Latest reviews

Jenny Skinner reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I had a fantastic time making soaps with Paula, she has a wealth of experience and knowledge. This is a perfect course if like me you are looking for a new hobby but also great if you want to sell your products, Paula is very supportive and shares her contacts as well as talking through legal responsibilities. I would highly recommend this course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Jenny, thank you for your kind words, what a lovely day we had. Good luck in your new soap making adventure! Paula"

Jane watkins reviewed: Leather Clutch Purse Workshop

"A most enjoyable course and fun. Came home with a lovely belt everything provided even homemade cake. Great idea for birthdays or Christmas presents vouchers available something a little different. I really enjoyed it."

Lesley reviewed: Level 2 Advanced FURNITURE PAINTING Skills Workshop Intermediate/Advanced (1 Day) - Lancashire

"The furniture painting workshop at Cuerden Valley yesterday was really enjoyable and very informative. Jo allowed all participants to ask questions as we were learning new techniques and was very supportive and encouraging as we worked on our individual pieces. We all came away inspired and more confident to try out new techniques. Thanks Jo!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Lesley. I’m delighted you enjoyed the day and feel inspired to try some more new techniques. Happy Painting."

Bridget reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"I loved this course! Chris was a very skilled teacher - so gently showing and telling us how to make our skeps. And telling stories about bees, laced with life wisdom. Everyone was fully engaged, in a very good atmosphere, and made great progress."

Dean Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This will be the third course I have been on and I enjoyed it as much as the others. The guidance from Adrian and Andy is second to none and if I've ever had problems with a piece of work they have been able to help rectify it. We attended during social distancing measures and I always felt everyone had plenty of room around them, so distancing wasn't an issue. Food, as always, was spot on. Debbie makes the best Veggie Chilli and there are some sweet treats provided throughout the day too. Highly recommend doing the Dragon Coat Hook course first to get into the swing of things. This definitely set me up for doing the Candle Holder and the Garden Flowers. A big thanks again to Adrian, Andy and Debbie!"

Nicky Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is the second blacksmithing day I have taken part in and it just gets better. I now have two metal flowers standing 5ft tall in my garden and can't wait to book the next day. Adrian, Andy and Debbie are a great team and their talent and encouragement ensures that everyone has a great day and achieves great things. Can't recommend the course enough and Debbie makes sure everyone is well fed and watered."

adrian bird reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A great Introduction to Spooncarving excellently delivered by David and his lovely assistant ?. The whole day was relaxed and informative we learned so much and the concentration built as our spoons took shape, I highly recommend it."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Adrian, I really appreciate your comments, as does Mike! If enjoyment is measured by the amount of shaving around your chopping block then you definitely won hands down- congratulations on managing to carve two spoons in the day and being part of such a wonderful group to tutor. I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a Saturday!"

Tina Bettison reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"A lovely day learning new ideas and techniques from Liz. Very inspired by her sketchbook to start working on my own. I haven’t had the paints out for a while and this workshop gave me the kickstart I needed to get painting again. I’ll be booking on more with Liz, for sure."

Rick Deadman reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"I had a wonderful day in the workshop with Rachel. I was challenged, I learnt so much, I was allowed to be creative and all in such a friendly and supportive place. I could not recommend this course highly enough. I am inspired to return and have ago at another project. Have a go, you won't regret it."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thanks so much Rick, you did a great job & I hope you're super pleased with your panel. Lovely feedback & thank you for the recommendation See you on the next one!! :-)"

Nadine reviewed: Learn to make Roman Blinds - Worcestershire

"I really enjoyed the workshop yesterday, it was well worth the distance travelled. You are very good at teaching and explaining how to make the blinds. I felt very confident when I left that I would be capable of making the blinds on my own at home. Which hasn't always been the case when I've done previous workshops elsewhere. I wouldn't hesitate to do another one of your workshops. I found your workshop on craft courses and was so happy I did."

Amanda reviewed: Glitzy glass jewellery

"We had a lovely afternoon learning new skills and making beautiful things. I would highly recommend courses with Stevie which are great fun and very relaxed."

Stevie Davies responded:

"It's so nice to hear you enjoyed your time with me making your own fused glass. Thank you."

Sheila Worsley reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"A truly wonderful day. Lindsey made sure from the outset that we felt comfortable and safe in our surroundings. Everything was explained and demonstrated at just the right pace so that we were soon hands on with our own project, with confidence and help when needed. I'm thrilled with my mosaics piece and have already ordered some supplies to continue my new hobby at home! Thanks Lindsey X"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"I am so pleased, Sheila, that you felt inspired to go and order more mosaic material! Thank you sincerely for the lovely review and I am so glad that you enjoyed your day in the studio. Please send me photos of any future creations as I love to see where people go with the craft. Lx"

Linda W reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Excellent course. I had a really enjoyable day in a superb location. David is an excellent teacher and clearly is very passionate about his craft. He explained and demonstrated every step in a very easy to understand way and inspired confidence in using the tools needed to carve a spoon. He also covered safety issues at the beginning of the day and how to look after and sharpen your tools. I'd definitely recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Linda, thanks so much for your feedback, it is really appreciated. Thank you for being part of a such an engaged and involved group of participants. I look forward to watching your skills in wood carving develop and grow."

Mark Gregory reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"Really enjoyable course, learning the basics of using a router. No previous knowledge needed as you are stepped through the processes, not only of a hand held router but the use of a router table as well. Mark knows his stuff and delivers the course to suit his audience. He listens to them to find out what they want to get out of the course and adapts to cover all their needs. The experience has given me the confidence to get on with my own projects. Definitely recommend this course."

Andrea reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"Great day learning new skills in a relaxed and easy manner with Louise and Simon. The combi-day is an excellent idea to be able to have a taster of playing with Wood and Clay. All done in a beautiful setting with lunch and great humour. Thank you."

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

"We're so pleased you enjoyed the 2 in 1 workshop :-). We had a very enjoyable day too! Lovely to give you both a taster in woodturning and ceramics. I'll let you guys know when your pottery pieces are ready to post out :-)."

Tara reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"Had such a great day and were really welcomed by Simon and Louise. Both are clearly very skilled and talented in their individual fields and were able to easily translate their knowledge into teaching even us...complete beginners! A fabulous, fun, learning experience and surprisingly therapeutic. Also a great idea to combine the Wood and Pottery into one day. Perfect to be able to try out the basics of both before deciding if you want to invest more in one, the other or both. Highly recommended."

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

"Tara, thank you for your lovely review! We really enjoyed having you guys here and we're so pleased you had a great day :-). You both made some super pieces!"

Robbie reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Having had Bladesmithing as a new hobby/side project on my mind for quite a while I decided to take the one day course to get a feel for what exactly's involved. Graham, David & Declan (great kid) were all really engaging and made the day fun, enjoyable and really informative. You can tell they all have a lot of knowledge about the blacksmithing world. It's definitely made me realise I want to pursue Bladesmithing beyond this one off experience. I'll be back for more. Cheers."

Clarke Knives responded:

"And we look forward to seeing you again Robbie."

Robert Fry reviewed: Creative Clay Workshop

"Great fun and really addictive! Really pleased with the mugs I made. Excellent and patient teacher too."

EJaRt Creative responded:

"Very pleased that you enjoyed your sessions! The mugs have turned out great! Hope to see you back to create more masterpieces ?"

Susan Jones reviewed: Upcycling Furniture With Paint & Fabric Decoupage Workshop experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"It was great to be learning something new. I have already repeated the process proving Sarah's laid back approach to learning works. Sarah is great. She loves any form of art and craft and it shows and loves to share and help. Looking forward to any new courses."

Jo Rendall reviewed: Copperplate for Improvers - Regular Classes

"I have been teaching myself Copperplate from a book for the last few months and was absolutely delighted to discover Julie's class. "Book learning" can only take you so far so it was brilliant to be able to see how to form the letters, both capital and lowercase, and have some homework so I can put it all into practice. Brilliant. Thank you Julie!"

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thanks very much, Jo. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the session. It was lovely to have you join the class and I do hope you're able to make swift progress building on the fundamentals you've already learnt. I definitely like your enthusiasm!"

Ian Arter reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My friend and I attended the blacksmithing course with Chris, and it we had an excellent day. Chris is a first class teacher who has a wide knowledge of blacksmithing and engineering. We are both mechanical engineers, and not the youngest people around! Chris imparts his expertise in a way which is clear and informative. He is extremely patient and took care to ensure that we understood his instructions. His demonstrations of each process that the student is about to carry out, are first class. One of the many strengths of the course is that you get hands on practice, along with many tips on how to work the metal at the correct temperature, using the best tools for each operation. We had such a great time that we are going to book a further course in the new year. We cannot recommend the course highly enough. Many thanks Chris."

Hannah Hart-George reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"David was excellent. I had never done anything like this before and he taught in a very clear manner. Whilst I felt I learnt heaps it was never overwhelming. I loved the vibe of the class, crafting around a fire with a pot of hot water constantly on the go. I would definitely recommend it."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Hannah, I really appreciate your feedback. Hill End did us proud as a venue and I loved the dappled shade from the birch trees at our site. Thank you for being so receptive to new ideas in developing your craft skills and I hope you’ve now caught the spooncarving bug and will be whittling away in future months and years!"

Wendy Lewin reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"If you want to learn from the master himself, then Jamal is your man! Charming and inspirational, we had a fantastic day getting a glimpse into the world of stained glass. We thoroughly enjoyed it and came home with a piece of work we can be proud of. Highly recommended!"

Philip Hodsdon reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Great introduction to spoon carving by David, helped by Mike. Both very knowledgeable and helpful. Ended up with spoon which actually looked like a spoon! Learnt a great deal about cuts needed and orientation of the grain etc. Also safe use of tools and sharpening. An enjoyable day in a fantastic location."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Phil it was great to meet a fellow Eynsham resident! Thank you for throwing yourself into the deep end of working green wood. I do hope I can provide continuing support as you develop your interest in spooncarving and green woodworking"

steve barron reviewed: Introduction to oil painting at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District near Windermere

"This was my first time at Cowshed Creative. It is a lovely, welcoming venue accessed down a long narrow lane through some lovely countryside. The facilities are very good and provide an excellent space for creative activity. Catherine is a great tutor, talented and able to explain and demonstrate ideas and methods. I always learn a lot from her classes that I can take home to practice and develop with my own style. I've already booked on Catherine's other sessions and am keeping a lookout for more diverse classes at Cowshed during the next year."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Steve. Great to meet you and look forward to seeing you again."