Latest reviews

Karen Arrand reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"This is a wonderful experience for anyone wanting to know more about organic skincare and you come away with a bespoke facial products that look and smell absolutely divine. Allison is a passionate and resourceful teacher, who has a wonderful store cupboard full of the most amazing ingredients. Any question you throw at her, she can answer! The 1to1 teaching is so beneficial, Allison boosts your confidence and guides you step-by-step through the product making process. I am so pleased with my products, I keep looking at them with great pride! Thank you for a wonderful day and your patience and kindness."

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Karen. I'm pleased you're so happy with the products you made and enjoyed your day here with me in my workshop and I'm sure you will go on to make many more products. If you have any questions about the products you made or the information in the workshop handbook, please dont hesitate to contact me. Enjoy your products!"

Karen Arrand reviewed: Perfume Making in Norfolk

"This is a great experience for anyone who wants to know more about the intriguing world of perfume. And you takeaway the perfect momento - a unique perfume made by you. Thank you Diane for showing me how to blend and make a perfume. Your kindly patience has given me the confidence I was lacking before. A fragrantly lovely day."

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Karen, thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you here for the day and I'm pleased to hear you now have the confidence to blend and play with your lovely essential oils. I must say your final bottled perfume smelt amazing."

Julie Roppert reviewed: Working with silver at The Old Kennels

"Had a lovely time at this venue on the silversmith course with Julian Livingstone. Never worked with silver before. I produced a ring, bracelet, book marker. Great course for individuals or couples. Tracey was a great host your made very welcomed each morning with a hot beverage, the food was excellent, highly recommended"

The Old Kennels responded:

"Thank you so much fo your kind review Julie, Im so pleased you enjoyed your course at The Old Kennels and do hope to see you again soon!"

Jane reviewed: How to use essential oils with your dog - with Living Naturally Loving Life

"I met niki quite by chance & was able to do one of her courses, meeting her for the day & then working from home on it. Working through It was excellent, I learnt so much. So pleased to have been able to do this work with her, thank you."

The English Herbalist responded:

"Hi Jane, Thank you so much for your review. It's always a pleasure to meet people through hands-on, experiential, face-to-face workshops and this is something I'm working on again for next year. Have a lovely weekend and once again thank you, I'm pleased you're enjoying the course. Many blessings, Niki."

Keith Grant reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Very enjoyable as well as instructional/informative. An excellent host, mentor and teacher, Lucy provided a superb environment to learn. I’m not a beginner but I developed a whole lot of new skills and particularly how to use the tools from the processes of laying out, roughing and and finer carving."

Fiona Underwood reviewed: Beginners Heritage Stained Glass - Unique two day workshop

"I did this course with Jan and came away with a lovely piece and the knowledge to try it all again at home. Totally got the bug, the tuition was clear, class size small and loads of tips and feedback on progress."

Jan Simpson Studio Glass t/a Koru Arts responded:

"Thanks Fiona, it was great to see your finished piece after it had been polished. What a beautiful job. Look forward to watching you develop your new found hobby."

Claire Evans reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"A lovely, relaxing, but very productive morning spent with Vanessa, really pleased with my lampshade, thoroughly enjoyed myself, would happily go again to try a different technique"

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Claire - it was lovely chatting and working with you both and I hope to teach you more lampshade making techniques in the future."

Helen Coke reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"What a lovely day! Lovey welcoming hosts. A super location. Delicious refreshments all day Patient and skilled tutors A wonderful way to forget the outside world. A very absorbing course. I’m really pleased with my finished basket . The course is a great addition to any ‘bucket list’."

David Utley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Welcomed on arrival by Adrian, Andy & Debbie. An excellent and well explained course with assistance where needed to make a rams head poker.Tea, coffee & biscuits on arrival ,hot lunch , coffee & cake after work whats not to enjoy."

Suzanne reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is a really well run course. It was nicely paced with lots of individual tuition when needed and clear explanation of each stage. We came away with some lovely flowers and a huge feeling of achievement. Oh, and very full tummies because the food was amazing!"

Melanie Towne reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Clear tuition giving lots of cutting techniques & frequent support. Huge range of glass products to personalise your items or you could follow his demonstration pieces exactly. It was an enjoyable, busy, focused day which passed too quickly. I made 11 decorations but you could make however many you had time for."

Stephen Seidler reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"Highly enjoyable day with excellent tuition. I managed to turn a finial to use as a Christmas decoration never having used a lathe before and did a range of pottery activities which were great fun."

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

"We're really pleased you enjoyed your experience and it was lovely to see you hadn't forgotten how to throw on the wheel! Thank you for the lovely review :-)."

Grace Harris-Bridge reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Absolutely fascinating course delivered by a lovely lady who is clearly passionate about what she does. Explained every element of candle making right from starting out as a beginner up to if you are considering developing it into a business. Very well thought out day explaining why the individual elements are so important and recommendations of where to buy materials from. Also included a delicious lunch and afternoon tea and catered for vegans."

Antonella reviewed: Beginner's Weaving Class / Introduction to multi-shaft weaving (Weekend Course)

"I had a fantastic weekend with Oliver and his looms, he is a good teacher, helpful and complete in his explanations. I was able to use four different hoops and explore multiple types of patterns. With this course, you will learn the basics of starting to work on your own and you can actually understand that the possibilities for creating different types of fabrics are endless. Thanks, Oliver."

Alan Oliver Handweaver, Dyer & Print Maker responded:

"Thanks, Antonella I have a great weekend with you and really enjoyed teaching you all about weaving. Stay in touch (Alan) Oliver"

Tracey Bengeyfield reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"The course was absolutely brilliant. Liz was very welcoming and the venue was well organised and much thought and consideration had been given to making the environment relaxed, friendly and Covid safe. Liz is a brilliant artist and tutor, she was very informative and was so open about her process, techniques and tips - which she generously shared. The day was paced well and gave plenty of time to experiment and learn new techniques before applying them to a finished piece. She gave several group demonstrations throughout the day which showed each step clearly. This made the course really accessible to both beginners and more experienced artists alike. Throughout the day, Liz was on hand to give encouragement, advice and the benefit of her vast watercolour knowledge which was inspirational. I can’t praise the day highly enough and would recommend her courses. She has a great teaching style that encourages you to be free and without the constraints of lots of watercolour ‘rules’ which was so refreshing. Thank you for such a great day!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Tracey, both for taking the time to write a review and for the review itself! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it. You are obviously a very experienced artist so it means a lot to me that you got lots out of the day. I hope you are now a little hooked on painting watercolours on canvas!"

Veronica reviewed: Glass Experience Day: Try fused glass, stained glass and enamelling in 1 course!

"I did this course in October with another lady and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have not tried any of the three different glass courses before. Sarah is a brilliant and talented tutor. There was such a lot of different dimensions and colour choices to make. It is good to have a little idea of what you might want to achieve beforehand-Pinterest is a good ‘go to’ for ideas. Sarah can then put it all into context I.e achievable or not! Lunch was perfect- a good relaxing day! Thank you"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day so much - we do pack a lot of different techniques into 1 day! Thanks very much for leaving such a lovely review."

Mel M reviewed: Fluid art - acrylic pouring

"What a great, informative course and it was so much fun. Thank you Eunice for the introduction to Acrylic Pouring. I can’t wait to dabble at home now and see what I can create. Highly recommend this course for anyone from newbies to those wanting to advanced their skills. Eunice was very knowledgeable and is clearly a very successful artist. Looking for dates to join you at one of your resin classes now. Thanks again."

Jane peach reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended this course after receiving it as a present. The Christmas crafts were really fun to make and Martin explained how to make each item in stages so that you could have a go in your own time. It was something I’d really wanted to have a go at and I would book another course in the future. The day went so quickly and Martin gave assistance at any point, with lots of encouragement"

Yvonne Gillespie reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"Another thoroughly enjoyable day with Liz Chaderton painting animals. Liz is an extremely talented artist, an excellent tutor, both patient and constantly encouraging and giving individual attention wherever needed. Her enthusiasm is so stimulating and motivating. I have struggled to paint for years and yet she has the ability to inspire me to get painting again. She demonstrates with easy to understand tips and practical guidance. The atmosphere is relaxed and enjoyable and I would recommend her classes to anyone wanting to paint in watercolour at any level. The day just flew by."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Yvonne! That’s a lovely review and I am so pleased you enjoyed it. The day does fly, doesn’t it? But that’s the joy of getting lost in watercolour. Please keep painting!"

Jane reviewed: How to use essential oils with your dog - with Living Naturally Loving Life

"I love Niki's courses, so much knowledge, shared so willingly and encouraging us all to be our best. I've had the pleasure of meeting Niki and know all she does is for the well-being of animals, who could want more from a tutor, mentor, wise one."

The English Herbalist responded:

"Hello Jane, Oh my, I'm absolutely humbled by your review and cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you so very much, kindred soul. Niki."

sylvia french reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"I really enjoyed the day yesterday and it was great to try something new with using watercolours on canvas. Liz's instructions were all very clear and delivered with great enthusiasm and knowledge. We produced two pieces of work and came home with a prepared canvas for our own project. It was interesting to see how watercolours reacted to the canvas and to work on the technique of layering. I would thoroughly recommend Liz's courses."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review, and I’m pleased you enjoyed it. I hope you use your canvas to paint something at a more leisurely pace! Hope to see you again soon."

David Connelly reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was a beautifully sunny but cold day as I meandered through the beautiful English countryside to arrive at the working farm which housed the course. A very warm and friendly welcome with hot coffee available was a great way to start the day. Adrian, Andy and Debbie welcomed the course and made sure that we were comfortable and suitably clad. Time was taken to explain what was going to happen on the course and what we were expected to achieve. We were then shown a beautiful rams head poker, a copy of which was our goal for the day. There followed a practical demonstration of the first part. In my view, a great way to go. Small chunks at a time. Easier to follow and remember. We all worked at the same pace, each new part demonstrated prior to us having a go. After the first demo, it was straight in and literally poker in the fire time. They say that patience is a virtue. Adrian had this in spades.  Clearly a very experienced Smith. He talked and demonstrated throughout the day, gentle hints here and there when we weren't quite getting it quite right. Practical positive encouragement was the order of the day. The break for lunch was welcomed, it's hot at the forge. The food was outstanding, and lots of it, including local bread and cheeses which were wolfed by all. The afternoon flew past, clearly everyone was enjoying themselves and at last we were done. A sense of achievement, a feeling of happiness and altogether a great course. I would highly recommend trying the course. I will be going back for another."

Graham Tunstall reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The ram's head poker course is an excellent course. Ade and Andy are excellent and very patient tutors. The poker I made will very useful for BBQs! The catering was also excellent; with veggie chilli, jacket potatoes and local cheese and bread. A thoroughly enjoyable day that I would definitely recommend. Thank you"

Helen Abbott reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"Jo was really welcoming and patient with 2 complete novices. We both left with pieces we were very happy with and a desire to learn more."

Jane Chadwick reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Hannah was very attentive and explained everything clearly. Had a lovely day, painted my piece of furniture, which turned out great. My family were very impressed. Met some lovely people. Can’t wait to book another course soon."

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Jane! So pleased that you enjoyed the day. It really was a fantastic group. I loved your commode - so unusual!! Your design was excellent and lovely choice of colours. Glad your family approved. I think we must have similar tastes. Thanks so much for coming along :)"