Latest reviews

Joy Keywood reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Having attended 3 terms I would highly recommend Martin's classes. They are affordable, supportive and friendly. Martin has taught me so many new skills and given me the confidence to create large and small pieces of stained glass, both in lead and Tiffany, independently. These classes have been life changing for me, more like therapy, and have given me a whole new craft to lose myself in and something that I never realised I was capable of. Thank you Martin."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Gill reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"Had a lovely time in a friendly environment. Josephine was helpful and inspirational throughout the day. I enjoyed learning the technique of wet felting and was pleased with the piece of art I produced at the end of the session. I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning how to wet felt. Thankyou Josephine!"

Phinefibre responded:

"Hi Gill, thank you for your review, much appreciated. Delighted you found the day inspirational and were happy with your lovely felt art. It was wonderful to see all the flower meadows develop during the day. "

Vyveanne Francis reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My oldest son and his wife gifted me this pottery experience day for two at The Blended Monkey. I was so excited in the lead-up to the day, that I feared it couldn’t ever live up to the awesome experience I was envisaging. When the day finally arrived, it did not disappoint! Although the hours passed quickly in their idyllic cottage setting, I couldn’t believe how many activities we completed and how many new skills we were taught. We had the most wonderful day from beginning to end. Louise and Simon were consummate hosts who ensured our pottery day experience was one we would treasure and a precious memory we’ll never forget. Thank you Louise and Simon, for a perfect day. x"

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

"Vyveanne, it was a real delight having you and Sheila in the pottery studio - you both created some beautiful pieces and I'm really pleased you enjoyed your experience. Thank you for leaving this lovely review too!"

Courtney Ashburner reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I honestly couldn’t recommend a better course, teacher, day or course! It was absolutely fantastic. Jolene is so kind, helpful, thoughtful and fun. My husband and I did the 1 day ring/bangle course for my 30th birthday. We had the studio to ourselves with one on one tutorials from Jolene. I made two rings and two bangles, and my husband chose to make me three bangles. Jolene made brownies for us as well which was a wonderful treat! Absolutely brilliant day. Thank you! "

Jackie reviewed: Learn to spin yarn with Janet Renouf-Miller

"This is a wonderful course for anyone wanting to learn to spin and I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to try, either on a spindle or with a wheel. Janet is an excellent teacher who explains things calmly and clearly, going through each step in as way that just makes you want to try her methods immediately. I resisted the temptation to skip the first few videos and boy was I glad! I never realised how little I knew and Janet magically explained how all the small "baby steps" gradually come together to get you spinning. The videos are well filmed and easy to follow. It was easy to keep going back over anything I was not sure off, and Janet has a lovely reassuring way of encouraging all learners - so many good tips! The best course EVER for learning to spin."

Create With Fibre responded:

"Thanks Jackie, so happy you found the course worked for you, Janet"

Gillian reviewed: Unique Wet Felting Workshop in South Lakes at the Heron Corn Mill in Beetham, near Milnthorpe

"Before the course Erika wanted to know my interests and aspirations for working with felt. It was a completely new skill for me but I outlined what my artistic ideas were. On the day of the course Erika guided me through the whole process with skills, empathy and astute understanding every step of the way. My resulting felt sculpture was amazing. I had no preconceived ideas but I was lead by the process and materials. I now understand something about felting. I intend to do another course to continue my journey into this ancient skill. The other participants, who had all been before embarked on their own projects guided by Erika. By observing these my skills were further enhanced. The day was intuitive not to a set timetable. Breaks for lunch were taken to fit with your own project and pace of working. One of the best day courses in Cumbria. Thank you Erika"

Erika Sojkova Grime responded:

"Thank you, Gill, for such a fantastic review. It was a real pleasure meeting you at the workshop and guiding you through the day. We all found your amazing sculpture truly inspirational and I am looking forward to you joining us again in the future. Thank you again, Erika "

Simon Groves reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Another good course taught by Alex. Very informative and knowledgeable about the art of blacksmithing."

Terry reviewed: Beginners needle felted seascapes

"What a wonderful course. I made a very beautiful seascape which Rebecca framed for me. Rebecca is a great teacher, she took time to explain and show me how to do it and gave me ideas of how to use colours. She has inspired me to take up 2D needle felting. Thank you Rebecca, it is so empowering to try something new and come away inspired. "

Jack & Alice Crafts responded:

"What a lovely review, thank you. You did so well and I very much enjoyed teaching you. "

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

"An excellent experience! Everyone on the course left with a unique hare that they were really proud of. Jo is highly skilled at enabling everyone to access their own creativity. It was the best course I have ever been on!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Rachel! It's always my pleasure to see what people can achieve with just a little nudge in the right direction 🤗. Delighted you enjoyed the workshop so much. Jo xxx"

Zelfi Elcin KIRCA reviewed: Bespoke Couture - Millinery Workshop

"I recently had the pleasure of attending a millinery workshop led by the incredibly talented Virna Pasquinelli, and it was truly a transformative experience. From start to finish, the workshop was nothing short of exceptional. First and foremost, Virna's expertise in the art of millinery is unparalleled. Her deep knowledge of materials, techniques, and design principles shines through in every aspect of the workshop. She guided us through each step with clarity and precision, ensuring that even beginners like myself could grasp the intricacies of hat making. What truly sets this workshop apart is Virna's passion for her craft. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and it's clear that she genuinely loves sharing her knowledge with others. The workshop itself was well-organized and thoughtfully structured. We had ample time to practice each technique, and Virna provided all the necessary materials and tools. The atmosphere was relaxed and supportive, making it easy to ask questions and experiment with different styles and designs. By the end of the workshop, I felt empowered and inspired to continue exploring the world of millinery on my own. I left with a newfound appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating a beautiful hat, as well as the confidence to pursue my own creative projects. Thank you, Virna, for an unforgettable experience!"

Gayle reviewed: Spinning lessons one to one

"I had an hour’s face-to face lesson with Cath yesterday and loved it. Cath is a brilliant teacher and has a lovely calm, patient nature. She told me more than just the basics and I left with my first skein of spun wool (small but perfectly formed). She has certainly aroused my interest in spinning and I was on a high for the rest of the day. Thank you Cath and hope to see you again to further improve my skills."

Jamie reviewed: Axe Making Course - One Day Blacksmithing Experience

"Went on the axe making course and it was really worth it and such an amazing experience. Tom was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the course to produce a cool looking axe! Was a pleasure and would recommend this or the other courses on offer to anyone. Thanks again Tom!"

Linda reviewed: Make 3 Rings in a Day

"Absolutely brilliant day - You should go and experience this day, what you manage to produce under Rachel's guidance will amaze you!"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Aw Linda thank you for this feedback it was wonderful to meet you both. I am so pleased you enjoyed it. You both made gorgeous pieces - I hope she loves her birthday rings. "

Suzanne Moore reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I attended the ten week course run by Kate. She is very knowledgeable, creative, and funny. She showed us all how to make several pieces of work over the ten week period so I have learned a great deal. I really enjoyed the whole course and would highly recommend it."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the review."

Gemma Bolton-Morris reviewed: Macrame kit - Easter bunnies

"Lovely kits, instructions were very clear and easy to follow, even for complete novices! "

Holly reviewed: Make 3 Rings in a Day

"This course was amazing!! So much fun, and so informative. The tutor Rachel was so lovely and patient as well. Really pleased with the outcome!"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Holly it was wonderful to have you in the studio and I am so pleased you enjoyed it. I hope to see you again soon. -Rachel "

Andrew Melton reviewed: Pole lathe turning with Gedwood

"Loved it! Learnt loads. Great location. Well set up. Now just need to get my own lathe set up."

Gedwood responded:

"Many thanks for that Andrew. Hope to see you again on a course 👍"

Craig Harrison reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"The course was absolutely brilliant. Helen was patient, and supportive, clearly explaining the skills needed for me to succeed in stone carving. I will definitely consider other courses she runs."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you for leaving such a great review. "

Patrick Crowley reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Update 2024: Another weekly stained glass course completed successfully, and I am very pleased with the Art Deco Tiffany lightshade that I made this time. The course has allowed me to build solidly on the skills that I learned in previous courses. This project involved a lot of pieces of glass and it really made me realise how these courses have helped me grow my glass cutting skills. Kate and Martin are excellent tutors and are always approachable for any questions during classes. On the Friday afternoon courses, even if not asked, Kate regularly checks on students progress. In this way she caught a (somewhat basic!) mistake that I was about to make when soldering my latest work :-) The atmosphere in the classes is always friendly, industrious and creative. It is great to see and be inspired by the other students work, gain tips and bounce ideas around. I was especially pleased on this course with the steady introduction of the new improved glass grinders, illustrating that Martin is always investing in his workshops with the latest kit to ensure efficient and up to date skills learning. I would gladly recommend anyone to give learning stained glass at Martin McAsseys workshop a try. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the great review."

KateEdwards reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"A really enjoyable day with an excellent teacher .Having never tried silversmithing before I found creating something from scratch very exciting. Jules was very encouraging and extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend her workshops."

Tim Nixon reviewed: Beginners bowl carving

"Just finished the two day bowl making course and I'm please to say that I now have a nice looking usable wooden bowl. Nick is an excellent tutor, very knowledgeable and patient and very good company to boot. I struggle a bit with energy levels and some of the early work is a little strenuous but there is a lot of encouragement and a little bit of help available if needed to ensure you go home with a bowl that you will be proud of. Can't recommend the course enough. I have now been on the spoon and bowl carving courses and will definitely be going back again."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Tim! We’re looking forward to seeing you again. In the meantime if you have any questions or need some help on tools, please just message me."

Chris Browne reviewed: Wood joints class using reclaimed materials

"Had a great day. Instructor was patient and instructive. You think it is just cutting a few bits of wood. Think again! After 8 hours your body is telling you it is more than just cutting a few bits of wood!! "

TM Woodcrafts responded:

"I am glad you enjoyed the day Chris, it was great to have you join me, you did excellent 🙂"

Pip Carr reviewed: Watercolour for improvers; developing further skills

"I have done several courses with Sarah and each one has been excellent, including this one. The lessons are very well structured, with a printable handout with instructions and also comprehensive You Tube videos, where Sarah shows you exactly step by step how to approach the technique she is teaching. She provides detailed, constructive and encouraging feedback on your paintings. This course included lessons on pen and wash techniques which I particularly enjoyed learning and which has opened up a whole new world of possibilities. I cannot recommend Sarah and her courses highly enough."

Sarah Colgate responded:

"Thank you, Pip, for your review. I am glad you enjoyed this course and found the course materials and feedback useful throughout all the watercolour courses. Great to hear that you found the pen and wash sessions inspiring and a subject you can explore further. Sarah"

Melanie reviewed: DIY Leather Bag Kit - Cross Body Satchel to make at home

"I received this yesterday and although I haven't had time to start the project , I just had to leave a review! Firstly it came beautifully packaged, each component wrapped individually and little handwritten notes with my name on that was a really lovely touch!!! And as for the leather, it is gorgeous!! Really top quality. I cannot wait to make it and use it!! Thank you so much!!!"

Eilidh Ward reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Amazing course. So informative and inspiring. Kerry is so warm and welcoming and really happy to share her knowledge and experience. The course also provided really useful information to get started and established with wonderful links and tips."

Can To Candle responded:

"So glad you found the business candle making workshop useful. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. "