Latest reviews

Chris reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A fantastic introduction to wood turning with the fab Blended Monkey team! Simon obviously has a deep supply of wood turning knowledge, he pairs it well with a patient and enthusiastic teaching manner. Both Simon and Louise were lovely, conversation flowing freely throughout the day. Great lunch, loads of coffee! Even managed to come home with a couple of turned pieces. Would highly recommend."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thanks, Chris - glad you enjoyed your day. You were a very able and enthusiastic student and a pleasure to teach. We hope you continue with the craft and look forward to see you again."

Philip Brodie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best Forge ive ever been to and Nigel was a fantastic teacher perfect bslance of hands on experience and smithing knowledge to all levels attending left with some great pieces and a wealth of knowledge. Great teacher Gereat host Fantastic Forge I would Thoughrully recommend a day with Nigel if you want to know all ther is to know about forging and blacksmitjing"

shelly stansfield reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"I'd definitely recommend this course as a great general introduction to Bee Keeping! The course was really informative, clear and hands on; with a chance to be with the bees towards the end of the day and having an opportunity to both see and practically have a go at what we'd learnt. John is a great teacher, very knowledgeable and both open and patient to having lots of questions thrown at him. Sue and John were lovely hosts, offering a tasty lunch, lots of friendly chats and the course was set in a sweet spot in Sussex. It was great to meet other like minded people on the course and was definitely a confidence boost in taking the first step towards getting my own bees. A great added bonus was getting a gift of honey and pollen chart reader at the end of the day. Overall, it was a wonderful day and Id definitely join more courses again with John and Sue. Thank you! xx"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Shelly, it was lovely for John to have someone who asked lots or really good questions. Really glad you got a lot from the day, that's what it is all about! I will pass your kind words onto John. We didn't look at the climbing room - next time! Take care and if you have any questions John's email is on the jar of honey, or contact me. Best wishes, Sue and John"

Sandra Johnston reviewed: Slow Stitch Kit- Lakeland Hues - UK Postage Only

"This is a lovely kit with a good selection of fabrics,ribbons and embellishments to reflect the Lakeland Hues theme."

Caitlin reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I had a fabulous afternoon with Sara in her workshop in beautiful Kent. It was amazing to have one-to-one tuition from someone who is so talented and knowledgeable, not to mention a really lovely person. She was brilliant at explaining every step and answering my endless questions! I was able to make a silver cuff and a ring, both of which I absolutely love. I have come away with a long shopping list of items that I'm hoping to invest in, to be able to start making silver jewellery items for my small business. A big thank you to Sara for a really great afternoon. x"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Caitlin - Thanks so very much for taking the time to write me such a lovely review. I really enjoyed working with you and good luck with making all your new things .... you will be great! Sara"

Julie reviewed: Coloured Pencil Techniques

"Excellent step-by-step tuition with coloured pencils at a good pace. All aspects of the techniques needed are covered in the workshop leaving you with the necessary skills to finish the picture in your own time. Perfect for both beginners and improvers. Highly recommended."

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

"I was bought a taster day as a surprise gift and I really enjoyed exploring a new craft. I was worried about the heat but it wasn't as scary as I thought it would be! Adrian and Andy explained clearly, helped when needed, and were friendly and interesting to chat to. What can I say about Debbie and the food? I'd do this course again just for the delicious food! Overall, an excellent day, you won't be disappointed."

John Williamson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel is a great teacher with a lot of tips to make welding easier. He demonstrated every step and then you got the chance to learn by doing. I learned a lot from him and I accomplished what I set out to do. That is to give welding a try and see if is something I can do as a hobby when I retire in another year. Thanks Nigel!"

Duncan Meachin reviewed: Gifts an introduction to woodturning

"When I met Philip we got on really well, the course was very informative, and Philip helped me to hone my very limited turning skills, and he has given me so much more confidence in my own abilities and to carry on experimenting with my own equipment. I would highly recommend this course it is informative and fun. Thanks Duncan"

Julie Bartley reviewed: Needle felt a blue tit (Midday on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays)

"A thoroughly enjoyable workshop. Very relaxed. The kit for the workshop had plenty of materials. Gwen was friendly, welcoming and extremely helpful. I amazed myself how well the little blue tit turned out and was delighted to learn a new skill. I would highly recommend this course. I hope to do another course with Gwen soon."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Oh Julie, it’s so lovely to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! Best wishes, Gwen"

Wende Arundale reviewed: Inspirational course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"Christine, made me very welcome and generously shared her vast knowledge with me over two days. Her lovely studio on the hill was bright and welcoming with a myriad of facilities and equipment. Very highly recommended."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you for your kind review. It was great fun teaching you, and helped to reboot me after a quiet lockdown! I'm looking forward to seeing your Green man when he's finished."

Michael Adkinson reviewed: A Workshop in Acrylic Techniques

"This course was exactly what I was hoping for. Shirley provided expert guidance in a relaxed atmosphere. I arrived as a complete novice, having absolutely no experience of acrylics and left eager to carry on. It was a day well spent and with the bonus of taking place in a beautiful Wolds setting."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I thought you were very good with acrylics.You looked to have been using them for a while. I hope to see you again when you want to come to another workshop. Stay safe and positive. Shirley"

Hazel Fisher reviewed: Needle felt a blue tit (Midday on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays)

"What a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours- in the (zoom) company of a lovely group of people and a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive tutor. I shall be signing up to any future courses run by Gwen and recommending them to any willing to listen!"

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Hazel, thank you so much for your lovely review! It was such a pleasure meeting you and I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it. Hopefully see you again at some point :)."

Sanket reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"Gaynor is an excellent tutor, but she's also a wonderful human. She has a great eye for detail, she can point out and guide on your mistakes even in an online class. I enjoyed my calligraphy sessions with Gaynor. Thanks Gaynor & see you soon ?."

Gaynor Goffe responded:

"Many thanks Sanket, hope you can keep going with it all !!!!!!"

Clair Payne reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Did an afternoon taster session and made 3 pots. Loved it! Packed a lot in to the afternoon. Jack was incredibly patient and attentive with everyone and gave very clear instruction. Would definitely try and do another. Great fun and learned a lot considering I had never been on a wheel before. Nice coffee too!"

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

"I always love Kate's workshop. They are well organised, and Kate's careful preparation means everything you need is readily available, so you can focus on creating with clay in a safe and relaxing environment. She is a thoughtful and inspiring teacher/potter, passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for ceramics. Clay as a canvas focused on using a variety of glazes and exploring a range of techniques that can be used on mainly unfired but also fired clay. I found it really useful to just experiment with the glazes with the added benefits of working with others doing the same!"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"H Kirsty. Thanks for the kind and helpful feedback. It was good to see all the students experimenting with the underglaze colours onto leather hard clay and really pushing the materials to see what could be achieved. It is a really versatile technique and helps to get colour onto the pieces at an early stage, so I am glad that you enjoyed the process."

Dan Hipkiss reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish, and the final product is way beyond anything I could have expected. Having seen what other people have made with different courses, I'm totally pleased that we made the right decision here. I cannot recommend this highly enough."

Margaret Stonham reviewed: Relief Texture and Colour on Clay

"I really enjoyed the relief textureand colour on clay workshop.It was just the tonic needed at this time and I've already made some blank items ,ready to explore the technique further.The Cowshed was a stunning venue,but Kate's organisation,encouraging teaching style and attention to Covid safety detail made it a brilliant morning.Thank you ,I hope to return ?"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Hi Margaret I am so pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. It's great that you have made some blank pieces so that you can continue experimenting with wax erosion. Feel free to email or call me if you want any tips or advice. Thanks for the lovely review and I hope to see you at another workshop soon."

Daniel Rimmer reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Had a brilliant 5 hour session forging a knife & bottle opener. Never done anything like this before but after watching forged in fire on repeat my wife booked me in as a surprise. Richard was a hands on instructor, very helpful and welcoming. I hope to be back down at the forge again in the future."

David reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Signed up for the two day course as I was in the area and to try something new.. .. not sure I had expectations of making something so professional looking With Bec’s support and guidance I created an amazingly professional bag that is certainly eye catching and doesn’t look hand crafted but yet is fully unique I would certainly recommend the course and finding time to attend a workshop.. .. but leave room for me to attend another couple yet!!!"

AMANDA TAYLOR reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Have just completed a weekend course with RJ Leather. Can absolutely recommend to anyone who already works with leather or just wants a fun weekend learning a new skill. Rebecca is lovely, very talented and very patient! Can't wait to do another one"

Ellie Sandall reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"My mum and I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours with Richard, learning how to use a potter's wheel- neither of us had used one for years so we were both complete novices. We both managed to create three pots- not perfect but with their own rustic charm! We're looking forward to glazing our pots in the near future and then they'll take pride of place in our houses. Thank you for a lovely morning!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks Ellie, I am glad you and your mum enjoyed the throwing session. I look forward to helping you finish your rustic pieces."

Louise reviewed: 2 day jewellery/silversmithing course - all materials provided

"Loved my two days on the jewellery course with Sue. As a complete beginner I learnt so much , and am really keen now to use the skills and carry on creating. Sue is super organised, patient and helpful and obviously extremely proficient in her field. There is a lovely atmosphere in the studio and we were made to feel so welcome. Thanks so much Sue, I will definitely be coming again ! L xx"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Louise, I loved your focus and it was really nice to have you in the Studio. You have made excellent progress on your silversmithing journey! It would be lovely to have you here again so you can work on a more complex piece. Take care, best wishes, Sue"

Penny Roberts reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Roman Style Coaster Kit - Set of 4

"Really enjoyed making these mats. It was the first time I had worked on a mosaic and it was great fun. The kit arrived really quickly and was beautifully packaged. The instructions were easy to follow. Only difficulty was choosing the colour design. Would highly recommend for a complete beginner."

Montet Designs responded:

"Hi Penny I'm so pleased to hear you've enjoyed creating your first mosaics! :) Thanks for your lovely feedback. Audrey"

Sarah Pendred reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"A really enjoyable morning spent learning a new skill. Richard was very patient and spent plenty of time demonstrating techniques and giving help and advice individually. Enjoyable and absorbing."

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks for the review Sarah, a pleasure to see yo here. Glad you enjoyed your visit."