Latest reviews

Anna reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"Absolutely AMAZING time with Helen doing fused glass. Helen is so knowledgeable, such a fantastic teacher and so welcoming! We came for my mum's birthday and Helen went above and beyond to help us celebrate the occasion! Cannot wait to see the pieces we made! "

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Anna & Tina, great meeting you the other day and I was delighted to be able to help make it a memorable birthday for you??? Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review too, I’m very touched. I was very impressed with your creative responses, you’ve both used the different textures & colours so effectively and I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with the items once fired. Good luck with trying out those tools I recommended, Tina, I hope they make your mosaic work much easier. I look forward to seeing you both at future workshops."

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

"Jo is a wonderful tutor, nothing is too much trouble and she finds time to help everyone where needed. I attended the One Day Hare Sculpture Course and chose to make the medium size Hare. Marvellous; I’m so pleased with what I achieved and was excited to find out how they are made. Although I’ve attended quite a few different courses I have never worked with plaster before and I must say found it challenging and delightful ! Thanks for a wonderful and tiring day ! Beautiful work area and surroundings. With best wishes ? Sally "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sally ? I've gradually developed the layered process of making the hares which gives different experiences at each stage. My favourite part is the plastering - the icing on the cake ?. Jo x"

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

"My husband and I made moon gazing hares as a wedding anniversary present to each other. We thoroughly enjoyed the course and I have to say it’s the best craft course I have attended. It was lovely to learn something completely new and different. Jo is a lovely lady and made the course so enjoyable. She lets you create and offers help when required. I loved the fact that we placed a message in the hares heart. Wonderful course, beautiful setting and we are delighted with our hares. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Mel - what a great anniversary celebration idea ?. All sorts of items have been hidden in people's hares - it's a secret that hopefully would never been seen by anyone! So happy you enjoyed your time here. Jo x"

Richard G reviewed: Introduction to woodcarving - Spoon Carving Experience

"The spoon carving experience was enjoyable and productive. Also addictive. It looks like a new pastime is emerging. Delightful setting at Joy Farms. Hard not to feel inspired in such a creative and rustic environment. The carefully monitored camp fire providing constant supply of coffee and a tasty simmering lunch was a bonus. Adrian was an enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor who clearly wanted all members of the class to succeed. As a woodworking novice I was chuffed to turn a lump of wood into something resembling a spoon! Great day out."

Lynette reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"This was a fantastic course from start to finish. The workshop space is extremely inspiring and the teaching first class. Time to explore and try to master a range of skills with Caryl in hand to help at all times was very reassuring. Would love to do more!!"

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for this positive review. Your comments mean so much from another with a "teaching soul". Caryl x"

Alan Cook reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Attended the course mid July 2022 and had a fantastic time! Arian is a very skilled, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly person and very keen to pass on his knowhow to everyone attending the course. At the end of the weekend I was delighted with my new found skills and I've managed to create a highly useful tool and a 'friend for life' to quote Arian. It's a shame that I'm so far away as I'd love to have access to the excellent workshop facilities at the 'Tuesday club' to continue my new found passion. PS. I could hardly resist the temptation to take Arian's dog Bear home with me."

Lucy reviewed: Film photography workshop on Dartmoor for women

"I had a brilliant lesson with Fern, she is very friendly, approachable and doesn't overwhelm with technical info. She planned a hike for us with various points of interest along the way, as well as a chance to rest. Taking photographs in Dartmoor was fantastic, as there is a variety of subjects to shoot: plants, animals, landscapes, old buildings and the river Dart. I was a complete beginner and now feel able to use the camera on my own. Can't wait to see my films developed!"

Fern Leigh Albert Photography responded:

"Hi Lucy, Thanks so much for your lovely review, it was a pleasure to meet you and share some of my favourite spots on Dartmoor. I look forward to seeing your photographs. All the very best, Fern"

Thompson reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"My family and I did the two-day leather bag course. We were all able to make 3 completely different style bags and were able to choose from a range of dye colours, threads and fastenings. My husband was very unsure of himself and a bit like a fish out of water (we needed a driver). I have never seen him concentrate so hard, but he came away very proud of the bag he created. We were going to give his bag to one of his sisters, but I think not now it's mine. The course was set at a pace where we were able to make a small purse as a practice piece, before we went onto the bag. As the process continued, we were able to make design decisions my daughter decided to dye her strap red instead of brown about halfway through. We were able to finish the process within the time frame and even had time for banter. Tea and coffee was offered when we arrived and continued to flow through the two days a range of individually wrapped biscuits were also available. Clive and Wendy gave tips and tricks throughout the day and were good hosts throughout the two days making the course enjoyable even for my poor husband. Andrea, Megan, Brian Thompson "

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for the excellent review. We are pleased all three of you enjoyed the workshop. "

Carolyn Buxton reviewed: Resin art course for beginners

"What a fabulous course, I really enjoyed it, Norman is very knowledgeable and the art we created was gorgeous. This was my first attempt at Resin art and I am now hooked. Very happy to recommend and would love to do another course with Norman. The food was also delicious and this was a bonus."

Reson-8 responded:

"Many Thanks Carolyn for your very kind review, very much appreciated. So glad that you enjoyed the course, as I did also. Our door is always open and I hope that you can build upon what you have learnt todate........................glad that you enjoyed the refreshments. Best Regards Norman"

Julie Baker reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"A very enjoyable workshop. Alice passes on her lovely creative skills in a friendly and patient manner. Will definitely book again. Thank you Alice "

Ben reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I attended a green woodworking course with Peter and I had a terrific time. Peter is an excellent teacher and taught our group the necessary skills needed to create our own piece of furniture. Both Peter and his apprentice Toby were very knowledgable and helpful and went the extra mile to ensure everyone was progressing well and were looked after. I couldn't be happier to recommend this course."

Ben Harrold reviewed: Axe making course

"Thank you for the education with an axe to show for the experience, Andy is very knowledgeable and experienced, the workshop is fantastic space most of the tools/machines are bespoke, all I can say is i will be booking some more of this as soon as I can, the wife couldn’t wait to get her hands on my new chopper."

Richard Whittle reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience

"Athelstane Forge's 'Blacksmithing Experience' is much more than just an experience, it is an excellent introduction to blacksmithing techniques. Blacksmith Alex McBain is a born teacher and is friendly, informative and attentive. If you want to learn basic blacksmith skills in a well-equipped workshop (and use an awesome power hammer!) then this is the course for you. I booked two places – they were worth every penny."

AthelstaneForge responded:

"Hi Richard, Thanks for your review! I had a great day teaching the boys to make their own pieces. Hopefully, I will see you all again soon! Sandy"

Tsveta reviewed: One Day Mosaic Workshop - Direct Method Technique.

"Great intro course that can be done without any previous experience in mosaics. It teaches the direct method and is enough to give you good understanding about all the tools and materials that one needs to start with mosaics. It is hands on: you are learning by working on a model that is chosen from a few options. Giulia is very knowledgeable, attentive patient and an outstanding instructor. Overall I had a really enjoyable day and would recommend the course to anyone who want to get started in mosaics. "

Hema reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"I had a pleasant day with Charlotte making pendants and earrings. She explained the processes and allowed me to create and practice my designs using the vast amount of design materials she has. I am very impressed with my finished pieces of keepsake jewellery. I would recommend the one day course. Thank you Charlotte for the experience, I will make some more pieces now that I have some experience."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Hema! You should be really proud of yourself - your pendants and earrings are beautiful. Thank you for attending our workshop! Regards, Charlotte"

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

"Excellent two day course thoroughly enjoyed it. Would highly recommend it. Paul is an excellent teacher explained it all very well. Never done Stain glass before but loved the whole experience will certainly be booking again. Thankyou Julia "

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

"A delightful two day course with Paul, who was great company as well as an expert tutor. All areas of the work was covered and explained as we went along. I was totally happy with my first attempt at stain glass and will treasure my art deco geometric designed panel. Thank you for great experience"

Sara & Helen reviewed: Powertex Hare Sculpture

"What a great day we had with Gill, making our hares. Totally love the results and well worth going - we will be back to do some more. Thanks Gill - Sara & Helen"

The Powertex Port responded:

"Thank you Sara and Helen for your review, was so lovely to meet you and so pleased you enjoyed your workshop."

Gary Brandon reviewed: A whole day beginningers woodturning for 2 people

"A really enjoyable day. Chris was informative, easy to get on with and very patient. As beginners, we learnt a lot and left wanting to do more. Thanks for everything!"

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Hi Gary Really glad that you & your father inlaw Nigel enjoyed your day , You both where a joy to teach and both went home with finished pieces & a introduction to texturing. Chris "

Jennifer Jones reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"My son and I spent a lovely day yesterday doing a stained glass workshop with Tejal in her beautiful garden studio. My son made a suncatcher using one of Tejal's designs while I provided my own design. The time just flew by as we became engrossed in learning new skills and having second or third goes when the first attempts weren't quite up to scratch! Everything we needed in terms of materials and equipment were provided, we just needed to bring aprons, packed lunch, our enthusiasm and a willingness to break glass (which is counter intuitive until you get into it). It was so refreshing to spend a day not looking at the clock and have a personal creation to take home at the end. Many thanks Tejal for being a kind and considerate teacher and sharing your knowledge with us."

Brian reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Brilliant course, where I learnt an awful lot. Masses of help and advice given by very knowledgeable and friendly tutors in a lovely, relaxed environment. Can't recommend it highly enough"

Beryl Furey-King reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"Had a wonderful day today with Cathy. We made a wet felted hat which is perfect for my requirements. Learnt all the techniques and Cathy was super helpful getting me through the whole process. Would highly recommend. I hope to be back for another session later in the year as I now feel the need to learn needle felting!"

Tanyard Studio responded:

"Thank you Beryl…it was really lovely to spend the day with you too! Really looking forward to seeing the finished hat. Please do send me photos….and absolutely come back to do some needle felting sometime…I think you’d really enjoy it. Love Cathy xx"

Andrew reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This was an excellent course. The tuition was superb, Andy’s approach was supportive and patient. He effectively combined group demonstrations with one-to-one guidance. As a novice to green woodworking Andy pitched things at a level that he knew was achievable for me but also sufficiently challenging allowing me to create a chair that I feel proud to have made. The drinks and lunch breaks in the woods allowed everyone to get to know each other and fostered a wonderful supportive environment amongst the participants. The woods are beautiful. I chose to ‘wild camp’ on site which again provided the opportunity to chat and get to know other participants giving the course more of a retreat atmosphere."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Andrew, for that very positive review of your recent experience at Sallerton Wood. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the course so much, and also appreciated the company of others on the course. Thanks also for commenting on the woodland itself, and the wild camping available there. We hope that you enjoy the chair that you made for many years to come, and we look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood if you choose to visit again. "

Anthony C reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"My wife and I did this course with Jack at the beautiful Carey's Secret Garden. The venue was stunning and we both really enjoyed the course. Jack is a great teacher and gave us both the confidence to make decent spoons as well as a lot of interesting information about wood and sculpting. The pace of the course is really good, and easy to follow. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Anthony!"

Chris Houghton reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"What a fantastic day. Thank you so much Richard for being so welcoming, helpful and for not laughing at the size of my final knife. I genuinely cannot recommend this course highly enough. Honestly, the day flew over and I'll definitely be booking on another course. Once again, thanks ever so much Richard for being so brilliant."