Latest reviews

Nick C reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Really enjoyable day out with my son - we both got the opportunity to try tools and techniques we'd never normally get to do, all with the patient and skillful support of the crew at the forge. That evening our freshly forged knives made cutting BBQ steak effortless. Will definitely recommend to friends."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Nick"

Nick C reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Really enjoyable day out with my son - we both got the opportunity to try tools and techniques we'd never normally get to do, all with the patient and skillful support of the crew at the forge. That evening our freshly forged knives made cutting BBQ steak effortless. Will definitely recommend to friends."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Nick"

William Locke reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This was a great course that my 22 year old son and I really enjoyed - lots of really useful instruction on the basics, from tree to (nearly) completed spoon. David and Mike were extremely helpful and friendly - showing us many useful techniques, but giving us plenty of hands-on experience too. The setting was perfect."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Bill, I’m so glad you and your son enjoyed the day. Despite the weather Mike and I had a great time tutoring you and it was gratifying to see your spoons emerge from a chunk of wood over the course of a day. I hope you feel inspired to continue carving and invest in a toolset to keep making shavings!"

Kay Wainman reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Thoroughly enjoyable day producing a willow sculpture heron under the expert and patient guidance of Kate. Totally thrilled with the result, exceeding my expectations of what I could produce. Would highly recommend!"

P. Lawson reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild flower meadow kit

"I really enjoyed completing my piece of glass art. I have not done this kind of art before but it was a gift to complete from a family member and looks good displayed in my home. Thank you for the speedy return. P. Lawson"

Lesley reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"What a lovely day. Very relaxed in a beautiful setting with great tuition and lovely projects. Everyone working to their own pace after the demonstrations and great instruction. Love all the things I made they’re all CUTE which I love. Thanks. Lesley"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Lesley , we really appreciate you taking the time to do us a review. It was lovely working with you and we are really pleased you had such a great day. Best wishes Alison and Liz"

Emma McHale reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"I recently attended the silver jewellery making course and had a brilliant time! I’m a complete novice but came armed with a number of overly intricate and ambitious designs... I was prepared not to be able to achieve anything like my drawings but Sandra showed how I could simplify the designs keeping the essence of the piece. We covered a number of techniques from cutting, shaping, soldering and finishing which Sandra explained as we went along and I came away with a copper heart pendant and my silver brooch. I’m really proud and amazed of what it was possible to achieve in just a few hours. This was a really rewarding experience and I would love to go back and do more!"

Jim Rowe reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"We throughly enjoyed our silver clay workshop. Rachel was very encouraging and supportive and made the day very relaxing and fun."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks so much Jim. And thank you for a great morning yesterday. All the best to you and your Mum. Rach ?"

Liz Heaton reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"My daughter and I really enjoyed our day at Wendy’s lovely workshop. Although complete novices when we started, under Wendy’s patient guidance and tutoring, we were delighted at what we were able to achieve by the end of the day. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who has never worked with glass before. We look forward to seeing our finished pieces."

Emma Walder reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"The glassblowing was an amazing experience and I high recommend it to anyone. As it was a private class we got a lot of time to ask questions and practise different processes. Ricky was really lovely and it was a great learning experience - I would be keen to go back in the future."

Jess reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Initially I was a little nervous attending this online workshop- but I really didn't have anything to feel nervous about. Claire is such a wonderful teacher, so kind and patient(and her lino jokes/puns are quality!) I had such a brilliant time learning new things. It really doesn't matter how much or how little you know about lino printing because Claire's attentive guidance will fill you with the confidence you need to carve away peacefully and joyfully. Everyone who attended the online workshop produced such beautiful work and this was partly down to Claire's amazing teaching method. I cannot thank you enough for a delightful afternoon Claire, and rest of the Zoom gang. I really do hope to attend another workshop with you in the near future."

Geraldine Ormonde reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"I was lucky enough to be bought a one day, introduction to painting in oils with Sue. Firstly, directions were great and she was easy to find. A warm welcome was then followed by a wonderful day immersed in the application of oils, mixing colours, applying to canvas using the right brushes and all delivered in an easy going, encouraging manner. I learnt so much in just one day and came home with a completed painting, my first in oils. She is an excellent teacher, an inspiration to all new aspiring artists. Highly recommended, the perfect introduction and I shall be returning for more!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Geraldine, thank you for the lovely comments. I look forward to seeing you again soon!!. Sue"

Lisa reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I had a lovely day at Martin's fused glass workshop. He was very knowledgeable about his craft and showed us several different styles of glass art that we could create. After explaining the processes, we were able to select from a wide range of colours and glasses to make our own unique creations under his guidance. I had sufficient time to make a set of coasters, a bowl and a hanging piece of wall art. A thoroughly enjoyable day in a wonderful location. Would definitely recommend as relaxed introduction to glass art."

Mel Spence reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"We had a wonderful time learning to make our own candles. Everything was provided, the delivery of the course was both informative and fun and the cake Olga made was fabulous. It was so lovely to just do something enjoyable, new, very different and get to take all our candles home."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Mel. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I hope your proud of the lovely candles you made. Hope to see you again. xx"

David Matthews reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Loved it. Chris is a really skilled, knowledgeable and engaging teacher, and I feel as if I now have a skill for life. One of the most enjoyable courses I've ever done."

Rhiannon Wiliams reviewed: Beginners Weaving Kit with handheld loom, instruction booklet and yarns

"A great little kit to have a taster of weaving. Well written booklet and good variety of materials. I am really enjoying it."

Kev O'Grady reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"Really enjoyed this course, my first of maybe many. Geraint is an excellent teacher and showed us both in explanation and hands on how to carve wood using an amazing array of chisels. Would recommend anyone who wants to have a go at wood carving to go on this course. 10/10 for me"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for the positive review. We get a lot of pleasure out of seeing people progress and produce some beautiful work. It was lovely to meet you on the weekend."

Debbie Wells reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Fantastic course - loved it. Rachael is friendly, supportive and knowledegable. Thanks so much."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review rachael. i'll let rachel know, she'll be thrilled. and glad you enjoyed the day! joe gregory. xx"

Carol Tooth reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery Course

"Great courses... silversmithing and silver clay. I had a wonderful time and learned loads! Lovely lunch and afternoon tea."

Lizz reviewed: Willow Plant Supports with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Hello Rachel, I really enjoyed the Willow Plant Support day. Phil was good fun and made learning what to do easy to follow and broke each stage into easy to follow steps. He was there when you needed help and gave you encouragement when you could cope on your own. The lunch taken in the lovely bunkbarn was just what we needed after working hard all morning. I am looking forward to coming in July, all being well covid-wise, to make a Curlew. Thank you for a wonderful day."

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Lizz, Lovely to have you here and glad that you appreciated Phil's excellent tuition. We are very lucky to have him teach here so often. Looking forward to seeing you here again. Rachel"

Anita L reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"I am a complete novice, Ged was patient and course was really interesting. We learned a lot. An enjoyable experience, I am absolutely delighted with my stool and you couldnt ask for a better setting. The time just flew by and the sun shined just for us. I would definitely recommend Gedwood to anyone thinking of working with greenwood - thank you Ged."

Gedwood responded:

"Thank you Anita. It was a good day all round re weather and company. Enjoy your stool?"

Debbie gossage reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Enjoyable weekend stone carving outside at Middleton Hall. Would go again"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thanks for the review Debbie!"

Sam Evans reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I have just completed the 5 day course, split over 3 weeks due to Covid. This actually worked for me really well rather than all in one week. The first couple of days are quite hard work physically. I managed to restore a mid century sideboard back to it's former glory, french polish a small table and learned how to quickly bring back the sparkle into a piece of furniture. Ollie has provided me with instructions and a shopping list after the course so I can get set up at home."

Sue reviewed: Birds on a Wire: Create tiny wire sculptures (Art in the Barn)

"Really enjoyable day. Instruction excellent by Liz who made it a fun learning experience. Learnt the art of making wire birds which was achieved and much more. Lovely hospitable atmosphere created by Liz and Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sue, Really happy you enjoyed your day with us and thank you for taking the time to tell us. You created some beautiful pieces, which I hope you will enjoy at home. Go order that wire! Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Eco herb & vegetable markers

"Bought these for myself, but they would make a fabulous gift, arrived beautifully packaged with a personal note. Loved the fact that I could choose my own names. Really good quality, I will be back for more!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Vanessa. So kind of you to take the time. Really pleased you like them! All the very best. Rach"