Latest reviews

Jill Alcott reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Thank you Matt for a really great day. As a total beginner I had no idea what to expect, I didn't really think that I would be able to go home with a beautiful completed piece of stained glass! Matt showed such patience taking the small class of five through the tools, safety and techniques needed for the day. I recommend this class wholeheartedly and can't wait to do another. It was a brilliant day and I did go home with a wonderful piece of stained glass! If you are thinking about doing this class stop.. thinking and do it! You will have a really good day and have something beautiful to show for it when you leave !"

Kevin Anderson reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"My daughter and I had a fantastic day thank you, the course was fun and informative with Kate our instructor taking everyone through each stage in a manner that made the day one that we will always remember. Many thanks"

Amy Foster reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"What a fabulous day. Yesterday I did the traditional stained glass course with Kate. Kate was a excellent teacher, very thorough in all aspects. Nothing was too much trouble. Kate was very patient and happy to help out. Great at demonstrating all the different skills. This is a really lovely day course that I would highly recommend. I can’t wait to do another. The workshop was very Covid safe and clean, screens around each workstation. Thank you"

Jack Mortimer reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"This was the best weekend I've had of 2020! I personally love knives and bushcraft and always wanted to try and make my own knife, I had quite a specific idea in mind. I wanted to make a Sheep-foot blade that was a halfway house between a cooking knife and a woodwork / survival knife. Arian helped me to redesign the knife as the one sketch I came along with was a little large. He was completely correct with everything he said and was never pushy or rushed you along. You then decide whether you want a full tang or not and begin to create the blade. Once that is done you choose your wood (of which there is so much choice) and begin work on the handle. Making a survival knife we managed to make a sheath too which was fantastic! There was a lot of colour choice for the leather and string. The final product was great, I was very proud of what I made. If you are thinking of doing this weekend I 100% recommend it. Thank you Arian and Bear for a memorable weekend and a "friend for life"."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Jack, Thank you very much for your generous feedback. I very much enjoyed witnessing how you and others in the group came to very individual designs by developing your ideas and relating them to practical reality. It matters to me that you and others have the space to make something that is unique and respects your needs and choices. I'm glad that my guidance and approach helped you to produce something you're proud of and feel ownership of. Well done, and be in touch."

Maddie Longshaw reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Everyone was always happy to help as well as friendly and ensured we learnt and had a good time. We would like to say thanks to Angie Chris for always being quick to reply and for the experience because our baubles came out great! Would definitely recommend"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thankyou for your review Maddie, so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Regards Angie"

Marie Wallace reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate was a great teacher, patient with nothing too much trouble and gave really good demonstrations of what we needed to know/do. The studio was well set out and very covid secure with screens around each bench and all tools etc cleaned. This is an excellent course and we all thoroughly enjoyed it and the process of making our pieces. I highly recommend."

Margaret reviewed: Introduction to Bookbinding with David Allsop November 2020

"My first attempt at book binding. I think Im going to record my family history in this. Dad would be proud on both counts.?"

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to Bookbinding with David Allsop November 2020

"A truly fascinating day learning how to make books from scratch....I need more practice! Would definitely recommend this course."

Sam Crocker reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I recently attended a 1/2 day workshop with a group of friends. We each came away with a stunning unique piece of jewellery, learnt lots of new skills and had a fabulous time. Sara was a very informative, clear and encouraging teacher and the workshop was very well equipped. Only one of the group had previously done any jewellery making but we all really enjoyed ourselves and achieved so much. I would thoroughly recommend!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Sam, thanks so much for taking the time to write a review and for your lovely words. The whole group made some amazing pieces - you did a great job with your cuff bangle. Sara"

Antonio Breakenridge reviewed: Woodworking joints - Intermediate woodwork furniture building course.

"The teacher was very thorough, knowledgeable and patient. I learnt a lot on this day course and can't wait to start practicing my new skills. The class was small with 3 of us, perfect in the current pandemic situation. Thank you very much."

Joy reviewed: Large size Christmas wreath (#1) kit with warm white lights (Code 104)

"Great item and quality pieces supplied. Highly recommend this company who are very quick with their responses and extremely pleasant to do business with."

Inion responded:

"Thank you for your review Joy. It helps because all our customers are great too. I must add you have made some stunning wreaths with your kits - thank you for the photos."

Diana reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"What a great way to learn green wood spoon making, starting from a birch log through to the making of a big spoon. Mike very patiently taught us how to use an axe to get the wood ready for fine honing with the spoon making tools, giving us the confidence to safely use these. Beautiful surroundings and a course that was thoughtfully put together. Lovely day. This is just the start of my spoon making!"

Sarah May reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Wow! What an amazing teacher Sara is! So patient and encouraging, I learnt so much and never imagined on booking the workshop that I would come home with such a stunning ring. I had a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing afternoon and will definitely be booking another workshop soon."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Sarah - Thank you so much for your kind review, I had such a great afternoon with you both and will look forward to seeing you again - you really did make a lovely ring. Sara"

Patricia Walsh reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"Thank you Ruth for a really wonderful day. I had no arty skills at all, yet made a beautiful scarf, with expert tuition. Lovely surroundings, social distancing was perfect, just four of us around a large kitchen table, with our masks on. Felt very safe. Didn't know what to expect, was very pleasantly surprised to find skills I did not know I had. A brilliant birthday present from my son and daughter in law. Thank you so much."

The Arty Silkworm responded:

"Hi Pat, I'm so glad you had a lovely day and felt safe in these difficult times. The small classes are great for social distancing and also for lots more individual attention. Your progression through your samplers and then to your gorgeous scarf, was just lovely. I do hope you enjoy wearing it and get many compliments ? Best wishes and see you again soon Ruth~ The Arty Silkworm ?"

Philippa Benjamin reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Great informative workshop this morning. Smaller numbers because if Covid so there were just 3 of us. It really was excellent and so interesting. I'm hoping I can replicate the recipe at home in due course but what I've brought home today will go towards lovely xmas presents."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Philippa for a lovely review! It was great having you on the course this morning and hope you enjoy using your soaps, Nic"

Mel Jenner reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"We all had a fab time making our jewellery in a very well equipped workshop with an excellent & professional tutor."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Mel Thanks so much for your review, it means a lot - you did a great job! Sara"

Laura reviewed: Glass bottle cutting for beginners - Sittingbourne

"Booked this as surprise for my best friends birthday. Ended up only being the two of us so was fortunate enough to have exclusive help from Janet and Claire who were brilliant all the way through. Both very kind and helpful with anything you needed assistance with. We both walked away smiling and a new skill to play with. Would totally recommend to anyone who wants to learn something new and interesting. We both left with beautiful pieces which can easily be given as thoughtful gifts. Who doesn’t love anything hand made. Would definitely attend more classes in the future. Thank you Claire and Janet."

Fancy Tat responded:

"Hello Laura, Thank you so much for your kind review. We really enjoyed spending Saturday with you and we’re really pleased that you had a good time :) It was lovely to see one of your finished lanterns pop up on our Instagram ? Kind Regards Claire & Janet"

Sandra johnston reviewed: 'Field with Red Poppies' wool fibre painting art kit

"I had my class with Raya today, making the Field with Poppies picture and I am so pleased with it. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Raya on Zoom and it was a really nice experience. Raya was so good at her tuition and explanations and demonstrations of all the techniques all through the class. It has made my day today, and I will aim to do more classes with Raya"

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Sandra, Thank you very much for your review. It was lovely teaching you and I am so pleased that you enjoyed learning the wool painting technique. You wool fibre picture looks lovely! It is also great that you are feeling more confident and comfortable attending online classes by zoom. Look forward to seeing you again at one of my courses . Best wishes Raya Raya"

Adam Gutteridge reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Very good experience. He had a plan that he went by for the day giving people experience on making different things but I asked if I could make a knife for work and he got everything sorted for me. Definitely do it again."

Chloe S. reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Spent a fabulous day in Bexley being taught how to make candles with Paula from Old Bexley Soap Co. Paula is very knowledgeable and a great teacher too. The Freemantle Hall is a magnificent place and so easy to get to from London by train. As well as being able to make your own candles, you also enjoy a delicious afternoon tea. I'm not an "arty" person by any stretch of the imagination but due to Paula’s ability to teach, my candles looked perfect. Wonderful experience and thoroughly recommended."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback. Good luck with your candle making, lovely to meet you. Paula"

Charlotte reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Had a fantastic time at Old Bexley Soap Co. candle making course, it was very interesting and enjoyable as I have never tried candle making before. Paula is a fantastic host and would recommend this to anyone interested in candles. Lovely venue and very happy with Paula’s excellent Covid-19 safety measures. I really want to do her other courses now!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback. I look forward to seeing you again in my other courses! . Paula"

Ron Irving reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Another great day in the forge with Ade. Made a great rams head poker and we had time to play around and make a fire rake as well. As ever Ade is super patient and helpful, demonstrating everything before we do our ham fisted efforts! Debbie did great refreshments and ace lunch (including charcoal cheese!). Everything was organised to ensure social distancing and full C-19 precautions, Much safer in the forge than the drive there. We'll be back for the two day course! Highly recommended."

Fiona Bignell reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"My one-to-one workshop with Jude was great! Even in these strange times, Jude was able to create a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. She enabled me to create the ring I designed using different techniques, and I came away having learnt a good deal more about silversmithing. Thoroughly recommend!"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hi Fiona, Thank you very much for your kind works. It was an absolute pleasure working with you, expecially with all your enthusiasm and willingness to learn new things. Take care, Jude x"

Jo Atherton reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"I attended an Abstract art workshop with Liz. It was an excellent workshop with a lot of encouragement and inspiration from Liz. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would strongly recommend this workshop to anyone for whom abstract is something new or if they want to loosen up their painting."

Kelsey reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Had a wonderful day in a lovely venue making candles and wax tablets. Loved every minute of it, Karen is very knowledgeable and instructions were clear and precise so very easy to follow. I came home with a lovely jar candle, one in a tin and 6 wax tablets with botanicals. Can't wait to light them in ideally two weeks when fully cured. Highly recommended x"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Kelsey, it's very kind of you. I'm sorry to make you wait to light your candle :-) it'll soon fly by!"