Latest reviews

Caroline Newport-Hall reviewed: Introduction to herbal medicine - weekend courses

"If you enjoy hands on this is the course for you. Rowan was a fountain of knowledge and if she didn’t know something would try to find out. I felt extremely comfortable and welcomed. I travelled several hours to attend and it was well worth the journey. I have come away with a basic understanding of herbs and can identify some. I am now eyeballing every plant I see and wondering if I can put it in tea!"

Jane Marsh reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Such a useful course for anyone who needs no nonsense guidance in how to turn fleece into something much more valuable! I combined with a hand spinning course also - thoroughly recommend this!"

Jane Marsh reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I've completed a few half day spinning courses but just couldn't seem to get the hang of it until I went on this course and with Elaine's patient teaching, I am finally converting my fleeces into usable wool! I also did the fibre preparation course at the same time and it was all brilliant. !!"

Kasey & Sophie reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"Myself and my daughter had the most enjoyable morning attempting to make a bowl of sorts. Richard is an excellent teacher and so encouraging. Surprisingly I found it really relaxing and Richard has worked so hard to make it all covid safe, even building a new studio outside. We can't wait to go back to glaze our pots. My daughter ia already keen on another session."

Potterydayz responded:

"I am delighted you felt comfortable and enjoyed your time here .I look forward to your return."

Michael Flaherty reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Great class, we were provided with very nice Japanese carpentry tools. Ged was a damn good teacher, was very easy to follow his directions and he kept track of everyone and offered to help whenever they were struggling. I highly recommend this course also Dufftown where this takes place is a wonderful town with legendary history for the whiskey trail."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Michael. Glad you enjoyed the course and hope you found time to sample a Speyside dram or two!??"

David & Luke Nickerson reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a wonderful days wood turning we both enjoyed, a really great experience with an excellent tutor. A great introduction into spindle and bowl turning, we have both taken so much from it. Simon knows his craft and has a lovely way of teaching it, so much was covered in a 1 day course. Regular refreshments were provided and a lovely lunch in the garden was also enjoyed, they even managed to order the sunshine for the day. A big thank you to Simon & Louise, we will be back."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi David/Luke, So glad you enjoyed the day and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Kemi reviewed: Reed diffuser making workshop

"Thank you Paula for the lovely diffuser workshop. It was so informative and very helpful. I would definitely recommend the workshop to my family and friends."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Kemi so glad you enjoyed! . Paula"

Karen White reviewed: Traditional Painting for Stained Glass

"I have just returned from this course with Brenda and enjoyed every minute of it. Brenda is a very relaxed teacher giving you just enough background and demonstration's to allow you to develop your own designs. Over the 2 days I completed 4 separate pieces which I am proud of, despite being a complete beginner. We were also treated to a homecooked lunch on each day which was lovely. I would heartily recommend this course."

Kingfisher Glass responded:

"Thank you Karen, very glad that you enjoyed yourself and the course...!! Hopefully see you again, now you've got the glass bug!! Lol."

Lydia and Molly reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"We thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, Rob knows how to teach in an interesting and engaging way. The candles we made were beautiful! Would absolutely recommend, it was great!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thanks for your review - Glad you enjoyed it - it was great to have you both on the course - Rob"

Robert reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Robert had a fantastic day, he had never been in a forge before but considering this under Bobs excellent supervision he did a lot of hands on. Robert came away with a garden rake and trowel and a big grin on his face. Thanks very much Bob it was a pleasure to watch a true tradesman at work."

DeniseBrodie reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"Really enjoyed this course, Alison is so knowledgable and is very generous in sharing it. Made some lovely skin products and am hoping to do another course with her in the future."

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you Denise for your lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop and you’re enjoying the products you made. I look forward to seeing you again in the not too distant future. I will email the extra information I promised you tomorrow. Best Wishes, Allison"

Alison Horridge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I had a great day making a knife, instrutors we fantastic and so encouraging Would highly recommend"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you both again sometime."

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

"I attended the 2-day workshop with my teenage daughter and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Both of us love crafts, but had little experience of sculpting, however Jo takes you through each stage so well, that no prior experience is needed. The days were really packed and you get great value for money on this course, whilst waiting for our large sculptures to dry, Jo had us making mini hares to take home, which was a lovely idea. Jo has an extensive knowledge of products and process around this type of sculpting and is happy to share her wisdom with you. She also provided a repair kit for future use, which was another great idea. We had so much fun and came away with sculptures that we were proud of. Jo is warm and friendly and welcomes you into her studio, making you feel at home from the off. I highly recommend this course and will hopefully come back for another. If you are unable to attend a workshop this year, try the kits to do at home first, as they are great fun too. Thanks for having us Jo!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this wonderful review Catherine. It was a pleasure having you and your daughter here for a 'bubble' 2 day workshop this weekend. You both made gorgeous sculptures and I was glad to hear they travelled all the way home safely in your campervan! It would be a pleasure having you back here at some time in the future for more sculpture zen time. Jo x"

Darrel Horridge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"My wife and I both attended the single day knife making course. it was a fantastic day and i would highly recommend it. a great family outfit that make you feel totally at ease."

Clarke Knives responded:

"I'm glad you enjoyed it so much - it was great to have you with us"

Marc Elsley reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"I have a small amount of experience making green wood spoons but still came away learning loads from David. David is knowledgeable, passionate and calm and obviously knows what he is talking about, importantly he can also transmit this to a range of students, I would definitely recommend this course."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Thanks Marc, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day carving. Thanks again, David"

Rob reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Bought as a gift for my partner, who loved it. Due to COVID, the only bit he couldn't do was blowing into the pipe - but that's a really minor part, so didn't detract from the experience. He brought home 5 pieces (which seems a lot more than other courses offer). Highly recommended!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review Rob, so glad your partner enjoyed the course."

Michele Sappa reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"My sister and I had a lovely afternoon, making a small willow hurdle. There was just the two of us, so we had plenty of attention. The experience , made us want to learn more. Highly recommend the course and tutor."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Michele, glad you both enjoyed the workshop, your hurdles were very well woven and I really liked the choice of colours, look forward to seeing you at another workshop. Thanks, Julie"

Ian Warner reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I had a fantastic day making a lovely kitchen knife with Jon. Jon's forge is a brilliant work space and Jon's friendly, knowledgeable tuition makes the day incredibly enjoyable. I would 100% reccomended anyone thinking about giving this a go to book with confidence that you will have an excellent and worthwhile experience."

Kerr Forge responded:

"Thanks Ian! It was a great day and lovely to work with you. You kitchen knife is awesome and I hope it serves you well for many many years!"

Sharon Foxall reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"What can I say except...what a fantastic experience my friend and I had while doing the silver jewellery workshop, the setting was magical and Rach was so patient with us as we decided to go totally off piste and design our own pieces. Can’t wait to do the next work shop and will be recommending it to all my friends and family. Many thanks Rach, see you soon."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Sharon. You are such a star. I loved working with you on your creative ideas. Such a pleasure. You both made such beautiful and unique pieces. Look forward to seeing you again. All the very best. Rach"

Martin Rookard reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Really enjoyed the day. Relaxed and friendly environment. Jon was a great teacher and I found the course very informative as well. Came home with a fantastic knife!"

Kerr Forge responded:

"Thanks Martin, it was a pleasure working with you for the day and you produced a truly beautiful knife. Congratulations!"

liz maling reviewed: remove

"Chrissy was really helpful when Royal Mail delivered the kit to the wrong place. The kit is very detailed and includes everything possible that’s needed!"

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"I'm glad it has finally been found. I will catch up with you soon. Thanks for the lovely review."

Will Ellice reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Fantastic morning. Stephen had a wealth of knowledge on this subject and bundles enthusiasm which kept everyone engaged. It was lovely to learn new skills. I’d highly recommend this to anyone. It’s a Great way to unwind on the weekend. Lovely camomile and honey tea to go with it. Thanks Stephen."

Wes Finch reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"Liz was a great host and teacher, instruction was clear and materials and tools of good quality provided. All was Covid safe and I felt relaxed and able to enjoy the experience."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Wes, Thanks for taking time to review your day. It was lovely working with you and I hope you enjoy your creative journey with lino cutting and printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

linda tiernan reviewed: Animals in watercolour

"Really love the way Liz teaches, she is great at getting the concepts and ideas across. The course is very well set out and makes great sense in putting together an animal portrait. I have since purchased further courses from Liz and look forward to learning more from her. I don't know what to say except i am a beginner yet have found the confidence in my skills to take part in all the lessons. thanks Liz"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you Linda. That is so good to hear. I’m delighted the course has given you confidence and skills. That’s just what I hold for! Lizx"

Lisa Ashton reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The whole experience was fabulous from start to end. Sebastian is an excellent teacher and guides you through the techniques you needs to produce a piece os sculpture by the end of the two days. The workshop is situated in a beautiful rural setting, so peaceful. I am definitely going back again before too long!"