Latest reviews

Helen reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Fantastic course, Phil is a really patient and humorous teacher, and we all left with very passable curlews! The pace and level of support was just right, and the home-made biscuits and cakes were delicious, as was the veggie lunch. I highly recommend it."

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Helen, So glad that you enjoyed the day. Since you are not so very far away from Broadrake, I really hope that you might come back again for more willow work with Phil - he really is the best tutor! Rachel"

Beth & Tony reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A lovely day of making in beautiful surroundings. Phil was a very good tutor. The venue and catering were excellent. And we came home with two willow creations that looked pretty like curlews."

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks for your kind comments - I hope that your willow curlews find good homes in your garden. Let's hope it's not the last time you venture into the world of willow! Rachel"

Annabel reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"The venue is the first thing to hit you in between the eyes… over-looking the Ribblehead rail viaduct spanning the wilds of North Yorkshire, Broadrake is in the most astonishingly lovely location. Our hosts Rachel and Mike were welcoming. The food was lovely. The spacious airy facilities meet every requirement, with clearly apparent modifications for managing this sort of event, to meet current Covid precautions. Instructor Phil Bradley is just brilliant - a friendly easy-going teacher with much patience & good humour; he demonstrated much accomplishment in his craft. I would recommend the day to simply anyone!"

Broadrake responded:

"So glad that you enjoyed the whole experience - we're very lucky to have Phil teaching here. I hope that you are inspired to come back for more willowy workshops at Broadrake. Thanks, Rachel."

Eva Stacey reviewed: Beautiful, practical, functional, kindling, storage and plant pot baskets in the Surrey Hills.

"Had such a lovely time making our amazing baskets, really enjoyed it! We learned so much and shared a precious time with Nicki in a very relaxed environment. Thank you for a great day! Eva & Bibi"

Tracey Winsor reviewed: Sun-printed lampshade making workshops in Devon

"what a lovely day spent in beautiful surroundings, learning a new craft. Bridget was a very patient, supportive and encouraging tutor. I love the finished article and it has taken pride of place at home. Cake and lunchtime conversation was also rewarding... A great day off from the busyness of NHS working thank you Bridget"

Bridget Arnold responded:

"Thank you Tracey It was so great to be back making Lampshades again with you and your Mum. I would love to see your new Lampshade in its Happy New Home if you would like to send a photo please"

Ali Mc reviewed: Learn to sew - Frome

"Aliss' beginner sewing machine classes were great. She is very patient with total novices and is really knowledgeable and skilled in her craft. Her classes gave me the confidence to use my machine (which I'd never used before) and get into sewing as a hobby. Highly recommended!"

The Stitchery Frome responded:

"Thanks Ali for your feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed the course - you made such a massive improvement when you took the time to sew slowly! Hope to see you again in September for Clothes Making!"

Steve Harvey reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was exactly what I hoped for. Alan is a really laid back teacher who knows his stuff, explained things really clearly and worked at my pace. The time flew as I got increasingly absorbed in carving my spoon in the peaceful surroundings of the back garden. Lovely homemade soup and cake helped make for a very enjoyable day. Highly recommend."

Samantha Adams reviewed: ZZZ Fun taster of Enamel Jewellery, South Devon

"Really great course and I learned so much! Very good value for money. Would definitely book a more advanced enamelling course if one becomes available."

Bigbury Mint responded:

"Hi Samantha Thank you for your review, your comments are much appreciated. I will pass them onto Fee who runs the courses. Kind regards Dawn"

Glenis Ridy reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My husband arranged for me to go on this course as a Christmas present (arranged several times due to Covid!) and I was so pleased to finally do it as it was brilliant! Jo’s expert planning and preparation meant that we all progressed through the different stages of making our hares at roughly the same rate and produced lovely finished products at the end of the day. We all felt very welcome in Jo’s studio, garden and home and the atmosphere was lovely. We also came away with all the information about what we had used in class and a small pot of paint and a brush for touching up - a very useful finishing touch. I can unreservedly recommend Jo’s class to any ability because of the preparation and structure of the day."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Glenis ;-) We finally met after re-arranging your surprise present 5 times! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and took home a kit for your husband to make a 'leaping hare' companion for your wonderful hare sculpture. I hope you do not need the 'touch-up' kit, but pleased you liked the provision just in case. Jo x"

Max C reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Having bought as a gift for my Dad I didn't really know what to expect, but had an awesome day. The guys really love what they're doing and are great teachers- I really didn't see how my bent and battered slab of metal would become a knife but I left four hours later with something I'm pretty proud of! Would 100% go back for one of their other courses, and a few friends are planning to book from my recommendation. Can't recommend it highly enough."

Jacquie Pinnock reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"I attended the one day course with my adult daughter in June. Wendy and Clive were very welcoming and the course was very enjoyable. Wendy gave very clear instructions and guided us through all the processes. She is very knowledgeable and was happy to tell us how we could purchase the stamps etc should we decide to continue working in leather on our own. We made, decorated and dyed several items with which we were very pleased. I'd imagined a degree of strength was required and as I'm recovering from surgery I was concerned that I wouldn't get the most out of the day but I managed fine. I wholeheartedly recommend this course which I feel is suitable for adults of all ages and older children."

LUKE ABBOTT reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"From Luke Abbott and Sandy Frost Can't keep away from the Churchill stone carving weekends-we are addicted! This time we both made commissions for people guided by our mentor and master stone mason/carver. The results are fantastic now we can add the final touches at home on our own. Lucy is an outstanding artist/craftsperson as well as a deeply intuitive teacher meaning we never tire of her teachings and skills gifts. I wish I had known this as a younger adult as I would have had a completely different career.........."

Mike reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"A great 3 days making a Damascus knife. Joss was very helpful and always willing to lend a hand, but also was comfortable to let me get on with tasks myself. Ended up with a beautifully patterned blade and even had enough material left out of my billet to make a bottle opener as well. I learnt a lot and would definitely recommend taking a course here."

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

"I loved every step of the way with this Interior Design Course. Nikki was an exceptional tutor. She has a vast amount of knowledge and experience that helped enormously when I needed support. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was enthusiastic and so encouraging about my project on the lounge and gave precious advice for future projects that I may undertake in time. I have always been interested in interior design but never fully understood the basic principles. This course shows you all the 'do's and don'ts' to designing. Now I feel much more confident in designing my own home but also have a far larger understanding when viewing certain programmes on television, listening to podcasts and generally talking to others. Thank you Nikki, a great value course."

Ami Anderton reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Had an amazing time! Rach was so knowledgeable and nothing was too much of a problem. The studio was well set up and was great to craft in it. A very relaxed and informative session. Can't wait to come back for another course! Rach also makes a great brew! Thanks again for a great session"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you. It was an absolute pleasure. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it. Look forward to seeing you again!"

Peter Schmidt-Hansen reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Simon and Louise gave me a very warm welcome when I arrived and what followed was a wonderful day of woodturning! Simon is a brilliant teacher - informative, inspiring, patient and helpful. I felt at home throughout the day and whenever I had questions or needed advice, Simon was there to help. Like all great teachers Simon stood back and let me get on with it, but always with his watchful eye to make sure I used the tools and techniques correctly. Drinks, snacks and a lovely lunch in the dappled shade of the garden added to the day and in the end I'd managed to make a honey scoop and sycamore bowl, much to my delight and my wife's astonishment! If you're thinking of trying your hand at woodturning, look no further than Simon at Blended Monkey - I can't recommend it highly enough!"

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

"Many thanks for a lovely review, Peter. You were a pleasure to teach and we hope that you continue with the craft; don't hesitate to get in touch if you need more information and help. Simon & Louise"

Emma Douglas reviewed: Stone set pendants & rings workshop

"I had a brilliant day with Jo. She helped me make a beautiful pendant and was so generous in sharing her skills and knowledge. I would definitely take another class with Jo. Highly recommended - you can start as a complete beginner and end the day with a unique piece of beautiful jewellery."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Emma! It was great to have you in the studio, and your moonstone pendant is beautiful!"

Matt, Ben, Andrew & Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"There's not much I can add to all the other entirely deserved 5 star reviews. Whilst the subject matter is already compelling, it's Adrian, Andy and Debbie's warm welcome, good humour, support and guidance that have brought me back to the forge on 3 occasions (so far!). I've no reservations in recommending the course to anyone who'd like to try something new; either as a passing fancy, as a taster for a new hobby or even a first step into new way of life. Everyone will leave a bit grubby, with a full stomach, a smile on their face and something they've made with their own hands -even if you've never so much as picked up a hammer before."

Avril Karl reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I did this course together and it was fantastic - a really fun day. We would highly recommend Chris to anyone wanting to give it a go. He explains everything really thoroughly and is a great teacher, I can't believe how much we learned in a day! It was so great that we are planning to go back to learn some more!"

Lisa bruin reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I came away from this 1 day workshop absolutely buzzing, what a fabulous day Jo is a brilliant tutor, her style of teaching is very clever, she immediately puts you at ease and yet she gets you to do an incredible amount of work in a very short space of time- so by the end of the day you go home with your very own mini masterpiece. Jo and her husband turn their home over to the students for the day, both are very welcoming and their home is a peaceful haven - a joy to work in. Highly recommend this workshop to anyone whether you’re an experienced artist or a beginner."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this heart warming review Lisa ;-) It was a pleasure having you at the workshop and also seeing your incredible pencil drawings; so talented! Glad to have activated another skill - please do not hesitate to make contact if you would like to chat over ideas. Jo x"

Joanne reviewed: Watercolour Techniques for all - 4 week online course Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"The class was excellent with Purnima giving attention to any issues that I might experience with the painting - she was very attentive and considerate. After the course she advised me of different online courses that I could do in the future."

Katherine reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Myself and my husband attended the green woodworking day course. We had a fabulous day. I am very new to any type of wood work, my husband has been carving for a couple of years. Mike made sure that we both knew what we were doing and was a constant source of knowledge. Highly recommend this day whether you are a complete beginner, have some experience it just want to give it a go. He also makes a pretty good cuppa too ☺️ And the day was even more complete by having the company of Jack, Mike’s lovely canine companion."

Nicola Joss reviewed: Beginners silver art clay with Hampshire School of Jewellery

"I did this class as a private lesson with Laura and had a fantastic time. Laura is a very knowledgable and patient teacher (which was great as I had a LOT of questions) and she makes the class really enjoyable. I will definitely be going back for more classes in the future and would not hesitate to recommend."

Hampshire School of Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Nicola. I am so pleased you enjoyed your silver clay session and look forward to seeing you again :-) Hope you enjoy wearing your new creations. Laura"

Tracey Kinge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Thank you all for such an inspiring day! My son had a fantastic day fully supported by you all in not just your valuable knowledge but for your understanding and time to explain your practice. From this, I had chatter all the way home about the skills my son had learned with such enthusiasm that I am now looking into college courses for him. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and being so welcoming. Tracey KInge"

Sam Nockolds reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Theresa has the most beautiful studio and I had a marvellous day with her. I learned so much and got to really experiment with wheels, techniques and fibres. The day was just what I needed to really up my spinning game and I am reaping the rewards now I am back home working on my own wheel. Theresa was so patient with me while pushing me out of my comfort zone. I wanted to be able to spin lace weight yarn, and I did. The addition of a dog at my feet and a curious cat visitor at lunchtime really were the cherry on top of a beautifully iced and delicious cake. I hope to return again."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for such a wonderful review Sam. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. It was such a pleasure to help you and I shall look forward to seeing all your progress. Ted, Possum and I would love to welcome you back for more spinning and cake! Theresa"