Latest reviews

Simon & Linda reviewed: Candlemaking at Larkswold (2pm-5pm)

"My wife and I spent a wonderful afternoon at Larkswold learning how to make scented candles. Melinda and Emma, our hosts, could not have been more welcoming and Melinda, on discovering that the course was a 16th wedding anniversary present (the traditional gift being wax), presented us with a multi-layered candle to remind us of the day. The course, besides being great fun, was extremely informative and we learnt a lot about the art of making scented candles ... some of which now have pride of place in our home. Our less successful efforts will be burnt in the not too distant future!! Would we visit Larkswold again ... most certainly. They offer a number of other courses that interest us ... Glass Decorations, Lino Printing, Truffle Making, Silversmithing, Willow Sculpture, Wreath Making and Arm Knitting to name but a few. Here's to our next visit."

Larkswold responded:

"Thank you so much. It was lovely to meet you both. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Melinda & Emma"

Anette Larsson reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"I highly recommend Gaynor’s courses. I have taken a Copperplate course as well as a Modern Calligraphy course with Gaynor during the pandemic. Her materials are thorough and make a great reference for future use after your course. I liked that I could go at my own pace and I found. Her comments and coaching very helpful. I found doing a correspondence course to be much better than a course crammed in over a few days as you need time to practise and your muscle memory builds over time. Gaynor has a lot of experience teaching and I grew confident in my penmanship while taking her courses. I now have calligraphy skills I will use for the rest of my life thanks to her."

Clive chappell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I thought it was an excellent course with Nigel who had a great knowledge and was very helpful. Thank you"

Gillian Corrigan reviewed: 'Clay as a Canvas' glaze decoration workshop in Tenterden, Kent

"Kate is inspiring and fun. She manages to share her knowledge without being intimidating. We were given a wide choice of materials and encouraged to experiment and play. It was a lovely way to spend a day !In the current Covid situation she was meticulous without being bossy we felt perfectly safe throughout."

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Thank you, Jill. It was lovely seeing you so immersed in making some really beautiful pieces. I am glad you enjoyed your day and felt that you had discovered some new materials and techniques. I hope to see you again at another workshop!"

Rhys reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"The course was a great introduction into woodturning and pottery. We instantly felt at ease and were able to learn at our own pace. We both learnt a lot in the day and would definitely recommend to anyone looking to try their hand at either craft. Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"We're really pleased you guys enjoyed your day of woodturning and pottery :-). It was lovely to meet you both. You made some gorgeous pieces, and I can't wait to see your glazed pots emerge from the kiln. I'll let you know as soon as they are ready :-)."

Andy and Helen Miles reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"What a great day! Simon and Louise were very welcoming and their obvious enthusiasm was infectious. The whole day was relaxed and informative and the hands on, guided approach gave us the opportunity to experience the new skills in a safe yet un-pressured way. The provided lunch was excellent and we were never without tea and biscuits. We would thoroughly recommend the day and we are already considering booking further courses."

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

"We're so pleased you guys had a good time! It was fab meeting you both and we also had a lovely time teaching you :-). Your woodturning and ceramic endeavours were beautiful. We love this workshop, as it's amazing to see how much students can learn from each discipline in just 1 day! Your pots are drying wonderfully, so as soon as they are glazed I'll let you know. Take care."

Lorraine Clarkson reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Tote Bag

"I had a fabulous day and came away with a lovely , unique, excellent quality bag. Thank you so much Georgie for sharing your skills and being so welcoming. A brilliant day!"

Hands of Tym responded:

"Your bag was stunning and so well made! Thank you for the lovely company and your kind words :) Georgie xx"

Liz Webster reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (Levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Cheadle Gr Manchester

"5* review. Brilliant day. Jo is such a good (and patient) teacher. All the techniques we used and the items we made were so useful. Excellent venue. Loved it. Thank you so much Jo and the rest of the class."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Liz. I sincerely appreciate your comments. What a great day we had."

Derek Woods reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"I had a greenwood weekend and went on Ged's introduction course the day before this log to tumbler course. Whilst I heartily recommend doing the same if you can, Ged's skills as a teacher mean that a complete novice will still come away from a wonderful day with skills that you'll want to put to good use and tumblers to be proud of. The hardest part is having the patience to wait until the wood has seasoned, before having your first triumphant dram from your very own tumbler...Of course, you can always buy a couple of Ged's lovely handmade tumblers if you want to cut to the chase."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Derek. Yes it will be worth the wait for when you taste your first dram from your own hand made tumbler ?"

Derek Woods reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"I had a great time on this greenwood introduction course and Ged's friendly, welcoming and relaxed manner made me feel at home from the moment I walked through the workshop gate. Once Ged has demonstrated the basic principals, it's over to you to get creative and decide what you want to make and take home. Ged is always on hand with inspiration, advice and the odd expert fix to correct any little mistakes you might make. I'd recommend this course to anyone who has ever thought they'd like to have a try but didn't know where to start. Young or old, individuals or groups you'll have a great day and be surprised how much you learn and achieve. Ged's enthusiasm for his craft rubs off and makes you come away wanting to do more."

Gedwood responded:

"Ah thanks so much Derek. Glad you got a lot from the day - I had a good day too ?"

Julie Thouy reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Amazing course, it was great to have explanations about the differents carving techniques, but also about the tools, suppliers and so on... Thanks Allan for a great day !"

Sally Mitchell reviewed: Learn lino cutting and printing: online one to one craft workshop - introduction to lino cutting and printing your own designs

"Sally Evan's style and approach to the workshop was well judged for me, a complete beginner to lino cutting. She balanced demonstration with encouragement to work alongside her very well. As an outcome from the workshop I had a linocut of a blackbird in the style (roughly!) of an artist I admire and very clear instruction on how to print, which I completed immediately following the workshop. My progress within two hours exceeded my expectation and I feel confident and motivated to go on more making. Thank you, Sally"

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Sally - what a lovely review :) You did magnificently and I hope to see your lino cuts in the future, do stay in touch ."

Liz Rhodes reviewed: Weekly Art Class via Zoom on Tuesday Afternoons

"This class proved to be a great help during lockdown and it was something to look forward to each week. Louise provided us with inspiration as well as giving advice and a lot of guidance. It was good to be able to join in conversation with others in the group and view each others work. I now attend the Tuesday live class and thoroughly enjoy this. I also enjoy receiving and reading the weekly newsletter and learning about the work of other artists both past and present."

Stockton Brook Studios responded:

"Thank you Liz for your review. It's lovely that we can be meeting at the Tuesday Class for real again .... for now!"

jan piotrowski reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"I can't recommend this course enough. Peter's enthusiasm and knowledge creates a fantastic atmosphere and the small groups sizes mean everyone can move at their own pace and complexity while still being fully supported. As a professional cabinet maker I came the course with significant woodworking experience but left with an abundance of new knowledge. Between Peter and his impressive apprentice Toby, there is always someone on hand with tips and advice. Add the beautiful surroundings and lovely people, it has all the ingredients for a fantastic week."

Ann Beatty reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"We had a wonderful morning with Anne, it was just what we needed to to relax whilst learning something new! Anne is a great host and teacher, taking care to explain things and friendly and warm too. I would highly recommend Ann"

Mel Newman reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"My daughter and I had a great day learning the art of silver jewellery making with Jonathan. Having the day tailored to our individual needs, our pace, our areas of interest was invaluable: such a luxury to have 2:1 tuition! Jonathan is patient, understanding, extremely knowledgeable and fun! This course is excellent value for money, the day was filled with much laughter and we both love the jewellery we made."

Dawn reviewed: Texturing Silver & Setting Stones: Silver jewellery course at Cowshed Creative, Lake District

"The workshop was very informative and the tutor made us all feel at ease. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend to friends and family."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for the feedback Dawn. Lovely to meet you and hope to see you again."

Chris Chadd reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"A gift that was purchased for me by my wife. Spent two exhausting days but brilliant and informative with Mark. He left no stone unturned (apologies for the pun). Absolutely fantastic time, very educational and comprehensive coverage from process, tools, equipment, wood and last but certainly not least safety. All covered off with Mark's. Great teacher, went through everything from start to finish and keep a keen eye on what you did. Made great tea and coffee and we had some great conversation. Great course, would thoroughly recommend. Thanks Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you for your kind words."

Jenny MacDonald reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"I can't praise Ruth highly enough. Her style of teaching is empathetic and considerate. I felt supported and encouraged throughout the process and came away inspired to embed and continue on the skill set she taught me. The pace of learning was pitch perfect. Ruth's work as an artist is outstanding and is equally matched by her personality. Such a kind, lovely and witty person. I feel it was a privilege to have met her."

Chris Hibberd reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"What a fantastic course! Tim is a really friendly, patient tutor, who is as hands on or off as you need throughout. The workshop is well kitted out with all the equipment you need without being an intimidating space. We started the day understanding the timber and marking out the first couple of cuts and then straight into it on the bandsaw. Tim gave a good explanation on the use of each machine and was always on hand to advise. There was time to make practice cuts before commiting them to the final instrument and always a way to work around things that you might find tricky. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and have learned a lot of techniques about something that I've never tried before. The end result was a strum stick that I'm really proud of and plays amazingly well. I would not hesitate to recommend Tim's courses to anyone of any experience level who wants to try something new. You wont be disappointed!"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"I have to say Chris is a fantastic student who had good skills due to his love of woodwork. He is methodical and precise in his approach too. As always the day does goes far to quickly and to finish this instrument takes effort and concentration ......so well done Chris you made a great strum-stick to be proud of. I hope to see you again so my friend it was a pleasure to work with you and please let me know if you master some tunes on that delightful instrument? Ps. See you on the bandsaw box course mate next time ? Kind regards Ted"

Carole reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"What a wonderful day Sunday was. Jo you are delightful teacher, patient and knowledgeable, explaining everything just right; stepping in when I was stumped but not taking over. I was proud of what I achieved and highly recommend this course to beginners and experienced alike. The surroundings were superb and you had thought of everything to keep us safe (Covid wise). I hope to return to undertake another course sometime soon. Thank you Karen and Diana for your cheerful company and encouragement."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Carole ;-) I was so impressed with your finished diptych of the Welsh countryside (abstract style!), including miniatures of swimming friend and you walking your collie - fab! Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Eamonn Woods reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"I have just complete the 2 day French polishing course. I was a bit nervous beforehand but no need to be. Ollie was really patient and walked us through the processes step by step. Came away feeling as it I’d achieved something worthwhile. Would highly recommend"

Philippa Woods reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"I really enjoyed the course on Wednesday 7th October. Adela was very welcoming and the things she has made are really inspiring. I am going to have a go at mosaic making at home and have smashed up some old plates already. I found the course very calming and therapeutic after a difficult year, and I hope to go on another course in the future. Thanks very much for a great morning."

Katherine Lack reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"We had a brilliant day with Toni yesterday and learnt so much. I felt very inspired by Toni and will be participating in more classes in the future. The day was very relaxed with no pressure to come up with something amazing, just the time and space to play around and have fun whilst learning. This class is a good introduction to the endless possibilities that enamelling presents. Thank you Toni x"

Charlie reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"I had a such a brilliant day. Anne and the team were awesome. I managed to make some awesome socks but also eat lots of lovely homemade food."