Latest reviews

Bee Fox reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"This course with Jay was an excellent way to spend a weekend with a wonderful outcome. Jay is a brilliant tutor, taking things calmly and clearly, yet with fun and positive help. Great tips along the way should we want to go and make more stools. Everything provided other than the top material. During these Covid times, it felt very safe as Jay had gone to great lengths to ensure as much cleaning and sanitisising was achieved both before and during the course and visors and hand sanitiser provided individualy. You won't regret taking part in the course."

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Aww, thank you so much Bee! That's so lovely to read. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Let me know if you need tips or materials when making more footstools! :-) Jay"

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

"I cannot recommend this course enough. Even before attending the Pottery full day course , I received informative emails from the course organisers with all the information I needed in preparation for the day. The last time I did any pottery was in school approximately 3 decades ago and even then it was the basics. I loved every minute of my day with Louise - she was very welcoming , supportive and I learned a great deal from her - from making a pinch pot, to coiling and decorating slab work and most fun of all experiencing throwing on the wheel. The studio environment is bright, clean and houses some lovely pieces of completed works. Louise has created a lovely balance between structuring the day and organising the sessions to learn about processes involved in making pieces of pottery, whilst still encouraging creativity and freedom to explore clay . There were refreshments throughout the day and a lovely lunch . Although it can be daunting having a one-to-one session , I felt very relaxed in Louise's company and it was very rewarding having such an opportunity to have a tutor's full attention- it felt very natural and we had plenty to talk about . I look forward to returning again in future and look forward to any other classes that may develop over time. Thank you again for such an unforgettable and exceptional day."

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

"Marianna, thank you so much for the really lovely review! I enjoyed every minute of the workshop too, so that's always a plus from my perspective ;-). I really appreciate hearing students' opinions about their workshop with me. I also totally understand that the thought of a 1-2-1 session with a complete stranger could be a daunting prospect at first, but I'm so pleased that all my students have felt comfortable in my company and in the studio. The aim of the workshop is obviously to impart some pottery info and give students a grounding in the basic methods we can use to make some lovely things out of clay, but also for them to have a creative, fun and relaxed day. You made some really beautiful pieces and I can't wait to see them glazed. Thanks again for the fab review and see you soon!"

Ben reviewed: Making a Handmade Leather Wallet with Nigel Armitage

"Perfect introduction to leathercraft. Met with Nigel who delivered a well paced step-by-step walk-through of the thought processes, tools and skills required to take a project from concept through to final product. Left with a wallet to be proud of, and a new hobby for life."

Jenny reviewed: Longbow making in the south lakes

"We had a wonderful time learning how to make ash longbows from Tony at Ynot Coppice. It was great, over the two days, to be able to make a working bow from a piece of wood, using traditional tools, learning about the history of the longbow and all about the surrounding woodland from Tony. Tony is an excellent instructor, especially in teaching us how to do the vast majority by ourselves and guiding us both through the process of using the tools and understanding the theory of how to make the bows. It was incredibly satisfying shooting them at the end of the two days. It was a physical course but felt very rewarding. As an added benefit, we camped on site and were lucky enough to have it to ourselves, an added bonus given extra precautions in place across the UK (Tony had also thoroughly prepared for this and we felt safe throughout). We’re very much hoping to do another course with Tony soon - thank you very much! Jenny (September 2020)"

Ynot coppice responded:

"Thank you very much for this and it was lovely to meet you both and hope to see you again, all the best,T"

Sandra King reviewed: Private Tuition or small groups of two for Sculpture, Stone Letter Carving and Relief and Marble Carving with Simon Burns-Cox

"Really enjoyed the stone relief course which was great fun and I was so pleased with my final project. Simon is friendly, highly skilled and demonstrated great patience with my chisel work. I’d certainly recommend the course and hope to do another workshop sometime. Thanks for the recommendation!"

Simon Burns-Cox Sculptor and Letter Carver responded:

"Hi Sandra, Thank you very much for your kind review. It was a pleasure to meet you both and very glad you enjoyed the course and look forward to meeting you again soon. Best wishes Simon"

Stoddart reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a great tutor and woodworker. I not only made a beautiful box but learnt a lot of woodworking tips not related to boxes. A great two days."

Anna Porter reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"Did this class last weekend. Was really enjoyable, went at a great pace. Linda is a patient and encouraging teacher. We came away with some lovely pieces and feeling inspired!"

Stampaholics responded:

"Thank you very much for your positive feedback Anna! I am pleased that you enjoyed it and are inspired to make some more jewellery pieces."

Charlotte reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"A really enjoyable and interesting day. A great course for beginners, I learned a lot and am really pleased with how my stool turned out. Can't wait to get it sanded and sealed and then start using it!"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Charlotte. Not long now until you can put it to good use!?"

claire harding reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"This was a thoroughly fun and informative course which I left with enough confidence to carry on at home if I wished. I will probably do another workshop in the future"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you, glad you enjoyed the workshop. Best wishes, Sarah"

Victoria Risby reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"I did the Resin Jewellery 1-1 course with Linda and had the best time! I chose the 1-1 option as I just felt a bit safer in the middle of the pandemic and Linda made me feel totally safe and comfortable the whole time. The actual course was so interesting, and so much fun, and I really love the jewellery I made on the day. Linda was so lovely, knowledgeable, and helpful and I recommend her course to anyone interested in learning Resin Jewellery making. In fact I've already recommended it to a few people. After the course Linda gives you the opportunity to purchase a kit with all of the things you used to make the jewellery so you can go away and do more at home. I did this and am actually going to try and make some more this evening! Thank you again Linda for a lovely day and a fun new hobby!"

Stampaholics responded:

"Thank you Victoria for your kind words and a 5-star review! I am so glad you enjoyed the session and felt safe and comfortable. It's wonderful to hear that you have since made more jewellery at home."

Robert Duncan reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"Bill is great at going through a day like this (the intro day). I wanted some inspiration to get started, to sort out my workshop, and to learn a bit. All three nailed! The day flew by - always a good sign. Bill's workshop and equipment (and Bill himself) fills you with complete confidence and he obviously knows more than enough to address any angle you wish to take. The work ongoing around him and the materials that go with it are interesting in themselves and Bill hangs lots of the practical knowledge around that, in a very accessible way. Also, looking at little projects and ideas I had brought was really helpful. I'll be back for more specific work, once I've got my disaster of a workshop area sorted out."

Robert Shorthouse reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This two day course was a birthday present from my family for a big birthday! I knew very little about woodturning even though I have a lathe in my workshop which I’d hardly used. I spent two days with Mark and he went through everything from sharpening tools to types of wood and safety etc I don’t think he missed anything out; it was very informative, my brain was well tested! Mark followed this up with a comprehensive email with lots of links and information for tools, equipment and books that I required to make the most of my lathe at home. I had a really good time; Mark is an excellent teacher and is good company. I now feel confident to go into my workshop and get onto my lathe thanks to Mark. I would recommend this course to all, a fantastic time had! 5 star Many thanks Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Bob for your wonderful review. I really appreciate it. All the best Mark"

Paula Raggett reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for all abilities with Jude Karnon

"A thoroughly enjoyable day with lots of laughs. Jude is an exceptional teacher and very patient. We would definitely recommend this workshop we loved it! Thanks Jude"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hi Paula, Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was a really good day as I enjoyed yours and Martin's great humour and enthusiasm. Your pieces will be in the post tomorrow. Jude x"

Deborah Judd reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I had a really enjoyable day learning the creative and spontaneous technique of Gel Plate printing. Liz is a most excellent teacher. She delivers with great enthusiasm and clarity and her subject knowledge is vast. The day was really well paced. We learned several techniques using a variety of resources. I felt confident to experiment due to Liz's feedback and reassurance throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the freedom of playing with different colour combinations and palettes outside of my usual comfort zone. I look forward to taking these techniques further into Textiles and maybe using some of the backgrounds that I created for drawn monoprints or Lino. Thank you Liz for a truly inspirational day. I highly recommend this workshop."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Deborah, Lovely working with you again and really appreciate you reviewing your day. I feel this process has lots of potential for you and I look forward to seeing how this impacts on your textile work; I loved your pieces created with stencils. Happy printing! Liz Wellby"

Ming Tang reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Angie is so inspirational, her knowledge and enthusiasm was so infectious - I loved the weekend and really enjoyed the company from other students, I was the least experienced, but was made really welcome. Delightful, setting, environment, company and food! what's more - I was really amazed and thrilled with my completed chair and cushions! thank you so much Angie, I will definitely be back!"

Corinna Stephens reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Matt is an excellent teacher and very engaging. From conception to completion he was there to help guide us all. He's truly passionate about his work and passing on skills. The workshop is nicely laid out with plenty of space between students. All c-19 rules applied and where adhered too - I felt very safe. I'll certainly be returning. Thank you ?"

Adrian Dixon reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Excellent pre-course arrangements, teaching and hospitality including the hearty lunch - particularly liked the moreish flapjack on arrival and the cake! Ade’s instruction and supervision and help was as excellent as every and Debbie’s organisation and hospitality was top notch. Will be booking for next year."

Helen reviewed: Create a Halloween Pumpkin Decoration using Powertex

"Thank you for my pumpkin course yesterday, really enjoy it and loved my finished pumpkin"

Rochelle Abrahams reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"The most amazing course such fun and there is a lot of different materials available to make you paper extra special. Wendy is lovely. Highly recommend"

James Wright reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Les' one day course is perfect for any novice and I highly recommend it. This was a fantastic birthday present from my parents from which I was able to walk away with a few pieces I will always treasure. The tuition itself is 1-to-1 and excellent value for money. Les' depth of knowledge, passion, and experience were top notch and his workshop a great retreat. Naturally I had many questions and learned a lot about the sylvian arts throughout the day. Thanks again for a great day. I hope to be back soon."

Pren responded:

"Thanks for that, James. I really enjoyed working with you and I have just one question....did you ever get all those wood shavings off your jacket?"

Lindsey B reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"I attended the footstool upholstery workshop on Saturday 24th October 2020 at Grappenhall Heys Walled Gardens in South Warrington along with two of my friends. The workshop is held in a potting shed with a kitchen and dining area attached, where you eat your lunch, or you can buy food from the on-site cafe. Tea & coffee is also supplied for you to help yourself to, along with a selection of homemade cakes. Jo is a very friendly and attentive teacher, nothing is too much trouble. She takes you step by step through the fundamentals of upholstery, giving you the benefit of her knowledge whilst giving top tips on materials and methods. We all brought a one metre piece of material to creat the mini footstool (the cushion is approximately 25 by 30cms). We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and I would highly recommend the workshop to budding upholsterers. Thanks Jo x"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Lindsey for your kind words. I’m delighted you all enjoyed the day."

Babita Gurung reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"I went to do this course with my friend. We really enjoyed doing this very informative and friendly course with Ann. We have been overwhelmed with her generosity both in terms of her willingness to share her knowledge and the amazing amount of creations you take away from the classes. Ann is a great tutor and we've learned so much on that day. Thank you! Babita Gurung & Rusam Gurung."

Jon Hart reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"Complete novice with regards to using a router but as I was determined to start using it regularly in the coming year I found this course and was not disappointed =. Mark was an excellent instructor, very patient and overflowing with knowledge and useful hints and tips. The day met my expectations and having walked in with no knowledge of holding a new router, I walked out confident in undertaking work at home with no risk of injuring myself! Very pleased and can thoroughly recommend."

Andreya Sparrow reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Hannah is lovely and very knowledgeable. The course gives you lots of insights on how to properly epicycle furniture, in a cool and nice environment. Highly recommend :)"

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks Andreya! So pleased you enjoyed the day :) I loved how experimental you were with the masking tape. I can't wait to see your future creations!"

Ray Barlow reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Had a very enjoyable and productive experience on Sebastian’s 2day Stone-carving course. He is an engaging and excellent teacher who believes in “learning by doing” and within a short time, every member of our small group was actively working on pieces of stone. This familiarised students with using the tools and the feel of the stone. Everyone then chose a piece of stone from the large selection available, personal tools, gloves and eye protection were given out - and the carving commenced. All the while, Sebastian was on hand and available for guidance, advice and encouragement. His heated rustic studio and outdoor working areas set in a small orchard made a perfect setting. Tea, coffee (and cake) breaks as well. The two days passed all too quickly, with each student taking home their project at the end. My advice to anyone thinking of joining this course would be not to hesitate - just do it !"