Latest reviews

Julie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Sooky and I went and spent a lovely day with Mark amongst the glorious bluebell wood setting. We both came away with all our fingers, two spoons and an insight into axe crafting. The day was paced beautifully,informative and Covid aware. Mark was a great instructor,and had patience with our lack of skill with an axe or blade, and Christina's food delicious, and we also had the company of Ted the dog. Would highly recommend this day to friends and family."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for review. Glad you both enjoyed it. It was a great day and group - especially when the rain blew away. All the best Mark and Cristina"

James Hill reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Brilliant course in a lovely location and with a great teacher! Mike was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, opening my eyes to a whole new world! Learned a lot in one day without it feeling overwhelming, which is a credit to Mike's teaching style."

Vicki Dean reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"I really enjoyed this course! Vanessa is brilliant! Very informative, giving very clear instructions and demonstrations! such a lovely lady! I even purchased a kit (which I completed last night to make sure I hadn't forgotten any of the skills Vanessa had taught me haha) Would highly recommend."

ShedLight responded:

"Excellent Vicki and well done ! I expect both your children are delighted with your handmade lampshades. Ok I am so happy you enjoyed your course and it was lovely meeting you both."

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

"My daughter and I really enjoyed our day yesterday in the woods of the Surrey hills. We were immersed in the woods, sun shining, huge beech trees swaying in the wind. A totally immersive day losing ourselves in basket weaving. Great tuition , lots of demonstrations and one to one. Thanks Jan and family for a lovely day with amazing baskets completed and families really impressed when we got gone."

Brian Shaw reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Received this course as a birthday present for my 50th. I must say, Ted was very enthusiastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The course was very easy to follow with Ted's guidance. I was not put under pressure to do anything I didn't want to do. At the end of the course I had completed my instrument. Overall it was a very satisfactory day and a great birthday gift from my children. Thank you, Brian S"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Well done Brian a true craftsman indeed. Hope you get many hours of fun with the new instrument ! Hope to see you soon."

David OSullivan reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Really enjoyed the course. I learned a lot about woodworking in general and guitar making. I'll definitely come back for another course in the future. Thank you Ted. All the best. Dave"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"David was a typical hands on no fuss sort of guy and the results of his effort certainly paid off. After a few practice runs on the bandsaw he was soon going for the real thing. I hope he get to use his box as much as I use mine ! I'm looking forward to David coming back on another course soon too. Well done mate the inner craftsman was with you all day! see you soon!"

Sita reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Really was a fabulous day. We learnt a new skill and made new friends! We will definitely visit again and can't recommend Blended Monkey enough! Can't thank Louise enough for welcoming us and giving us an unforgettable day."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Sita, thank you for your lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and Daniel, and we look forward to you guys returning some time :-). Excited to see how your pots will look after firing, and I've made sure that your gorgeous tall slab vase hasn't fallen over during the drying process ;-). Again, thank you for the fab review!"

caz mattocks reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"I still cannot believe i made my own spoon! Never having used any of the equipment before and having absolutely zero experience, my expectations were low but guided by Debbie and Nick I had such an interesting, enjoyable day and somehow made a spoon. Debbie and Nick were absolutely wonderful, they offer just the right amount of guidance. Clear instructions and demonstrations were given every step of the process and then we were left to complete each stage with encouragement and helpful tips. Debbie and Nick have a lovely way of teaching which is perfect for adult learning, building confidence and self belief. I didn't just leave with a spoon, at the end of the day, I left with a new confidence about trying new skills, developing carving techniques, being at one with wood the outdoors and not having to have everything perfect. Thank you Debbie and Nick ?"

Myke Blackburn reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Not having turned for many years this was an excellent day tailored to suit my needs and has got me ready to restart my hobby with a bit more confidence. Thanks"

Robin E.W. Creffield reviewed: An Introduction to Willow Weaving

"A well run, fun and informative day. Learnt some new techniques and came home with a couple of usable willow items. Day finished quite early - think there was room for more in there but can highly recommend."

Lizzy Brothwood reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Absolutely brilliant!!! I honestly could not recommend this course highly enough! Despite the awful weather, Mike went above and beyond to make this day totally accessible and enjoyable. We were provided tea and coffee throughout the day and even some choccy biscuits! Mike’s warm and friendly approach to teaching made the course so much fun as well as informative. I left the day with a whole host of skills, which was all down to Mike’s 1:1 teaching, encouragement and a lot of patience! Massive thank you Mike!"

Terry Singleton reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The days 1 to 1 woodturning course was a Xmas present from my wife and although delayed due to Covid was well worth the wait as it was fantastic. Simon is very knowledgeable and had plenty if patience with a complete novice! The workshop facilities, machinery and tools etc were great and gave a very good taster for this craft. Plenty of coffee and very nice lunch was provided, thank you Louise. I came away with two pieces of work which my wife thinks I must have purchased, not so, I made them all be with a little help (a lot of help!) The post course notes and equipment advice schedule were emailed over to me that evening and are compressive and full of photos and links, will prove very helpful if I take it further. I could not recommend this course enough, it was a five hour round trip and I would be more than happy to do again - great day, thank you Simon and Louise."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review, Terry, and I'm glad you got home safe and sound. If you'd like to "purchase" more turned objects, don't hesitate to contact us again ??. Any questions/advice, please drop me a line - only too pleased to help."

Penny Roberts reviewed: Forget-Me-Not Heart Mosaic Kit

"I ordered two kits, the forget me not heart and the beach hut from China Petals and was extremely impressed with how promptly my order was acknowledged, how quickly they arrived and how beautifully they were packaged. Diane from China petals was kind enough to refund the postage on one of the kits because they were posted together in one parcel. I really enjoyed making the kits, the instructions were clear to follow and the colours of the mosaic pieces were beautiful. I would highly recommend China Petals."

Grace reviewed: Fissures II - Nuno Felted Mosaic Scarves

"The workshop was as good as I had hoped, and given the number of postponements because of covid restrictions, my hopes were very high! Communication about the course and details of the day were clear and reassuring. The venue is excellent and levels of comfort and hospitality were very good, making a long day pass very quickly. But the content of the workshop was the most important element and was absolutely excellent, from the preparation before the day, the explanation , demonstration and general guidance during the workshop, and the clear notes and photos provided to help me with my own attempts in future. Emma was very good company, all the materials were to hand and I learned a great deal, as well as coming home with a scarf I am proud to have made, ( with help! ).Thank you."

Dorothy Geddes reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"The glass workshop was bought as a Christmas present for me which got delayed because of various lockdowns. However when I attended at the end of April I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wendy was very patient showing me how to score and cut the glass and showed me what could be created with all the various glass etc. When I came away I decided there and then that I would love to attend another class which has been booked. Wendy was so welcoming and explained the technique so well which made the overall experience a very enjoyable one. I would definitely recommend these classes. Excellent!"

Glory of Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review - looking forward to seeing you again in July."

Kate E reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"Plenty of hands on opportunity to decorate and fire ready made pots. A good pace of getting things done, with down time in between firings to chat and ask questions. A great introduction to firing as we'd never done anything like it before."

Potterydayz responded:

"Thank you for your review Kate- a pleasure to see you and Tom all the way from Cornwall. Hope to see you again if your passing this way."

Sheelagh Rigby reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery Course

"Silver clay course - I cannot recommend Yolanda highly enough, both as a teacher and a host. She provided the perfect welcoming environment in which to learn, the whole day was relaxing informative and fun. I enjoyed every moment, including the delicious lunch and afternoon tea, What a wonderful way to spend a day - I will be back! Thank you! Sheelagh"

Lisa reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"This is was my second raku firing course with Potterydayz and I keep booking more. It’s a brilliant day and the results are spectacular. Richard is a great teacher but no experience needed. The finished pots make wonderful and unique gifts. (If you can part with them!). Highly recommended. 5 stars ⭐️ ?"

Potterydayz responded:

"Thank you Lisa. Delighted you enjoyed the experience and I look forward to seeing you on another course soon. Richard"

Kathryn reviewed: Bark Basket Day

"Great relaxed day at a beautiful woodland site. The course was interesting and informative with a nice, steady pace and teaching methods."

Jack Raven Bushcraft responded:

"Thanks for the review Kathryn, glad you enjoyed the day! Gray"

Clare Reid reviewed: Willow frame basket weaving at wonderful Ella's

"The willow weaving workshop with Amanda was excellent fun, really rewarding and in a beautiful location. Amanda has the patience of a saint and helped us all out with the tricky bits. Plus, she provided yummy cake and plenty of tea and coffee! I am looking forward to my next workshop with her."

Duncan Lowery reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"Spoon Carving with Steve Tomlin. A fantastic 2 day course. The tuition by Steve was excellent and conducted in a fun and highly enjoyable atmosphere. Not only is Steve an excellent carver, he's also a great teacher and lovely guy. Boradrake Barn hosted us splendidly, providing heapfuls of wonderful homemade food (I recommend the macadamia cookies). Rachel and Mike were the perfect hosts and the stunning setting is one of the best you can get. If you're reading this review and wondering whether to book. Just book it! You wont regret it."

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Duncan for your lovely comments! It's great when folk come to a workshop and go away fired up to continue a new craft; you will have plenty of resources in your own woodland to make use of your new tools to carry on carving! We love to share what we have here as the stunning views never fail to impress and be an unexpected bonus to the excellent tuition we offer."

Jessica reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I loved this class. I felt like I could finally relax my brain from all the stress of the last year and just focus on something else! Time flew by. Nadine was very engaging, enthusiastic and encouraging. Very helpful but also allowing you creative freedom to concentrate and develop your ideas. To me working with glass was like holding pure colour and to just focus on colour, shape and design was wonderful. Highly recommend! Thank you."

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"So glad to hear you loved the workshop, it was a pleasure having you in the session."

Laura Green reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"Following lockdown Sue made the day of painting relaxed, fun and informative. Upon arrival Sue chatted about what we would be doing throughout the day and ensured maximum comfort at each stage of the painting experience. Encouragement and excellent tuition resulted in a great oil painting to take home. Sue is an extremely talented artist who is generous in sharing her wealth of knowledge and expert eye as she teaches each stage of your masterpiece. For anyone left handed that has experienced difficulties in technique, Sue was able to demonstrate brush position and tips that make sense. I would absolutely recommend Sue to anyone considering a day of art whether you have painted before or have no previous painting experience. A definite 5* day and a huge thank you."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"So good to have you in the Studio for the day Laura, and great that you had a good time doing your first oil painting, you did a good job and understood the processes really well. I look forward to seeing you for your next project! Take care, Sue"

Ailsa Kiely reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Perfect way to exit lockdown. I was very new to throwing and Rowena was the perfect teacher. Her enthusiasm and knowledge was infectious. She was patient and provided so much insight into how different techniques are used without it being overwhelming. Not only that she was able to adapt techniques suit me. I saw so much progression in the lesson from starting by making a small olive bowl through to a vase by the end of it. Definitely recommend this to anyone starting out in the clay world and also people with years of experience. A day full of laughter and one you can take at your own pace. I will most certainly be back."

Jill Whitmore reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Thoroughly enjoyed this two day stone carving course, a great way to relax and spend time in the countryside peace and quiet. Sebastian is an excellent tutor allowing us to experiment on a spare block of stone with all the tools before we were let loose on our sculpture stone following our own inspirations. My sculpture exceeded my expectations and I feel very proud of it."