Latest reviews

Angela Taylor reviewed: Fascinator making Birmingham millinery workshop

"What a lovely day. A knowledgeable introduction to fascinator making, with time to learn and to practice. Fun and encouraging. Fuelled my enthusiasm and now can’t wait to get started on some designs of my own. I completely recommend this course. Thank you, lovely Rachel."

Louisa reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"We had an amazing day with Nick and Debbie, learning everything from types of wood to use through to different techniques and how to handle all the different characteristics of the wood that came our way as we worked on our spoons! Nick was incredibly patient and helpful, and we both left with something to be very proud of. Thank you for helping me make Father’s Day that bit more special this year; it’s a day we will remember and talk about for quite some time to come!"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Louisa! We are are so happy that we were part of your Dad’s special Father’s Day."

Mary Hall reviewed: Introduction to Silkscreen Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Screen printing was a totally new experience for me but Judith was very good at explaining everything and was very patient and helpful. I came away with some artwork that I am very pleased with. Her house and garden are an ideal place to do it. I had a very enjoyable and relaxing day. Lovely thing to do with a friend."

Kate Reddy reviewed: Saggar, barrel and raku firing weekend workshops

"I was really impressed by this course. It was packed with information, activity and comprehensively covered the really interesting art of raku and saggar firing. Alison and Abi were helpful and encouraging at all times managing to spread themselves around a group of 7 very well . A huge amount of effort must have been put into running everything including the delicious food. The setting was in the beautiful Devon countryside which for an urban dweller was very enjoyable. I would highly recommend this course and hope to return again next year."

Kay McLaughlin reviewed: Beginners pottery wheel throwing

"Charlie was a very welcoming tutor. He took time to show us around the equipment, the clay and the different stages in the process. The pace of the day was just l perfect and Charlie was extremely skilled in managing everyone in the groups needs, so everyone got the support they needed. I was delighted to have some mugs at the end! Can’t wait to go back to glaze them, and would def recommend to anyone considering this course!! Just also to note the room was light and airy and felt covid secure Thanks Charlie for a brilliant experience!!"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Kay Thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure to meet you & Debbie. Look forward to seeing you again for the glazing. Please get in touch if you have trouble booking a session. Best wishes Charlie"

Elizabeth Colley reviewed: Saggar, barrel and raku firing weekend workshops

"What a fantastic course! Thoroughly recommended to anyone with or without potting experience! Abi & Alison are brilliant tutors who welcome you to the beautiful setting of Abi’s home & garden in Devon. So many exciting techniques fit in to the two days i felt like a child in a toy shop! You get to produce multiple pots in each technique & I came away with 11 pots- fired & glazed & treated in different experimental techniques & methods. Saggar firing, Raku firing, Barrel firing & Horse Hair firing all fitted into a magical two days of fun. Don’t hesitate to do this course you will LOVE it!!"

grace hargreaves reviewed: Absolute Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"I had done one course of wax carving prior to doing this course. I really enjoyed it and would certainly consider booking another session. It would be suitable for total beginners or someone with a little bit of experience like me. Would definitely do some research before you go as it’s better to go with a fairly clear idea of what you might like to make. Emily is really nice, makes you feel very welcome, seems very knowledgeable and is super approachable. Would certainly recommend and would very likely go again myself. Very fair value for money too, similar costing in comparison to other courses I’ve done."

The Metalsmith responded:

"Very happy to hear that you had a good time. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and for all your kind words! Let me know if there's any more I can do! Emily"

Jane Bischoff reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Finsthwaite, Cumbria

"A thoroughly enjoyable day learn a new-to-me craft. Lorraine was a patient and knowledgeable tutor and the venue was perfect. We learned the three main techniques and made a trivet. The afternoon was spent getting ideas for other projects, choosing from a lovely selection of fabrics and deciding on the project, then getting started. A great way to spend time and can highly recommend the relaxed, informative and satisfyingly fun day we had, thank you!!"

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Jane, we're so pleased you had a great time :-)"

Amanda Griffiths reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"A fabulous day with Adela, I enjoyed every moment. She made us feel so welcome & totally at ease. The instruction was thorough & then came 'play time' with a surfeit of gorgeous tiles etc to choose from, ideas for inspiration & lots of gentle encouragement. I am using the materials now to finish my mosaic which will be proudly displayed! Thank you Adela for a really lovely day."

cheri Lea reviewed: Silver and Polymer Clay combo at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"Clear instructions - lots of support (and patience) for individual ideas (however 'weird' they might be ) - beautiful surroundings - easy access - wonderful materials - possibilities endless - and probably all achievable with help from Jo !"

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Cheri - thank you for your lovely review. I think we both really enjoyed the challenge of trying a different approach to your project, and I was thrilled with your results! It was a pleasure to meet you both yesterday."

Iona reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Setting up the loom had always been the scary bit but Anne’s patience took us through the stages. I have now done my own loom and also know how to do the finishing touches. Fantastic teaching...many thanks Anne."

Tami reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Making our own candles was a wonderful activity to do with my friends. The place was welcoming, and Paula was very attentive and offered many tips, you can see her dedication and passion for what she does. We are definitely coming back and highly recommend it!"

Philip Butcher reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon’s woodturning course was a Christmas gift from my children and was something I had always wanted to do. Both Simon and Louise make you feel very welcome. Along with Simon’s guidance and teaching skills for beginners and Louise’s hospitality ( plenty of drinks and a lovely lunch ) they make for a fantastic team. If anyone is thinking of doing something like this I couldn’t think of a better place to start. I am looking forward to doing the Intermediate course in the future."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Phil, Thank you so much for a lovely review and Louise and I are glad you had such a good time. Once I have an intermediate course plan written, I'll get in touch. In the meantime, any questions, please drop me a line and I'm only too pleased to help. -- Simon"

Laura Patten-Carr reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop Mother’s Day Special with afternoon tea

"What a great fun course, and couldn’t believe how many goodies I got to take away with me!! Julie and Carol, were both interesting and informative on their subject and were open to all questions asked. As an added bonus the lunch was delightful too. All in all a great course, would recommend to anyone. My house smells lovely! ?"

Jan Allen reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I couldn't be more pleased with Old Bexley Soap Company candle course. Paula´s knowledge of the candle industry and her helpful advice have made the day so incredibly worth it if you want to learn candle making!. The afternoon tea was amazing. Jan"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Jan. I hope to see you in the reed diffuser workshop soon!. Paula"

Nick reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Paula is a great teacher and always makes things easy to comprehend. This was a fun day learning how to properly make soy candles. I now have 2 delicious smelling candles at home and I’m making my list of ingredients to buy so I can make some more. Thanks again, highly recommend!"

Rachel Hirst reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"I had a lovely day creating a mosaic. Sue gave input and advice on everything from creating the design, cutting tiles, assembling and much more. She has a lovely friendly manner and made me feel welcome in the group. I was really pleased with the final piece I took away and am now raring to have a go by myself. I would recommend this to anyone!"

Phil reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"I had a fantastic day doing this course. We started the day with a great introduction to the materials and tools and then got stuck into making something. I chose to make a little coin/card wallet where I learned about all the different types of leather and how those choices affect the end result. Richard is a lovely and a great teacher. He is clearly very experienced and always ready with practical advice and tips no matter what questions you throw at him. The workshop is comfortable and relaxed, and is pitched at a perfect pace for beginners or people with a little experience with crafts. I learned a huge amount while having a really enjoyable day, and I loved showing off what I made to friends. I'll definitely be getting some basic tools and having a go at more projects, making use of the really helpful resources that I was sent by email after the course. I really highly recommend this course (or any other course Richard is running)!"

Sharon Harvey reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"This is an excelkent course run by Oliver who is very informative, knowledgeable and patient. I have vastly improved my technique in staining and oiling, have learnt that I love the process of French polishing and that I need more practice in my furniture painting. However, I have gained the knowledge to take these forward and know that Ollie is at the end of an email for future advice. I would highly recomnend this course and would love the chance to attend another one in the future."

Hayley reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"This workshop is excellent and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to learn something new. The choice of mount type and shapes was really good as was the different types of mosaic tiles. Wendy was really nice and extremely helpful and was always willing to listen to any questions I had. All equipment was provided to ensure we could fulfil the course safely. The explanations were clear and really useful. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at this course and have already purchased lots of mosaic bits to start new projects at home. Thank you Wendy for a fantastic few hours and more importantly for your time."

Steve Bass reviewed: Pottery and decorating day for two

"My wife and I attended the pottery and decorating for two day with Marina for our 9th wedding anniversary (pottery). We had an excellent day and made and decorated 3 bowls each. Getting your hands all mucky and feeling the clay was great fun and Marina was on hand if they all went a bit wibbly/wobbly. Marina was a very enthusiastic teacher and was able to give us the basics to use the two different wheels. We made the 3 bowls in the morning and went for lunch, so that the bowls could dry. There's a lovely local pub but we didn't book so had a sandwich from tescos and went and sat by the river in the sunshine. When we returned we trimmed and decorated the bowls and got to get a bit artistic. Marina then glazes them and you pick them up in 2-3 weeks - the finished bowls were surprisingly good!! We would highly recommend this course, it was great to get it all done in a day - we were lucky with the weather - as it was hot the bowls dried quickly and we got to have a picnic by the river. Marina was a great teacher - neither of us had ever used a wheel before and we have some great bowls to use and have as our wedding anniversary reminder."

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Hi Steve Thanks for the super review! It was great having you both too and hope that you enjoy your colourful swirly bowls for a long time! See you soon Warm regards Marina"

Miles Mitchell reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"I had a fantastic day woodturning with Simon. He was an excellent and patient teacher and I would recommend him highly to anybody who wants to learn the craft! Louise was lovely and accomodating too and next time I would love to try pottery with her! The lunch was also lovely. Thanks guys! 5 stars!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks, Miles. I had a great day teaching you too! You were a very attentive and interested pupil and I'm glad you found it enjoyable and interesting. -- Simon"

Angie Weston reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"What a brilliant weekend spent with Jay and two other students, making our bespoke footstools. Jay is an excellent tutor - a cabinet maker who is knowledgeable, patient and encouraging. She was happy to repeatedly demonstrate any tasks that we were struggling with, to make sure that our handiwork was as near perfect as possible. It was a great atmosphere with a lot of laughs, coffee and cake. We all took a Covid test (provided by Jay) at the start of the first day, to ensure safety. At the end of the weekend, it was very satisfying to take home a beautiful, handmade footstool that will match our settee scatter cushions. Thank you Jay!"

Sean Lumby reviewed: Axe making course

"Throughly enjoyed it, would recommend this to anybody either as an experience for themselves or an amazing gift for somebody else ?"

Stefano reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"One of the best experiences of my life. Jon is a great teacher, patient, and very knowledgeable. He is also very passionate about blacksmithing, he knows a LOT so ask him a lot. I started from a curved railway E- clip to finish with a fantastic knife. The whole process is very well explained, we spent the whole morning forging the knife, after well-deserved lunch( prepared by Jon) we bevel it, heat treats it, and spent the remaining hours making and fixing the handle. Jon let you use all tools, explaining how to use them but then he will let you use your own creativity to create your own knife. He will advise you, of course, from time to time on the best way to do one step or the other. I strongly recommend him and his course. You won't regret it. ah, I almost forgot " It will cut !""