Latest reviews

Jane Bailey reviewed: An introduction to free motion embroidery

"Holly was very friendly and had a wealth of knowledge. Having tried free motion sewing before and not doing very well once at home on my own, it was wonderful to do Holly`s little methods (pumpkin) and gaining confidence. Feel ready now to start projects I have been wanting to sew. Thank you Holly."

Dana & Chloe reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Wonderful 2 hours making a selection of candles, very enjoyable and relaxed session facilitated by Wendy, who gave step by step instructions which were easy to follow. Value for money, thank you so much for your kind advice and information. D & C"

Abi reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners in Somerset - 3 day stone carving course with sculptor Kate Semple

"My partner and I attended Kate’s 3 day course in early May. My career has been in education, art and design, so I’m one of those horribly difficult people to please. However, Kate’s style is fantastic. She gets you going as if by magic. Her lovely style, both relaxed with the right amount of challenge, saw us complete our sculptures on time - and our final pieces were something to be proud of. The other people on the course were great! Interesting, fun and friendly. Thank-you Kate! A brilliant memory."

Gary Day reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The two instructors were very good and equally patient. The tools and all equipment plentiful. What a wonderful lunch too. It was a very nice 71st birthday present. Although the rest of the participants were considerably younger."

Jill Rock reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Very thorough very careful - basic info with thoughts for further works. Amazing how much can happen in a morning. - enjoyable too."

Nicola L reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Richard was so helpful and patient and the course was great fun, creative and interesting. I’ll definitely be doing more!"

Jackie and Julie Botten reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"Absolutely excellent course. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much Kathryn for a totally immersive experience."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Hi Jackie and Julie. It was great to meet you both. I'm so pleased you enjoyed this morning, as did I. It would be wonderful to see you again sometime."

Chris Breach reviewed: Glass Fusing Day

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day with you. The course was booked as a Mother's Day present by my daughter. I was very pleased with the bowl I made for myself and the hanging, mermaid plaque for my daughter. It was a very friendly session and I would like to have another go sometime. (I can recommend the delicious cakes next door too!)"

Stained Glass & Pottery Workshop responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Chris. It was a pleasure to have you there and the bowl and the mermaid plaque turned out beautifully! Well done. "

John Lewis reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This course is tailored to reflect your skills and capabilities. The day is just you and Stuart the tutor. Stuart is a very patient and highly skilled craftsman who clearly loves his craft. I had never done wood turning and by the end of the day had created a beautiful bowl and a garden dibber! Stuart’s workshop is well equipped and a comfortable space for learning - and located in an amazing highland setting. If you want an intro to this craft or be helped to hone your existing skills this is a great course for you. And good value too!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks John. Glad you enjoyed the day. Stuart."

Debbie reviewed: Basic plasterboarding and finishing course

"Excellent course. David taught us plasterboarding in clear steps and kept us engaged through a mix of direct teaching, questioning and practical experience. He watched us carefully and gave individual hints so that we left feeling confident that we could tackle our projects. Thank you David!"

Ian [from Lancaster] reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"Attended early May 2022, had a fantastic day. Dave is very knowledgeable, patient, skilful and a great teacher. During the day I got to shape a kitchen knife blade, harden it in a forge and cool in oil, grind the bevel edge, choose the wooden handle scales, shape them and secure to the blade, polish the handle and sharpen the blade. I left having learnt so much about blade-smithing and how to look after and sharpen kitchen knives, plus I have a beautiful kitchen knife that is razor sharp and will be in my family for many generations to come. thank you Dave for a wonderful day and making me feel so welcome."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Many thanks for taking the time to write such a fantastic review Ian, massively appreciate it thank you very much. Brilliant to meet you and have you in the forge, you did a cracking job with your knife well done. Kindest regards Dave"

Ann P reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Having done a couple of courses previously I both enjoyed and appreciated the time Amanda spent on going through some of the theory and techniques and the emphasis throughout on safety. Lots of very useful practical advice. Kiln carving was new to me and the finished results our group produced were I think excellent and don’t look like a first attempt by beginners, thanks to Amanda’s excellent support and guidance!"

Lee Dale reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"A massive thankyou to Chris for teaching and guiding me through a 3-hour glass blowing lesson. My wife had bought it for me for my 50th and it will certainly be remembered. The course was delivered with a calm, professional and fun tone. I was able to try my hand at pretty much everything and was amazed at how much was taught to me as well as how much I was able to take home with me, after cooling. 4 Vases, 2 bowls and 2 paperweights. I cannot praise Chris and Ang enough for all the help and guidance they gave me and the relaxed and comfortable way that the course was delivered. I highly recommend anyone with an interest in Glass blowing to give this course a go. Many thanks Lee"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Lee, we are so glad you enjoyed your time at our studio. Regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Steven Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I have recently been on this course, Well what can I say, It was amazing, I enjoyed every moment of my experience, what a great gift! It’s so much better than getting a jumper for Christmas! The guys were brilliant, chilled and supportive. Even when my dragon coat hook looks more like a dinosaur! ? My little boy loves it! I will be booking again soon. I must add the food and company ( the other participants) were great too! Thank you so much! Adrian, Andy and Debbie"

Gavin reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I have book 1 day so far with Bill to learn about wood turning and thoroughly enjoyed it. He is a fabulous teacher and very patient and accommodating to your learning wishes. I wanted to get going on a specific project and Bill therefore shaped the coaching around what I needed to know to successfully achieve my goal. I'd recommend Bill and the course to anyone interested in wood turning and will definitely be going back again to learn a bit more! Thanks Bill."

Mark Ivens reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I'd always wanted to try woodturning but never attempted it. So my wife bought this for me as a birthday gift 'experience'. I'm familiar with turning metal but working with wood is both physical and creative. This day was so much more than an experience, with excellent tuition and guidance. Many aspects of woodturning may seem intuitive but to understand it and learn how to do it safely you need a proper introduction. I learned a lot as well as getting good down-to-earth advice. Recommended"

Jan Warren reviewed: Spring colours fused glass at home kit from Cheryl Steventon Glass

"Thoroughly enjoyed doing this kit. The instructions were easy to follow and the colours are vibrant."

Cheryl Steventon Glass responded:

"Thank you Jan! Your sun catcher design is beautiful!"

Marlene reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop - Cambridgeshire

"I had a wonderful day and made a fantastic selection of products to take home. Carole and Julie were so helpful in teaching us the process. Lunch was an added bonus. I would highly recommend this workshop"

Peter Middlemiss reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"What a fantastic teacher! I couldn’t fault the day even if I wanted to. Technical insights into many aspects of turning were superb I can’t wait to get home and put them into practice. Les was great so warm and friendly put me at my ease with the patience of a saint. I couldn’t recommend this course more for beginner or experienced turner. I will be back next year for another session once I have mastered the skills that Les has taught me."

Pren responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Peter. I enjoyed working with you and look forward to meeting you again. Les"

Yaran reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"This is a much more fun workshop than I thought! First of all, Vicky has been so flexible with the date so that I actually enjoyed a whole course for just myself. Secondly, the course was very informative and interesting. Vicky demonstrated the skills perfectly and allowed a lot of my own creative ideas. She helped a lot to make my ideas come true via this amazing handcraft skill. Lastly, Vicky was super nice to even wait for me at the entrance in case I drove past (which I did). I enjoyed her chat and company. I actually found all sorts of people are trying this and it can be a real fun thing to do with friends and family! Definitely recommended!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Thank you so much, I always say every day is a school day and I learnt some amazing guinea pig facts from you which I shall be sharing with my friend!"

Nicky - 28th April 2022 reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"A really enjoyable, fun day. Jo is an excellent teacher and the setting was beautiful, surrounded by her lovely garden and amazing sculptures. The resulting moongazing hare was so cleverly constructed and each one of us created a unique sculpture. I highly recommend this experience. Thank you Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"My pleasure Nicky! So pleased you enjoyed the studio and surroundings as well as the day making your wonderful hare. Jo x"

John reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Having done a couple of courses at Ben's workshop in London, I couldn't wait to give this one a go. Redwood Valley is lovely, the workshop is really well equipped and the local town is good for a pizza and a few pints when you're done for the day. Ben is a natural teacher, an expert craftsman and above all a really nice bloke. He has designed the course brilliantly, with a mixture of teamwork (steam bending was great) and individual time on the shave horse. Our group ranged in ability from experienced woodworkers to total beginners and everyone came away with an impressive chair. I'll have fond memories of that week for years to come, not only because I have made a lovely piece of furniture for the home, but spending seven days with a group of lovely people, working and eating together."

Dawn Habany reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"Loved the three little birds course. We had a very enjoyable afternoon. Highly recommend! Thank you Melanie."

Ingrid reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"We have had an excellent day making our Strumstick Dulcimers with Ted. I am a complete novice at woodworking, and my husband had some experience. We were patiently guided through the process, introduced to all sorts of tools and made our very own instruments with just a little helping hand every now and then! And were entertained with stories and anecdotes. All we need to do now is learn to play our Strumsticks."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thank you Ingrid you and Peter were such great people and I had a good time too. So glad we managed to build both instruments to a good standard. If you do feel like another course just get in touch OK? Kind regards Ted "

Stuart reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"I don’t think I can add much to the reviews already on here. Unhurried instruction and a great environment to learn in. Stayed locally in a B&B but camping an option on site. As well as learning the skills to build your own shave horse, Andy was happy to share his knowledge about all woodland related things."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Stuart, for your positive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the environment at Sallerton Wood, and we hope that you have many hours of enjoyment using the Shave Horse that you made. Thanks for supporting us by joining us on this course, and indeed by writing your review. "