Latest reviews

Mandy Herriott reviewed: Stained Glass Leading Garden Panel Workshop for Beginners

"Myself and my husband John attended a full day workshop (10 hours) creating a leaded glass panel and acquiring new skills on both glass leading and using tools relevant to complete a project. We are really proud of our end works and are now hanging in the garden. We were total beginners and impressed with the professionalism of the tutors' training style, knowledgeable and patience during the whole day. Fantastic tutors who are an asset to the art world. Thank you so much for all your help."

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Mandy - it was a pleasure working with you both! M&J"

Keeley reviewed: Design a room in your home with weekly one to one consultations

"I am midway through my first house renovation and I find interior design comes naturally to me, however I wanted to work with a professional to push myself and my designs.... in comes Nikki. Her attitude and encouragement were amazing, and I found myself looking forward to our weekly discussions. She goes above what you would expect and I found her to be genuinely interested in my progress and design. Nothing is too much trouble and she would actively send me extra links/websites if she believed it would help me. I would say the course has helped me discover my own style and be able to break down the process of design. It is an excellent course that Nikki easily tailors to suit the students needs, whether that be a novice or aspiring interior designer. I cannot recommend this course enough!"

Debbie Fryer reviewed: Ripped paper art workshop 2

"A lovely relaxing day spent with an excellent tutor who led us in a class where no one knew anything about ripped art effortlessly. Thank you Debi for an inspired day. Debbie"

debi lane art responded:

"Thankyou so much Debbie, it was lovely to meet you and watch your picture come to life."

Greg Birkumshaw reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"In times when Blacksmiths were an integral part of any evolving and thriving community, the blacksmiths shop was a part of, if not, actually the very dwelling of the smith themselves. So I was very excited and encouraged to see that Jon had not broke with the tradition and passion of having his forge within the confines of his dwelling, a sign that his passion for blacksmithing is integral to his way of life and family, just as it would have been… Cosy, independent and honest, not industrialised or corporate. I highly recommend arriving with a sketch of the blade or piece you would like to create, as Jon will assist, over and above, to help you forge something incredible. Thee best birthday gift ever. Thank you Jon, we will be back. Greg"

Daniel Humphries reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"An excellent day spent with Simon making a mess in his workshop and creating some awesome wooden creations on the lathe. Friendly and bright atmosphere! I would highly recommend this to anyone."

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

"Hi Dan, Thanks for the review. The day was fun and we hope the advice and notes will set you up in the craft; shout if you need any more help. --Simon & Louise"

Christine reviewed: Learn pottery with Marina - two-to-one course

"My daughter and I had a lovely time with Marina. It was our first time throwing and Marina was an excellent and patient teacher. We would love to go back and learn more."

Rachel Warrillow reviewed: Ripped paper art workshop 5

"I had a really lovely day at this workshop. Debi is such a talented artist, friendly and welcoming. It was a very relaxed, easy-going day, with lovely company. I found making the collage really therapeutic and enjoyable and I was so pleased with the picture I created on the day. It has inspired me to do more at home too! I would highly recommend this workshop. Thanks Debi!"

debi lane art responded:

"Thankyou Rachel, you created an amazing picture with a natural flair to paper art!"

Lisa O'Keeffe reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"Great day with Caryl. She was so patient and made the experience so much fun. We all came away with some beautiful stained glass pieces we had made and learned so much. A thoroughly enjoyable day, great teacher and a lovely lunch made for an experience I would recommend to anyone."

Sharon reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Wonderful day learning new skills in beautiful surroundings. Thanks for the coffee and cake, an extra bonus!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Sharon for your kind words. I'm pleased that you enjoyed your day. Jonathan"

Sarah reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Absolutely brilliant day spent in Jonathan's workshop - such a great teacher! So clear with his instructions and advice. Really enjoyed myself and would thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting to give jewellery making a go. Many thanks."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Sarah, for your kind words and recommendations! I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the day. Jonathan"

Judy reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"This was a lovely and I thought at the last minute that I couldn't come and every effort was made for me to attend. I love my bracelet and learnt lots of new skills."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"I'm glad you managed to make it, and your companions seemed to enjoy the day as well! Well done with your jewellery making too. Jonathan"

Elise reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Really well taught class. Perfect for beginners who want to to know more about jewellery making. 10/10. Would recommend."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you for your review Elise. I hope that you go on to further develop your jewellery making skills. Jonathan"

Amy lynch reviewed: Leather craft for beginners and improvers

"This was my first experience of leather craft and I came away with so many invaluable tips. Slim was excellent at teaching, very patient, polite and courteous. I did not feel rushed or under pressure at any point. It’s excellent value for money. This course has definitely built my confidence to be able experiment on my own. When I asked, Slim was so kind enough to put time aside to go through what to buy as a basic tool kit in order to get started with leather craft. I would most definitely recommend this course to anyone new to leather craft or anyone wanting to improve skills. He also made a great brew! Thank you again!"

Rebecca reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I purchased the course as a birthday present for my Mum and my Aunt also joined us. It was a complete surprise for my Mum and she couldn't have been more excited. Rosanna was so patient working with our different paces throughout the day, and could not have been more accommodating assuring we all got the bags we has envisioned in our heads. Needless to say we were all delighted with the finished product and they came out all looking very unique and completely professional. We are already fighting the urge to book on to another course soon!"

Maxine Simmons reviewed: Mushroom House Workshop! 1 day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"The Mushroom House Workshop teaches you how to use Pal Tiya Premium which is a new material which in my view revolutionises the way to do sculpture. This is because it does not need a kiln. Joe and Bob are excellent teachers, they give step by step instructions in how to produce beautiful art, which is so strong it can go outside. It sets like concrete. Joe gives great tips throughout the process as to how to improve your artwork, and the pace of the workshop is really well timed. Bob is also really encouraging and patient and helps the participants and the premises are a stress free oasis where different birds visit which is really interesting. The end result is a beautiful mushroom house that can have a light inside it. I never knew it would turn out so well. I am hooked on Pal Tiya and my mind is awash with multiple projects with this medium now. I thoroughly recommend Joe and Bob's courses to ignite your creativity!"

Linda Lillig reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild flower meadow kit

"I had fun making my piece of fused glass I thought the kit was well packed, had everything I needed to make the hanging. Speedy delivery both times. I like the end result, looks pretty in the window. Highly recommend. Many thanks. Linda"

Richard Carpenter reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"A fantastic course! I bought this as a Christmas present for my wife in 2020 and took us until August to finally go due to the Pandemic. My wife has wanted to try making some pottery for sometime after watching the Great Pottery Throw down so this seemed like the perfect gift (and we weren't disappointed) Chris sent plenty of information about how to prepare for the course and also information on the extra COVID precautions taken place. When we arrived we were offered a warm drink and shown through to the workshop. Chris then walked us through all the safety information and gave a quick but detailed demo on how to make a few different shapes. It sounded quite difficult at first, though Chris made it sound easy, and when it came to our turn to have a go he walked us through each step again before letting us get on with it. We ended up with a few pots and bowls which we then decorated using a variety of techniques before leaving them to dry with collection / delivery to be arranged in a few weeks time. The time flew by and we both found the experience very fun and relaxing. I would recommend this to anyone and would seriously consider doing another one of the courses on offer. Thank you Chris for a lovely morning, and we're very excited to see how our pots turn out."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Richard, Many thanks for such a wonderful review - it is really appreciated. Really great session and I'm very pleased it lived up to your expectations. It's always nice to know that the effort put in to explain and demonstrate comes across in the way intended so your comment relating to that is particularly appreciated. Your pots are drying nicely so I'll be in contact in a few weeks time. Thanks again for taking the time to send feedback. Best wishes, Chris"

Adria Neville reviewed: Learn the Basics of Blacksmithing and Forging- Beginner Experience Day

"This is a great course if you have no experience or like me it’s been a few decades since you did any forge work. Jon explains and guides you through a hands on course in a friendly professional way and I managed to complete three pieces of work. From lighting the coal forge to heating and twisting metal through to normalising and hardening metal to completing your pieces. This was a really fun course and I really recommend it to you."

Paul Rees reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"I would highly recommend this course. An Ash log was turned into a beautiful Welsh stick chair in seven days. The result for all attending was something to be proud of. I've worked as a Carpenter/ Joiner for over 30 years but learned so many new skills and techniques using ancient hand tools to create a beautiful chair. Ben is an excellent tutor: calm, patient, informative and not a bad cook! The setting is stunning. The open sided workshop is in the middle of ancient woodland with birds singing and the open fire burning. Truly idyllic. Book this course. You wont regret it!"

Diane Morphew reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"As good as a holiday.Four of us worked with Mark and each produced something to be proud of. He helps and guides you every step of the way,building confidence as you go. You get to use brilliant pieces of kit,and at the end you can SO impress your friends and family. If you need local accommodation I can highly reccommend The White House B&B at Clifton, just 5 minutes drive away"

Ruth Gatward reviewed: Reduction Linocut workshop at Shared Space Hitchin

"Fabulous day really enjoy myself and fantastic instructions all the way through."

Kimprints responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I'm delighted you had a nice time at the workshop. It was a pleasure to meet you and your work was just beautiful. Kind regards, Kim"

Austin reviewed: So you want to be a beekeeper! Beginners two-day course

"As a novice to beekeeping, Dafydd introduced all the relevant subject matter for a beginner to understand and think about starting conventional beekeeping. Dafydd is obviously very experienced both as a keeper and someone who can communicate well to deliver comprehensive material. The practical elements of the course works well with the theory and combined produce an effective programme over two days. Personally I would have liked a bit more on natural beekeeping as my goal for attending was aimed at pollination rather that harvesting honey, however, I found the theory very interesting and certainly raised my awareness of the subject matter. I would recommend this course as a really good introduction with fascinating practical modules carried out in a perfectly safe environment, located in one of the most attractive areas in North Wales."

James & Karina reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My wife and I attended half a day pottery and wood turning courses. We loved them! I enjoyed learning all the wood Turning techniques and using the tools to create my honey drizzle. My wife liked making pots using the slab method and attempting a go on the pottery wheel. Both Simon and Louise were very friendly, Patient and great teachers. We are already planning our next visit! We highly recommend it to anyone looking for something different to do."

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

"It was lovely to meet you both and Simon and I enjoyed having you guys in our studios. We're pleased you've both found the half-day sessions to be a good taster and that you're keen to come along for a full day in each craft. We look forward to meeting you guys again!"

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

"My husband and I did this together and had a fantastic day. The day was really hands on with clear demonstrations and Andy and Ade always ready to lend helping hand if needed. Thank you Debbie for the endless teas, coffees, homemade cakes and biscuits and a delicious lunch; you made it impossible to go hungry ? Ade, Andy and Debbie are so friendly, helpful and really easy to get along with. Whatever your ability you will be made to feel and ease. This is such a brilliant experience: I think everyone should have a go. Thanks again, everyone, for being so welcoming and generally just awesome - we loved it!"

Caroline reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Had a lovely two days with Jo. She's a great teacher and gave us all lots of attention and instruction. She has a great studio and a garden full of inspiration. I'm very happy with my rusty leaping hare. Added bonus was trialling a new kit with Jo. We learnt a different technique to the one we used on the hares and had an extra piece to bring home. All very inspiring."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Caroline ;-) your rusty hare will keep changing as the iron content of the coating matures - it's a lovely 'alchemy' process. Thank you again for taking the challenge of trialling my new Human Sculpture Kit and creating a fabulous cobra Yoga pose lady in air-drying clay. You really have a flair for sculpture! Jo x"