Latest reviews

Bridget Thompson reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"What a fabulous week we had, all 8 of us finished our chairs under the excellent supervision of Ben. The setting is ideal, in the woods, the sound of birds along with our shaving and hammering. Ben's help when I wasn't quite strong enough was patient and kind, his knowledge and skill amazing. Having never worked with wood before, I learnt so much and every time I look at my wonderful chair I'll remember each shave, knock, hammer, saw stroke, sand and decision I made about how I wanted it to look. I would recommend this course to anyone, who loves the idea of working with wood and a chair that will last 100's of years. Go for it........"

Graham Harris reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Great course, learnt a load & looking forward for the bag course. Kingsley is a great teacher & the group was small so always there to answer questions even for a novice. I made an awesome card/coin purse, which came out great. Well worth a go if you have any interest in leather work."

Louise reviewed: Glass Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery - kiln enamelling

"Really fun! It was great to be able to walk away with 3 finished pieces, I just wish I had time to try out even more techniques and styles as there were so many different possibilities :D A very well laid out day with good use of time and satisfying results"

Eleanor Designs responded:

"Thank you Louise, it was great to have you here for the day! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Do come back and we’ll work in more of your ideas and other techniques! the possibilities are endless! Hope to see you again soon! Eleanor"

Claire Bouwer reviewed: Pottery and decorating day for two

"This pottery day course was a birthday gift for my Mum and the two of us had a fantastic day together with Marina in her garden studio. We arrived and were walmly welcomed by Marina and given an intro to the day. Marina was an excellent teacher and we were amazed in one day that we were able to produce three lovely pieces each and decorate them too. It rained for most of the day so we helped dry the pots over lunch and chatted with Marina. I highly recommend this day course with Marina. Looking forward to collecting our pieces in a couple of weeks. Thank you to Marina for a memorable day!"

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Claire for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you both enjoyed the day so much, and look forward to the moment I open the kiln to see those colourful slip swirls on you pieces. They are nearly dry and ready for the first firing this coming week. Have a lovely weekend, Marina"

Rhys Phillips reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Simply the most pleasurable and satisfying way to spend a week. The setting is second to none but it’s Ben’s knowledge, expertise and patience that make all the difference in this course. It is appreciable the effort that goes into organising the course prior to arriving to ensure it’s smooth running meaning everyone goes home with a wonderful and unique chair. Would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone interested in having a magnificent hand made centrepiece for their room!"

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

"Very interesting course and good tutor. Handy location and full of stained glass decor. Highly recommend to whoever want a taste of making stained glass piece."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Kitty, keep smiling, enjoyed teaching you."

Graham & Tina Wright reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We booked this course hoping to get a good insight into woodturning and we were not disappointed. Simon and Louise were great hosts and made us feel at ease as soon as we arrived. Simon spent time running through the basics of the lathe and the safety considerations and then we were soon producing our first piece of work, a honey twizzler. After the morning session, we were treated to a farmhouse lunch, which was fully gluten free, accommodating my dietary needs. In the afternoon we worked on making bowls and whilst we had to learn new skills, Simon was a great tutor and gave lots of encouragement. At the end of the day, we stood for a photo opportunity, proudly showing off the fruits of our labour. We would highly recommend this course if you are interested in taking up woodturning or just want to experience making something."

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

"Graham & Tina, Thank you so much for a lovely review. It was fun having you visit for the day and we’re glad you enjoyed your workshop. Any queries, comments, questions, please reach out. - Simon & Louise"

Jude Wheeldon reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"A lovely, enthusiastic tutor who couldn't have been more helpful. I really enjoyed the afternoon."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Jude. It was lovely to meet you. Well done for your lovely pieces too. All the very best. Rach"

Jessica reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"I love my leather messenger bag that I made on the one-day course - it was so interesting to see what goes into making the bag and I was able to customise it to look the way that I wanted!"

Claire Housley reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"What a brilliant course! The 3 hours wizzed by and we all said we could have stayed all day. Rachel was lovely and helpful and gave great instructions making it accessible for a wide rage of ages to take part. My daughter overcame her fear of fire to use the blow torch and loved using all the tools. I would recommend it to anyone!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Claire. It was lovely to meet you all. Well done for all the lovely pieces you made. And your daughter did so well. All the very best. Rach"

Cath Padfield reviewed: Pattern Cutting and Drafting for Beginners (one week) - Nottingham Trent University

"Fantastic tutor with such a range of experience - was able to provide quality advice to everyone from hobby dressmakers up to professionals & educators. Everything was step-by-step, very clear and well-paced. Would definitely recommend."

Nottingham Trent University responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Cath, it's great to hear you enjoyed the course! You're right, our short course tutor Leann is vastly experienced in pattern cutting and drafting for dressmaking and will be very pleased to hear your comments, which I will pass on. We hope to see you again soon for the follow on course (Methods of Creating Fullness at Nottingham Trent University)!"

Barnaby Swayne reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"A thoroughly enjoyable course, Ollie is professional, personable and patient, with the ability to teach in a clear and methodical manner. With Ollie's guidance, I managed to transform a small veneered chest of drawers, with pealing veneer, scratches, cup ring marks, and old wood worm holes, back to it's former glory, it was quite incredible. I would highly recommend."

Debbie Sadler reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My daughter and I had a truly wonderful beginners candle making day! Anita , our wonderful teacher who was so welcoming, informative and made the whole experience really enjoyable. I’m leaving to live in America very soon, so I wanted to make some precious memories with my daughter! We definitely both did that and went away with an assortment of wonderful candles that we had made! Would highly recommend this course! Thank you Anita! Xx"

Phil Wallace reviewed: One day introduction to resin art

"Had an absorbing time creating something unusual under Eunices personable approach and guiding hand. The time went to quickly. Loved the result of my labours. The course was a 60th birthday present. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks!"

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the workshop. I loved that you came with some interesting ideas which turned out brilliantly Keep creating Phil you have a natural flair"

Christian Duck reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Thoroughly enjoyed this workshop - we had never done linocutting before, but Claire was a very good & friendly teacher, and we both came away with an end result we were really pleased with. The location is beautiful and it was a lovely way to spend a day."

Nikki reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Great day spent learning about and practicing with the materials tools and techniques of carving. Mark was a great host and very patient. Lunch was fabulous and dietary needs catered for brilliantly. Would definitely recommend! Thank you"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hi Nikki Thank you for the review. Glad you enjoyed the day. ATB Mark and Cristina"

sarah power reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"This was a fantastic workshop. Martin is a great teacher. We learnt a lot and all produced a number of pieces. I would have no hesitation in recommending it."

Ann Carter reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"A really excellent day with excellent but relaxed tuition. Amazing what you can achieve. Would throughly recommend a day course & can’t wait to do 2 days."

Freya reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Really fun! Would definitely come again. Had a nice day."

Kim Taylor reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Loved it! Expert instruction, great studio, relaxed atmosphere. Great cake! Thank you."

Jasmine reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Really fun activity day with the chance too make beautiful jewellery with well explained instructions. Also really good cake!"

Sarah Wastie reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Thank you so much for such a fabulous day! Jonathan was very patient and helped my friend and I make beautiful silver bangles to our chosen design. We also made keyrings to develop our skills and were provided with lovely refreshments too. I highly recommend this course."

Jay Dorrington reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Excellent experience, Would highly recommend, Was bought for me as a gift and I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. Will definitely be back!! Richard was so welcoming, friendly and professional. It’s a must if your in the area."

Jess reviewed: Silver jewellery stacking ring workshop with WyeMade

"Myself and a friend went to the stacking workshop with Ann and had a lovely time! Really lovely lady, have plenty of time and nothing was too much for her. No complaints whatsoever, absolutely love the rings we made. Thank you for a lovely Monday! ❤️"

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Jess it was lovely to meet you both and very glad you enjoyed your workshop after so many delays due to COVID."

Josie reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"A super workshop day. Judith made everyone feel completely at ease, and showed us a plethora of different styles and examples to guide us. She was clear and helped all of us individually at our own pace. I learned a huge amount and have already invested in some kit to have a go at home on my own. I was delighted with my end product and felt like I learned a lot."