Latest reviews

Beverley & James reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Thank you so much for brilliant workshop, the space and instruction given was spot on and plenty of tea which was great. We loved the final result of the hares and would highly recommend this experience to anyone. The house and setting was tranquil and beautiful. We felt welcomed and really spoilt."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Bev & James! So glad James enjoyed his surprise and well done keeping the secret so long ;-). So which hare has got pride of place at home?! Jo x"

Kevin reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable rainy day on Saturday in Jake's workshop, bashing away at yellow hot metal and surprising myself at the quality of the poker and hooks I was able to produce under his expert tuition. Jake is good company and a good tutor - and also, from the quality of some of his work lying around the workshop, a highly talented blacksmith in his own right. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, which I would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks for a fun day, Jake!"

Helen Taylor reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"This was a great course. Paula is a really great and enthusiastic teacher. Lots of information about how to mix your scents, colours and how to use other additives and guidance about when to use them and why. good basic recipe given and good advice on what to by and where when making soap at home. She covered everything a beginner would need and in a really engaging way. And the sandwiches and home made scones were a real bonus! Can't recommend this course highly enough."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Helen, I am so pleased you enjoyed the course. I hope you love experimenting and making your own soaps at home. Paula"

Eleanor reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"A lovely weekend. I really enjoyed it. It was very nice to learn some of the basics of working with greenwood and to get a completed gate at the end. The workshop space was a really nice environment despite the almost constant rain over the weekend."

Gedwood responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it Eleanor and your all dried out now!? regards Ged"

Jane reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"This was a birthday present for my daughter. We had a fabulous day. Pauline provides a lively, informative and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. We had great fun and would recommend most highly. Thank you Pauline"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Jane Thank you so much for choosing us as a gift for your beautiful daughter. I could clearly see how much she was enjoying it. We had so much fun! Thank you. X"

Katy Allen reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"The class was suitable for all ability levels / artistic abilities, Gwen encouraged all of us; everyone ended up with a beautiful piece of felted artwork. I enjoyed my class with Gwen so much I booked my mum in for her next session."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Katy! It really was so nice meeting you and your mum. I’m delighted that you both enjoyed it :) x"

Yasmin Barlow reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"This was a wonderful way to spend a day! Being able to concentrate on learning a new skill in such lovely surroundings was mindfulness at its best. David is a very patient teacher who was able to guide us skilfully to improve whilst still making encouraging comments. There was a lovely pace to the day and the delicious snacks and lunch were much appreciated. David went through the safety measures carefully but not laboriously and would gently remind us if we weren’t holding tools correctly. Even though it was wet outside, the wood burner provided a cosy but safe environment. I would recommend this course highly and hope to attend another one at some stage to improve on my skills."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Hi Yasmin, thank you very much for your review and I'm delighted you enjoyed the course. Happy carving, David"

Joy Gosney reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"This is the second time I've completed a workshop with Liz at the Secret Garden, I've another one booked in already, that's how good it is, you can learn something new every time. Liz is an exceptional teacher, giving the perfect amount of guidance to help you progress on your artistic journey, and find your authentic creative voice. The atmosphere Liz creates is friendly, inclusive and encouraging, no matter what stage you are at in your artistic explorations. I highly recommend Liz, her courses and this wonderful venue!"

Lisa reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What an incredibly lovely day spent making a hare sculpture with Jo. A joyful, creative experience. A chance to forget about the challenges of life for a few hours. Easy to follow instructions - I was pleasantly surprised that someone with no previous knowledge like me could make something so gorgeous that I'm genuinely proud of my creation! Stunning location, calm, peaceful - the addition of constant tea, chocolate snack options, bananas and of course cute dogs to cuddle was a real bonus. Thank you Jo! :)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Lisa. I'm so glad you and your sister had time to relax and enjoy some 'zen' time as well as create fabulous hares. Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Lynn Kitching reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"This was a brilliant course and I do not hesitate to recommend it. Georgina was an excellent teacher, the day was well paced and well planed to cover everything we needed. She was at hand all through the day to help with questions and our learning. She also answered our many questions with enthusiasm and encouragement. The venue was conducive and despite having to cope with Covid restrictions it did not spoil the day at all. Thank you George so much!"

dominic reviewed: Weave a willow coffin with biodegradeable cotton lining at Usk

"An excellent course taught by a knowledgeable tutor in a friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting. The teaching style was relaxed but thorough and patient. Students of all abilities were supported to the level needed. We all made our own beautiful coffins and went away with new skills and memories of a lovely few days."

Andy & Di McConnell reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Fabulous morning spent learning and making candles. Anita is a great teacher and good fun. I highly recommend this half day course for beginners, it is relaxing, fun and at the end you take home your lovely candles. Anita has a lovely shop too which sells her candles along with other crafty items at very reasonable prices. Thank you Anita it was lovely to meet you. Andy & Di"

Richard Tarran reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Such a good day! Time flew by and you end up with something useable at the end of the day. Excellent tuition and camaraderie"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all glad you enjoyed the day with us."

Louise Jessop reviewed: Beginners pottery wheel throwing

"Attended with my husband as his birthday present. Charlie is welcoming and attentive throughout the day. All equipment provided and prepared on our arrival. Charlie gives clear and thorough instructions and continues to help during the day for individual instructions. Made cylinders and bowls. Guidance given for onward firing and glazing. COVID rules followed so all good there. The day flew by. Would highly recommend- and to top it all there was tea and choccy biscuits!"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Louise & Tim Many thanks for your lovely review. I am glad you enjoyed it and it was lovely to meet you both. I will be in touch once all your pots have been fired. Many thanks Charlie"

Nell Dalton reviewed: Introduction to making mosaics (Beginner level)

"Sally is an experienced and intelligent teacher, gently organising you as needed through the day so you can go home with something you're happy with and new skills. She's a skilled facilitator, providing inspiration as well as all the necessary materials. My daughter and I enjoyed her relaxed company and had such a fun day together. My daughter chose something more technical to do so very happily went home with a project to finish. Sally was very helpful in providing guidance on tools and materials. Social distancing and care were observed and we felt safe in the situation. Good directions, easy parking, clean toilet, warm room."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Nell, I am so pleased you enjoyed your day together and had such fun. I hope to see you both again in the future :)"

Joanne Knaggs reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"The candle making course far exceeded my expectations. Karen was a great tutor, very professional and informative and easy to understand. She gave good attention to detail. There were plenty of fragrances and ingredients to choose from and and I came away with a selection of 8 candles and melts that I had made. Whilst the candles were curing we were served a jaw dropping cream tea. I would highly recommend this course. Thank you"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Jo. I am so pleased that you and Kim enjoyed the day and that your expectations were exceeded!"

Jenny Howard reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Spent a great day with Lindsey yesterday and came away with a piece of mosaic art that I love! Her work is amazing. Thank you Lindsey Jenny"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, Jenny, and I am so glad that you enjoyed your day after such a wait! I’m hoping you are inspired to continue the craft at home and I look forward to you sharing photos of your next creation with me. Thank you so much for booking the workshop, it was great meeting you."

Christine reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Had a lovely few hours learning about making soap from Paula. Everything was explained very clearly with a set of notes you can take away, and it was great fun. Learned so much . A few people were going to take things further and sell their soaps (after getting the correct certification of course which was explained) and some were like myself, a complete beginner, just happy to know how to make some fab smelling soap for gifts and presents. Had a lovely cream tea to finish . Everyones soap looked good enough to eat and smelt gorgeous. Highly recommended for anyone ."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Christine, thank you for your review. I am very pleased to hear you enjoyed the course, I hope you love making lovely soaps for you and your family. Paula"

Lynn reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"What a fantastic course! Cannot recommend this enough as an introduction to soap making. The course covers all the legislation and information if you wish to turn this into a small business. Paula is engaging, enthusiastic, and highly knowledgable. The location is super accessible from London if coming by train (the course location is five minutes walk from the mainline train station in Bexley - Oyster Zone 6, and only 21 minutes on the fast train from London Bridge), or if driving there is plenty of available parking. It was fantastic to see the various creations other participants made, and a lovely afternoon tea topped off the day. Paula very kindly caters for dietary requirements - the vegan scones were wonderful!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Lynn for this great review, it is great to hear that coming from other parts of London was easy and it was worthwhile. All the best. Paula"

Jane reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Lovely day. Catherine was really welcoming and clearly knows her subject. The safety precautions for both the soap making and Covid were fantastic and reassuring. I came away feeling confident to make my own soap and keen to experiment with different fragrance and texture."

Charlotte reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I’m so happy I came across this course. It’s brilliant and I had such a lovely day. Paula knows her stuff and the amount of help and information she gave us was fantastic! Any questions we had were answered and I left with everything I wanted/ needed to know along with 8 little bars of my very own first batch of soap!! Thank you Paula for everything. I highly recommend!! :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Charlotte, I'm glad you are happy to have found this course and that you now feel confident to make your own at home. All the best. Paula"

Jerrell Torres reviewed: Textured Jewellery Making

"I thoroughly enjoyed the ring making workshop with Katherine. She is a brilliant teacher - encouraging and patient. We were extremely happy with what we learned during the workshop but now have the rings themselves as a memento of the experience. We would love to do another workshop and learn how to make other jewellery."

Heather Faulkner reviewed: 3 x Christmas Fragrance Soy Candle Making Kits + Online Video Tutorial

"Great service ant wait to make them. Would also make great gifts"

Rowhill Candles responded:

"Heather - many thanks for your review, which is appreciated. Rowhill Candles"

Peter Quayle reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"The course from start to finish was fantastic. A great bunch of passionate, professional and down to earth guys at the top of their profession. Lunch was great, the banter and brew flowed throughout the day and the expert training and support to give everyone attending an end product of a working knife is testimony to the way the course was run. Brilliant, thank you."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a really good day Peter. We all hope to see you again in the future"

Peter Quayle reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"The course from start to finish was fantastic. A great bunch of passionate, professional and down to earth guys at the top of their profession. Lunch was great, the banter and brew flowed throughout the day and the expert training and support to give everyone attending an end product of a working knife is testimony to the way the course was run. Brilliant, thank you."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a really good day Peter. We all hope to see you again in the future"