Latest reviews

Jeff reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I attended the course looking for two outcomes: improve my limited woodworking skills and have a box to take home. Both were achieved. The box designs allowed a lot of creativity and personalisation and this along with the knowledgeable support of the tutor made for a great course. I picked up a lot of useful tips in a very relaxed environment. I would really recommend this course; enjoyable and full of help and support."

Craig Robinson reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Great experience!! The lads made us feel welcome and explained everything expertly! We came out with a couple of pieces made by us with excellent support. Lunch was delicious!!!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Craig I am pleased you enjoyed the day , and the lunch! I will pass the message on to the Lads , I know they enjoy being told about the comments. To see photos of the day you will need to visit our website best wishes John"

Laura McBride reviewed: Pottery & Ceramics Ad hoc sessions, Learn when you want

"Mum and I had a lovely experience with Geraldine. The premises were ideal for mum as she has mobility issues. Geraldine helped us through the whole process of our clay sculpture and made it fun and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend."

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, it was lovely to meet you and I am so pleased you enjoyed the experience, I will be in touch when the sculptures have been through the firing. Kind regards Geri"

Terry Dew reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This wood turning course was bought by my family as a birthday present in February. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions my initial date was put back until Sept. Simon and Louise were exceptionally helpful in arranging everything. The course was excellent, Simon's teaching was very thorough and his patience was second to none! It was great to take home my projects, a honey dipper and bowl, which were admired by family and friends. My daughter was welcomed for lunch which we were able to enjoy in their lovely garden. Both Simon and Louise are lovely friendly people and it was a joy to be in their company. We hope to see them in the future at the local craft fair. I thoroughly recommend this course for anyone. Just a shame I didn't get to do Louise's pottery course. Perhaps another birthday present!"

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

"Terry, So glad you had a great day -- you were a pleasure to teach and chat with. You're welcome back any time and we look forward to your company again."

Catherine reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"This was my first felting course and the day was absolutely brilliant. Melanie was a fantastic teacher and created a warm and friendly atmosphere for everyone, including supplying us with tea, coffee and treats throughout the day. Everyone in the group produced an amazing piece of art using the skills Melanie introduced, and taking advantage of the huge range of good quality materials and equipment available in the workshop. Don't worry if you don't think you're particularly artistic - you are guaranteed to produce something you are proud of on this lovely relaxing course. I'm definitely inspired to continue felting!"

Ali Pawlowycz reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"Holidaying in Wales, we looked for a candle making course to do on a rainy day. Sharon at Belisama Candles was really accommodating and presented an interesting, informative course in a very personable way. Great knowledge of the subject and fab instruction. We had a great fun time and we’re overjoyed with our fantastic candles to take home. Would highly recommend."

Belisama Candles responded:

"what a lovely review Ali, you all did a fab job and was more than happy to accomondate you to finish off your holiday, and take home a piece of Wales with some candles you made here! Enjoy them ?"

Lynda Rollason reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"I really enjoyed my ‘Weave a scarf in a day’ course with Anne. I hadn’t done any weaving before and she patiently explained and helped with every step of the process - I’m very pleased with my scarf and was inspired to order a loom so I can make more. I will have a wonderful new hobby! Thanks Anne."

Carolyn reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I've recently completed my second 5 day Professional French Polishing & Contemporary Woodcare Workshop with Ollie at OP Woodcraft. Ollie has been absolutely fantastic in passing on his knowledge, showing me his skills and teaching me about different techniques and wood finishes. I was impressed with how much I achieved during my ten days with Ollie, I really didn't expect to get so much done!. Altogether I worked on eight pieces that were refinished in various ways such as French polishing, waxing and oiling, and I've also learnt various techniques such as stripping, hole filling, grain filling, staining, sealing, cutting back, mopping, touching in and rubbering. Ollie's been incredibly patient with all of my questions, he's given me valuable advice about setting up my own wood care business and also about the different products and tools required for the trade. I can't thank him enough! Without a doubt I can highly recommend doing a course with OP Woodcraft. Thank you Ollie!"

Hazel reviewed: Needle felt hares

"This was a brilliant workshop. Considering the challenges with social distancing etc, Cath has provided a space in which crafters can feel safe and relaxed. All precautions are taken. Maxine is a wonderful tutor who gave very clear visual and verbal instruction and was readily open to questions during the course of the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this workshop and venue."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Hazel It was a pleasure to have you on the course Best wishes Cath"

Jenny reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"First, I have to say it was easy to book the course through the website and Paula, the tutor, was very quick at responding to any communications. During these challenging times, Paula assured us that the venue for the course would be COVID safe. Paula was welcoming and friendly. She was very keen to impart her years of knowledge to the group. The course was great for a beginner like myself as well as seasoned candle makers. I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t as simple as just putting some hot wax in a container with some scent and a wick and letting it set. Paula explained how each ingredient worked in order to produce the “perfect” candle. We learnt that “Testing” is the key. The whole group enjoyed a sandwich lunch as we waited for our candles to set. At the end of the afternoon I came home with two scented candles which I am very proud of and lots of information to start me on my candle making journey. I would recommend this course as Paula’s passion for candle making shines throughout. Jenny"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Jenny for your feedback, I am so pleased that even at these challenging times we can still enjoy the courses and share the love for candle making. Paula"

Jennifer Terry reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Unicorn

"The kit arrived promptly and was very well packaged and presented. It's going to my grand-daughter for her birthday so I'm waiting to see what she makes of it.I have high hopes!"

Montet Designs responded:

"I hope your granddaughter has a lovely time creating her very own unicorn! Many thanks for your purchase."

Luisa Newton reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"Spent a lovely morning creating two beautiful stacking rings and absolutely loved it. It was a lovely and relaxed environment and Sarah was an excellent teacher explaining each step in detail with easy to follow instructions, helping when necessary but very much allowing me to make my own rings. Would highly recommend the course and will be looking to do further courses with Sarah in the future. Now I just keep looking at these beautiful rings I created and want to do more!"

Catherine Cape reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"I want to share with anyone who was ever told they had no ability with art. Have you ever seen anyone sketching or painting and thought 'that looks relaxing but I couldn't do that'? I can tell you that you are a) right and b) wrong. I've just finished a 10 week zoom class with Raya Brown. Its been really lovely and you'll see some of the things I've done, I've never really drawn before. I was nervous and had no idea where to start, but she is a great teacher and breaks down each part, each week you look at a different element and style and spend a few hours with a lovely group of people, and watch and follow along as she demonstrates. I first started to be interested about 2 years ago when I was at Gil's and saw the watercolour group - and couldn't make the time - now with lockdown its been possible to do via zoom. Raya does all sorts of classes, I chose portraits and am signed up for the next level one starting in a couple of months. Please share to anyone who you think would be interested - with the Zoom option you don't even need to live nearby ! I am looking forward to the next Intermediate level Portrait course via zoom with Raya starting in October."

David Crole reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"We thoroughly enjoyed our half day glass blowing for 2 with Chew Valley glass. Steve and Chris were very friendly and accommodating, and did a great job in guiding us through the steps of glass blowing. We were given a choice over what item we made and a lot of freedom in the making process, all under the close guidance of Steve and Chris. It was a fantastic experience and we came away with a selection of very impressive items. Highly recommended."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you David for your kind review, it was a pleasure to meet you both and we are so glad you enjoyed your time with us."

Jules & Tess reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"A first for the both of us and and a very enjoyable 3 hours spent with Adela and her talent and enthusiasm. Highly recommended - even with the Covid face visors on, making us all look like space men !! And as Adela promised us, the finished articles, now we have grouted them, look amazing :-) Thanks again Adela, we will be back........."

Mandy Graham reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere and Kendal

"Fantastic day, couldn’t have been better. Food was delicious x"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Lovely to meet you and Emily. Thanks for such positive comments and hope to see you again."

Jeremy Arden reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent a day with Mark. Should have made it 2 days. Will be returning! I learned sufficiently to give me the confidence to get working on wood from my garden and to achieve acceptably good results. Mark made it look easy and engendered the belief that it would be easy for me too. Mark provided a good balance of skill, safety and enthusiasm. Highly recommended."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Jeremy. Hope you are making good use of that bowl gouge."

Joyce Usher reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Once again a great day with Kerry and as before made me feel very welcome in her home. Kerry is a very good teacher and is very knowledgeable about the world of candles. I took her a couple of candles that I had made and she gave me great advice on a couple of problems I was having. I value her ongoing support as I move forward to hopefully starting up my own candle making business. Thanks Kerry."

Andrew Braund reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I've now been a spoon carver for just over 2 years. It all started when I went on one of David's courses. I had no idea what would be involved. I started with log of field maple and by the end of the day I walked away with a very presentable spoon. David is for starters a really nice, approachable guy. He's a great teacher, makes sure that you know what you're doing, and supports you throughout the day. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed and there is a great sense of achievement in turning a log into a spoon! David runs our local group which meets monthly in a local wood where we all sit around a log fire, carving spoons, chatting, drinking tea and sharing experiences. So in 2 years I've become part of the spoon carving community! I'm sure you'll enjoy the course!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Andy, I really appreciate this review and your kind words. You remind me that learning to carve a wooden spoon isn’t just about learning a new craft skill but is a route through to a wider green woodworking community which is so friendly, welcoming and happy to share skills, experience and supplies of green wood!"

Louise reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"A fantastic course for those new to using Epoxy Resin. Richard is knowledgeable, calm and patient, giving everyone in the class his time and support to be confident to create their own piece to a high quality. I now feel confident to experiment with my own creations and not make any expensive mistakes!"

The River Shop responded:

"Great having you Louise! Hope to see you on the next one. Good luck in the meantime!"

Paul Griffiths reviewed: 'Thinking of Beekeeping'

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and learnt a great deal about beekeeping. It was very suitable for an absolute novice like myself. There were plenty of opportunities to get hands on experience in handling the bees. The tutor was very well informed, provided good support and in current times enabled suitable social distancing measures. I would highly recommend this course to anybody considering taking up beekeeping."

Matt Underwood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently had a 1-1 tuition day with Mark through a bursary. Having not had tuition for a few years it was good to recap some basics! Mark was very accomodating and flexible to my needs experimenting with thinly turned green flowers. It is clear how knowledgable Mark is and I went home with lots of notes of tips and tools to try. Mark is also very happy to offer help and support beyond the day - it's a very relaxed environment and I'm sure I'll be back for another day!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Matt for your comments. It'll be interesting to see how the flowers have developed."

Rebecca hill reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Having only ever dabbled and unsuccessfully tried to upcycle befofe this was a great course to do. Hannah was patient with all my questions and was so knowledgable and approachable. The studio is a really comfortable place to be and has some interesting things to oggle at! I learned so much on the course and had a really fun time completing my piece (telephone table). She had a great range of colours and tools to use on the day which was great as i had no idea what i was going to do with my table. Hannah helped me decide what would be best and easiest to achieve on the day and sent me home with a shopping list to complete. I would love to take the course again and would highly recommend it."

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks Rebecca! What a lovely review :) it was an absolute pleasure having you on my course. I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Your telephone table is going to look amazing, I think you have a good eye for colour and I can't wait to see it with its fluffy cushion and new vinyl! X"

Tristan Mobbs reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Wall Clock

"A very enjoyable experience guided by an excellent tutor in Steve. The course was well paced with plenty of time to develop woodworking skills, with a mix of hand tools and machinery, alongside being able to ask Steve a wide range of questions that he was more than happy to answer. I now have a lovely clock on top of my mantelpiece and new skills to go with it."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Tristan, thanks very much for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and found it informative. Steve"

Sandy Frost reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"We keep coming back to Lucy's courses, it's becoming an annual treat and development of our stone carving skills. This year we were under social distancing restrictions and lucky enough to be able to be working and eating outside in Lucy's gorgeous garden, under a gazebo at times when rain threatened, but it worked brilliantly well using masks when we needed to get our heads together a bit! We were still able to enjoy the social times of eating together outside, which makes the weekends so special. Lucy's passion and enthusiasm as an artist shines through and I find her and her work truly inspirational. She can combine this with really engaging with wherever her students are, however experienced and working alongside them. Thank you again for a great weekend. We will be back next year of course!"

Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops responded:

"Carving & lunches can take place INDOORS as well! I'm limiting student numbers to just 2 per class (or 3 if from the same social bubble) so there's more than enough space in my workshop and around my dining table for comfortable social distancing (and there's PPE on hand so inside group spaces are safely covered). Lucky students - this means more personal tuition than ever! It's always a pleasure to spend time with you, whatever the circumstances Sandy xxx More anon! :>)"