Latest reviews

Chris Louca reviewed: Stone carving - Carve a garden planter or bird bath in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"An absolutely great way to spend a weekend. Zoe is such a nice person and a terrific instructor, who somehow managed to guide two ham-fisted blokes into creating something way beyond our expectations. Great facilities in lovely surroundings- this course is good value and well worth doing!"

jne Wood reviewed: Creative Mosaic Workshop

"Well, what a fabulous long morning we had with the lovely Ali. This was the first time that I had attended a workshop of any kind and looking for something to do with my granddaughter this workshop jumped out at us. Along with a very good friend and her daughter we spent the morning as complete novices with Ali. Firstly we were given the safety talk and then we were off. Multiple choices of resources were to hand from recycled china, tiles, sea glass to name a few. Ali was there to guide and encourage and give constructive advice, and there were many fabulous examples of her own work on the walls to get inspiration from, so much so that I will definitely be booking again as there is so much more I want to try. Thank you Ali, and by the way, the cake was out of this world! "

Elizabeth Stevens reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I really loved my one-to-one pottery lesson with Louise. She and Simon were very welcoming and their home felt a very secluded and calming environment to spend the day. As a complete beginner, I was able to go at my own pace and I found Louise very patient and encouraging. I was really pleased with what I was able to achieve in one day. I’d love to go back again and stay at their crafters retreat, which looked beautiful. Highly recommended."

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

"Liz, I'm delighted that you enjoyed your day with us here at Blended Monkey :-). I know you were a little cautious about throwing on the wheel at first, but WOW - look at what you achieved!!!! You've made some really lovely pieces and I'm just as excited as you to see how they look after they've been glazed. Thank you for your review - very kind. "

Alli Templeton reviewed: Willow weaving with Pippa Tee - Taster sessions

"My daughter and I spent a delightful afternoon with Pippa today, and we couldn't have wished for a better introduction to the craft of willow weaving. Pippa was both a gracious host and an excellent tutor, and we both came away feeling proud of our first creations and eager to carry on with and develop our newfound skills. If you're looking to try your hand at this enjoyable and rewarding traditional craft in a stunning rural setting, then I can thoroughly recommend Pippa's willow weaving workshops. Many, many thanks Pippa! "

Pippas plants responded:

"Thankyou for these kind words Alli - you and Maddie did great and were delightful company! Happy weaving! Pippa"

Berrian and Tom reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"The whole experience was fantastic! Dave was an outstanding teacher with a very calm presence and obviously enjoyed his work which translated well to our experience. The course was very informative and enjoyable giving us the basic skills to go and wood carve at home. Also Dave cooked a very nutritious and delicious meal. Would definitely recommend."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Berrian and Tom. I'm glad you had a good day and well done on your lovely spoons (and butter knife Tom). All the best, David "

Debbie reviewed: Moon gazing/sitting willow hare (or rabbit) sculpture workshop

"Lovely relaxing workshop which was paced and pitched well. Definitely worth travelling for. I came away confident in the use of willow and with the skills to make more. Thank you."

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Hello Debbie thank you I am glad that it was worth the journey Have fun making :-) Jacquie "

Paul and Rosina reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"What a wonderful and fun day! We learnt how to make beautiful glass sun catchers using coloured gloss, copper foil and lead free solder. It was fun cutting the glass to the right shape and then using the grinder to finish the glass pieces ready for the foil and solder. Tejal was very knowledgable, kind and patient. She is an inspiring artist and teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed the beginners workshop course and would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about creating and designing stained glass projects and panels. Thank you for a great day!"

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Paul & Rosina, appreciate it."

Sarah P reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"This was a fabulous one day workshop. Kate is a really good tutor - very patient and supportive, giving clear instructions. I’ve done some glass work before but this was a unique way to produce some lovely pieces. I would highly recommend it."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Bridget M reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Excellent 2 days. Essentially great fun and totally absorbing. Relaxed and very supportive. Thanks Jo! "

What Jo did next responded:

"Ha! Thanks so much Bridget... perfectly summed up in my opinion! Hope to see you again soon xx"

Karen Meins reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"A lovely morning spent with Julie creating fused glass items…. Who knew time could pass by so quickly and picking the right colours and cuts of glass could be so all consuming in such a fun way. Julie provided gentle guidance and great advice to make the best of the projects I had on my mind ensuring they came to life as I envisaged…well worth the money….."

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"thank you glad you had a good morning your work was lovely . "

Helen and Alan reviewed: Moon gazing/sitting willow hare (or rabbit) sculpture workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We achieved the goal....2 Hares that looked like Hares. Certainly learnt a lot about all aspects of willow. Met some lovely people. Very inspiring 👏 "

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Hello and Allen thank you for a lovely review it was a pleasure to meet you both. I hope that you had a lovely evening and a good journey home today All the best Jacquie "

David reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I have just enjoyed a terrific day with Les on his 1 to 1 wood turning day in his excellent workshop in beautiful north Wales. Les has years of experience turning and is hugely skilled but what makes the day is the fact he can impart some of that knowledge to others through his excellent tuition. I would highly recommend this course. "

Pren responded:

"Well thank you David for that review...much appreciated."

Karli C reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Such an enjoyable experience. Very knowledgeable and patient. Excellent set up and well stocked studio which allows for all skill levels. I travelled 200 miles to attend the course and I would definitely recommend Sarah, and I'd definitely book again. "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Your lovely pieces are cooking in the kiln now! Thank you very much for leaving a lovely review - it was great to meet you! Thanks, Sarah"

Iain Stewart reviewed: Axe making course

"Fantastic day! Present for my lad who turned 18 and had always wanted to try blacksmithing. We both have an interest in making and although a bit of a drive for us from Liverpool over to Wakefield -well worth it! Andy was a great tutor. Friendly, informative and straight down to making with all the health and safety covered too… very knowledgable and on hand to help, advise and guide us through all the stages of making and open to questions around the whole process. A really good day.. Coming away with our own axes has given my son and I ‘the bug’! Hope to book another course soon!"

Kerrie reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Don't waste time, book this course immediately! Beautiful unspoilt woodland, everything provided, fantastic atmosphere, leave your phone at home you won't want to be interrupted. Matt is an excellent tutor, knowledgeable, gentle in manor and teaching style, and experienced enough to go with learner interests and inclinations. No expectations or judgements, open to listening and hoping to learn more himself. This proved to be an amazing, most memorable day, even doing nothing would have still been beautiful, despite the rain. We foraged food and fire supplies, naturally swapped stories, made fires in different ways, baked bread (we suggested Matt calls it " a century old family sour dough base" but it's not in him to create a falsehood), made foraged tea, selected woods and used tools to chop and create made to measure tools....mine is already being used at home! Matt somehow makes it all very achievable. Everything is considered, vegan milk options, proper coffee, and Emma's lovely homemade treats..yum! I will be seeking to return to this pair and their wood at every opportunity possible. I've no doubt I will be talking with great enthusiasm about our amazing day for a long time. You won't be disappointed. Guys, please, please, please open a Forest School for adults. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Kerrie, We are so grateful your lovely review! It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both. Thankyou for coming with an open mind and giving the day your all despite the rain. Hope to see you again soon. Matt"

Lorna and Matthew reviewed: Silver Ring Making Workshop

"Would highly recommend this course. My son and I enjoyed it immensely. We both made totally different rings that we now wear with a smile. Darren is a great tutor letting you craft the piece yourself so you get a real feel for ring making."

Sally reviewed: Candle Making Course at Butterfly Barn Studio - Private Workshop for up to 4

"Kathy is an expert in making candles. She made sure that the material we were using was safe. We came all the way from Hong Kong to join Kathy's course. We enjoyed it very much and my children were so happy. We made two kinds of candles with different techniques that Kathy taught us. Thank you for Kathy giving us a very enjoyable day. "

Candice Gabain reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"A perfect day. Fabulous location, and wonderful teacher. Love all the 'processes' used to create many different 'hare characters'. Couldn't help myself, so had to book more classes and take a home kit with me too."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Candice - it was a lovely day. It is all very addictive! I look forward to seeing you later in the year. Have fun with the kits and don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Jo xx"

Gill reviewed: Ceramic Garden Seed Head and flower Ornaments - Emma Godden Ceramics

"Emma was an excellent tutor and great hostess. The course was well run with good instructions, equipment and facilities. A fun day."

Emma Godden Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you had a fun day! I’m about to email everyone to say that they have been fired and are ready to collect/ be posted! 😁"

Al reviewed: Willow Weaving - Zarzo Basket

"Another wonderful day. Justine is an amazing tutor. I love my Zarzo basket. Thoroughly recommend this course and venue to anyone. Al"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Many thanks for your positive review Al, Look forward to seeing you again very soon. Best wishes. Mara"

Helen Herridge reviewed: Creative Mosaic Workshop

"What a lovely day we had in Ali’s wonderful Garden Room. This was my second visit and I’m thrilled with both my efforts thanks to Ali’s guidance, teaching skills and vast array of resources. Her knowledge and enthusiasm for this craft is infectious and her baking skills unquestionable! Thank you Ali for these great experiences, I’m very much looking forward to returning again soon! "

Mosaic Workshops in the Garden Room responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words. Looking forward to having a mosaic day with you in the future. 🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸"

Kevan reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"I had a wonderful one-to-one day with Stef, a true enthusiast and craftsman. He taught me everything from the basics of creating the components right through to assembling and painting all in one (pleasingly long) day. Very pleased with the outcome and the whole experience. Stef is also an interesting guy to spend the day with. Strongly recommended"

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Hi Kevan, thank you so much for your nice review! I truly enjoyed the (pleasingly long :) day with you as well... And maybe the next time we could make something even more complex :) Best regards, Stef"

L. W. reviewed: Weekly Art Class via Zoom on Tuesday Afternoons- Bespoke for Linda W

"Louise is an excellent, empathetic and experienced art teacher. She puts a lot of thought and effort into the preparation of each class, each of which is preceded by a newsletter with tips to get started. I attend the online course and have found it to be great. "

Stockton Brook Studios responded:

"Thank you Linda for your review. It makes me very happy to share your artistic journey, and enjoy your contribution to our online group."

Julie Johnson reviewed: Willow Plant Supports (1 day) in the Peak District

"I had an amazing day making the willow obelisk. Eddie, the course tutor, is a very talented and knowledgeable man who clearly has a passion for his craft. It was a memorable day in a wonderful setting one l want to repeat as soon as possible. I was made to feel very welcome. Excellent facilities, refreshments and lunch. Attention to detail second to none."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"A joy to receive your happy review. Thankyou so much for your warm words and enthusiasm. See you soon!"

Liam reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was the first time I had tried Blacksmithing and I was not disappointed. I had a great time learning the different techniques and was blown away by Adrian’s talent. Everyone was extremely welcoming and friendly, even the meal provided by Debbie was out of this world. Overall fantastic experience! Big thank you to Adrian, Andy and Debbie!"