Latest reviews

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!"

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!"

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!"

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"

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."

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....."

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."

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."

ANDRE TAILLEUR reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"A pretty good workshop with a “hands on” epoxy resin and woodcraft application. Richard was fantastic at teaching us the basics."

The River Shop responded:

"Thanks for coming André. Glad you enjoyed it. See you next time! Richard"

Angela Galante reviewed: Creative writing course, 5 hours, live online, one-to-one tuition. Beginners to advanced.

"I highly recommend Deana's creative writing classes. I found the course inspiring, fun and thought provoking. Despite having an idea for a novel, I hadn't written for quite some time prior to starting the course. Now I have a clear direction, write regularly and have learnt techniques and skills that have really improved my writing. I found Deana's feedback incredibly helpful and her a fun and inspiring person to spend time with - she is clearly passionate about what she does. I look forward to taking more classes in the future. Thank you."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review of my course. I really loved your ideas and hope to read your first novel soon!"

Jane Young reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Another brilliant workshop with Anne, this time making Christmas candles. She was so helpful and informative and it is really exciting to take such a range of candles home. I will definitely be returning next year for another course."

Jane Coward reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"What a lovely way to spend a weekend. The studio is well equipped with good light ,the material choices were very plentiful & a very relaxed atmosphere. My handbag is almost professional! Generally it was very inspiring."

Hanna Tailleur reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Bought this course as a Christmas present for my dad, we both really enjoyed it! Great start for anyone interested in using epoxy resin!"

The River Shop responded:

"Thanks for your kind review Hanna! Glad you came and l look forward to hearing about your future projects. Best, Richard"

Melanie McDonnell reviewed: Blacksmithing experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"My son has had an absolutely fantastic day on the blacksmith course with Richard. He’s made the most beautiful rose and learnt so many new skills. He was absolutely buzzing when he finished. I would definitely recommend it for beginners and those with experience. Thank you Richard and we look forward to seeing you again in the future."

Isabel reviewed: Enamelling on Copper Taster Day

"Brilliant that a complete amateur can, in just an hour or two, produce something attractive and eye-catching that I’ll be happy to show to friends. Teresa is great with novices, very helpful and encouraging. I can see myself doing more of her workshops."

Lappelli Craft Studio responded:

"Isabel, thank you for your review. Your little pendants were very sweet and will surely get many compliments!"

Otto Frohmader reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Really nice day, well worth the trip up from Brighton. When you've done the course you will want to carve another spoon, which means you will want spend some extra cash on a couple of tools. So be careful! However, If you can't get your own tools then David and Mike offer a regular membership where they kindly provide quality tools for you to use. 100% recommend"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Otto, thanks so much for your review. I really appreciate the effort you took to join us from Brighton in the middle of a pandemic. You are right that carving spoons can become addictive, but it beats alcohol or tobacco, right? I wish you well on your spooncarving and green woodwork journey and please do stay in touch."

Johanne Hudson reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"Absolutely amazing time and I recommend Laura’s course to anyone. Never done it before and everything was included. Looking forward to another next year."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you so much, Johanna. Even with your sore shoulder you managed to complete the day and finish grouting which was a task, I know. Don't forget to buff the mosaic with a dry soft cloth to see the full effect! Thanks again for your review. More courses coming next year and you are very welcome to come again."

Caroline reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Wow! What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday morning! Anne was amazing, very patient and knowledgeable. She explained and re-explained as many times as we needed. The way the course was delivered was paced brilliantly. We made a bit of everything too, which kept it exciting. I honestly can’t recommend this course enough. As a beginner I feel completely comfortable to have a try on my own after this session. Everyone was friendly, kind and helpful. The tea and cake was a delightful little touch! I would certainly book onto another course run by Anne. Thank you so much Anne!"

Deborah Dullaghan reviewed: Come Frame With Me - Making your own Picture Frame

"Great day of frame making, from start to finish. Clear concise explanations and tips, expert guidance and demonstrations and then doing it myself with patient oversight from Ady. Walked away with a picture frame that I am really proud of. Thank you so much Ady."

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"Thank you Debs! It was a pleasure to meet and host you too. I hope that you can put some of the skills to use in the future. Happy framing! Ady"

Rosie reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I booked this course as gift for my mum and I to help get our creativity flowing before Christmas. We had a wonderful evening, Jo made us feel welcome and relaxed and was very informative - we learnt much more than we expected about candles and candle making. We made some fabulous products to gift to friends and family... and for us too, our homes now smell amazing. Thank you Jo!"

Sarah reviewed: Lino Print Kit - includes 18 items - choose 4 inks from 12 colours - FREE online video tutorials- includes UK postage

"I received this the other day and can not wait to get started. It was absolutely beautifully wrapped and I felt like Christmas had come early. This would make a fabulous gift for anyone wanting to get crafty. Catherine was helpful and a delight. Such value in what you receive with helpful notes and tips. Excited to get my creative juices flowing today. Highly recommended."

Paula P reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"A super day all round. Chris and Sarah are very skilled in their own art and are so patient and encouraging throughout. I felt very safe as the day was Covid complaint at all times and I enjoyed the bonus of lunch and a chat mid day . Chris and Sarah are so warm and share so much of their knowledge to make the day informative and add to my understanding of two crafts. I’ll be back!! Thank you xxx"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Lovely to meet you! Your glass is all successfully out of the kiln and pots will follow! Thanks very much for taking the time to leave a review. Merry Christmas, Sarah and Chris"

Dan reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My ma-in-law got me a blacksmithing voucher for my birthday so yesterday I went and spent the day with Bob. He is a great teacher and showed me how to use a hammer properly. He could see when I picked up a pushing hammer blow from out of nowhere, even though I hadn't done it all day! I made a herb cleaver and some coat hangers and went home tired but very happy. I recommend this course if you fancy being out of your comfort zone and want to learn interesting metalworking techniques :)"

Lucy Howson reviewed: 1-to-1 Beginners Leatherworking Workshop

"Had a great day out at Pipa's leather workshop - she was very welcoming, and accommodating as I was trying to book round ever-changing covid restrictions! It was great being able to experiment with all the tools, and I learnt the basics of so many relevant leather techniques that I have confidence in now being able to apply to my own work. Many thanks!"

Adrian Hobbs reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Excellent, had a great time with Nicola & Ben, very informative & reassuring, everything you need to know is covered. If you want to learn how to make REAL soap (cold process), look no further."