Latest reviews

Rhodri Nichols reviewed: Bristol Bronze Club - 2 day lost wax bronze casting workshop

"I took part in one of David's weekend bronze casting courses earlier this year, and thought it was massively inspiring. Having done a small amount of bronze casting in a university setting it was refreshing to have such a close 1 to 1 experience with the process, and with an instructor as knowledgeable as David. The process was explained and shown in full detail each day, all tools provided and techniques taught to us well, and David was happy to give any helpful tips and tricks to us along the way. The process was broken down into sections for each day in a way that made sense to the process, which gave a nice pace to the course, feeling constantly busy but also not rushed gave a great atmosphere in the foundry. The setting was lovely and was a great place for a foundry and David was also an exceptional host, offering hot beverages and cooking lunch for us on site (The food was delicious too). I had an excellent time and would recommend for any budding bronze casters that would like a closer craft casting experience with a small independent foundry."

Lynne Wilson reviewed: Silver Metal Clay –Stone setting techniques, Lancaster, Lancashire

"I attended the Rolling Mill and Stamping course. Rachel was a great teacher, very knowledgeable, patient and full of ideas and the course was well run. She made sure we all followed the COVID regulations to keep us safe. With her help, I was able to make a lovely pendant which I was very pleased with considering it was my first attempt at jewellery making. I will definitely do another of her courses, just trying to decide which one next!"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Lynne it was a pleasure teaching you and your pendant was a huge success. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it and felt safe. I’m looking forward to seeing you again."

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

"First time I have ordered from this company. Had a few issues placing my order but help soon arrived and I was sorted out promptly. Every time I messaged I got a reply. My parcel arrived yesterday via Royal Mail. It’s a present I ordered for a friend to give to her husband so even though I have been very tempted I haven’t opened the box. Will most definitely use this company again."

Isabel Draper reviewed: Create a Gorgeous Macramé Wall Hanging

"Good preparation is crucial as the very long threads have a mind of their own - before the workshop starts make sure you have a clear table to work on, and be ready to fix the dowel down with sticky tape after you’ve placed the first knots on. Alternatively, suspend the dowel horizontally so the threads will hang from it. Time will be saved if you untie the knotted bundles of thread beforehand. And shoo the cat out or she’ll think it’s Christmas!"

Mandy reviewed: Live Online Class - Beginner Rag Rug Techniques - Including Tools worth £30

"Totally recommend this course. Great dynamic on zoom. Elspeth is friendly and professional. We learnt lots together; three different techniques and time to practise and ask questions.The pack of goodies we were sent included three specialised tools and fabric samples. I started the Sunflower during the class and finished it during the following days. My technique improved and I found it very relaxing. I feel well equipped to move on to rag rug independently."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Mandy, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop - you were a perfect student :-)"

Cathy Bovill reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"This was a fun workshop. Gwen created a lovely relaxed atmosphere and it went at a good pace with flexibility if you were going more slowly or quickly than others. I really enjoyed it and I am delighted with my finished felted robin."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Cathy, it really is hugely appreciated. It was lovely meeting you and I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the workshop :)"

savva christofides reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Omg . I'm a Lucy Churchill stonecarving addict . I would do these courses every month if I could ? I've recently returned from my second course which was of course PHENOMENAL ? Despite the covid restrictions Lucy kept it compliant but fun . As she was only able to have 2 people on the course there was plenty of room both indoors and outside to work comfortably whilst maintaining social distancing. Small numbers meant a superb one to one support was available st all times and I was overjoyed with my finished piece. Lucy is a brilliant host and feeds you well , even catering for my vegan needs without any concerns . If you want to learn how to carve stone, this is THE COURSE to go to ...,go on .. do it ..,you wont regret it ?"

Caroline Pitt reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable online lesson with Kathryn (during the gloom of lockdown). The step by step instruction was clear and there was no pressure to finish the mandala in a hurry. My first attempt at this skill was not bad at all and it was a joy. I will enjoy finishing the mandala and adding colour tomorrow but I learnt a great deal in 90 minutes. Highly recommended."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you, Caroline. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you. Such an interesting chat too. I'm really looking forward to seeing your completed work."

Paul reviewed: Online courses in sculpture

"I had a fantastic introductory lesson, which I did along with my mother. Danae was brilliant. Its amazing how much we learned in one hour! Due to Covid, we had to use Zoom - but it worked so well! Thanks Danae - I'm definitely hooked thanks to you! Very much recommended for anyone!"

Maria reviewed: Beginners Chunky knit throw - Arm knitting kit

"Such a great course - I definitely recommend! Sophie's instructions were so easy to follow and I'm so happy with the blanket I made! I was a bit hesitant at first as I've never tried my hand at arm knitting and wasn't sure how easy it would be to pick up "online" but Sophie's videos were so intuitive & easy to grasp!"

Forest and Dot responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Maria! Thanks Sophie"

Hannah Buckingham reviewed: Introduction to Macrame Wall Hangings

"I have really been enjoying exploring Vanderhume’s ‘Virtual Introduction to Macrame’ Workshop so far. As a beginner to macrame, I have found the written instructions and accompanying visual aids by Alice really easy to understand which has given me the confidence to start playing with a new technique. I love that this workshop gives you unlimited access to the all of the information you need as it means I have been able to take it at my own pace and I can revisit the guides at any time I wish. I haven’t felt pressured to complete a final piece really quickly, so I have been able to enjoy the process more and reserve it for time when I can sit quietly and relax whilst doing it. The community facebook group which you also get access to with this workshop is really sweet and I look forward to posting more of my progress pictures on it as I continue with my makes! I would definitely recommend this workshop if you are looking to explore macrame but have no idea where to start, and I am hoping to explore more of Vanderhume’s workshops in the future!"

Lucy Higgins reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"This was Claire’s first on line class and you would never have guessed. Her set up was really well organised so we could see her demonstrating activités as well as sharing our work with each other. It was highly enjoyable and productive and I would highly recommend it"

Pat reviewed: Online courses in sculpture

"I am 76 and was given this first one hour course for my birthday. My son, aged 50, and I spent one of the most relaxing and enjoyable hours. Danae was so patient and observant through every step and kindly put us right on many points. An amazing teacher. Thank you very much Danae."

Faye Harnwell reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Amazing day at blended monkeys, my husband booked this as a surprise, and I loved it. Really friendly engaging teachers, and such a lot of fun. Lunch was lovely and water teas and biscuits on tap. Highly recommend this day both wood turning and pottery were really interesting. Lots of laughs, thank you."

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

"Hi Faye, Thanks for your lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your workshops :-). You both made some lovely pieces (loving the wooden Christmas decs!) and your pottery bits & bobs and drying nicely in the ceramics studio. Glad you had fun - so did we :-)"

Claire reviewed: Flower making kits for all the family. The Beginner's Translucent Kit. (247)

"Kept two adults occupied for at least 4 hours which is money very well spent. Highly recommend it."

Inion responded:

"Thanks Claire we're working on the 8-hour attention kit right now! :) Seriously we really appreciate reviews as it does make a difference to our buyers so very many thanks for yours. Best wishes Melody and Abigail"

Debbie Brown reviewed: Planographic printmaking at home (four week course)

"I started Scarlett's course with a bare minimum of experience in planographic printmaking techniques, and ended with a firm grounding across a range of ways of working. Scarlett's relaxed teaching style and extensive skills made for a rich and enjoyable experience, and the combination of videos demonstrating techniques and printing together as a small group over Zoom worked really well. I believe there was enough to challenge even students with prior experience, for example in considering how techniques might be combined. I think this course is amazing value for money, with some materials included, and brings the possibility of engaging in printmaking safely at home without the need for expensive equipment. I can't recommend it highly enough!"

Sara reviewed: Persian Patterns: Exploring the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen

"Persian patterns. For me there is something so beautiful and mesmerising about these patterns - I love them ❤️?♥️ and I thoroughly enjoyed spending my weekend exploring them and drawing them. Thank you for your excellent teaching skills, punctuated by some soulfully poetry and an immense amount of fascinating information and insights. I love being in your studio and being able to investigate any of the books that wink at me, to sit and soak up all your drawings, art works & creations is my idea of bliss! Also thank you for being a shining light of sanity in an increasingly mad world! And finally, thank you for the delicious, tasty homemade cakes, full of love & the tea. I’m so happy & full of joy after my weekend."

Suki reviewed: Arm Knit Wreath Online Workshop

"I bought this kit with a few friends and we set it up on zoom to do together and loved it. I haven't knitted since childhood so wasn't sure how successful I would be but the instructions on the video are really clear and I am chuffed to bits with my wreath. It's beginner friendly and you end up with something that actually looks professional (ish). If you're at all tempted, then go for it!"

Crafting with Lyndsey responded:

"Thanks so much Suki for your lovely feedback, you have made my day! I am so pleased that you all enjoyed making your wreaths. Thanks so much for buying them. Best wishes Lyndsey"

Wendy reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"Thank you so much to Gwen, what a lovely relaxed afternoon! Gwen had a very good way about her, making us all feel at ease while learning something new. I really, really enjoyed it, and as the kit Gwen sent has plenty of wool for another robin or two, I will make some more! I have a linen shirt I can cut up to use as my background :) Would definitely recommend the course to anyone wanting to have a go. I had no experience at all! There's no rushing through how to do things and Gwen answered all our questions."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Wendy, it was lovely meeting you and I was very impressed with your robin :). I'm really chuffed to hear that you are hoping to make more with your extra wool. Thank you so much for such a lovely review, it really is hugely appreciated :)"

Karen R reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"A great way to spend a cold wet and windy afternoon with like minded people on line learning something new and being creative. Gwen's pre course preparation, on the day presentation and teaching skills were really professional and friendly. I'd highly recommend. Zoom has brought the chance to join workshops from far across the Country in a way that would never have been possible before and this workshop was a gem of a find :)"

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Aw Karen, thank you so much for such a lovely review! It really was lovely meeting you and I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop :)"

Amanda chalmers reviewed: Beginner's Online Candle Making Video Workshop + PDF Book + Candle making kit

"I done this course with Sarah and a few other ladies which was great . Sarah made sure we were all sorted with our things and gave explanations into everything. Sarah takes her time telling you instructions and waits until we're all fully aware of what we're doing. Will defo be recommending Sarah thanks again and i hope we can all keep in touch. My 12 year old daughter wants to do it as well so it would be great to do it together."

Candle by Events responded:

"Hi Amanda, thank you for your kind comments, glad you and your daughter enjoyed the workshop."

Ashleigh Ross reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"I had such a great time during this workshop and loved trying out something new that i think i will take up. It was so nice to be with other people at the same stage as myself and being able to chat whilst learning a new skill and i am very proud of the end result. I would highly reccomend for anyone who is considering it."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"I am delighted that you are hoping to take up felting! Your robin was fantastic and I am looking forward to seeing some of your new creations. Thank you so much for this lovely review :)"

emma reynolds reviewed: Beginner's Online Candle Making Video Workshop + PDF Book + Candle making kit

"Excellent course. Very informative and inspirational. Also very relaxing!! Highly recommend Sarah"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you, glad you enjoyed the workshop :)"

Isobel reviewed: Beginner's Online Candle Making Video Workshop + PDF Book + Candle making kit

"I completed the beginners’ candle making course online via Zoom. It was so much fun and I now have a brand new skill that I can’t wait to keep practising. Sarah was a great teacher, very clear, approachable and patient and she shared her fantastic advice and knowledge with us. Thank you very much!"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you, keep in touch and let me know how you get on!"

Arda reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A very enjoyable weekend in a lovely orchard. Hard work but everyone ended up with a great sculpture. The advice Sebastian gives is spot on, customised and keeps you going in the right direction. Recommended to try even if you have not done this before."