Latest reviews

Maren reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Spent a delightful day learning to cut and assembly traditional leaded stained glass with Cheryl. "

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

"Had the most wonderful day sculpting my hare. Right from the start of the day when you look at what you are going to make and think "I can't do this" but with Jo's expertise and guidance, before you know it you have an amazing sculpture! Thank you Jo and Andy for a wonderful day to remember!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Our pleasure Chris! The staged building process of the sculpture has been well thought out, so thankfully always result in a lovely hare! See you at the Slate workshop 🤗 Jo xx"

Simon Jenkins reviewed: Box making weekend

"I have just enjoyed my third course at Andrew's excellent workshop. That should be testimony enough but allow me to continue.... On the box course, you will achieve something you can take home and treasure. I have made boxes that I am genuinely proud of under Andrew's calm and well explained tutorage. Modern routers allow even the most kak handed to achieve a level of accuracy never possible. You will learn skills, behaviours and attention to detail that you can take into other woodworking aspects. I have certainly learned to transfer these skills now into mortise & tenon work (but, Andrew I will not mention dovetails!!) To finish off, the workshop is in a very attractive part of the country which is well worth visiting in its own right."

smartBoxmaker responded:

"Thank you, Simon - you are most kind. Thank you, particularly, for pointing out that the skills are transferrable to other areas of woodworking. See you in October for the next one!"

Mhairi reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"A great course. Sarah was a great tutor, taking us through step by step. The rings I made were far better than I thought I could make thanks to Sarah's guidance. Would recommend this course, it was great fun and value for money"

Taniar reviewed: DIY Soap Making Workbook - Melt and Pour and Cold Process

"Good book and i enjoyed reading it, however, i would review the recipe section and state what size mould it uses. "

Alice Down the Rabbit Hole responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. I hope you enjoy your soap-making! The recipes section is just an added bonus section to give users some ideas. The mould sizes are not specified so that users can decide on their own sizes/moulds, depending on what they have or that are available. All of the recipes have the ingredient amounts in order to make the correct mix, but then the moulds used are a personal choice."

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

"I had a fabulous day doing the hare sculpture course! It was great learning the technique and Jo tells you exactly what you need and where to get the materials from so you can continue to experiment at home. I bought the greyhound sculpture kit and can't wait to give it a go! We were made a tea or coffee when we arrived then off to the workshop to get started. All went at an easy pace and instructions were easy to follow. Thank you for a great day! "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Symone! Delighted you enjoyed the processes learned during the day and I hope you love making your Greyhound sculpture (make contact if any questions or you wish me to see a photo of the 'foiled' stage). See you at the Slate workshop in January! Jo xx"

Carol Downes reviewed: Enter the world of Pyrography with Bob Neill

"This was an excellent pyrography course. It was mindful and relaxing. Bob and his wife Del were very friendly and welcoming. Bob is a very experienced teacher of many years and led the session really well explaining everything and offering help and advice where needed. He has a real passion for his craft and so much knowledge in other crafts. They also provide a really tasty lunch. I would highly recommend this course."

Hayley B reviewed: Beginner Watercolour Art Retreat Day

"Fantastic day in a lovely setting. Joan put everyone at ease and was a great tutor. First time but hoping to return. Great lunch and refreshments included."

Joan Kennedy Artist responded:

"Thanks soooo much Hayley for your lovely review. It’s very much appreciated. I’m planning to do an event most months at Rudyard, and look forward to seeing you back again and watch your progress. Many thanks Joan x"

Chris Smith reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre Nebo North Wales

"Fantastic course with Barney Murray! Under his expert guidance we learnt as a small group by doing - demolishing an old wall then rebuilding it, stronger and tidier than before. We were all really impressed by our handywork at the end! Thanks to the venue Freshfields Animal Rescue also for hosting us at Nebo."

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Chris. Barney is the newest of our three instructors and is very good. Freshfields is a good venue as it has that rest room for breaks. Regards Paul"

Sarah Freelove reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"This was a gift for my granddaughter’s birthday and somehow she chose a date that was one of the hottest days of the year! However, this did in no way detract from the experience. From the minute we arrived the whole process was explained fully to Ella before she started. Ella was able to choose her two colours and added them in the order that she wanted. She watched while it was shaped, then she blew down the sterilised tube to create her bauble. Finally the loop was added ready for the ribbon once it was cool. Choosing the ribbon colour was probably the hardest choice - lots to choose from! It was a fabulous experience which Ella loved doing. I was extremely impressed with the way that everything was explained fully and it was all done very safely. I can highly recommend this for a gift experience and needless to say Ella is really looking forward to collecting her bauble! "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much Sarah for your lovely review, Ella was a pleasure to work with. Regards Steve and Angie "

Lucy reviewed: Raw Fleece to...Tuffets: Making Seat Mats / Cushions

"Thank you so much Emma, it's been a fab day. Learnt so much and its inspired me to do another one!"

Jo reviewed: Raw Fleece to...Tuffets: Making Seat Mats / Cushions

"Great detail, the notes are a real bonus. Plenty of hints and tips. Absolutely delighted to have a finished product."

Debbie reviewed: Raw Fleece to...Tuffets: Making Seat Mats / Cushions

"Very friendly, approachable, Emma created a wonderful learning expereince. Good fun. Great Information pack to take home."

Pamela reviewed: Raw Fleece to...Tuffets: Making Seat Mats / Cushions

"Really enjoyed myself today. This is a fun workshop where I forgot about all my day to day worries, was so absorbed in what I was making. Emma is a great teacher, very attentive and supportive. Had a delicious home made lunch home as part of the workshop. Delighted with my tuffet, never thought I could make something so good."

Grace reviewed: Raw Fleece to...Tuffets: Making Seat Mats / Cushions

"Absolutely fantastic day, thank you Emma for making us feel so welcome. It was a wonderful experience, I learnt so much about wool and how to work with it to make my seat mat. Can't wait to use my tuffet and try making more - Highly recommend this course!"

Sarah Chapman reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"A practical and informative course in resin jewellery making. Scott shared his knowledge and experiences to make the workshop fun. Thanks also to Sue for the delicious chocolate cake! "

Alex squires reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course at Freshfields Animal Rescue Centre Nebo North Wales

"Great experience dry stone walling with Barney for an absolute beginner. He was patient and would explain aspects until you got them. Well worth the money. Might try to gap a few walls next time when I. Suitable areas. Great team effort too. Really proud of our wall. 5 stars"

Dry Stone Walling Association North Wales Branch responded:

"Thanks Alex. I will pass your review onto Barney. "

Jovita reviewed: Monthly Oil Painting Classes

"I absolutely enjoyed this wonderful class. The Art Teacher was amazing in helping and detailing. I would recommend this course to anyone beginner to advance"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed the course and shall let the tutor know too. We hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Leanne P reviewed: Needle Felting - Half Day - Feather Felts

"Fab course in a lovely environment. Jane was fantastic detailing techniques to use and steering us right when we were going wrong. Tea and biscuits were plentiful too. We made pin cushions and ate really pleased with the results. Would recommend and I'll look at other available courses in the future "

Sara Dutton reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Had a really lovely day on this course. Scott was able to answer all my queries on working with resin and I got a very good understanding on the practical side from the day. Scott’s wife Sue made us a really gorgeous chocolate cake to eat. Sue if you read this any chance of emailing me the recipe?"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Sara Im so glad you enjoyed the day and I will let Sue know you liked her cake. She will be thrilled Scott "

Melanie C reviewed: Fused Glass - Taster

"Julie was most welcoming and gave detailed but not overly technical explanations of what and how, offering advice and guidance as required. Would 100% recommend. "

Emma reviewed: Duckie Decoupage

"We really enjoyed this course. Maxine explained everything thoroughly and went through it step-by-step giving me time to grasp what to do next. It was fun learning from Maxine and a relaxing workshop."

Rachel reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Me and dad had a great time on Dave’s spoon carving workshop. I was totally new to spoon carving and had never held an axe before, so really happy that under Dave’s instruction I ended up with a spoon! He was very patient and accommodating - a great course"

Steve G reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Hi I had a great 1-2-1 beginners course with Simon, he showed me what wood turning is all about and I learnt so much. From safety first to different woodworking working chisels to making delicate object and showing how to finish it off. This was a fantastic experience, thank you to Simon for his learning and patience. "

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

"Hi Steve, So glad you enjoyed the session; I hope it inspires you to continue this lovely craft. — Simon"

Jane Briggs reviewed: Foraging Basket

"My friend and I really enjoyed this course and were very pleased with the baskets we made. Becky and Jonny were excellent teachers, helpful and encouraging. The lunches were really worth having, and lovely to sit out in the garden to enjoy. Thinking about going back to make a trug ! Thank you."

Basket Making Malvern responded:

"That would be great Jane and you would be most wel! "