Latest reviews

Hannah Bramble reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"I joined my husband for a session with Dave and we had such a wonderful time. I'm not that practical or practiced with knives or axes and yet even I found some ability and came out the end with something that really resembled a spoon. A lot of that credit goes to Dave's skilled teaching. Very grateful for a wholesome afternoon learning an interesting skill. "

Woodwyrm responded:

"Cheers Hannah, I really enjoyed our afternoon. You were both excellent students. Many thanks, Dave"

Joe Bramble reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"My wife and I spent a lovely afternoon with Dave. He's a very knowledgeable teacher and we learned a lot while with him. We were so engrossed that the time absolutely flew by and we ended the session with two very unique but useable spoons! I'd recommend Dave to anyone interested in carving as he'll definitely set you off on the right path. I now intend to buy my very own tools and will be attempting to complete the whole cutlery set!"

Woodwyrm responded:

"Many thanks Joe, It was a splendid afternoon. Really happy to hear you're going to carry on carving. Have fun and keep your knives sharp. Cheers."

Paul reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"This was a brilliant day. Arian firstly showed us the basics of blacksmithing and we then practised the techniques to produce a sample piece. There were four of us on the workshop and we each had an anvil. There were two forges and so there was no queueing for anvil/forge. Having made our sample pieces we then decided on our main project of the day. What was great about this day was we were able to decide on the object. I chose to make a pair of tongs and the other three people chose quite different products. Arian was very supportive in us choosing what we wanted to make and gave valuable advice throughout. The split between talk and learning through doing was just right. The refreshments provided through the day were very welcome. I appreciated that the workshop didn't finish on the dot at 4.30 but we were able to continue to complete our projects. To summarise - thank you Arian for a really enjoyable day when you taught us a number of techniques and for your patience when things didn't quite go to plan."

Arian's Forge responded:

"Kind thanks Paul for this thoughtful review. I'm really glad that you managed to complete your chosen project, and I hope the fire tongs will serve you for years to come. Yes, as you say, I enjoy supporting the participants to come up with their own ideas and designs, based on an introductory set of skills and techniques. Thank you again, and you're welcome back any time ! "

Liz & Alan reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Great day out with Louise & Simon. Thoroughly enjoyable and fun whilst learning 2 new skills. The time flew by and would definitely recommend. Also fabulous lunch provided "

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

"We're so pleased you enjoyed your Pairs 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience with us here in the Blended Monkey studios :-). You both rose to the challenges of woodturning and pottery; creating some beautiful work in the process! Thank you for your lovely review. We hope to see you again sometime."

Helen & James reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"What a great day! Martin is a terrific teacher - patient, clear instructions and always on hand to help out. The time flew by and we all left with our project completed. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn something new. Thank you Martin!"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the workshop, I hope to see you again."

Shaun Laycock reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"A brilliant day out I had a fantastic time at the Yorkshire rose stone carving class. It was definitely harder than it looks but that made it all the more satisfying. The day was relaxed and the teaching excellent - patient, clear, and encouraging throughout. Whether you’re a complete beginner like me or have some experience, it’s a great hands on way to try something different and challenging. "

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you do much for your great review. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day!"

Aaa reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Hanbury Hall

"Excellent wood carving course. Really enjoyed the two days"

Nicholas Fitzgerald reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Very well presented course by Richard and would highly recommend if you’re planning on taking on resin projects "

Ryan reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Had a superb day with John at Kerr Forge making a beautiful kitchen knife with my dad. Wanted to make something that I could eventually pass on to my daughter, and the whole experience really did not disappoint. After some initial design discussion and the unavoidable health and safety brief (the forge can reach 1,500 Centigrade so understandable), we were let loose on some steel. John will provide as much or as little guidance as you want, so you really will get a lot out of the day either way - we enjoyed a lot of autonomy, and particularly liked John’s explanation of what was happening and why during the hammering, shaping, grinding, normalising, hardening, and tempering stages. Side note - this is an actual, working forge, so please do bear this in mind when you visit - this isn’t an immaculate hobbyists shed, so be prepared for an authentic interior; I felt this really added to the experience to be honest, and reminded me of visiting my grandfather’s workplace when I was a child. The finished product really is stunning (and very sharp, as demonstrated by John shaving a bit of his arm ha!) and has left us with a great day of memories, and a physical reminder that will serve for many years I am sure. Highly recommended!!!"

Joanne Stephenson reviewed: Mandala Creation Dotting Workshop in Derbyshire

"Great afternoon with Tamsin who took us through the basics of mandala dotting to being able to complete a piece of art to rake away. All in 4 hours! Tamsin has the talent to know when to help and when to step back and let your creative thoughts take over. I enjoyed it so much I bought a mandala beginners kit so I can continue at home. "

Tamdala responded:

"So lovely to meet you Joanne and thankyou for your lovely words. Im really pleased you enjoyed this creative practice and want to continue at home. Your mandala was brilliant xx"

Linda reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"I took part in the pole lathe course on Saturday and had such a lovely and absorbing day with the group making my mallet. Both the tutor and assistant made it such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with supportive and informative teaching. The experiential style of teaching suited me perfectly and I got so much out of it. I’ll be on the look out for similar courses. Thank you so much! 🙂"

Malcolm Shield reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Had a great day set at a relaxed pace which was informative and instructive. We all came away with functional fully completed knives. Alex is a good teacher. "

Mollie reviewed: Raw Fleece to...Tuffets: Making Seat Mats / Cushions

"An extremely excellent day - thank you. Lovely lunch and enjoyed working outside. A comprehensive set of notes and clear explanation of techniques. Hoping to make more ;tuffets' at home."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Was a wonderful day, really enjoyed helping you make your tuffets - enjoy using it!"

Annette reviewed: SAORI weaving taster session

"I can absolutely recommend Amanda's two hour SAORI Taster course. I found the loom easy to use and with Amanda's encouragement soon began to play with different materials and techniques to produce a wall hanging to take home. Even if, like me, you are not very artistic, using this loom you will have fun and produce your own unique piece of cloth. "

Ellon reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"What a fantastic workshop! Martin was amazing. He had endless patience and provided excellent tuition. I would definitely recommend this!"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Vanessa Roberts reviewed: Embroidery Workshop - Beaks & Bobbins' Cottage Garden, Ilkley

"Lovely day, lovely tutor."

Duttons for Buttons responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed your day! Thank you for the review. Hope we see you again soon, best wishes, Deborah"

Caroline reviewed: Design and Sew a Craft Apron Ages 8 -16 years POCKLINGTON

"This was a lovely, relaxing and informative course and everyone was supported to succeed. Very well resourced and great value."

Sharon Cawood reviewed: Creative Textiles ALLERTHORPE nr POCKLINGTON

"Only ever used my sewing machine for dressmaking and soft furnishings before so the free motion embroidery class was a real revelation as to what my machine can do. I had no experience before and I am definitely not artistic but found the class very easy to follow and produced some great work. Quality materials and helpful notes were also included. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone."

AliT reviewed: Sparkling Festive Threads Collection (UK Postage only)

"Beautiful thread selection. Very fine, can’t wait to start seeing with them. Nicely curated selection of colours, esp for festive projects."

Nicolette reviewed: Willow Trug Workshop in the Woods

"I absolutely adored this course. Suz was a great teacher and I learnt so much. I am very happy with my basket and can't wait to try and use my new skills to make another at home. Will also be very keen to do another course with Suz in that lovely woodland setting."

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Thank you for your review! I'm glad that you've caught the basketry bug!"

Lisa reviewed: Weave a tartan scarf in a day workshop

"Fantastic course , had a lovely day learning to make a scaft"

Radical Weavers responded:

"Thanks so much Lisa - hopefully see you soon!"

Denise reviewed: Bangle Making Workshop - Traditional Silversmithing Skills

"We had a great time making bangles, charlotte obviously knows her stuff and talked us through every process, in a relaxed way. It was such a brilliant morning and we all came away with a lovely wearable bangle."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for attending our workshop Denise, I'm so glad you all enjoyed it. Wear your beautiful bangles with pride! "

Sarah Irving reviewed: Loom Weaving Taster Workshop

"Great workshop. Teacher gives clear individual guidance. Good ratio of tutor to 'students." Would definitely recommend."

Lou Woo Designs responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was a real pleasure to have you at the workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and found the guidance helpful. It means a lot to hear you'd recommend it."

Gail Martin reviewed: Copper Mushroom Making workshop

"Kami made me feel welcome straight away. She willing shares her extensive knowledge (& biscuits) & even let me rummage through her tools. She is an excellent teacher & explained everything in detail, not just the how but the why - which is a key part of learning. I love the fact she recycles materials for the project & makes repeating the process at home accessible through the use of everyday or easily found tools & equipment. We ran well over time in order to get the mushrooms finished - appreciated :) & very very pleased with the results! Loved the workshop Kami! I shall be back for more :)"

Mya Designs responded:

"Thanks so much for a lovely review. Gail! It was great to watch you progress and apply some of the processes you already use in leatherwork, I learnt from you too! The textures you chose for the caps were lovely and unique and you challenged yourself to make a cup-shaped mushroom which can be tricky to solder and you did it really well. You managed to create a range of beautiful colours to finish your pieces. You're a fabulous student so do keep learning new crafts to add to your collection of skills and knowledge. You're so welcome back anytime :)"

Abi reviewed: Stained Glass using the Copper Foil Technique

"We have had an amazing day with Elaine. She guided us through each stage of the process giving us time to work independently and seek her help as much as we needed. So many more stages and techniques than we had realised! We honestly didn’t think we would create something as good as we did. Lovely setting and hospitality throughout the whole day. Thank you so much."

Stained Glass by Elaine Alexandra responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. As you said in your review, there are several stages to completing a project and there is a lot of information to take in and absorb especially when starting as a "newbie" to stained glass. I hope your dragonfly and bumblebee will look great in your garden. With Best Wishes Elaine"