Latest reviews

Mell reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"Bought this as a 21st birthday present for my boyfriend he absolutely loved it, so much so he wanted his own forge! Such an amazing time, we both learnt so much and Gary & Joss were lovely and very helpful. We had a great laugh and took home a beautiful knife. Will definitely be doing this again in the future! Thankyou so much :) Mell & Jack"

Fra reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"Excellent couple of hours. Targeted tuition plus lots of additional ideas. Worth saying if you are tall as a couple of looms have greater height."

Wayward Weaves responded:

"Thanks Fran. It was great to have you in the studio again :) So many creative ideas! Hope to see you again soon"

Sue reviewed: Landscapes in Wool - Painting with Fibres

"Everything covered well, looking forward to developing the skills learnt today. "

Mark Horsfall reviewed: A whole day woodturning tuition

"I honestly don’t think I could have had a better day listening and learning from Chris who gave compliments when I’d earned them (and is sadly missing from many courses) and constructive criticism when I didn’t quite get it. I had lots of technical queries for him and he explained everything so well - what a great mentor and teacher you are. Thanks so, so much. "

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Wow Mark thanks, really glad you got so much from your tuition. Like I said on the day if you need any further information or assistance then please do give me a call . Best wishes. Chris Parker "

Michael K Davis reviewed: Beginner AND Intermediate Woodworking Full Day Course - Saturdays

"Ray Whitby is a brilliant teacher. Having no previous experience of joinery I picked up everything very quickly due to the great instruction. I can't wait to learn some more complex joints. "

Jacqui and Tim reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"Excellent course, personable and professional Nick, Charlie and Emily. Superb in instruction and guiding of creating a spoon from a chunk of wood. Great introduction and will be going back to do the bowl making course once we have made some spoons at home. Many thanks for a wonderful day."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"We’re really glad both of you enjoyed the day ! If you’d like help with anything or advice on tools please don’t hesitate to contact me."

Lynne reviewed: Willow Freestyle Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Had a fabulous day, Zoe was so enthusiastic and encouraging. Highly recommend this workshop. "

Vicky Marks reviewed: Art clay silver

"We had the best day! Went with a friend and together we made earrings and a pendant. Lovely relaxed atmosphere and excellent tutoring. The only questions are when do we go back and what will we make next!! Have no hesitation in doing this workshop!!!"

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"Thank for a lovely review it was such a great morning. You made such lovely jewellery. Kind regards Jade "

James Brook reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Had a really enjoyable day with Julian learning the craft of blacksmithing. Julian is a really nice person who has a wealth of knowledge and experience of the trade and was really accommodating and patient with a complete beginner like myself. There is plenty of choice of items to forge and I am really proud of the work that I have produced. A great day! Thank you! "

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Hi James, Thank you for your review. I think the day went extremely well, especially as you have practical skills and a good eye for detail.Real pleasure to work with you in making your splendid forging, and I am sure you will get a buzz every time you use it! "

David Ogleby reviewed: Pen Making Course (1/2 day)

"A all-round excellent day !!! It began with a discussion about the range of pens I might choose to make, with samples of Derek’s work for me to handle as he explained the differences between the styles. He teased out my hopes for the day and my past experience. Although I had never used a wood turning lathe before, I felt I was being encouraged along to build up a picture of what I could realistically achieve during the day. By the time I entered the workshop I felt I had a clear idea of what I was setting out to do, and confident that I would be coached along the way to reach my goal. I was surprised to find that I was the only student on the course that day and that it would be one-to-one tuition, although a couple of students may be more usual. Derek demonstrated every step of the pen making process and talked me through alternative techniques for each step, explaining their relative merits (sometimes safety, other times quality of results or speed of work, personal preference, etc, etc) I was left feeling that not only did I know what I had to do at each step, but why I was doing it that way! When he handed the reins over to me, I was allowed to set up the equipment from scratch, sharpen cutting tools, etc. He watched me and coached at each step, so that I felt I was learning the whole task – I was not just a token witness in the workshop whilst the expert did the difficult bits. By the end of the day I felt that I had really made my own pen and, given the tools and material, I could make another. At the natural breaks in the day, such as when glue was drying, etc, Derek proved to be very sociable, and unstintingly generous in sharing his knowledge and expertise, not only in the field of pen making, but it the wonderful tools and materials that abounded in his Aladdin’s cave of a workshop. The end of the day came far too swiftly, but I left feeling enriched in practical, re-usable skills. Thank you, Derek for a memorable day. David Ogleby : Mastering Pen Making, 8 March 2024. "

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you for your kind words David. I’m delighted you left not only with a fabulous fountain pen, but increased knowledge and awareness of the process. I really feel the latter is more important than the former. A great day all round!"

Neezy Wags reviewed: Modern Punch Needle workshop

"Very enjoyable and informative half day course. Tutor Caroline was very clear in her instructions and on hand for individual help. This is helped by having small groups. It was a very positive experience and I have continued with the activity using the materials that I purchased. "

Sara reviewed: An Introduction to Nuno Felting - Sampling Day

"Brilliant day with a knowledgeable and very friendly, supportive tutor. Really recommend the course."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great to hear you enjoyed the workshop."

Helen reviewed: An Introduction to Nuno Felting - Sampling Day

"Brilliant, thank you. Lovely lunch, amazing space and you have a lovely teaching style. Thank you, learnt loads!"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Pleased you enjoyed the experience, hope you have fun experimenting further with the techniques."

Natalie reviewed: An Introduction to Nuno Felting - Sampling Day

"Excellent intro to nuno felting, far more energetic than I anticipated. I love the samples I have come away with."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Your samples were great - great news you had fun & a workout!"

Sara reviewed: An Introduction to Nuno Felting - Sampling Day

" A fantastic day which has shown the possibilities of Nuno Felting - now need to get familiar with all the basics and look at moving on to more advanced techniques."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed the day, I hope you have fun experimenting further with the techniques - do share what you develop, love to see it."

AndyG reviewed: Powering an off-grid solar shed

"Love this guy, his name is Bertie which is a great name in itself. He's very knowledgeable and hands on. Gave us all the theory in the morning and then practicals for the rest. This course is about challenging you to think about solar energy and its practical uses around the home. If you're like me and reaching a splendidly senior age nearing retirement, do this course. You will learn a lot and it will provide you with years of some great projects to try out that won't cost you thousands either. Thoroughly recommended!"

Sandie reviewed: One day Mosaic Workshop with Ruth Wilkinson

"Would really recommend this course. Ruth is extremely helpful and you can achieve really good results in just this short time. I had no experience in this field and with Ruth's advice, modelling and help, managed to accomplish a finished mosaic which, if I say so myself, is brilliant!"

Ruth Wilkinson Mosaics responded:

"Ah it is absolutely brilliant!!! And thank you so much for the lovely review 🥰 x "

Gemma reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"My son is 14 and did the wood carving course by himself, he was really looked after, nurtured and helped throughout the day. He absolutely loved it and was so proud of what he created. Since bringing it home he has outlined it using pyrography, and then used some slightly coloured wax to create coloured areas. He was really pleased with the outcome and is hoping he can do another course at some point."

Rix & Co Rocking Horses Ltd responded:

"This is wonderful to hear Gemma - so glad he got so much out of it and would be welcome back at any time. Glad to hear the artwork has continued to develop too!"

Sophie reviewed: SAORI creative weaving day

"It was a great day , learnt so much with different techniques. Produced a lovely piece of art for my wall"

BEAUTIFULcloth SAORI Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Sophie! You made a lovely hanging and it will look lovely on your wall."

Jill reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"I absolutely recommend this course to anyone. The small numbers on the course meant that Dave could give you his full attention, it didn't matter if you were a complete beginner, like me, or had some experience. Whether you had an end goal or just wanted to try, Dave was able to support all of us. His warm, friendly manner put everyone at ease straight away. It certainly gave me the appetite to try more resin casting and even think about making a knife (another Dave Brearey course) to be able to use the resin block I've just made as the handle. "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Many thanks indeed for your very kind review Jill, it is hugely appreciated. So pleased you enjoyed the day, it was fantastic to meet you and you did a brilliant job with your design. It would be an absolute pleasure to have you back in the workshop to make a knife."

Louise J reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"I made the fused glass little birds on Sunday morning, 3rd of March. Such a lovely friendly class, everything explained, lots of choices. And opportunities for creativity. I've been to several of Melanie's classes, always enjoyable. I go with my friend, and we complete the day by lunching and shopping in Hebden Bridge. "

Linda reviewed: Adventures in book binding with Ali Reeve

"A very relaxing and enjoyable day. Clear guidance and instructions. The class is not too big so individual help is given when needed. "

Gail Godfrey reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"I attended the cats and dogs course with friends and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. Josephine demonstrated each step and was there to help every step of the way. I was extremely pleased with the end result and look forward to doing more felting in the very near future. Thanks to Josephine for a most enjoyable day."

Phinefibre responded:

"Wonderful to meet you and your friends. Delighted you were happy with the workshop and your Doberman mini sculpture. Thank you for taking the time to write a review."

Amanda reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"I really enjoyed this course. My friend bought it as a birthday present. It was just a morning but was such a lovely experience. Melanie is great, so knowledgeable, patient and gave us a lot of advice and guidance during the whole morning. I can’t wait to see how our work turned out. I would love to go again for a different course. "

Rebecca reviewed: Silver Torque Bangle Workshop | Sedgefield

"I really enjoyed this class. Lindsey is very knowledgeable and had plenty of tips ensuring I came away with a bangle I love."

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Rebecca and for coming along. The bangle you made was gorgeous, so elegant! I'm glad you love it too. "