Latest reviews

Steve reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was a really fun and absorbing couple of days. I've never worked in stone before, so it was fascinating to learn different ways of shaping the stone. I had decided to make an abstract shape, and unwisely hadn't made an initial model so Sebastian's suggestions helped me enormously. Highly recommended!"

Philippa Graham Palmer reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"I did the class with my daughters aged 14 and 12 and we all loved it. It was peaceful and relaxing and Kathryn was a great teacher with plenty of patience! It really felt as though we were all in the same room despite the screen. We all ended up up creating mandalas that we were delighted with and had a really enjoyable afternoon."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you Philipa! I'm so pleased you all enjoyed it. I hope you'll continue to create many more beautiful and unique mandalas from the ideas I've given and I'm sure you'll add many more of your own. Do keep in touch."

Everstina reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"We had so much fun and discovered talents we didn't realise we had with Charlie! We laughed and we left with a gorgeous keepsake. Fantastic fun!"

Laura reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"Amazing experience! Was so much fun, had a great time!"

Hollie reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Charlie's session was wonderful! Super knowledgeable and a great way to learn a new hobby! We had a wonderful time!"

Sarah reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Terrific course and excellent value for money. Came away with lots of hand made items, full of delicious cream tea and having made new friends. Can highly recommend."

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Sarah. It was lovely to meet you and I'm glad you had a good day. Best Wishes Karen"

Nicole Corbin reviewed: Idrija Lace: jewellery / accessories / traditional

"I attended this course last week and it was excellent. Tina was very patient and taught me enough techniques so I can complete the piece of lace that I was making by myself. At one point where I was totally stuck, Tina patiently undid my lace to a point where I could continue. I throughly recommend this course."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Nicole Well what praise indeed! Pleased to hear that you have learnt enough and feel confident to finish the bangle. I would love to see the completed piece, do send a picture. Please do get in touch if you have any problems. I hope to see you again in the future. Regards Tina"

Ann reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"A fantastic day experimenting with lots of different techniques for making and decorating pots. Louise was attentive, encouraging and informative. I couldn’t have felt more welcome with refreshments through the day, a lovely lunch and interesting conversation. Using the wheel was great fun and totally absorbing. It’s encouraged me to dedicate some time to crafting as a hobby and for relaxation. I enjoyed every minute! Thanks again Louise and Simon."

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

"Ann, it was a pleasure to meet you and teach you about the various ways we can have fun with clay! You made some really beautiful pieces and you took to the wheel super quickly too - I'm looking forward to seeing what the kiln Gods make of your pieces and I'll let you know as soon as they are ready to post out :-). I'm really pleased you enjoyed the therapeutic benefits that come with having a day to yourself to be creative. Clay is a fantastic medium if you want to just switch off and enjoy the process. Thank you for the lovely review!"

Paula Jones reviewed: Five week interior design course - interactive

"This was such an enjoyable and surprisingly quick 5 weeks. Aleksandra is very knowledgeable and encouraging providing the right blend of tuition, tips, links and offering weekly 1 to 1s to explore home work tasks and different aspects of the course. It was great to meet others with a shared interest and to see how our mood and presentation boards developed over the on-line course and I hope to see the shared finished results. This is perfect for anyone who has an interest in Interior design and particularly if you want to transform your own home projects. Educational and fun - thanks Aleksandra."

Skela Studio responded:

"Hey Paula, absolutely delighted you enjoyed the course. It was so nice to see you every week and witness how you made that room your own. Thank you very much for the review and I can't wait to see all the items in-situ, especially the stunning light pendant."

Norma Midgley reviewed: Make a Garden Mosaic in Manchester City Centre

"On Saturday I attended the introduction to mosaics day workshop. Tracey’s friendly enthusiasm made the day thoroughly enjoyable. She explained and demonstrated the various techniques needed to complete a mosaic in different mediums and then offered help and advice as we practiced them. We then completed a small mosaic before starting on our main project this will be completed at home using the contents of the goody bag Tracey supplied. The day and the studio was arranged in such a way that it felt very safe in view of the present COVID-19 restrictions. The day exceeded my expectations and I felt pleased with what I had achieved and confident about successfully completing my project. Thank you Tracey for a great day"

Penny Lukins reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"A lovely day at the home of Simon and Louise, who are running their courses from the workshops in their garden. I did the Beginners wood turning course. It was very well run, and I learned about the tools, the skills, and had the opportunity to make 2 pieces - a honey spoon and a small bowl. Whilst there is still a lot more to learn, I came away with the basic skills to allow me to start practicing my wood turning at home. Simon is very enthusiastic and has a good balance of demonstrating and then allowing hands on trying for his attendees. The course notes are extremely helpful, and I am sure I will be referring to them to refresh memory about all he taught us! Thanks for a lovely day and for welcoming us into your home. Great lunch too!"

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

"We're really pleased you enjoyed the woodturning workshop and have come away with the skills needed to pursue the craft at home and on your own lathe. You made some really lovely pieces, and we do hope you go on to make many more! Let us know how you get on, and feel free to send us some photos of your work in the future. Thanks again for the lovely review!"

Edward hobbs reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had a great day being taught by Simon for the full day beginners woodturning course. It was highly informative and hands on, I learned all about the different tools and parts of the lathe. Simon gives good demonstrations and instructions for you to create your own pieces. I enjoyed the wonderful lunch and a tour around their beautiful garden. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of woodturning or anyone wanting to refresh their skills or better learn how to utilise their wood turning tools. I was really pleased to take my lovely pieces home to show off :) Thanks Simon!"

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

"Hi Edward - I think this one was meant for the woodturning workshop section :-), so we'll respond to it there :-)"

Martin Lewis reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Fabulous day, great and patient tuition from Andy, went home with a lovely bowl, will definitely be back for more."

Edward reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I had a great day being taught by Simon for the full day beginners woodturning course. It was highly informative and hands on, I learned all about the different tools and parts of the lathe. Simon gives good demonstrations and instructions for you to create your own pieces. I enjoyed the wonderful lunch and a tour around their beautiful garden. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in learning the basics of woodturning or anyone wanting to refresh their skills or better learn how to utilise their wood turning tools. I was really pleased to take my lovely pieces home to show off :) Thanks Simon!"

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

"Hi Edward, We're so pleased you enjoyed the woodturning workshop :-). You're a quick learner and you seem to have a natural flair for turning. The pieces you produced are really beautiful and you should be very proud of them - so enjoy showing them off :-). We hope you and Alex continue to have fun in the UK. As we've mentioned to Alex, we'd love to hear about any other crafts you have a go at. Do stay in touch!"

Tracey Bartlett reviewed: Natural Skincare Workshop: Moisturisers and Creams

"Myself and my daughter- in- law enjoyed the courses immensely, Nic is so warm and welcoming and imparts such amazing information about the ingredients and processes. We found the day to be fun and relaxing, and we came away some some brilliant natural soaps and skin car products.....that smell fantastic!!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Tracey for such a lovely review! So glad to hear how much you and Rosie enjoyed your workshop and we’re looking forward to seeing you for your next workshop very soon! Nic"

Alexandra reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had an absolutely amazing day being taught by Louise for the full day beginners ceramics course. The day was well planned and very fun, I was able to explore handbuilding techniques to create a pinch pot, coil pot and slab rolled works, with ample time left for having a go at throwing some work on the pottery wheel, which is definitely trickier than it looks :) but Louise was very helpful and I managed to throw a few good pieces! Louise was very professional yet relaxed and good company and I enjoyed her clear demonstrations and instructions. I also appreciated the way she provided pictures and samples as inspiration for my own work. Thanks for making me so comfortable and catering for me with a yummy vegan lunch, I felt so renewed by the chance to get creative! Alex"

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

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Alex! It was a pleasure spending the day with you in the pottery studio :-). You've made some really beautiful pieces and I'm just as keen as you are to see how they look when they emerge from the kiln! Especially the contentious coil pot ;-). We hope you and Edward continue to enjoy your time in the UK, and I'd be interested to hear what other crafts you have a go at during your stay. I'll let you know as soon as your pots are ready :-)."

Lynne reviewed: The Art of Journalling - a writing and bookbinding workshop

"Best course I’ve done online during these weird Covid times. Loved the combination of making something really lovely and the writing exercises which helped free up my locked down writing mind! Also really well constructed video tutorials. Well done Cass and Julie !"

Airtily responded:

"Thank you so much, Lynne. High praise indeed! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Lynne reviewed: Exploring Collage - workshop with Julie Galante

"This course was really fun. I’ve struggled with my writing recently but this tapped into another sphere of creativity and allowed me to let loose with interesting materials - I kept coming back to words and literary references which was also nice. And a lovely bunch of people to share a couple of hours with !"

Airtily responded:

"Thank you so much, Lynne. I love that your creativity was sparked by trying out new materials!"

Fiona Anderson reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Just completed a 2 day course with Jo and created a sculpture which is so much better than I could ever have imagined! Jo has a fabulously set up studio and working environment. Lots of sculptures giving you ideas and food for thought. Although, given a challenge of creating something different to what anyone else has done, Jo is up for the task. Can't recommend this course enough. Creative, challenging and definitely a huge amount of fun!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Fiona ;-) the weekend was great - lovely people and incredible work - well done on your 'lady in the wind'. Jo x"

Matt and Indi reviewed: Learn pottery with Marina - two-to-one course

"This course was absolutely brilliant! I bought this as a surprise for my girlfriend and we both loved it! We had 3 sessions, throwing, trimming and glazing and came home with some beautiful little bowls. Marina is such a great teacher; calm, fun, interesting and magic with the clay - we loved that she gave plenty of space to just get absorbed into making the pot, as well as great tuition. The workshop is also a really lovely quirky space and to top it off we also loved her dog poppy! We were both newbies and will definitely be coming back again! (My girlfriend is already planning on getting a pottery wheel in the garden!?) Highly recommend this!!"

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Matt & Indi for this wonderful review! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the whole process of making pots so much and excited to hear Indi wants to continue with it. Am happy to offer advice and other recommendations. Looking forward to seeing you again. All the best, Marina"

peter Dell reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"Great course, presented really well and just a really enjoyable 3 hours."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Peter, I'm glad you and your party enjoyed the morning learning to rag rug :-)"

Carolyn Claypole reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"An amazing weekend with Jo at her wonderful studio. Guided by Jo, I have made a sculpture that I totally love! Thank you Jo for your work."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Carolyn - your Salute to the Sun was really lovely - so glad you enjoyed the weekend, Jo x"

Frances reviewed: Posy Basket

"A fantastic day spent learning to basket weave! I would totally recommend this craft course. Jane is a great teacher with great knowledge & experience. Thoroughly enjoyed it & her flapjacks & afternoon cake were an exceptionally lovely added bonus! Thank you Jane & I look forward to returning at some point."

Belinda reviewed: Needle felt a toadstool - online workshop with full kit provided

"My daughter's and I did the needle felted mushroom with Gwen. Absolutely loved it. The kit was superb and provided everything we needed. It was the first course I have done via Zoom and it worked out perfectly. Instructions and video link was clear, so we were easily able to follow and managed to get our mushrooms completed. Think I have found a new hobby. Thanks Gwen."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much Belinda! It was lovely meeting you both and I’m delighted that you enjoyed it :)"

David Viner reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Being a novice, I was not sure what I would achieve in 1 1/2 hrs, but with encouragement and guidance from Chris I made 4 different pots of varying sizes, and they didn't fall over!! Excellent tuition throughout. Can't wait to see the final results. Many thanks Chris"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for the kind comments David. lovely pots - particularly the wide dish which definitely pushed the boundaries of clay v gravity! - great design to complement the form. They're now drying nicely and should be ready in about 2.5 weeks. Many thanks, Chris."