Latest reviews

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

"Jo is lovely and very welcoming Great location A really nice course with jo supportive help Highly recommended "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Davina - it was unusual to have all four people on a two day workshop make the large moon gazing hare, but how different they all turned out! And thank goodness for air conditioning when it was close to 40 degrees outside ?. Jo x"

Jilly Greig reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"Really enjoyed this 2 day workshop with Julie. I learnt new techniques, and got to practice old ones. Julie was so patient and caring, and has extensive knowledge which she is keen to pass on. Would highly recommend! Thank you Julie! "

Pip Cottage responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the workshop Jilly, your basket was fab, well proportioned and strong. It was a pleasure to meet you and good luck with your basketry journey."

HTG reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I've been learning turning for a just few months, and I took my novice 11 y/o daughter with me for a two-person experience. We both learned a huge amount, and my daughter gained enough confidence to be able to turn a bowl pretty independently. We both absolutely loved the experience. Simon has a solid way of explaining key concepts, and real depth of knowledge and skill. Honestly, I can't imagine what Simon could have done to have made it any better. I highly recommend the experience. "

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

"Hi HTG, Thank you so much for your heartfelt review; it means a lot to us. It's nice to know that we have helped you both on your woodturning journey and, if you need further assistance, please do get in touch. -- Simon & Louise"

John B reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"A most enjoyable day out, I enjoyed every minute and learnt a lot throughout the day, it's all hands on and you do everything yourself, under the supervision of Chris, who tells you what you're going to do next, and shows you how to do it in small easy to follow bites, overall a most agreeable day out. Thank you."

John wood reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"This is my 3rd visit with Richard. Fantastic person to be instructed by, very informative and highly knowledgeable. Nothing is too much trouble and will to stay a bit later for people like me that wants to do something quite large for a half day. I would highly recommend anyone to take this course "

Charmain reviewed: Mosaic kit blue heart precut vintage china pieces suitable for beginners

"This kit arrived quickly and on opening looks really exciting. I think it looks good value for money. Everything seems to be included and I will look forward to making it. I've also got plans to buy some for gifts later in the year as I think they'll make a really nice gift."

Christine Underwood reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"Absolutely worth every penny. Learn so much very good teacher. I have lots and lots to learn. Thank you for a great day."

Rix & Co Rocking Horses Ltd responded:

"Than you so much for your wonderful review Christine. So glad you had such a good day and we look forward to welcoming you back to the workshop very soon. "

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

"A fabulous course in a superb venue. The tutor, Phil, is extremely skilled in his craft and patient as a teacher. He took us through step by step, in an unrushed, supportive manner. Everyone managed to create attractive curlews in the day - great to come home with something that can go straight in the garden or home. The facilities and welcome at Broadrake are second to none and the lunch was delicious. Thank you."

Broadrake responded:

"It was lovely to have you here for creative sculpture willow work with Phil - I hope that your 2nd curlew was just as successful as your first one created at the workshop. Hope to see you again at Broadrake for another willowy workshop. Rachel"

Amanda Taylor reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"This was a really interesting and fun afternoon despite the heat! I so much enjoyed it, and Ricky's teaching approach is excellent... thinking about it afterwards I could see how he structured each step to build up confidence, technique and understanding. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to explore glass-blowing!"

Jude reviewed: Weekend Beginners In-depth Workshops- Bobbin Lacemaking Workshops (Effingham, Surrey).

"Tina is a true traditionalist, keen to share her knowledge of lacemaking techniques. I attended a two-day beginners course, covering all the necessary preparations, threading, pricking, spangling and the first two basic stitches. Then Tina went on to explain further stitches, giving different people different advice and tasks to suit their confidence. Tina showed examples of different types of lacemaking and covered information on different types of bobbins, different types of threads etc. I really enjoyed her course, and came away armed with the knowledge to start."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Jude. It's comforting to know that you took on board all the information that I imparted over the two day workshop. I appreciated seeing your antique bobbins and hope that you use them to keep the stitches going! Stephen and I also enjoyed seeing and hearing your excitement when you achieved tasks and the techniques set! We hope to see you in the future to carry on your journey into lace making."

Meg Gladwyn reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I was lucky enough to do the course on my own on Saturday and my god it was brilliant! Chris and Steve were very happy to answer any questions I had and showed me everything nice and slow so I knew exactly what to do! I can not recommend them enough! Thank you so much for the experience :) "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you Meg for taking the time to leave us a review. The guys said you were a natural. Kind regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

jenny laird reviewed: Hand embroidery classes with Dawn Ireland

"I am loving Dawn Irelands Hand Embroidery course. With basic knowledge of the stitches we are coming up with so many ways to be creative with them - who would have thought that chain stitch could do so much. Its relaxing and absorbing just to sit and sew with good company and a studio full of inspiration. "

Richard and Holly reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"An excellent wheel-thrown pottery experience. Very relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Pat was super knowledgeable and very encouraging despite our failed attempts (this was our first time using a wheel). In the end we ended up with some vessels that broadly resembled bowls and had great fun doing it."

Pat Southwood responded:

"You underestimate your talents! Thank you for your kind words. "

Mandy reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I attended the small leather goods course yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Richard was extremely helpful and learning about different types of leathers was very interesting. This course was a great introduction to hand sewing leather. "

Pam Sutton reviewed: Daytime glass fusing workshop with Paula Andrews

"My 7 yr old granddaughter and I had a brilliant morning with Paula . She is so helpful and patient and willing to share her ideas. Charlotte is already asking when she can go again! Thank you Paula. "

Simon Wake reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I would just like to say what a wonderful day I had at Walderchain Wood. Mark is a very knowledgeable person in every aspect of the spoon carving/whittling processes and knows what types of wood to be using for different applications. The small group of us were lucky enough to have a tour of the woodland areas explaining different aspects of keeping and maintaining the woods. The course itself was very in depth and Mark explained every aspect very clearly, going through how to use each tool efficiently and safely. I will be using the skills I learned in the future to make more spoons. I cannot recommend enough if you want to reconnect with nature and have a great day spoon carving. P.S Thanks Christina for a lovely lunch :)"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you for joining us and taking time to review the class. Glad you enjoyed the day and to hear you'll be making more spoons. I look forward to seeing your future creations. All the best Mark and Cristina "

Vicki and Angie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Excellent course would highly recommend. Jonathan is a fantastic host and tutor. Made us feel very at ease. He is really knowledgeable and helpful with chosen projects. Thoroughly enjoyable day and extremely happy with our finished jewellery. Loved the homemade cake too! Thank you Jonathan. "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you ladies and well done with your Silver Jewellery making today. I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the day, and I enjoyed helping you with your plans and ideas. Good luck with your future crafty adventures! Jonathan"

Trish Reynolds reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"Definitely a five star experience. Learning to work with glass on our fused glass lantern course was really great. The setting, the studio, the relaxed and peaceful atmosphere all added to a wonderful morning. Wendy helped us to create lanterns that each of us that attended as a group are proud of. Thank you for a brilliant time. "

Ian c, Wolverhampton reviewed: Woodwork Day Course

"As a retiree who has never done woodwork before this was first class. Tim/Ted welcoming, great tutor, encouraging, helpful, down to earth good guy. Will be back for more. "

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Ian if you do get a little workshop sorted please send me a picture. Look forward to seeing you soon on the Dovetail or bandsaw course etc. Kind regards T "

ChrisE reviewed: Bowl turning pole lathe at Greenwood Days

"Had a really lovely day on this course. Great location in the woods, especially on a hot day. Ade, the tutor, had a real passion for the subject and really knew his stuff. Made it look so easy but it was pretty mind bending trying to get the right bit of the chisel cutting. Completed a reasonable bowl, well it will hold cornflakes what more can you demand of a bowl! I would definitely recommend this for anyone wanting an intro to pole lathing."

Hanne reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I attended the small leather items course and learnt a great deal in a short space of time. Richard is an excellent tutor and explained everything really well. This was my first introduction into working with leather and I enjoyed it so much both the process and also the final small leather cardholder which I took home with me. I hope to attend other courses in the future, thanks to Richard. "

Ann Wilde reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"really enjoyed the craft session. Hope to see you again soon"

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback and looking forward to seeing you again ?"

Louise reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I really enjoyed this introduction to resin. Richard was a great teacher, we were so pleased with the coasters we produced that we stayed to make a tray. I was given this as a birthday present and would thoroughly recommend to others."

Nick Tomlinson reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"The course at Salt way Silver was absolutely fantastic! Right from the get-go, its hands-on; there's no sitting around listening to dull lectures. Jonathan is a fantastic (and very patient) teacher and his tips, tricks and wit really made the day special! I would highly recommend this course to anybody, regardless of silversmithing experience. "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Wow! Very kind words Nick (and Gary). I'm really pleased that you had a good day at Salt Way Silver - it was good fun and your silver jewellery worked out really well. Well done and thank you. Jonathan"

Deborah Thomas reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"The course was excellent and it was a very enjoyable day learning what you could do with the different pieces of glass."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Deb, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I’m thrilled you enjoyed the day. The pieces you created were fabulous, I especially loved your colour palette for your draped candle holder, simply stunning! I hope to see you on future workshops."