Latest reviews

Daniel reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"For those of you looking for a quick summary: the day was amazing, start to finish. Neil welcomed us into his office space, we had a quick chat and then swiftly headed to the forge to begin working. He briefed us on what we would be making, the tools we would use, safety protocols and showed us by example the techniques we needed to mold the steel to the shapes we wanted. He then left us to our devices, watching over us and giving tips and tricks every now and then. Overall, I really enjoyed this experience - I would definitely recommend to anyone keen on trying blacksmithing!"

Eve Cox reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild poppies dish kit

"Very quick delivery, made this for the first time and can’t wait to get it back and see the results. Loves the experience."

Simon reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I have to echo all the previous reviews on this site, I had a completely enthralling day learning about spoon-carving with Mark in a magical location. Mark’s passion for woodcraft and the woodland flora and fauna comes across from the moment you meet him. As a teacher Mark is a consummate professional, starting with an overview of the tools used and giving just the right level of guidance at the start of each stage and being there when you needed further guidance or help. Lunch followed by cake, prepared by Cristina, his partner, was really, really tasty. I finished the day totally relaxed with a passable spoon. The follow-up information provided by Mark after the class included a good range of resources and information. To summarise, great teaching, wonderful location and good food. Many thanks, Simon"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm glad you got so much out of the day. I must say though you sold your own efforts rather short - you produced an enviable spoon! Thanks again Mark and Cristina"

Janet Fraser Stained Glass reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"I am already an established stained glass artist that’s wanting to learn more about the art of painting on glass. Derek is a wonderful teacher and very patient l didn’t find it easy to paint with a brush but l went away with the basics and will practice because as we all know practice makes perfect. Thank you, Derek."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you Janet, it was great meeting you and so pleased you enjoyed the course. ?"

Graham Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had been looking forward to this since booking in 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Adrian is a very welcoming spirit and easy to talk to considering you are meeting for the first time. He is a great demonstrator and keeps you on track offering help when needed. There is no blinding you with unnecessary knowledge. My dragonhead coat hook looks more like a baldy dog, but I quite like those. My key ring and the coat hooks themselves are great. I would do that same course again for a bit more practice. I am certainly interested in one of the "Design & Make" weekend courses, so will have to save a little. Debbie's welcoming, warm character and hearty food were lovely, as was Debbie. Welcome tea and homemade goodies to a stonking veggie lunch with crumble and custard to boot, and more tea... Tea. Heat metal. Beat metal, Heat metal. Beat metal. Eat. Heat metal. Beat metal. Heat metal. Beat metal. Tea. What is not to like. Could they do anything better? For me, I'd like the day to go on a wee bit longer. One more hour. Other than that, nothing else. As an experience, it was affordable, hugely enjoyable, you come away with physical permanent keepsakes that you have made and a great set of memories. All the best & hope to see you again Graham"

Ann Truin reviewed: Introduction to small goods leather crafting

"Enjoyable day with excellent teacher who shared interesting tips and knowledge. I was a complete beginner but came away with finished piece."

Kay Barber reviewed: One-day woodcarving for beginners

"What a fantastic day..." time flies when you're enjoying yourself"...I felt like I was there an hour or so! Will is a great teacher, very calm, happy, covering all basic aspects for your budding future in woodcarving. I came away not only inspired but full of enthusiasm to pick up those gouges and get cracking! As Will said look out driftwood ...oh yes here I come! Thank you Will I highly recommend it to all. PS Forgot to mention the tea and pastries (made freshly from the local baker)! Oh, I wish I wasn't Gluten Free!!"

Lesley reviewed: Macrame - Wall Hanging

"Brilliant workshop with Wendy. I had never tried macrame before but this wasn’t an issue. Relaxed & plenty of time to achieve a completed wreath. Great tunes too Thank you"

Ruth reviewed: Beginners Watercolours & Cream Tea Experience (minimum booking is for 2 people)

"We booked a workshop with Amina as a gift for our soon-to-be sister-in-law, and it turned out to be a wonderfully zen and fun alternative to the traditional 'hen do' :) Amina was so welcoming and put us all at ease; her studio is spacious and really well equipped. Everything was prepared when we arrived and we all sipped a hot drink whilst she talked us through what we'd be doing and what to expect. None of us had much recent art experience but we were all pleasantly surprised at what we were able to produce with the different techniques. All this topped off with delicious homemade scones, generous helpings of jam and clotted cream, plus freshly pressed coffee and a pot of tea - it was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed greatly by all. Thank you, Amina!"

A.S.K Garden Art Gallery & Studio responded:

"Hi Ruth, It was a lovely afternoon and I felt privileged to host such a special occasion. The work you all completed was beautiful, there was a lot of talent in that studio. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the home made scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. I look forward to seeing photos of the wedding. Amina x"

iona burton reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaic Planters. All-inclusive 1-day workshop

"We had a brilliant day at the stained glass mosaic workshop. We were shown lots of techniques for cutting the glass and how to do it with patience and great skill. We both produced really nice mosaics and enjoyed a day without the kids. This is my third workshop and I have already booked a Christmas decorations workshop. Highly recommended."

Stained Glass Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much, it was great to see you again and I'm glad you enjoyed it."

William of York reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"At the end of the weekend I looked at what we had all made and could barely believe it. As a complete beginner, this was a wonderful weekend, so satisfying, a testament to excellent tuition. Thoroughly recommend. Brilliant"

Doug Raby reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"As days out go, this was right up there for us. Thank you Ged, it was just great and I learned so much. We couldn't wait to have a sip out of the tumblers that night, so we lined them with cling film, topped them up and had a lovely time."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Doug. Glad you and Alex enjoyed the workshop. Enjoy your drams - slainte!"

Jo Roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Adrian was a fabulous instructor ‐ he makes it look so easy yet always on hand for some encouragement. Debbie did a great job feeding us with homemade goodies, needed an extra hour for a nap after lunch! My Dad loved it ‐ Thank you"

Andy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"An excellent course. If you keep yours eyes and ears open you will learn a lot about woodworking as well as leaving with a piece of work to be proud of."

Alice Howlett reviewed: Celtic Woven Stars

"Excellent course, well worth the money, got lots of goodies and extras to take home. Great tutor and a relaxing way to spend 2 hours."

Dominic and Ruth reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really interesting day. Good atmosphere. Challenging but well instructed and lots of support as you went along. Really interesting day and the food / drink was exceptional; would recommend to anyone"

Anthony Loveless reviewed: Beginners silversmithing workshop

"Really great course taught very well for beginners. Kami is very welcoming and helpful. Would highly recommend to anyone looking into this sort of activity."

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Anthony, Thanks so much for your review. I am impressed with how well you handled each part of the process and once shown you picked up the skills really quickly! I love the texture you used and personalisation with stamping. Hopefully see you in the future for any other crafts you might be interested in :)"

Ginny Pratt reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I have thoroughly enjoyed this day ( twice now) a great way to become totally engrossed in creativity no matter what level of artisticness you may be at Siobhan will cater to your needs. group size is just right, refreshments are plenty if your looking for a day of escapism fun and creativity then highly recommend having a go."

Roderick Smith reviewed: Introduction to small goods leather crafting

"A great day out learning new skills in a warm and friendly environment, all leather and tools provided, The tuition is first-class from master craftsmen Paul who will give you all the help and guidance you need to complete your project and get started in a marvellous and engaging hobby. I came away with a beautiful notebook cover of my own making with the help and advice from Paul."

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

"I had the most amazing day with Scott. It was great fun and I "made a thing"!!! I was ridiculously proud of the garden caddy that I made and am champing at the bit to make more things. Scott was a great teacher - calm, knowledgeable, encouraging and extremely patient (especially when I kept changing my mind on the design). The hospitality was great and his space is brilliant - lots of ideas scattered around the place for future designs. Sue provided great cakes and hit the nail on the head when she said I was channelling the joy of my inner eight-year-old! I highly recommend this course and will be signing up for more (sorry Scott!). A terrific day all around. Dawn"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Dawn. You were great fun to have for the day and yes we would love to see you again. Scott"

Beth reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Did this course with my sister yesterday and still buzzing from it. Chris and Steve were great (and patient) instructors and kept us laughing all morning. Didn’t know what kind of thing to expect going into it but I’m so glad I went. We got to make a whole bunch of things, way more than expected and I actually learned things about the process too. Can’t wait to see my finished pieces, however wonky they may be! Would definitely go back again for more."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Hi Beth, Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad you both enjoyed your time with us, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Regards Steve & Chris"

Martina reviewed: 'Have a go' Pottery workshop

"Had smashing time and learned a lot. Great teacher!"

Saz's Ceramics & Crafts responded:

"Thanks Martina, it was a pleasure to teach you and Natalie! Can't wait to fire your pots! ;-)"

Julia Randall reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"Wonderful time spent in lovely Somerset with Nic and Ben learning about and making divine skin care products. Thoroughly recommend this as an absorbing and insightful workshop with the added benefit of all a sorts of goodies to bring home and use. Highly recommended!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review Julia! We're really glad to hear you enjoyed your workshop with us! Nic x"

MRS PAULINE HARRISON reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Excellent! Everything I had hoped for and much more. As advertised, the BYO project course was perfect for me as a beginner – • Plenty of skilled, safety-conscious & supportive - individual attention, • No pressure to keep up with others learning the same new skill and, • An inspiring context in which look & listen to others seeking guidance for much more advanced projects. Thank you Sarah (& three other participants) for all the mugs of tea and buckets of inspiration – altogether a 'Grand Day Out!'"

Nicola Collins reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We had a fab day on this experience at the firebird forge! Bought this day for my boyfriend but I also thoroughly enjoyed myself! Mort is a great teacher and makes the day fun while you’re learning ? we had a great day and made loads of lovely pieces (I love my cake slice!) and we will be back for more forging in the future at the firebird forge - thanks for a great day! ?"

Firebird Forge responded:

"Cheers for the review Nicola. It was a pleasure having both you and John at the forge for the day and the hand forged cake slice was definitely a first! You’re both most welcome anytime you’d like to return. All the best, Mort."