Latest reviews

Zoe reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"I had a fantastic time one-on-one with Vicky, creating a panel which she allowed me to design from a photo (very simplified!). I was shown and practiced all the techniques needed, and had lots of bonus information thrown in. Vicky was friendly and welcoming, and I will definitely be back to try some fused glass another time!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Thank you for your kind words, really appreciate them. Your panel is a fabulous way to remember what must have been a real once in a lifetime experience!"

Henry Brennan reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a great day and learned a lot, how much I can reuse is a guess, but this is something I always wanted to do and I am glad I did it. Alex was great, the day went quickly and I was shattered at the end. I would definitely do it again."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Henry, Thanks for coming to Chalk Pit Forge to make a Rams head poker. It was great teaching you all the techniques involved, such as, splitting, forging, twisting, bending and fire welding. Thanks very much for your great review, much appreciated. All the best Alex Smith "

Karen Turner reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Another fantastic course Andy. We did the greenwood course and made a kuksa each. So well tutored, endless patience from Andy, great lunches and loads of tea and biscuits, good company, peace and tranquility, a perfect way to spend a couple of days"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Karen, for your kind words. We're delighted that you and Paul enjoyed the course, the woodland environment, and the lunches and teas. Thank you for returning to Sallerton Wood for another course after the Stool-making course that you did with us earlier this year. We hope that you enjoy using your kuksas, and hope to see you again one day."

Julie reviewed: Create Tiny Wire Bird Sculptures in Derbyshire - additional payment.

"A lovely day with Liz creating wire birds after first making paper ones. I would probably prefer not making the paper ones first, but enjoyed making the wire ones so much that I will definitely be having a go at home. Thank you Liz! "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Julie, Good to hear from and thanks for letting me know about your day. You both made a great range of outcomes and it was lovely to see your skills and ideas develop as the day progressed. I hope you’ll have time to create a whole flock of Purple Swamp Hens! Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Jude reviewed: Free machine embroidery with Sarah Sewell

"I was very happy with the course yesterday. Sarah is an excellent tutor and thoroughly explained the process. Everything was well organised. We had time to practise before planning and making a final framed piece. I left inspired. "

Created By Hand responded:

"Thanks for the great feedback Jude Sarah's classes are always popular and we are always impressed with the quality of work which is produced in her classes, very often by complete novices. We look forward to welcoming you back to one of our other classes soon Dave"

Toby reviewed: 3 Day Resin Worktop Course (Custom Worktops)

"This is a great course to introduce you to the fundamentals of working with resin. Norman is a great teacher, very relaxed delivery and tons of experience and practical knowledge. Whatever direction you intend to take with your interest, Norman can shape the course content to suit. I'll definitely be returning for a tune up once I've got my own thing going. Thanks Norm (and thanks for the Chinese tea - delicious!)"

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

"What a fabulous day! I went with my sister and aunt for a family day out to make a moon gazing hare. I had very little expectation as I've never done anything like this before...but! I am unbelievably pleased with the result and more than a little proud of myself. However it has to be said the praise has to go to Jo. She is an excellent teacher full of hints and tips and gentle persuasion, whilst maintaining an atmosphere of fun, laughter and general entertainment. I would absolutely recommend this course and am sure your creation will take pride of place, book now."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Michelle ? What a lovely day yesterday, despite the sudden mains water outage! That's living in the country for you ?. Well done on your lovely hare finished in dark copper - I hope the blue patination is looking fab. Jo x"

Peter Newman reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"Should I, or shouldn't I, travel 90 miles for a 2 hour course. Having now done it, it is a no brainer. It was brilliant. As a trainer myself it was great to be in the presence of someone who not only knew their craft, but knew how to share it so professionally. I came away totally motivated to add this to my hobbies list. Dave himself is so easy to listen to with his delivery calm and with a very high level of attention to detail. I would definitely do more courses with Dave. Thank you for a great afternoon."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you for your time in leaving such an amazing review Peter, I really appreciate it. It was a pleasure meeting you and having you in the workshop. You did a great job with your block and I've no doubt you will make many more fantastic pieces if you do take up resin casting"

Diane reviewed: Paul Siggins mosaic masterclass Leigh-on-Sea

"I had the most amazing weekend with Paul & Emma. I was a complete novice but that didn’t matter at all, they are both so patient & encouraging every step of the way. I learnt so much and left with a great piece of work I am very proud of. What a wonderful experience."

Lisa reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"A 5 star day, as always!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks Lisa, a pleasure to see you again."

Ian reviewed: Sharpening carving knives and axes

"This is a course I would recommend for anyone who is new to the dark arts of knife sharpening. It was extremely an informative and helpful hands on course. Robert took me through the individual stages of sharpening an axe, carving knife, and a double edged hook knife. Seeing I was struggling with the hook knife he assessed my failings and found a better method that suited my abilities. When I finished the course I left with three very sharp carving tools and the knowledge of how to maintain those sharp edges. Robert was very good at passing on his knowledge of knife care as well as being very friendly and generous with his time. When I suddenly realised (surprised that the time had passed so quickly) it was 30 min passed stopping time and was ready to stop, Robert said it was fine and continued on till we had finished the final sharpening. The course was good value for the money. If you want to learn how to sharpen your carving tools I throughly recommend book a course with Robert. ?"

Damian Jordan reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I had a great day learning how to turn wood with Andy. It brought back fond memories (and perhaps some skills) from doing this a little bit at school. Andy certainly knows his stuff, is patient and full of interesting stories. Banter a plenty and I was happy to oblige. The outcome was a rather splendid bowl. An enjoyable day and lovely to meet Mary and Angus. Highly recommended! Thank you all!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Damien , lovely to meet you and glad you enjoyed yourself Andy Mary Angus "

Nadine reviewed: Willow Trivet Woodland Course

"A brilliant short course, much enjoyed by my 10 yr old and myself. Suz is a lovely teacher, and we had a brilliant time in the woods making our trivets. Thank you for having us. "

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Nadine! It was a pleasure to have you and your son along to learn a new skill!"

Verity reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"We really enjoyed the course lead by Chris. We were both able to make 3 pieces including a colourful bowl each, which turned out very nicely! Chris was a very friendly and patient instructor, we felt very at ease and had a great enjoyable morning! "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you Verity for taking the time to leave a review for us. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your time spent with Chris. Kind regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Gary Rowsell reviewed: Two People - Sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming courses, specialising in insects, fairies

"Absolutely fantastic day with Roger, leant loads and had fun doing. Roger’s enthusiasm is infectious, we shall definitely be booking again soon. Thanks for a great day Roger, we are off to practice See you again soon "

High Definition wire sculpture responded:

"You were both great students , so keen to learn, You did well, you just need practice , Look forward too seeing you both again soon Roger "

Jo reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"An excellent course, Dave is a brilliant teacher with a great teaching style - a perfect combination of knowledge, patience and can-do encouragement! Really good guided instruction - amazed we made spoons! Dave’s workshop has a welcoming atmosphere too - with inspiring craftsmanship on display. Thanks again from us both!"

Hannah Phillips reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"The course was fabulous! Jonathan is extremely calm, patient and informative. He is supportive but doesn’t take over so your finished product really is your own. He also bakes a delicious cake ? "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Hannah. It was a great day and it was lovely to hear how you all got on so well - with your jewellery making - and each other. Well done! Jonathan"

Sarah-Jane reviewed: Jewellery one-to-one tutoring

"This course was bought for me as a gift. I had quite limited jewellery making experience prior to the course, but Scott didn’t mind and was a very patient teacher. By midday I was soldering, hammering, shaping and all sorts! Managed to make much more than I expected in the time too, so have ended up with a complete refresh of my jewellery collection. I didn’t come along with any plan of what to make, but Scott gave some good suggestions appropriate for my ability. Also, Denzil the dog is super cute. Thank you for having me! "

Scott Millar Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much! We had such a fun day - a massive well done for all of your hard work."

Jenni reviewed: The Art of Woven Tapestry

"A great day with Hilary. She creates a very relaxed environment and is excellent at coaching and gave techniques I can use to develop my ambition to use wool and threads to create woven painting. I feel inspired."

Totally Textiles responded:

"Lovely to meet you Jenni - happy weaving! Hilary x"

Alison reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"Great course, very clear instructions given by Elspeth enabling everyone to produce a sunflower motif on a hessian bag. Personal support and encouragement given throughout. My daughter and I would have been happy to walk away with just the bag, but we were also allowed to start a cushion or rug and given material to get us going or 'hooked' on rag rugging as a hobby. Thank you"

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you Alison, I'm so pleased you both enjoyed the class and have become hooked on rag rugging :-)"

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

"My 12 year old attended the wood turning beginner course this week. He made a sample spindle, a keyring and a bowl. Simon was kind, patient and knowledgeable. he explained in a way which was informative and clear, without 'dumbing down' the class for my son. The lunch was delicious too :) My son was learning from the min we arrived to the end of the day, and left, exhuasted and happy. He learned a huge amount and plans to do more 'turning' in the future. Would recommend this course to anyone seeking an informative and full introduction. "

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

"Hi Lisa, Soooo glad that he enjoyed the day - it makes my day when young people get into the craft and your son did exactly that. I do hope he goes on to make a hobby (career?) out of it and I wish him all the best. -- Simon"

Sophia reviewed: Landscape art 10-week interactive online course with live tuition

"Raya is very inspiring, patient ..and has a great sense of humour . A very talented artist in all the mediums she teaches. I have done most of her classes via zoom and at the studio. I recommend her art classes. You will be amazed what you can achieve following Raya's professional guidance and insightful teaching methods."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Sophia, Thank you very much for your comment. Thank you for your support ! I am so glad that my courses were very helpful for you! You have become a very good artist. Keep on practicing Art. "

Lorraine and Jackie reviewed: Fused glass Dichroic jewellery - Lorraine + 1 - Private day

"My friend and I attended this course and had a wonderful day. It was informative, interesting, great fun and totally engrossing. We can't wait to see the finished jewellery we made. Jane was helpful throughout the day and made us feel very relaxed. We would highly recommend any course provided by her and will definitely be doing more. "

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

"A wonderful course and I came away with a beautiful ring. Jules is a great teacher and so generous in all her tips for budding silversmiths. I can’t recommend enough."

Charlotte reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My sister and I did the half day ceramics workshop and loved it! We were shown 3 different methods of making but were also allowed to be creative and tailor the methods to what we wanted to make which was brilliant. Can't wait to see the things we made once they're glazed and fired! Thanks again :)"

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

"It was a delight having you guys in the studio :-). So pleased you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind review and I'll let you know as soon as your beautiful creations are ready for collection/postage."