Latest reviews

John reviewed: Sourdough workshop

"I really enjoyed this course; it was fun and well paced covering each stage in the process both in practical skills as well as the underlying theory. The location is lovely and luckily the weather held out so we could eat the delicious breakfast and lunch outside. Due to Covid we wore visors which worked very well...I felt safe and comfortable all day and often forgot I was wearing one. I came home with several different loaves of very tasty bread and 2 starters which means I can now bake bread instead of the brick like substance I produced before. I would definitely recommend this course and the fact that half the attendees had been on previous courses speaks for itself. Thank you so much Helen."

Claire reviewed: Botanical Candles with Leah Chapman at Cambridge Art Makers

"It was amazing! We both really enjoyed it and Leah was great – we’d love to do more!!"

Jennifer Cawdron reviewed: Frame Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"I enjoyed making the square basket. It was a very different type of basket to ones I have made before and was clearly explained by Phil. The venue was a very pleasant space, with plenty of room and light. The food was excellent."

Nicola Pentland reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"I booked an afternoon with Richard for my husband as a gift - best decision ever! He had an amazing time and was so impressed with the knife that he made. Two weeks later and he's still raving about it! He said Richard was really knowledgeable and had a real gift for explaining things really clearly, and declared it the best gift he'd ever received! The booking process was easy and all communication from Richard was spot on. The photos he took were an unexpected and much appreciated touch too. Thanks Richard, you really gave him a great experience! We wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone - actually, we already have! All the best x"

Thomas Harper reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"I decided to go on this 2 day shave horse course after doing a log to stool course with Ged and had a great time. I didn’t have a huge amount of experience with green woodworking but the course was easy to follow and Ged has a wealth of knowledge about green woodworking which he is happy to share it, as well as make recommendations about tools etc. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, the course is well worth it."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks again Thomas. I love teaching how to make the shavehorse. Its such a great skill building course both for me and the student!"

Thomas Harper reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"The idea of making a piece of furniture starting from scratch with unprocessed greenwood is something quite special in this modern world. Reset, relax and relearn a much forgotten skill that most would have known a century ago. Leave not only with a great piece of furniture but a wealth of knowledge provided by Ged and the skills and confidence to go on and create other things. This was a fantastic course and great value for money. We use the stool every day."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Thomas. And good to know your stool is being put to use!"

Jeff reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I attended the course looking for two outcomes: improve my limited woodworking skills and have a box to take home. Both were achieved. The box designs allowed a lot of creativity and personalisation and this along with the knowledgeable support of the tutor made for a great course. I picked up a lot of useful tips in a very relaxed environment. I would really recommend this course; enjoyable and full of help and support."

Craig Robinson reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Great experience!! The lads made us feel welcome and explained everything expertly! We came out with a couple of pieces made by us with excellent support. Lunch was delicious!!!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Craig I am pleased you enjoyed the day , and the lunch! I will pass the message on to the Lads , I know they enjoy being told about the comments. To see photos of the day you will need to visit our website best wishes John"

Laura McBride reviewed: Pottery & Ceramics Ad hoc sessions, Learn when you want

"Mum and I had a lovely experience with Geraldine. The premises were ideal for mum as she has mobility issues. Geraldine helped us through the whole process of our clay sculpture and made it fun and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend."

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, it was lovely to meet you and I am so pleased you enjoyed the experience, I will be in touch when the sculptures have been through the firing. Kind regards Geri"

Terry Dew reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This wood turning course was bought by my family as a birthday present in February. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions my initial date was put back until Sept. Simon and Louise were exceptionally helpful in arranging everything. The course was excellent, Simon's teaching was very thorough and his patience was second to none! It was great to take home my projects, a honey dipper and bowl, which were admired by family and friends. My daughter was welcomed for lunch which we were able to enjoy in their lovely garden. Both Simon and Louise are lovely friendly people and it was a joy to be in their company. We hope to see them in the future at the local craft fair. I thoroughly recommend this course for anyone. Just a shame I didn't get to do Louise's pottery course. Perhaps another birthday present!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Terry, So glad you had a great day -- you were a pleasure to teach and chat with. You're welcome back any time and we look forward to your company again."

Catherine reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"This was my first felting course and the day was absolutely brilliant. Melanie was a fantastic teacher and created a warm and friendly atmosphere for everyone, including supplying us with tea, coffee and treats throughout the day. Everyone in the group produced an amazing piece of art using the skills Melanie introduced, and taking advantage of the huge range of good quality materials and equipment available in the workshop. Don't worry if you don't think you're particularly artistic - you are guaranteed to produce something you are proud of on this lovely relaxing course. I'm definitely inspired to continue felting!"

Ali Pawlowycz reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"Holidaying in Wales, we looked for a candle making course to do on a rainy day. Sharon at Belisama Candles was really accommodating and presented an interesting, informative course in a very personable way. Great knowledge of the subject and fab instruction. We had a great fun time and we’re overjoyed with our fantastic candles to take home. Would highly recommend."

Belisama Candles responded:

"what a lovely review Ali, you all did a fab job and was more than happy to accomondate you to finish off your holiday, and take home a piece of Wales with some candles you made here! Enjoy them ?"

Lynda Rollason reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"I really enjoyed my ‘Weave a scarf in a day’ course with Anne. I hadn’t done any weaving before and she patiently explained and helped with every step of the process - I’m very pleased with my scarf and was inspired to order a loom so I can make more. I will have a wonderful new hobby! Thanks Anne."

Carolyn reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I've recently completed my second 5 day Professional French Polishing & Contemporary Woodcare Workshop with Ollie at OP Woodcraft. Ollie has been absolutely fantastic in passing on his knowledge, showing me his skills and teaching me about different techniques and wood finishes. I was impressed with how much I achieved during my ten days with Ollie, I really didn't expect to get so much done!. Altogether I worked on eight pieces that were refinished in various ways such as French polishing, waxing and oiling, and I've also learnt various techniques such as stripping, hole filling, grain filling, staining, sealing, cutting back, mopping, touching in and rubbering. Ollie's been incredibly patient with all of my questions, he's given me valuable advice about setting up my own wood care business and also about the different products and tools required for the trade. I can't thank him enough! Without a doubt I can highly recommend doing a course with OP Woodcraft. Thank you Ollie!"

Hazel reviewed: Needle felt hares

"This was a brilliant workshop. Considering the challenges with social distancing etc, Cath has provided a space in which crafters can feel safe and relaxed. All precautions are taken. Maxine is a wonderful tutor who gave very clear visual and verbal instruction and was readily open to questions during the course of the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this workshop and venue."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Hazel It was a pleasure to have you on the course Best wishes Cath"

Jenny reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"First, I have to say it was easy to book the course through the website and Paula, the tutor, was very quick at responding to any communications. During these challenging times, Paula assured us that the venue for the course would be COVID safe. Paula was welcoming and friendly. She was very keen to impart her years of knowledge to the group. The course was great for a beginner like myself as well as seasoned candle makers. I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t as simple as just putting some hot wax in a container with some scent and a wick and letting it set. Paula explained how each ingredient worked in order to produce the “perfect” candle. We learnt that “Testing” is the key. The whole group enjoyed a sandwich lunch as we waited for our candles to set. At the end of the afternoon I came home with two scented candles which I am very proud of and lots of information to start me on my candle making journey. I would recommend this course as Paula’s passion for candle making shines throughout. Jenny"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Jenny for your feedback, I am so pleased that even at these challenging times we can still enjoy the courses and share the love for candle making. Paula"

Jennifer Terry reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Unicorn

"The kit arrived promptly and was very well packaged and presented. It's going to my grand-daughter for her birthday so I'm waiting to see what she makes of it.I have high hopes!"

Montet Designs responded:

"I hope your granddaughter has a lovely time creating her very own unicorn! Many thanks for your purchase."

Luisa Newton reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"Spent a lovely morning creating two beautiful stacking rings and absolutely loved it. It was a lovely and relaxed environment and Sarah was an excellent teacher explaining each step in detail with easy to follow instructions, helping when necessary but very much allowing me to make my own rings. Would highly recommend the course and will be looking to do further courses with Sarah in the future. Now I just keep looking at these beautiful rings I created and want to do more!"

Catherine Cape reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"I want to share with anyone who was ever told they had no ability with art. Have you ever seen anyone sketching or painting and thought 'that looks relaxing but I couldn't do that'? I can tell you that you are a) right and b) wrong. I've just finished a 10 week zoom class with Raya Brown. Its been really lovely and you'll see some of the things I've done, I've never really drawn before. I was nervous and had no idea where to start, but she is a great teacher and breaks down each part, each week you look at a different element and style and spend a few hours with a lovely group of people, and watch and follow along as she demonstrates. I first started to be interested about 2 years ago when I was at Gil's and saw the watercolour group - and couldn't make the time - now with lockdown its been possible to do via zoom. Raya does all sorts of classes, I chose portraits and am signed up for the next level one starting in a couple of months. Please share to anyone who you think would be interested - with the Zoom option you don't even need to live nearby ! I am looking forward to the next Intermediate level Portrait course via zoom with Raya starting in October."

David Crole reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"We thoroughly enjoyed our half day glass blowing for 2 with Chew Valley glass. Steve and Chris were very friendly and accommodating, and did a great job in guiding us through the steps of glass blowing. We were given a choice over what item we made and a lot of freedom in the making process, all under the close guidance of Steve and Chris. It was a fantastic experience and we came away with a selection of very impressive items. Highly recommended."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you David for your kind review, it was a pleasure to meet you both and we are so glad you enjoyed your time with us."

Jules & Tess reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"A first for the both of us and and a very enjoyable 3 hours spent with Adela and her talent and enthusiasm. Highly recommended - even with the Covid face visors on, making us all look like space men !! And as Adela promised us, the finished articles, now we have grouted them, look amazing :-) Thanks again Adela, we will be back........."

Mandy Graham reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District

"Fantastic day, couldn’t have been better. Food was delicious x"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Lovely to meet you and Emily. Thanks for such positive comments and hope to see you again."

Jeremy Arden reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent a day with Mark. Should have made it 2 days. Will be returning! I learned sufficiently to give me the confidence to get working on wood from my garden and to achieve acceptably good results. Mark made it look easy and engendered the belief that it would be easy for me too. Mark provided a good balance of skill, safety and enthusiasm. Highly recommended."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Jeremy. Hope you are making good use of that bowl gouge."

Joyce Usher reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Once again a great day with Kerry and as before made me feel very welcome in her home. Kerry is a very good teacher and is very knowledgeable about the world of candles. I took her a couple of candles that I had made and she gave me great advice on a couple of problems I was having. I value her ongoing support as I move forward to hopefully starting up my own candle making business. Thanks Kerry."

Andrew Braund reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I've now been a spoon carver for just over 2 years. It all started when I went on one of David's courses. I had no idea what would be involved. I started with log of field maple and by the end of the day I walked away with a very presentable spoon. David is for starters a really nice, approachable guy. He's a great teacher, makes sure that you know what you're doing, and supports you throughout the day. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed and there is a great sense of achievement in turning a log into a spoon! David runs our local group which meets monthly in a local wood where we all sit around a log fire, carving spoons, chatting, drinking tea and sharing experiences. So in 2 years I've become part of the spoon carving community! I'm sure you'll enjoy the course!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Andy, I really appreciate this review and your kind words. You remind me that learning to carve a wooden spoon isn’t just about learning a new craft skill but is a route through to a wider green woodworking community which is so friendly, welcoming and happy to share skills, experience and supplies of green wood!"