Latest reviews

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

"A wonderful birthday present for me, a two day workshop with Jo, absolutely loved it. Pure refreshment for the soul. It’s such a relaxing environment, lovely garden studded with Jo’s sculptures for inspiration and a lovely light studio (blessed with air con for the record breaking heat). Jo and Andy are warm, friendly and welcoming. Our group created four amazing hares that reflected how well Jo not only demonstrates the techniques but coaches each person to create the individual character they want in their sculpture. I’d agree no previous skills necessary and it’s so creatively satisfying, you’ll be more than impressed with your sculpture. Thanks Jo and Andy (and the adorable Tula and Mia)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Suzanne - I really enjoyed the workshop myself and could not believe how large the hares became! I also loved the different finishes everyone chose. The air con has been much appreciated over the last few weeks ?. Jo x"

Tom reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I arranged for my wife to attend this as a birthday present for her and she absolutely loved it. Nicky was patient, accommodating and very friendly throughout. My wife is a very creative person and was very impressed at how much Nicky was able to let her bring out that creativity in such a short time. In the end she created a piece that she was very pleased with, despite never having heard of glass fusion before and is very keen to go back and give it another go. "

Arthur Hocking reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Just finished the 8 day Large chair making course. Had a great time! Met some lovely people who i really got to know over the 8 days. Was a lovely way to slow down from the crazy pace of modern life. The atmosphere and setting is welcoming to everyone and you are fully submerged in the wilderness. You are shown what is capable to do with a froe, your hands and a little bit of patience. Andy was a brilliant teacher and his wife Jane makes the best home made elderflower cordial! "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Arthur, for your kind comments. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, its tuition, and the natural woodland environment in which it took place. Jane will be very pleased to see your comment about the elderflower cordial too! We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood if you choose to visit us again in the future. In the meantime, enjoy the lovely chair that you made. "

Claire Fuller reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"Myself and 4 friends purchased the home kits from Jo as we live in France and really wanted to make the sculptures after seeing a friends giant hare she had made. We ordered the Wire small hare, clay hare and cat kits. One of us was in the Uk so able to drive them back to france for us. Utterly fantastic service from the first point of placing the order to finishing our sculptures and sharing our work with Jo. We were thrilled with how everything in the kit was organised and the video to guide us. I particularly loved moving the wire frame to create a unique hare (I thought I was going to have to create the whole wire frame so what a bonus it was complete!) and applying the plaster band aid. We were all overwhelmed with how they were when finished. My advice for anyone thinking they couldn’t do it is … GO FOR IT! We all had so much fun especially making them in 42c heatwave working in the shade in France and they all still turned out fabulous !! Excellent communication with Jo from the onset."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this wonderful review Claire ? And for sending me photos of your finished fabulous sculptures. I got a huge buzz out of knowing you were making them in France and very happy all the kit components behaved themselves despite the heat! Jo x"

Eliuzabeth reviewed: Alcohol Ink Painting

"The course was a lovely way to spend a day. Barbara is a very knowledgeable tutor and showed us lots of examples of her own to give us inspiration. She talked us through the techniques and gave us a demonstration, then we did a practice piece and our main piece. "

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Elizabeth. Your pictures looked fabulous and I look forward to seeing them framed :-) "

Lindsay reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"I absolutely loved this class! Dina and her mum were so lovely and really great teachers. I had watched lots of videos previously to try and learn how to paint pour myself but I am so glad that I went to this class! I learnt so much, I had such a fun afternoon and I came out with 3 beautiful paintings. I think if I'd have not gone to the class and tried to teach myself through videos then I would've ended up wasting so much money on materials as it would not have gone as well so I am really happy that I went. I highly recommend it, thank you both! "

Paul reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop Part Two - Resin Finishing

"Loved it. Brilliant follow on to the part 1 intro. Has really helped shape our thinking on some future projects. Will be coming back."

Jane Oakley reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Thank you for a fab day learning to create Lino cut prints! We thoroughly enjoyed it! The tuition was relaxed, fun and informative and I would have no hesitation in recommending."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Jane, it was pleasure to meet and work with you all. Each of you created very successful prints and I hope the day has inspired you to keep printing!"

Niki Wiggins reviewed: Upcycling furniture & sustainability workshops

"Kirsty had upcycled a piece of furniture for me, and I expressed an interest in knowing more. Attending one of her upcycling workshops was the perfect boost of confidence I needed to have a go by myself. Absolutely everything that was needed was ready to go when we turned up on the day. Kirsty had taken care of everything (including refreshments and a very lovely homemade cake with fresh raspberry jam)! Following a very informative introduction (including a video specifically for Young Upcyclers from Annie Sloane herself), Kirsty was on hand to develop our design ideas and provide some great advice if required. Nothing seemed too much trouble and the time flew by, whilst just actually being the right amount of time to finish our designs. I left feeling full of confidence to do something with some tired pieces of furniture in my own home, which are far too good to go to the tip, but just need a new lease of life. Thank you Kirsty, for a very therapeutic and enjoyable day. I would highly recommend (even if, like me, you don’t have a Young Upcycler to take along)."

Upcycle Arcade responded:

"I am blown away by your lovely review! Your words really do make it all worth while (although I was enjoying hosting the workshops anyway!!) Seriously, if you had a great day and are inspired to go forth and paint then I have done my job well. It was a treat and a pleasure to have your company at the workshop. Kirsty"

Sarah and Pete reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"What a fantastic experience, we had an amazing morning. Myself and my husband were complete beginners and wanted to give pottery throwing a try. From the moment we walked in, Pat put us at ease with her friendly manner. Pat is a very experienced tutor, full of knowledge and very patient, we couldn’t have been in better hands. We both managed to achieve a few pots with Pat’s help and are very much looking forward to collecting them. Such a very relaxing experience. To anyone considering giving it go, go on, you won’t regret it."

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review! Your pots are looking fine and I am so pleased that you enjoyed yourselves. "

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

"I attended Jules's seaglass workshop with my partner. We had so much fun and both made pendants which we are really happy with and have been wearing with pride ever since. We used our own seaglass but Jules also had plenty available we could have chosen from. The day was really lovely and we enjoyed meeting everyone and spending the day in the workshop. Thank you so much!!!"

Sea & Solder responded:

"Thank you Hester. It was lovely to have you both in the workshop and help you both create such special pieces. All the best. Jules "

Sarah and Hilary reviewed: 4 week mixed media mosaic course - 'Peace by Piece'

"An extremely inspiring day that made me want to do more mosaics. Emma is very realistic about what can be achieved in a day . It was well set out for us on arrival, with a huge range of ceramics, glass, beads and buttons. The venue was an inspirational room ,with a beautiful modern stained-glass embossed window. But best of all was the friendly talented ladies we met ."

Emma Cavell Art responded:

"Dear Sarah and Hilary, Thank you for your feedback. Great that you feel inspired to continue exploring making mosaics! I really enjoyed observing you both in your creative 'flair & flow' - Your mosaic creations radiate beauty! I appreciate your interest and enthusiasm for this marvelous medium! Thank you both. In kindness and blessing, Emma "

Phil Hunnisett reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Easy going simple to understand and a great experience, a thoroughly enjoyable day made by Graham and the team. I would recommend anyone who is thinking about such a day to book it."

Phil Hunnisett reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Easy going simple to understand and a great experience, a thoroughly enjoyable day made by Graham and the team. I would recommend anyone who is thinking about such a day to book it."

Pamela & Adrian reviewed: Ceramic Garden Seed Head and flower Ornaments - Emma Godden Ceramics

"Emma is delightful - patient and helpful. Following her clear guidance, we were able to create some wonderful treasures for our garden. "

Emma Godden Ceramics responded:

"Thank you, I’m so glad I come across as patient and helpful! Your pieces look fab and are in the kiln now! Best wishes, Emma"

Pamela Frearson reviewed: Fused glass workshops for all

"I cannot recommend this craft day enough. As a complete novice I was not sure what to expect. Now looking to return again and again. Excellent host, location and lunch! Good pace and easy sense of achievement with 3 pieces to take home. Absolutely loved it. Thank you Karen!!!"

Somei Back reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Pensychnant near Conwy, North Wales

"Attended course in July 2022 with Colin and thoroughly enjoyed the two days where we dismantled and rebuild a wall and learned to repair another. Colin’s quiet and hands-on teaching methods quickly put me at ease and enhanced the learning experience. I recommend this course to anyone who is curious about the heritage crafts and want to find out how they are built. Many thanks from Somei Back"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Somei. I will pass your review onto Colin. I hope you found some shade. Paul. "

Jo & Lucy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My daughter and I recently returned for the pairs half-day pottery workshop, and what a wonderful time we had! The studio is set in a beautiful cottage garden, making you feel immediately relaxed and creative. Once again we were made to feel very welcome by Louise. As we'd been before, Louise adapted the morning so that we could focus on what we wanted to make. Louise is a very patient and friendly tutor. We both had a really relaxing and fun time and returned home buzzing! Thank you Louise!"

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

"Hi guys, Thank you for your review! It was again a pleasure having you both in the studio and you made some really beautiful pieces :-). It's so nice that you chose to return to my pottery workshop to have some lovely mother/daughter time and I'm sure your pieces will look fabulous when they emerge glazed from the kiln :-). Thanks again for the lovely, encouraging review and see you soon. "

Jo Goram reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Fantastic day with just the right amount of fellow students. Stunning venue and a very informative, helpful and encouraging tutor. I also brought home a piece of work that I was very proud to show my family. Thank you "

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks, Jo, had a great day myself. It's always a privilege to pass on my stone carving passion to enthusiastic first-timers. Glad you enjoyed yourself. Great carving. Take care, John."

Gary Logie reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"I have just done the first of 2 days with Andy. His knowledge and instruction is impressive to say the least. Managing to get me to understand and vastly improve my sharpening; something many hours of trying to self teach from YouTube hasn’t managed! He then got me the wood turning bug with spindle and bowl turning, using a few different techniques. I’m looking forward to the 2nd day, as well as some more awesome hospitality from Andy, Mary and Angus."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Gary , looking forward to seeing you again Andy mary angus "

Emily C reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I had such a wonderful time on Alan's weaving course! He's so knowledgeable and a great teacher! We learnt a range of different techniques on different types of looms, it was so exciting to see creations starting to form based on technique and loom set up. He introduced us to different types of yarn and dyes his own fibres with natural materials. I definitely would go back to learn more, it's such a beautiful practice! Thanks Alan :)"

Alan Oliver Handweaver, Dyer & Print Maker responded:

"Thank you so much for you the lovely review, Emily. It's always wonderful to hear when students enjoy the class. "

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

"Thank you so much Simon and Louise for a really great day. Both the woodturning and the pottery were taught expertly and patiently, and my teenager and I learnt a lot and enjoyed ourselves in the process. Lunch was delicious and in a beautiful setting in the garden too, and we enjoyed chatting to you both as well. My teenager has had a really tough time in the last few years, and it made me so happy to see them relaxed and chatty and enjoying being creative. They came away from the day buzzing, as was I, and I hope we will be back before long to do some more pottery throwing. So a huge thank you for a really enjoyable experience."

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

"We're so pleased that you guys enjoyed your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience with us here at Blended Monkey. It was lovely having you in the woodturning workshop and ceramics studio. You're both very creative people and a joy to teach. We're also pleased that you both felt relaxed and comfortable in the space too. We always want our students to feel calm and at home - makes for a much more creative and fun experience. See you soon when your lovely pieces have been fired!"

Suzanne W. reviewed: Ceramic Garden Seed Head and flower Ornaments - Emma Godden Ceramics

"The one day ceramics course was such fun, and taught in a relaxed atmosphere in Emma Godden's lovely, light, garden studio. She was relaxed, generous, and welcoming. The instruction was clear and practical for both newcomers, and for those who were returning for a second course. Emma very ably demonstrated each step as we went along, and was patient and willing to present various options to cater for individual taste. She provided just the right amount of professional background information to cater for the spectrum of students, from novice to more experienced in ceramic art forms in the past. Her previous teaching background was a real asset. Her passion for her work was evident, and rubbed off on us, her 6 students. Even the extreme summer heat - 2nd hottest on record in the UK - was turned into an adventure, and we all achieved what was advertised in the course, and more! Thank you Emma, I'll no doubt be back!!"

Emma Godden Ceramics responded:

"Thank you Suzanne for such a wonderful review! You are a very talented writer. I’m delighted you enjoyed the day so much, it was a pleasure teaching you. I look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Catherine reviewed: 4 Week Pottery Throwing Course Heskin, Chorley

"Really enjoyed my session, very relaxing and fun. Great tutition, can't wait to come back and glaze it."

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thanks Catherine, you did an awesome job, see you soon Sharon"

Alison reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A great day out! Beautiful location, lovely friendly atmosphere , tasty lunch and supportive expert tuition from Phil, all helped make a fun unique 60th birthday celebration for my friend and I "

Broadrake responded:

"Thank you Alison for your appreciative comments and what a lovely way to celebrate your special birthday with a friend. Rachel"