Latest reviews

Julia reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Booked for my husband as a Christmas present. Colin was very accommodating and responsive to questions and arrangements. Jason really enjoyed the experience and Colin was a great teacher. Colin suggested a number of options and my husband decided on a poker, which he has been showing off to anyone who will listen. Highly recommend Colin if you're thinking of trying Blacksmithing "

Sonia reviewed: Batik - hot wax full day workshop

"Jane is a very talented artist and her work is inspirational. She was warm and welcoming and very patient. It was good to learn lots of different techniques for batik and it has inspired me to purchase some tools."

Jane’s Celebration Services responded:

"Thank you Sonia for a good review. It was such a pity the A41 was shut and made your journey to me such a challenge. I enjoyed meeting you and your finished piece of batik was fabulous. I hope you take up batik at home now you know the basics of this wonderful art. "

Susan Dell reviewed: Needle felting for wellbeing - Mouse Party

"I had a fantastic day on my course with Carol. We had a lovely group, mixed abilities but everyone joined in and we had fun. I was a complete beginner so was a little apprehensive but I need not have worried. Carol made us all feel very welcome into her home and she shared her love of felting with us. We all went home with recognisable 'cheeky robins' My first creation but not my last I hope! Thank you Carol!"

Felted Friends responded:

"It was a real pleasure to meet and teach you Susan. I do love seeing people new to needle felting create their first 3D sculpture. Your cheeky robin was delightful and you should be proud of him. I hope he will be suitably admired by family & friends. I hope you will make much more now you know what you can achieve with the skills you learned. I hope to welcome you back for another workshop in the future. Very best wishes Carol "

Tony Byam reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day learning about foraging, wood splitting and whittling, and various methods of fire building and lighting. Matt was very friendly and helpful "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Tony, thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the day learning about bushcraft. We hope to see you again soon! Matt"

Rose Turner reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"One of the best craft courses to do. Perfect setting, excellent refreshment. Tina is a patient, knowledgeable tutor. Will definitely book another and recommend to friends and family . "

Karis reviewed: Young teen with adult, silver jewellery special - what will YOU make?

"Had a lovely day making stacking rings - nice to be able to get really hands on. We both enjoyed it! Viv is a really lovely lady and it was pleasure to have her teach us. Thanks Viv"

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you so much for this review Karis, I thought you were all amazing, the young people so calm and accomplished despite the unexpected torch activities - you older ones managed your own learning curve with the chunky silver rings you made - super stuff, you were amazing, thank you 😊"

Rebecca reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"Loved this workshop. Really relaxed atmosphere in a nice open space. Other people were doing some inspiring work. Helpful short tutorial at the start and then very positive, gentle support with creating your own work from Coralie, who is a delight. Quality materials, tea & cake included."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"I’m really glad you enjoyed it Rebecca, it’s an honour and a pleasure to teach such a varied skill. You handled it really well, your mosaic is looking great. Best wishes Coralie "

Sunny reviewed: 2-HR Birthday Jewellery Making Workshop for 5

"Lovely course with teenagers who enjoyed the experience and learning. Would have preferred a few more choices on shapes though."

Linda Sandeman Jewellery responded:

"Hi Sunny, Thank you so much for your review and feedback. The birthday girl and her friends were a joy, and brought so much creativity to the session. Thanks again for choosing my workshop as a birthday gift and providing me with some constructive advice on offering a bigger selection of shapes. "

Judy & Corrine reviewed: Wet Felted Landscape Workshop

"What a lovely day! We learned so much and had such a lovely time - the atmosphere was so friendly and relaxed and we were so proud of the pieces we created - everyone's felts looked so different and it was fantastic to see these take shape as the day went on. Inspiration was provided, the techniques explained, and then a variety of finishing techniques at the end. And all with tea and cake and good company. We have already tried out our new skills at home and already booked in for our next course! Thank you so much! "

Felix Tabitha responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both and see your beautiful landscapes take shape! Thank you so much for the lovely review😀"

Pauline Stott reviewed: Crochet - Intermediate - Wednesdays

"Brilliant, we both enjoyed the course and learnt a lot"

Helen reviewed: Tunisian Crochet for Beginners - Cheshire

"Very much enjoyed my beginners tunisian crochet course. Emma is very patient and relaxed. I would highly recommend the course and hope to join again in future"

Oh So Pretty And Clever responded:

"Hi Helen, thanks for your review. It was lovely to meet you and I’m so glad you picked up the basics of Tunisian crochet during our session. Hope to see you again soon. Emma "

Sarah Seymour reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent course. Lynne really knew her stuff and was a generous, well prepared, kind, thorough and attentive teacher. Great to learn such a practical skill and her enthusiasm for helping me get ready for my exhibition was much appreciated. A really good and useful day."

Lynne Friel responded:

"Hi Sarah Thank you for your kind review, It's always exciting when an artist brings the bare bones of an exhibition. I really enjoyed teaching you to cut mounts and helping you prepare for Hampshire Open Studios next week. Good luck with the rest of your preparations and here's hoping for many sales.. Best wishes, Lynne"

Sarah Athol reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had a lovely day with Jon. So helpful and calm, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend the couples day. Thanks Jon"

Ben Clay reviewed: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"After watching Blacksmiths on YouTube for years, I've always wanted to try, but never had the confidence to try it alone. We searched for a few weeks looking at reviews and pictures of students' finished knives and axes, and also looked at what was and wasn't included and finally found this course. I'm so happy I waited and found this place; I had a great time, stayed a couple of nights at a local golfing hotel and got to get my hands dirty. They made the process straightforward and helped me make a beautiful raindrop Damascus patterned knife, if you're looking for somewhere, I'd definitely recommend Friargate forge! Thanks again chaps for a great experience!"

Laura reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"Thank you for a lovely crafty day! The session was well organised, friendly, and there was a great selection of materials to pick from. Coralie was on hand to answer any questions and kept us topped up with tea and muffins! "

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you Laura, it was great to meet you! I loved your colour choices and determination which resulted in a lovely mosaic. Best wishes Coralie"

Alexandra reviewed: Beginner Watercolour Art Retreat Day

"I really really enjoyed this art workshop and would definitely go again! Lovely group of people all there to learn, take a break from day to day life and have fun! Also Joan is an incredible person and artist so booking this you’ll struggle to go wrong! "

Joan Kennedy Artist responded:

"Alexandra thank you sooo much. What a lovely review, I really appreciate it. Thank you also, for recommending me to your father-in-law. He said he really enjoyed it too and I’m glad it’s given him confidence to take up his new hobby. Thank you lovely lady, your super smile and bubbly personality certainly was wonderful to see. xx"

Colin J. reviewed: Leather Traveller's Bag

"Catherine is a good teacher, patient, calm and a very nice person. The workshop is a nice place to work/ learn and the course (Travellers bags) was successful! The two of us finished the product, one comfortably and one scampering to complete! But, Catherine was calm and reassuring that time was ok, which assuaged my uncomfortable feelings of needing to rush. The sewing together took longer than I, we and I suspect she, imagined. Overall, a great experience, good value for money and I soundly recommend it."

Jane Bower reviewed: Learn soft pastels in a relaxed beautiful environment

"Heather is very knowledgeable indeed about the medium and gave excellent advice about techniques. The setting is absolutely delightful and the materials we came away with, included in the course, were very generous. Lovely walk to the pub for lunch completed a very pleasant and fascinating day."

Serendipity Art studio responded:

"Thank you for your review. However I am sad that I couldn’t provide the perfect five star experience for you on the day. Hopefully you find that with your next adventure. "

Karen Durrant reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"My mum and I loved the batik painting course. We did this in Barbara's house and there was a relaxed informal atmosphere. Barbara showed us lots of ideas and helped when needed. She explained the technique clearly and let us experiment. Mum and I loved our finished paintings. It was a really enjoyable, relaxing day and no artistic ability is needed!!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I am pleased that you and your Mum enjoyed the day, your paintings look fabulous. Best regards Barbara 😃"

Lindi reviewed: Pottery wheel & glass fusing private half-day

"Went into both the classes with no idea of what to expect and came hooked on them both! For the Glass Fusion Sarah was very knowledgeable and encouraging and the well stocked studio opened up a myriad of possibilities, even for a novice. Chris is not only a great potter, but has the patience to pass on his knowledge and with his guidance gave me self believe that I too could tame a lump of clay! Can’t wait to see my fired efforts in both crafts. Definitely worthwhile. Can highly recommend both courses. "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a fabulous review for us. Your glass is already out of the kiln and looks lovely!"

Sally reviewed: Colour loves colour. Acrylic painting.

"I attended Laura's Colour Loves Colour Abstract Acrylic Painting workshop at her Studio - what a fantastic experience! I'm a complete beginner, and Laura worked with us to create some fab paintings, and teach us lots of really useful techniques and tricks! All of the paint and equipment was supplied, with plenty of tea and coffee provided throughout :-) Laura has a wonderful spirit and is very passionate about art and it made me feel very relaxed - it was an incredibly relaxing day (in beautiful surroundings too!) I would HIGHLY recommend this course. THANK YOU Laura! xxx"

Laura Donaldson responded:

"Thank you so much! It really was a great day with a fantastic group of people. Your work was beautiful and I’m thrilled that you had such an enjoyable time. I look forward to welcoming you back to the studio whenever you like. "

Steve Kirk reviewed: Beginners Woodturning

"Well designed course that is perfect for a beginner. Roger is very knowledgeable and a good instructor with a lot of patience. "

Jerry Herbert reviewed: Woodland Tools Use & Sharpening Day

"Pete and Jacqui were very welcoming and patient during this course, providing just the guidance I needed at this stage in my wood carving journey. I would thoroughly recommend this to others. "

Dee reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Absolutely brilliant, thank you we had a great day. Jon and Becki are welcoming and patient. Gave us all the tea and coffee we could drink to keep us going. The baskets they helped us make are beautiful. Couldn't be happier."

Rachel Mclaren reviewed: Round Shopper Willow Basket

"Such a great day , even in the pouring rain and thunder! Beautiful space and great teacher. "

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Thank you for coming along! "