Latest reviews

Lolly Haywood reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"If you're deliberating over booking this course, do it! It was bought for me as a surprise gift and I'd never have thought of knife making as something I'd be into - I've just come back from the most incredible weekend working with Arian. Every person on the course came away with a beautiful object they could be proud of - Arian guides and teaches with patience and skill, ensuring you create something you'll feel proud of and walk away happy with - but also that YOU created - he never takes over or hurries you along. Class sizes are kept really small and Arian is attentive and ever-present meaning you always have the help you need. He makes every effort to accommodate the designs and materials that you want so that you feel like you've made something truly yours, and you learn three different crafts in one weekend: metal work, wood work, and leatherwork. Pam is lovely and makes the organisation of the course ultra efficient. Don't think we ever waited more than 5 minutes for a reply email! And Gavin, who runs the workshop and other courses there popped in a few times too and was incredibly friendly and positive. I have come away really inspired - genuinely can't recommend highly enough."

Tara reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"Really enjoyed my first dabble at Lino Printing! Alix was a great teacher - friendly, helpful and encouraging. She supplied everything we needed and was very knowledgeable. Would recommend her workshop to anyone thinking of trying this out."

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Thank you Tara, I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your workshop. I really liked your butterfly print and look forwards to seeing what you make next. Thank you for your kind words. Alix x"

Francine Meaden reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"Amazing course! My mum and I attend a weekly pottery class at a local college but wanted to explore the world of Raku firing. This course couldn't have been better! Abi and Alison are both amazing potters and have so much knowledge and experience to share. We explored a range of firing techniques using various materials to bring out beautiful colors, designs and textures. The course was held in beautiful Devon with lots of open space making it easy to distance from the other participants. We all wore masks and I felt very comfortable that everyone else was being 'COVID safe'. Highly recommend this course, I will certainly book on again soon!!"

Rachel Crookes reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A peaceful and inspiring session spent with Claire learning linocutting. Covid measures were in place and people were neatly set up in their own spaces so everyone felt safe and happy throughout. Claire is a really clear teacher, well organised, and gave advice throughout our carving and printing that made the all finished pieces really lovely, even those done by a complete beginner like me! Her handy reference guide to take home with tips and recommended suppliers has already had me sketching our ideas with new tools on the way! Many thanks Claire - a highly recommended course for personal use or as a gift"

Keith Sloan reviewed: Rake Making Workshop Using Traditional Green Woodworking Skills

"Great day and very pleased with the knowledge gained. Useful rake."

Liz G reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle, Gr Manchester

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day at The Boho Shed in Poynton (The Centre) with Jo. It was just what I was looking for. I attended a Saturday workshop in September 2020, and was so pleased it was running. We were socially distanced as it was a small class due to Covid-19 restrictions. Jo showed us each stage of the process of upholstery clearly and empathized with any difficulties we encountered. All who attended were of a like-mind, and it was a delight to be an a relaxed environment. I am hoping she will run other classes from Poynton soon as it was a convenient hub for me to travel to and there was dedicated free parking space outside the building. By the way, 'The Centre' is a large village hall with plenty of rooms, a separate kitchen and good toilet facilities. An all-round excellent experience. Well done Jo."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review Liz. That's much appreciated. I'm delighted you enjoyed the day and it was lovely to met you. I am running workshops in Poynton ongoing this year and will be organising more dates for 2021. I hope to see you again at some point for more creativity :-)."

Gill reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"I had a lovely afternoon paper cutting. Aimee was very welcoming and Covid measures were met and I felt at ease. Aimee was excellent at explaining what to do and I left feeling confident to continue paper cutting. I loved my creation! Thank you x"

Leigh Mason reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"This course was brilliant from start to finish. Abi and Alison were great facilitators and we all quickly went from strangers to a chatty, friendly group. It was certainly an action packed weekend but it didn’t feel at all rushed. We were all at different levels in our ‘pottery journey’ so it was nice to share knowledge and skills. Lunch was homemade and delicious and the setting gorgeous. Abi and Alison were extremely generous sharing all their knowledge and I learnt loads and some really good ‘hacks’. Thoroughly recommend this course whatever your skill level."

Stephen Williams reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"My second time doing this workshop. Not that I didn’t learn anything two years ago, it was just that it was so good the first time I was determined to return and introduce a friend of mine who was just beginning her pottery “adventure”. I can only say it was even better the second time around - and on top of everything we were blessed with lovely weather. Abi and Alison are not only knowledgable and experienced in their craft but are friendly and patient and always engaging. They had made strenuous efforts to keep everybody safe in these strange viral times and to put everybody at ease. The whole two days were a joy. Exciting, and inspirational. It’s given me so much more confidence now, to improve on the techniques and skills learned and to advance with a raku kiln of my own. I cannot recommend the experience too highly. No doubt I will be back for another ‘booster’ session in the not too distant future. It’s worth it for the food alone! Thanks to Abi and Alison."

Gavin Magenty reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Absolutely fantastic course from an inspired and experienced teacher. The whole experience was very well thought through, with differentiation built in depending on ability/ confidence. I felt fully supported through the whole process and came out with a fantastic looking log basket and a sense of real achievement. It has inspired me to continue my learning journey in working with willow and will no doubt return for some more training at some point."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review Gavin! Really glad you enjoyed the weekend course. You're a natural basket weaver. xx"

Clare reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"My mum-in-law and I attended the introduction to Tiffany stained glass day. We had a superb time. It's hard work (I'm not good at craft) but very rewarding. Kate was a great instructor, fun, very patient, and helped me out quite a lot. I would love to go back and try it again sometime. Sorry Kate ;-)"

Victoria reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended the Tiffany course with my husband as a birthday present. We both had an amazing and highly memorable day. We’d never done anything like this before but were absorbed from the minute the day began. We actually produced some not too shabby pieces of art which hang proudly in our house. Just the ticket to take our minds off other more challenging aspects of life at the moment. We thoroughly recommend you try it!!"

Aaron Stevens reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"A wonderful and fulfilling experience. Learned a lot about how stained glass is made into different objects and the important tools and processes used. My teacher was very helpful, hands-on, and very open-minded, she was also very experienced in her craft and gave me plenty of resources in order to pursue stained glass creations, such as suppliers and a list of tools. Overall the class was well worth the price and has made me consider doing more courses in stained glass."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Aaron, appreciate your feedback, look forward to seeing you again!"

Mel Gulliford reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended the beginners candle-making course today and am absolutely delighted with what I made! Sarah is very patient and doesn’t rush you. I’d highly recommend going on one of her courses!"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Mel, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Stay in touch and keep me posted on your candle-making journey!"

Angela Milner reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"I had a wonderful experience on the Learn to make Silver Clay Jewellery in a day for beginners. The tutor had planned the day out into the different stages of production. She had also put in place covid safe social distancing measures to enable me to feel safe. The room was set out with more than the recommended social distancing space, it was tidy, there was fresh air and ventilation, and a friendly welcome. Everything needed for the course was provided. I learnt the basic skills to go away and make pieces myself. I would really recommend this course as a excellent introduction to Silver Clay."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Angela, I am so pleased you a wonderful day. I hope to see you again in the near future :)"

Lynn Cartwright reviewed: Explore your Creativity in Enamels - an introductory morning of enamelling for 2 people

"Christine fitted in an individual session for me and tailored it exactly to what I wanted. She generously shared her knowledge and experience and had notes to take away that will enable me to revisit the enamelling process. By the end of the morning I had a finished piece to take home. Really enjoyed the session - thank you Christine!"

Wayne Scheepers reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I had spoken to Graham at their stand at the Newbury County Fair in 2019 and my girlfriend decided to surprise me by booking a course for my birthday. Graham, David and Declan (3 generations of Clarkes') were all excellent instructors and very knowledgeable in their craft. After getting the initial obligatory COVID-19 / safety talk out of the way, Graham gave a brief overview of what we would be doing during the day through each stage of the process. The course was very hands on which I enjoyed though Graham was there keeping his expert eye on things and offering guidance on improving technique to better the outcome and explained why certain things done at that stage affected the process at a later stage. Each stage was carefully explained and I left feeling greater awe at the skills of these master craftsmen. It was a most enjoyable experience and the time literally flew by. I have to recommend the guys at Vlakvark Forge and I shall definitely be back to do more."

Wayne Scheepers reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I had spoken to Graham at their stand at the Newbury County Fair in 2019 and my girlfriend decided to surprise me by booking a course for my birthday. Graham, David and Declan (3 generations of Clarkes') were all excellent instructors and very knowledgeable in their craft. After getting the initial obligatory COVID-19 / safety talk out of the way, Graham gave a brief overview of what we would be doing during the day through each stage of the process. The course was very hands on which I enjoyed though Graham was there keeping his expert eye on things and offering guidance on improving technique to better the outcome and explained why certain things done at that stage affected the process at a later stage. Each stage was carefully explained and I left feeling greater awe at the skills of these master craftsmen. It was a most enjoyable experience and the time literally flew by. I have to recommend the guys at Vlakvark Forge and I shall definitely be back to do more."

Alkesh Shah reviewed: Mindfulness clay workshop - relax and recharge with clay 'I need clay'

"Sarah is absolutely fabulous. As a complete novice to working with clay, she instantly put me and everyone else in the group of mixed ability immediately at ease and the meditation work was perfectly structured to guide you throughout to allow you to be creative. Did not know I could be so creative!  The gentle peaceful nature of the meditation meant I was able to reflect on things and learn useful skills that will stay with me! Definitely something I would recommend to anyone, whether a novice with clay or not! Thanks again Sarah!"

Sarah Core Arts responded:

"Thanks so much for your positive feedback: it was great to welcome you to the group. I am really glad to you found the meditations a helpful way in to your own creativity and that clay was less daunting as a result."

Marie Wilcock-Russell reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"This is a really enjoyable and informative workshop. Really pleased we made the trip to The Candle Alchemist. Thank you!"

Julie from Halesowen reviewed: Hand embroidery for beginners

"Thank you for such a wonderful day. I've learned so much, especially "French Knots!". Lovely company, conversation and the most amazing classroom too- so inspiring. Very much looking forward to more classes. You make such a difference. Warmest wishes, Julie"

Lorna from Tewkesbury reviewed: Hand embroidery for beginners

"An engaging supportive class held in a delightful setting. I haven't embroidered in over 30 years, and was so pleased to leave the day with work, well underway and the knowledge and confidence to complete. The class was held in Covid times and all the PPE etc was so reassuring. Highly recommend. Thank you."

Rachel from Ross on Wye reviewed: Hand embroidery for beginners

"A lovely slow day, very relaxing and I learned loads, especially how to tie a knot at the end of my thread!"

Paul Stephens reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Got to say this was one of the most enjoyable days I have had, I saw the course online and dropped hints to my wife who got me the course as a present. Ted proved to be not only a great teacher but wonderful company and easy to get on with chatting about our mutual love of music and he doesn't make a bad cuppa either. I learnt so much during the day and ended up with a Strumstick from wood I could not believe would turn into a stringed instrument, not only was I impressed so was my wife and friends who have seen it. Ted is also a very talented musician so at least I got to hear how the Strumstick could sound before I got my hands on it. Due to the amount of fun I had more hints were dropped to my wife and I have since been down to Ted's for a day on the Bandsaw course."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Cheers Paul your hand skills are excellent my friend and I'm sure you could build a full size guitar with a little help. I'm hoping to start a Jewelry box course in January let me know if you want to come because you're welcome any time. Happy struming in 2020 thanks again Ted"

Ruth reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I had a such a lovely day learning how to make all sorts of different candles. Rob is a great guy who certainly knows so much and is really skilled. He is very generous with his knowledge, as well as many tips to successfully make candles, and save money too. Highly recommend his course: I have the skills now to make a variety of my own candles."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Ruth - it was great to have you on the course today - so glad you enjoyed it and learnt a lot. Best of luck as you get started at home. Rob"