Latest reviews

Karen reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"I loved my spoon carving day. I’d dabbled at home but wanted some hands on tuition and the day fitted what I wanted perfectly. I came away wishing I’d booked the follow up day as well."

Denise O’Brien reviewed: Create a willow obelisk/plant support, birdfeeder and dragonfly/butterfly for your garden (Chandlers Ford, Nr Winchester- Hampshire)

"Really lovely day. Very full and hands on. Jacquie offered help when needed.very pleased with the items that I made."

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Thankyou Denise it was a pleasure all the best Jacquie"

Thibault reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"I have had an amazing day with Ted! I am so chuffed that I came back from the day with new skills, and a new instrument! Creating the Dulcimer was such fun and I learned so many new skills. Ted is full of knowledge, and really good company. Ted also had a day full of learning with practicing his French on me! ;) I can only strongly recommend the day course with Ted! Hopefully see you again soon! Thibault"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Merci Mon ami you did have some great skills and I wasn't surprised that your instrument looked fantastic at the end of the day. Thank you for those macaroons Mon ami you are a top pastry Chef for sure. Kind regards Ted"

Debbie reviewed: Contemporary Calligraphy Introduction - Hampshire

"Very enjoyable course with just the right amount of tuition and practice. Thank you."

Linda Pennington reviewed: Joyous Dots: this will be your new relaxing hobby!

"A very enjoyable experience. Great way to spend an afternoon with friends learning a new skill."

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Linda, I enjoyed it too! It was great seeing your minimalist interpretation of Joyous Dots."

Andrew BB reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"My husband and I had an AMAZING day with Gill Rogers, completely 5 star all the way. From the moment we arrived on a very wet and windy day, we were made to feel welcome and could not have asked for more. It was so exciting learning how to cut, shape and fit the glass together, ending with a lovely stained glass panel to take home. Not only was the day delightful, the lunch at the café on-site was simply delicious, all included in the cost of the course. We will certainly try this again at some point I'm sure. I can't recommend the course enough!"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Andrew for your fabulous review, it was so great to meet you and Pete and I had such a fun day with you both! Hope to see you and Pete sometime in the near future! All my very best wishes to you both, Gill xx"

Lexie reviewed: Joyous Dots: this will be your new relaxing hobby!

"Spent a lovely afternoon with Helga in this workshop. Left with decorated cards and the tools to make more at home. Helga was a delight to work with and provided guidance, hints, tips and encouragement."

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Lexie, it was great having you all in my studio, making Joyous Dots your own with individual interpretations."

Jo S reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"A sheer joy to read and so inspirational. I read it in two sessions as putting it down was the difficult thing for me to do."

Joe Schofield, Skywings editor reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"What we have here is a very readable autobiography, tracing Tony’s art school beginnings, his life at sea, his struggle to get his small business gong, the importance of his family, the growth of his rocking horse business - ‘You don’t want to be the best of the best, you just want to be the only one to do what you do.’ Along the way he encounters setbacks, heartbreak, adversity, tragedy, chicanery, and more, but the way he outs these things behind him speaks of an unwavering determination to do things right. Rocking horses can be things of exquisite beauty, craftsmanship and not a little historical interest. His very well written, large format book is poignant, honest, unsparing, and full of insight."

Kate D reviewed: Making It with Rocking-Horses by Anthony Dew (book)

"I found this an interesting and honest account from someone who has faced the challenge of running a traditional craft business whilst raising a family. There are some heartbreaking moments but underlying all a humour that carries the story along. If you are interested in rocking horses, craftsmanship, family businesses, seamanship or paragliding... this will be the book for you!"

Harm reviewed: The Complete Rocking-Horse Maker 2 by Anthony Dew (book)

"As a keen woodworker, I find Tony's plans both comprehensive and easy to follow. The instructions are clear and there is a lot of good advice offered. A satisfying project - would recommend this book to any keen woodworkers out there."

Anthony Dew responded:

"Many thanks for your kind comments - keep on rocking! AD"

Jo C reviewed: A day of felt making: 2D and 3D Wet Felting with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"Wonderful day! Heather is a very welcoming and warm host and bakes cakes that are delicious. All the teas are offered all day long and she gives so much help and information whilst still letting you do your own thing. Definitely came away with the knowledge and excitement to felt more on my own. Which is exactly what you want when you learn a new skill!"

Millie Barlow reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"We went to Jo's class to learn as much as we could about upholstery and it was brilliant! We have a wood working business and are occasionally asked to look at upholstered pieces, Jo gave us excellent professional advice and guidance on how to approach a range of project. We worked on dining chairs with both modern and traditional upholstery methods which were very rewarding. Jo is a fantastic teacher and we learnt so many skills!"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Millie! Good luck with your business! x"

Adam & Stacey Hollingworth reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day! My wife and I bought each other a day course with Mort. Right from the start, we knew we were in safe hands. After an initial safety briefing, we fine-tuned our designs over a cup of coffee and made a start. Mort was immensely knowledgeable both within his field as well as concerning local area history and archaeology and kept us informed and entertained throughout the day. He talked us through techniques, machinery and the chemistry of fire, metals and gases while helping us bring our projects to life. My wife made an incredible candle holder for the garden wall, learning spirals and twists while somehow I managed to create an over-ambitious piece of tree art, making lots of leaves and swirly branches. It was a great day learning something new with a great (and very patient) teacher. We now look at iron and steelwork in a completely new way, appreciating its complexities and the talent that goes into making everything from stately home gates to bottle openers. A truly memorable day and well worth the money. Thank you Mort for the fascinating day, facts, history, laughs and for keeping the art of blacksmithing going. I'm sure we'll see you again. Highly recommended!"

Firebird Forge responded:

"Many thanks for the lovely review. It was a pleasure having you both in the forge. Until next time, all the best, Mort."

Simon reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy is a great tutor, very welcoming from the start. His workshop is well equipped and his knowledge of the tools is fantastic. We started with talking through the lathe machinery, components and operating instructions, then moved onto hand tools. He showed me various chisels, how to use them and importantly how to sharpen them. We used a number of sharpening tools depending on the chisel. Once we'd been through the basics with tools, Andy loaded a softwood blank onto the lathe and showed me some techniques, turing beads, scotias and v cuts. I practiced this for a while then we moved onto something more decorative. I was given a book and picked out a nice profile for a bowl. We used a piece of seasoned Oak for the bowl. Andy was on hand to assist me with tricky cuts as I am a complete beginner. We carved out the bowl over a period of roughly an hour then finished it with staged sanding and polish. I was really pleased with the piece I came away with and would definitely recommend this to any beginner who is interested in trying wood turning. A great experience all round."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Simon , I’m glad you enjoyed your day Andy mary angus"

Cathy Purves reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. The ambience was lovely and support / teaching inspiring. Would like to go again!"

Lena Thomas reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"Attended the day course on 26th Feb 2022. Whilst i had been looking forward to the day i found that it actually exceeded my expectations.Elspeths teaching was both informative and accessible to i think.like myself new to crafting and those with good experience. The class was non threatening and the day proved both relaxing and interesting with both practical and creative base and a very concrete base in recycling and even a.nod to history and the ccreation of both practical and visually interesting pieces and being able as in the tradition of quilt making use materials that no longer serve the original purpose but also extending life memories THANKS Elspeth"

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much Lena for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the class. Make sure you send us a picture of any creations :-) Elspeth x"

Hilary McMaster reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Had a great day with Matt, who is a wonderful teacher. He gave us a brief history of the techniques and then encouraged us to have a go for ourselves. He has an intuitive feel for just how much support someone needs, and when to sort out problems which you have created for yourself! All 6 of us in the class left with a piece of work which we were pleased with. The class was conducted with plenty of space to maintain social distancing, and felt very safe and well organised. I would certainly encourage anyone to give it a try; you never know what you might achieve, and with Matt's support and encouragement you might surprise yourself"

Tom E reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I did the course with my partner recently and it was absolutely fantastic. Dave is a great teacher, very knowledgeable (and patient) and a really nice guy. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into the entire day so it has a perfect balance of coming away with a really high quality knife, but also feeling like you've done the entire process yourself. It is really hands-on, which is great, and you get a lot of choice as to how your knife comes out. I should also mention that Dave was very keen to ensure the resulting knives were of a really high-quality. I couldn't recommend this course enough - great fun and the knives are fantastic quality. Would also recommend checking out Dave's instagram if you're in the market for some super cool knives."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for the awesome review and recommendation Tom, massively appreciated. It was fantastic to meet you both and have you in the forge, you both did a great job with your knives. Kindest regards Dave"

Polly reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a lovely time on the day weaving workshop. It was relaxed and friendly, in a really nice environment, and Alice was an excellent teacher. I purchased a loom at the end and the workshop gave me everything I needed to get started on weaving at home and I have not stopped since!"

Anne reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"We so enjoyed our silver clay course with Claire. Everything was demonstrated and explained clearly in a friendly informative way.The workshop was well equipped and we both completed pieces of silver jewellery to take home along with a confident introduction to a hobby we could pursue as Claire provided us with information to assist us."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Lovely to meet yourself and Emily. I look forward to seeing what you continue to make! Thank you. Claire"

Beckie Harrold reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic afternoon with Louise. She explained the processes and techniques so well and was very patient. She gave me loads of helpful tips and encouragement. Also she was so friendly and chatty. It was alovely relaxed atmosphere to learn in and so enjoyable. I would thoroughly recommend this experience. I'm really looking forward to seeing my finished pieces. Thank you!"

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

"It was a real delight having you in the studio Beckie, and I'm pleased that you enjoyed it so much you're looking to get some kit and do some yourself at home. Fabulous! You made some lovely pieces and I'm just as excited as you are to see how they look after they've been glazed and fired :-)."

Larisa Lavita reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I really enjoyed it! Paula is amazing and a wonderful trainer. She covered everything and guided us through the whole process."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Larisa, so pleased to hear you enjoyed the course. xx Paula"

Andy reviewed: Glass Fusing and enamel painting on glass

"Jane was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. She talked me through each stage and made this a very enjoyable day. I'm looking forward to seeing the end results of my work after the items have been fired in the kiln. I would recommend this course and hope to return in the near future to develop more skills. Many thanks."

Nicky reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"A really brilliant experience - Chris was very patient and I'm proud of the unique pieces I've produced! A hugely skilled area but I was so well supported to give it a go and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you're considering it, I'd highly recommend!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you Nicky for your kind review, we are delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience with us. Kind regards Angie Steve and Chris"