Latest reviews

NIgel Whittingham reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"Excellent all round - good safety brief, plenty of time to work on own pieces, worked for beginners and those with past experience, we all learned something, marvellous venue. I will continue with Lino printing and will keep an eye out for other courses. Thank you!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Nigel, Lovely to work with you. Thanks for making time to tell us about your day and keep on cutting and printing. Alison & Liz"

Jan Hill-Tout reviewed: Lino Printing at Larkswold (2.30pm-5.30pm)

"I had a wonderful time doing lino cut printing with Melinda and Emma at Larkswold. They were so welcoming and supportive and I enjoyed every minute. Thank you"

Larkswold responded:

"Thankyou Jan, Really glad you enjoyed the session. We also appreciated you graciously putting up with our social media frivolities! Melinda ?"

Mr David Witter reviewed: Bandsaw box making day

"Finally (lockdown permitting) I got my Bandsaw Box Making day. Ted was very flexible with the re-booking due to 3rd wave lockdown restrictions. I did ensure that I had a good look at Google Maps first, but my SATNAV route did come off the A500 a junction too soon, the one-way system and locals are not very forgiving. My past woodwork experiences were 40+ years ago at school and so it was good to be back in a proper workshop. Ted is a salt-of-the-earth, easy-going person and so it was nice to chat as the day progressed. The Bandsaw is by far the workhorse here, I'd recommend a few practice runs on marked-up scrap pieces to develop the feel for moving the wooden block through your stenciled outline. Outside and inside curves provide their own challenges when adjusting the piece and time spent here helps to produce cleaner lines later. With the parts cut out, it was time to use the belt and oscillating sanders being mindful to maintain those consistent lines and edges for a smooth fit. Ted is always on hand to advise and help with your progress, but it is very much your own creation. Once the box is glued, which is no mean feat (I think we had 12 clamps to keep the box and drawer secured), we can use the sanders to get rid of any remaining overlaps - ready for the Danish oil finish. I was very happy with the day and what I'd achieved. A big thank you to Ted for showing me the way and providing this opportunity."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"David was a typical hands on no fuss sort of guy and the results of his effort certainly paid off. After a few practice runs on the bandsaw he was soon going for the real thing. I hope he get to use his box as much as I use mine ! I'm looking forward to David coming back on another course soon too. Well done mate the inner craftsman was with you all day! see you soon!"

Sarah W reviewed: New - Inspired by Tiles : Two colour lino cutting and printing in Hampshire. Fully Booked

"Lino printing, so much fun remembering your school days but in a much easier friendly style. Alison & Liz, our hosts, were attentive and knowledgeable with a constant supply of coffee it tea. This is our second workshop here so enough said, it can’t be that bad, wink wink! Will we return...I know so!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Sarah, Lovely to have you here again and already looking forward to working with you again. What tempts you for our October event? Keep on cutting and printing. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Daria Panas-O'Brien reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We received a crafts voucher for Christmas from our children back in 2019 and eventually managed to book a date. We decided on the 2 crafts in 1 day with Blended Monkeys as it seemed like a good idea to get an introduction to 2 different crafts and perhaps to continue with one of them. It definitely turned out to be a good choice as we both had an amazing day, came away with a piece of woodwork at the end of the day and are waiting with bated breath for our pottery pieces!!! Louise and Simon were very welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and patient. We felt relaxed with no unnecessary pressure."

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

"Hi guys, We're so pleased you enjoyed your woodturning and pottery workshops. You both made some lovely woodturned pieces, and we're sure your ceramic items will look fab when they emerge from the kiln too :-). Lovely to meet you both :-)."

Karen reviewed: Slow Stitch Kit- Lakeland Hues - UK Postage Only

"Lovely fabrics good quality and coordinating colours love it ?"

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

"Had a lovely day at the Glory of Glass workshop. Beautiful setting, lovely room. Wendy was a very patient and kind teacher and I am looking forward to receiving the finished piece soon, as Wendy has fired it and posted out. I would recommend (and have) the glass workshop to everyone. I will definitely be returning in the future."

Glory of Glass responded:

"Thanks Suzanne - it was a pleasure to have you. Look forward to seeing you again. Wendy"

Jennifer Redgrave reviewed: Make At Home - Fused Glass Wave Kit

"2 kits arrived securely packaged and we had a lovely afternoon setting out our waves. Everything we needed was included and we thoroughly enjoyed making them. Couldn’t wait to see the end result after sending them back for fusing. We were not disappointed, they were both beautiful, although quite different. I would not hesitate to order more kits for home crafting from Natalie, the whole system works really well for doing at home."

Natalie Bullock Art responded:

"Hello Jennifer - thank you for your fantastic feedback! I’m so pleased you enjoyed working with the kits and you are both happy with your makes! You both did a lovely job of them! Warmest wishes Natalie"

gail Murphy reviewed: Beginners Basketry - An Introduction to Willow Weaving

"Good pace, friendly knowledgeable teacher. Great venue-outdoor but sheltered, with cake! Thanks very much"

Louise Borrell reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Spent a really enjoyable workshop with Julie working in our family bubble. We really enjoyed the activity and the finished product exceeded our expectation. There was a huge variety of resources for us to use and Julie was an excellent and knowledgable tutor. We enjoyed it so much that we have booked another session for later in the year!"

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thankyou Louise was lovely to meet you and your girls, See you later in the year."

Seringa Dudley reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners day

"I had a lovely day with Louise . Louise explained everything and demonstrated very clearly. I made a beautiful necklace and earings during the time. I would highly recommend a creative day with Louise. Her workshop is in a peaceful setting in the garden backing on to fields. When putting in postcode to get there do put in Market Bosworth not Nuneaton. I ended up in the wrong place . Louise was very inderstanding and accomodating at my late arrival. Thank you Louise for great tuition and a fun, creative day."

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you it was lovely to meet you ?"

Liam reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Both myself and my girlfriend had an an amazing day carving spoons with Mark. It was both our first time trying this out and we fell in love with it!! Everything was very well organised, professional and very safe. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience a rewarding activity. We hope to go back ASAP!!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Liam Thank you for the review. Happy to hear you both enjoyed the day and that you're up for more. All the best Mark and Cristina"

suzy Townsend reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"We had a really enjoyable day with Kate who is skilled and patience tutor, we came home with a fantastic heron, and i found it very therapeutic , highly recommend. I already have the next project in mind. Cannot forget Dave who put on a good spread for lunch."

Pat reviewed: Copper fold-forming jewellery workshop

"I had an amazing day of metalcraft with David on the Fold-Formed Copper workshop. David has a warm and welcoming manner and has a brilliant and supportive teaching style. The day was really well structured - the workshop is a fantastic and inspiring space to work in, and there were plenty of very good quality tools to use. David took time to explain the different techniques within Fold Formed work, and I really learnt a lot in a short space of time. He was attentive to every student's need whilst giving us the space to create and find our own way. He was encouraging all the way, and corrected us gently when we went off on the wrong path. I absolutely blew my own expectations of what I would achieve in a day - I took home a small (practice) four petaled flower, and twisted willow leaf and the crowning glory, a large six petaled flower. I gifted it to my wife who was equally blown away with what I had created! David, I absolutely loved it all, thank you so much! Have already booked Stained Glass for my wife as a gift, to be closely followed by ring making ;-). Very highly recommended."

Annie Lowing reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"After making my notebook with Lorna, I ordered materials for two more notebooks. Lorna was so helpful, especially as I wanted them a different size. She sent me images of different colours of the cotton fabric I liked, for the notebook cover. She was was so understanding when card reader packed up, delaying payment. Wonderful lady."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review. It was my pleasure to arrange some additional kits for you. Happy binding! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Louise reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I spent a wonderful day in Walderchain Woods with my dad, learning to carve spoons. Mark was a fantastic host and led the day with just the right mix of safety warnings (axes/knives....!) and chilled attitude. We learnt some tricks and tips. A delicious, warming, homemade soup was just the ticket at lunchtime (thanks to Mark’s wife), along with a very tasty cake! I can’t recommend this course highly enough, it was absolutely fabulous- we all came away with all the fingers we had arrived with and with a newly crafted spoon each! We’ll be back again in the future, that’s for sure."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Louise Thank you for the kind words. Glad you both had such a good day. Look forward to seeing you back here and good luck with the forest school. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Michelle reviewed: Make At Home - Fused Glass Star Kit

"Excellent craft kit. Everything has been thought of in the kit. Great communication from the company."

Natalie Bullock Art responded:

"Hello Michelle, thank you for your feedback - it’s much appreciated! Natalie :)"

Helen reviewed: Come Frame With Me - Making your own Picture Frame

"Really good learning experience with Ady providing great opportunity to watch, learn and do ! I am really pleased with the frame I was able to produce and the piece of art looks great !"

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"Thank you Helen. Really enjoyed the day too and agree that your art looked great in the frame. Good luck with your framing in the future! Ady"

Julie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Sooky and I went and spent a lovely day with Mark amongst the glorious bluebell wood setting. We both came away with all our fingers, two spoons and an insight into axe crafting. The day was paced beautifully,informative and Covid aware. Mark was a great instructor,and had patience with our lack of skill with an axe or blade, and Christina's food delicious, and we also had the company of Ted the dog. Would highly recommend this day to friends and family."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for review. Glad you both enjoyed it. It was a great day and group - especially when the rain blew away. All the best Mark and Cristina"

James Hill reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Brilliant course in a lovely location and with a great teacher! Mike was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, opening my eyes to a whole new world! Learned a lot in one day without it feeling overwhelming, which is a credit to Mike's teaching style."

Vicki Dean reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"I really enjoyed this course! Vanessa is brilliant! Very informative, giving very clear instructions and demonstrations! such a lovely lady! I even purchased a kit (which I completed last night to make sure I hadn't forgotten any of the skills Vanessa had taught me haha) Would highly recommend."

ShedLight responded:

"Excellent Vicki and well done ! I expect both your children are delighted with your handmade lampshades. Ok I am so happy you enjoyed your course and it was lovely meeting you both."

Janet Bracher reviewed: Beautiful, practical, functional, baskets.

"My daughter and I really enjoyed our day yesterday in the woods of the Surrey hills. We were immersed in the woods, sun shining, huge beech trees swaying in the wind. A totally immersive day losing ourselves in basket weaving. Great tuition , lots of demonstrations and one to one. Thanks Jan and family for a lovely day with amazing baskets completed and families really impressed when we got gone."

Brian Shaw reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Received this course as a birthday present for my 50th. I must say, Ted was very enthusiastic and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. The course was very easy to follow with Ted's guidance. I was not put under pressure to do anything I didn't want to do. At the end of the course I had completed my instrument. Overall it was a very satisfactory day and a great birthday gift from my children. Thank you, Brian S"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Well done Brian a true craftsman indeed. Hope you get many hours of fun with the new instrument ! Hope to see you soon."

David OSullivan reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"Really enjoyed the course. I learned a lot about woodworking in general and guitar making. I'll definitely come back for another course in the future. Thank you Ted. All the best. Dave"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"David was a typical hands on no fuss sort of guy and the results of his effort certainly paid off. After a few practice runs on the bandsaw he was soon going for the real thing. I hope he get to use his box as much as I use mine ! I'm looking forward to David coming back on another course soon too. Well done mate the inner craftsman was with you all day! see you soon!"

Sita reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Really was a fabulous day. We learnt a new skill and made new friends! We will definitely visit again and can't recommend Blended Monkey enough! Can't thank Louise enough for welcoming us and giving us an unforgettable day."

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

"Sita, thank you for your lovely review! It was an absolute pleasure to meet you and Daniel, and we look forward to you guys returning some time :-). Excited to see how your pots will look after firing, and I've made sure that your gorgeous tall slab vase hasn't fallen over during the drying process ;-). Again, thank you for the fab review!"