Latest reviews

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"

Jane Tattersall reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"The glass painting course I attended on Saturday was fantastic. Your tuition, split into two sections was easy to follow, everything was explained thoroughly and all questions answered throughout the day. It was an extremely enjoyable experience in your beautiful well equipped studio. I'm now very eager to use glass painting on my work. Thank you. Jane"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the course Jane, it was a pleasure to paint with you!"

Kate Rieger reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"I had a relaxing and enlightening time on the one day glass painting course. The course content was well designed , and the facilities and resources were excellent. I enjoyed spending time in Derek's beautiful and inspirational studio. He is a great teacher who is very generous with his expertise and knowledge. Derek has demystified glass painting for me and I am excited to try more at home. Kate Rieger."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed the course ! Good luck with your glass painting journey Kate ?"

Rachel reviewed: Willow Plant Supports for your Garden FULL

"This was my first time at a craft course event, a workshop and at trying willow weaving but I was not disappointed! From the moment I stepped through the door I was made to feel welcome and at ease in the work area. Sue explained every step of the process, demonstrating at the start of each process. I was then able to work at my own pace with constant reassurance and regular input from Sue. A lovely experience and environment to work in, I will be booking again!"

Tricia Gillespie reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction

"Molly is an excellent tutor. She is attentive and patient, encouraging learners to 'have a go' and do things for themselves - so that they can learn by 'doing' - rather than stepping in and taking over. She gives very clear instructions, which make this much easier to do, and we have good fun too!...essential! x"

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"So glad you felt you could leran at your own pace. Many thanks for your kind words and lovely review."

Andrew Browning reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Just the most amazing day I went in and was given a very informative relaxed chat on all things forge, a piece of steel welded to a rebar by the end of the day went home with a proper finished knife that I am very proud off. Graham is a very easy going very skilful chap and hope to go back to learn some more from him sometime."

Harold Chrystal reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"Delighted and now inspired to do more. I very much enjoyed the 2 day course with Ollie and it was defintely wortwhile. With Ollie's guidance and very helpful instruction I now have a restored mid-century Ercol dining chair, that would otherwise have been left to languish in my garage, neglected and unloved, for years to come. I now feel confident about restoring the rest of the set, and highly recommend taking a furniture restoration course with Ollie."

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

"Fantastic day! Such an amazing experience and delicious food! Thank you."

Dawn reviewed: Mosaic Summer/Autumn School (5 days) in the Peak District

"My husband and I went to the one-day course last week (June 2021) as our 2019 Christmas present from our children. It was worth the wait and delays. The location is beautiful and immediately makes you feel welcome and relaxed. Alison and Peter are a joy to meet and so accommodating. Peter took our course and was knowledgeable, approachable and so friendly. We were excited to be learning a new craft and were not disappointed with the whole process. Our mosaic actually looks like a mosaic (with some issues as beginners) but definitely a mosaic! It was so lovely to bring home our creation and be able to share it with our children. We cannot thank Peter and Alison enough for the whole day and the welcome. We now have a little knowledge about mosaic making and are hoping to do more at home. I have already bought the tools and cannot wait!"

Simone reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Workshop in Warrington, Cheshire - Make a Footstool

"Educational and fun course is such beautiful settings. Thanks so much Jo for a really good day....I love my foot stool!!!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day Simone. Your footstool is gorgeous!"

Rita Miles reviewed: 1 to 1 - Unraveling your Sewing Machine

"When I got my new sewing machine with its fancy gadets I was completely overwhelmed. Molly was a great tutor and took me through each of its functions and attatchments not moving on to the next one until I was happy and confident. Thank you Molly without your help and guidence it probably would have stayed in the box unused and unloved."

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"It is wonderful to know you and your sewing machine are now firm friends. Many thanks for your feedback."

Mr Neil Bradshaw reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction

"Really enjoyed my session, despite being "less than competent" Molly was a brilliant teacher and I was very happy with my pot."

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"It is good to hear you were happy with your pot Neil, many thanks for your review."