Latest reviews

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

"I attended with 2 friends and we had a fabulous day making garden flowers. The instruction given by Adrian and Andrew was great really informal but helpful. We were left to be creative and it was very hands on with help and guidance close by as required. The lunch and refreshments provided by Debbie were excellent. We left exhausted with aching arms and blistered hands and 2 gorgeous flowers each for our gardens and would do it again in a heart beat. A brilliant day!!"

Menna Ward reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"A fun and educational course, well organised and delivered by Sharon who is extremely passionate and enthusiastic about her business and provided good instruction to make our own handmade candles with no previous knowledge. We didn't know what to expect, but Sharon made us very welcome and relaxed and provided all the materials necessary to create a range of different candles with our choice of perfumes and colour. A great gift. Recommend this experience to anyone."

George Haughie reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I took this course April 2021 in Chris's new workshop and absolutely loved the experience. The only negative for me was how quickly the day went. Chris was a well organised, prepared, and patient teacher who has clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating the day and how to scaffold and build a total beginner towards learning the basic skills. I would and have already recommended this course. Thank you Chris, and I'll hopefully be back soon."

Ella reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I had a great time getting my creative flow on at Nicky’s creative glass workshop! Nicky is a super friendly and very accommodating host. By far the best glass course I’ve done so far!"

Tom Watson reviewed: Bristol Bronze Club - 2 day lost wax bronze casting workshop

"I really enjoyed the course, David's knowledge of the process was first rate and he was able to explain things extremely well in a simplistic way that I could easily understand."

Ore and Ingot responded:

"Thanks Tom :)"

Karin Diederichsen reviewed: Impressed! Clay Imprinting Workshop at the Cowshed in Tenterden Kent

"It couldn't be more perfect! Thanks to Kate we spent a creative day in most charming setting - all COVID-save surrounded by inspiring materials. We had the space to indulge in our little projects but also share ideas with our extremly nice participants. Thank you Kate!"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"I am so pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. The Cowshed setting is really special and adds some extra inspiration to the day. I really enjoy teaching there. It was good to see you immersed in your making and so productive too. It is nice when students can share their results and learn from each other - always an added bonus!"

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

"We had a great day! Adrian and Andy had the right balance of letting us learn and get on with it and being on hand to tell us what might be easier and work better. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun but always with safety in mind. The food provided by Debbie was delicious- especially the flapjack. Debbie was very helpful in the run up to the course offering advice on accommodation ( if needed) and reassuring us about safety measures in place. We brought home 2 fabulous flowers which have been admired by many! Highly recommend this as a gift or just a great day to learn something new."

Lizzie reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher with time for everyone. I really enjoyed the class. Highly recommend!"

Stella Carswell reviewed: Impressed! Clay Imprinting Workshop at the Cowshed in Tenterden Kent

"What a fabulous way to spend the day! We had endless fun being creative with clay tiles in whatever shapes and sizes we chose. There were plenty of resources! We also used porcelain clay. Kate is then going to fire them so I can’t wait to see the finished pieces. It takes place in a magical part of the country too. So don’t hesitate in signing up!"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"It was such a lovely day and it was inspiring to see all the beautiful, graphic ideas you came up with. Your wood block type was a great addition to the resources, so thank you for sharing those with the students. The tiles are now being fired, so it won't be long before you can decide on how you want them glazed. I will send you some photos soon......"

Amber reviewed: Reed diffuser making workshop

"What a fabulous way to spend an early evening on Sunday! Fun and easy-to-follow workshop, with great creative company! The refreshments provided were excellent & exceeded my expectations. Both Paula and colleague were very attentive and welcoming to all students. So chuffed with my scent creation for my diffuser! Would highly recommend this fun workshop and I would love to attend another in the near future! Thank you Paula x"

Evgenia Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I really enjoyed the day. It was a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. David and his assistant Mike are both wonderful teachers, passionate about green woodworking and ready to share their knowledge and experience. Their teaching manner is very encouraging and inspiring, helping their students to discover a talent for spoon carving."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for the review, Evgenia. It is really helpful to get positive feedback to keep us motivated for the next course and group of students. Take care, David"

Maddie H reviewed: DIY wedding flower workshop

"We had such a wonderful day learning about wedding flowers with Helen- we were thoroughly looked after from start to finish! Helen was incredibly supportive and knowledgable and I have come away with so many ideas for my upcoming wedding. I couldn’t recommend this workshop enough for someone who is thinking of doing their own wedding flowers."

Balsham House Flowers responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words, it was a pleasure. x"

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 - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing 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."