Latest reviews

Michael Hickman reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a little previous experience, which through lack of use had been mostly lost. Colin patiently and kindly built confidence in me that I had not had before. My skills, although still needing much work, are definitely building on a better foundation than before. I would encourage anyone looking to improve any aspect of their wood turning to call upon Colin's experience and skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Mike. Enjoy your turning. Please get back in touch if I can help in the future. Regards, Colin"

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

"I received a wood turning work shop for a birthday gift. I have always wanted to have a go at wood turning and this was an ideal way to do it. Simon is friendly and patient and very informative, I learned a lot, I would recommend it to any one and the added bonus I came away with a nice piece."

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

"Hi Dan, Thanks so much for your review and really glad you had an enjoyable day. Any queries or questions please get in touch. -- Simon"

Cathy Manning reviewed: 'Winged things'. Make a mosaic Bird, Dragonfly or Bumble bee in Ampthill, Beds.

"This was such an enjoyable day. Emily was a clear, patient, encouraging and attentive teacher and the group was small, relaxed and friendly. There was a wonderful range of resources to choose from and I was very happy with my first attempt at this new skill. The refreshments were delicious. I would definitely recommend this day and hope to come back and do another course soon."

Stories In Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Cathy. I am delighted that you had a good day and were pleased with the green mosaic bird that you made (it was beautiful...well done!) It was a real pleasure to have you here at a 'Stories in Glass' workshop. I hoped you feel inspired enough to return one day soon. Very best wishes. Emily"

Matt reviewed: Box making workshop

"My wife and I attended Jake and Gaz’s box-making class and it was BRILLIANT! The way the class was taught, breaking the whole process down in to small manageable steps made the idea of box making, simple and not intimidating. The patience Jake and Gaz showed us, even staying late to let us sand and complete our boxes, couldn’t have been better. Two lovely guys and great teachers. Thanks guys, Matt & Jolene"

Danny Holliday reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Jamal's one day Stained Glass and Leading course was absolutely fantastic. I've always had an interest in stained glass. It was a really informative course and I found it incredibly interesting. Jamal is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and patient. I was part of a course with two other people. The practical elements of the course were great. I learned all of the steps involved in producing a piece of stained glass and had a lovely little product I'd made over the course of the day to take home and display. I'd highly recommend the course. A fantastic experience if you have an interest in this area or just want to try something new. I had an interest without ever having had a go at it. I'm glad I did!"

Elizabeth reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop - Cambridgeshire

"I would like to thank Miller and Ward for a fantastic workshop learning how to make scented candles. I would definitely recommend it to inspire you to make your own stock or as an excellent local alternative for Christmas and special gifts instead of shop bought. A really enjoyable day and my own created candles to take home too!"

Martin and Colette reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We both had a thoroughly good time. Hosts were very welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. Lots of fun was had and we look forward to seeing our finished creations!"

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

"I'm so pleased you guys enjoyed the day :-). It was lovely having you in the studio and I'm also looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations once they are glazed and fired. Well done for achieving so much across all four disciplines of working with clay!"

Joanne Jackson reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"What a fantastic day from start to finish. There was such a lovely atmosphere and Jo the instructor was excellent. Jo had so much patience and explained the instructions clearly, with clear demonstrations. Jo was so approachable and friendly; nothing was too much trouble. I have thoroughly enjoyed the day and would highly recommend this course. So much so, I have booked on for a new course which I am looking forward to in a few weeks time. I am so proud of the work that Jo helped me to produce and I am looking forward to practising on them for my next footstool. Get booked on!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Jo!!!! What an amazing review. Thank you so much. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. You were a pleasure to teach and so lovely to have met you. I look forward to seeing you again in May for furniture painting. x"

Sam reviewed: Silver clay workshop: Lentil bean wish bracelet

"Great course for beginners and more experienced crafters alike. Julie was welcoming and had a great plan for the session with the perfect balance of instruction and activity. Really enjoyed making the bracelet and wish I'd had enough time to make another in the session! Lovely venue too so a thoroughly enjoyable day out."

Helen Fields reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"I attended one of Derek Hunt's Leaded Glass Taster Days at his lovely studio in Medbourne. It was a wonderful experience and I was thrilled at the standard of panel I was able to go home with, especially as I have no background or skills in art. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and Derek gave clear, calm instructions and gave as much help as was required by each person. I came with no experience and learnt a variety of skills without ever feeling pressured or rushed. Derek was very warm and welcoming and it was so interesting to be taught by someone with such extensive knowledge. I would highly recommend this course, not just for what you produce, but for the tonic of concentrating for a day on producing something of beauty."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hello Helen, thank you so much for your kind words, very much appreciated. Great to know you enjoyed the course. With best wishes as always, Derek"

Sue hatch reviewed: Blacksmithing one day course

"I really enjoyed my first course with William. He was really helpful and knowledgeable. I intend to return again soon. It is a brilliant, well equipped workshop."

S & J reviewed: Clay sculpture workshop

"We did a 2 day weekend sculpting course with Jan. Jan is an incredibly talented sculptor and we learned so much. We’ve both completed two recognisable and individual pieces that we’re proud of. Gold star for Jan and for the experience, thank you."

Alex reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"My wife bought me this gate-making course for a present. She knew that I liked a “doing” activity present and we were not disappointed! Jed was a lovely guy to spend a weekend with and a skilled teacher as well as a skilled woodworker. Over the two days, with his help, I turned a pile of greenwood logs into a beautiful garden gate that I brought home to the delight of my wife. Two days of hard work, a plentiful supply of coffee and the use of Jed’s superb range of tools made it a weekend to remember. Thank you for all of that Jed."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Alex, Was a pleasure sharing your company!"

Hannah Browning reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I booked this course on the strength of the reviews and I just wanted to take time to echo what others have said! The course exceeded all expectations. Mark was a very welcoming and knowledgable host who had set up his 'workshop' with care. Everything had been set out and was explained, allowing us to learn about the craft of green woodwork, not just to create the final object. This time of year (April) his woodland was looking beautiful, and we worked with a 360 degree view of bluebells and woodland anemones. There was a perfect balance of instruction and practical, with Mark always on hand to support. The benefit of learning in a small group was we all got a great deal of individual attention. Lunch, provided by Christina, was delicious. Home made soup, cake and coffee at the dining room of their home was a real highlight of my day, and allowed us to get to know the other people and to hear about Mark's future plans. An after-lunch stroll around the woodland was a lovely touch too, allowed us to appreciate the environment and hear about woodland management. The afternoon flew past as we were so focussed on creating our spoons! We left with not only a spoon, but also knowledge of how to make another, tips and techniques and felt very inspired thanks to Mark's enthusiasm and passion. I completed this with my 14 year old son (his choice of birthday present for himself!) Mark was very patient with us both and I would highly recommended this course, for young or old. A fabulous day and one we will remember for the rest of our lives."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah, thank you so much for the lovely review. Glad you both enjoyed and got so much out of the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Hedy Parkin reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"There was something special about the day. There were just three of us and we got a very a warm welcome from Liz in her super studio, which is clean and bright and has inspirational views. Liz gave us a good, clear, step-by-step guide and then left us to create and enjoy. She didn't crowd us, but was there to guide, encourage and answer any questions. I've not used this technique before but I am definitely going to try it at home. The day was well paced and we all left feeling very happy with what we had achieved."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Hedy, Thanks for letting me hear about your time at The Slipper Studio. It was lovely working with you all, particularly introducing you to a new process and sharing your day. You all did so well and created some lovely pieces. I hope you can continue exploring the process, as it has so much to offer. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Indra reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"Ruth is lovely and a brilliant teacher. She made it simple and we all learned a lot. We had plenty of time to practise and we all made some pieces to be proud of. I am inspired to take pyrography up now as a hobby as I will have a good idea of what I need and how to go about it. The setting was so nice, smashing to work outside, and there was coffee/tea and cake too! Thank you Ruth x"

Katie Thorley reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Great course, Jonathan was an excellent teacher/coach. Really enjoyed my child free, crafty day. Was bought as a gift for my 40th, now I have a special piece of jewellery too. :)"

Rachel Hollis reviewed: Green wood stool making weekend

"Fantastic setting and facilities for what was an excellent weekend of learning a new craft. From the felled log to a useable stool. This course has it all. Variety of tools and techniques. Really approachable and friendly course leaders and very experienced in their skills. Refreshments and sustenance was sublime - home made hearty food for outdoor working. Plenty of tea and cake round the campfire and accommodation in shepherds hut over night was the cherry on the top! Thanks for a great weekend."

Rushmere Farm Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much for these lovely words. We were so delighted you could come and join us for this weekend of woodworking in the woods. We'd love to see you again soon on the farm."

Suriya reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Excellent course. Thoroughly enjoyed the first lesson. Very easy going and well explained at each stage of the process. Thank you for an enjoyable start to the course."

Joy Derbyshire-Wells reviewed: 'Winged things'. Make a mosaic Bird, Dragonfly or Bumble bee in Ampthill, Beds.

"What a fantastic day! Emily was an excellent teacher and I learnt so much and really enjoyed the day. The atmosphere was very relaxed and fun and Emily helped and guided everyone to make pieces we could be proud of. Emily also provided us with delicious refreshments. I would thoroughly recommend the day and would love to go back and complete another course very soon."

Stories In Glass responded:

"Thank you for choosing a 'Stories in Glass' workshop Joy and also for writing such a lovely review. I am so glad that you enjoyed your first experience of mosaic making. The dragonfly you made was simply stunning. I hope it has inspired you to embark on more mosaic projects in the future. With very best wishes. Emily"

John Pettigrew reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"Lovely venue and kind, welcoming hosts. We learned a lot and were well supported in learning a new craft - and well fed with tea and excellent home-made scones! Being given some more green wood to take home and start a second spoon with was great. There are few things more annoying than learning something fun and then not having the chance to continue. Overall, a great day and definitely recommended."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you John, we’re so glad you both enjoyed your day. If you have any questions, just ask!"

Jules reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"I loved my course with Ruth yesterday. It was a wonderful introduction to pyrography and very rewarding to get `hands-on' very quickly, learn general techniques of wood burning patterns and produce a couple of pieces to take home. I will definitely continue to learn and practice further. A great day out and a lovely mindful learning experience :)"

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"Thanks so much for the lovely review. It was lovely meeting you and inspiring you to pursue pyrography"

Jane Fennell reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Relaxed atmosphere. Came away with candles I had made. Felt I had learned something."

Julie reviewed: Needle Felt a Blue Tit (with video instructions)

"The video was really helpful in completing this kit and the ability to stop and go back to look again made the whole experience very stress free."

John Simpson reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"I found it a thoroughly enjoyable experience with clear instruction and learned a lot about the techniques involved which can be put to use elsewhere . I would wholeheartedly recommend it."

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. I totally appreciate it. It was a most enjoyable day! Di"