Latest reviews

Millie reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I had such a wonderful morning with Ben and Nicola, learning about and making beautiful soaps. They started with an introductory slide show explaining the 'science' of the process and quickly started to look at oils and recipes for our personalised creations. Instructions were clear, and support helpful and informative. The whole experience was more simple than I had anticipated and was such great fun. I would thoroughly recommend this course and I will certainly be back with family and friends."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Millie, thanks so much for a lovely review! Hope to see you soon on another course :) Nic"

Simon Morford reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Superb weekend spent making a great knife. Really pleased I went for the two day option and ended up with a completed knife and hand made sheath. Graham, David and Declan were the fun side of professional throughout and clearly knew what what they were talking about. Already saving up for the axe course."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a great Weekend Experience and we all look forward to seeing you again"

Clive Fairchild reviewed: Stone carving - Carve a garden planter or bird bath in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"Really enjoyed the weekend. I think we all felt very well looked after, both in terms of sociability and teaching. Zoe was very good at imparting her knowledge to us all. She's an excellent instructor. Fully support everything that's been said by others above. Highly recommended."

Lee Christie reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I recently attended Mark's 2 day complete basics course. Mark is a talented wood turner who is clearly passionate about passing on his vast knowledge, and equally passionate about quashing inaccurate information and myths readily available on the net. The course is well structured and crams everything a beginner like me needs to be confident in going it alone once finishing the course. Even after the course Mark is on hand to answer questions whatever they may be about. I would highly recommend this course to anybody looking to get into woodturning."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Lee. Hope you are enjoying your new lathe. Mark"

Rachael reviewed: Online soap making video workshop - cold & hot process methods included

"I was a total beginner to soapmaking but by following Keri's videos and using the course e-book I made a batch of soap that I am totally delighted with."

The Soap Coach Limited responded:

"Thank you so much Rachael. Great to hear that you have made a fab batch of soap ?"

Ryjhorn Weekes reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Such a fun experience, the candles that we produced were absolutely beautiful to look at and smelled absolutely fab! Thank you to Pauline and Olga for giving us all the tips and tricks of the trade."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Ryjhorn. Thank you. It was really nice to see your smiling face and pride at what you had achieved. You were beaming! Well done. xx"

Natasha Gordon reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"The introductory course experience with Bonita Candles was incredibly informative and interactive, I would highly recommend and I look forward to having more sessions with Pauline and Olga to learn to manufacture on scale for my business - Thank you Both!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Natasha. Thank you for your fab feedback. You and your lovely colleagues were absolutely fantastic. We had so much fun! I'm looking forward to seeing your work in the future. xx"

Jack reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A fantastic course A brilliant insight into the methods, tools and concepts of working with green wood. I've come away from the weekend with a new creative direction, a lovely table and a new list of tools to buy! Thanks Peter and Toby!"

Carole Thompson reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"Im writing this review with heartfelt thanks to Michael, Partner & Jayne, tutor. After a taster session in Dec 2019, I started in Jan 2020 at Usher. This is such a peaceful environment, with laughter, fun and the concentrated silence of effort put in by all trainee artists. It covers all mediums & even though there are some I've had difficulty with, Jayne has shown me that I can overcome my fears and produce work I can be proud of! During covid & my subsequent 12 week isolation, Michael delivered much need supplies to my home on a weekly basis. Not to mention the emailed weekly projects and zoom classes, which I can say in all honesty kept me sane! Jayne has the ability to make each person feel talented making sure there are no negative experiences. If anything, both Michael & Jayne promote the student. If you want a truly enjoyable experience with like minded people, sign up now!"

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks Carole"

Carole Chester reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"As a mature person, you give yourself a hard time learning a new skill. Art was that new skill, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning to use different mediums, colour, tone “artsy” techniques. The class, held in beautiful Ushaw College, is a most welcoming and inspirational experience. Jayne our teacher makes it very accessible, with her gentle and encouraging teaching style. Guiding us through each new technique, and enabling us to produce some really beautiful work. The class organisation is fantastic, down to Michael and his art supplies. The class groups are well set out with all equipment supplied. My fellow learners can relax, make friends, get the help and support they need; enjoy a laugh and produce some amazing art to boot. COVID 19 did not spoil our journey as Michael and Jayne took to Zoom, providing weekly virtual classes and projects to keep us busy. A huge thank you for the great effort from you both, I’m sure you helped many of us survive this very strange time, keeping our mental health well, with the inspiring and healing art."

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Carole"

Sue Smith reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thank you Elaine, I had a thoroughly enjoyable, informative and hands on weekend. I even managed to bring home a skein of spun wool. I really wish I lived a bit closer and could take some other courses. I will be heading home to make a start on the fleece I have in my garage and need to sort out my spinning wheel and then I can use all my new knowledge. Thank you so much."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Sue . I'm so glad you enjoyed your course. It was fun to work with you."

Juliet Pankhurst reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Andy was so knowledgeable, great environment and really enjoyed the course. Also had lovely lunch ?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Great to hear that you enjoyed this course, and many thanks for writing a review. :-)"

John Nicholson reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"During my university career in Science Education, I ran courses for adult learners and saw many others in action. Quite simply, this is the best organised and most productive of the many I have run, seen, and enjoyed (or otherwise!). Jayne and Michael are a great double act, bringing together their different skills to make sure that every member of their class can make 2D art of good quality, some of it outstanding. Jayne is an accomplished artist and teacher who understands the essentials of drawing and painting in a range of media and puts them across with energy and enthusiasm. Michael manages the day-to-day running of the course, makes sure we have the materials on hand - all set out for us when we were at Ushaw College so that we spent our time on art. They were superb online during lockdown. At times It was just like the old days."

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks John"

Terry reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Lovely setting , and a pleasant laidback method of teaching.Overall a very enjoyable experience. Terry"

Amanda Morgan reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"A fantastic day of learning and fun with a wonderful teacher. Never thought I could do this but Jolene makes it so easy with her step by step directions. She made us all feel at ease during these uncertain times of Covid."

Jolene Smith responded:

"Thank you x"

Sue reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"Fantastic day in a beautiful historic building quilting with Amanda. She is a patient, careful and inspiring teacher. All Covid precautions were respected and a safe environment for learning was created. I’m very pleased with my finished quilt and ready to start on my next project. Thank you so much"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review, Sue. It was good to meet you and your finished quilt was lovely. Well done. Lots of quilt-making ahead! Amanda"

Gill Naylor reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"A most wonderful two days sculpting clay animals. I've never left so revived and revitalised. I can't wait to try this at home. Thank you so much."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks for the feedback Gillian! I think we all needed that course after a pretty hellish year x"

Dan Gibbons reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"Booked onto the 'Bush knife in a day' course after finding Hedge Ironworks online. Any nerves were completely laid to rest upon meeting Jake, personable, friendly and a consummate professional. Jake welcomed me into his workshop and talked through all the equipment with dazzling detail, all health and safety aspects adhered to the day began superbly. Throughout the day Jake delivered outstanding instruction allowing me to produce my very own forged Bush knife. I would absolutely encourage people to book on this course, you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be back."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Dan! The pleasure was all mine. Very much looking forward to having you back at the forge!"

Adelaide Morgan reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Came with my family as a bubble and had a wonderful time, felt incredibly safe and welcomed. Great activity to do while in these uncertain times, will be returning soon !!!"

Sue Grist reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Attended the 2 day sculpture course along with my two sisters. Had an absolutely wonderful two days. Never knew I had it in me, being artistic that is! Well I think so anyway. My cat has pride of place in my hallway. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute, Jo is so patient and really encourages you to express yourself via your creative work. Worth every penny and was great bonding for me and my sisters. Next time I am going to try abstract art. Go on, give it a go, you wont regret it."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Sue! You made a fabulous cat complete with whiskers ;-) and I'm so pleased he has a new home in your hallway. It would be great to see you on an Abstract Art workshop! Jo x"

Susan Bickford reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I left a review 8 months ago and can only reiterate my positive comments and add to them. I have loved this course from the very start and was so disappointed when it had to stop due to the Corona virus lock down but Jayne and Michael didn't let us down - they provided weekly projects via e-mail and videos, set up a class WhatsApp group which has kept us in contact with our classmates and Zoom classes. Although it wasn't the same as attending classes in person it was the next best thing and has kept me entertained during these long weeks and I can't wait to start again at Ushaw College in September when I know Michael and Jayne have worked wonders to accommodate us and get us back into class. Thank you again both of you! Susan Bickford"

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks Susan. Looking forward to your return in September."

Denise Barlow reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Really enjoyed the modelling tutoring given by James and Alison and a chance to create my own pieces over the 2 day course. Such a lot to get done in the two days and felt a little rushed to complete two pieces in the time allotted . Looking forward to glazing the figures to bring them to life if they make it through the first kiln firing. Thank you to James and Alison for their help and guidance on the course."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Thanks Denise, we got there in the end and you did great, especially given the covid situation we had to cope with! See you both soon for glazing! x"

Roger H reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Having no experience of working with wood, let alone carving using sharp tools and knives I was rather hesitant about this course; but the thought of creating, through my own efforts, a useful and beautiful wooden object spurred me on to apply for a place on David's spoon-carving course in 2018. How wrong I was to be so uncertain, from the word GO It was a most enjoyable day. There were about eight in the group and we met outdoors in very pleasant surroundings, we were all new to spoon-carving and very impressed with the examples that David had laid out before us. David himself is an inspirational teacher, it was clear from the start that not only is he a superb craftsman, but that he is also driven to share his knowledge and talents with others. The first part of the day, much to my pleasure, dealt with safety, then armed with the knowledge of how to keep ourselves and others safe we were taken step by step through the process of carving a spoon. I tasted an experience that day that has lasted and will last me a lifetime and that experience, quite simply, is the pleasure of working with wood by hand. The feel, the texture, the smell of freshly cut wood and the work involved to produce something so personal and individual and functional as a spoon was and still is quite wonderful. Since that course I have joined the Oxfordshire Bodgers which is organised by David and continued to develop my skills and interest in green woodworking. All in all, I can thoroughly recommend this course it is useful, practical and above all creative as well as being me back to nature. David, as I have said, is an inspirational teacher and mentor. Through his passion, knowledge and enthusiasm I have learned new skills and developed a new and enjoyable interest."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"I’m blushing! Thanks so much for the review Roger and it is wonderful to see how you’ve developed yourself as a woodcarver, exploring the properties of different wood species and incorporating that into your designs."

Steff reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"As a complete novice to woodworking, I had no idea how I would do on this course. However, Peter and his apprentice Toby were brilliant in instructing the group and we all came away with really amazing pieces of furniture. I thought I'd really messed up at one point but Peter fixed the problem so you can barely tell anything went wrong, which I was so relieved about! I would fully recommend this course to everyone, brilliant few days working with my hands in the Devonshire sun :)"

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Steph, thoroughly enjoyed working with you. Enjoy tour new table. Peter"

Lorraine Doll reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"Had such an informative day and found it so helpful in approaching my current furniture projects. I brought a small cabinet with me to the course which needs repair and Bill helped me to assess the structure and create a treatment plan for it which I have started on my return home. I really had very little knowledge and Bill was able to advise me on the basic tools and materials I needed to buy to get started. Without Bill's input I would have made stripping all my furniture as the starting point (YouTube advice) and now I realise after the course it's actually the final resort and not what my furniture needed. Once I finish my current projects I will return to pick up more restoring skills. My course was taken August 2020 during Covid 19 restrictions and I felt appropriate measures were taken so a very safe environment was provided. Thank you Bill for a very enjoyable day."