Latest reviews

Ruth reviewed: Pottery Wheel Taster Private Session

"What an excellent experience . Alison such a lovely bubbly person. Extremely patient and helpful. Dealt superbly with my daughter who has Asperger’s and a physical disability. We both thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and are eager to go back. Thank you Alison!"

David Thorndycraft reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day! I made, with a fair degree of help, a nice unique welly boot stand to my own design which will keep my boots nice and dry. Mort was a font of knowledge and is passionate about his craft. I learnt the 7 basic blacksmithing skills and was able to practice them all myself and use them on the project. Physically the day is demanding -you are on your feet most of the day and wielding a 2lb hammer is tiring on the arms. To get the most out of the day you ideally need to be practically minded but the essential skills are well taught and the ability to complete a project in the day is very satisfying."

Anne O’Driscoll reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a great day we had in the beautiful forest with Mark and Cristina! Expert tuition and generous hospitality and the chance to become totally absorbed in an activity that challenges mind and body. A perfect day, thankyou!!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Anne Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Louise reviewed: The MasterClass

"I’ve been to one of their previous workshops and it was amazing! I learnt so much and the tutors were so inspiring would recommend it to any young person that’s a creative!"

Diana reviewed: 2 persons simple leather belt bag or crossbody bag workshop (half-day)

"Professional, helpful, an experience that enhances one’s passion for bags. Very happy with this mini-course."

john reviewed: Wooden Ring Making

"A really interesting and enjoyable couple of hours. Peter is an excellent teacher and a really nice bloke too! The course content is just right and even though I've done a bit of turning I came away with a much better technique - plus the ring looks great! Thanks for everything, Peter and I look forward to the pen blanks course!!"

Childwall Emporium responded:

"Thanks for such a nice review, you did a great job on your ring. I'm glad you came away with knowing a bit more see you on pen course!"

Sue Richardson reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Kerrylyn was very warm and welcoming. The course was extremely informative, clear to understand and very enjoyable. The time just flew by but we all came away feeling we had learned a lot. The hand out is very detailed with a full list of suppliers and contacts. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us."

Adrian Jowitt reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I attended the stool making course recently. It was my first attempt at green wood making and the course was superb. The location was amazing, the wood really well looked after and the buildings made from materials harvested from the wood and in a way that meant they blended in rather than imposed themselves on the site. Andy is a really good teacher, provides guidance and clear advice, giving space for us to get on and do our making but there when needed; if only I'd had a few more teachers like that at school. I highly recommend this course and Sallerton wood generally."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Adrian, for writing that account of your experience at Sallerton Wood. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the woodland environment in which it took place. Thanks also for your recommendation to others, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood if you choose to visit again. In the meantime, enjoy for greenwood stool!"

Ali reviewed: Wet Felted Pots

"I had a great morning creating a wet felted pot with Wendy. It was relaxed, informative and very satisfying Although I'd never done felting before, I came away with a pleasing result. I feel able to have a try at home with the few materials that I chose to purchase afterwards and notes to remind me of the process. A real pleasure."

Pauline Webb reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I booked the course for my sister as a birthday present and thought it would be more fun for her if I went along too as soap making was something we have both always wanted to try. We had a fantastic afternoon and both came away with a lovely big cake of beautiful soap that smelt as good as it looked! Nichola and Ben couldn't have been more welcoming and the whole session was really well thought out, informative and interesting. Nichola was very patient and explained each part of the process really clearly, helping each person to choose colours, scents and additional ingredients to make their soap unique and special. We even had a choice of recipes so we could choose which type of soap would suit our skin best. The coffee and biscuits were delicious too. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in making hand made soap. My sister and I learnt such a lot and it was so much fun!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thank you Pauline for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! It was a great afternoon with you both. Glad to hear you enjoyed it and are pleased with your soap... enjoy using it when it's cured! Nic x"

juliana reviewed: 3D Stone Carving Weekend Course

"Simply the best! I have "fallen in love" with stone carving!! I'll be back for more stone carving courses."

Deborah Harrison Sculpture responded:

"Thank you Julianna. I very much look forward to seeing the development of your contemporary style of carving. "

Julie Harris reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"I attended the 1 day bag making course coming home with a beautiful pink & blue messenger bag thanks to the creative nurturing of Rebecca. It’s such a welcoming environment and great to see what the other students are making. I would highly recommend Rebecca’s workshops particularly if you have always wanted to make a lovely leather bag but don’t know where to start"

Nikki reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"Class was relaxed and very informative. Steve was an excellent, patient teacher, and made time for every attendee. Can’t wait to pick up my piece to see the finished product."

Pawel reviewed: Small leather crossbody bag workshop (1-day)

"It was wonderful to learn my first leather bag cutting, stichting and finishing edges. I was surprised when I discovered Natasha’s beautiful designs on her website. I am confident to say I chose the right place to master my skills. I know it better now. I have a list of necessary tools and after training support is something you can not get anywhere else. Thank you very much Natasha, Pawel"

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

"What a fabulous afternoon. Wood turning is great fun and very satisfying. So why choose Blended Monkey? Quite simple. Simon the tutor is superb. You are made to feel welcome from the start. He is very generous with his time, expertise and offer of post session support. He is very patient and understands the difficulty of the novice. You never feel under pressure. I really enjoyed the afternoon. I am planning to take this up as a hobby and would have no reservations about booking further teaching from Simon. Couldn't recommend more highly"

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

"Nick, Thank you for such a glowing and honest review! I really enjoyed the session and hope to see you again soon. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need more help or information. — Simon"

Diane FS reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Attended a L1 painting techniques course @ Grappenhall with the lovely Jo. Learned some great techniques stencilling, distressing, crackling, dry brushing, and all about the different paints and finishes available to use. Jo explains everything really well, you get a chance to practice them all first and then you decide which ones you want to apply to your own piece(s). Really great day, with a lovely group, in beautiful surroundings - highly recommended."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thanks so much Diane. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. What a lovely bunch you all were. ??"

Jackie reviewed: ARCHIVED Hand-formed Garden Shape

"An excellent day with my sister making a mosaic garden shape under Chrissy's guidance. It was a very relaxed atmosphere, there was a generous amount of resources and Chrissy was generous with her skills and her time."

Hilary reviewed: One day modern calligraphy with Jane Lappage

"Utterly fabulous day! Jane teaches all the techniques really well! All resources well set out, super quality! Had a fun and amiable day! Learned a lot and enjoyed buying the correct products from her to use when at home. I am very inspired to keep practising!"

Created By Hand responded:

"Thanks for the great Feedback Hilary It's reassuring to know that the way we hold our classes is appreciated. We hope to welcome you back soon on another class. Kindest Regards Dave"

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

"I did the 5 day professional furniture refinishing course with Ollie in April as I wanted to set up my own part-time business refurbishing vintage furniture. The course was excellent, covering everything from stripping, sanding, oiling/waxing and painting to get a very professional finish. Ollie is very patient and flexible in tailoring the course to your needs. It is a great mix of hands on practical work, alongside written notes enabling you to refer back when you need a reminder. Ollie is also very generous in helping with ad hoc queries post course when you need a little extra direction. I can’t recommend this course enough and hope to go back for more modules in future."

Sebin reviewed: Sneaker workshop

"For a person who is not particularly creative, I surprised myself when after just 2 days, I managed to create a gorgeous pair of sneakers. Eli is a skilled and patient tutor and a wonderfully friendly person. The class is small enough for everyone to get the attention they need."

Alina reviewed: Sneaker workshop

"I had an amazing experience in the two-day shoemaking workshop. Eli is brilliant and ready to help and support her students to achieve the most creative and unique results. The leather workshop has plenty of leather pieces to choose from and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and full of friendly like-minded craftsy people."

Andy Thesen reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"Wonderful day with Brian and Nicki. I’d highly recommend their courses. They are extremely experienced and knowledgeable in addition to being warm and friendly. I loved the location too. I’ll be going back Andy Thesen"

Brenda Steve reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"Hi Emma, I had such a good time yesterday! I absolutely love our workshops. Thank you so much for everything and for making it such fun and enjoyable. The perfect day for me actually. I come home inspired and raring to go."

abelmosaics responded:

"Your Robin is looking fabulous, so glad you enjoyed the day. Great feather cutting Brenda!"

Mike Bruce reviewed: Blacksmithing experience - spend a day in the forge

"Richard was absolutely fantastic and sympathetic to my lack of skill. Watching him at work demonstrating certain elements made it look very easy. As I embarked on my solo trial couldn't have been so wrong! Coordination with the hammer and rotating the piece of metal took a bit of time to sort out! Well worth the money and an experience I hope to do again in the near future."

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Firstly, thank you for your positive and glowing review it is much appreciated. Secondly, and most importantly we are so pleased you had a really enjoyable day and hope to see you again in due course. Richard "

Lynn reviewed: Mosaic stepping stone

"What a lovely lady Jane is........ We spent an enjoyable afternoon in her creative workshop whilst she passed on all her tips to me for my future hobby of mosaic. It was a super environment, with a cheerful & chatty like-minded tutor. Thoroughly enjoyed it. My only suggestion would be that key information could be given in a handout rather than the student scribbling it down on a piece of paper. Loved it though......."