Latest reviews

Alice Kirk reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"This was an amazing way to spend 2 days in January. I was humbled by the skills involved in stained glass painting. I am really looking forward to seeing my two glasses when they are fired."

Marcus Murphy reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"What a fabulous day! Thanks Dave. The course on Saturday was very enjoyable, informative and well run. It has certainly rekindled my interest in working with wood and I'd highly recommend Dave's course. I also learned how to sharpen tools which has been very useful. My axe has never ben so sharp! ...a really nice bunch of other students to"

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

"Had a fabulous day, very relaxed, great tutition and patience by Melanie Louise and Linda. Very knowledgeable ad friendly, this one day course has totally inspired me to take this art form up!"

Debra Lyons reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We spent a magical day on the boat making each other's wedding rings. Jonathan guided us through the whole process from start to finish so that we could design the kind of rings we really wanted. It meant the world to us that we were able to be very hands on and do most of the work ourselves. Our friends and family can't believe that we made them - they look so professional! And completely unique. Thank you so much Jonathan for making our big day even more special. An experience we will never forget. Debs and Tom"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done to both of you. It was a real pleasure to help you make your rings and an honour to be asked to do this for such a special occasion. Good luck with your plans for the big day and I look forward to seeing some photos from the event - hand made wedding rings on show please! Jonathan"

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

"Brilliant day. Learnt so much. Thank you"

Gwyn Purvis reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Jonathan is a competent, very patient instructor and interesting to spend a day with. Jewellery making is a satisfying craft with a good end result. Narrowboat location is cosy and different - and Jonathan's cake very tasty. Thank you."

Cheryl Loosley reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"The narrowboat was lovely and warm to welcome us. We had a lovely day making earrings. Thank you. Lovely cake and coffee. Really appreciated the help from Jonathan"

Lyndsey Saxton reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I came with my two sisters as our Christmas present to each other. We had a really super day, and will go home delighted with what we have made. The boat is really warm and cosy, and Jonathan is a very friendly and patient teacher. He also makes fabulous cake and coffee! I will wear my earrings with pride having made them myself (with lots of his help!) and will remember the happy day we had here on The Silver Jewellery Boat."

Danny Davis reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a fantastic day learning new skills that I didn't know that I had. Penny is a brilliant teacher who inspires you to look at things in a different way and how you translate this onto the page. I came away from the day with a whole new outlook and cannot wait to continue my hobby in a new light."

Susan E Smith reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Just spent 2 great days on Jonathan's silver jewellery course. After a thorough introduction to a range of skills, we were given lots of hands-on experience, encouraged and supported by Jonathan. On day 2 we each made a ring to our own design, and then in the afternoon completed our own silver project with guidance from Jonathan. The pace of the course was perfect, as was Jonathan's teaching style. Finally we were given advice on how to proceed with our individual silversmithing journey: we've all signed on for more! A huge thank you to Helen for the endless supply of delicious biscuits, tea, coffee and lunches. An excellent course!"

Jayne Cooke reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Brilliant drawing and painting course. Fabulous people with a fantastic tutor. I learned a lot about drawing and painting while having the time of my life. I am now drawing and painting and would not hesitate to go back for another day. can't wait for the next drawing course."

Marion Kerby reviewed: Customised Resin Crafting with Cricut Workshop

"Fabulous day, we got masses done, really nice group of talented people trying out resin art."

Resin8 responded:

"Thanks Marion!"

Cherie Gordon-Eales reviewed: Customised Resin Crafting with Cricut Workshop

"I had a brilliant day with Clare at Resin8. She was very informative and made everyone feel relaxed. Great fun to do. I thoroughly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn about this type of art form."

Resin8 responded:

"Thank you so much Cherie - it was great to meet you!"

Matt Prosser reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I was given this one day workshop as a birthday gift and it was brilliant! I had a wonderful day with Colin and under his gentle instruction made a bowl and a goblet! I wasn't expecting to be able to achieve so much but Colin made it very easy to understand and the way he would do a demonstration and then watch as I followed made for some great progress. If you have an itch to have a go at turning then I can't recommend Colin enough. I'll be back for a follow up course once I have practiced up on my own lathe that I am sure I'll buy soon! Thanks very much Colin. I had a really great day."

geraldine azzopardi reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A wonderful course,Jo is a lovely person & great teacher. Very relaxing ,clear information with practical back up. Open to all questions & well timed infomation given during the day. A real bonus to make several candles with amazing scents to chose from. Lunch was delicious specially the chocolate cake. Thankyou Jo. Highly recommend the course. Geraldine"

Dave Clarkeson reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"One day pottery course with Mathew Dimbleby I cannot praise this day highly enough. Before going, I had only had one very short session on a potter’s wheel, but I needn’t have worried. Mathew is an excellent, patient teacher, willing to spend as long as it takes to help you along the way. Seldom have I been so focused, or felt the same sense of achievement as I did during this class. It was also really good fun - Mathew is a top bloke, and we found plenty to chat and laugh about during the day. It has really whetted my appetite and I can’t wait to do more. Thanks very much Mathew. All the best David"

Bernie O'Leary reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"Oliver is such a passionate advocate of his own furniture restoration that it is impossible not to be inspired by the process of adding value to a decrepit piece of furniture that will live on looking lovely and lasting longer. The atmosphere in the bright workshop is energetic and relaxed and Oliver uses the Socratic teaching method to perfection; result is a piece that a novice will feel proud of. Cups of tea are extraordinarily good too. Thank you."

Sonya reviewed: Craft in company: group in Henstridge nr Stalbridge Somerset & Dorset. Bring any craft and/or book a craft taster session from a selection.

"A great opportunity to spend a relaxed day with other people who are working on various craft projects, or wishing to try something different. We had lino-cutting, crochet and needle felting on the go and Sally was on hand with plenty of practical help, tips and encouragement for all of us. I can thoroughly recommend this very enjoyable 'crafty' get together!"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Sonya - it's really good to be able to set time aside to craft and I find it very inspiring to see the variety of items which people are making. All while enjoying tea & biccies with good company!"

fiona g reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire is a lovely tutor – just the right balance of theory and practical, fun and safety, she was always reassuring and positive, and gave us all the right amount of attention - help and advice on technique and design - to ensure we got what we needed to come away with our own personal lino block. She's given me the confidence to try this myself in the near future. I was really thrilled to produce a dozen cards with my print and will be proud to send them to friends and family. Nice touches with the tea, biscuits and cakes too. Thanks Claire!"

Kay Watson reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"The silver jewellery making one day workshop was an excellent experience, a real introduction to jewellery making. Melissa and Daisy were the tutors on the day, with a group of 9, so plenty of 1-1 time when needed. I learned several different techniques, Melissa and Daisy are great teachers and very patient! I came away at the end of the day with a very respectable, wearable piece of jewellery. Highly recommended."

Cate Sirkett reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Ollie is a brilliant teacher. The workshop is calm and spacious and well equipped. Bring a piece you want to restore and you will be amazed at what you can do in a relatively short time. As an amateur restorer myself, I wanted to extend my knowledge of finishing techniques and I am very happy to now be able to practice French Polishing along with my other finishes. Thank you Ollie for a great day learning something new!"

Julia reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I've walked away from Charlie and the Flamingo House with the knowledge and excitement necessary to make candles on my own. I had fun getting to know Charlie as well as the other guests present, swapping stories and having fun while crafting something totally unique to my time in Brighton. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone that wants an irreplecable memento and / or is looking for an artistic outlet that is bound to be beautiful."

Nick Oke reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just had a fantastic day with George at Artistry In Wood. He has so much knowledge and experience that he passed on to me as a student. I couldn't believe the standard of the bowl I was able to turn under his tuition. I'd recommend him to anyone, young or old, experienced or novice. Nick.""

mark cleary reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Really great course. William was a fantastic teacher very patient and supportive Learnt a huge amount about leather and leathercraft and he gave us the confidence to make some nice pieces. We really enjoyed the course and the work we did. Cannot recommend too highly - a privilege to have William as a teacher."

Paul St John Bennett reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"What was amazing ( besides the legendary ginger biscuits ) ( and the lunches ) was how much we packed into these 2 days, not just in terms of practical work, but also the amount of knowledge Jonathan gave us. The three of us on the course not only came away with a ring we had each made ( and now wear very proudly ! ), but also something we had personally chosen and designed - a pendant, ring, and torq in our cases. This means you come away with the enormous satisfaction of making something you want, yourself, and having the knowledge ( and comprehensive notes ) on how to progress beyond that into silversmithing as a hobby or career. Jonathan not only has vast experience and skill, but also the empathy and ability to give his students the confidence to believe they could do really well in the future if they want to. As you can probably tell, I was impressed.....!"