Latest reviews

Adam reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"The course was fantastic, for someone who has never even picked up a wood plane before, I managed to create a beautiful long bow from 3 planks of wood. The instructions were clear and easy to follow and Gavin and Tom were always happy to help out and give more detailed guidance when needed. Even if you have never done any wood working before, I would highly recommend the course. "

Lorraine Simpson-Housley reviewed: Visible Mending Workshop at a Touch of Craft

"Friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic tutor. Thoroughly enjoyed the course. "

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much Lorraine! It's much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing you again soon."

Imogen reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"The Introduction to Felting workshop was fantastic. Emma was super informative and thoroughly explained the process of creating felt. I liked the fact that the group made our felt creations in steps together alongside Emma. We were also given the creative freedom throughout the workshop - creating two felt pieces (one alongside Emma and one by ourselves). If we got stuck at any point Emma was on hand to help, but also an instruction sheet was provided alongside other resources, which was very helpful to refer to if needed. Coffee and biscuits were also provided, which is always a bonus! We absolutely loved the workshop, and would like to book on to more!"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the workshop & left inspired to felt more. Hope to see you again soon. "

Steven P reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My wife booked the half day wood turning course for me as a Christmas present. I thoroughly enjoyed my time and Simon's teaching meant I was able to produce something I was proud of. Would definitely recommend for anyone who has an interest or wants to learn a new skill. "

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

"Hi Steve, So glad you enjoyed the experience. If you decide to make it a hobby, do get in touch if you need more guidance - happy to help. — Simon"

Jo Courtney reviewed: Introduction to leaded stained glass

"A really interesting and exciting day learning how to make a small stained glass (leaded) window. As a complete novice, I was a bit concerned - but I was taken through the process step by step by Gen. For each stage, Gen explained the process really well and in a way that was easy to follow. With four students we got lots of one to one support when needed. It was so lovely to see my design evolve as the day went on. I felt very proud of my finished piece. Overall it was a really excellent day with a patient and knowledgeable tutor. I'd really recommend this course to anyone who wants to 'try' stained glass. Thanks Gen!"

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"Thank you for such lovely feedback. I had a great time with you all and loved seeing how proud you were with your finished piece at the end of the day. Well done!"

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

"I totally recommend this course for anyone with a creative bent. Julia is a wonderful teacher - gives detailed instructions and is both patient and supportive for those of us who are new to jewellery making. It's also a lot of fun and hugely satisfying to leave at the end the day with a beautiful piece of silver jewellery. "

Wil & Cherie reviewed: Living willow workshop - make growing obelisks and harlequin trees in Suffolk

"My wife & I attended this course as complete novices. Toni was very welcoming and provided step by step guidance with additional help when required. It was a very small friendly class and most enjoyable. We went home with three items for the garden and are inspired to try this again one day. Recommended. "

The Licky Cow Gallery responded:

"Thank you very much for the lovely review. Glad you both had a good day and look forward to seeing you again sometime."

Georgie reviewed: Traditional Jewellery Making Workshop

"Absolutely LOVED the day I spent with Ian, with a lovely lunch and great hospitality. I learned how to create a silver ring from absolute scratch - from melting scrap silver to creating a really lovely piece of jewellery that I'll treasure. I was not sure what to expect, but learned everything I had hoped from the day and can't wait to go back and learn more and explore all the other techniques you teach! I wish I had come and tried this years ago! Thank you! "

John reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"This was a wonderful introduction to carving and the tools used, taught in a lovely location. Steve was a great teacher who clearly enjoyed sharing his craft and everyone had a super time with a useful item to take away at day end. Thank you! PS - Carving is so relaxing and engaging. Give it a try!"

Northern Wood Monkey responded:

"Hi John. So glad to hear that you enjoyed the day, and made a great spoon to take home too. Many more carving days to come I hope"

Anna reviewed: LIVING SUCCULENT WREATH MAKING KIT on a woven willow/birch base

"This was a brilliant craft activity and I am delighted with the result. Jenni was so thoughtful in all communications with me. Her online videos were really helpful and she thought of everything when she sent the craft box to me. I would highly recommend this wreath-making kit."

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Hi Anna. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your activity as if I remember correctly you bought 2 kits to make together with your daughter for your birthday. It is so rewarding knowing that in a small way I contributed to making her day a little more special and in the end coming away with a gorgeous wreath that she can continue to enjoy for weeks to come. Jenni"

Jane reviewed: Modern upholstered footstool workshop - Lewes - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"Such a great day! Lucy is a really good teacher and was very supportive and informative about upholstery making, giving lots of tips about all sorts. Working in a small group was great as we helped each other out. I really would recommend those interested to sign up. I feel confident to tackle other small projects now. Thanks Lucy I love my footstool"

Roundedby responded:

"Thank you Jane! Your blush footstool was just so pretty! You worked with such attention to detail and the results speak for themselves, delighted you have caught the upholstery bug! Best, Lucy"

Elizabeth Milner reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I attended this course with my daughter as a birthday treat. It was the most fun two days I’ve had in a long while. I enjoyed every minute. Olivia is very talented, highly skilled and a wonderful teacher. I learnt so much from her. It was a wonderful friendly environment with other like minded people all creating unique prints. Highly recommend this course, loved it 🥰 "

Colin Kemp reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I felt I was not ready for an Intermediate One Day 1 to 1 Woodturning Course when my wife bought it for me, but I am very glad to have attended the course. From the outset, Simon put me at ease as we discussed woodturning in general, as well as my own experience and concerns, in particular. Simon informed me what we could do throughout the day, and we did. Simon has a good training environment and setup in his workshop which assisted me to draw the maximum from the day. He is an extremely capable trainer, with a great deal of woodturning experience and knowledge, who instructed me in a relaxed professional manner. He passed on both guidance and tips, including to stand even closer to the lathe and have the rest even closer to the wood, to good effect. He encouraged me to take away all that I had learned and put it into practice, which I intend to do. I very highly recommend this course to all woodturners who wish to improve their skills and knowledge, whilst drawing on the experience and guidance of a very capable professional and woodturning instructor. I look forward to attending another course run by Simon, in due course. "

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

"Hi Colin, Thanks for a lovely review; I’m so glad you enjoyed the session. Do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to take it further. — Simon"

Clair reviewed: Free motion embroidery

"Thank you so much for our Free motion embroidery course today, both Sarah and I really enjoyed it and learnt so much. Very informative and Cath was so friendly and made us feel at ease. We will definitely be looking to visit again. Thanks again "

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Hi Clair, had a lovely time teaching you both a new exciting skill which hopefully will enhance your makes. Look forward to seeing you again, Cath "

kathryn reviewed: Modern Punch Needle workshop

"A very enjoyable taster/beginner course. Caroline was very knowledgeable and enthusing. It was a lovely group of people and the venue catered well for us all. Thank you."

The Galleria- Burton Latimer responded:

"Thank you very much, hopefully we will see you again soon "

Charlotte parsons reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"Absolutely fantastic. Amazing course, lots of options and plenty of material and tools. So much to learn and lots of fantastic tips, help & advice. 100% recommend this to anyone you will not be disappointed. Such a warm welcome 🥰"

Mya Designs responded:

"Ahh what a smashing review, Charlotte, thanks so much! Yes, I agree that it does make a difference to have face to face tuition so you can learn different ways to use various tools and inexpensive options. You both did amazing with your projects and your mum achieved how to make sliding knots for her creation too. I'm so glad you got a lot out of this course and do get in touch if you need a reminder on anything. Keep on crafting Kami xx"

Tracey Reynolds reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"After watching the Great pottery throw down we thought we’d like to have a go but never got round to it. However we found Blended Monkey after my partner, 54, suffered a stroke and thought it would be a great way to have some fun alongside rehabilitation with their expertise with working with stroke survivors. Louise is amazing, welcoming, patient and encouraging. Great tuition as we were complete novices. We had a wonderful afternoon, full of laughter, plenty of tea and biscuits. We won’t win any prizes for our efforts but thoroughly enjoyed having a go. Can’t recommend highly enough and thank Louise for a brilliant time. "

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

"It was fab having you guys in the ceramics studio. I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your session and that you found it fun as well as creative. It's never a chore to have nice people like you guys in the studio :-). Thanks for the lovely review!"

Linda Lillig reviewed: Organic Skincare Workshop 2 Attendees £90 per person

"Spent a very informative day with Allison, she was very enthusiastic about her subject and was keen for us to enjoy our day, which we did, thank you! Made a facial oil, face cream and balm and a toner. I particularly like the face cream we made, it has really soothed my quite sensitive skin. I hope to be able to replicate the formula again! Was a real eye opener to see that it is perfectly possible to make lovely organic products at home, with not too much equipment. Thank you Allison! "

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Linda, Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both and I'm so pleased your moisturiser has been successful in helping to soothe your skin. Don't forget, if you need any help recreating your products do drop me a message. Best Wishes Allison 💚"

Sally reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Really enjoyed the course, despite some ups and downs I’m chuffed with the end results…more physical than I imagined.. could have done with bringing an old cushion!"

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thank you Sally for taking the time to write such a kind review and for making the weekend so enjoyable, regards Jonathon"

Laura reviewed: Glass Fusing for Beginners - Flowers or Meadows Curved Art Half-day Class

"Absolutely wonderful, friendly people, well taught, fun and interesting. Really highly recommend. "

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for joining us Laura - it was a pleasure teaching you and we hope to see you at the studio again sometime. Kr Jenny"

Anna reviewed: Felt Slippers

"I really enjoyed the course and I'm delighted with my slippers - thank you once again for an excellent course."

Josie reviewed: Felt Slippers

"Fantastic couple of days with excellent friendly tuition producing some lovely felt slippers. Really enjoyable, easy to find location and brilliant creative teacher. Highly recommend."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great to hear you enjoyed the weekend workshop - loved your slipper design. "

Shirley reviewed: Felt Slippers

"It's been a very fun and informative learning experience. Inspiring and friendly environment."

Wendy reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Thanks very much for your help in taking me from a nervous beginner to feeling able to attempt my own design for a pair of silver earrings in the afternoon. You may have helped banish the left over fears from metalwork lessons at school. Never thought I’d be filing, soldering and polishing! Despite coming on my own and joining three other ladies for the class the small individualised setting makes it a nice learning environment. The day zoomed by as you get so engrossed in what you’re doing and learning. I’m quite proud of my creations even if they aren’t quite perfect! "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you, Wendy for your very kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you and help you develop your skills. I hope you are getting plenty of admiring remarks about your hand made silver earrings and you are always welcome back. Well done! Jonathan"

L. Robinson reviewed: Felt Slippers

"Absolutely fantastic course! Emma is very knowledgeable and inspirational. Thank you. Can't wait for the next adventure."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great News! Glad you enjoyed the experience - loved your slippers and look forward to see how you embellish the sheep details."