Latest reviews

Sheila Hands reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I’ve been attending stained glass courses for some time now and would recommend whole heartedly. Martin has made the space COVID safe and it feels just that, while remaining a friendly and sociable place to be. Whether a beginner or more experienced no project is too big or too small and Martin will always try to help you succeed in whatever you plan to do. Just do it"

Jill Balmont reviewed: Christmas Wreath Mosaic Kit - Black and White Iridescent with Teal Embellishments

"My kit arrived very promptly, and it looks excellent. Will be starting very soon..."

Chris Shakespeare reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Firstly I have to say this was booked originally many months ago and COVID got in the way Imagine my excitement when I finally got to book the course. It didn't disappoint I was the only one doing the course on the day, normally its setup for 5-6 Spencer was great providing tuition as I made a poker then knife. Lots of fun and new skills to learn This is a functional metalworking shop so there are lots of projects on the go which is fascinating Really tempted by one of their other courses :)"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Chris thanks for review, In a strange way it was a shame you were on your own as the shared experience is often part of the fun , but of course have a tutor on a 1:2 is great as well. dont forget to apply for the discount voucher for your next class merry christmas John"

Marianna reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I was very fortunate to be able to return to Blended Monkey for a half day pottery course as a follow on to my Full day course. I had loved my initial experience so much, I had asked whether I could return to learn a bit more about processes of throwing on the wheel and finishing pieces of work. I suspect I may have developed a new crush on pottery and ceramics! I cannot describe just how therapeutic and soothing the whole experience of creating things on a wheel can be. Seeing a ball of clay develop into a piece that can be functional whilst aesthetically very rewarding is nothing short of alchemy. On my second trip to see the wonderful Louise, (who is also a great teacher and incredibly patient and knowledgeable) I had a taster of seeing how bases are refined and finished - how to work with finished pieces at the leather hard stage, I also had a chance at trying out shaping pots into bowl shapes and even , ....wait for it.....made a bowl I am proud of , at the very last hurdle. Louise also kindly demonstrated other techniques as to shaping necks and manipulating the clay into various shapes - it was all eye opening and a total joy to watch. I think the whole experience is a genuinely fun and exciting journey - of course you create a few wonky pots along that journey but they are one of a kind pieces - I cannot wait to see them all glazed up. Louise also puts all the finishing touches including glaze and you come away feeling a great sense of achievement. She is a great host, tea and mince pies at the ready and great conversation whilst maintaining professionalism throughout. I am hoping to be able to return for other sessions at a later date ( if Louise can face having me back again)"

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

"Marianna, thank you so much for your lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure having you back in the studio again, and I'm so very pleased you enjoyed learning a bit more about the wonderful art of ceramics. You should be very proud of the beautiful bowl you made - it was the last piece you threw and so you ended on a real high! Thank you again for your kind words and I very much look forward to seeing you again the studio in the future :-)."

Alison Thomas reviewed: Letter Carving in stone - Do you love letters? Learn to carve lettering in stone. A two day creative stone carving course with Zoe Singleton.

"Two full on days of carving and a great result to come home with. Zoe is a natural teacher and the workshop facilities are excellent. Now what can I do next?!!!!"

Mary reviewed: Photography Days

"Great day spent with Sue and Richard learning how to use the camera off auto settings. The weather was not in our favour but we still managed to get some outdoor shots and practice with flowing water. There was a lot of information but Sue and Richard were very patient and the relaxed setting made it easier to process and build on the key ideas. The course has inspired me to continue playing with the settings and hopefully get some better shots."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you, Mary. We haven't had much better weather since, but sometimes it's these bleak days that can produce the most interesting landscape shots. Keep practicing and you will find the right combinations more quickly. It looks like we're heading for more time at home due to restrictions so that means more time to give to hobbies like photography!"

Tom reviewed: Letter Carving in stone - Do you love letters? Learn to carve lettering in stone. A two day creative stone carving course with Zoe Singleton.

"Brilliant course, expertly run by Zoe. I would recommend highly. A friend and I completed the Word Up course last weekend. We had a superb time, and with no prior experience took away two name plates that we were proud of. Zoe is an excellent teacher with a good combination of demonstrating what you need to do, and encouraging you to be confident. Covid safe with sensible measures, whilst maintaining a fun environment. We are looking forward to our next carving challenge. Thank you Zoe"

Mary reviewed: 'Fundamental Art Skills for complete beginners ' 10-week interactive online zoom course with live tuition

"Such wonderful 10 weeks! This is great course for absolute beginners who would like to learn how to draw. I feel that my skills advanced every week. The course touches on Art history, Art theory with a strong emphasis on practical skills. Well structured classes with expert tuition by artist Raya Brown. Thank you. I would recommend the course to every beginner in Art."

Marcus Leaning reviewed: Creative writing course, 5 hours, live online, one-to-one tuition. Beginners to advanced.

"This was a wonderful and very thoughtful introduction to creative writing. I had drafted some writing of my own prior to the course and the tutor, Deana, structured the course around my work. This has helped me tremendously with my work. The sessions involve Deana explaining some key points and then you have to actually engage in the work. I recommend this course most highly and will certainly be taking further courses with Deana."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you so much, Marcus. I’m really glad you enjoyed the course and found it useful. I look forward to reading more of your work."

Anne Nicoll reviewed: Embroidery kit - Garden Border Flowers

"Bought as a Christmas gift so cannot comment on quality yet but can say that communication with seller was fast and efficient, delivery was quick and packaging very pretty."

Peter Docker reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Absolutely brilliant. Mark is clearly both a passionate and highly-skilled wood turner. More than that, he has the ability to share his in-depth knowledge of his craft in an engaging and effective way that inspires and encourages. As well as teaching technique, Mark also offers fabulous insights into the design and art of turning, together with nurturing an appreciation and respect of the natural material. His wealth of experience goes beyond just the 'hands-on' and sheds light on what to watch out for when buying equipment and finding your way through the maze of terminology. This alone has the potential to easily save you the cost of the course by ensuring you avoid expensive purchasing mistakes! Mark's energy and commitment to his student is second to none. I have no hesitation giving Mark the highest possible recommendation. As I said, absolutely brilliant. Thank you!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Peter for that fantastic review. You know where I am when you start setting up. All the best Mark"

Sian reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"Brian's courses are excellent, he is very laid back and makes learning easy, fun and stress free. I don't consider myself to be creative but with Brian's help and guidance I was able to achieve far more than I had ever imagined, and I am thoroughly delighted with the results. I highly recommend his courses."

Julia reviewed: ‘Sunset in wool painting' interactive online course with live tuition

"Wonderful course. Enjoyable and relaxing 4 hours of learning a therapeutic technique of painting with wool fibres. Good clear demonstrations by Textiles Artist Raya Brown. Thank you. Would recommend this course to anyone!"

Andrew Kearns reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"The course was fun to do , Brian was easy to get on with and really knew what to do and told us in a way that’s easy to understand, the panel I made had a tree in the middle of it. It was fun to scratch out and looked really well done, the work shop was in a old chapel and you felt at home there , I would recommend the course to anyone that wants to try glass in all its forms"

Mr Kim Humphreys reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"What a great day. I didn't know what to expect but Mathew soon put me at ease. He talked us through all the different ways of putting a project together and all the safety rules that apply explaining what to wear to protect yourself. Also because of the Covid thing everything was even more safe. With plenty of space within the unit to safe distance and plenty of hand gel to use. I enjoyed it so much as nothing was too much trouble, that I have signed up for another day in January. Thanks Matt. See you in the New Year"

Katy reviewed: Resin Jewellery for beginners

"Linda posted the kit to us that had everything in there that we needed. The online course was really informative and fun to craft along! It was really rewarding to have made a good few pieces by the end of the session and Linda showed us so much more of what is achievable in reson. The online course is the perfect way to learn this new craft an Linda is really helpful if you have any questions. Very inspiring! Thank you! Katy"

Stampaholics responded:

"Thank you Katy for your lovely feedback! I am glad you found the session informative, fun and inspiring!"

Lisa Heller reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have been attending Martin's class for a while now and continue to enjoy the session, learn new skills and gain in confidence. Martin is an excellent teacher, enabling students to learn the necessary skills in order to find ways to express themselves in the craft. Since Covid, and having to have a break of a term and a half, Martin has worked hard to make the studio Covid secure and it is wonderful to be back at work there. It is well organised and comfortable and Martin works hard to ensure that everyone is safe."

Debbie Wilkinson reviewed: 10 Week, 30 hour Silver Jewellery Day School, Thursday

"Love Teresa's courses, she is such a fun person to work with. She is very knowledgeable and has great patience if you don't pick it up first time. The workshop has all the tools you could possibly need and a great environment to work in. Yes, the current course has been postponed due to Covid, but that is just to stay safe. Looking forward to being back in January. I can't recommend Teresa enough!"

Creative Therapy Space responded:

"Thank you so much Debbie - you blow me away with your kind words. I can't wait to get back in the workshop with you as soon as we possible to make more treasure! I've got so much to show you with my new bangle making toys! ?"

Margaret Moore reviewed: Resin Jewellery for beginners

"Linda is an amazing teacher I really enjoy this course and have recommended it to friends and family. Its amazing what your learn in 3 hours and what you make would cover the cost of the course. I cannot recommend it enough. Cannot wait until she's running more courses I'll be the first to sign up."

Stampaholics responded:

"Dear Margaret Thank you ever so much for your lovely feedback! I am glad you enjoyed the course so much so that you are happy to recommend it to your friends and family. That's the best compliment I could have been given. Kind regards Linda"

Jon & Joanne Baker reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I bought the course for my husband Jon, he came back raving about the place. He had a fantastic time and would like to go back to make an axe next."

Mick Atkinson reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have really enjoyed the course and Martin is an excellent tutor leading you through each of the different techniques and stages of production step by step. Martin has laid the workshop out very well with all the tools you need easily to hand and he has taken a lot of trouble to ensure it is COVID safe. Nice atmosphere to work in and a great opportunity to learn new skills and produce some lovely work including a project of your own."

Dean Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fourth Course this time and as always, really enjoyed myself. This time I was able to join onto another course but was given the opportunity to have free reign on what I made. I made some more of the Garden Flowers to join my others in the Garden and I was left with artistic freedom. Obviously Adrian and Andy were always on hand to offer help and guidance where I needed it. The others on the course made the Chestnut Roaster and Fire Poker with some really excellent results, think I may have to take part in this one next year. Food provided was lovely as ever and all homemade. Thanks again Debbie, especially for the Coffee Cake at the end of the day. I really recommend getting yourself booked on one of next years courses, or they also make a fantastic gift for someone at Christmas or Birthdays. That's how I got the bug. Massive thanks again to Adrian, Andy and Debbie and we will look forward to seeing you all again next year!"

Helenalilly reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"This was a really fun beginners course, that left you with something practical at the end. It was a joy just to be out in the countryside, as the course is located in the beautiful Malvern. There was a lot of information with regards to willow, what to get, from where and when to get it. Definitely something to do with the people in your 'bubble'."

El Moore reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"I was so excited to be going on this stain glass course with my friend, it was a break from my duties as a mother of twins. It exceeded all my expectations - Tejal was a fab teacher, passionate about her craft and eager for you to find your joy in stain glass! She was patience, encouraging and helpful - it was a lot of fun! I hope to do this again with my sister in the future. We took away two gorgeous pieces of stain glass - despite it being our first time!!"

GlassSeasons responded:

"thank you, look forward to seeing you again."

Kim Winspur reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Loved the course, learnt how to make my own soap and overcome the fears I had about doing it on my own. Paula is a great communicator and was very clear throughout. My only mention would be that it is focused on making soaps to sell so some of the course wasnt relevant for me, saying that I found it very informative and I will be making soap for myself from now on as the course has given me that confidence."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Kim. Thank you for your feedback. I’m pleased to hear that you found the selling module of the course interesting even though you won’t be selling your soaps. Paula"