Latest reviews

Linda Patterson reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Wow! What an amazing day I had yesterday with Kerry. I had absolutely no idea what to expect and after the warmest of welcomes and invited into her home like a family member, I just adored every minute of the course. It was so informative yet informal and fun at the same time. It’s given me the best starting point and I am so excited to see what the future holds. Thanks again Kerry."

Jo Milsom reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"30th October 2019 I attended the one day blacksmithing course with my cousin armed with drawings of our dream projects. Mort deciphered our efforts and brought us down to earth with what we as complete beginners could realistically achieve in 8 hours, drew it all out on his massive metal table and we were off. The forge is a fascinating space! An incredible array of hammers and tongs amassed around the heart of the fire with the ssshhhhhh quenching pool at the end. We learned how to detect the readiness of the heated metal for fashioning by its colour and the spitty sparks coming off the fire. Then the “bashing bit” using the huge anvils, bending cones and mould templates plus the thunderous electric punch. Mort’s teaching style is thorough but very enjoyable. When time was getting short he speeded up the manufacture of our objects and the finished articles surpassed both of our expectations. Mort would not compromise with a less than perfect finish. It was a great day."

Laura reviewed: Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery (vitreous glass kiln enamelling)

"I wasn't sure what to expect, I love making jewellery and wanted to learn a new technique. This was a fabulous course, Eleanor has a wonderful way of teaching many different techniques, so you can explore your own ideas. Only time limited how many pieces you can make. I'm absolutely delighted with what I have made, and planning to book the advanced course."

Eleanor Designs responded:

"Hi Laura, I am so pleased you enjoyed the day! I'm just as excited to see what you all make with the techniques we cover! Well done! Look forward to seeing you again at a future course at Rainbow Glass Studios! Eleanor"

Louise Paine reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for all abilities with Jude Karnon

"What an amazing day thank you Jude so very much .. the day far exceeded my expectations !! I loved sharing the day with my aunt. We learnt so much and came away with jewellery we actually liked. I made a ring and bangles and have worn them every day since. Jude inspired me so much that I'm now attending a jewellery making course. Thank you Jude for making our day so special and designing the day around us and what we wanted to achieve .. which we did and loved it !!"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hi Louise, Thank you for your lovely comments. It was so lovely to work with you both and that your Aunt was awarded the student from the furthest away! I am glad you are still wearing your pieces and you have decided to carry on your jewellery making journey. Take care xx"

Sarah Morten reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Booked a day with Richard for my husbands Birthday. Wasn’t really sure what to expect. Richard made us feel very welcome and was very helpful (with me) as this was my first time making coil pots. We had a lovely lunch which Richard had made for us from his own home grown veg and some yummy bread. After lunch we moved on to the potters wheel. My husband really enjoyed this part as he knew what to do .... me on the other hand needed more help (which Richard provided). We both had a really enjoyable day with some laughs ‘thrown’ in along the way. Thank you Richard"

Omar reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"Leather Craft Workshop Days was a fantastic 2 day immersion with a lot of close and personal attention on every basic skill you need to pick up leather craft (or even just figure out if you like it). Richard is an excellent tutor and host, makes you feel incredibly welcomed and encourages all kinds of creativity and curiosity. With just two people per class, you also get a lot of personal attention and opportunities to ask questions - which you wouldn't get the chance to at most workshops in London. I came away with great new skills for a hobby, tips on how to turn it into a business and loads of guidance for future ideas and projects - not to mention a handmade laptop case, key fob and belt. Worth every penny and frustrating broken thread along the way."

Julie reviewed: Soap making course (beginner) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"I was extremely lucky to have a 1 to 1 with Simon. I had a fantastic day & I am looking forward to seeing my soaps ?"

Mohammed Alam reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"What a great day! As a fine furniture student, it was wonderful to spend the whole day producing a rustic stool. Ian, a fabulous teacher, goes through the whole process using only traditional tools and techniques. It is a great introduction to green woodworking. I have definitely got the bug. I can't wait to try making a shaving horse on the next course."

Ruth Chase reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I really enjoyed the hand, foot and face workshop. Due to my disability I was given some extra help which was much appreciated. The face cream is great and a little seems to be going a long way."

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

"We (my 16 year-old son) and I both thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the day. We got stuck in straight away and were very proud of the results. Jake was a clear and enthusiastic tutor and knew just when to step in to help, and when to step back and let us flail a little :-) We also enjoyed getting to explore a range of tools/techniques throughout the session. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a taste of metalworking!"

Cody Akhurst reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Had an amazing day! Richard is a great teacher! I learnt so much whilst having a fun time. I shall definitely be back to learn more techniques soon!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Thank you for the review Cody it was a pleasure to teach you. Delighted you enjoyed your time with Potterydayz. Look forward to seeing you soon"

Yvonne Akhurst reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"What an absolutely fabulous day! My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our potting course with Richard, he was patient, funny and a cracking teacher. We would highly recommend this course and we will be back again for more in May!"

Potterydayz responded:

"That's great Yvonne and delighted you enjoyed the day. I look forward to seeing you in May."

Janetta Morton reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"I just finished this excellent course and am very pleased with my gorgeous hat! Silvia is a great attentive, helpful and fun teacher who takes you through the process of making step by step, from design through stitching and final touches. The outcome is your own unique hat exactly how you want it. I highly recommend the course. Had such a great time, learnt a lot and came away with a fab hat! Don't hesitate to book!"

Linda Camm reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"This day’s workshop was excellent on every level, so well organised with all you needed laid out ready and waiting. Sunita’s method and style of teaching was crystal clear, gentle and encouraging, giving time for ample individual attention. For a beginner such as myself it was a most relaxing and inspiring workshop and the bonus of taking away pen, ink and a copy of Sunita’s Modern Calligraphy Workbook has been motivating for experimenting at home."

Cliff reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day carving an acorn bowl under Nigel's guidance. It was a perfect introduction to woodcarving for a complete novice, giving me enough knowledge and confidence to start carving at home – but more experienced woodcarvers would also gain a lot from the course. Despite working hard for 4 or 5 hours, the day felt very relaxed, all helped by lots of tea, a nice lunch, a great setting, and just the right amount of support, encouragement and direction from Nigel."

Ian Kay reviewed: Intensive beginners silver jewellery weekend

"An excellent course. It is very intense but relaxed at the same time, you will learn a lot. Lucy is an excellent teacher and will guide you through all the stages needed to create your pieces, you will be busy for 2 days but will be given a lot of information and guidance. It has given me the confidence to further develop my own jewellery range....time to create some special pieces!"

Joe Basketts reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Basics - two days

"This was an excellent course. Steve managed a perfect blend of theory and practice, and made us feel that no question was stupid, answering everything clearly and patiently. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have already booked onto the workbench course. If you’re even considering this, just do it. You won’t regret it."

Liz reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"I absolutely loved my 2 days at Karen’s workshop! I learned so much and am delighted with the progress I made on my chair. Karen is warm and welcoming and very supportive. She shares her expertise and skills step by step, helping each person to work on their own chair to their own liking. I really liked it that I learned about processes not needed for my chair, from watching what the other people were doing. An added bonus is the delicious and convivial lunch we shared. I can’t recommend this course highly enough and I will definitely return. Thank you Karen!"

Rosemarie Cantrill reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"Had a great day weaving an alpaca scarf, I would really recommend this workshop. Caroline is super patient and a lovely host. I have never weaved before but proudly went home with a beautiful houndstooth scarf. A lovely lunch is included and refreshments throughout the day. The setting is beautiful and meeting the gorgeous alpacas was a real treat. Thank you Caroline :)"

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you , enjoyed working with you and seeing what lovely scarves you made."

Alistair Beaumont reviewed: Beginners’ Dry Stone Walling Course

"Had an enjoyable time learning how to build a dry stone wall even if the weather wasn't great. The team were very helpful and on point directing us building the wall."

Sarah Lee reviewed: Private weaving tuition in Hampshire

"My 14 year old daughter and her friend did the course with Ellie and came back absolutely brimming with ideas and inspiration. They produced two beautiful pieces of weaving from a wide choice of yarns, and said that the time had flown by. They both felt that Ellie was very inspiring, encouraging and supportive throughout the day - a really successful and rewarding experience."

Elka responded:

"Hi Sarah, thank you so much for the review. It was a great fun having the girls in my studio for the day and i'm so happy they enjoyed the weaving! Best wishes, Ellie"

Connor Craik reviewed: Beginners’ Dry Stone Walling Course

"I really enjoyed this course. All the instructors were very friendly and very knowledgeable and clearly explained the reasoning for the various stages of dismantling and building dry stone walls. Even in the face of some wet and windy weather, everyone was really positive and they also made sure we had plenty of hot drinks to keep us warm. We also were given a guide pack at the end of the course with further information to refer to for building dry stone walls. It’s definitely worth doing as it is a lot of fun and you learn an awful lot about techniques, traditions and stone types."

Susan Hester reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops- one day

"I have attended several of these 1 day sessions as I find it an excellent opportunity to create a piece in one go. The days always have a warm informal approach with the tutor on hand to give her excellent guidance as needed during the day. A great day for beginners or experienced artists alike. Would highly recommend this workshop to anyone :)"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Thank you Susan. It is always a pleasure when you attend one of my courses. Connie"

joan reviewed: Christmas decorations, dotting and decoupage workshop

"I really enjoyed the workshop I attended, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do some crafting"

The Whimsical Cottage Crafter responded:

"Hi Joan, thank you so much for your lovely review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and hope to see you again for more crafting ?"

Matthew Turner reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"After attending the full day watercolour class I can highly recommend it to anyone, suitable for a beginner or someone with a bit more experience. Laura is available to help at any opportunity and gives some great tips to get you started. The studio is full of light and inspiration, and makes for a very relaxed and productive day. I look forward to visiting again for more classes very soon."