Latest reviews

Stoddart reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a great tutor and woodworker. I not only made a beautiful box but learnt a lot of woodworking tips not related to boxes. A great two days."

Anna Porter reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"Did this class last weekend. Was really enjoyable, went at a great pace. Linda is a patient and encouraging teacher. We came away with some lovely pieces and feeling inspired!"

Stampaholics responded:

"Thank you very much for your positive feedback Anna! I am pleased that you enjoyed it and are inspired to make some more jewellery pieces."

Charlotte reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"A really enjoyable and interesting day. A great course for beginners, I learned a lot and am really pleased with how my stool turned out. Can't wait to get it sanded and sealed and then start using it!"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Charlotte. Not long now until you can put it to good use!?"

claire harding reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"This was a thoroughly fun and informative course which I left with enough confidence to carry on at home if I wished. I will probably do another workshop in the future"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you, glad you enjoyed the workshop. Best wishes, Sarah"

Victoria Risby reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"I did the Resin Jewellery 1-1 course with Linda and had the best time! I chose the 1-1 option as I just felt a bit safer in the middle of the pandemic and Linda made me feel totally safe and comfortable the whole time. The actual course was so interesting, and so much fun, and I really love the jewellery I made on the day. Linda was so lovely, knowledgeable, and helpful and I recommend her course to anyone interested in learning Resin Jewellery making. In fact I've already recommended it to a few people. After the course Linda gives you the opportunity to purchase a kit with all of the things you used to make the jewellery so you can go away and do more at home. I did this and am actually going to try and make some more this evening! Thank you again Linda for a lovely day and a fun new hobby!"

Stampaholics responded:

"Thank you Victoria for your kind words and a 5-star review! I am so glad you enjoyed the session and felt safe and comfortable. It's wonderful to hear that you have since made more jewellery at home."

Robert Duncan reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Bill is great at going through a day like this (the intro day). I wanted some inspiration to get started, to sort out my workshop, and to learn a bit. All three nailed! The day flew by - always a good sign. Bill's workshop and equipment (and Bill himself) fills you with complete confidence and he obviously knows more than enough to address any angle you wish to take. The work ongoing around him and the materials that go with it are interesting in themselves and Bill hangs lots of the practical knowledge around that, in a very accessible way. Also, looking at little projects and ideas I had brought was really helpful. I'll be back for more specific work, once I've got my disaster of a workshop area sorted out."

Robert Shorthouse reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This two day course was a birthday present from my family for a big birthday! I knew very little about woodturning even though I have a lathe in my workshop which I’d hardly used. I spent two days with Mark and he went through everything from sharpening tools to types of wood and safety etc I don’t think he missed anything out; it was very informative, my brain was well tested! Mark followed this up with a comprehensive email with lots of links and information for tools, equipment and books that I required to make the most of my lathe at home. I had a really good time; Mark is an excellent teacher and is good company. I now feel confident to go into my workshop and get onto my lathe thanks to Mark. I would recommend this course to all, a fantastic time had! 5 star Many thanks Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Bob for your wonderful review. I really appreciate it. All the best Mark"

Paula Raggett reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"A thoroughly enjoyable day with lots of laughs. Jude is an exceptional teacher and very patient. We would definitely recommend this workshop we loved it! Thanks Jude"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hi Paula, Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was a really good day as I enjoyed yours and Martin's great humour and enthusiasm. Your pieces will be in the post tomorrow. Jude x"

Deborah Judd reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I had a really enjoyable day learning the creative and spontaneous technique of Gel Plate printing. Liz is a most excellent teacher. She delivers with great enthusiasm and clarity and her subject knowledge is vast. The day was really well paced. We learned several techniques using a variety of resources. I felt confident to experiment due to Liz's feedback and reassurance throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the freedom of playing with different colour combinations and palettes outside of my usual comfort zone. I look forward to taking these techniques further into Textiles and maybe using some of the backgrounds that I created for drawn monoprints or Lino. Thank you Liz for a truly inspirational day. I highly recommend this workshop."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Deborah, Lovely working with you again and really appreciate you reviewing your day. I feel this process has lots of potential for you and I look forward to seeing how this impacts on your textile work; I loved your pieces created with stencils. Happy printing! Liz Wellby"

Ming Tang reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Angie is so inspirational, her knowledge and enthusiasm was so infectious - I loved the weekend and really enjoyed the company from other students, I was the least experienced, but was made really welcome. Delightful, setting, environment, company and food! what's more - I was really amazed and thrilled with my completed chair and cushions! thank you so much Angie, I will definitely be back!"

Corinna Stephens reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Matt is an excellent teacher and very engaging. From conception to completion he was there to help guide us all. He's truly passionate about his work and passing on skills. The workshop is nicely laid out with plenty of space between students. All c-19 rules applied and where adhered too - I felt very safe. I'll certainly be returning. Thank you ?"

Adrian Dixon reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Excellent pre-course arrangements, teaching and hospitality including the hearty lunch - particularly liked the moreish flapjack on arrival and the cake! Ade’s instruction and supervision and help was as excellent as every and Debbie’s organisation and hospitality was top notch. Will be booking for next year."

Helen reviewed: Create a Halloween Pumpkin Decoration using Powertex

"Thank you for my pumpkin course yesterday, really enjoy it and loved my finished pumpkin"

Rochelle Abrahams reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"The most amazing course such fun and there is a lot of different materials available to make you paper extra special. Wendy is lovely. Highly recommend"

James Wright reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Les' one day course is perfect for any novice and I highly recommend it. This was a fantastic birthday present from my parents from which I was able to walk away with a few pieces I will always treasure. The tuition itself is 1-to-1 and excellent value for money. Les' depth of knowledge, passion, and experience were top notch and his workshop a great retreat. Naturally I had many questions and learned a lot about the sylvian arts throughout the day. Thanks again for a great day. I hope to be back soon."

Pren responded:

"Thanks for that, James. I really enjoyed working with you and I have just one question....did you ever get all those wood shavings off your jacket?"

Lindsey B reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Workshop in Warrington, Cheshire - Make a Footstool

"I attended the footstool upholstery workshop on Saturday 24th October 2020 at Grappenhall Heys Walled Gardens in South Warrington along with two of my friends. The workshop is held in a potting shed with a kitchen and dining area attached, where you eat your lunch, or you can buy food from the on-site cafe. Tea & coffee is also supplied for you to help yourself to, along with a selection of homemade cakes. Jo is a very friendly and attentive teacher, nothing is too much trouble. She takes you step by step through the fundamentals of upholstery, giving you the benefit of her knowledge whilst giving top tips on materials and methods. We all brought a one metre piece of material to creat the mini footstool (the cushion is approximately 25 by 30cms). We thoroughly enjoyed the day, and I would highly recommend the workshop to budding upholsterers. Thanks Jo x"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Lindsey for your kind words. I’m delighted you all enjoyed the day."

Babita Gurung reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"I went to do this course with my friend. We really enjoyed doing this very informative and friendly course with Ann. We have been overwhelmed with her generosity both in terms of her willingness to share her knowledge and the amazing amount of creations you take away from the classes. Ann is a great tutor and we've learned so much on that day. Thank you! Babita Gurung & Rusam Gurung."

Jon Hart reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"Complete novice with regards to using a router but as I was determined to start using it regularly in the coming year I found this course and was not disappointed =. Mark was an excellent instructor, very patient and overflowing with knowledge and useful hints and tips. The day met my expectations and having walked in with no knowledge of holding a new router, I walked out confident in undertaking work at home with no risk of injuring myself! Very pleased and can thoroughly recommend."

Andreya Sparrow reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Hannah is lovely and very knowledgeable. The course gives you lots of insights on how to properly epicycle furniture, in a cool and nice environment. Highly recommend :)"

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks Andreya! So pleased you enjoyed the day :) I loved how experimental you were with the masking tape. I can't wait to see your future creations!"

Ray Barlow reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Had a very enjoyable and productive experience on Sebastian’s 2day Stone-carving course. He is an engaging and excellent teacher who believes in “learning by doing” and within a short time, every member of our small group was actively working on pieces of stone. This familiarised students with using the tools and the feel of the stone. Everyone then chose a piece of stone from the large selection available, personal tools, gloves and eye protection were given out - and the carving commenced. All the while, Sebastian was on hand and available for guidance, advice and encouragement. His heated rustic studio and outdoor working areas set in a small orchard made a perfect setting. Tea, coffee (and cake) breaks as well. The two days passed all too quickly, with each student taking home their project at the end. My advice to anyone thinking of joining this course would be not to hesitate - just do it !"

Susie Parr reviewed: RAKU, SAGGAR, BARREL & HORSEHAIR FIRING WEEKEND WORKSHOP

"Together with three friends, I recently participated in this workshop in the beautiful Devon village of Christow. Despite our different skill levels (from professional potter to evening class enthusiast) we all really enjoyed the workshop and learned an enormous amount about alternative firing techniques. Abi and Alison engaged with each of us at exactly the right level and were encouraging and helpful to the more tentative members of our group. Despite being - importantly – very safety conscious, they both clearly enjoyed the fun, drama and surprise of these different techniques, as did we. The weekend was well structured, culminating in an exciting naked raku session plus a demonstration of how blow-torching can transform a copper washed pot. The pots we had brought along were given a new lease of life by these different firing techniques, and we were all really pleased with the results. Abi’s wonderful mill house was the setting for the workshop. We applied the glazes in her studio (made Covid-secure) and the various firings took place in her kiln shed, or completely out of doors. Luckily, the weather allowed us to sit outside in Abi’s garden for coffee, tea and lunch. The home-made soups, brownies and biscuits were absolutely delicious. Being a fan of open water swimming, I was delighted when Abi encouraged me to take a dip in the mill pond by the house - the cold, clear water constantly topped up by Dartmoor streams. She even placed a ladder to make it easier to get in and out. Strangely - even though taking a dip seemed an ideal way of passing the time while the flames and smoke did their work -no-one else joined me. I would highly recommend this course. It was very sociable, really interesting and great fun. I will never forget seeing the glaze drop off the naked raku pots and am now keen to experiment more with that technique. We all definitely feel more confident doing alternative firings, thanks to Alison and Abi."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Thanks Susie, so delighted you enjoyed the weekend."

Steve reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was a really fun and absorbing couple of days. I've never worked in stone before, so it was fascinating to learn different ways of shaping the stone. I had decided to make an abstract shape, and unwisely hadn't made an initial model so Sebastian's suggestions helped me enormously. Highly recommended!"

Philippa Graham Palmer reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"I did the class with my daughters aged 14 and 12 and we all loved it. It was peaceful and relaxing and Kathryn was a great teacher with plenty of patience! It really felt as though we were all in the same room despite the screen. We all ended up up creating mandalas that we were delighted with and had a really enjoyable afternoon."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you Philipa! I'm so pleased you all enjoyed it. I hope you'll continue to create many more beautiful and unique mandalas from the ideas I've given and I'm sure you'll add many more of your own. Do keep in touch."

Everstina reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"We had so much fun and discovered talents we didn't realise we had with Charlie! We laughed and we left with a gorgeous keepsake. Fantastic fun!"

Laura reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"Amazing experience! Was so much fun, had a great time!"