Latest reviews

Kathleen Warrender reviewed: Full day beginners silver clay- Woodland botanical pendants

"Myself and my 2 friends attended this workshop, I can honestly say we all really enjoyed it, Rebecca is a remarkable teacher and had a very relaxed and attentive nature to us all. We all went home with our lovely silver clay handmade jewellery feeling extremely happy with what we had archived with Rebecca’s professional teaching. 100% I would love to do more jewellery making with Rebecca and so would my friends. Highly recommend. Kathy."

Rebecca Oxenham Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure teaching you and seeing the amazing jewellery you made."

Louise Johnson reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"Having attended a couple of workshops for this skill, I was feeling very unskilled. I have learned more from Caryl in her one day course than I did from the others put together. Caryl shared her tips and methods openly and addressed all of the worries I had. A thoroughly enjoyable day during which I was able to produce a panel I feel very proud of. I would heartily recommend to anybody, beginner or not, as Caryl tailors to your own needs. Get booking!"

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your great feedback Louise- very much appreciated. Good luck with your future glass projects! Caryl x"

Lesley Turner reviewed: Paint pouring workshop with lunch - it's all about making flowers

"Excellent workshop. Anne and Sue were very welcoming and fun to be with Lots of information and help for complete novices. A great lunch and lovely venue. Would recommend this for anyone that loves art but also likes a different medium"

Interior Boost responded:

"Thank you so much Lesley for leaving us such a lovely review. We had a wonderful day. Sue & I cannot wait to have you visit us again for more fun. See you very soon. Anne"

Liz Meadows reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"I so enjoyed Marianne's Basketry one day course last weekend. I had never done anything like this before and it has really made me see baskets in a whole new light as so much goes into the making, from the preparation of the willow, the varying colours and different types of weave. I admit I found it challenging at times and the process was different to how I had imagined but Marianne was so kind, calm and helpful that I amazed myself and managed to produce a terrific basket by the end of the day. The weaving action is very therapeutic and mindful and the sense of achievement is so rewarding. Thank you Marianne for giving us the opportunity to learn something new and generally for a super day."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Liz, Thank you so much for your amazing review! I've never had such a stunning review like the one you gave me. So fantastic to hear that you've had such a great time. It was a pleasure to meet you and Helena. So wonderful to see her enthusiasm for the craft and to see her progressing so amazingly fast! It made it all great fun. I'll soon put the process of making the base on video, so Helena can make another basket, all on her own. Thank you again very much. Very best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Debbie Saward reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"A great day with Kate and the other students. Kate provided great support and is very skilled in willow sculpture. I was delighted with the hare I made. The lunch was good too."

Sean Sullivan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A Viking knife day was given to me as a 60th birthday present by my wife and two sons one of whom was able to join me for the day. Paul introduced us to the basics for the day ahead. We were then taken under Spencer's guidance in the production of our knife. Spencer encourages, advises and occasionally corrects (thank you). The end result is not to Spencer's exacting standard, his work is brilliant, but we were patiently guided through the stages to produce a crafted and sharp knife to be proud of. These guys are expert craftsmen who wish for you to succeed and leave with a smile on your face. We both did that. Spencer and Paul, you have our thanks. Our knives will be in the oven soon."

Richard Sullivan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had a fantastic day at Anvil Forge with Paul and Spencer. Paul would accept nothing less than perfection making a fire poker, but this was exactly what we needed to be able to learn the skills we needed to make a knife. Spencer’s enthusiasm was evident from the start, and he clearly wanted nothing more than for us to go home with a high-quality knife that not only we were pleased with, but that he was also pleased with. Spencer’s patience and advice made for a hugely enjoyable day and ensured we succeeded in making a knife."

Hari Vaudrey reviewed: Contemporary oil painting for beginners and improvers.

"Lovely day, great teaching, beautiful venue. Fab lunch. Highly recommended"

Ann Miller reviewed: 1-to-1 Beginners Leatherworking Workshop

"What a great time I had. Pippa is lovely and extremely knowledgeable. I never knew there are so many aspects to leather, dying and conditioning etc. she explained so much and offered tips on my projects, she obviously loves and has a passion for leather and what she does. Her booklet which accompanies the course is very helpful, I started purchasing leather and tools as soon as I got home. THANK YOU, Pippa"

Pamela Carter reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"A very interesting course which I thoroughly enjoyed. Marianne gave just the right amount of instruction, help and advice. The small numbers made it very inclusive. Thank you, Marianne"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Dear Pam, Thank you so much for your kind words! So wonderful to hear that you've had such a great time. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope you'll have a lot of pleasure from your basket. You did a fantastic job! Thank you again very much. Very best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Sharmila Parks reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Taster Workshop

"I went with a friend for a taster session and we would both definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to give it a go. Suzanne was an excellent and patient teacher. Neither of us are particularly "crafty" but both of us managed to make 3 lovely beads under her tuition. It was totally absorbing and mindful working with the glass. A truly memorable experience."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for leaving a lovely review Sharmila. So pleased you both enjoyed your workshop. Suzanne x"

Linda Carter reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"This was my first go at basket weaving and I really could not have found a better teacher in Marianne. She was so helpful in every way. Everything was considered from setting up to the finished article. We were promised we would make a basket and we did!!! Excellent course!!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hello Linda, Thank you so much for your lovely review! So fantastic to hear that you've had such a great time. It was a pleasure to work on this together and make sure you all had a tremendous time. I thoroughly enjoyed the jokes and praises between you all. It was great fun. Looking forward to the next time we'll meet. Thank you again very much. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you and all your energy. Very best wishes, Marianne xx Crafty Basketry"

Gerard HIGGINS reviewed: Stained glass one day course: Fox or Hare

"An informative and very enjoyable course suitable for absolute beginners. Rachel was an excellent tutor and Hector’s House provided an ideal setting. I would thoroughly recommend it."

Marco Jackson reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was one of the few courses, I have been on a few, I found it to be brilliant. I had a great couple of days, learnt masses, thoroughly enjoying every minute. The instructions were very clear and my development in lathe turning has as a result improved. I am also more confident in my approach to doing something new. Simon and Louise were both very accommodating and provided a lovely lunch. This is a course I would not hesitate in advising any lathe enthusiast to do."

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

"Hi Marco, Thank you so much for a nice review. We're glad you found the course useful and, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch again. -- Simon & Louise"

Tessa reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"My father-in-law and I absolutely loved this day course with Matthew. We didn’t expect to come away with much to show, but we came away with 4 items each! Matthew has excellent teaching skills and is very good at boosting your confidence while pushing you to step out of your comfort zone. We both thoroughly enjoyed the course, and my father-in-law has even looked into buying the equipment himself and taking more classes closer to home. It was an experience we won’t forget and would recommend to everyone! Thank you, Matthew!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Tessa Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I had a great day teaching both of you and your pots look fantastic. I can’t wait for you to see them and it’s great to hear that your father-in-law is looking into getting a wheel to continue throwing. Best wishes Mat"

Trudi reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"An excellent 2-day course in every way. From the relaxed intro, with a cuppa in hand, to the tuition and gentle guidance throughout - all had been given impeccable thought and consideration. This was the second course I’ve attended and have been more than delighted with both. If you have never attempted sculpture, or are indeed a seasoned sculptor, there is something for everyone. Jo and Andy are delightful and so approachable, absolutely nothing is too much trouble. Copious tea/coffee, chocolate or bananas for when concentration is flagging... I can’t think of anything that’s been overlooked. I would highly recommend this as a wonderfully creative Christmas gift. Thank you, Jo and Andy, looking forward to seeing you both again very soon ?"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Trudi! Your wonderful Crane was a joy to watch developing over the two days. The addition of real iron rust over the wings was a lovely touch. What will you come up with next?! Jo x"

Matt and Hannah reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"We spent two hours with Richard for the pottery taster session. It was a brilliant experience from start to finish. Richard is great at not only demonstrating but helping as you start to learn the process. The perfect balance of instruction and letting us loose to have a lot of fun. We managed to make five pots between us with a couple of disastrous attempts along the way. We’re planning on taking some family members for Christmas already."

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks for the review and Im happy thst you enjoyed your experience at Potterydayz. See you again soon I hope."

Tom Merchant reviewed: Glass fusing with enamels - live personal tuition

"Steve is a great teacher, who is enthusiastic about passing on information to his student. He is very easy to talk to and made the whole session very enjoyable. The two hours are packed full of information but Steve makes sure that you are happy with the speed of the lesson and waits patiently for you to keep up with each stage of the process."

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

"Helen told me all about shutter /aperture speed which I could never understand before.it always flew over my head. Now I know all the settings /buttons of my Nikon DSLR and can take better pictures. I have always used auto mode for pictures but now I can do it on manual. I'm very much looking forward to my next bite-size session with Helen. Good thing is she very calmly tell you each and every detail of what magic your camera can do. Thank you, Helen"

Helen Tisbury Photography responded:

"Hi Reema, Thank you for your feedback on my One to One Bite Size photography workshop. I thrilled to hear that I helped you understand Aperture and Shutter speeds, that you can now navigate your way round your Nikon. Its great that you now feel confident and have started to use it on manual, taking better photographs. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and look forward to welcoming you again. Helen"

Linda Nobbs reviewed: Macrame - Wall Hanging

"Loved this workshop in a relaxed, happy environment with an extremely patient mentor! Thank you, Wendy, for your understanding! (I got it in the end! ) I will definitely be returning to try my hand at another activity."

Sandie Dolan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had the most amazing day at Anvil Forge. From start to finish. Spencer, our instructor for the day had endless patience and nothing was too much trouble. He was full of praise and encouragement. His experience and total love for what he was doing came through in the way he explained and guided us through the various stages. We made a fire poker to start with, which teaches you the angle at which you need to hit the metal, a vital skill that will be required when making the knife. Most of the time was spent making the knife and it was surprising how many stages are involved in its construction. You never know when you go on an experience day what you are going to get for your money. It’s always a risk. Well, there is no risk in this folks - go for it. I had no experience at all in working with metal. I can say I came home with a fire poker and knife that I am very proud of."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sandie thanks for your great review, Spencer is one of our senior tutors and as you mentioned he loves sharing his knowledge of bladesmithing with the students which obviously comes through. I pass on your comments to him , I know getting good feedback is important to all of us and makes the job even more rewarding. many thanks John"

Tom reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"My Mum and I had a fantastic time at Matt's class. As complete beginners, we'd never thrown clay before but Matt's methodical & enthusiastic approach to instruction meant we finished the day with a selection of bowls that we were both incredibly proud of! Thanks so much for a really wonderful day Matt!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Thanks you for the lovely review Tom. Your pots have turned down and biscuit fired and will be glazed sometime next, they look fantastic. You really made some great forms during the day and I can't wait for you to see them once they have been glazed. Best wishes Mathew"

Deb Heath reviewed: Introduction to glass fusion Morning half day taster (beginners)

"I really enjoyed our fused glass workshop with Sally. The three hours flew by! Sally's method of teaching us the basics and how to use the tools certainly gave me inspiration and confidence for my starter session. I was particularly impressed with it being a very small (3) class as this allowed Sally more time to help and guide each one of us. I was so absorbed creating my two pieces that I didn't stop for a coffee break! Sally has now inspired me to book an introductory class in stained glass sometime soon : )"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Deb - it was great to meet you and pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Linda Read reviewed: Candle & diffuser course

"John and Sue made me very welcome, and it was a very interesting course, in a handy location (the workshop smelt wonderful too!). John gave of lots of information but didn't overhwelm with too much. There was a variety of candles to make and I particularly loved the diffuser part of the course. I left with all the candles I had made and also with lots of goodies to make my own candles for presents and diffusers to use in my B&B rooms. A very enjoyable day, thanks to you both!"

Edensoapschool responded:

"Hi Linda it was lovely meeting you glad you had a lovely day and enjoyed your course would love to see you again take care John & Sue Macadams Eden Soap School"

Myra Keatley reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What can I say that hasn't already been said! We had an amazing day and I was stunned at what we produced. Chris is an exceptional teacher and a lovely person. If you are thinking of doing this course all I can say is DO IT and you too will have an amazing day."