a few hours and 100% recommended"

bden glass Ltd responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Carol. I had a blast teaching you and Gary the intricacies of making glass beads. The addition of your passion for viking cukture made the workshop even more interesting and I enjoyed learning about the historical relevance of beads. You're both welcome back any time! :)"

Bev reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"Learnt new skills and conducted at a pace which gives you time and confidence to tackle the carving . Tutor was excellent , location beautiful - very enjoyable weekend"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, glad you enjoyed it"

JUDE ABBOTT reviewed: Needle punch / punch needle for beginners - Live online tuition with kit

"I had the best time! Lucy was lovely, and really helpful. The time flew by and I am utterly inspired now!"

Debbie Turner reviewed: A Workshop in Acrylic Techniques

"Fabulous day. Great all round. Learnt a lot and now need to start painting. Will be looking at other courses now as well as a follow up one with Shirley"

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Hi Debbie, It was a pleasure to show you and Jane how to paint a landscape in Acrylics. I am so pleased you both enjoyed the day. The group really worked well together. I hope you will come along to other workshops and stay as positive as you already are. Stay well, Shirley"

Steven Robert Hall reviewed: Chair Making Courses

"An excellent week. Danny is a very relaxed and clear teacher as well as evidently a talented artisan. We had a very compatible group and the understated food was delicious so the lunches were a pleasure too. The work is hard on the fingers (at least on mine!) and I was mainlining Voltarol by Wednesday. There is a real sense of achievement and my daughter is delighted with the chair. I wasn't the only one to raise an eyebrow on the Monday at the prospect of completing that in a week from scratch, but with graft and leadership we all did that. I have no reservations at all in recommending this course - particularly with the exigencies of the past year it was thoroughly uplifting and restorative as well as great fun. Good on you, woodland folk."

Sussex green woodworking responded:

"Thanks Steve ! You really put in the work , you must be proud ?"

Kate Parton reviewed: Abstract Bluebell Woods in Acrylic Paints on a Canvas

"A lovely relaxed day in a peaceful and pretty studio complete with Murphy the dog to greet you when you arrive! As a complete beginner, Amina patiently demonstrates the various techniques and you have the opportunity to practice these before you start on your main piece. Thoroughly enjoyable and I went home with a few creations which I was so pleased with. Completely recommend and I will be keeping an eye out for future workshops."

A.S.K Art & Pottery Gallery & Studio responded:

"Thanks Kate, it was wonderful to meet you. You completed some beautiful pieces and Murphy loved all the fuss. I thoroughly enjoyed the day. We hope to see you again soon. X"

Katherine reviewed: Online beginners freehand machine embroidery workshop

"I would thoroughly recommend this course. It was very organised and well run from start to finish. Shortly after booking, the resources arrived in a beautifully packed box. It was a pleasure to unpack and definitely got you excited about the course. The live session itself was so enjoyable. Meg was very patient and helpful and talked through everything well, demonstrating each step so you built on your skills through the session. By the end I felt I had gained a really good insight in to free hand machine embroidery and I’m very keen to keep learning. Thank you, Meg!"

Chris reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My wife brought me the course as a Christmas present. I had an absolutely brilliant day - thanks to you Mark and Jill for your great teaching and super hospitality. I'd love to repeat the day or a parallel course when one is available! I'll lobby my wife! For everyone else, this course could be for you - that is, ; if you'd like to learn how to safely use woodcarving axes and knives; learn about wood; spend the day away from your work and focus on something else; oh, and to make your own spoon !"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Chris Thank you for your review. Great to hear you enjoyed the day. Do come back for another session. There are a few places left in the autumn and next year I should have extra dates and new classes. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Lynda reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"What can I say! Kate was amazing, professional and so patient.I would highly recommend anyone to book on her work shop - Kate’s skills in willow sculptures and painting are amazing - very talented and kind person. Dave’s lunch was awesome and so tentative to my dietary needs-. Thank you for a very special day , you both went above and beyond xx"

James Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had two days of forging with my father earlier this month. I had no idea what to expect before I went, except for watching a few videos on Nigel's YouTube channel but, without a doubt, this was a great experience. Nigel is a fantastic teacher and the facilities on offer in the forge are second to none. I came away from the two days with a small collection of tools and sculptures, of which I am very proud. I will definitely return to learn more from Nigel."

Adele reviewed: Weave a Scarf Workshop in Liverpool

"Had the best day learning how to weave, using beautiful yarns in a vast array of colours. The tutors Jessamy and Sophia were very knowledgeable and right on hand but also did not hover. The length of the course is just right to come away with your own personally designed scarf. Brilliant!"

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Thank you so much for leaving your feedback. We're so pleased you enjoyed the day, it was lovely spending some time with you"

Andy K reviewed: Axe making course

"Really enjoyed my dad at the forge. Andy was a really good instructor; explained what was happening at each stage, nice clear instructions then left you to have a try for yourself. Really pleased with how the axe turned out ?"

Rachel reviewed: Beginners Crochet 9.30am - 11.30am

"Great course to help me understand the basics. Was really good being able to do it online as I live nowhere near Emma who held the course. Emma was really patient and explained everything really well. Will definitely be coming back to do the next level of course once I have practised a bit more."

Alexander Northover reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I bought this course for my brother's Birthday who has always seemed interested in blacksmithing but struggled to find opportunities. I cannot express more that my expectations were completely blown away at how brilliant a time he seemed to have had. He has shown his knife (that he crafted there, himself) to anyone that is even remotely interested. I am so thoroughly satisfied with how the day went that the next plan is for my dad and myself to go with him next time. By all accounts, Andy and Dave sound like brilliant, genuine guys that my brother got on with very well and it was not at all awkward. I was also surprised as to how much freedom my brother had in crafting the knife, since it sounds as if he was able to do 99% of the crafting unassisted, but with guidance and instruction from Andy and Dave. A fantastic service which is more than recommended by me, especially if you are up North (we travelled from Liverpool) as there seems to be limited forges around here, which is reflected in this review and the others."

Stephen Agnew reviewed: Chair Making Courses

"A very rewarding and fulfilling experience in the woodland! I would thoroughly recommend this course if you have an interest in learning some country crafts and skills of times past, where power tools rarely feature. I had no idea what you could produce using a simple pole lathe, draw knives, travishers, spoke shaves and the like! I took away a high-quality piece of furniture that I am well proud of and will last many years. Thanks to Danny who is a most confidence inspiring and accomplished teacher who guides, instructs, corrects but otherwise lets you get on with it. The setting in the woods is magical and the food provided was very tasty and nourishing, especial the delicious soups, thanks to his daughter. There were a number of elves present who helped out too, thank you to Peter x2, Mike and Flo. Nicer people you won’t meet. Participants on the course were all thoroughly entertaining people, no cowboys but plenty of bodgers! I loved everything about the course and had a thoroughly great week. I hope to do another course soon. Stephen Agnew 4/2021"

Sussex green woodworking responded:

"Thanks Steve ! It was a pleasure to spend time with you and I’m looking forward to seeing you in the woods again . ?"

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

"Took my own, rather challenging design, which I had discussed with Sara in advance. The day started with a warm and friendly introductions (including Misty) and coffee. Instruction commenced soon after in a neat workshop in Sara's beautiful garden. Covid protocols were followed. Instructions were clear and concise, followed by a short demonstration prior to getting hands on. Sara has a very positive "not a problem" "we can sort that out" approach. This gives confidence during the hands on sessions and importantly I would emphasise the "we can" comment. Any problems were carefully considered and a solution found, allowing me to rectify where possible. Sara also helped where it required a more experienced solution, but in no way took over. The item was designed and made by myself with a Sara's guidance. The project was completed in the half day session, and as a first attempt the results were excellent. Yes it looks hand made, but in a good sense, that is exactly what it is! I would have no hesitation in recommending Sara's workshops, and in fact, I am already thinking about another design to allow me to gain more experience in areas that were not covered. Thank You Sara"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Wow - what lovely comments - thank you so much for talking the time to write. You did do so well for a first attempt at piercing and that was a complex piece - it was a lovely result. Really hoping you can come back some time to learn some more. Sara"

Adrian Joy reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Fantastic day. Been looking forward to it since my wife gave the day as a gift. We were lucky with the weather, Mark was a great teacher, showing every step of the way with a good range of tools to test / try. I can’t recommend this course enough. I want more!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Adrian, Thank you for the review. Glad you enjoyed the day and found it useful. Do come back for more :) Mark"

Linda & Rhona reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"What a great day Sue very friendly, lovely location and a yummy lunch. Throughly enjoyed carving rings and can’t wait to see them. Would definitely recommend any of Sue’s courses, she is very knowledgeable and made us feel really welcome. April 2021"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure to have you both here. Won't be long now until you get the rings in the post. Best wishes, Sue"

Eugene reviewed: Bristol Bronze Club - 2 day lost wax bronze casting workshop

"This was a great course, I learned a lot about smelting bronze and David made the days seem fun and fly by. David's knowledge on metal smelting overall was impressive and although the course is aimed mainly at Bronze, I also learned a lot about working with other metals from David and he answered many of the questions I had prior to taking the course."

Jacqui Shaw reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Today I had the pleasure of learning to throw a pot with Matthew. What an absolute gentleman & fantastic teacher. I was very nervous about how the day would go as I have never done anything like this before. He talked me through every step and made it so easy for me to follow. I am hooked it's the most enjoyable course and I can highly recommend to anyone who is curious to have a go. It's fabulous value for money as you get to have your pots painted & fired. I managed to make a few items & can't wait to see them glazed. I will definitely be requesting another voucher from santa... Thank you for a fabulous day"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Jacqui, it was an absolute pleasure to teach you and see you progress throughout the day. You made amazing progress in one day and the results speak for themselves. Best wishes and I can’t wait to see your glazed pots. Mat"

Lux reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This is a fantastic course! David and Mike are experienced tutors. They are passionate about woodcraft, they are knowledgeable and professional. They paid attention to each student in the class. My boyfriend and I are absolute beginners for woodcraft, we learnt a lot on the day, with the help from the tutors, we both managed to get a spoon done. It was a happy learning experience and a great fun day! The workshop is located at Hill End such a beautiful place in Oxford. Thank you so much, David and Mike! :) All the best!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Lux it was a real pleasure to introduce you and Eccles to the joys of wood carving. I’m so glad you enjoyed the day and I do hope it has triggered a continuing interest in wood crafts. I look forward to seeing you on further courses, perhaps?"

Susan Jones reviewed: Fabric Easter egg craft kit

"I’ve only just got the easter egg and haven’t had time to make it yet. Ask again in 6 months if you want. review."

The Wood Cottage Crafts responded:

"Many thanks Susan,I'm sure you'll enjoy the making."