Latest reviews

Audrey Menezes reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"What a wonderful course. Peter and his apprentice Toby are attentive, kind, and hugely knowledgable woodworkers who teach with passion and ease. I was completely new to the craft and now feel like I have a solid foundation and a budding love of working with wood, both ready to grow. I loved the thoughtful process of creating my stool, and the teaching and guidance they gave throughout the two days was invaluable. It takes place in Peter's lovely studio set amongst rolling green hills near the sea, and the days pass by so pleasantly with plenty of tea, quiet focus, and good conversation. I would give it 100 stars if I could."

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Aaaah. Thanks so much Audrey. A pleasure having you and your friends on the course. Come back and see us!"

Richard MARSH reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I really enjoyed the woodturning experience. Simon, the tutor, gave a really good introduction to both the tools and the wood we would use. His balance of demonstrating what we would do and letting the student loose was ideal. In the morning I made a honey spoon and in the afternoon alovely bowl. A thoroughly enjoyable day with an interesting tutor and ample refreshments, including a tasty lunch in the kitchen. I might well be booking another session in the near future. Thanks for the experience!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"We're really pleased you enjoyed your woodturning experience! You made some fabulous pieces, and you had the added boon of the bowl wood being beautiful too :-). Happy to have you back any time. We hope you continue with your woodturning journey and don't hesitate to contact us if you need any help in the future."

Rosalyn Evans reviewed: Fused Glass Jewellery Workshop

"Teresa is a great teacher - super friendly and offering just the right balance of instruction, information and creative freedom. I really enjoyed my time in the studio and would highly recommend this course."

Lappelli Craft Studio responded:

"I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your time in the studio, making lovely glassy art !"

Nick reviewed: 'Clay as a Canvas' glaze decoration workshop in Tenterden, Kent

"So nice to be able to attend in person. Kate took real care with preparation, hygiene, and COVID security. Felt totally safe. Learned lots of new techniques and was able to follow my own inspiration with very helpful suggestions and guidance. Would highly recommend this to anyone wanting to go way beyond dipping in a glaze bucket!"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"I am so glad that you enjoyed your day and learnt some new creative processes. I hope that you can use the techniques in your NVQ course and continue to develop your ideas. It was great seeing the 3D work you made. Happy making!"

Johanna reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I had such a great day and learned loads. It also all felt very relaxed, and yet we got so much done. I know I will love my little cross-body bag, which Kingsley helped me design on the spot, for years to come. Can't recommend enough."

Sue Jewsbury reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"I recently attended a 'Spoon carving workshop' hosted by Jack of Fazey Woodcraft, and what a great day it was! We were provided with all the necessary tools and equipment, with instruction from Jack into the correct and safe use of each implement. This was followed by an introduction into the properties of the wood used in green woodworking, with particular attention to the piece we were about to craft. The group of willing students was small enough to allow Jack to provide each of us with one-to-one assistance when required, whilst keeping a watchful eye on the rest of the group. His tuition was pitched perfectly for our skill level, in this case mainly newcomers to the art. As we progressed through the day he demonstrated different carving techniques to enable us to complete our task successfully. We all left with our ‘works of art’, with mine requiring a little ‘homework’ to complete the finished look. I slowed towards late afternoon, as I’m not used to working with fine tools for prolonged periods and finger-fatigue began to set in! Nevertheless, I’ll be going back for Jack’s more advanced spoon carving workshop and maybe some of his other workshops too. There’s a world of green woodworking knowledge yet to learn, and I would certainly recommend Fazey Woodcraft as a great starting point for anyone who may be interested."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Sue! I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! I look forward to seeing you again on another workshop!"

Cheryl reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"I bought this experience for my husband's 70th birthday. Initially it was for 1 person because in these strange times I was unsure how many would be allowed in the workshop. In the event Richard was able to offer me the opportunity to join in. I can't praise him highly enough, the venue had been organised to be Covid safe and at no time did we feel uncomfortable. Richard's demonstration and explanation was clear and easy to understand. He has the patience of a saint in dealing with our inept attempts. I think we all felt reasonably satisfied with our finished products which were not perfect but good for the novices we are."

Potterydayz responded:

"Hi Cheryl thank you for leaving such a great review. I am delighted you both enjoyed the morning and felt comfortable. Congratulations on your achievements."

Peter Burrell reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I was an absolute beginner and found the course a great introduction to the craft. I came away with sufficient confidence to buy a lathe and tools and have now turned quite a few pieces with some modest success. Stuart was very helpful in assisting me choose the equipment and get started."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for the review Peter and glad that you're continuing to improve. It's a great hobby."

Joella Edwards reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"What a brilliant course! I had a great time and cannot rate it highly enough. Peter, and his very talented apprentice Toby, welcomed us into their wonderful workshop in the most stunning surroundings. The teaching was gentle, clear and well paced, with plenty of help and support when needed at each stage. I felt very comfortable and at ease the whole time, and came away with a piece of work that I am proud of and a foundation of core skills and knowledge to move forward with. Peter has also sent a list of helpful resources for further support. A wonderful way to spend a weekend! Thank you Peter and Toby!"

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Joella - a pleasure having you on the course!"

Cheryl Long reviewed: Machine knitting workshop - All levels

"Had an amazing one on one with this lady. Very patient, explaining all the details in plain simple terms which makes it much easier to understand. Excellent environment with a teacher with so much experience. She offers a bespoke service tailored to your needs. If anyone is thinking of taking up machine knitting, she is the person you need to teach you. Looking forward to taking more lessons from her. Not to be missed and can’t praise enough. Once again thank you."

Donna reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Great session, learnt lots...which was enjoyable and informative. I have recommended the workshop to my friends and colleagues and shared website details. A wonderfully practical course - both personally and professionally."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Donna. Thanks for your feedback. It was lovely to have you with us. You and your mum were great. You made lovely memories together. Glad you enjoyed it. xx"

Carl Anderson reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Had a fantastic day and the setting is lovely. Mike is a very knowledgeable and a great teacher and happy to answer all your questions.The tools we used were well kept, good quality and sharp and techniques demonstrated brilliantly. It was a nice relaxed, friendly atmosphere and everything is explained thoroughly to get you to a point where you can go away and do it yourself and i feel confident that i can after this. It was a great day and good value for money, I would thoroughly recommend it"

MC Woodcrafts responded:

"Thanks for your review Carl. It was great to meet you and Andy and I'm so glad that you enjoyed your day and feel inspired to start your spoon carving journey. Happy Carving!"

Andrew Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This course was a gift from my wife and it was a very enjoyable day. David and Mike are knowledgeable, friendly and are never far away when you need help or advice. The spoon making experience involves a set of skills few of us possess from log splitting to carving with both axe and knives. These skills keep you busy all day and are well demonstrated and explained. There is also a good array of tools to try to suit individual preferences for weights, blade lengths etc. The follow up notes are also excellent for anyone who wants to put the finishing touches to their creation or for those who are inspired to pick up a new hobby. Highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Andrew. It was rather exciting that you didn’t know quite what your birthday present was- I’m so pleased that your wife chose something you enjoyed. I look forward to hearing how your new-found craft skills progress."

David Gardner reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Travelled from Leicester to do this course it was very informative highly recommended"

The River Shop responded:

"Great to have you David. Thanks for making the trip all the way down. Hope to see you again! Best, Richard"

Tina reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I came and did the soap making course yesterday as a complete novice . After having fantastic training from Paula, left feeling confident to have a go at a new hobby/interest. Paula really knows her subject and delivers in a friendly, informative and professional way. The afternoon tea was a lovely touch at the end of the day. Thank you"

Linda reviewed: Seasonal hand tied bouquet

"Mary was very patient and provided an informative and relaxed workshop,complying with Covid-19 requirements. Beautiful, locally grown, Spring flowers were provided and the hand-tied bouquet I constructed continues to provide joy as the ranunculus, tulip, anemone and hellebore blooms continue to open up. A lovely way to spend an afternoon!"

Mary Hill Studio responded:

"Thank you Linda for such a lovely review. I'm glad it was informative and your flowers are still looking beautiful. Mary"

Vikki Hogarth reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I really enjoyed this soap making course. It was really lovely to spend a day doing something so relaxing. Paula was a fantastic teacher and explained everything fully and made it really interesting and easy to understand for me as a complete beginner. The afternoon tea was a lovely touch too. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Vikki, you made some lovely soaps!. Paula"

Sherina reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"A huge thank you to Paula. Had a really lovely day making soaps. As a beginner, I was a bit worried about the technicalities of making soaps but Paula made it look so easy (theoretically and practically). It was such an informative and fun filled workshop. A must try - highly recommendable! Can’t wait for my next course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Sherina, lovely to have you on the course, enjoy your soaps!. Paula"

Rowena reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"If I could leave a rating of 11 out of ten I would do so. From the moment I walked in to the course I found Paula warm and engaging. My biggest worries about making soap were the safety issues around handling lye and by the end of the course - not only had she allayed these fears but she has instilled such confidence that I am planning to make my first batch of soap this week at home. I have to mention the attention to detail that was given to this course...it was really was thorough and most definitely value for money."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you! So very pleased to read your feedback. Paula"

Anne Martland reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Thank you Paula for such a lovely day. Your passion and knowledge came across on the day.Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. So much so l've started to order equipment to start making soap for friends to start with, for their birthdays / Xmas pressys. Need to practice before thinking about selling in the future."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"So pleased to hear you are already getting your supplies for soap making, enjoy!. Paula"

Gilliana Bunn reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I did this course with Paula and it was amazing. I learnt so much that I felt confident enough to go home and start making my own soaps, which I gave done. Paula is an excellent teacher who is not only professional about her subject but very passionate about it as well. She is willing to share all her knowledge and is very helpful and enthusiastic in helping others to set up their own businesses too. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone and any age wishing to learn a new skill."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed the course. Paula"

amanda jane Coffey reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"Just brilliant day , Richard was fantastic, really great teacher , with loads of knowledge , would highly recommend, a must do for any age ."

Potterydayz responded:

"Delighted you had a good morning- a pleasure to meet you both. See you soon"

Pete Eveleigh reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"Had a great day building a kit guitar with Ted. He's a knowledgable teacher and I enjoyed the chat through the day. Also plenty of tea on hand which is always a bonus. I'll be returning to do another course with him asap."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Peter your a true gentleman my friend. I hope the 6 string electric guitar gives you many hours of enjoyment? Its also good to know you and your daughter are thinking of doing a course together? It would be nice to see you again soon for sure? Kind regards Ted"

Cecilia McCarthy reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"As a new person to jewellery making I was worried that I would be not be any good at developing this new skill. I shouldn't have worried at all as Jude was an expert in her field. She made the lesson fun and interactive. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone."

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hi Cecilia, Thank you for such a lovely review. You both took to jewellery making pretty easily with bags of confidence. I have polished your rings and will get them to you this week. It was lovely to meet you both. Judex"

Yvonne Afford reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Have just spent a great day with Natalie and Paul making glass jewellery. They were great, very friendly and welcoming also both very knowledgeable and creative. Started the morning by learning the basic glass cutting techniques with Paul. The oil filled cutter was a revelation! Then Natalie helped me to make some bespoke glass jewellery which I can’t wait to pick up after it has been in the kiln. Would definitely recommend this course as it is fun, creative and such a lovely way to spend a day totally absorbed in craft. I also thought that the course was excellent value as I made two pendants and three pairs of earrings plus had lunch and gallons of coffee! Check out the glass kits that you can buy from them too. Having seen them for real, if you can’t get to a course they provide a way to make something beautiful at home and good value too!"