Latest reviews

Ed reviewed: Tool Sharpening and Maintenance- 1 Day Course in South Devon

"I had a brilliant time at the tool sharpening course. I learnt some really interesting techniques for sharpening my tools. Peter was great and very helpful imparting his wisdom. I was particularly impressed with Toby who was very knowledgeable and very interactive honing in on everyone's particular area of interest. I'm sure he will be running the course on his own in due course! Can't wait to rejoin for a longer course working with some green wood! "

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Ed. I look forward to seeing you again. "

Rhona Paterson reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Fantastic day learning how to carve a spoon from a log. Quite intimidating to start but Alan is a great and patient teacher. Homebakes and homemade soup along the way. The day just flew by, as you are totally in the zone carving your spoon. Very mindful practice. Recommend *****"

David Mason reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a fantastic day, a big thanks to Adrian, Andy and Debbie for making it such a fun and enjoyable, I learned so much, and came away with a really amazing candle holder, would 100% recommend and I will be coming back again for another one of the courses! Thank you all so much!"

Tricia Rees-Jones reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"Excellent one day workshop and thoroughly recommended. Katie is a superb teacher and I'm really pleased with my newly reupholstered dining chair. "

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Tricia. It was wonderful to see your father’s craftsmanship in the chair that he made - and to see it given a new lease of life. The fabric was an excellent choice. Thanks so much for coming along. "

Sarah Steel reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (Levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Cheadle Gr Manchester

"Had a lovely day yesterday at the Cheadle venue, learning how to transform a small table that I really didn't like into something really special using the different painting techniques that Jo taught us. She was really helpful and informative whilst allowing us to be creative. Really enjoyed it and the cakes were delicious too!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"You made such an amazing job of your table Sarah. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop, Thank you for your lovely review. X"

Cheryl reviewed: Resin Cheeseboard & Coaster Workshop

"Absolutely fabulous workshop - Eunice is fantastic, so inspiring and talented. I am so happy with what I made and can’t wait to do some more! Couldn’t recommend more "

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Thank you Cheryl lovely to meet you and hope to see you again soon. "

Eileen Hutchinson reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"I had a wonderful time at the Pemberley Candles - Candle Making Workshop. It was fun and ended up with a range of beautiful candles. I would highly recommend booking and going along."

Caroline reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"A lovely present from a friend - I didn't know what to expect as I haven't done any courses like this before. Clare put me at ease, explaining each process in detail and then there was lots of time to experiment and try everything yourself. The time went in a flash and everything we did was really informative and interesting. Clare was very positive with all our efforts and great at suggesting how to use these skills. I would also say that a single sheet with all the paint, paper types would be useful as you tend to forget these finer details. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you Clare."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Caroline. I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your prints looked fantastic, I loved your colour combinations."

Helen Weatherill reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop in Brighton Seaside Home

"An absolutely brilliant day and Laura is such a great teacher. Laura taught us lots of techniques in the morning and then we all got to create our own piece to take home. I would highly recommend the course and you don’t have to be an experienced artist to attend. Everyone can learn on this course. Laura is really lovely and created such a relaxed and fun learning environment. "

Dave (windermere) reviewed: One day Mosaic Workshop with Ruth Wilkinson

"What a fantastic course. A full day and many ideas and suggestions along the way from Ruth. Her tuition and help throughout the day made the experience excellent. Did not complete what I started but all necessary materials were supplied to take away and complete at home. Plenty of fresh drinks cake, biscuits and fruit. A truly memorable experience to spur me on to do more. Thanks."

Ruth Wilkinson Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Dave for that lovely review , so pleased you enjoyed it. Send me a pic of your finished mosaic 😊"

Philip Robinson reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"I absolutely loved my bowl turning day. My wife bought it for me as a gift and it is one of the happiest days I’ve spent in a long time. Steve is a brilliant teacher, but as well as that it feels like a step back in time to a simpler age where communities and craftspeople lived slower and kinder lives. And at the end of the day I have a most wonderful bowl that I made myself. I am inordinately proud of it. Thank you so much Steve. I loved it so much I bought the same craft course for my brother’s birthday. He’s there today making his own bowl!"

Rochelle reviewed: Acrylic paint pouring - Learn the art of acrylic paint pouring using a variety of different techniques

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I was a complete beginner but Cath was very patient and helpful. Her demonstrations were very thorough. I would recommend it."

Julie Horman reviewed: Beginners DIY & Home Maintenance Workshop in Warrington, Cheshire (1 Day)

"Had a lovely day at beginners DIY. I have learnt enough to give me confidence to start trying new things. Everything we needed was provided and we got to practice different skills. The setting is beautiful and Jo, the course leader, was very good. Delicious cakes!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Julie, it's all about having the confidence to have a go. I'm really pleased you got so much out of the workshop, and yes, Mum's cakes are gorgeous aren't they! "

Terri Roberts reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"What a fabulous day! Rosanna has a great way of sharing her skills and taking you gently through the process of bag-making. The studio is a lovely space (the smell of leather is completely intoxicating!). Good fun, lots of laughs, learned new skills and I have a bag I'm ridiculously proud of - what more could you ask for?!"

Rosanna Clare responded:

"Arh thanks Terri, so glad you enjoyed the day and experience- it’s so nice when I have a group who can have a laugh as well as creating beautiful bags 😉👍🙏"

Sue Finucane reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"I recently attended a one day throwing session with Lorraine. I was very pleased and impressed and thought it was good value. She is professional but so kind and helpful, she explains everything so thoroughly. I can't wait to see the finished pots."

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for your kind words. "

Lou reviewed: Get Really Good at making pots on the Potters' Wheel

"Have just finished this 5 day course.... what can I say??? It was fabulous! Joss is so very patient and a brilliant instructor. The class of 4 was perfect and Joss was able to give her full attention to everyone. By the end of the week we all had something to take home! Really really enjoyed it, Joss has a wonderful relaxed style of instructing making everyone feel comfortable. I would definitely go again!!!!! Thank you Joss xxx "

Powdermills Pottery responded:

"Thank you Lou! That was fun, and you all made fabulous things - come back soon x"

Miranda reviewed: Kit Sea Glass Wire Wrap, Jewellery Making, DIY, Pendant, Pre-cut Wire Pieces and x2 Sea Glass Colour Instructions all inclusive

"Nicely packaged and arrived very quickly- thank you for that. I was disappointed with the included seaglass however. One piece is fine, the other is only just sea glass as it still has some quite raw edges on it from the original breaks. Hopefully, I'll be able to do something reasonable with the piece I'm happy with. "

JEWELLERY KITS & SILVER BITS responded:

"Hello Miranda Many thanks for your email and great to hear you loved the packaging and your parcel arrived very quickly. Sorry to hear you are disappointed with one of the pieces of Sea Glass, I will send another piece out to you so you can definitely make the most of your wire wrapping skills, this will arrive very shortly. I hope this is to your satisfaction? Happy crafting! Nicky Gee PS. I would love to see any photos you take of your finished products too"

Allison Taylor reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"Clare made me feel welcome into her great studio, making me feel at ease. This is the first course I have done with Clare, although she said it was the hardest to start with, her demonstrations and support made it easy and enjoyable. The Gelli printing was fascinating and allowed everyone to work at their own pace and to experiment with different techniques. The outcomes were great and made me feel as though I had achieved something. Clare created a calm and fun atmosphere. Her instructions and support throughout were spot on. The only suggestion for improvement would be to provide an idiots guide on an A4 sheet. Thank you Clare. "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Allison. I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your image transfer prints looked fantastic! "

Jake Ross reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"I took the stool course with Andy Morton at Sallerton Wood a couple of years ago, and returned for chair making this autumn. The whole experience and result far exceeded my expectations - again! I found the basic skills I'd picked up last time stood me in good stead for the challenges of cleaving the ash, forming it with the draw-knife, and achieving a really comfortable, unique and functional finished item of furniture. It's difficult to express the satisfaction of working with the characteristics and flaws of each section to produce a working part. Andy gives you space to practice, learn and grow, but is always on hand to guide and resolve problems which crop up. I loved camping on site within the woods bedside the stream as much as the course itself. If you're looking for an active, creative, challenging break in a beautiful natural setting, look no further than Sallerton Wood."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Jake, for that very positive review and recommendation. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course so much, and the streamside camping too! It was great to see you back at Sallerton Wood for an additional course, and we'd be really pleased to see you again one day, for a new course, or just a visit. In the meantime, enjoy using your hand-crafted chair. "

Rhian reviewed: Women's Woodwork Workshop

"I booked this course to upskill myself from zero woodwork skills to help a renovation project and honestly from the first moment I met Jess and entered her beautiful workshop, I felt at ease. Everything was explained simply, with lots of help and guidance when needed, also enriched with laughter, tea and waffles! I was quite overwhelmed even with the sawing, but with encouragement from Jess and all the other ladies, my confidence grew and I felt on top of the world! Highly recommend to women of all generations, you will not regret it and I shall be back shortly! Thank you so much Jess! X "

Glanmedeni Ltd responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Rhian and to hear how much you gained from the course. Good luck with the renovations! Come back soon and keep practising."

mrs wendy grant reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day for 2 students

"Fantastic starter course for woodturning, we would thoroughly recommend Les to anyone as a tutor due to his vast experience and knowledge in the subject, not to mention his unflagging patience with complete novices such as ourselves! We certainly enjoyed the day in full. "

Pren responded:

"Thank you Wendy. You and Sam were great fun to work with and I enjoyed our day. Les"

Joanna reviewed: Fused glass coasters

"Excellent course. The tutor explained everything really clearly and made it accessible for both beginners and those with a little more experience. It felt comprehensive without being overwhelming and there was a nice balance between gentle guidance and scope for your own creativity. I have already booked another one! "

Fired Imagination responded:

"Thankyou for the review Joanna. I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing you on the festive decorations workshop!"

Heather Croft reviewed: Silver clay Taster

"Fun and enjoyment all the way. Thia is very detailed and explains well so you don't feel as though you can't do the course. You can experiment with different techniques and go home with silver you can wear. I made a pendant. Very enjoyable and will go again."

Beth Gibbons reviewed: Woodworking Essentials - 3-day - make a wall-hung shelf unit

"Amazing course, great tutor and workshop. Really lovely atmosphere to learn techniques to a high standard and explore your own ability at whatever level that may be. I will definitely be back …. And can highly recommend 😊 "

Manoj reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"Had a fabulous day with Dave. He's very friendly, knowledgeable and helpful and aims to make the most of your day. He was also very accommodating with altering his plans for the day, to fit in with my schedule. Lots learnt, had fun and walked away with a lovely knife. "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Many thanks indeed for your fantastic review Manoj I massively appreciate it. So glad you enjoyed the day, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and have you in the forge. You did a brilliant job with your knife, really happy you like it and I hope you enjoy using it for many years. Kindest regards Dave"