Latest reviews

15 Dec 20'

Upul Amarasinghe reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I went into this class as an absolute beginner. Richard is a great instructor. He explained the even the silliest questions with patience and with a smile :) Thank you Richard for the fantastic class. I’m now more confident to try a resin project on my own."

The River Shop responded:

"I don’t remember any silly questions! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your feedback. Hope to see the results of your first solo project! Richard"

15 Dec 20'

Gareth Evans reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Wasn't quite sure what to expect, both in relation to the course content and especially with all the Covid restrictions etc in place. However, what a pleasant surprise. I had an enjoyable informative day and all necessary precautions both workshop H&S and Covid related were in place. The course was not prescriptive and once the basics were covered then students could focus on what was of personal interest. I returned home at the end of the day with my creation, and am looking forward to undertaking both more stained glass making and having some more tuition from Matt."

15 Dec 20'

Kay Clarke reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Fantastic evening. Learnt so much and so relaxing and enjoyable . Thank you Jo for a great workshop. And thank you Rosie Clarke for the perfect Christmas surprise . My house smells beautiful and have lovely presents to give ."

14 Dec 20'

pat dew reviewed: Christmas Twist Beeswax Candle Making Kit.

"This kit was bought as a Christmas gift for a friend who I shall not be able to visit. It arrived very promptly and well packed and my friend is delighted - she tells me it smells gorgeous. She also felt it was a very thoughtful gift as she needs things to do during what may feel like a very quiet Christmas."

Rowhill Candles responded:

"Pat - good morning I was pleased to hear your friend was delighted with the kit and the end result also, thank you for the positive review, which is appreciated. Kind regards Brian - Rowhill Candles"

14 Dec 20'

Celia Jardine-Smith reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Had a great day, despite the rain! Such an absorbing (and potentially addictive) activity! Jack’s teaching was excellent."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thankyou! It certainly helped you all remaining in good spirits despite the damp! See you again."

14 Dec 20'

Alexandria reviewed: Lumen Printing

"I had a really great time at the wreath making workshop. Emma provided plenty of natural materials to chose from and offered really helpful advise whilst still encouraging us to use our own creativity to make the wreaths. We will definitely be back in the future."

Mapp of London responded:

"Thank you Alex - look forward to seeing you all again soon!"

14 Dec 20'

Brooke reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Unicorn

"Bought as a Christmas present for my niece so can't comment on putting it together, but it looked fab in the box and was delivered really quickly."

14 Dec 20'

Michael Gendi reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Had a really good time, even though it was raining and cold, we sat under a gazebo and everything was good. Made a spoon. Talked about interesting stuff. Enjoyed the other people there. Very welcoming relaxed atmosphere. Jack is very engaging. Really glad I did this. Wasn't sure what to expect. It was very good. Michael"

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Michael, it was great to meet you both. Good luck in your woodworking adventures!"

14 Dec 20'

Mark Thornton reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had a really fantastic day with Graham! He is very knowledgeable, and an exceptionally good teacher who gives simple, easy to understand instruction in bite sized chunks to all students, both young... and not quite so young! Thanks also to Dave (co-owner) and Declan for their help too. Clarkes Knives are in a proper engineering workshop, with plenty of tools, spaced out with plenty of room to work. On a Covid front, masks on at all times, plenty of hand sanitiser available and distancing maintained. My 15yr old son made a knife, starting at the forge with hammer and anvil, working through grinding on Grahams custom belt grinders and ending by wrapping in a paracord handle. Also available a 2 day knife course with a wooden handle and a leather sheath AND a 2 day axe course, complete with making & fitting your own ash handle. Very highly recommended. We are definitely going back! This review also posted on Google"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Mark, We thoroughly enjoyed having you with us and we all look forward to seeing both of you again."

14 Dec 20'

Andy J reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"This was my second day with Siobhan having been totally hooked the first time. Don’t underestimate what you can achieve in a day and learn the whole time with the encouragement of an artist that knows her subject inside out. Superb lunch and every measure taken during the day to minimise the COVID risk. I will be back again to keep learning in such a super environment."

14 Dec 20'

Jenny M reviewed: Christmas felted Mistletoe sprig with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"Great afternoon doing something different. Very pleased with the end product. Heather kindly allowed us to organise as a mini work Christmas social event and it worked really well. Thanks Heather!"

14 Dec 20'

Maggie thain reviewed: First steps in crochet - Live online tuition with kit

"Lucy has a lot of patience and was an excellent tutor. I’ve never been able to crochet and had tried countless books and YouTube etc without any success. Thanks to Lucy’s tuition I can now crochet. Would highly recommend this course. Thank you"

The Creators Hideaway responded:

"Aww thank you Maggie - it was a pleasure to teach you and despite us being over 300 miles apart, we managed to achieve all our class goals. I’m glad you were able to *finally master crocheting :)"

14 Dec 20'

Sinéad reviewed: Life sculpture in clay: 1 day course

"Amazing time, really enjoyed learning something new. Course was great, Can't wait to do this again, because one day wasnt enough x"

14 Dec 20'

Reg Smith reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A lot of useful tips, hints and instruction in a short time. Got Welding quite quickly so plenty of hands on Mig practice with a touch of stick. Plenty of equipment to use and coffee to drink."

14 Dec 20'

Dominic frampton reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"due to Covid, both lads were very professional and kept safe according to government guidelines. Dave was very patient and an excellent teacher. had great fun making the knife and would definitely go again"

14 Dec 20'

Stewart Svaasand reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a wonderful course. Mark is a fun, patient and excellent teacher. A really relaxed atmosphere and I definitely learned my share of skills I’ll be putting into good use. Highly recommend."

13 Dec 20'

Chris McMurray reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Could not recommended this experience enough. Richard was incredibly knowledgeable and patient when instructing an absolute novice in blacksmithing. The whole experience was fun and a took place in an excellent environment. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the knife making experience and it is something we would both definitely do again with Richard."

13 Dec 20'

Stuart Pear reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A great course and very cleverly pitched at the more mature student, not one of us less than 50! Admin at the start of the day seemed a bit random but later realised this was part of the scheme to make us feel comfortable and teach old dogs new tricks! learnt a lot from Nigel who is clearly a master craftsman at working metal but without being patronising or condescending, in a real working forge environment. Nigel was full of tips, and hilarious anecdotes about his many years in the welding industry. More informative and fun than I ever anticipated. I hope my next Birthday present is the Blacksmiths course!"

13 Dec 20'

Malcolm reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Have just participated in Mark’s two day box making course what an enjoyable weekend. Mark is a great teacher who showed great skill and patience. I was thrilled with the box I made and also with the skills he taught us. The weekend passed too quickly. Thank you Mark!"

13 Dec 20'

Bogdan Iovanovici reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"What i can say....really grate course, beautiful location, David it is such a great teacher...highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Bogdan, you now hold the record for the furthest anyone has travelled to join one of my classes! I’m so pleased that you felt that the journey was worthwhile and thanks so much for your kind words. Keep those knives sharp and keep making shavings!"

13 Dec 20'

Catherine Schenk reviewed: One day fused glass

"I was gifted this course and it was something I had wanted to try for ages .... I certainly wasn’t disappointed ! Melissa is so patient, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The morning was spent learning how to cut glass and how to use a whole variety of fused glass components, tools and techniques. During the afternoon Melissa encouraged me to used my new founds skills to be creative and produce 2 pieces of fused glass that I am very proud of ! What an excellent way to spend a day - can’t wait to pursue this hobby further ! Thank you Melissa"

Melissa Wellby Glass responded:

"Hi Catherine, Thank you so much for your lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the day. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there is anything I can help you with in your progression. Many thanks Melissa"

13 Dec 20'

Helen McCuaig-Finlay reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Great course. It was a cold day but I barely even noticed! Engaged from start to finish. Experienced and helpful instructors. Would highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Helen, high praise that we managed to get you to forget the winter weather, but we were blessed with some sunshine and blue skies! I’m so pleased you had a good day and I hope that we’ve planted a seed of working green wood that will stay with you. A simple set of tools and bountiful raw materials in the natural world around us! Do stay in touch and let us know how your carving journey proceeds."

13 Dec 20'

Jenna Burns reviewed: Online Cyanotype Printing Workshop

"Clear instructions and demonstration. Look forward to trying it out."

Mapp of London responded:

"Thank you Jenna - it was a pleasure to join on Zoom! Happy printing....."

13 Dec 20'

Jo Jenner reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"I travelled 60 miles to do this day course at the brilliantly quirky venue. It was all worth it. Laura is an inspirational tutor with great ideas, the perfect amount of nuture and excellent knowledge. I really enjoyed it and thanks Laura and fellow mosaic'ers for a great day out."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"You were a joy to teach, Jo, and you had your idea ready to translate which helps a lot. I was delighted with the choice of tile you used on your owl mosaic. I've had great feedback from all the mosaics made that day and particularly your owl! Thank you very much for your review."

13 Dec 20'

Karla Butler reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"I did this course on Friday, I felt nervous about going because my craft skills are poor, but instantly Laura the teacher made me feel relaxed, by the end of the day I made a perfect little dog mosaic, I loved every minute, Laura is very patient, you must give this a try excellent."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you, Karla, you took my instruction on board and got to grips with tools and the choice of mosaic quickly. Pat yourself on the back as you've proved you can do it! Your little dog mosaic is exquisite."