Latest reviews

Age reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"He is a truly excellent teacher. He carefully breaks down content and provides memorable pieces of theory, application and practice. The course was incredibly fun, relaxing, and we all walked away with new skills, and a beautiful spoon!"

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks for the kind words! So glad you enjoyed it!"

Angie reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"I loved this class. Anne was very generous with her knowledge and we learned as many techniques as she could fit in the time! We learned pillar candles in moulds, container candles, tea lights, wax melts and how to add colours, fragrances and glitter! I had a wonderful time, thank you."

Lina reviewed: Willow Ethical Trophy Stag Head sculpture course with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden, West Yorkshire

"Such a fun day out learning a new skill & relaxing , better that a day spa with a great reward to take home. I didn’t think I could make a stag ? head , well with the experienced guidance I was amazed by lunch time as the willow came to life. I know have an amazing trophy head made with love , that all my visitors are asking “where did you buy that” I’m beaming every time I say “I made it” Thank you and see you on the Bee ? workshop"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"hi lina, what a fab review thank you! lovely workshop and you did really well. see you soon. joe. xxx"

Teresa Barton reviewed: Driftwood Harbour workshops with Harbour Wood Design at Walford Mill in Dorset

"Such a lovely way to spend a day. We were made to feel very welcome and with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes we knew we were safe. With a wide selection of lovely wooden materials to choose from, we were encouraged to develop our own little wooden Harbour vision, with the gentle support of Michelle, the tutor. We all created an individual unique item that we felt great pride in. Highly recommend this workshop to everyone!!"

Harbour Wood Design responded:

"Thank you so much Teresa for taking the time to leave a review, it was a pleasure to meet you ."

Kathryn Mcclaren reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I bought my friend and I a half day course with Julie for a morning in September, it was a grey miserable day out but we were welcomed and enjoyed our creative morning guided by Julie and were both really happy with our colourful glass waves. An all round great crafty experience ?"

Jane reviewed: Willow skep hive (Alveari) making - with Bees for Development

"What a wonderful day; even more special during these challenging times to learn something new and meet people. Chris was incredibly knowledgable, explaining the history and folklore around skeps, and generous with his hands on help to help my first ever attempt at willow weaving be nudged into a bee home! We were given a bucket of clum and today I have plastered it and intend to make another one as soon as possible so I don’t forget the techniques learned on the day. It was also great to have Giacomo from Bees for Development on tbe workshop and he shared with us the fantastic work that they do. The lovely friendly ladies from Yew Tree pub provided the most delicious cake and huge lunch and the venue was perfect. I also was delighted to buy some cider to take home along with the skep. My only suggestion, would be a brief handout to help us remember the techniques and also where we can get willow and how to make clum."

Jez Brown reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"David started us at the deep end. He talked about the theory of choosing wood by cut. He talked of the types of jointing that we would learn. He talked of the correct usage of tools in the workshop...and then he made us do it. I found that my sawing was OK, but my drilling needed adjustment. The use of the biscuit cutter was unexpected but very rewarding. Always we were questioned on the theory - what was this called? / why would we do that? / what is this called? (again!). Loved the course. I thought I was an OK DIYer but it turns out that learning by experience is not always the best way...this course paid for itself when I realised how important clamps are. Some of you reading this may already use them - but that was just one of the basic woodworking techniques we were both shown and tried."

J Grocutt reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"Went to have a go at something I admired and enjoyed myself immensely. Jason was friendly and helped me find the right way to make my idea a reality. Every tool was there to use and Jason explained everything clearly and helped in any way he could. Would definitely come back."

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thanks for your kind review -It was a great day of carving and a pleasure to skill share with you- looking forward to another visit!"

Lynne Pearson reviewed: Millefiori Beads with Polymer Clay

"Jo's extensive knowledge and creativity was the icing on the cake for this very enjoyable and rewarding workshop.Lovely light, covid friendly, comfortable studio in peaceful surroundings. A really first class experience, and what a joy to come home with a finished piece of jewellery. If you haven't tried one of Jo's workshops , you should. You won't be disappointed."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you Lynne - it was great to see you again."

Jane reviewed: Millefiori Beads with Polymer Clay

"Had a brilliant day! The venue and the course was very well managed with Covid guidelines so felt very comfortable. The instructions were all really clear- with both handouts and demonstrations and we all came away with pieces of jewellery that we were pleased with. Jo was really knowledgable and happy to answer questions and give tips."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you Jane - I'm glad you felt at ease and enjoyed the day."

ANNA CAMPBELL reviewed: "Just Bee" mosaic workshop

"I really enjoyed taking part in your Mosaic workshop. I have done mosaics before but not with such detail. Maggie is a great teacher. So friendly and helpful. I do hope to go on another of your workshops soon. They are well worth the car journey! Cheers Anna"

Jane Burras reviewed: Tree of Life Pendant and Earrings Workshop

"Pat's course was very well organised, clearly explained, and great fun. We were all jewellery novices, but by the end of the workshop we all had a beautiful tree of life pendant to take home and a great feeling of achievement. I would highly recommend this course."

Pat Miller Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Jane, so glad you enjoyed it!"

Beverley & James reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Thank you so much for brilliant workshop, the space and instruction given was spot on and plenty of tea which was great. We loved the final result of the hares and would highly recommend this experience to anyone. The house and setting was tranquil and beautiful. We felt welcomed and really spoilt."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Bev & James! So glad James enjoyed his surprise and well done keeping the secret so long ;-). So which hare has got pride of place at home?! Jo x"

Kevin reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable rainy day on Saturday in Jake's workshop, bashing away at yellow hot metal and surprising myself at the quality of the poker and hooks I was able to produce under his expert tuition. Jake is good company and a good tutor - and also, from the quality of some of his work lying around the workshop, a highly talented blacksmith in his own right. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, which I would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks for a fun day, Jake!"

Helen Taylor reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"This was a great course. Paula is a really great and enthusiastic teacher. Lots of information about how to mix your scents, colours and how to use other additives and guidance about when to use them and why. good basic recipe given and good advice on what to by and where when making soap at home. She covered everything a beginner would need and in a really engaging way. And the sandwiches and home made scones were a real bonus! Can't recommend this course highly enough."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Helen, I am so pleased you enjoyed the course. I hope you love experimenting and making your own soaps at home. Paula"

Eleanor reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"A lovely weekend. I really enjoyed it. It was very nice to learn some of the basics of working with greenwood and to get a completed gate at the end. The workshop space was a really nice environment despite the almost constant rain over the weekend."

Gedwood responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it Eleanor and your all dried out now!? regards Ged"

Jane reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"This was a birthday present for my daughter. We had a fabulous day. Pauline provides a lively, informative and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. We had great fun and would recommend most highly. Thank you Pauline"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Jane Thank you so much for choosing us as a gift for your beautiful daughter. I could clearly see how much she was enjoying it. We had so much fun! Thank you. X"

Katy Allen reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"The class was suitable for all ability levels / artistic abilities, Gwen encouraged all of us; everyone ended up with a beautiful piece of felted artwork. I enjoyed my class with Gwen so much I booked my mum in for her next session."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Katy! It really was so nice meeting you and your mum. I’m delighted that you both enjoyed it :) x"

Yasmin Barlow reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"This was a wonderful way to spend a day! Being able to concentrate on learning a new skill in such lovely surroundings was mindfulness at its best. David is a very patient teacher who was able to guide us skilfully to improve whilst still making encouraging comments. There was a lovely pace to the day and the delicious snacks and lunch were much appreciated. David went through the safety measures carefully but not laboriously and would gently remind us if we weren’t holding tools correctly. Even though it was wet outside, the wood burner provided a cosy but safe environment. I would recommend this course highly and hope to attend another one at some stage to improve on my skills."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Hi Yasmin, thank you very much for your review and I'm delighted you enjoyed the course. Happy carving, David"

Joy Gosney reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"This is the second time I've completed a workshop with Liz at the Secret Garden, I've another one booked in already, that's how good it is, you can learn something new every time. Liz is an exceptional teacher, giving the perfect amount of guidance to help you progress on your artistic journey, and find your authentic creative voice. The atmosphere Liz creates is friendly, inclusive and encouraging, no matter what stage you are at in your artistic explorations. I highly recommend Liz, her courses and this wonderful venue!"

Lisa reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What an incredibly lovely day spent making a hare sculpture with Jo. A joyful, creative experience. A chance to forget about the challenges of life for a few hours. Easy to follow instructions - I was pleasantly surprised that someone with no previous knowledge like me could make something so gorgeous that I'm genuinely proud of my creation! Stunning location, calm, peaceful - the addition of constant tea, chocolate snack options, bananas and of course cute dogs to cuddle was a real bonus. Thank you Jo! :)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Lisa. I'm so glad you and your sister had time to relax and enjoy some 'zen' time as well as create fabulous hares. Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Lynn Kitching reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"This was a brilliant course and I do not hesitate to recommend it. Georgina was an excellent teacher, the day was well paced and well planed to cover everything we needed. She was at hand all through the day to help with questions and our learning. She also answered our many questions with enthusiasm and encouragement. The venue was conducive and despite having to cope with Covid restrictions it did not spoil the day at all. Thank you George so much!"

dominic reviewed: Weave a willow coffin at Usk Castle Chase Burial Meadow

"An excellent course taught by a knowledgeable tutor in a friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting. The teaching style was relaxed but thorough and patient. Students of all abilities were supported to the level needed. We all made our own beautiful coffins and went away with new skills and memories of a lovely few days."

Andy & Di McConnell reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Fabulous morning spent learning and making candles. Anita is a great teacher and good fun. I highly recommend this half day course for beginners, it is relaxing, fun and at the end you take home your lovely candles. Anita has a lovely shop too which sells her candles along with other crafty items at very reasonable prices. Thank you Anita it was lovely to meet you. Andy & Di"

Richard Tarran reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Such a good day! Time flew by and you end up with something useable at the end of the day. Excellent tuition and camaraderie"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all glad you enjoyed the day with us."