Latest reviews

Katy Salisbury reviewed: Private Tuition or small groups of two for Sculpture, Stone Letter Carving and Relief and Marble Carving with Simon Burns-Cox

"I learned a huge amount from my one-day course with Simon - he really helped me understand the nature of different types of stone and which equipment and techniques to use to achieve a range of effects. I was delighted with the small carving I produced and was so inspired that I opted to buy a set of tools! I now feel confident to try to tackle some designs on my own. "

Simon Burns-Cox Sculptor and Letter Carver responded:

"Hello Katy, thank you so much for your kind review. It was lovely to meet you and I thought you did incredibly well and produced a lovely relief in one day ! Do hope the carving goes well and if you need any further help, please do not hesitate to contact me."

Rachel Sommerville reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Usk Castle Chase

"It was really good to be able to learn the basics of wicker sculpture from such an expert and be able to finish a heron on the day of the course. It was quite an intense day, as we needed to work quickly to get through each stage. That wasn’t always easy for those of us with no previous experience of using wicker. It might be a good idea to extend the session, even by half an hour, to make sure there is enough time for breaks. "

Wyldwood Willow | 🧺 Learn Basketry, Coffin Making, Sculptures & More! responded:

"Thanks for coming along and leaving a review Rachel. You wove a lovely heron along with the 10 other people on the course who all finished their chosen willow creation too. Sculpture weaving is quite an intense activity especially when weaving a project in one day. We had 3 breaks in total and I work at the natural pace of the group to manage the different projects. I was quite surprised that everyone was finishing up just before 4oclock which is unusual as this workshop tends to run on a bit usually and I am always flexible with the time as there is usually someone needing a bit longer, but on this occasion that was the natural conclusion and it just demonstrates how you all listened and then carried out my instructions with a good level of understanding from start to finish. The level of accomplishment was high considering none of you had woven much before and I for one was very pleased with how the day went and all of your outcomes."

Anthony Illingworth reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"My husband did this course on 20/04/24 and thoroughly enjoyed it. He says it was hard work and very intensive but very enjoyable and worthwhile. He made a beautiful decorative poker of which he is very proud, and rightly so. He says the 2 people running the course were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them. Five stars all round!"

Jane Rocky reviewed: Large rug making tufting workshop - Beginners

"Excellent course, great fun and very well run"

Maureen Grant reviewed: Modern Calligraphy (1 day) in the Peak District

"My daughter Joanna and I had a wonderful day on our modern calligraphy course. Allie, our tutor, was excellent - she explained everything simply and it was easy to understand. We learned so much and are eager to put it into practice. Our hosts were a delight. Beautiful surroundings and lovely home cooked lunch and delicious cake in the afternoon. Can’t wait to arrange another course. "

Dianna reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Fantastic Day - I learnt a lot. Scott was extremely informative and I would recommend to those who want an insight into Resin work."

Rachel and Charlie reviewed: Woodcarving weekend with experienced teacher, all levels of experience welcome

"This was an excellent course, Almut is very knowledgeable as well as being a lovely person keen to share the magic of wood carving! I had very little experience with working with wood and my partner is a carpenter but she catered for both our abilities, would definitely recommend!"

Almut Woolard responded:

"Dear Rachel, Dear Charlie, You are both very skilled in your own individual ways. Seeing you applying your exciting skills is great. Both finished carvings are very personal and beautiful. Thank you for coming and enjoying the course. "

Claire reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Fantastic experience. Information and instructions given were very helpful. It was a delightful course and Pat's experience and pleasant personality made for a successful afternoon, bearing several good results. Would fully recommend. Thank you"

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you Claire, I am so glad you had a good time. Pat."

Karen reviewed: Upholstery classes in Norwich

"As a complete novice I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Lee was very busy, spreading herself around the group making sure everyone knew what their next task was. All the tools and materials were free to use. Definitely would recommend the day. "

Finch and Toad responded:

"Hi Karen Thank you for your lovely positive review. Much appreciated. Kind Regards Lee"

Linda reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I did the Introduction to Green Woodworking course and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in working with green wood, or if you just love wood like I do! I was gifted it and I am so glad 😊. Andy was the tutor and he is lovely, so patient and so interesting to listen to. And he provided a very nice lunch!! It was a fantastic day learning how to use all the different tools and then producing something pretty decent! And all this in beautiful surroundings. I'm now looking at doing another course there. Thank you Andy! "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Linda, for that really positive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, and are looking at joining us for another course. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood."

Phill reviewed: Introduction to Metalwork & Welding - for 1 or 2 People

"I wanted to learn more about metal work and have a go on a few tools before getting myself setup at home. Phillip is a great teacher, patient and very knowledgeable and gave me lots of hints and tips about the best way to get started at home. Plasma cutting, welding, working with the forge, angle cutting and grinding. I even made a start on my dream project - a weathervane. I would highly recommend! "

Philip Melling Sculpture, Art & Design responded:

"Hi Phill, Thanks so much for your kind review - it was a pleasure having you in the workshop. Good luck setting up your workspace and feel free to get in touch if you need any advice on anything! Philip"

Lennie reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I felt like an old fossil with a gammy back and right elbow. I did not know how to cope with the pain, the posture or manipulate my tools. Every step of the way I was supported by Geraint and now I have a lovely ammonite. It could be more shapely and mature... but think of its potential for development. While I primarily focused on sustaining the stamina for my own project, it was just great being among others, watching and appreciating all their achievements."

Judith Alcock reviewed: Half Day Taster Stained Glass Workshop - for 121, 2 or 3 (friends)

"The half day taster course was the 1st time I had ever done anything like this before. I really enjoyed learning a new skill and Ruth is an excellent teacher, giving you help when needed. I made a beautiful bird which is hanging on my window now. Thank you."

Blue Skies Glass Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Judith, it was so lovely to meet you and to see your little bird come to life, thank you."

Ryan Courtier reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"I joined Landmark Walling for their Dry Stone Walling two day weekend course in the beautiful Peak District this April (2024). The warm welcome on day 1 from Carl, Ray and Sharon immediately put me at ease and I felt excited to learn how to build a dry stone wall! Carl's teaching style was fantastic as it was just a small portion looking at dry stone wall build diagrams, and mostly outside watching Carl's techniques and then building and getting up close and personal with the wall. We learn't how to dismantle the old wall, stone by stone, and how to lay a healthy foundation and how to restore the wall back to its former glory 300 years ago. Carl taught us about different stone types, shapes and sizes that each have their place on the wall. The level of care and attention to detail with health and safety, as well as having a blast of fun with the group made it such a special experience! Everyone got equal attention and opportunity to learn and take part, and it really is suited well to beginners. Sharon's hospitality at break and lunch time was perfect, thank you. The food was locally sourced, fresh and homemade and delicious. I will definitely be returning for round 2."

Catherine Howie reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"A really enjoyable day, learning something completely new. Vicky was patient and generous with her time and knowledge."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Catherine, thank you for your review, it is appreciated. Hopefully designing your own panel has made it fit in with your other artworks. All the best Vicky"

Alan P reviewed: 2 Day Woodturning Course for Beginners

"What an amazing course... I was initially apprehensive of what to expect and do, having no previous experience of wood turning. This concern, however, quickly diminished once the 'hands on' activities commenced. We initially went through the health and safety aspects of working with machinery and sharp tools, quickly progressing to the actual making of something! Mick had an identical set up to us and progressively first showed us what to do and then we did it. The end results included a candle stick made from pine, a bowl made from mahogany and a pen made from Bethlehem olive wood. The end results, albeit saying my self were spectacular."

Cheshire Woodturning and Workshop Training Limited responded:

"Thank you very much for giving the first woodturning course I have run at my home workshop, such a great review! It was an absolute pleasure training you. The projects you made were beautiful and a real reward for your own hard work and efforts on the course. "

Jill Devon reviewed: Three Day Indian Miniature Painting Flowers Workshop with Samantha Buckley

"I really enjoyed this course, great tutor, fab location and hosts. And delicious lunches/cakes. The course itself - Indian Miniature Trees was perfect for a nervous beginner like myself, I was delighted with the results!"

Moor and Sea Holidays responded:

"We are so pleased you enjoyed the Indian Miniature Painting trees course at Moor and Sea with Sam. Your picture was lovely! We hope to see you again soon "

Juliet reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Excellent workshop from Martin, well run, clear instructions given with plenty of support during the day. A lovely day and as a beginner was able to make some great pieces. Would thoroughly recommend."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the review, I hope to see you again."

Kathryn Pugh reviewed: Knitting Workshop - All Levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"I really enjoyed this course and would definitely recommend that people try it. The online booking system was very easy to navigate and Catherine at Tandem Crafts responded really quickly to my initial enquiries. The course itself was very relaxed and enjoyable. Ann, the teacher was welcoming and friendly and she tailored the one to one tuition exactly to my level and goals. She was patient and encouraging throughout and I came away feeling much more confident my abilities. Thank you to Ann and Catherine at Tandem Crafts for a lovely afternoon. "

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this kind review. We always aim to make all our clients feel welcomed and leaving us happy. Which sounds like you did. Goal achieved"

Heather reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"My friends and I had a brilliant day on the Combined Pottery and Glass whole day course. Sarah and Chris were wonderful hosts and very patient and kind tutors. Having never been on a potter's wheel before I was delighted to be able to make (with Chris' help!) three pots which survived!! After a delicious lunch I was then able to make a glass pendant and hanging decoration in Sarah's quiet and tranquil studio. A lovely day spent in the company of lovely hosts. Thank you 😊 "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great fun entertaining you all for the day! Thanks very much for the review, Sarah & Chris "

Nicky Morley reviewed: Art Silver Clay and Lamp Glass workshop

"A brilliant day."

Roger Seager reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"Very enjoyable wood carving course learnt a lot and Geraint was very encouraging "

Charmain reviewed: Monthly Watercolour Classes

"I was very happy attending this watercolour workshop. The afternoon was well constructed and I felt welcomed. C/Kathy was approachable and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon learning and came away with a lot of new knowledge to build on. I would happily attend again. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are happy that you enjoyed the workshop and do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Clara reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"I loved everything about this course! It is in the most beautiful setting; step out of the car into a meditation soundtrack of happy birds and babbling water; Andy was amazing; the food was lovely and hot drinks from the wood fired clay oven were perfect. I wish I had camped so I could’ve spent longer in the woods. I am so pleased to have done the course, don’t think twice if you’re uncertain. Only negative was getting stuck on the drive up to the car park, my little Polo didn’t have enough clearance so don’t arrive in a sports car!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Clara, for that thoughtfully-written and enthusiastic review. We're so pleased that you enjoyed the course, and your love of the environment at Sallerton Wood is clear! We do hope that you can join us there again sometime in the future, and, as you say, you must camp next time! Well done, and thanks for supporting us. We'll do a bit of work on the entrance track before you come again!"

Yvonne Abdul reviewed: Craft Bookbinding (1 day) in the Peak District

"I can highly recommend this one day course for beginners or anyone with a little experience of book binding. The day proceeded at a reasonable pace and I never felt rushed. There was plenty of choice when it came to materials for our books and Holly, our tutor was very calm and patient with everyone. We didn’t wait for anything when it came to refreshment breaks and the weather was just about good enough for us to sit outside and enjoy the wonderful surroundings and views. I really enjoyed the day and came home with a book that I was very happy with. I hope that I can return one day to experience another course like this. Thank you, Holly and Peter, who was a great host and provider of lunch and snacks."