Latest reviews

Kay reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"A well organised workshop and friendly atmosphere. Jason gave very good demonstrations and helpful advice. I had a very enjoyable and productive day - I didn't finish what I was making but I hadn't gone with that intention - I'm aiming to join further classes with Jason to learn more and to finish my project."

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thanks for your review Kay! It was a lovely day with a diversity of ideas to help along . Great to work with a lively group happy to learn carving techniques."

Andy reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A really enjoyable two day course, with Sebastian providing a great environment. His knowledge, expertise and guidance provided all that I needed to produce a piece of work that I am really happy with. I will certainly go back and get some more inspiration."

Tim Stocker reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I completed a one day course with Alex, it was a full day and really interesting, Alex would demonstrate how to heat and bend the metal and then you repeat the process yourself. I made a Obelisk (Plant Climber) and a bottle opener, I was very pleased with the end result. Alex is very friendly and a good instructor. The Chalk Pits Museum is also an ideal setting. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone who wants to have a go at Blacksmithing."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Tim, That's great to know that you're happy with what you made and learnt. I'm glad you'd recommend the experience. Thanks for the great review, much appreciated. Alex"

Louise reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"The whole was excellent. Great demonstrations. Fun Fun Fun!"

Judith Johnson reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"This is a superb course. Helen is an outstanding tutor. She guides you through the weekend with experience and wit. The west riding stone carving association venue is great. And the members who were working alongside of us really friendly and helpful. Please do not hesitate to try this course, you will be so glad that you did. Enjoy."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you very much for your outstanding review. You were all all a pleasure to meet."

Penny Young reviewed: The Art of Woven Tapestry

"A hugely enjoyable day with Hilary learning to weave a tapestry. She teaches several techniques which I put into practice to produce a colourful sampler on a frame to take home and use for reference. Expert tuition in a very relaxed atmosphere with lots of chat and laughs. I was delighted with my first attempts at weaving and am looking forward very much to starting my first proper project. Highly recommended."

Totally Textiles responded:

"thank you so much for the review Penny - much appreciated. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you. Happy weaving! Hilary"

Ali Donaldson reviewed: Mosaic wall hangings using vintage and retro china

"What a lovely day, hard work but everyone produced great mosaic pieces with Wendy’s patience and skill to help us at every step. Thank you."

Wendy's Mosaic Designs responded:

"Hi Ali Thank you very much for leaving this lovely review. I’m looking forward to seeing the picture of your grouted mosaic."

Wendy reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Really awesome day. Didn't think I could make jewellery. By the end of the day - Hey Presto - Key rings and stacking rings made. Thank you Jonathan for being so patient."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Wendy - you did really well - No magic, just concentration and some hard work. Well done! Jonathan"

Angela Moore reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"This was a really well managed and informative morning set in a wonderful woodland hideaway. The plant supports were just the right level of challenge for 3 hours and I came away with a useful and beautiful adornment for my garden."

Willowandyoga responded:

"Hi Angela, I am so pleased you enjoyed your morning, it was a delight to have you on the course. Warm wishes Nicki and Brian"

Jimmy Lang reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"On the 1 Day Course Stuart took me thru the Safety and Health aspects required to make sure I would not do anything to endanger myself; he also covered all types of wood and what type was best for different projects. I arrived on the day with a project already suggested by my wife, a "Darning Mushroom". Stuart helped me choice the piece of wood, remove the bark and get it ready for the lathe, then guided me while I worked on the lathe. My wife was very happy with the finished project. Stuart has a natural ability to communicate instructions and make it enjoyable. A fantastic day with new skills learned and a hand made gift for my wife. I cannot recommend Stuart and his course highly enough."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Jimmy, Thanks for the review and glad the boss liked your efforts. Well done. Stuart."

Julie S reviewed: Trio of Silver Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"My friend and I had such a lovely day, together with three others - and we left with three lovely rings each which, to be honest looked a lot more professional than I expected having never made any jewellery before. Nina is very welcoming, she also ran the workshop really well, explaining and demonstrating the processes clearly, letting us get on with it but helping us out where necessary, answering our numerous questions and sorting out any little issues we created! I'm really looking forward to joining Nina on other workshops and will probably do this one again - you can never have too many stacking rings. Just a note, google maps takes you to the right place but you need to know that Lynx Roux is halfway down a snicket (alley depending on where you're from) between the church and the shops."

KRISTINA WIGGETT reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"I did the private 1:1 traditional stained glass 1 day course. The whole experience was FANTASTIC - I had a wonderful, fun day. Prior to the course, Gill had emailed me some extra info and driving directions - which I really appreciated. On the day itself, from the moment I met Gill, I realised it would be great day. Gill is AMAZING: she has a great personality and she is a extremely good teacher: very knowledgeable and very patient. Gill had prepared a table for me with an information pack, tools and a bottle of water. (she also made me a few cups of tea as well) I was a complete novice, but I didn't need to worry: Gill explained every step of the process, showed how to do things and then let me do it. When things didn't go always as planned, Gill helped me again and again with a lot of patience. We also had a very nice, very relaxing lunch in the onside café - very yummy and all homemade. In the evening I went home with a beautiful suncatcher and a lot of knowledge. I couldn't have wished for a better teacher and I can recommend this course 100% !"

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

"A fabulous gift for my husband. He really enjoyed learning from a very generous and highly skilled expert. Exceptionally high-quality results achievable in one day and a very personalised, thoughtful experience."

Pren responded:

"Thank you for your review and your kind words. I enjoyed working with Ian and we had a busy, productive morning. In the afternoon, when Leon joined in as well, the learning was less intense, more relaxed and every bit as enjoyable. I am really pleased that we all enjoyed our day."

Angela C reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"My rooms have always looked a bit hotch-potch but I feel so much more confident thanks to Dawn's excellent patience and clear explanations. I enjoyed learning about mixing colours and especially liked the visit to a near-by store to look at fabrics and furniture. Dawn's own house gave me lots of ideas and I can't wait to start re-designing my home. I spent a lovely day learning something new and would highly recommend the course."

DM Interior Design responded:

"Thank you Angela! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and felt you'd come away with lots of inspiration. It was a pleasure meeting you and I wish you well with your lounge and any future projects in your home. Do let me know if I can be of any further assistance. Very best wishes Dawn"

Steve reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs woodturning workshop

"We attended a half day turning course in April 2022. Simon is very patient and takes his time to explain the reason why things should be done in a certain way and doesn't rush you. Very enjoyable afternoon along with the coffee and biscuits. I would recommend a visit to Simon if you're curious about what's involved in wood turning or as we did, just wanted a bit of fun and something different."

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

"Hi Steve, Thanks for your lovely review and so glad you had such a fun and enjoyable experience. -- Simon"

Nicky reviewed: Lino Print Workshop with lunch & wine included at Hanwell Wine Estate

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day and came home with a print that was better than I had hoped for"

Rural Antics, Hanwell Wine Estate responded:

"Thank you for leaving a review. Great to hear you enjoyed your day."

Julie reviewed: Woodwork Day Course

"I had a great day on the course. Totally new to woodwork so completely different medium for me to get used to. Ted was a great teacher and very patient with me. Learnt lots and I will need some practice but very enjoyable day. Thank you Ted."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Julie I am glad to hear you had a nice day here in the workshop and looking forward to seeing you on another course soon, maybe the bandsaw box ? Kind regards Ted"

Gill Brown reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"Absolutely fantastic four hours worth of tuition. We learned a lot about silver clay and what could be done with it. My thirteen year old granddaughter made herself a sun pendant and I made a leaf broach - we were both very impressed with what we managed to do within the time. Sandra is an excellent tutor and also has the most amazing jewellery collection that she has made. I will be booking for the other course she runs in silver jewellery as I now want to learn more. Thank you Sandra for a super day."

Sandra Kerns Jewellery responded:

"Thank you - it was lovely to meet you both. Your pieces were really lovely too"

Maria reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I really enjoyed my day learning about felt art ….and know I have a lot more to learn! Barbara was very hospitable, had a great choice of wools and silks and colours."

Charlotte reviewed: Creative embellishment pack - lucky dip

"Excellent quality materials and the packs included things that I wouldn't normally use in colours that I wouldn't normally choose (I told Jessica to just randomly pick 2 contrasting colours for the packs). This was just what I wanted and needed. She very kindly answered my follow up questions. Thank you!"

Jessica Grady embroidery artist responded:

"Thanks Charlotte, hope you enjoy the packs and having a go with some new materials!"

Jean Whittaker reviewed: 'Art your way' with Jill Jones FRSA, 3 hours

"I was not disappointed returning for another four days of painting, learning new and exciting techniques. I can accomplish seascapes and boats with confidence and have now moved onto landscapes with Jill’s expert tuition, so much has been achieved. Jill is so encouraging, instills confidence and makes painting fun. The delicious lunches (which we had in their lovely garden) adds to the ambience. The classes are a joy and I cannot wait to return, well worth the ten hour drive from Scotland. Thank you again."

Jill Jones Fine Art responded:

"Hi Jean, Your progress is simply stunning - I'm so pleased you could join us again here (and you brought lovely weather with you!) Keep up the painting! Jill"

Emma reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"A professional yet friendly course which allowed me to fully disconnect from my day to day life and enjoy being creative alongside meeting people with similar interests. Thank you for looking after us so well Jo and I would 100% recommend your sculpture workshop."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Emma - and well done on being the first to try out a new finishing technique on your human sculpture - looked really, really fabulous! Jo x"

Clare Downton reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I can’t recommend Jo’s course highly enough. We had a fabulous weekend in Jo’s beautiful studio. I was a little nervous being a complete novice but this is such well thought through course. Jo manages that perfect balance of expertise, with perfectly timed gentle nudges in the right direction, and freedom to create. Andy provided the armature cores which provide the perfect start. I am just so proud of my dog. He makes me smile every time I look at him and am so looking forward to trying out my hare and person kits - although I’ll give my hands a little rest first ! Thank you for a very special weekend Jo and Andy."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Clare - I fell in love with your dog sculpture and am planning my own version in memory of a four legged friend from long ago ?. Enjoy making the kits! Jo xx"

Mike reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"What a wonderful day making a Viking knife. Spike is a born teacher - very knowledgeable with an outstanding manner. His knowledge and clear enthusiasm for his craft come shining through and he is obviously delighted to pass it on and share it with others. He gives a thorough safety briefing at the beginning and during the course and keeps a careful, albeit, unobtrusive eye on his participants. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course and any others that Spike offers to someone who would enjoy an experience with a difference."

Ross reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My brother and I attended Alan's spoon carving course this weekend. We both found it an awesome day. Alan was very knowledgeable and re-enforced safe carving techniques. We had both dabbled in carving but very sporadically and were both very rusty. Alan provided all the equipment which included a variety of different knives/axes. As soon as we arrived, Alan and Sim made us very welcome with a nice pot of coffee and good chat. Sim prepared some amazing home baked goods for snacks and lunch. All in all a very enjoyable day which seemed to finish in a flash (which shows how much fun we were having). If you are interested in giving carving a go, I would not hesitate to recommended this day course as an introduction!"