Latest reviews

Joe Kent reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Had a great time creating my knife. Really good tutor. Recommended."

Gordon Stowe reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Really good course and attentive tutor. Recommended."

Blake Stevens reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Really fun and wow a knife from a piece of metal. Enjoyed my time, many thanks."

John Haven reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Great two days - nice to see the knife taking shape. Really good tutor."

Steve Blyton reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I never had the chance to do any form of metalwork at school or in the many years since. Meeting Jake at his occasional market stall pushed me into 'having a bash'. Absolutely no regrets. This is simple personal tuition in a simple workshop: No glitzy surroundings or presentations. Just a solid 'hands on' day. Jake's teaching style is patient and understanding, with the aim of producing some hardware at the end. A proper introduction to the craft, giving a great understanding of what is needed to create metalwork."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you Steve for the kind words, was a pleasure teaching you! Kind regards, Jake."

David Hinshelwood reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"Lucky is amazing and her course is awesome! My daughter has been going for 3 years and always feels nurtured and allowed the freedom to express. My daughter loves it and is always keen to go."

Claire Summerhayes reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I attended a half day with John in June and had a fantastic time. John is a great teacher really explains things well and had some great ideas. I was so pleased with my piece of stone I did it has pride of place in my garden!! If I can do it anyone can. Great fun and met some lovely people. Highly recommend."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Claire - so glad you enjoyed your course with John, he is a great teacher... If you are thinking of doing another course, he is at Sculpture by the Lakes for a one-day course on Sunday, 2nd September."

Sumon martin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I did a workshop mid june in Weymouth and really enjoyed it. The workstation was laid out well for easy usage. John was inspirational and very helpful as this was my first time. I brought home a piece of work that im very proud of and my wife loves. This course is definitely worth doing and is worthwhile."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"It's lovely to hear that had such a good day with John, he is a very good teacher, as everyone says! If you are interested in taking another course, he is at Sculpture by the Lakes for a one-day course on Sunday, 2nd September. Kind regards"

Brenda Gibb reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I recently did a workshop with John, it was an amazing experience, John was so patient, and explained things in laymen terms. After two hours of chipping and Johns expert help I walked away with a beautiful yacht set in Portland stone. I can honestly say it’s probably one of the things I am most proud of. I defiantly will be going to another of Johns workshops."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Brenda - so glad you enjoyed your course with John and that you came away with such a great piece of work. If you are interested in taking another course with John, he will be doing a one-day workshop with us here at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September. Kind regards"

Christian Harris reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"As an Engineering student, its amazing to get to do something practical. I love all kinds of craft work and I must say this course was up there with the most enjoyable. Graham is a fantastic teacher, very friendly and open to questions about any stage as you go along. He also welcomes general questions outside the scope of the class as well! Lunch and refreshments were great, the ice-cold drinks throughout the day were incredibly refreshing and much needed when spending a day hammering away in close proximity to the hot forge. Well worth the money and I will definitely be coming back for more!"

Christian Harris reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"As an Engineering student, its amazing to get to do something practical. I love all kinds of craft work and I must say this course was up there with the most enjoyable. Graham is a fantastic teacher, very friendly and open to questions about any stage as you go along. He also welcomes general questions outside the scope of the class as well! Lunch and refreshments were great, the ice-cold drinks throughout the day were incredibly refreshing and much needed when spending a day hammering away in close proximity to the hot forge. Well worth the money and I will definitely be coming back for more!"

DAWN STOCKLEY reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Wow, what a day. Mark and Jill are amazing teachers in the art of spoon carving. The workshop is in the most beautiful location and a fantastic lunch was provided by Christina. We had been waiting for a date for a year to do the course due to other commitments but the wait was well and truly worth it. The course is about far more than learning to carve a spoon. You learn all about the tools and how to use them safely, information about what wood to use and a lovely walk around Marks woods. If you are considering doing the couse think no more, get on and book it. You will not be disappointed."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Many thanks for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the day. Watch this page for future classes. All the best Mark"

Dawn Hammond reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Barbara is such an inspiring teacher/instructor....I have learned so much from her classes. She has given me the confidence to work with a mixture of Wool incorporating my Husky Wool. I have created 2 beautiful scarves that I will treasure and also created 2 wrist cuffs. Thank You Barbara.....I will certainly do another class soon!!! Dawn ?"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Hi Dawn, Thank you so much for you kind and very encouraging words. You brought something unique and very special into my world of woolly fibres with your beautiful husky fur. Your two nuno felted scarves are gorgeous. I look forward to teaching you and encouraging new techniques in to your work. Barbara :)"

Amanda reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Small class held in an old quaint school room and very easy to follow the instructions. Anita is very friendly , knowledgeable and more than happy to answer questions and give extra help for any thing that is not covered on the day. We had a tea break half way through and were served tea and cake. It was a very enjoyable day."

dorothy barrick reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"We absolutely adore Lucky and her classes. I have never seen the caliber of the art Henry brings home or the level of happiness that it brings him. I try to bring as many of his friends as possible and look forward to every weekend class we have there. Highly, highly recommended!!"

Nikki Chambers reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"This camp was an amazing experience. Jane and Jessie's level of knowledge and skill was impressive (not just on tanning, but on ancient cultures). They were so patient too and gave everyone individual attention. It was also magical to spend a week on Dartmoor in a very beautiful location, with a bunch of diverse, interesting and lovely folk. Evenings sat round the fire, and sleeping out under a tree, were highlights for me, as well coming home with my beautiful hide! I will definately be back for more. Thankyou Jane and Jessie!"

Kassidy reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Amazing day spent on this course i learned loads and came away with a newly upholtered chair and the confidence to do more. Very welcoming and lovely environment and Lucy gives great advice. Will definately be back for more!"

Richard reviewed: Bookbinding using leather and marbled paper, Frome - Somerset. Private Tuition

"I was bought a day long workshop session in book-binding with Stephen as a birthday present and came along with the intention of making a bespoke photograph album. Stephen provided great assistance throughout the whole process and I ended up taking home a lovely album which I can now fill with my best photographs. His assistance and patience was second to none and the materials he provided were of the highest quality. Along with his guidance we chose the best colour scheme and design to suit my work. A very good and successful day."

Tom reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I cant imagine a better setting to learn the traditional craft of green wood chair making. Andy's extensive knowledge made the whole process fun and productive, Everyone on the 6 day course had a very nice finished product that they were proud of, each with there own individual character. The techniques and skills used allow you to take home a chair that would last for generations. Very good teaching, beautiful surroundings, great food and company. All in all one of the best experiences i've had in years."

Helen reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"I spent the afternoon with Teresa and had a great time! Such an interesting process and satisfying. I'm super pleased with my earrings too!"

Gilly reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"I don't think I have enjoyed a day so much for ages. I didn't even know what encaustic art was until my friend persuaded me to join her for a day course. It was brilliant. I produced some amazing pictures which I am delighted with and this is now going to be my next hobby! Loved it, loved it, loved it!!"

Emily reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"My boyfriend and I recently attended a 3 day course, in which we worked exclusively with Bill to complete a project of our choice. The course was comprehensive and completely tailored to our needs. Bill worked incredibly hard to plan activities/tasks each day, ensuring that we were able to fit in as much as we could, whilst remaining flexible and allowing us to steer. Bill is incredibly knowledgeable and a fantastic teacher. The course offered far more than we could ever have hoped and we have come away full of knowledge and enthusiasm! Thank you Bill for such a wonderful course - we would book again in a heartbeat!"

Craven Conservation and Restoration Ltd responded:

"Thank you Emily and Craig for your positive feedback, it is much appreciated. I would welcome you back just as fast! We had a really enjoyable few days. If you need any help you know where I am. kind regards Bill"

Sylvie Jennings reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"We had a really fun day with Phil today and surprised ourselves with the artwork we produced. Phil creates a very relaxed atmosphere and is a highly skilled artist and teacher. Can’t wait to do more encaustic wax work and look forward to making a return visit."

Mia Heath reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I had a fantastic day. I wasn't totally sure what to expect except a flaming hot forge and new t̶o̶y̶s̶ tools to play with (which were definitely there! Somewhat vital...) but I also left with a new appreciation and understanding of the craft. Not only that but quite a collection of creations. I was happily surprised at what can be accomplished in a day. Jake is a very patient (thankfully!) and friendly tutor which made the day a lot of fun. It felt like a gradual build in confidence in the techniques so by the end of the day you're tending the forge and judging the timing. I left feeling like I had been given a real opportunity to experience blacksmithing, and that was just the tip of the iceberg i'm sure. I'd recommend anyone to, well, have a bash. Thanks Jake!"

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you Mia for the great review. You were a pleasure to teach and great fun to have in the workshop! Until the next time!"

Victoria reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I highly recommend this class, it was a 5***** experience! Jo is a great teacher, she's friendly and fun, and makes everyone feel welcome and relaxed. Jo is very generous with sharing her knowledge and tips-and-tricks of the trade, so whether you're interested in starting your own candle business or just doing it for your own personal use, you will come away with lots of information to get started. You will also come away with a bag full of goodies that you make in the class - 3 x glass container candles, tea lights, wax melts and hanging decorations - plus helpful handouts to refer to when you get back home. Brilliant day, thanks Jo!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Victoria. That was a lovely review and I look forward to seeing your candlemaking ventures in the near future. I hope you don't mind, but I've put a copy of this on IG. Take care and please do let me know how you get on. xx"