Latest reviews

Ian & Allan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"We had an enjoyable and informative day with Stuart, learning the basics of woodturning. Absolute beginners but we left more informed and better equipped with a knowledge of where we wanted to go with our very basic wood-turning skills. Fantastic work-shop - a cornucopia of tools, lathes, wood and a wood stove. Stuart has the gift to teach and make it an enjoyable experience. Stories, and things that might help, signposting but in a way that gives you some confidence. We were both chuffed that we were able to produce something at the end of the day (with much help from Stuart) - we can definitely recommend Stuart’s courses."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi guys, Thanks for your review and so glad you enjoyed your day. Let me know if you need any advice on getting to the next stage. Stuart."

Fiona reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Really enjoyed the silver clay workshop and was delighted with how professional my jewellery pieces look. Charlotte was really attentive but not at all controlling so you really did get to design & make your very own piece(s). Highly recommend and am trying to figure out what ‘occasion’ I can celebrate in order to treat myself to a second workshop!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Fiona, I'm really glad you enjoyed the workshop! The jewellery you made was gorgeous! It was an absolute pleasure teach you all about silver clay :) Thank you for attending our workshop. Regards Charlotte"

Mac reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I greatly enjoyed attending this course today. It is a first-class introduction to the skills of producing hand-made glassware and a good way of discovering that it's not as easy as you might hope! Good instruction and excellent fun. Thoroughly recommended."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"So glad you enjoyed your time with us Mac. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Regards Angie Steve and Chris"

Megan Riddy reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"I made a nuno scarf with Cathy. The day was wonderful! I learned so much and had a lot of fun. I thought that it would be more serious but it was totally fab and really relaxed. Lunch and cake were also great. Thank you! Megan (aged 13)"

Alexis Warhurst reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I had a very intense day of stain glassing on Matt’s stain glass course. Matt is an excellent and considerate teacher and introduced us to the equipment and techniques of stain glassing. We all produced an amazing variety of pieces by the end of the day and I would certainly recommend this starter day for anybody wanting to have a try. Thanks Matt for the experience."

Chloe reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I booked this course for a friend's birthday and we had a great time. Wendy's teaching is relaxed and informative and we both felt we learned a lot and made some beautiful soaps. A great choice of recipes and a lovely informative booklet to take home too. I look forward to enjoying and gifting the soap. Thank you Wendy!"

S Brown reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop Part Two - Resin Finishing

"Having poured my resin in Part 1, I looked forward to attending Part 2 to complete the process. I am very happy with my finished coasters. As in the previous class, Richard took the time to to answer the questions I brought from Part 1 and refreshed the points I hadn't quite grasped first time around. The use of the machinery was not a new experience for me personally being familiar with all that we used, however for a novice user it is an ideal opportunity to get some hands on experience in a controlled environment. I am looking forward to being able to use the knowledge I have acquired in these 2 courses to add decorative dimensions to my future woodworking projects. I would recommend these courses to anyone considering working with resin for the first time. Looking forward to undertaking future courses."

Richard Evans reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"My day with Ted was brilliant. He is great company and an excellent and super patient teacher. I learnt much and achieved something far beyond what i thought i would produce. I will book another day."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Richard you made your instrument in good time my friend. Looking forward to seeing you on another course in summer perhaps? Kind regards Ted"

Cat reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"This is a fantastic experience for any (adult) age and gender (I'm a 60yo female), this is a rare craft and was glad to support it and try it out. Neil is a patient and great teacher and craftsman and I'm chuffed to have my unique hand made set."

Holly reviewed: Beginners DIY and Home Maintenance day course

"The course covered a lot of different topics and definitely increased my confidence with DIY. David was very knowledgable and friendly and is a very good teacher. The course wasn't practical though. I was under the impression when I booked it that we would be practicing putting up shelves/tiling/caulking etc but this was more of a classroom style course where we sat for the entire day whilst listening and watching demonstrations."

Great British Woodshop responded:

"Hi Holly Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry that you felt you didn’t get our usual 5 star experience. Your question is tough to answer as the class you attended was large and David had a large amount of questions from the group. This class is more of a how-to class, to enable you to learn how to do elements of DIY properly before going home to practice.   There is normally more of a practical element, but due to the amount of questions on the day, we were unable to do so much practical or get through the full list. David wanted students to leave happy and had to weigh up getting through the full class description or answering all their questions.   We do have other short in depth classes in plumbing, electrical, plasterboarding and tiling if you wanted to go into more detail in these areas. We have decided to reduce the amount of participants on this class going forward in light of your feedback."

Louise W reviewed: Introduction to Argentium silver

"I spent an amazing day with Sally, she was patient & knowledgeable. We made beautiful stacking rings. I learnt so much and really enjoyed Sally’s company too. Can’t recommend highly enough."

SallyC Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Louise for your positive comments and spending an enjoyable day learning about Argentium silver. Kind regards SallyC"

Patricia Latham reviewed: Watercolour painting with Erica Just

"Great day learning a new medium of painting. Small, intimate group in a nice quiet, well lit room. I took away a lot from this course including the different types of paint brushes and their best uses and the different types of paper before experimenting with tints and washes and how to build up colour. Lots to take it. Erica was patient with all my questions - which were never ending!! The current clear screens between each table didn't detract from the enjoyment. Lunch was an option we all took rather than bringing our own. It was in a reserved area in the cafe next door and we enjoyed getting to know each other over lunch. Lovely venue to spend the day in. Cups of tea/coffee and bottled water supplied as part of the course fee. Would recommend and I would definitely be interested in attending an acrylic painting course when one becomes available."

Created By Hand responded:

"Thanks for the wonderful feedback Patricia We are lucky to have a bank of dedicated artists and tutors who thrive on passing on their knowledge and skills and I will certainly pass your comments on to Erica Dave"

RTA reviewed: Beginners DIY and Home Maintenance day course

"David was very friendly and knowledgeable but there was little to know practical element. one person was able to drill a screw into a piece of wood whilst the others watched, but other than that, nobody picked up anything. David passed on lots of information but in this respect we could have watched a youtube video/ read a book. I expected we would all get to try various challenges/ tasks, but it was just a long talk, to be honest. We also didnt cover all the topics listed on the website. So, in terms of value for money, I don't feel it was worth it and I have no more confidence now then I did going in."

Great British Woodshop responded:

"Thank you for your feedback and we are sorry that you felt you didn’t get our usual 5-star experience. Our DIY classes are interactive and at the start of each class, David asks the group what they would like covered.   In your class, there were a lot of questions. There is normally more of a practical element, but due to the amount of questions on the day, we were unable to do so much practical or get through the full list. David wanted students to leave happy and had to weigh up getting through the full class description or answering all their questions. We have decided to reduce the amount of participants on this class going forward in light of your feedback. "

Kate Lewis reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This is a fantastic weekend in blissful and creative natural surroundings totally off grid, in grounds strewn with Sebastian's sculptures in progress and for sale. In the workshop built from reclaimed materials and warmed by a beautiful wood burning stove there is space, light and all the interesting tools that you will work with to accomplish your sculpture. Sebastian is a warm, kind and intuitive teacher with a gentle approach to giving you the skills and advice needed, along with the fun and pleasure from trying something new. From picking out the stone to working it into shape the weekend was absorbing and meditative and it was very inspiring to learn about materials and tools Sebastian has picked up on his extensive global travels from Mongolia to India and Africa. I'm looking forward to another weekend and I am so grateful for the encouragement and training and bringing home something to feel proud of."

Leigh reviewed: Macrame workshop and food

"Did this for my hen do! Was so much fun, session was great - techniques were well explained and great for a range of abilities (I’ve never done anything like this before and still finished with a cracking piece that now lives on my wall!). Would highly recommend."

Hayley reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had an amazing day and although I am not the best at being a student, I was made to feel relaxed from the moment I met Simon and Louise. The day then got going and didn’t stop. It was the escapism I needed for a day and I learnt lots too. Now I just need to remember it and practice!! Thanks again for your patience and for the much needed caffeine and lunch."

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

"Really glad you enjoyed the day, Hayley. We hope the notes will help you remember what you did - please get in touch if you need further assistance. Happy turning! -- Simon & Louise"

Mark & Jane Snape reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"From the moment we arrived both Derek and his wife made us feel comfortable and welcome. This one day course was ably supervised and brilliantly explained throughout with some supplementary notes e-mailed about the techniques after course completion. Derek’s studio and work is amazing and a testament to what can be achieved if you have both the patience and skill. We would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about the art of stained glass painting!"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Dear Mark & Jane, Thank you so much for your lovely review, and really delighted you enjoyed the course. With best wishes, Derek"

Phil Ward reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"This was a surprise treat for my wife and I thought that it made a great experience. Chris is a great tutor, balancing the right level of technique and informality to make it a really worthwhile session. He has excellent facilities with good equipment and everything that you need ready to go in order to maximise your time making and learning. Really looking forward to collecting our final pieces in a few weeks once fired. Would recommend this to anyone without hesitation and would happily book back in as it was a great experience."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for such positive feedback Phil; very much appreciated. Your pots are drying nicely waiting for their first firing. You can start to plan that tapas evening for a couple of weeks time! I'll be in touch soon. Best wishes, Chris."

Ruth Hurley reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"We really loved the soap making course. The setting was so cute, Julie and Janet were so friendly and we really appreciated having so many choices of scents and embeds to play with. We came away with a variety of hand made products, feeling like we learned loads and had great fun"

Alex reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Would definitely recommend giving this a try. Absolutely amazing experience, had so much fun learning to glass blow. Really freindly people that have put together a brillant taster session, really relaxed but incredibly educational! Started to plan another trip as soon as I left!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us Alex much appreciated. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Look forward to seeing you in the future. Regards Angie Steve and Chris"

George Brotherhood reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"What a great day was had by the five on the workshop. Dawn is a very skilled craftswoman; I have one of her embroidery pictures in my dining room and look at it everyday. This inspired me to have a go and I was not disappointed by the workshop I attended yesterday. Dawn began with short demos to show us the basic embroidery processes and had masses of example pieces, to inspire us, or we could use our own ideas and source materials; this was what I chose to do. She talked me through the possible ways to realise my idea in embroidery and was on hand every step of the way when I needed fresh input. She also supplied refreshments during the day including her own home made cake. She was helpful and calm throughout, was positive, encouraging and non-judgmental: A perfect teaching manner! I just wish I lived closer and could attend workshops more often."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks George for a great review of the workshop, I’m really pleased you enjoyed it."

Lucinda Yelland reviewed: Making 'Memories Baskets'

"This was a lovely workshop. Nancy was extremely flexible when I needed to change the date because of a storm. Nancy was an excellent teacher, demonstrating, encouraging and helpful throughout the day. I had a great time and came away with a small handstitched dish, and a bigger machine-stitched bowl."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"You were great company Lucinda - glad we were able to re-organise so easily! Enjoy your basket-making activities....."

Ruth reviewed: The Comfort of the Cosy Crime: How to tap into your inner detective

"Well structured 2 hour online course.... The instructor was very engaging and well prepared. She was enthusiastic and sensitive in her feedback. Very interesting content and the time flew by."

Lily reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I really enjoyed the course with Chris and Steve who were brilliant when we were making the glass. This course is fantastic! Angie, Chris and Steve were all so friendly towards everyone in the group. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning there and I highly recommend doing this experience because it's very hands on and you will return home with some really good pieces of glass. I surprised myself with what I produced that morning. Super awesome! Would love to do more! Thank you Angie, Chris and Steve!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Lily, so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we really appreciate it. Kind regards Angie Steve and Chris"

Jenny Lowe reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"Had the best afternoon learning about resin with Dave who is very knowledgeable. Giving you great ideas, tips, tricks of the trade to get you started and give you the best results you can get. It’s a ‘hands on’ class which I enjoyed as I like to get my hands dirty (as they say). Can’t wait to see my block which I designed with Dave’s help. Already looking into supplies etc. Thanks Dave, really enjoyed it"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Fantastic to meet you and so glad you enjoyed the afternoon Jenny, really kind of you to leave such a lovely review many thanks. Very best of luck with all your future projects Kindest regards Dave"