Latest reviews

Kate reviewed: Ceramic Planters using the slab building technique.

"Nicola was really helpful and knowledgeable. The course was great fun"

Ceramics By Nicola Rose responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, I'm very glad you enjoyed it! "

Heather Webster reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel was aware of what I wanted to achieve by the end of the day and ensured that this happened. I have come away with full confidence to create. Thank you Nigel"

Sophie Hammond reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"Fab!"

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Sophie! It was lovely hosting you in the studio. "

Jon reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"The course was really very good. The tutor, Paul, is clearly extremely experienced and was a terrific teacher (which is probably even more important than knowledge and skill). Health and safety issues were prioritised at the outset, and the group (of four people) were able to work safely throughout. Paul gave lots of encouragement and support, and helped out whenever anyone was faced with a problem. We would 100% recommend this course. At the beginning of the day we had never done any work with glass before, and by the end we had each produced a piece that we were very happy with. The day was also enjoyable and the group had fun working together. We are already planning to book a further course with Paul."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Dear John and Honia, just to say many thanks for coming on the class, I really enjoyed your company and your review is most kind. Your projects are fired and have turned out beautifully and I will be sending them on to you today. Hope to see you again sometime in the future:) Best wishes Paul "

Tina Thornton reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Yet another fabulous course by Paul. He has an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge and his teaching style gives you the confidence to complete your piece More courses please Paul"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Tina, thank you for that, I enjoyed our day! Another course? working on it! Hope Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Paul :)"

Jenny Britton reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I have used fused glass classes for many years now. It is incredible value for money and a great support group as well as fused glass crafts. Ann is a volunteer instructor with huge experience. She is always there to support and spends ages using the kiln to fuse our efforts. I have made lots of fused glass art, from coasters to bowls, tea light holders and decorations especially at Christmas. We are always learning and sharing ideas. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Jenny for you kind words. Ann works tirelessly for the workshop and is always there to lend a hand. I know how busy we are and she always has time for all wishing to learn. We try to encourage everyone to try a craft. Regards Alan "

Nadya James reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Always great fun and with a vibrant mix of people, the stained glass class benefits from Elaine's humour and patience in helping students learn to make impressive designs even if they have never cut a piece of glass before. There is a huge selection of glass and you are supported to master cutting your creation, grinding your glass, flicking your flux, smoothing your solder and perfecting your patina. Each piece is one of a kind and something to be proud of."

Nadya James reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Fantastic value and Ann has huge amounts of skill in this technique. She will guide you through the many options and ideas and you would be amazed at what you can create - from flat to 3D, coasters to bowls, subtle to spectacular. It is always exciting to see what comes out of the kiln and the different effects you can create, and she has all the bits and pieces you need as well as good advice and ideas to help you get the best results."

Nadya James reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Huge range of equipment and lots of people with expertise to help you - whether you are wanting to make your first ever project since school woodworking days or are an experienced craftsperson looking to restore a classic dining chair. More tools and machines than you could believe, and the supervisers (who are all volunteers) have a wide range of skills and knowledge. "

Nadya James reviewed: Regular wood carving classes Mondays 9am to 3pm at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Excellent sessions led by Bill that cater for everyone from people who create works of art, to people like me who had never held a chisel in their life. Patient and relaxed tuition where it is truly 'your' creation that is brought to life, using a variety of tools and techniques. From spoons to sculptures, it is amazing how fast you learn and what you can make. You only need to bring yourself, as everything is there, but you may want to invest in your own gloves (the tools are sharp!) and plastic goggles (DIY glasses). "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Nadya for your kind words. We try to cater for all and our volunteer tutors will share their knowledge to help create a piece of work that you can be proud o,f no matter what your skill level or experience may be. I will pass onto Bill as I know he appreciates all reviews. He is also very proud of our first gold star award. Alan"

Mark Benson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"My son and I attended this course last week and really enjoyed it. Both of us had welded many times before but it was great to be shown how to do so properly. Nigel is very talented and friendly. I will have a go at the blacksmith course sometime in the future."

Jo B reviewed: Fused Glass Sun Catcher Workshop with Natalie Bullock

"Was a birthday treat for myself, mum and a friend. Natalie was friendly and welcoming and took time to explain everything. Examples to take inspiration from and lots of colours and shapes to use in designs. Definitely want to do another course and look forward to seeing my design once it’s been fired. "

Sarah reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"If you're looking for something a bit different and like to take something away at the end of the course, then this is going to be right up your street. Me and my husband went along to this, as we wanted something we could both get enthusiastic about, and basket weaving wasn't going to tick that box. Also bear in mind I'm 5 foot 2, and don't really have a lot in the way of muscles, but even I was able to do this. I did need some help with the hammering as I didn't quite have the clout at times, but Spike was able to help when I needed it, and I was never made to feel that it was too much trouble. And talking of Spike, he is an amazingly patient instructor, he talks you through it all at a pace that works, and then is on hand if things go a bit off -track. Nothing is too much trouble and he is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. Well worth a go if you fancy something that's fun with a bit of danger. "

Emily Joy reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"I had such a special time at Hannah's workshop. A great set up in a well suited location. Lots of tools to play with and an inspiring teacher. The time flew, it was so much fun and I learnt so much in that space of time, it gave me the confidence to get started on my own work at home. I love the tables I came away with and when I look at them I will always remember that lovely day. Thank you Hannah x"

Ray Jackson reviewed: Dandelion seed heads. welded, brazing workshop for Ray

"I attended a one day course with Roger with the intention of being able to make a dandelion seed head for my garden. Upon arrival, I was delighted to find that he had taken the time to prepare some design drawings and had even made two scale models. This greatly helped me and I now feel confident that I can achieve my intention. Thank you Roger.. a great day!! "

SJA reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"I'd recommend this experience to everyone! Jon explains the process, taking you from making marbles, to a paperweight and finally a vase. It's really enjoyable, was a full day, including a great lunch and plenty of snacks! Lovely setting, parking was fine, be nice on a sunny day. Jon is patient, knowledgeable and ensures you have a great day. "

Graham reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Did a course today with Andy it was excellent and set me on my way to discovering the dark arts of woodturning. Very informative from a real craftsman"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks graham , really enjoyed your company Keep at the woodturning you have a talent "

Meryl reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"Amazing course! I got a voucher for this for my birthday as I’ve been wanting to try jewellery making for years. And this exceeded my expectations. Sarah is super friendly and lovely and she hosts the class in her dedicated jewellery workshop which is a real crafters paradise. Sarah was really accommodating to me as I asked to have more artistic freedom with the rings so I could make something customised to my style. She was so informative, explaining every step of the process and demonstrating each step before supervising me. Sarah was very cautious about the more dangerous elements of the process and so I felt very safe. I particularly loved using her huge range of hammers, each of which created a different pattern/texture in the silver. And now I have a piece of jewellery that I love and made myself! 100% recommend and it’s inspired me to get a kit to continue this new passion! Thanks Sarah "

Allyson reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Great course with excellent tuition, good clear guidance and very informative - came away with some items - who knew I could work with metal! Would recommend as a great opportunity to try working with a different material - a great day was had "

Ellie reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Brilliant half day session with Simon for me and my mum - learnt all the basics include how to make coves and beads and left with our test pieces and one completed spindle-based piece by the end. "

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

"Hi Ellie, Glad you enjoyed the session. Do get in touch if you have any questions or want to take the craft further. — Simon"

Jeremy Gee reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I was the oldest person present and my welding was rubbish but I welded my heart out. Thanks to the inspiring tuition from the infamous Nigel Barnett I had the best but tiring day out. I would and will highly recommend everyone to attend if you're lucky enough to get a booking. "

Christopher Gamble reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Very helpful and friendly, really enjoying the course "

Stevie Gilmour reviewed: 3 Day Resin Worktop Course (Custom Worktops)

"Had a fantastic time on the course. Could not ask for a more amazing tutor. Norman's depth of knowledge and understanding of the practical application is unrivalled. I learnt substantially more than I ever would have expected. The time spent was fun and so rewarding Can't thank him enough."

Reson-8 responded:

"Hi Stevie, Many Thanks for your review, very much appreciated & was a pleasure to work alongside you, good luck with your future resin works. Very Best Regards Norman"

Suzzette Naylor reviewed: Macrame - Chunky Rope Necklaces

"I have done several classes with Wendy and have never been disappointed. She is innovative with her designs and so patient with her students. I am 73 and falling apart at the seams but still Wendy takes time to make sure I am comfortable and enjoying myself. Which I always do. These necklaces were a lot of fun to make, and will be fun to wear too. "

Stewart Sutherland reviewed: Work of Iron | The Forge on the Firth of Forth | Edinburgh | 1-Day Blacksmiths Knife Making

"I had an excellent day on this course - Jack was excellent and super patient when explaining everything. I'm really chuffed I've learned some new skills and I'm really pleased with the things I made. Thanks Jack!"