Latest reviews

J reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Jake was amazing. He accommodated our request to make bespoke items for presents. I am sure the receivers will be very touched to receive such personal gifts. Jake was extremely accommodating and was very good in explaining how to use the machinery and tools. We will definitely be keeping in touch and going on future courses with Jake. He is very professional, friendly and wants to impart his knowledge for people to enjoy the craft. "

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, I'm very much looking forward to our next rendezvous! "

M & A reviewed: Glassblowing Taster Course

"We thoroughly enjoyed our glass blowing taster course. Jacob is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutor who is passionate about his craft and we were very pleased with the items we produced during our session. We left with a much greater understanding of the processes involved in glass making and would definitely recommend this course to others, especially as we feel that we were able to have a more 'hands on' experience than we might have had with similar courses we considered. We also felt that it was great value and a memorable experience for a 'big' birthday. "

Andrew reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"This was a great course. I never did any welding before but with instructions and supervision from Shar and Dizzy it was alot of fun. Dizzy and Shar are very encouraging and will answer any questions. If like me you've never done this sort of thing before you'll have a very enjoyable day taking you out of your routine and leaving you with a notion that you might be an artist after all!"

WTF Workshops responded:

"Hi Andrew, thank you for your kind review! Your motorbike was brilliant, a fantastic use of scrap metal and welding. "

Mike Hedley-Harper reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

" I received this course as a Christmas present and I must admit that it was one of the best presents I have received. Arian is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. As a medieval re-enactor I wanted a knife that was an authentic replica. Arian took this on board and I produced a knife that I am extremely proud of. Being a complete beginner I didn't expect to to have something that looks professionally made. I have been asked where did you buy that? It's the greatest feeling to say " I didn't buy it, I made it". I would recommend this to anyone with an interest. "

David and Carol Carter reviewed: Painting Restoration

"Being new to oil painting and frame restoration, my wife and I joined Rachael with the aim of understanding how to restore a sizeable Victorian painting of our relative, known as "Uncle Harry". Our concerns that we might cause potential harm to the portrait were quickly allayed by Rachael whose whole ethos was only reversible repairs would be considered. After careful inspection, we tested the various coloured paints with cleaning solutions until we discovered what would work without causing harm. To our surprise, once shown how by Rachael, we managed to clean the surface revealing far greater detail then we had ever imagined on day one. Likewise, the delapidated frame was due to be renovated on day two but Rachael kindly offered to re-glue the joints overnight so that rennovations could proceed at full-pace the next day. Once again we were astounded at the progress made on day two including recasting the missing plaster work. Both fantastic courses, well done Rachael for all the support."

Will Ward reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"Wonderful course, great set-up, fantastic instructor ( Andy), lovely bunch of co-attendees and tremendously satisfying to see such unexpectedly satisfying results!"

Nicole reviewed: hand stitched and carved double wallet

"Incredibly beautiful and well equipped workshop, and thoroughly nice chap. Highly skilled. Justin went above and beyond to help me achieve a beautiful result from my project and the best materials and techniques. The project wasn’t one ‘officially’ offered but this was accommodated no problem. Justin really went out of his way to be helpful and it was a wonderful experience, thank you! "

Justin Capp responded:

"Thank you Nicole, it was a pleasure working with you I really enjoyed it. Justin "

Phil reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Just completed the 2 day stained glass course. I'm delighted with my finished piece of work now displayed proudly in the conservatory! Laura is an excellent tutor and was very patient and made it all easy to understand. I have certainly learnt a new skill. I can highly recommend the course. I will return in the near future to try something else"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. A great result. I want to make an art deco rose now! You were really keen to learn which is a delight for me. Come again any time. Laura "

Lorna Swinney reviewed: Make a wooden marionette

"Justina is an excellent teacher. Everything is explained very well and broken down into manageable steps. Justina showed us how to use the tools safely and was very encouraging. I‘m really pleased with the finished puppet and would highly recommend the course."

Tim reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I can thoroughly recommend the 1 on 1 wood turning course with Simon . The day is well structured and gives a great overview of the equipment, skills and joys of wood turning. Simon gives clear and concise instruction during the day and is happy to let you to get on with each stage once you are comfortable with the techniques. After practicing in the morning you have a nice lunch and then apply your newly learnt skills to turn a bowl in the afternoon which you then take home as a memento of a very interesting day. There is a lot to take in but the course is run at your pace and is followed up with an email containing all the information you need to start wood turning as a hobby. All in all a great day out - thank you Simon. "

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

"Hi Tim, You're most welcome! Really glad you had a great day; do get in touch if you need further assistance or advice. -- Simon"

Susan Hopkins reviewed: Crochet Next Steps Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Thanks learnt a lot."

Phil reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A very well structured course covering the basics and ending with a more than satisfactory end product which sits in pride of place in our sitting room. A comprehensive set of notes also means I shan't forget what I learnt."

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

"Hi Phil, Thanks for your review and I hope the notes stand you in good stead for any future woodturning endeavours. -- Simon"

Mark MDS reviewed: Automata, mechanical toy & kinetic sculpture online: 8 classes

"Tom has been an inspiration throughout. His advice, support, ideas and challenges have made the whole process enormously enjoyable. As I am a total novice, Toms patience, encouragement and suggestions have made it possible to work at a pace that suits my learning style and yet gets results. Many thanks Tom… on to the next project 🙄"

Julia reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Preston, Lancashire

"Thanks Jo for a fabulous experience of my first ever upholstery day. You were so warm welcoming and knowledgeable. Sharing the day with others of mixed experience was great …….and even though I was a bit slow at times you were very patient and I didn’t feel rushed at all. I was delighted with the end result of my functional and beautiful footstool !! Would recommend highly and will definitely look for further opportunities to develop my skills !! "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Ahh Julia, thank you so very much for your kind words. You were an absolute pleasure to teach and I don’t remember you being slow at all. You made such a lovely job of your stool and I hope you enjoy it with pride. Many thanks again for your lovely review. X"

Theresa reviewed: 1 or 2 Day Upholstery Class. Grimston, Near North Norfolk, Kings Lynn

"Excellent course tutor, very knowledgeable and friendly, knew how to instruct and at all levels. Can't wait for lampshade course. Will use venue again, all amenities covered thank you."

Finch and Toad responded:

"Thank you for your kind and lovely review Theresa. I will look forward to seeing you again. Kind Regards Lee"

Andrew Ferkiss reviewed: Cabochon cutting and faceting course over two consecutive days

"I really enjoyed learning how to cut a cabochon and a square cut faceted stone with James! I recommend the class to anyone who wants to learn the process of gem cutting ! James is a cool guy and a great teacher"

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you Andrew! It was lovely meeting you and I had a great time teaching you, it was fun! Best of luck setting up your own lapidary studio in Colorado. : )"

Karen reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"My daughter bought this as a birthday present, I had no idea what we would be doing but Wendy soon put us at ease. I am not the most creative person but with help and ideas from Wendy I now have an amazing lantern. A most enjoyable experience."

Paul Stephens reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"Just completed a two day course and thoroughly enjoyed every minute, never done it before but after a quick tutorial the 8 of us on the course were bashing away happily. Advice was always on hand when needed and the atmosphere was friendly and fun, everyone had a wonderful time and left with a unique memento of their time. I would not hesitate to recommend the course to anyone."

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

"Great workshop again from Martin, making fused glass is good fun and whatever your skill level you will be able to make some lovely pieces. Martin is a great teacher and gives good clear instruction and lots of support during the course. A lovely day and would recommend if you fancy having a go, this was my 4th fused glass workshop with Martin."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the great review."

Laura Maclean reviewed: Make a wooden marionette

"Amazing course. Justina is lovely and welcoming. She had planned the weeks perfectly, not an easy task, but she kept us all in sync helping us and guiding us consistently. Can't praise it enough. I don't think you would need any experience as she breaks everything down into manageable tasks. I took the bits home to carve and do a little extra work, but not necessary for a fab puppet. "

Alison reviewed: Learn how to crochet an Amigurumi Octopus

"Can't believe I learnt to crochet a granny square in 2 hours! Thank you. Another fun afternoon with friendly people."

David Pryer reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"Had a wonderful day making a knife. Alex was a wonderful teacher and helped out at critical moments during my forging experience. At the end of the day I was able to take home a knife which for all the world looked as if it had been made professionally. Can’t get better than that. "

Wendy reviewed: Learn how to crochet an Amigurumi Octopus

"Really enjoyed the course. Clear instructions from friendly knowledgeable tutors"

Cloey reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Had a great first introduction to woodturning thanks to Simon. Bought the experience as a birthday gift for my partner and would definitely recommend to friends and family."

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

"Hi Cloey, Thanks for the review and recommendation :) -- Simon"

Hannah l reviewed: Lampshade making with Grace & Favour Home, Devon

"This course was fantastic! It was a really welcoming atmosphere and Rachael was a wonderful host. The lampshade making was fun to do and everyone’s finished shades looked really beautiful. I would highly recommend to give this a go as it’s a nice evening chatting to new people and very satisfying to come home with a finished piece. "

Grace & Favour Home responded:

"Thank you for your very kind review Hannah, you were an excellent student with very good pattern placement skills! So glad you enjoyed the evening, hope to welcome you back for a different course soon! Rachael"