Latest reviews

Chris Hurley reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"This was my second course with Steve, and he was right in what he said replying to a previous review... it's addictive. This time, Steve introduced me to a different method of blade-smithing and we designed and made a fabulous tanto style knife, including a hamon, which Steve hadn't tried before on a 1 day course. Although trying to get it all fitted into one day was extremely tight as this wasn't a typical one day project, Steve didn't let any of the pressure show and took the time to explain the techniques we were using and with his guidance, we ended up with a scarily sharp, beautiful unique design, with a gorgeous willow and cord wrapped handle that suited the style perfectly. By the end of the day, Steve and I were already plotting the next project for my next visit !"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Chris It was a fun packed and full on day I'm glad I didn't let the pressure show. I will need your address though to send you the bill from my psychiatrist. Until our next adventure in the shop remember, "you're only as sharp as your knife." Kind regards Steve"

Colin Marshall reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Great time had by all! I have now become a member and am throughly enjoying learning stone carving."

Karen Ingrey reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Nicola, Sarah and I thoroughly enjoyed our lino print day. Judith was very friendly and really helpful throughout the day. Everything was set out in line with Covid regulations and so we felt comfortable. We all came home with prints we were really happy with. Looking forward to doing another course next year with Judith."

Louisa Allison reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"I had such a wonderful time- and learnt a lot about lino cutting in a very restful and peaceful atmosphere-thank you for making sure that we were all safe, can't wait for the next one! xx"

Rosy, Grania and Charlie reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"Myself and 2 friends had a very happy day block printing with Liz and Alison. It is a brilliant location- gorgeous setting and fabulous barn. We learnt lots and produced lots. Cups of tea too and biscuits. It was extremely well organised and Alison and Liz were good teachers. Thank you."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Rosy, Grania and Charlie, really pleased you had a great day . It was lovely working with you all , great collaborative work ! Hope to see you in March .best wishes Alison and Liz"

Gail reviewed: Embellished wire & paper wall hanging workshop

"I booked on this course as i thought it looked interesting. I was not disappointed, everything was really covid aware all measures in place. Judith was informative and inspirational, she allowed us to get on with things whilst keeping a watchful eye on us, everything was available to use. I enjoyed it so much that if my shift patterns allow i will be doing another workshop. I also think this would make a great gift for someone."

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed it Gail, and look forward to seeing you on another workshop soon."

Michael Bennett reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"Absolutely brilliant course. Gary and Josep are very easy to work with and excellent teachers. Highly recommend anyone who is interested in giving bladesmithing a go tries this course."

Friargate Forge responded:

"Thanks, was a pleasure working with you Gary"

Karin Desadeleer reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Last sat at a potter’s wheel just shy of 28 years ago and wanted to try my hand again, so my fiancé booked us in for the 2 hr taster session. Jack makes for a great tutor being highly attentive, clear in direction and wonderfully friendly. The studio is no ‘shed’ at the bottom of the garden, rather a beautiful light-filled space, perfect for detaching from the world and indulging in creative thought and focus. We were so impressed and had such a great time, we intend to sign up for the 5 day intensive course!"

Georgia reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"First of all the cottage is in the most idyllic location, which just sets the tone for the day. Jules was extremely welcoming and even under the strange new normal of covid related restrictions, we felt extremely safe and comfortable in the workshop room. I am looking to start selling candles in the future and so was hoping to learn everything I needed to know to give me the confidence to start - and Julie did not disappoint! She shared all of the essentials, but also so many extra hints and tips for the perfect candle - even how to keep spend per candle to a minimum for maximum profitability and which suppliers to use for what! Myself and my step mum had such a fun day and it definitely gave me the confidence to come home and continue building on the skills I had learnt. Thanks so much and we will be back again I'm sure!"

Robyn reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"Highly recommend doing the log to tumbler course with Ged. A brilliant day spent in his workshop, surrounded by wood and inspiration. Ged is very knowledgable about his craft and willing to help out with any questions you may have. His clear, patient and adaptive way of teaching will leave you feeling totally comfortable and capable in what you are doing, even if you have no experience (and are slightly scared of an axe)! And you take home a wee creation of your own to boot."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Robyn. Enjoy your tumblers! ?"

The Cousins reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Treated to a fabulous day with Ged at his amazing workshop. He taught us how to use a range of woodworking tools & gave a demonstration before we all started our stools. Ged was around for assistance & reassurance if we needed it. All in all a really great day learning new skills in a lovely environment and we are so happy with our wee stools!"

Gedwood responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the course guys ?"

Annalisa Barbaglia reviewed: Wire and haberdashery jewellery workshop

"As the proud owner of one of the original pieces made by Judith in this style with haberdashery hooks, I was very excited to find the course at the beginning of 2020. The current circumstances meant that the actual date had to be delayed a lot, however Judith was extremely helpful and clear in her communications and I always felt like I could rely on the course happening as soon as it was safe to do so. This expectation was fulfilled; I felt perfectly safe on the day thanks to the safety measures in place, and the course itself was very enjoyable and useful - Judith is a very patient and careful teacher, and I now have two pairs of earrings I can wear with my original necklace! The venue and the cake were also excellent. Highly recommended for a different day out, and for a course that leaves you with actual wearable pieces by the end. Thank you Judith!"

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"I hope you enjoy wearing your earrings, and thanks for being so patient with the dates of the workshop moving due to Covid."

Glynis Hillier reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"Just come back from a lovely week at Lilac Barn with Cherry and Dawn. Lots of useful tips to get the best out of my "old" sewing machine, great help and encouragement for a relative beginner from everyone. I've now got lots of ideas and different techniques to try. I enjoyed everyone's company and the lunches and cakes were delicious, thank you Cherry! I look forward to the opportunity to come again."

Lilac Barn responded:

"Dear Glynis Thank you for taking the time to do the excellent review. What you achieved was amazing from not having any idea of how the blocks would work to making a star! Well done. I look forward to seeing you again, maybe next year Cherry"

Sam Edwards reviewed: Make a silver ring: one-to-one workshop

"Honestly one of the best things I’ve ever done! Such a wonderful experience, very hands on and I was so impressed with the end result. Ange was incredible, so knowledgable and friendly. Really made me feel at ease and paced the session really well. I had no prior experience of making jewellery or working with silver prior to this session and I absolutely loved it! Would 100% recommend, 10/10."

Priyanka Palit reviewed: Mindfulness clay workshop - relax and recharge with clay 'I need clay'

"Sarah is the perfect mix of professional, calming and extremely skilled at the art. That is what makes her a great teacher, and we had an amazing time learning how to mould and decorate different shapes at a team workshop. I highly recommend this wonderful lady and her mindfulness courses!"

Victoria Stone reviewed: Mindfulness clay workshop - relax and recharge with clay 'I need clay'

"We all had such a special and wonderful time at this clay session. My family all got together and decorated a vase to celebrate my brother's birthday. We all chose different things that represented him and Sarah added on the motifs to the vase afterwards. He loves this vase, its a token of all our thoughts and love and reminds us of great memories of the day. It was also so nice to get together with your family and do something different that isn't just dinner! Sarah is the nicest possible lady. Really calming, patient, intuitive and kind. Hugely recommend the session."

Sonali reviewed: Mindfulness clay workshop - relax and recharge with clay 'I need clay'

"Sarah is so lovely. She organised a team building afternoon at our work where we made different motifs to represent our company. This was then decorated on a large bowl which now looks lovely in our office. The afternoon was fun and Sarah put everyone at ease with her sparkling personality. Looking forward to having her creative clay session again."

Liz reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"This was a great course. We went home with lots of lovely candles including moulded, tall dipped and scented ones in containers. I learned so much from Rob and would really recommend it. Afterwards we went to eat at Farmers Fayre, Stoneleigh. A lovely day out."

Sheila Beasley reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"A fantastic experience in a well equipped, spacious workshop, set up efficiently with Covid in mind. John and Becky shared their knowledge effectively and with patience and humour. I was thrilled with the quality of my first attempt at basket weaving and would certainly recommend the course to others."

Yvonne reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"A great course for beginners, or those with a little more green wood working experience. Ged's relaxed teaching style makes it easy to learn, and not worry about making mistakes - he can usually fix them! I'd recommend Ged's courses, and I'll be doing another."

Gedwood responded:

"Hi Yvonne, Many thanks for your feedback and hope to see you again getting creative in my workshop. Hope you enjoy a dram or two in your whisky tumblers! ?"

Lewis reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Fantastic course with really top notch instruction. Purchased the day as an experience for a family member's birthday, and it was really great fun. I never thought I could possibly create a knife from a hunk of metal, but as the day progressed it gradually took shape. Really satisfying craft!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We all hope to see you again sometime. Graham, David & Decklan"

Linda K reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"It was a real pleasure to spend the day with both Jonny and Becky in their lovely workshop and home. The instruction was perfect- socially distanced and masks as appropriate. They have taken Covid restrictions seriously yet allowed us to have a relaxed and enjoyable day. The basket I produced is better than I dared hope for- thanks for the excellent instruction and non-invasive supervision. Both Jonny and Becky gave expert instruction and shared advice readily so we all achieved baskets to be proud of. I’d recommend this course wholeheartedly. I’m definitely going to have another go at home- thanks to Jonny and Becky for the inspiration."

Lucy Serjeant reviewed: Weekly Art Class via Zoom on Tuesday Afternoons

"These afternoons have been wonderfully creative during Lockdown. Louise is a great teacher who is able to guide us to see things in different ways. The company is friendly and supportive and we are all encouraged to find our own styles."

Stockton Brook Studios responded:

"Thank you Lucy! It’s thrilling for me to share everyone’s creative journey, and I appreciate all your artwork and companionship on a Wednesday afternoon."

Amanda Robinson reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"A sociable and relaxed day where you come away with a lovely piece of jewellery you have made yourself. Judith's tution is just right, with help when needed and paced so all complete tasks to fit in a lovely lunch then a cake break later. Highly recommened."

Diana reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Jo, I can’t tell you what a joy it was to share the abstract art day with you, Karen and Carole in beautiful surroundings. You organise and explain everything so clearly and encourage us” budding artists” to experiment and have fun! I own up to not having a love of abstract yet learnt a lot yesterday and am already planning on working on old canvases, to be bolder in my experimentation. Many thanks Diana"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Diana - it was a lovely day, and I enjoyed watching you create two completely different pieces. I hope you have a great time working on your old canvases. The medium to use over the oil painted canvas's is Liquitex clear gesso. Jo x"