Latest reviews

John Jackson reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"A truly enjoyable and informative course. The instruction was clear and concise. The arrangement of all tools and materials was in such away that it was easy to use. The instruction by two excellent craftspeople was wonderful and you were treated as a family friend. I was on this course on 10th Oct 20 and would highly recommend it."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"We're really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Good luck with your future leatherwork."

Mary Carmichael reviewed: New - More Tea Vicar? Create beautiful paper sculpture in Hampshire

"Stunning location, friendly, clear tuition and satisfying results. Excellent all round."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Mary, Lovely to work with you, pleased you enjoyed your day. Happy creating ! Best wishes Liz and Alison"

Darren Angrave reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"My day started when I received a gift voucher from my wife for christmas. Due to the Covid lockdown I wasn't sure if or when I would be able to attend a course. I contacted Ged and he told me about some courses he was running and I booked the introduction to Green wood working. It was great!! from the pre-arrival email noting all the current precautions in place and a brief insight to the day to walking away with my days project, Ged had thought of everything. The working areas were all set out with full sets of tools at each station and a brief talk on each stage of working the wood. Ged is not only knowledgeable about the subject at hand but also very passionate about not only the traditional woodworking but the countryside and it's management and use by everyone also. He is a very friendly amiable man who will help you and offer any ideas to make your experience one to remember. Thank you Ged."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks for your feed back Darren. Glad you got a lot out of it and enjoy using your lathe turned mallet in your workshop!"

Martin Allison reviewed: Discover linocut printmaking at Brockhole on Windermere

"We spent an enjoyable morning producing and printing our lino cuts. Rosie was an excellent tutor explaining and demonstrating everything in a very simple way. It was a really fun time and everyone on the course produced a number of very presentable prints."

Brockhole on Windermere responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Martin, it was great to meet you and Edwina, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed yourselves. Your beautiful prints were very impressive! Best Wishes, Rosie"

Caecilia Levraut reviewed: Knife making in the bladesmith's forge

"I booked myself in for a "Just for Fun" day and "Forging a Knife" the next day. It was purely, simply brilliant. I had the time of my life, left with a herb chopper (never used one before, but that's about to change!) and a Gladius, and I couldn't be happier. The team was exceptional, all of them: Ben, Theo, Joe, Bobby, Aaron, and last but not least Henry, are clearly passionate about their job - and about quite a few other subjects too, which makes for great conversations while the steel's heating. They're happy to help and answer any questions, and are really working as a team to make sure that your object turns out good, but without taking away the feeling that whatever it is you've decided to forge, it is your own work. They show you how it works and explain the process, and then it's your turn! There is a great variety of objects you can choose to make, even with the knives (wasn't expecting the gladius to be a possibilty, but I am glad it is!). Loved it, will definitely try to come back to extend my new collection, and will recommend to any and all (already have, in fact, to a couple I am met just the day after - I hope they were able to get a booking!)"

Caecilia Levraut reviewed: Forging for fun! 5 hours at the Blacksmith's forge

"I booked myself in for a "Just for Fun" day and "Forging a Knife" the next day. It was purely, simply brilliant. I had the time of my life, left with a herb chopper (never used one before, but that's about to change!) and a Gladius, and I couldn't be happier. The team was exceptional, all of them: Ben, Theo, Joe, Bobby, Aaron, and last but not least Henry, are clearly passionate about their job - and about quite a few other subjects too, which makes for great conversations while the steel's heating. They're happy to help and answer any questions, and are really working as a team to make sure that your object turns out good, but without taking away the feeling that whatever it is you've decided to forge, it is your own work. They show you how it works and explain the process, and then it's your turn! There is a great variety of objects you can choose to make, even with the knives (wasn't expecting the gladius to be a possibilty, but I am glad it is!). Loved it, will definitely try to come back to extend my new collection, and will recommend to any and all (already have, in fact, to a couple I am met just the day after - I hope they were able to get a booking!)"

Lynn reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Hands-on, informative, and enjoyable beginners class for quality candle making! I booked the course several months ago.  The classes are continually booked months in advance, which speaks volumes about how good they are. Paula is a wonderful host and teacher.  The venue is beautifully presented, and arranged safely in these COVID times, for a 10 am start on the day.  A comprehensive handbook is provided, and Paula talks through the process of candle making and legislation (if you wish to turn this into a small business). You then make two amazing smelling candles after the process is explained.   It is fun choosing the signature scent and understanding how wick and glass size, scent or colour, as well as the type of wax used, can all affect the outcome of the candle.  Paula is clearly an expert, as she runs her own business selling candles, soaps etc., and she imparted clearly and honestly that it does take time to test candles until you find your perfect one.  For the class, though, you are supplied with a tried and tested mix for the wax, so the end product is perfect.  I am hugely excited to start experimenting making my own candles in the coming months, and not spending a fortune on shop-bought ones as I previously was!! The day is topped off with a tasty afternoon tea (inclusive of the most divine scones), and she kindly caters for dietary requirements.  So not only did I come away with a recipe of how to make candles but also one for vegan scones - thank you, Paula!!"

Wendy reviewed: Snowy Owl - needle felting with The Lady Moth

"Excellent class! I have never had such a good teacher. She also has beautiful designs to learn!"

Brenda reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Attended the one day course earlier this week. Very enjoyable. Felt comfortable and relaxed. Learnt a lot in one day. Would recommend to anyone else who may like to experience making their own soaps."

ALLISON FOWLER reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"Throughly enjoyed myself. Rosanna was extremely helpful in explaining how to do each stage of my tote bag. It turned out a lot better than I thought I was capable of producing. I have had a few complimentary comments from friends too. I shall be booking another course in the future."

Reuben Wolf reviewed: Blacksmithing experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"Will be going again... guaranteed ! One of the best black smithing workshops I’ve been to so far, I went for one to one tuition and in 3 hours I was taught how to manipulate the Steele, punch holes, hot cut the steel and a barley twist, to finish it off the with my first forge weld, at the end of the day I walked away with Viking bog knife and a bottle opener. Couldn’t have expected anything else from the day and looking forward to moving some more steel !!! Would definitely recommend !!"

Lindsey Coombs reviewed: Blacksmithing experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"Fantasic day at the forge! Bought as a birthday gift for my partner who is really interested in the principles of heritage crafts, and he described it as the best present he'd ever recieved. Richard is knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic about his work and teaching, helping us to create items we were incredibly pleased with. In 5 hours, almost to the minute, we managed to create a knife, a door knocker and a hair pin, all shaped and detailed and pretty enough to want to use. The whole day felt unpretentious and personalised to what we wanted to achieve and learn, not just an 'off the peg experience day', which I was keen to avoid. Highly recommended."

Paul Stone reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Absolutely brilliant course. Both the tutors have a breadth of knowledge and skills and are very good at explaining stuff in a very clear way. Its also nice you can work at your own pace including tea breaks when you wish. They are also good at working around non conventional problems and helping find solutions with you, meaning you learn a lot of stuff you might not get from text books or videos. Very easy going and there's a lot more to learn that I had imagined. A great week, well worth it."

Samantha Saunders reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Ok bought this as a birthday gift for my fiancé and he could not speak highly enough of Richard or the course! He had a great time. Would recommend to anyone!"

Lorraine Black reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I completed the business course with Kerry. Thoroughly enjoyed my time in her, learning how to make candles, candle testing, troubleshooting, the legal jargon and what is needed. She explained how to cost candles for wholesale and retail, she made is so simple and straightforward. Kerry also shared tips and tricks she has learned over the years.lovely kitchen. Kerry is very knowledgeable And very friendly. Would highly recommended."

Sangita reviewed: Make a silver bangle: one-to-one workshop

"I never thought I could make a bangle in 2 hours. Thanks to Ange who makes it possible and so easy. This workshop takes place in warm and cosy setting which is comfortable and bright. I'm very particular about the jewellery I wear so it was such a lovely experience to be able to make something for myself that I love. I can't stop looking at it. Ange is a brilliant teacher and craftswoman. She makes it fun and just let's you get on with it which was fantastic. Highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to treat themselves or a friend. Anyone can do this. Thank you Angela"

Peta Reynolds reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"This course was excellent! Having done lots of research online about candle making I decided there were just too many contradictions about what you should and shoulder do, which resulted in my having questions about every stage of the process that really needed to be answered by someone who fully understood what happens and why. I attended this course early October 2020, and everything was COVID-Secure. Everything was set out for individual learning, and practical-based: there was no handbook to follow, just listening and doing which was great. (You do get a handbook by email after the course.) There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions, no matter how stupid they may have seemed to me (Ann didn't let oif they were stupid). Very importantly I got to smell every candle scent Ann had, which I know will have saved me a fortune in mis-purchased scents as what you think you're going to like you actually dont, and vice versa. I came home with a pillar candle, a jar candle, a tin candle, three metal tealights, two shaped tealights and six wax melts. By the end of the course I went away quite confident that i could make candles by myself without harming myself or the intended recipients, which is the best outcome you could want! Very happy, and excellent value for money. Thank you Ann!"

Alison Gordon reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I attended the course yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. Very relaxed and comfortable day, Jonathan was a patient and attentive teacher and helped me produce a lovely silver bangle. I shall definitely be signing up again."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Lovely to meet you both ladies! I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the day - despite the Covid conditions. Well done with your jewellery making - I was especially impressed with the soldering skills!"

Diana Horrocks reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Barbara was very welcoming and an excellent tutor. I had lots of fabrics and wool to choose from and ended up with a beautiful scarf."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Your scarf looked fabulous, loved the colour choice and blending of your fibres :-) ."

Carrie reviewed: Sterling Silver Stacker Ring Course (Merseyside)

"I attended the stacker ring course along with my mum and sister and we spent an enjoyable 3 hours making lovely Rings. We are hoping to return shortly to do another course."

La Jade responded:

"Hi Carrie, thank you for your lovely review is was a pleasure meeting you all. Hope to see you again soon ?"

Viscount Andover reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I really enjoyed my morning with Steve and Chris. i made a small vase, bowl, single rose vase and 2 Swans... I was given the course by my girlfriend and I was very glad to have done this course. I have no doubt I will go back again sometime and do the full day."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"We are so pleased you enjoyed your morning with us. We would be happy to welcome you back for a full day."

pam reviewed: Make a fabric Stags Head with Jayne Allenby

"I went to this with my sister yesterday it was a really good class, picked up some useful tips."

Linda reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Workshop in Preston, Lancashire - Make a Footstool

"I attended this workshop for a friends birthday and what an excellent choice we made. Jo was a patient and informative teacher who has given me a skill that I can know do at home. Not only do you have a fantastic and enjoyable day, you learn a new skill, get to take your beautiful footstool home and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea as well. Would highly recommend anyone take this workshop no matter what your skill level is."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Linda. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. What a lovely bunch you were."

Jake and Nikky reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"Brilliant - Would definitely recommend going on this course."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thanks guys, it was great to have you here."

Sue reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"What an amazing day ? Fantastic course learning the theory behind the materials needed and the art of candle making ,we then went on to make a candle in a glass jar and in a little tin, followed by making 6 wax melts with a fabulous choice of decorations and ribbons and quality materials. Whilst waiting for them to set and before decorating the melts with ribbons ,we enjoyed the most scrumptious home made quality afternoon tea and fresh coffee. So much care and attention to make it covid safe in the most beautiful setting and for the first time in a while, from 10 till 3 my daughter and I were relaxed chilled and enjoying craft time - just the medicine needed to heal the mind during these strange times. Thank you Karen for a wonderful day .would highly recommend to anyone who loves ? and ? !!"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you Sue for reviewing our course. It was lovely to meet you and Kirsty and I'm so pleased you both had a lovely day. Your creations were wonderful, I hope that you enjoy them. Best Wishes Karen"