Latest reviews

John Mitchison reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My son Jay and I came for a blacksmithing course last Saturday 15th October). I just wanted to let you know we had a really great time. It was the first time in a forge for both of us and we were both looking forward to it. we were not disappointed, we both got the chance to make a knife and a poker, both of which will be used by us in the future. I wanted to say a special thank you to Spencer and Phil, they were fantastic! They were incredibly helpful, patient, knowledgeable and funny. They could explain things really clearly, they were able to judge all the different abilities of the group. Spencer could read my son Jay (13) really well and was able to offer him just the right level of support at the right time - a real skill for someone teaching mixed groups. Thanks again for a great day Best wishes John"

Jah reviewed: An Introduction to bronze casting

"My husband and I completed the day class in bronze age heads, and we couldn't have been happier with the whole experience. The process was thorough and guided, and yet we were allowed the freedom to truly 'make our own'. Jonathan was a very hospitable host, and welcomed us into home & workshop. It was wonderful to meet with someone so passionate and knowledgeable on such a broad range of subjects. Will be back to try other courses in the NY! Thank you "

Jonny Crafts Things responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day and had a great time making your own axes. Some interesting discussions too. Do hope to see again sometime. Best, JC"

Nick reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"A really enjoyable two days learning to work with leather. A great venue and Jason was a fantastic instructor. "

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

"Lovely one-day workshop! Really enjoyable. Jules was super-friendly and welcoming, and a great teacher. Made a seaglass pendant which I'm very happy with. Highly recommend this, or any courses with Sea and Solder. I look forward to returning for another course. Many thanks!"

Val S reviewed: Mixed Media – seed heads (Morning)

"The course was great, led by Cathy who was clear in her instructions, encouraging and fun! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. We shall pass your feedback on to Cathy. Best wishes, Nicky"

Karen reviewed: Painting Restoration

"It was brilliant to be able to start restoring my own piece and being guided through the cleaning process. I will be going back to move on to the next step of the restoration. Racheal is very nice and easy going and knowledgeable "

Rachael Milligan at Little Leaf Studio responded:

"Thank you Karen so much. It was a wonderful day working on your incredible painting. Such an interesting piece! I hope the cleaning goes well and look forward to hearing about it. See you soon for the next steps!"

Maggie Widdecombe reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Tutor quick to assess my level of skill and provide appropriate guidance and suggestions. Lots of fabric choice available allowing experimentation and personal development of skills. Very pleased with the finished picture."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. I am very pleased you found the course interesting and that it added to your skills. I was very impressed with the landscape you produced and hope you go on to make many more. Thank you for travelling so far to take part! Best wishes, Imogen."

Samantha Adams reviewed: Lampwork glass bead workshop

"Absolutely brilliant session making lampwork beads! Matt is so generous with his time and knowledge and allowed time for me to experiment and try out things. I managed to make way more beads that I expected and am definitely going for another session!"

Victoria reviewed: Basket Club! at Green Broom Farm. 6 Week Course.

"A really excellent 6 session course on willow weaving, I absolutely love the range of items I’ve made! Suz was a fantastic teacher, building on the skills I was learning each week, with clear demonstrations and patient guidance. The location was lovely, overall I would thoroughly recommend this course. "

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Thank you Victoria! You were a joy to teach and I hope you are enjoying all the projects we made!"

Simon Perry reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a great gift from my family, I had a two day course where I made an outside hanging sign for my garage/man cave. Alex is a fantastic tutor steering you in the right direction, supplying plenty of tea and biscuits and a great lunch in the café. Chalk Pits Forge in Amberley Museum is a wonderful setting and will be going back to visit in the summer. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Simon, thanks for the great review, it's very much appreciated. Glad to hear you thought I was a fantastic tutor... That's very encouraging. All the best with the man cave, every man needs one! Alex "

Carole Parker reviewed: Macrame plant hanger

"Laura is a very kind and patient teacher. I found her class to be very enjoyable and managed to make a plant hanger that I’m proud of! Thank you Laura "

The Summer Lane Collection responded:

"Thank you so much for you lovely comments Carole, it’s was great to have you in the class! "

Bob Cartledge reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Fantastic course. Bill is an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable about all aspects of wood turning. He is a very patient man and tailored the day to my needs. I am really pleased that I managed to complete a bowl before the end of the day. Thanks Bill"

IoanaP reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"What a wonderful class we had. It was so relaxing and so well explained, we had no worries we could not do it. And the result looks just perfect. I highly recommend this class to everyone, if it is just to learn a new skill or just to spend some quality time during weekend."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you very much - so glad you enjoyed the workshop! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Dave Richards reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I cannot add anything further than has already been said by the previous reviewers. This guy is consistently great. A brilliant, patient teacher and a comprehensively capable practitioner. I will be back for another session as it is obvious he has so much more left to teach and is so clearly capable of teaching to that higher level and beyond. "

Lucy reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"This course was absolutely fantastic! I came with my (young adult) daughter, who says ‘I had so much fun and left feeling very accomplished! Scott and Sue were welcoming and accommodating and easy to talk to. Scott was great at adapting to everyone’s interests and abilities and I left with so much new knowledge about woodworking and tools. He even made health and safety interesting! Would highly, highly recommend’. We came away with some lovely pieces and both feeling inspired. Thank you Scott and Sue, perfect day all round ?"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Lucy for such a lovely review. I'm so glad you had a great day. You were both fun and got stuck in ( my favorite type of students). So keep building and making amazing things. Scott "

Zoe reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"We had a lovely day with Janet, Suzanne and Alan. They were welcoming, friendly, and really happy to share all their knowledge and advice. We had a nice lunch, and came home with some pieces that looked amazing! We were really pleased with our days creations. Thank you so much!"

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Hi Zoe, so glad you enjoyed your Raku experience we all had a lovely day so nice to have met you. Janet and the team"

Steve Edwards reviewed: 4 Day Plastering Course

"Loved the course, learnt a lot in 4 days now I feel more confident in picking up a trowel "

James Dodd reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A fantastic experience, a great day in a brilliant location, learning about the techniques and skills of moving hot metal into interesting shapes. This was my third time at the Chalk Pit Forge and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in having a go, Alex is a very good teacher with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of patience. I am already planning my next project."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi James, thanks for your great review. Glad you find me a very good and patient teacher. Thanks very much for coming to the forge for a third time. It's really appreciated. I hope everyone back home likes your masterpiece in the garden. It's a great idea! Alex "

Colin Scott reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"Very enjoyable 2 day course carefully supervised by Ged to get the best results from all attendees. I am also very happy and proud of the result."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Colin. It was a joy to teach this workshop ☺"

Barbara Hunter reviewed: Beginners Copper Bowl Making

"I had such a good time making a gorgeous copper bowl with Emily. I would definitely recommend this course and would love to do another one in the future! "

The Metalsmith responded:

"I’m so pleased that you had a good time; thank you so much for the lovely review! You’re welcome to come anytime!"

Poornima Rai reviewed: Complete Beginners Sewing - Day course

"Sorry i missed the course. But will certainly sign up again Best wishes"

Sew Make it responded:

"Sorry you missed the workshop too! Look forward to seeing you in the future. Judi"

Jayne reviewed: Christmas table centrepiece arrangement DIY kit

"This was our first time attending a live zoom craft course & it worked so well on all levels due to Jenni’s thought , care & expertise ( as well as bundles of patience !) . From beginning to end jenni communicated so well we felt fully briefed and ready to start being creative . The box arrived in timely fashion & its contents were beautifully preserved & labelled . The session was not rushed & Jenni’s instruction was clear & friendly . Great value for contents & time & energy given from a genuine teacher wanting to share her skills & experience . There’s no better way to switch off from the Christmas stress ,learn a new skill & be proud of yourself for a truly bespoke creation ! What fun !"

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Wow, your comments blew me away and I really appreciate your time to write a review. I do hope that you managed to take away new tips and floristry skills to enable you to create your very own masterpieces for not only this Christmas and many Christmases to come. It is wonderful to see your energy and enthusiasm and I am sure you will go from strength to strength as you develop and grow in confidence in developing and expanding your repertoire. Jenni"

HDj reviewed: Complete Beginners Sewing - Day course

"Really enjoyable day, designed for everyone including those who have never used their machine before. Really pleased with the products. Thanks Judi. "

Sew Make it responded:

"Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the day and making the bag and cushion! Look forward to seeing you again soon"

Emma Heylen reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"We had a fantastic morning doing leather crafts. Learnt a lot about leather itself and were taught all the basic skills to make our own bits. Made a card holder and a luggage tag both which look great thanks to Rosanna’s guidance and very excited to use them! Would recommend. "

Ian Hoole reviewed: Line and Watercolour Wash with John Harrison in the Yorkshire Dales

"John was fantastic learnt so much, he has a lovely manor. The venue was lovely fantastic views of the Viaduct . I would highly recommend this course "

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Ian, so glad you enjoyed the day, your work was great. I hope your journey back home through the Dales was full of views to continue to inspire you! Rachel"