Latest reviews

Joella Edwards reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"What a brilliant course! I had a great time and cannot rate it highly enough. Peter, and his very talented apprentice Toby, welcomed us into their wonderful workshop in the most stunning surroundings. The teaching was gentle, clear and well paced, with plenty of help and support when needed at each stage. I felt very comfortable and at ease the whole time, and came away with a piece of work that I am proud of and a foundation of core skills and knowledge to move forward with. Peter has also sent a list of helpful resources for further support. A wonderful way to spend a weekend! Thank you Peter and Toby!"

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Joella - a pleasure having you on the course!"

Cheryl Long reviewed: Machine knitting workshop - All levels

"Had an amazing one on one with this lady. Very patient, explaining all the details in plain simple terms which makes it much easier to understand. Excellent environment with a teacher with so much experience. She offers a bespoke service tailored to your needs. If anyone is thinking of taking up machine knitting, she is the person you need to teach you. Looking forward to taking more lessons from her. Not to be missed and can’t praise enough. Once again thank you."

Donna reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Great session, learnt lots...which was enjoyable and informative. I have recommended the workshop to my friends and colleagues and shared website details. A wonderfully practical course - both personally and professionally."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Donna. Thanks for your feedback. It was lovely to have you with us. You and your mum were great. You made lovely memories together. Glad you enjoyed it. xx"

Carl Anderson reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Had a fantastic day and the setting is lovely. Mike is a very knowledgeable and a great teacher and happy to answer all your questions.The tools we used were well kept, good quality and sharp and techniques demonstrated brilliantly. It was a nice relaxed, friendly atmosphere and everything is explained thoroughly to get you to a point where you can go away and do it yourself and i feel confident that i can after this. It was a great day and good value for money, I would thoroughly recommend it"

MC Woodcrafts responded:

"Thanks for your review Carl. It was great to meet you and Andy and I'm so glad that you enjoyed your day and feel inspired to start your spoon carving journey. Happy Carving!"

Andrew Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This course was a gift from my wife and it was a very enjoyable day. David and Mike are knowledgeable, friendly and are never far away when you need help or advice. The spoon making experience involves a set of skills few of us possess from log splitting to carving with both axe and knives. These skills keep you busy all day and are well demonstrated and explained. There is also a good array of tools to try to suit individual preferences for weights, blade lengths etc. The follow up notes are also excellent for anyone who wants to put the finishing touches to their creation or for those who are inspired to pick up a new hobby. Highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Andrew. It was rather exciting that you didn’t know quite what your birthday present was- I’m so pleased that your wife chose something you enjoyed. I look forward to hearing how your new-found craft skills progress."

David Gardner reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Travelled from Leicester to do this course it was very informative highly recommended"

The River Shop responded:

"Great to have you David. Thanks for making the trip all the way down. Hope to see you again! Best, Richard"

Tina reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I came and did the soap making course yesterday as a complete novice . After having fantastic training from Paula, left feeling confident to have a go at a new hobby/interest. Paula really knows her subject and delivers in a friendly, informative and professional way. The afternoon tea was a lovely touch at the end of the day. Thank you"

Linda reviewed: Seasonal hand tied bouquet

"Mary was very patient and provided an informative and relaxed workshop,complying with Covid-19 requirements. Beautiful, locally grown, Spring flowers were provided and the hand-tied bouquet I constructed continues to provide joy as the ranunculus, tulip, anemone and hellebore blooms continue to open up. A lovely way to spend an afternoon!"

Mary Hill Studio responded:

"Thank you Linda for such a lovely review. I'm glad it was informative and your flowers are still looking beautiful. Mary"

Vikki Hogarth reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I really enjoyed this soap making course. It was really lovely to spend a day doing something so relaxing. Paula was a fantastic teacher and explained everything fully and made it really interesting and easy to understand for me as a complete beginner. The afternoon tea was a lovely touch too. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Vikki, you made some lovely soaps!. Paula"

Sherina reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"A huge thank you to Paula. Had a really lovely day making soaps. As a beginner, I was a bit worried about the technicalities of making soaps but Paula made it look so easy (theoretically and practically). It was such an informative and fun filled workshop. A must try - highly recommendable! Can’t wait for my next course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Sherina, lovely to have you on the course, enjoy your soaps!. Paula"

Rowena reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"If I could leave a rating of 11 out of ten I would do so. From the moment I walked in to the course I found Paula warm and engaging. My biggest worries about making soap were the safety issues around handling lye and by the end of the course - not only had she allayed these fears but she has instilled such confidence that I am planning to make my first batch of soap this week at home. I have to mention the attention to detail that was given to this course...it was really was thorough and most definitely value for money."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you! So very pleased to read your feedback. Paula"

Anne Martland reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Thank you Paula for such a lovely day. Your passion and knowledge came across on the day.Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. So much so l've started to order equipment to start making soap for friends to start with, for their birthdays / Xmas pressys. Need to practice before thinking about selling in the future."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"So pleased to hear you are already getting your supplies for soap making, enjoy!. Paula"

Gilliana Bunn reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I did this course with Paula and it was amazing. I learnt so much that I felt confident enough to go home and start making my own soaps, which I gave done. Paula is an excellent teacher who is not only professional about her subject but very passionate about it as well. She is willing to share all her knowledge and is very helpful and enthusiastic in helping others to set up their own businesses too. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone and any age wishing to learn a new skill."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you, so pleased you enjoyed the course. Paula"

amanda jane Coffey reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"Just brilliant day , Richard was fantastic, really great teacher , with loads of knowledge , would highly recommend, a must do for any age ."

Potterydayz responded:

"Delighted you had a good morning- a pleasure to meet you both. See you soon"

Pete Eveleigh reviewed: Electric guitar (6 String) Building day course

"Had a great day building a kit guitar with Ted. He's a knowledgable teacher and I enjoyed the chat through the day. Also plenty of tea on hand which is always a bonus. I'll be returning to do another course with him asap."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Peter your a true gentleman my friend. I hope the 6 string electric guitar gives you many hours of enjoyment? Its also good to know you and your daughter are thinking of doing a course together? It would be nice to see you again soon for sure? Kind regards Ted"

Cecilia McCarthy reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"As a new person to jewellery making I was worried that I would be not be any good at developing this new skill. I shouldn't have worried at all as Jude was an expert in her field. She made the lesson fun and interactive. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone."

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hi Cecilia, Thank you for such a lovely review. You both took to jewellery making pretty easily with bags of confidence. I have polished your rings and will get them to you this week. It was lovely to meet you both. Judex"

Yvonne Afford reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Have just spent a great day with Natalie and Paul making glass jewellery. They were great, very friendly and welcoming also both very knowledgeable and creative. Started the morning by learning the basic glass cutting techniques with Paul. The oil filled cutter was a revelation! Then Natalie helped me to make some bespoke glass jewellery which I can’t wait to pick up after it has been in the kiln. Would definitely recommend this course as it is fun, creative and such a lovely way to spend a day totally absorbed in craft. I also thought that the course was excellent value as I made two pendants and three pairs of earrings plus had lunch and gallons of coffee! Check out the glass kits that you can buy from them too. Having seen them for real, if you can’t get to a course they provide a way to make something beautiful at home and good value too!"

Sid Clotworthy reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My wife got me this course as a Christmas present I had a fantastic day. Simon was an excellent teacher full of useful knowledge and guidance which he happly passed on. Produced two beautiful pices of work of which I am very proud. Beautiful surroundings, nice workshop I would happily recommend this course to anyone."

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

"Hi Sid, We're really happy you enjoyed your woodturning workshop on your birthday - shame we had to eat your cake though ;-). You made a beautiful bowl (great quilting) and we hope you go on to make more lovely things in your retirement :-). We're always here if you need any advice in the future. The notes I mentioned will follow on shortly."

Ruth reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"My son and I loved the workshop. In three hours, we were each able to produce a spoon using first an axe and then whittling knives, which was an incredibly satisfying experience! Dave was lovely, explaining everything really clearly so the whole experience felt really safe and fun. Everything was also really well organised. All of the equipment was laid out and ready to go. We will definitely be back!"

Jan & Traci reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Loved every minute, neither of us had done this before. Staff were all very lovely and chilled. Lesson was good fun and came home with a bag full of hand made goodies ! Very pleased and will definitely book in for Christmas class. Thanks. Would highly recommend x"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Lovely ladies! Thank you for your lovely feedback. I'm so glad you enjoyed it as it was Tracie's birthday gift. We look forward to seeing you at Christmas!! xxx"

Nicola reviewed: One day fused glass

"I had a wonderful day with Melissa on the glass fusing course. I felt comfortable and confident very quickly and was able to progress at my own speed completing two pieces ready for firing before I left. Melissa explained each stage and backed up her explanation with a demonstration which I then practiced. There was a huge choice of materials and I was able to try many techniques. I would highly recommend this course."

Melissa Wellby Glass responded:

"Thank you for a lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed your day Nicky, and I’ll see you soon when you come to collect your beautiful pieces :)"

Jon C reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Learnt a lot, very pleased to see I can produce neat welds. Just need to get things set up correctly here. Can thoroughly recommend this course."

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Jon, much appreciated. As I said on the day my advise does not stop when you walk out of the door. Kind regards & happy Welding. David"

Brenda Barker reviewed: Garden/ Outdoor mosaic kit: Dragonfly Circle hanging garden decoration

"My best friend in Devon gave me this voucher for my birthday and dared me to try something new. I chose the mosaic dragon fly and loved making it. The instructions were so easy to follow and it was great value for money. Thank you for giving me the chance to take on a new challenge. I will definitely recommend you to my friends. Loved it. Xx"

Primrose Mosaics responded:

"Hi Brenda, I’m so glad you tried something new with my mosaic kit and loved it! Thank you for taking time to leave a review, your feedback is very much appreciated:) xxx"

Pat Walker reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"I really enjoyed the workshop, Pauline and her staff were very helpful and knowledgeable."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Pat! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Well done for all your hard work, your candles were lovely. xx"

Buffy Sparks reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Paulines course was fabulous, relaxed, fun and a great way to learn about candle making. During the session we had some really useful information and key facts given to us, Olga, Paulines Mum made the most delicious cakes with refreshments AAA course great experience thank you"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Ah Buffy, thank you for your awesome feedback. You were great. I loved your enthusiasm. Mum will be very happy you loved her cake! Thank you for being a star! xxx"