Latest reviews

Nessa reviewed: Fan Birds with Olly Moses at Cambridge Art Makers

"Loved this course. I am not a very talented person at practical things but Olly was super-encouraging and also patient when I wasn’t quite sure what I was doing. You get hands on really quickly and learn to use a range of tools effectively and safely. Very well-designed activities, as you practise the hardest part on a separate piece of wood rather than the one you are carving. I can’t believe I made something that was so much better than I imagined possible. Can’t wait to continue practicing all that I learned and extend the same skills to other carving projects."

Cambridge Art Makers responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to review your course. We're so glad you enjoyed the course!"

ROBERT COPE reviewed: Introduction to woodwork & hand tools

"Everything explained really clearly and at a good pace to a small group of people. I have learned a lot already and am really looking forward to part two next weekend."

Luc reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My partner bought us a day with Bob in the forge for my Christmas present. She will have trouble finding me a gift equal to the experience again! I have done a little forging and am an engineer and she has never swung a hammer so we couldn't have been further apart in skill level. Bob took this in his stride and taught both of us a lot and gave us a great day which we will certainly be repeating. His tutoring is excellent, as is the continuous flow of tea and coffee! We left the day having made a rocking pizza cutter and a set of superb coat hooks. We look forward to coming back."

Jo Guilor reviewed: ZZZ Personalised Silver Band Ring Making Course in South Devon

"Sadly due to a genuine diary mixup which was my fault, we missed the course. However the provider was unable to re-book or offer a refund due to their cancellation policy. We have therefore had to forfeit the course fee for 3 people. The provider has offered us a 10% discount as a gesture of goodwill if we choose to rebook. We are unlikely to take advantage of this. We are bitterly disappointed to have missed the course, something we had originally planned to do before the pandemic and completely accept that it was our mistake. However, the level of compromise offered by the provider is disappointing and should we decide to devote additional funds to undertake a course, we will be looking elsewhere."

Carol King reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"A brilliant day. I attended Jo's workshop with two friends and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. Being a complete novice I had no idea what I was doing, but Jo guided us through every step to produce a wonderful garden ornament by the end of the day. Jo is a great tutor and her workshop is a very relaxing place to spend a few hours being creative! Plus there was an endless supply of coffee and biscuits! Thank you Jo for a lovely day."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"My pleasure Carol ? Lovely to see you and your friends sharing some craft time together. Your hare sculptures were gorgeous. Jo xx"

Tony reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"If you want to learn how to make unique and distinctive silver jewellery, this is an excellent starting point. Kami is enthusiastic and knowledgeable in the art and techniques of working precious metals (and many other crafts) and will lead and encourage you to make something unique to you. In the process you will learn how to shape silver through rolling and forming, how to make strong solder joints and how to bring your creation to a bright and polished finish. This is a very hands-on course and the time passes quickly, whether you make a ring, a pendant or something else you will go away with your creation and an appreciation of the tools and skills needed to make more. Highly enjoyable and recommended."

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Tony, So glad you enjoyed your workshop gift from your wife, June. It was great to see that you were so enthusiastic to try lots of techniques along the way and chose just the perfect style that you would wear. A bonus point was that you applied knowledge of other soldering techniques you use at work so understood the importance of working in tiny amounts. I love your ring and, yes, time flies by and I do hope you continue with this craft. If you need any help or want to know where to buy things, just send me a text !! So proud of your achievement and thanks for a lovely review and recommendation."

Carolyn reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North Wales

"Had a wonderful day, beautiful location, great pace. Dave is a brilliant teacher, I am a novice never used pastels and thanks to Dave I have a beautiful picture that I am happy to put up in the house. Learnt so much. Thank you to Dave’s wife who made a lovely lunch too. Very happy and can’t wait to book on the next one."

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you so much Carolyn. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day. You were a really fun group to work with and you produced an amazing painting. I hope it's already framed and on your wall!! Dave"

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

"I was given this experience by my partner for Christmas. I have always wanted to try my hand at Blacksmithing so my expectations were quite high even though I didn't know what to expect from the day. I did the experience with my partner's son & well the day was amazing & far exceeded my expectations. Jon is very knowledgeable & quite happy to leave you to create your blade with very useful information along the way & at no point were you made to feel rushed & at the end of the day you come away with an amazing knife that you have made yourself from a piece of steel at the start. I will never forget my day & the wonderful memories that were created that will live with me for the rest of my life as will the knife. Thank you Jon."

Nicki reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I really enjoyed my time with Wendy learning all about the intricacies of soap making. The course was informative and easy to follow. Can't wait to try the soap I made."

Matt Trewartha reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"Amazing. What a day. What a privilege. Under the supervision and enthusiasm as Dave, the passionate tutor, I took a piece of steel and two blocks of wood and made something special. The skills and the methods used are many and the six hour course flew by. Dave just loves what he does and teaches with patience and kindness. My wife bought me this day and I have told her she should go herself and experience this. Thank you Dave."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"It was fantastic to meet you and have you in the forge for the day Matt. Many thanks indeed for the awesome review, very kind of you and massively appreciated. Really pleased you enjoyed the day, you did a great job with your knife, well done!!"

Jill Heaney reviewed: Free Motion Sewing/Applique - 1:1 course

"I spent a lovely day with Caroline learning the basics of free motion machine embroidery. She was fantastic at taking me through the processes & giving me the confidence to carry on at home. I even came away with a completed piece."

A girl in her shed responded:

"It was lovely seeing you Jill. Glad you enjoyed your day and you grasped the basics very well. Looking forward to seeing your creations."

Hazel reviewed: Introduction to candlemaking course - Minehead, Somerset

"Very welcoming and packed full of making. Lovely to be able to take home so candles to use or gift. Great cake and drinks also provided which was a lovely touch"

Twisted Flax Candles responded:

"Hi Hazel, Thanks for leaving such a lovely review. We really enjoyed having you and your daughter on our course and we are glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks, Mark and Tammy"

Zhi reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky is an excellent teacher - very professional and explains things clearly. He is very patient, and we had a blast creating four pieces each during our session! My partner had an out of the box idea for one of his creations, and Ricky was very supportive and offered suggestions on how to execute it, with lots of help along the way! Highly recommend."

Sharon Wilding reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a fabulous day. Great welcome and very relaxed in beautiful surroundings. Course took place in Jo's Garden studio. It was well equipped, beautifully organised with good products. Her tuition was fun, informative and easy to follow with plenty of guidance to obtain the great results we had at the end. We were all so pleased with our hares and who knew we were so talented! Thank you Jo for a lovely day... It was just what I needed. ☺️"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sharon ?. It was great to restart the workshops after a few months absence. I loved your more chunky hare and hope the dark copper finish verdigris is developing nicely. Jo xxx"

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

"We were given the knife crafting course for a Christmas present & it was an outstanding day! Jon is exceptionally talented, knowledgable and patient, I would visit the forge again in the future to craft more and above all would highly recommend to anyone with an itch to create. Thanks again Jon & all the best"

Adam reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Received this as a gift. Very informative and knowlegable tutor. Really enjoyed the course and have lots of ideas for future projects."

Nikki reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Very much enjoyed this course, lots of information, in a really friendly environment. Looking forward to part 2"

colin granger reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Wonderful course, Jonathon is a highly skilled craftsman, and first class communicator and teacher. The sessions were well paced, so even the slowest (me) !! could keep up and complete the two projects. If you want to just have a go at basket making ,or you are more experienced and want to learn more then I would recommend Jonathon as your first choice."

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thanks Colin, really appreciate the positive feedback. Congratulations of making two very fine baskets. Jonathon"

Karen Wooding reviewed: Cosmos embroidery kit

"I am absolutely delighted with the quality of the whole kit. Every detail has been thought of and it was beautifully packaged. It contains all you need to do the embroidery as well as very clear instructions. It has reinvigorated my love of embroidery again. The colours and design are beautiful. Could not be happier."

Elizabeth Holmes reviewed: Knitting Workshop - All Levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"A lovely few hours learning the basics of knitting, definitely aiming to go back once I've practiced a little more to improve my skills"

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you Elizabeth look forward to seeing you again"

Beryl Chillman reviewed: Powertex Mixed Media Canvas - evening - with Craft My Day

"Really good course. Looking forward to another one. Excellent tutor Rachel."

Heather Willinson reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Amazing day, home from home, so welcoming and hospitable. I loved the studio in the garden, so well equipped and John and Jill so generous with their time and resources. The food is delicious and I felt so looked after with the constant offers of drinks and home baking. A very very enjoyable and memorable day. Thank you Jill and John"

Fired Glass responded:

"Bless you Heather that's great to hear you enjoyed your time with us so much. A home from home is exactly what we try to achieve, we are delighted you felt that way. Kind regards John and Jill."

Matt reviewed: Pewter Casting - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"I cannot rate this casting course high enough. Rachel is an excellent tutor with a wonderful teaching style. I was able to have a go at a number of different types of pewter casting and came home with some lovely pieces and a complete understanding of how to try casting at home. Well worth the cost, and plenty of cups of tea which is always a bonus."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks Matt. It was so lovely to meet with you and work with you. You did brilliantly and I can’t wait to see what else you do. Stay in touch! All the best. Rach"

Peter Crowther reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I spent two days with Stuart and enjoyed every minute. It was full hands on with new skills gained all the time. I had previously watched numerous videos but most are about the presenter showing what they can do. You can't beat watching someone and then practicing yourself under Stuarts watchful eye. Its obvious Stuart enjoys imparting his vast knowledge and skills to others. We covered all aspects from selecting wood through making some great pieces to take away. I split my two days with one day between and this worked for me giving plenty of time to absorb more. I would highly recommend Stuart for any level from an introduction through to advanced skills - just look at his web site to see the quality of his work."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Pete, Glad you enjoyed your time here and yes, I do get a lot from teaching. Never really feels like a job when you enjoy it so much. Enjoy your new lathe. Stuart."

Diane Lefley reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"Great day making my creation. We have a lovely day and had plenty of laughs throughout the day. Looking forward to going back again. I would recommend the course."