Latest reviews

Kirsty reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Fantastic day - great fun trying the different pottery techniques and chatting with Louise. Enjoyed every minute. Louise and Simon were lovely hosts and we highly recommend Blended Monkey."

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

"Hi Kirsty, I'm so pleased that you and Terry enjoyed your pairs pottery experience. You both made some fabulous pieces - not to mention the two massive pots that Terry threw! It was lovely to meet you both and I enjoyed chatting with you too. I'll let you know as soon as your pots have been fired :-)."

Claire reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Becky and Jonny delivered a really brilliant session and I took home a beautiful basket from the day. They were really warm and lovely and explained each step clearly and patiently. Amazing lunch too, Becky bakes a yummy Victoria Sponge cake ? thanks for a really great day."

David J Lilly reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"An interesting day that took us to places we had not suspected we'd go. Richie and I agreed it was a fun experience, we made some lovely connections with other participants, and we were both (eventually) happy with what we created."

Fred Fletcher reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Pretty well all original comments have been made in earlier reviews. I would echo all of them. The high quality of the whole experience, has obviously been maintained over a number of years and it was a wonderful birthday joy for me to be able to be part of it this weekend."

Diana Hampton reviewed: Create your dream business from candle making - One to one session

"Thank you for such a lovely day. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't realise that there was so much to know about candle making. You explained every detail/step-by-step of how to achieve a good result. My two 9-year-old grandchildren loved smelling them and saying which they liked best. I'm looking forward to using my 6 candles in the near future. Thank you again. Diana."

Nicola reviewed: Silver Metal Clay Beginners Class

"Ana is incredibly generous with her time and knowledgable advice. I love the pendant and earrings that I made. We took it at my pace so it was really fun but I also learned a lot throughout the day. I would definitely recommend!"

A CAT Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much Nicola. I also enjoyed my day with you. It was great to see how your design was made into a beautiful set. Looking forward to see your development."

Lesley Garrick reviewed: Sun-printed lampshade making workshops in Devon

"A well organised course. Bridget was a knowledgable and patient tutor. Well explained. We both made two excellent lampshades which reinforced techniques. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and had B&B too which was great after a busy day. It was lovely to see Bridget’s work around the house lit up in its glory."

Mike reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Fun day basket making with Jonny and Becky, both of whom were great teachers. The day started with a warm welcoime, a brew and a home made flapjack. We were then taken through the various different processes involved in weaving a basket from scratch, something I found easier than expected thanks to the great guidance on offer. Jonny and Becky were great hosts with plenty of refreshments on offer; we took our own lunch but very much appreciated the (second) home made cake given to us. I'm really pleased with the basket I've made and would definitely recommend this course to anyone; it's excellent value and a great day out."

Charlene reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fantastic course with a clearly experienced and knowledgeable instructor. Jonathan took great care to ensure that all of our needs - both on the course and our own comfort - were met. Attended with a friend and it was a great chance for us to have fun making something in each other's company. Highly recommended!"

Lisa reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Very enjoyable day! I was slightly apprehensive I'd be useless but Jonathan builds up skills in a logical way - and you soon feel creative and capable!"

Katie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Great course, interesting. Jonathan is very helpful - especially at fixing our mistakes. Great to try in copper first. Thanks for a lovely child free day."

Suzie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"I had this voucher as a gift back in 2019, and have finally used it! The day went a lot quicker than I expected, I learnt a lot of new techniques and made a lovely silver bangle for my daughter's birthday. Jonathan was very informative, patient and calm. Would recommend this course!"

Bev reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"A really enjoyable day learning how to make a footstool. Jo was very patient and helpful. It was a lovely group of ladies which made the day so much fun too. Thank you Jo for your help, I’m so proud of my little footstool."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Bev, you are just lovely! I was so pleased to meet you and thoroughly enjoyed the day with you. You are a natural!"

Nick Clarke reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"I purchased this chef's knife making weekend course as a gift for my brother, and decided to come along too - which turned out to be a great decision. Steve is an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge, and a highly skilled craftsman. Spending a couple of days in his company, and using the often custom made equipment in his workshop we were able to produce a couple of completely unique knives that look great as well as being practical, and I am sure will serve us well for many years to come. Thanks Steve!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Nick Thank you for your review. I'm always really pleased when students enjoy themselves so much on one of my courses. As ever the two days are full on, but the time always seems to fly by. The knives that you and your brother made are what I like to say, functional pieces of art. They certainly will serve you both very well in the kitchen. Kind regards Steve"

Charles Butler reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"John was hugely knowledgeable and made the whole day really interesting. Sue made a lovely lunch and tea and coffee all day. Many thanks to both of you."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words, it was a pleasure to have you here. You know where we are if you need bee advice. Best wishes, Sue and John"

Grace Howell reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Had a great day, would thoroughly recommend Jackie and this workshop. Relaxed and Friendly. We learnt so much and were inspired to create a great piece of mosaic work. Jackie’s step by step teaching meant we could work at our own pace and use our imagination to do something really unique. I have been totally inspired to take up mosaic as a hobby and am already planning what to do next. And she makes a great Banana cake ?"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Hi Grace Thank you for your lovely review. I loved helping you both learn all about mosaics and I’m really pleased you're going to continue to develop your skills. If you ever need any advice please get in touch. Jackie ???"

S S reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent course and teacher."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for the positive review. I learn so much from my participants, too, so grateful thanks for choosing my course. I hope you continue to make lots of shavings!"

Tom Robertshaw reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"Had an amazing time experimenting with metals and making jewellery. Kamsi was really friendly and helpful and had so much variety in what we could make! We came away with an amazing ring and necklace pendant that we never would have imagined was possible before going into the session. 100% recommend Kamsi's jewellery making course!"

Mya Designs responded:

"Guys, you did amazing! I'm impressed with how quickly you both picked up the skills after practicing mark making on copper first, hammering, sawing, punching, using a rolling mill, filing, polishing and all sorts! So glad you enjoyed the experience and happy to have you back anytime. Hope you have some lovely memories of the day with the photos I sent to help remind you. Thanks so much for a lovely review too! xx :)"

Maggie Felton reviewed: Quilting Weekend Break, Yorkshire

"The two day quilting weekend was a perfect introduction for absolute beginners to the craft of machine quilt making. The five beginners and the two novice quilters formed a friendly and encouraging group whilst Jacqueline taught at a pace that was appropriate for everyone. Jacqueline is an excellent teacher giving helpful tips for us to use for future projects. My quilt needs finishing at home, and I have been taught the skills to confidently complete my work in my own time. Jacqueline provided refreshments and delicious lunches on both days and is a warm and welcoming teacher. I wholeheartedly recommend this weekend course as the perfect way to acquire a new skill. I will certainly be keen to return in the future to learn more techniques."

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind feedback. I am pleased that you enjoyed your weekend. I love to see how students projects develop during the workshop and I hope that you will find time to continue with this therapeutic craft."

Simone reviewed: Beginners Modern Calligraphy with Laney's Lettering

"Bonnie's Modern Calligraphy class was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. She explained everything in great detail and guided the whole class through each stage. Helping us with any questions or advising us if we found something difficult. We were all made to feel very at ease as a group and given delicious refreshments. I felt I came away with not only a lovely new skill but new friends too. I recommend Bonnie's class to anyone."

Laney's Lettering responded:

"Thank you for the kind review Simone. It was absolutely lovely to meet you and to spend the afternoon teaching you. I hope you enjoy learning at home and that your new found skill complements your already wonderful set of skills! Many thanks, Bonnie"

Smarkou reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience

"I booked this course for my 15-year-old as they expressed an interest in blacksmithing. Sandy was a fantastic teacher! He was so patient and talked my child through every step, always ensuring that safety precautions were being followed. It was so enjoyable they want to go again! Definitely recommend."

Jeanette Reston reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops- one day

"My daughter and I had a fabulous day. First time we have sculpted anything and cannot believe what we created in one day with Connie as our tutor. Cannot wait to return to glaze our creations."

Michelle reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Lovely 2.5 hours. Wendy was lovely and explained the process fully. I made some lovely candles. Great fun, thank you"

James Benn reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Superb setting. Perfect working space, with everything needed at hand. Utterly professional instruction, delivered with warmth and enthusiasm. A really good day... and I had a spoon at the end of it!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"James Thank you for taking time to review your day here. I'm glad you had a good time, you carved a great spoon - I hope you're going to carve some more. ATB Mark and Cristina"

Sarah reviewed: Quilting Weekend Break, Yorkshire

"As a hand sewer I felt some trepidation about going on a 2-day quilting course which was based around the sewing machine. However, I need not have worried. Jacqueline was a marvellous teacher who gave everyone, no matter their skill level, all the time they needed. The quilt I produced wasn't perfect but for my first proper attempt with a sewing machine I was very pleased with the result. I have learnt so much. The home made lunches and cakes were a joy and the venue a good space to work in. I'll be saving up for next time."

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback. It was a pleasure teaching you; I enjoy passing on the skills of this heritage and addictive craft! Look forward to seeing you again in the future."