Latest reviews

Louise Elflain reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"Absolutely fabulous day. Charlie was brilliant, he explained everything in detail, was very patient and encouraging. The small class meant that he was able to really spend time with each student offering advice and help throughout the day. Had a wonderful day! Cracking fella! Thank you! Will be back as soon as I can!!"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Lou Thank you very much for your review. It's very kind of you. I am glad you had a nice time and look forward to seeing you again soon. Charlie"

Dagmara Ginter reviewed: Morning One to One Photography Workshop for Beginners no longer available

"Thank you so much, Helen, for giving me confidence to start shooting in the Manual mode. I've got now a much better understanding of the Exposure Triangle and focus points. I also know which buttons to use to quickly change aperture and shutter speed settings. Two hours packed with useful tips and information. The course notes are an excellent addition to the tuition. And thank you for getting the swans to pose for my pictures!"

Helen Tisbury Photography responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review my workshop, I am thrilled to learn that you enjoyed the course and now feel confident enough to now shoot fully manual. With practice changing your settings will become 2nd nature. I am glad the swans got the memo, its a shame we didn't get a little more sun on the day. Helen"

Lester king reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Jonny and Becky gave expect advice and were very attentive and supportive during the day. They were very friendly and warm hosts. We would highly recommend this course. Great day out."

Veronica reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Workshop - 121 OR for 2 (with a friend)

"I totally recommend this course as a wonderful way in which to explore using copper foil and creating a beautiful piece under the guidance of Ruth. From the start to finish of the day Ruth was patient, helpful and guided me through making a beautiful dragonfly. I was guided through the steps of cutting glass, to grinding, foiling and then soldering and found each process fascinating in its own right. Ruth was happy to help me solve any problems I encountered. It was a pleasure to spend the day in her workshop and even more so to go home with a beautiful piece of work to remind me of my day. As a result of the day and Ruth's encouragement got the 'bug' and will carry on learning more about the art of working with stained glass. Thank you Ruth for the best day I have had in a long time."

Blue Skies Glass Studio responded:

"Hi Veronica, Thank you so much for your lovely review and for such an enjoyable day at our workshop together. It’s so wonderful that you have now got the stained glass bug and you’ll soon be making more beautiful creations! It was lovely to have you here. Many thanks Ruth"

Adam Howes reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had the pleasure of spending a day at the forge with Alex, who is very welcoming and friendly. The training is very well structured with an insight into how metal behaves at different temperatures, and how to work with the material to end up with a finished piece, that I can’t believe I have made. Certainly nobody I’ve shown it to can believe that I’ve made it, all testament to the expert guidance from master craftsman Alex. I will be going back for sure!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Adam, Thank you for the great review. I'm very happy you have achieved more than what you believed possible! Cracking job! Alex"

Jacob reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Attended the course with my girlfriend. Great couples activity. Feeling inspired to try a bigger river table in the future. Thanks for teaching me the basics"

Jemima reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Amazing course. Gave us the foundations and confidence to experiment with resin in the future. Great to be around like minded people! Came away with a list of do’s & don’ts - things I didn’t pick up from YouTube. Thanks so much"

Michael reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"Great course. Easy to follow. Every step clearly explained. Had a good afternoon learning how to cast resin. Really informative- look forward to doing another course with you soon."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"So glad to hear you enjoyed the course, many thanks indeed for your kind comments Michael, its massively appreciated. Would be great to see you back in the workshop"

Iain reviewed: Letter carving in wood

"A group of us spent the day letter carving with Andy. The tools used and how to sharpen them were demonstrated whilst we honed our skills. The first task was carving a variety of letters; some more difficult than others, with plenty of support along the way. He has a well equipped workshop nestled in the beautiful county of Wiltshire. Andy has a wealth of knowledge and many useful techniques. Such a welcoming place and genuine people. No shortage of tea and bakes. Thank you again."

Susan Mary Byrne reviewed: Rag rug/rag wreath making day in North Herefordshire

"I'd thoroughly recommend Jenni's rag rugging course. It was a perfect mix of inspiration and instruction. Lovely, informal atmosphere, with a delicious lunch and lots of tea and coffee to keep the chat flowing. I don't consider myself creative but, under Jenni's tuition, I was really happy with the seat pad I produced. It's such an accessible and addictive craft! Thank you Jenni."

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"So glad we were able to go ahead with the workshop and I enjoyed meeting you and sharing some techniques. I hope to see your seat mat and that you are inspired to make more. Happy progging!"

Alison Hoffman reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Booked a ‘pairs’ workshop as a gift for my husband (which I could enjoy as well). Whole experience exceeded my expectations from start to finish - gift voucher came with a lovely ceramic heart which added to the present giving experience and the afternoon we spent with Louise was just amazing! Workshop was at just the right pace and we covered much more than we thought possible, making lots of items and having informative tuition in a relaxed environment. Our Sunday afternoons are usually fairly low-key but this weekend we ended it on a total high all thanks to our Blended Monkey experience. We can’t wait to try wood-turning now with Simon (and to pick up our masterpiece creations of course). Totally recommend booking this course - you won’t be disappointed!!"

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

"It was lovely to have you guys in the studio! You both created some fantastic pieces and we're really pleased you enjoyed your ceramics experience - amazing what you can achieve in an afternoon isn't it? :-). You're more than welcome to return to try your hand at woodturning or more pottery."

Alison Hoffman reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Booked a ‘pairs’ workshop as a gift for my husband (which I could enjoy as well). Whole experience exceeded my expectations from start to finish - gift voucher came with a lovely ceramic heart which added to the present giving experience and the afternoon we spent with Louise was just amazing! Workshop was at just the right pace and we covered much more than we thought possible, making lots of items and having informative tuition in a relaxed environment. Our Sunday afternoons are usually fairly low-key but this weekend we ended it on a total high all thanks to our Blended Monkey experience. We can’t wait to try wood-turning now with Simon (and to pick up our masterpiece creations of course). Totally recommend booking this course - you won’t be disappointed!!"

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

"It was lovely to have you guys in the studio! You both created some fantastic pieces and we're really pleased you enjoyed your ceramics experience - amazing what you can achieve in an afternoon isn't it? :-). You're more than welcome to return to try your hand at woodturning or more pottery."

Suzanne reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"As a total novice to any sort of furniture restoration or care this was the ideal day for me! Oliver was increasingly patient and reassuring throughout the day as he shared his knowledge and skills. His workshop is fascinating, and a really relaxed environment to enjoy a day of creativity and learning."

Asron reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Brilliant course, very well organized and good fun."

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

"I had a great day. The place was easy to find and Louise and Simon are very welcoming. They are also very good instructors. Lunch was excellent too! Would definitely recommend for beginners and more advanced potters/wood-turners."

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

"Hi David, Thanks for giving us a review - most welcome! We're glad you enjoyed the day and hope that you may go on to develop your craft skills. -- Simon & Louise"

Gerda reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Thanks, we really enjoyed this informative and short course introduction."

Wendy Wilson Goddard reviewed: Rag rug/rag wreath making day in North Herefordshire

"Really great workshop day with Jenni. Thoroughly enjoyed making a rag rug and intend to keep doing this at home as a new crafting hobby. Jenni explained all the techniques clearly and showed us examples and ideas and we were able to make progress really quickly. Really delicious lunch provided and cups of tea too. Lots of happy working chat. A lovely day. Thank you."

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"I enjoyed sharing techniques and chatting with you. I have made quite a few friends on workshops. Looking forward to seeing your seat mat."

Katherine reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"A lovely afternoon spent with woodwyrm Dave learning spoon carving basics. Dave is knowledgeable and insightful giving quiet, engaging guidance. The duration was spot on as I had time to make a spoon but if whizzed by enough to take me by surprise that the session was over! I'll be booking in for another session soon. Can't wait"

Jax Melling reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"I haven’t attempted to make the hare sculpture yet as it is a Christmas gift for a friend but it looks great and the ordering and delivery process were easy, efficient and fuss free. I will update once my friend gives me feedback on how it went for her. Thanks x"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jax ;-) I hope your friend really enjoys making her large hare and thank you for choosing my kit as your present to her. Jo x"

Mr Brian Taylor reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A really fantastic, enjoyable day at the forge making a candlestick holder. This was my first go at blacksmithing, but Alex is a great tutor, guiding me through the process and techniques step by step. The day went really fast, but we got the job done! Very pleased with the end result. Thoroughly recommend having a go at one of the courses that Alex offers!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Brian, Thanks for the great review. Glad you're happy with the candlestick holders and what you made. All the best Alex"

Diane reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"A very enjoyable day, I couldn’t believe how quickly the time passed. Jonny and his wife were supportive and clearly knowledgeable. Lovely to come home with a completed basket"

Anne Handcock reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Such a good teacher in Richard. He explained everything very clearly, he engaged with all the course participants in a very friendly and helpful manner, and he inspired confidence in his presentation. We all participated and made our own mini river tables, which have to cure but I am looking forward to seeing what they look like finally, and also anticipating having a go at something at home. There is plenty to learn to be able to make things more accurately, not least colour mixing, but that is all part of the joy."

Peter Handcock reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Excellent, well led course providing everything you need to know to start making resin craft projects. The time flew, Richard is both knowledgeable and personable and created a very easy atmosphere amongst the participants. Looking forward to going to the next stage on my home projects."

Moira reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"I had a most enjoyable afternoon learning how to do something completely new to me. Karen was very well prepared, approachable and patient, and I was really pleased with the picture that I made and took home. I'm looking forward to the next workshop!"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Moira, its much appreciated. I will let you know shortly the date for the next Advanced Workshop"

Maja & Gerda reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Very good course and what's most important suitable for children too! Very safe and fun. Richard was amazing, he provided lots of info about resin calculations and other important tips. He was very patient and helpful during the course. Great experience and good fun for adults and kids too! Highly recommend this place, it was enjoyable and at the same very educative."