Latest reviews

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 !"

Susie Parr reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"Together with three friends, I recently participated in this workshop in the beautiful Devon village of Christow. Despite our different skill levels (from professional potter to evening class enthusiast) we all really enjoyed the workshop and learned an enormous amount about alternative firing techniques. Abi and Alison engaged with each of us at exactly the right level and were encouraging and helpful to the more tentative members of our group. Despite being - importantly – very safety conscious, they both clearly enjoyed the fun, drama and surprise of these different techniques, as did we. The weekend was well structured, culminating in an exciting naked raku session plus a demonstration of how blow-torching can transform a copper washed pot. The pots we had brought along were given a new lease of life by these different firing techniques, and we were all really pleased with the results. Abi’s wonderful mill house was the setting for the workshop. We applied the glazes in her studio (made Covid-secure) and the various firings took place in her kiln shed, or completely out of doors. Luckily, the weather allowed us to sit outside in Abi’s garden for coffee, tea and lunch. The home-made soups, brownies and biscuits were absolutely delicious. Being a fan of open water swimming, I was delighted when Abi encouraged me to take a dip in the mill pond by the house - the cold, clear water constantly topped up by Dartmoor streams. She even placed a ladder to make it easier to get in and out. Strangely - even though taking a dip seemed an ideal way of passing the time while the flames and smoke did their work -no-one else joined me. I would highly recommend this course. It was very sociable, really interesting and great fun. I will never forget seeing the glaze drop off the naked raku pots and am now keen to experiment more with that technique. We all definitely feel more confident doing alternative firings, thanks to Alison and Abi."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Thanks Susie, so delighted you enjoyed the weekend."

Steve reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was a really fun and absorbing couple of days. I've never worked in stone before, so it was fascinating to learn different ways of shaping the stone. I had decided to make an abstract shape, and unwisely hadn't made an initial model so Sebastian's suggestions helped me enormously. Highly recommended!"

Philippa Graham Palmer reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"I did the class with my daughters aged 14 and 12 and we all loved it. It was peaceful and relaxing and Kathryn was a great teacher with plenty of patience! It really felt as though we were all in the same room despite the screen. We all ended up up creating mandalas that we were delighted with and had a really enjoyable afternoon."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you Philipa! I'm so pleased you all enjoyed it. I hope you'll continue to create many more beautiful and unique mandalas from the ideas I've given and I'm sure you'll add many more of your own. Do keep in touch."

Everstina reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"We had so much fun and discovered talents we didn't realise we had with Charlie! We laughed and we left with a gorgeous keepsake. Fantastic fun!"

Laura reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"Amazing experience! Was so much fun, had a great time!"

Hollie reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Charlie's session was wonderful! Super knowledgeable and a great way to learn a new hobby! We had a wonderful time!"

Sarah reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Terrific course and excellent value for money. Came away with lots of hand made items, full of delicious cream tea and having made new friends. Can highly recommend."

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Sarah. It was lovely to meet you and I'm glad you had a good day. Best Wishes Karen"

Nicole Corbin reviewed: Idrija Lace: jewellery / accessories / traditional

"I attended this course last week and it was excellent. Tina was very patient and taught me enough techniques so I can complete the piece of lace that I was making by myself. At one point where I was totally stuck, Tina patiently undid my lace to a point where I could continue. I throughly recommend this course."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Nicole Well what praise indeed! Pleased to hear that you have learnt enough and feel confident to finish the bangle. I would love to see the completed piece, do send a picture. Please do get in touch if you have any problems. I hope to see you again in the future. Regards Tina"

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

"A fantastic day experimenting with lots of different techniques for making and decorating pots. Louise was attentive, encouraging and informative. I couldn’t have felt more welcome with refreshments through the day, a lovely lunch and interesting conversation. Using the wheel was great fun and totally absorbing. It’s encouraged me to dedicate some time to crafting as a hobby and for relaxation. I enjoyed every minute! Thanks again Louise and Simon."

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

"Ann, it was a pleasure to meet you and teach you about the various ways we can have fun with clay! You made some really beautiful pieces and you took to the wheel super quickly too - I'm looking forward to seeing what the kiln Gods make of your pieces and I'll let you know as soon as they are ready to post out :-). I'm really pleased you enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with having a day to yourself to be creative. Clay is a fantastic medium if you want to just switch off and enjoy the process. Thank you for the lovely review!"

Paula Jones reviewed: Five week interior design course - interactive

"This was such an enjoyable and surprisingly quick 5 weeks. Aleksandra is very knowledgeable and encouraging providing the right blend of tuition, tips, links and offering weekly 1 to 1s to explore home work tasks and different aspects of the course. It was great to meet others with a shared interest and to see how our mood and presentation boards developed over the on-line course and I hope to see the shared finished results. This is perfect for anyone who has an interest in Interior design and particularly if you want to transform your own home projects. Educational and fun - thanks Aleksandra."

Skela Studio responded:

"Hey Paula, absolutely delighted you enjoyed the course. It was so nice to see you every week and witness how you made that room your own. Thank you very much for the review and I can't wait to see all the items in-situ, especially the stunning light pendant."

Norma Midgley reviewed: "Power of Place" Mosaic and Tile Making

"On Saturday I attended the introduction to mosaics day workshop. Tracey’s friendly enthusiasm made the day thoroughly enjoyable. She explained and demonstrated the various techniques needed to complete a mosaic in different mediums and then offered help and advice as we practiced them. We then completed a small mosaic before starting on our main project this will be completed at home using the contents of the goody bag Tracey supplied. The day and the studio was arranged in such a way that it felt very safe in view of the present COVID-19 restrictions. The day exceeded my expectations and I felt pleased with what I had achieved and confident about successfully completing my project. Thank you Tracey for a great day"

Penny Lukins reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"A lovely day at the home of Simon and Louise, who are running their courses from the workshops in their garden. I did the Beginners wood turning course. It was very well run, and I learned about the tools, the skills, and had the opportunity to make 2 pieces - a honey spoon and a small bowl. Whilst there is still a lot more to learn, I came away with the basic skills to allow me to start practicing my wood turning at home. Simon is very enthusiastic and has a good balance of demonstrating and then allowing hands on trying for his attendees. The course notes are extremely helpful, and I am sure I will be referring to them to refresh memory about all he taught us! Thanks for a lovely day and for welcoming us into your home. Great lunch too!"

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

"We're really pleased you enjoyed the woodturning workshop and have come away with the skills needed to pursue the craft at home and on your own lathe. You made some really lovely pieces, and we do hope you go on to make many more! Let us know how you get on, and feel free to send us some photos of your work in the future. Thanks again for the lovely review!"

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

"I had a great day being taught by Simon for the full day beginners woodturning course. It was highly informative and hands on, I learned all about the different tools and parts of the lathe. Simon gives good demonstrations and instructions for you to create your own pieces. I enjoyed the wonderful lunch and a tour around their beautiful garden. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of woodturning or anyone wanting to refresh their skills or better learn how to utilise their wood turning tools. I was really pleased to take my lovely pieces home to show off :) Thanks Simon!"

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

"Hi Edward - I think this one was meant for the woodturning workshop section :-), so we'll respond to it there :-)"

Martin Lewis reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Fabulous day, great and patient tuition from Andy, went home with a lovely bowl, will definitely be back for more."

Edward reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I had a great day being taught by Simon for the full day beginners woodturning course. It was highly informative and hands on, I learned all about the different tools and parts of the lathe. Simon gives good demonstrations and instructions for you to create your own pieces. I enjoyed the wonderful lunch and a tour around their beautiful garden. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of woodturning or anyone wanting to refresh their skills or better learn how to utilise their wood turning tools. I was really pleased to take my lovely pieces home to show off :) Thanks Simon!"

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

"Hi Edward, We're so pleased you enjoyed the woodturning workshop :-). You're a quick learner and you seem to have a natural flair for turning. The pieces you produced are really beautiful and you should be very proud of them - so enjoy showing them off :-). We hope you and Alex continue to have fun in the UK. As we've mentioned to Alex, we'd love to hear about any other crafts you have a go at. Do stay in touch!"