Latest reviews

Neil Barraclough reviewed: Woodwork 4 days foundation course

"This four-day course was brilliant from start to finish. Ted is patient and clear in his teaching. He effortlessly adapts the course depending on your skill level and experience. You go home tired at the end of each day, but the days themselves fly by. You're having fun, learning lots, and putting the world to rights while you're at it. I went with zero woodworking experience apart from several hours spent on YouTube, but came home with working knowledge and experience of using various tools, producing various joints, and making two brilliant pieces (an intricate jewellery box my wife claimed immediately and a footstool my daughter has already put to use in the kitchen). Highly, highly recommended. If you're even remotely considering doing a course with Ted, stop thinking and start booking. You won't regret it."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you for the very kind words Neil . As I said your woodworking attitude was excellent from the get go and you progressed quickly by day 4. So glad your wife and daughter are taken by your projects too. I'm certain that in a short time you will be building something extra special for the kitchen or living room soon, just take your time at each stage of the project and read up on the finishing aspects which can easily make or break the work. If you need another course etc you know where I am my friend. Ted "

Barbara reviewed: Mosaic Taster Session (half day) in the Peak District

"It was a great introduction to making Mosaics with plenty of materials to pick from and options for ‘makes’. Peter provided just the right level of instruction and help. The refreshments were options plentiful and Alison provided a wonderful cake. My daughter and I had a lovely time and it was great to take home finished mosaics (well just the challenge of the final grouting to do). We both really enjoyed it."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Delighted to hear you both enjoyed your course with us here at Zantium and are pleased with your results...a lovely creative activity to share with your daughter. Thankyou for taking the time to write a review. We hope to welcome you again sometime."

Rebecca reviewed: Silver ring making, half day course

"I had such an amazing time on this course I have been recommending it to everyone! Mark and Terri were both lovely and incredibly knowledgable, you feel like you’re getting the most out of your time and it was such a great experience to do it all in their workshop rather than a classroom experience! I was lucky to have a one to one class which was amazing and I’m already looking forward to booking another session, if you’re considering ring/jewellery making there’s no better place to go! "

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Hello Rebecca, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so happy you enjoyed your ring making class. It makes ir worthwhile when students leave such positive feedback. Many thanks Mark"

Ruth reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Weaving a Foraging Basket - Improver's Day Course at King John's Nursery, Etchingham, East Sussex

"This is my second course with Marianne. I love coming to her courses, she is a really kind and patient teacher, I always go home inspired and confident to keep using what I have learnt."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review, Ruth. Was great to be able to show you some other ways of doing things to get a pleasing result. So nice to have an eager student. I think you're ready for some more difficult and very different styles of weaving now. Watch this space. See you again soon."

Nic reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"Stone carving day was great fun, lovely small group of people each carving a different geometric design on Portland stone. Super instructor who was a stone mason all his life . I’m 49 and I took along three lads aged between 20-22 we all very much enjoyed our day Oh and the lunch was superb too! "

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

"Nicola, we're so pleased you enjoyed your stone carving experience here in our Blended Monkey studios. It was lovely to meet you and the lads! You all accomplished so much - massively impressed :-). Thank you for your lovely comments and we're pleased you enjoyed the lunch too."

Paul Stephens reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North East Wales

"I had a wonderful day in a beautiful location and a stunning house. The workshop was perfect as an introduction to pastels, from an explanation of the materials themselves through to following Andy showing us techniques and methods of applying pastels on our own works. Andy was friendly the workshop was fun and throw in a lovely lunch and a goody bag at the end and it was perfect day. I thoroughly recommend."

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you Paul - for coming to the workshop and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I'm delighted you enjoyed the day and that I hope I've managed to convert you into another pastel enthusiast! Hope to see you here again in the future."

Bill reviewed: Autumn Watercolour Day Retreat, Staffordshire

"I really enjoyed the day. All the art materials were provided along with tutoring on basic watercolour techniques. Joan was a good teacher and made it all fun. "

Joan Kennedy Artist responded:

"Thanks so much Bill. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. It was so lovely meeting you and so pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks indeed for coming along :)"

Molly reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"Spent a great day on this course. Lee is very patient and encouraging. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone! "

Paul Ridley reviewed: Spoon Carving - Slojd Workshop

"Fantastic day, well recommended. Max takes you through start to finish from a piece of greenwood to a spoon. Guiding you through safety and technique using axe and knife to accomplish your goal. Thanks Max."

Amy H reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving at Manor Wood

"This was a wonderful day spent in the woods. Lots of cups of tea and a campfire to keep warm. Lovely instructors. I highly recommend. I am looking for more courses to do in this special place at Manor Wood. What a treat to get away from everyday life and nourish body and soul in the woods. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Amy, thank you for taking the time to review! So glad you enjoyed the basket weaving, hope to see you at Manor Wood again! Matt"

Harry Mavromatis reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"It was a really enjoyable day. We came with an idea of creating a Filipino game called 'sungka' . I had no experience in woodworking and no idea of how I was going to do this. With the warm and friendly expertise of Philip, we started the day with a block of wood and by the end of the day we had completed the project, which I believed was beyond my abilities. It was the nicest and most rewarding day that I have had in a long while. Not only would I do it again but I think it should be available on the NHS. Many Thanks"

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Harry. I will pass your comments onto Phil. Hope to see you again soon Alan "

Donna reviewed: Mosaic a Bird Bath, Workshop near Exeter, Devon

"Thank you for hosting the craft mosaic day, very enjoyable. Lovely surroundings, would recommend this course. Relaxed and friendly, homemade cake was delicious! Pleased with the results!😊😊"

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you Donna! So glad you enjoyed the course .. and the cake! Delighted too you’re pleased with your mosaic. Come again soon! Denny"

Kevin & Chrissy reviewed: Glass Experience Day

"My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary by spending the day with Andy and Ruth on the Glass Experience workshop. It was our first attempt at lampwork and Ruth gave very detailed instruction and guidance. We learned how to make beads and even did some glass blowing to make a Christmas bauble (quite a challenge but great fun!). Andy showed us how to cut glass to make patterns for fused glass coasters and also some free standing glass panels with flowers. We left the items with them for firing and these were promptly shipped in very protective packaging. We had great fun unwrapping the mementos for our anniversary. Highly recommended."

Lisa Bolgar Smith reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Brillant course. Sebastian is a master and a great teacher. I had never done stone carving before and it was a challenging and very enjoyable weekend. I thoroughly recommend the course "

Andrea reviewed: Woollen Florals with Rachel Davies

"Rachel is an excellent teacher. Relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Always well prepared with everything and more that you require for the workshop. Rachel always makes sure everyone is confident and has completed each stage before moving onto the next stage. Rachel is very talented and her work very inspiring. Very enjoyable. "

Angela Digby reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Fabulous day from start to finish with a very impressive end result that will be a great addition to my garden. Beautiful venue and warm welcome from Jo and her husband. Would highly reccomend."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Angela 🤗 So glad you enjoyed the day and now have a fabulous sculpture for your garden. Jo xx"

Marcus reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"Excellent course - much enjoyed. Learnt a lot more than simply making a stool. A lot of additional useful information and little skills/tricks to help improve the average wood “butcher” as well as coming home with a delightful piece of work. Seriously considering the chair making course as found it so interesting!! "

Sarah Kelsall-Patel reviewed: Adventures in book binding with Ali Reeve

"Excellent course. Precise instructions throughout the day - but fun and constructive and very therapeutic. Strongly recommend."

Stamps Away responded:

"Thank you! It was so lovely to see you and see the fabulous books you made."

Agata reviewed: One student - full day 6 hours , Welded Dragon fly . Introduction to artistic welding metal sculpture with Roger Russell

"I took part in Roger's artistic welding course and I am very satisfied. Roger proved to be extremely kind, patient and helpful. During the classes, he allowed me to carry out my own project, thanks to which I was able to combine learning with creative work. The atmosphere on the course was relaxed but professional at the same time — the perfect combination. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop their welding skills in a more artistic direction and create something truly their own. Thanks Roger"

Betty Bates reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"What a fabulous experience. Miranda is an excellent teacher , her step by step instruction was invaluable and despite me making a number of mistakes she was calm and matter of fact and offered solutions in a helpful manner. Nothing was too much trouble. The setting is charming."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Betty, hope your journey home went ok. Best wishes Miranda"

Dawn Flood reviewed: Resin Cheeseboard & Coaster Workshop

"A very informative day on the techniques of using resin, a lovely atmosphere and very enjoyable time. "

Karen reviewed: Intermediate Woodturning

"Really enjoyed the course Roger is a great tutor with lots of knowledge and patience. I came away more confident and pleased with what we produced. Would definitely repeat the experience. "

Linda Baron reviewed: Woollen Florals with Rachel Davies

"A warm welcome with lots of tea, coffee and chocolate biscuits. Everything you could possibly need was provided and prepared ready to use. Rachel is an excellent teacher and creates a very relaxed environment. Also a beautiful venue at Bunbury mill. Worth every penny. Thank you "

Jennie Hill reviewed: basic silversmithing course

"Really enjoyed the course found it very therapeutic. Being new to silversmithing I had no previous experience but Lori explained each step and made me feel relaxed and confident to do the task myself, gave great tips and feedback. As I was only one on the course it was really useful as didn’t have any distractions or feel rushed especially as it took me a few attempts to master the cutting and soldering elements! Lori didn’t take over but gently encouraged me to have another go which gave me more confidence. Came away with some lovely pieces that I was proud to say I made. Would definitely recommend and I’m already thinking about doing the silver clay workshop next. "

Chris Goodsall reviewed: Beginners Bowl Turning on a Pole Lathe Experience Day - Geoff Hannis

"Really enjoyed the course with Geoff yesterday! Clear instruction, lots of useful and interesting information and so satisfying! "

Tree to Treen responded:

"Thanks Chris, Glad you had a good time :-)"