Latest reviews

Danny reviewed: Rucksack in a day workshop

"This has been one of the best 1 day courses I have attended. Rosanna the tutor was very good at showing us exactly what to do and is an amazing expert leather craftsperson. We had a choice of fabrics and leathers for the rucksack but it was a full on day to get the project complete within a single day. We were not rushed, but equally we didn’t hang around to get everything complete. The end product was absolutely brilliant. Super happy with it. I showed my friends and family afterwards, they all thought I had bought the racksack from a posh shop and couldn’t believe I actually made it myself. I would highly recommend this course and I would like to attend some of the leather workshops by Rosanna. "

Richard Long reviewed: Clock making day

"Excellent course, delivery very knowledgeable. Learnt a lot and not just about the item I was making as picked up some very useful tips on a wide variety of woodworking activities."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Richard you and Chris are welcome on any of these courses in the future my friend. I hope the clock keeps ticking and Chris masters the Strumstick ???"

Jayne Phoenix reviewed: Modern upholstered footstool workshop - Lewes - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"I did this wonderful course with Lucy. Before the course I was able to choose my fabric from a beautiful selection of wools. The course was a full and interesting day, in a lovely studio. I was amazed at how many layers the stool has, and how intricate the techniques were. All tools were laid out ready and we were taught what each was before proceeding to complete each stage with Lucy's expert tuition and support. She was great at teaching and at ensuring our stools were perfect at every stage. We had a wonderful lunch , in the sunshine in our case as it was a lovely sunny day, before getting back to work. Best of all at the end of the day, we each had our own stools completed and ready to take home. I enjoyed this course so much I am thinking of doing it again to make a matching stool as we compete at home to use the one I made . I highly recommend this course "

Roundedby responded:

"Ah Jayne your grey stool was a triumph! So glad you enjoyed the course, know you are a very keen maker, so am always delighted when folk who are already ‘handy’ with tools get a lot out of the courses too! Yes do come again, life is too short to be arguing over a footstool!"

Giles and Jonathan reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My son and I had a really great couple of days with Mort, learning the skills of pattern welding recreating Anglo-Saxon and Viking era knife blades. He started us off on simple forging skills, then we moved on to forging a ready prepared pattern welded billet of steel, and the second day was spent trying to fire-weld our own billet of alternating high carbon and lower carbon layers of steel. He stepped in and helped rescue things whenever they started to go badly wrong, but gave us plenty of scope to learn from our mistakes as we went along. For us the journey was more important than the destination, in gaining a much deeper appreciation of the skill of smiths of that era, but we also came away with several blades that we can finish and add handles and sheaths at home. Mort was entertaining company and a very good teacher, in what could easily be a daunting and hazardous industrial environment in less experienced hands. If you are even vaguely curious, I strongly recommend that you have a go. It is hard work and a tiring day, but really thrilling to turn a lump of metal into your own project with your own hands using nothing but fire and a hammer, and Mort’s patient skill! An unforgettable experience, and a something to take home at the end of the day as a permanent reminder."

leann g reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"As a small office we don't tend to celebrate Christmas in a big way but have a summer outing instead. This time we were recommended to go to Jo's class and it was a fantastic day. Plenty of hiccups along the way but the 6 of us that eventually got there just loved it. Jo was a great tutor, there to help but not overwhelming. A bunch of noisy people were oh so silent and full on concentrating all day. Will go again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for booking the day for your office event Leann ?. We had to wait several months and had people dropping in/out for who could make it, but as you say we got there in the end! Great positive team feeling - but strangely, I only remember very (very) short moments of silence ??. So pleased everyone enjoyed themselves. Jo x"

Jenny Fair reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Having attended a class on 7th October with 5 others as a team building exercise, I have nothing but praise for the incredibly talented tutor, Jo. We were all out of our comfort zone and quickly got into concentration mode as we were walked and talked through the process of assembling our HARES by the delightful Jo! What a fantastic day we had. The competitive streak came into action when it was decided that we would all put £5 on the table and vote at the end for the HARE that made us smile the most! The winner was a deserved Rachel. It was truly a fabulous way to spend a Friday and Jo was very hospitable, ensuring that we had regular refreshment breaks. Highly recommended! Thank you Jo and Andy for your hospitality. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jenny ? It was a great day. Rachel's moonstruck pose probably made us smile the most, but you all made wonderful hare sculptures. ?? Jo x"

Peter Elwell reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A convivial day which, quite astonishingly, leaves a complete novice with the beginnings of the practical ability, and the confidence, to pick up a piece of metal and make something with it. It also left me with a small viking knife, a lovely high carbon chef’s blade to go away and finish, and a poker. Mort has that very rare skill of knowing when to let you learn from mistakes and when to step in and ensure you have a finished piece. I can’t recommend it too highly, as a practical workshop, as a history lesson (hung from the development of metal working), as an upper body workout, or just as the ultimate in mindfulness therapy ! "

I Sandler reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Took a Saturday course in making small leather goods and had a fantastic time. Kingsley was patient, thorough, and had a superbly calm energy that made me feel not quite as clumsy as I probably was. We learned about the different kinds of leather, tanning techniques, patterns/templates, leather conditioning, cutting, punching, adding snap buttons, edge-finishing, hand stitching with beeswax-coated thread, etc. Came away with a beautiful leather wallet that isn't half bad for a first try."

Emma kinton reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Such a wonderful day from start to finish. Ann was the perfect host and teacher and the location and set up are perfect. Thank you I hope to return soon ! "

Becky Marrs reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Thank you Paul for a wonderful two day course - I learned so much during the course and feel really inspired to have a go on my own ?"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Becky, that’s very kind. Get in touch if you need any info’. :•)"

Emily reviewed: Three People One day bangle/ring workshop

"I booked this for my 3 sisters as an belated Christmas gift, I’d previously looked at the reviews from craft courses and felt that Jolene’s studio would be the best fit for our group. I’m really pleased that we chose Jolene as our host as she was very welcoming and helpful whilst we made our bangles in her studio. She took the time to explain the process to us and was patient, especially as this was our first jewellery class. All the materials we needed were provided including brownies, tea and coffee. We would definitely recommend Jolene’s jewellery class for a fun and enjoyable experience."

Jackie reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Very enjoyable day. Martin explained everything In easy to follow terms and was always on hand to help. Lots of equipment at our disposal and we were encouraged to experiment and use what we wanted. Looking forward to collecting my work and will definitely be booking to do another course. Thank you. "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you ?"

Russ and Louise. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was the most informative and fun experience. The hosts were thoughtful and the accommodation was excellent - especially given the very fair price. The huts are beautifully made by Master Blacksmith Nigel, and toasty-warm even when it’s cold, with electricity, kettle, lighting and log-burners. The site itself is relaxed and comfortable. Nigel gave so much instruction and guidance whilst at the same time allowing us the independence within his forge to develop our skills and create several lovely pieces to take away. Even as part of a Saturday group he was always attentive and the resources and facilities within the forge are excellent. He is a passionate craftsman and artist, and the gallery and shop that he runs alongside the forge is worth a visit in its own right. Everything exceeded our expectations from start to finish. We very much look forward to returning :) "

Patrick reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Brilliant weekend - really enthusiastic team. Can’t thank Carl, Ed and Susan enough. Learnt a lot about dry stone walling in a fun and supportive environment. This has definitely inspired me to look at furthering my dry stone walling experience. Can’t recommend highly enough. "

Lindsey reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"What a fantastic day. Jules is such a good teacher and helped us all produce really professional items. I’m so pleased with my pendant and would love to go back and make a ring, and the stacking rings look great too.. I’m still fizzing with enthusiasm. Highly recommended"

Dave reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Thanks David & Caroline for the great day at the lovely Hill End. Really helpful tuition & support, with theory and hands-on practice balanced just right."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks Dave. I hope the colours and figure really pop when you oil your spalted birch spoon"

Carol kobylanski reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"My friend Kaz and I went to Kate Morrell's willow sculpting class on Sat 8th Oct We had a fabulous time Kate and her husband made us so welcome. There was a lot of fun and laughter. I made a hare, my friend a lop-eared rabbit, there were also running ducks and a pheasant. Kate has a great sense of humour and is really helpful. Her husband was delightful and did coffees/teas and our lunch which was lovely . Will definitely recommend it and go again myself. Thanks regards Carol and Kaz. "

Kate Morrell willow sculpture responded:

"Thanks for your wonderful feedback it was lovely to meet you both Regards Kate"

Fay reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"Really great course. Lovely environment, informal & great time had. I went on my own & felt so relaxed & supported by the tutors & other student - definitely recommend it."

Fiona, Ali & Sheelah reviewed: Pottery wheel & glass fusing private half-day

"We had a fantastic time on the half day pottery & glass fusing course, we are so happy with how our pots and glass decorations / pendants turned out. Thanks very much."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Chris and I are so pleased you enjoyed it and thanks very much for leaving a review!"

Vincent Bailey reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Very interesting and fun day out, very informative and helpful tutor who goes through the techniques used at a comfortable pace. Good day out for friends, family and individuals; also very convenient to be able to make presents for people throughout the day."

Becca reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A fantastic workshop, lots of information on the different methods to be used, plenty of completed work to see to help with your own ideas. Can't wait to see how my items look after being in the kiln. Martin is a very good teacher, ready to help if needed. Would thoroughly recommend."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you ?"

Ben reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We very much enjoyed our day with Simon and Louise. Two very different crafts but we had a chance to get to grips with them both sufficiently to come away feeling that we’d acquired some new skills and would be happy to try either or both crafts again. I would happily recommend this unique course. "

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

"Simon and I are really pleased that you enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day. It was lovely to meet you both and teach you some basic woodturning and pottery skills. You created some very strong pieces :-). "

Sara from Liverpool reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"Jo is a great teacher, clear, kind & encouraging. I had a really relaxing day making my footstool. Environment was perfect, food and cakes were brilliant. Thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting a bit of grown-up time learning a new skill, and having fun at the same time. "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Sarah for your very kind words. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day and everything about it. Hope to see you again. X"

Kate reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"Fabulous course. Good teaching, great materials. A really attractive and quality bag as a result. A nice lunch was included Kate"

Hands of Tym responded:

"Thanks Kate, it was such a pleasure to have you all in the workshop making yesterday! Enjoy your bags. I will send you an email next week with all the pics. Best wishes, Georgie "

Eliot Kingsley reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Brilliant day out learning new skills at both wood turning and pottery. My son and I did a 'two in one' day during which we made a honey dipper in the wood turning class and several clay vessels and dishes in the pottery class under the expert personal tuition of Simon and then Louise. Both sessions were thoroughly enjoyable and it was very satisfying to actually produce something looking quite good at the end! Highly recommended"

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

"It was a delight having you and Ben in our woodturning and pottery studios. We're very pleased that you enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. It's immersive and creative and you guys both produced some beautiful pieces."