Latest reviews

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

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day with Jake yesterday. I was amazed and delighted with what I managed to produce under Jake's tutelage, who may be young but is clearly extremely knowledgeable and very personable. I have a bad case of workshop envy which probably extends to job envy too. The course is a very good introduction to blacksmithing, very well structured, demonstrated and taught with gentle correction when required, encouragement and praise when deserved, and the freedom to experience the strange joy of beating a bit of yellow hot metal. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone wanting to try. Jake makes a good cup of tea too! Thanks for a fabulous day Jake, I suspect I will be back."

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

"I booked the 1/2 day pottery workshop as a birthday present for my 19 year old, recently disabled daughter. From the very first email, Louise has been attentive, generous and caring trying to ensure Chloe's needs were catered for. The morning was a huge success playing with and then working on pinch and slab pots and then finally throwing on the wheel. Everything was so relaxed with continual refreshments provided by Simon. As soon as we left Chloe stated that she wanted to come back and learn more from Louise...no greater compliment I would say!"

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

"So very pleased Chloe enjoyed her pottery experience! It was a pleasure to teach her and she's evidently an incredibly creative young woman. Look forward to meeting you both again!"

Julia Fitzpatrick reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"A relaxing wonderful day, Lindsey was well organised for the Corvid situation. Plenty of sanitiser and work places well spaced. The group had never done a mosaic before and we all went home with a finished work of art. Everything was fully explained with Lindsey giving plenty of individual help and guidance. I have already decided my next project and looking for a small table to refurbish. The whole day was amazing the amount of materials to try made you feel like a child in a sweet shop. A day to remember, thanks"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you, Julia for the lovely review! I am so glad that you found the day relaxing and creative and pleased with your mosaic piece, and that you are inspired to go explore the craft further. Fantastic!"

Jinny and John Casey reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"We had a great day on Mike’s spoon making course and really enjoyed the process of turning a birch log into spoons within one day. The axe and knife skills we learned to achieve this were expertly taught by Mike who was very patient and clear in his instructions. It was such a joy to get out into the wonderful location of the Chevin forest after months of lockdown."

Bill Wallace reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"I cannot believe what I was able to achieve over 3 days. Kate was brilliant, very patient and encouraging. I just wish I lived close enough to do a weekly course with her. Many many thanks Kate."

Jackie reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate provided a super safe environment during this Covid time while sharing and teaching us her stained glass passion skills. Class was well paced, organised, fun and skilfully instructed. Lovely glass to choose from, interesting patterns and amazing craft developed in such a short space of time. We all went home proudly with our glass art. Well done Kate for guiding us so proficiently."

jacqui reviewed: Enchanted Forest Journal - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"Loved the course, always been interested in textile work, this has sparked my enthusiasm and re-ignited my creativity. Thank you."

sue rouse reviewed: ‘Seaside Cottage Sculpture’ workshop, using driftwood and recycled materials, North Yorkshire.

"I didn't know quite what to expect, it's a long time since I played with beads, buttons and sticky backed plastic. But I had a wonderful time, led all the way with good humour and friendly advice, spoilt for choice and amazed at what was achievable, I would return in a heartbeat. You don't need to be clever or creative but the results nevertheless are remarkable. Don't think you're too old to get covered in paint and glue it was the most relaxing day I have spent in a long while. Such fun."

The Seals Whiskers responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review our workshop. We are so pleased you had a wonderful day and created such a lovely sculpture.You are welcome anytime!"

Gill Waite reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Thank you Elaine for a great course. I really enjoyed the day and found your wealth of knowledge and patience a great comfort. During these difficult times I felt very secure in the precautions and way you structured the course. The friendly attitude of the small group in the the gorgeous setting of your workshop made it very special. The pace of the course was good and I look forward to practicing."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Gill. I was a pleasure to meet you and I am so happy you enjoyed your course. Happy spinning."

Hannah reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"This was an excellent course. I am a complete beginner but feel like I have come away with some really useful knowledge of how to start refinishing some bits of furniture! I was able to complete a small coffee table during the one day course and am so pleased with the result! Ollie was very patient and so knowledgeable. I really recommend this course!"

Lianne Butterworth reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"Attended a course back in March, and it was such a good day. I really enjoyed the approach to teaching and we were both so proud to leave with our finished lampshades, which now both have pride of place in our home. I fully intend to make another at some point :) Thank you for such a good day."

ShedLight responded:

"Hi Lianne, thank you for your lovely review and yes you both made a fantastic job of your soft lampshades and mastered the sewing machines ! I would love to see a photo of them in situ as your decorating ideas and ethos sounded really interesting . Vanessa x"

Hannah Richardson reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I absolutely loved my day learning all the processes required to make traditional stained glass. I felt it was very good value for money as it is a full day and you learn what you need to if it's something you want to start doing yourself at home. I left with new found knowledge, a real appreciation of this skillful craft and a beautiful piece of stained glass which not only gives me so much pleasure to look at everyday but also to know that I created it means so much more. Kate's method of teaching worked very well. She is patient, calm, passionate of her craft and very encouraging. I highly recommend!"

Penny Renn reviewed: Spinning silk 1 day

"Cath's preparation for this two day course was exemplary. We were housed in a safe and comfortable environment which must have taken a good deal of time and effort to prepare. During the course Cath shared her knowledge and skill with us in preparing and spinning a large variety of silks and luxury fibres. The pace was satisfyingly brisk covering a wide range of information and techniques that I look forward to putting into practice at home. One unexpected and pleasing outcome of the course was that each of us came away with a large selection of samples of the fibres we were introduced to. A most enjoyable and stimulating two days. Thank you Cath"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Penny It was lovely to have you on the course Best wishes Cath"

Mr Robert Shaw reviewed: Forge your own knife at Padgett Ironworks Blacksmiths

"Had a fantastic day with Connor, he couldn't have been more helpful. I'm over the moon with both the day and the knife I took home. This is a fantastic experience for anyone who is interested in the craft or enjoys Forged in Fire or Alec Steele!"

Hugh reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"A really excellent course and a great introduction to woodworking. I was a complete beginner and didn’t know what to expect. Aidan provided loads of support and encouragement and I was quite amazed at what we were all able to produce and learn within two days. I highly recommend the course."

Michelle reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"I just wanted to thank you for the yesterday’s day in the woods. It was so interesting and today I feel so refreshed! The day started beautifully with our meditation and unfolded in a very natural and easy way. The enquiry was deep! I love being in the woods and it was great being with a lovely group, thank you and everyone else there for being such good company. Thanks for organising such a memorable day."

Ilona reviewed: Natural Skincare Workshop: Moisturisers and Creams

"Really good workshop. I have previously done their soap and skincare workshop and returned for more. This time face creams. As before, Nic and Ben were super friendly and great hosts, supplying endless tea and biscuits. In addition, the variety and choice of ingredients for your creams is large, and you are given time and guidance to make decisions. Nothing is rushed but still the time flies when you are having fun. Really recommend this workshop for people and groups interested."

John Logan reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Booked the course to improve my woodworking knowledge and skills. The course was excellent, I learned such a lot with the added bonus of a beautiful box to take home. The course was well organised and felt very safe. Mark was superb and I will be booking more courses!"

Mick Cooper reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great day for anyone who wants to be creative and you take home what you have made. Lots of tasty food and drinks. Adrian, Andy are friendly helpful and talented. See some of the brilliant things they design and build."

Katheryn Dennes reviewed: Jay Bird drawing kit with dip pen and India ink

"I wanted something different to give as a present and seen this beautiful craft box. Service was amazing and the quality of the materials was excellent. I can’t recommend enough, apart from can we have a butterfly option too. Beautiful unique gift that was treasured"

The Quiet Doodler responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words, I am very pleased that it was a treasured gift, I hope they enjoy using it. I'm working on new ideas at the moment, so I shall take on board your butterfly request. Thank you once again for your order and lovely review."

Clare reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I bought this workshop as a birthday present for my friend so we attended together. It was a lovely thing to do with a friend but I also would have been fine in my own as Paula was so welcoming and everyone there was friendly. The course was so well organised with a great balance of theory and practical. I have already bought some items to carry on this hobby at home. I learned so much and realise I knew nothing about soap before. A really great day for the complete beginner or someone hoping to take this on as a craft small business. Highly recommended."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Clare, so glad you both enjoyed the day, and what a nice birthday gift to give to your friend. Paula"

Vicky reviewed: Leather Clutch Purse Workshop

"What a great day. Doesn't matter if you have never done anything like this before or got a few skills. By the end of this course you will come away so proud that you have made something yourself and learn some new skills. Tracy is a great teacher. I'd highly recommended the courses to anyone."

Carl Robinson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Brilliant course, the instructors are friendly and knowledgeable, as others have said the course is a curled keyring and a dragon coat hook. The course is set in beautiful surroundings overlooking the Ribble Viaduct. The hosts Rachel and Mike were also top notch, making sure we were fed with homemade lasagne, biscuits and cakes (plenty of tea and coffee too). Highly recommended! Wear old clothes, decent comfortable shoes (not trainers) and if you're going in winter or a chilly day, dress up with layers."

Rosie Cann reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"My Mum and I had a wonderful day with Emma. I bought the voucher as a 70th birthday present for my Mum and it was a really special day. Emma is a brilliant teacher, so patient in teaching us the skills involved, helping us design and select which glass to use; we both learned a lot and came home with a stained glass panel each we love. We also had fun chatting with Emma, it felt like a lovely girlie day. The workshop is in a nice part of Hove, surrounded by sweet coffee shops and cafes, and we were able to sit in nearby Brunswick Square and eat our lunch. Heartily recommended."

Averil Newsam reviewed: Spinning silk 1 day

"Three students and Cath Snape, our tutor worked in a spacious perfectly ventilated garden marquee. We had face visors for moments when we were closer than 2 metres so it was all very well planned. We covered silk spinning on day one, from degumming cocoons to making and spinning from silk hankies and blending mulberry silk with other fibres. All really useful practice for understanding how to manage the long, slippy staple of silk compared with shorter fibres. Day two was also useful for me - we were combing or carding luxury fibres from Cashmere to mohair and angora as well as alpaca in order to blend with other fibres. It really helped me to establish the rules about fibre preparation in relation to staple length, then what technique to use for spinning the fibre. We still had time for refreshments and lunch break, comparing our interests and experiences within our own Guilds of York and Durham."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"thanks Averil, it was lovely to see you and have your enthusiasm contributing to the course. best wishes Cath"