Latest reviews

Andrew Crook reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"A thorough and well taught introduction to MIG welding techniques. Julian taught with patience, an attention to detail and in an easy to understand manner. He also offered practical tips on equipment and ways to make the welding easier or to reduce cleanup. Thoroughly recommended. Thanks Julian!"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thankyou Andrew for your review. We really did crack on and I am happy with the amount of welding and techniques we covered. When you get your welding machine there will be no stopping you! Come back to me if you have any little issues or snags. Apart from the machines I recommended to you, I do have someone coming in for a day mid December with a welding set I've never tried , and I could give you some feedback on this if you like if you haven't bought one by then. A good day had and nice to meet you. Julian"

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

"Absolutely loved the 2 day workshop - can’t thank Jo enough for her excellent guidance in helping me create my owl - it was an emotional journey with wonder and joy at every stage ending in something I really couldn’t believe I had created. A truly magical process and can’t recommend highly enough. My owl brings me a smile of pride and huge satisfaction every time I look at it - couldn’t ask for more."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Suzanne 😊 - your owl was gorgeous and looked stunning in the copper Verdigris finish. The extra movement you put in the wings and tail really bought it alive 🙌🙌🙌. A fabulous workshop all round! Jo x "

Gavin Shanks reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My Daughter Claire organized a days blacksmithing on Saturday 12 th. November 2022 for5 of us. We had a brilliant day making hooks, an amazing Dragon multi hook under Adrian and Andy’s expert guidance. Great fun and very productive, wonderful to have tangible evidence to take home ! Lunch prepared by Debbie was very much needed and enjoyed after all the hammer wielding. Altogether a great day’s entertainment "

Claire Williams reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely brilliant Blacksmithing day, for my father's big birthday celebration. Adrian and Andy were so welcoming and encouraging, we all thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Delicious chilli lunch, we felt very well looked after all day."

Jackie reviewed: Beginner's mosaic workshop with Marie-Paule (3hrs)

"Had a wonderful few hours with Marie-Paule. My friend and I were the only ones on the course so had fantastic individual tuition. Thoroughly recommend Marie-Paule."

mppmosaic responded:

"Hi Jackie, thank you very much for your kind review. It was a pleasure to teach you and Lorraine, you were both very talented students. All the best with your future mosaic projects! Marie-Paule"

N S Gunn reviewed: Willow leaping hare sculpture - Studi0ne Bridport

"I had a really enjoyable day making a willow deer. Jo was clear in her instructions and helpful when one got stuck or couldn't quite manage to manipulate the willow. A patient and friendly teacher. "

Rupert reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day with Ade and Andy. Such a great environment and so satisfying to make something cool. A brilliant experience all round. Food was also incredible! "

Lynne reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"Such a lovely day, yesterday! Caroline [a patient, knowledgeable tutor], Becky [ditto], Ian and the alpacas were very welcoming and friendly [none of them spat!]. Good coffee, biscuits and generous, tasty lunch all enjoyed in a comfortable, light, warm workshop area. I loved meeting all the alpacas and, especially, the 'introduction' to the individual [I found myself saying, 'Thank you'] animals that had provided the wool for each student's scarf. I would love to return for another class; don't need any more scarves but the day was just so great! Thank you all so much."

Clivewood Alpacas responded:

"Thank you Lynne, you are always welcome "

Lynn reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"Had a lovely crafting session making a beaded snowflake. Wendy is friendly, patient and ensures you have some fun and therapeutic time. Will definitely return to join Wendy for another crafting session."

r.cottee reviewed: Pottery 6 Week Classes

"Loved the first class of the 6 week course, really good equipment in the studio with clear instruction from Joan."

jccermaics responded:

"Thankyou for your review so glad you enjoyed it 😊"

Joan Currie reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"A warm and friendly welcome by Dawn which set the mood for the whole day. Dawn was patient and interested in each of our individual projects, supportive without being prescriptive. I loved the studio and there was everything I could possibly need available to use. "

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Joan, Thanks for your lovely review of the workshop. I’m pleased you loved the studio. Best wishes Dawn "

Sharna reviewed: 2 day stained glass course

"What an amazing experience, Gillian is such a patient tutor. All the hints and tips needed are given just at the right time, and lots of help with the designs we chose. Just the right number in a class. All in all a very warm welcoming environment. Brilliant, thank you so much"

Myra reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Xmas Decorations Course

"Absolutely fantastic, we had such fun and with help from Gill I had a beautiful collection of decorations to take home. New family heirlooms. "

Gill Rogers responded:

"Hi Myra Thank you so much for your wonderful review, it was so great to see you again and I had such a fun time too! Have a lovely Christmas and hope to see you again sometime in the near future. All my very best wishes, Gill x"

Anne Gahan reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"A very informative and educational course,fleece to fibre learnt every step ,very hands on with excellent tuition in a small group of 3.Highly recommended and an excellent Premier inn to stay in,brilliant weekend "

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Anne. You seemed to have a really good weekend. I enjoyed having you here. "

Samantha reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Just had an ace day learning the basics of traditional glass painting with Derek Hunt Artist ! 😁👍"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you Samantha, so glad you enjoyed the day 🙂"

Dawn reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I chose this course for a birthday treat for my husband. He really enjoyed the day and was very pleased with his man blade. Thank you Steve !"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Dawn It was a pleasure to host Richard in the shop and I'm really pleased that he enjoyed his day do much. He did make a rather lovely man blade. Kind regards Steve"

Marj McMenemy reviewed: Felting - Christmas Decorations

"Thoroughly enjoyed the Xmas Bauble felting course with 2 friends. Wendy is a very relaxed host, the complimentary coffee was a lovely addition and it was great to spend the morning crafting, listening to music and chatting with friends! Would love to go back and join Wendy for another course! "

Wendy reviewed: Pottery for beginners – 5 week course (Morning)

"Brilliant experience and super teacher - can't wait for next session "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for a great review - we are very happy you are enjoying the Pottery workshop. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Lisa Swan reviewed: Eco Soy Wax Container Candles

"Lovely place. Easy to get to and a very cosy crafty atmosphere on a wet day. Wendy was very knowledgeable and a constant source of relaxed friendly advice guiding our colour and perfume choices. Highly recommend 😊"

Chris Franklin reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"The one day course was thoroughly enjoyable , informative, very practical with good skill and confidence building. During the day there was time to construct three pieces of jewellery, Jonathan was a first class tutor who also supplied tea and cake."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Chris. I enjoyed the day day too. Well done with your new silver jewellery making skills and I hope the jewellery is well received. Jonathan"

Tina Andrews reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"I had the most fantastic day with Emma who guided me through the techniques needed to create my own glass plaque. The morning was spent learning all the basics to create a test piece and the afternoon spent creating my own masterpiece, inspired by the pieces of glass which appealed to me. It was relaxing with time for chat until more concentration was required so time just flew by. If like me you’re always drawn to pieces of glass art in craft shops and stalls then attend one of Emma’s workshops and make your own. I am so proud of my piece, the results exceeded my expectations. Thank you so much Emma for your time, expertise and your company, it was a fabulous day."

Martin Grainger reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"What a brilliant day. Bill is a fantastic tutor and I have learned a lot. I think I now have the turning bug and know what I want for Christmas! I would highly recommend doing this with Bill if you get the chance. I suspect I will be back in the new year Bill to learn some more and have a few laughs! Heel!"

Gill Gardiner reviewed: Needle felted christmas bauble workshop

"A most enjoyable afternoon. I was apprehensive because I’d never done anything like this before; a pure beginner!! However, Lorraine explained everything so clearly and reassured me throughout. I was so pleased with my achievements, and every year when the baubles are brought out, I shall remember a happy afternoon. Thank you Lorraine for your hospitality, and patience."

Jane reviewed: Felting - Christmas Decorations

"I would thoroughly recommend the felting course with Wendy. Very interesting to learn a new skill with your friends and go home with a great Christmas bauble! Wendy was very good at teaching and good company. The mug of hot chocolate , at no extra charge, an added bonus! We will be back to learn another skill. Thank you Wendy."

Mig Caamano reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Thanks for a brilliant course, Arian and thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. Great tutoring style, relaxed and informative. Never felt rushed and always felt I could approach you to ask anything. Every stage was well explained and demonstrated. Thoroughly enjoyed it and looking forward to more courses. Great venue also with all the tools and equipment needed for everything. Could do with a workshop like that myself! Very pleased with my knife and sheath and looking forward to using it for many years to come, hopefully"

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Mig, glad it all worked out exactly as you say, that's the whole idea. Enjoy using your knife and hope to see you again at some point. Arian"