Latest reviews

Nick Allen reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"I had such a fantastic day, and such an experience. David is incredibly knowledgable and his teaching is second to none - I walked away with some lovely pieces of work that I will be proud to have on display in my home! As an absolute beginner I was amazed at how David was able to help me start working with the anvil and forge within half an hour of walking through the the door. Can’t recommend enough."

David Stephenson Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Nick, I'm really glad you enjoyed your day. Thank you for your kind comments. I hope you both enjoyed the rest of your stay. Regards David"

Belinda reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"What a treat during these dull and sometimes depressing Covid times. To go to a beautiful spot in the countryside and make a fantastic basket with good company in a covid safe space was a real joy. Jonny is a great teacher and the materials we used were really high quality which meant I ended up with a much better quality basket than I was expecting on a first go! I thoroughly recommend the course and would love to go again - you can never have enough baskets!"

Basket Making Malvern responded:

"Thank you Belinda. It was a pleasure to meet you and spend the day weaving."

Mel Sims reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"Did a day’s course in stained glass and I loved it, even got to go home with an impressive panel to show the family. Vicky and Vic are great teachers, explaining all the theory to a complete novice in a non patronising way and making the whole day great fun. In the morning we chose a pattern and then selected glass from a massive choice, learnt how to cut the glass and then I was away cutting the shapes I needed. A lovely lunch was provided in Vicky’s fascinating garden and after it was time to lead and solder the pieces of glass together. Vic is an expert at stained glass and was full of help, advice and encouragement. It was a really lovely day which I will repeat again. Thank you guys!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Mel Aww shucks, I'm blushing! Thank you for this and glad you enjoyed the day. As I said at the time we nearly always learn from the students as well, in your case it got us thinking of using clear glass a bit more - certainly for borders."

Jan Milz reviewed: Crosscut saw sharpening (online)

"Gavin is an excellent and passionate teacher who really knows what he is talking about. Under his practical guidance, I was able to set & sharpen my blunt saw within a few hours. Besides that, I gained a lot of new knowledge about wood & tools. It was absolutely practical to take the course online, connecting one workshop to another via video."

ShedTherapy responded:

"I am delighted to have hit the mark ☺!"

Sue reviewed: Stone carving for the Garden - carve your own garden planter or bird bowl in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"Thanks for a great weekend Zoe. We are very pleased that we did this course. Your patience, positivity and encouragement were outstanding and a big part of our overall experience. We loved looking at your beautiful pieces as we worked at our rocks - becoming more and more impressed by them. I would happily recommend this course to others."

Richard E reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Hi Annie and Tony I Just wanted to say thanks again for an excellent 2 days making the longbows, I really enjoyed it and thought the tutoring and organisation of the event was first class, as was the food... complements to the chef. Fantastic job, especially coping with the weather and the last minute move indoors, and what a great group of students ... everyone seemed to greatly enjoy the whole experience. Meant to say the camping facilities at Gillhead Farm were great, so thanks for the contact info."

Jennifer Hudson reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"An extremely worthwhile and enjoyable one-day course, working at your own pace. Having dabbled in ‘up-cycling’ either out of necessity or hobby from a DIY perspective, French polishing is the one area that has always eluded me. Ollie comprehensively but gently guided us through a step by step process from stripping, standing and repairing to get the piece properly prepared, very important as this stage was for that all-important French polishing. The whole process, and learning how to apply the French polish was extremely rewarding and the end result is now something I can confidently use on my own projects. I would thoroughly recommend Ollie and this course to anyone. My only suggestion is, don’t be too ambitious and take along something small that you can complete in a day."

Tom reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"Incredibly fun, insightful and detailed presentation. Steve is a career metal worker with true passion for the craft of bladesmithing. Be fussy, ask questions, or just chill and enjoy the ride. Either way, you'll end up with the knife of your dreams. Day 1 metal. Day 2 wood. In between go out for a beer, food and stay local, plenty of choice. Rugged beauty. Cheers mate. Tom & Graeme"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Tom Thank you for this great review. It's always hard to gauge how people view their day and what they're able to make while I'm demonstrating/helping them in the shop, but I think you put it rather succinctly. I'm very glad that you both enjoyed your two days with me so much. ATB Steve"

Jane Smith reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I started this course in January 2020 and cannot recommend it highly enough. It is run in a very friendly and efficient manner by Michael and Jayne is an excellent art tutor. We had the opportunity to learn and try out different mediums in the classes and were given guidance and encouragement throughout the course. Unfortunately due to Covid19 we did not complete the last 2wks but, having said that, during lockdown, Michael and Jayne quickly set up weekly art projects for the students to follow, even providing online tutorials. I cannot thank them both enough for all the support they have provided over the past few months, providing a lifeline for many in these very difficult times"

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks Jane"

Jenny reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I had a great day attending this course, Kerry is very knowledgable and a great teacher. I have learnt so much and now feel confident starting my own candle making business. The handout is a great tool to refer back to and I love that I can email Kerry for further support. I highly recommend this course"

Ann Marie Scarfe reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"What a fabulous day, Andy was brilliant and Martine's food was amazing. Learning to make our own bowl was the best thing I’ve done in a long time. The surroundings were beautiful and we felt very welcomed, nothing was too much trouble, resulting in an educational experience. Our beautiful bowls are now on show to impress our family & friends. Thank you Andy"

Claire Hawker reviewed: Mandala hand lino print workshop

"Thank you Diana for making us feel so welcome and for a completely lovely morning learning to do something new .... We were all really quite proud of what we made ! Hope to see you again when we're next in Pembrokeshire."

Heddfan From Narberth responded:

"It was an absolute pleasure working with you all. You all did very well..... perfect students. I hope you come and do something with me next time you are here. Enjoy the rest of your holiday. Thank you."

Joanne reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My son and I attended the course as complete beginners. Sebastian was great, provided lots of guidance and encouragement. The weekend was really relaxed and suitable for all ages. We both had a fantastic time and we are so pleased with our stonecarvings and what we managed to achieve. I would strongly recommend this course, my son wants to do it again already!"

Millie reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I had such a wonderful morning with Ben and Nicola, learning about and making beautiful soaps. They started with an introductory slide show explaining the 'science' of the process and quickly started to look at oils and recipes for our personalised creations. Instructions were clear, and support helpful and informative. The whole experience was more simple than I had anticipated and was such great fun. I would thoroughly recommend this course and I will certainly be back with family and friends."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Millie, thanks so much for a lovely review! Hope to see you soon on another course :) Nic"

Simon Morford reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Superb weekend spent making a great knife. Really pleased I went for the two day option and ended up with a completed knife and hand made sheath. Graham, David and Declan were the fun side of professional throughout and clearly knew what what they were talking about. Already saving up for the axe course."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a great Weekend Experience and we all look forward to seeing you again"

Clive Fairchild reviewed: Stone carving for the Garden - carve your own garden planter or bird bowl in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"Really enjoyed the weekend. I think we all felt very well looked after, both in terms of sociability and teaching. Zoe was very good at imparting her knowledge to us all. She's an excellent instructor. Fully support everything that's been said by others above. Highly recommended."

Lee Christie reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I recently attended Mark's 2 day complete basics course. Mark is a talented wood turner who is clearly passionate about passing on his vast knowledge, and equally passionate about quashing inaccurate information and myths readily available on the net. The course is well structured and crams everything a beginner like me needs to be confident in going it alone once finishing the course. Even after the course Mark is on hand to answer questions whatever they may be about. I would highly recommend this course to anybody looking to get into woodturning."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Lee. Hope you are enjoying your new lathe. Mark"

Rachael reviewed: Online soap making video workshop - cold & hot process methods included

"I was a total beginner to soapmaking but by following Keri's videos and using the course e-book I made a batch of soap that I am totally delighted with."

The Soap Coach Limited responded:

"Thank you so much Rachael. Great to hear that you have made a fab batch of soap ?"

Ryjhorn Weekes reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Such a fun experience, the candles that we produced were absolutely beautiful to look at and smelled absolutely fab! Thank you to Pauline and Olga for giving us all the tips and tricks of the trade."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Ryjhorn. Thank you. It was really nice to see your smiling face and pride at what you had achieved. You were beaming! Well done. xx"

Natasha Gordon reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"The introductory course experience with Bonita Candles was incredibly informative and interactive, I would highly recommend and I look forward to having more sessions with Pauline and Olga to learn to manufacture on scale for my business - Thank you Both!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Natasha. Thank you for your fab feedback. You and your lovely colleagues were absolutely fantastic. We had so much fun! I'm looking forward to seeing your work in the future. xx"

Jack reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A fantastic course A brilliant insight into the methods, tools and concepts of working with green wood. I've come away from the weekend with a new creative direction, a lovely table and a new list of tools to buy! Thanks Peter and Toby!"

Carole Thompson reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"Im writing this review with heartfelt thanks to Michael, Partner & Jayne, tutor. After a taster session in Dec 2019, I started in Jan 2020 at Usher. This is such a peaceful environment, with laughter, fun and the concentrated silence of effort put in by all trainee artists. It covers all mediums & even though there are some I've had difficulty with, Jayne has shown me that I can overcome my fears and produce work I can be proud of! During covid & my subsequent 12 week isolation, Michael delivered much need supplies to my home on a weekly basis. Not to mention the emailed weekly projects and zoom classes, which I can say in all honesty kept me sane! Jayne has the ability to make each person feel talented making sure there are no negative experiences. If anything, both Michael & Jayne promote the student. If you want a truly enjoyable experience with like minded people, sign up now!"

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks Carole"

Carole Chester reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"As a mature person, you give yourself a hard time learning a new skill. Art was that new skill, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning to use different mediums, colour, tone “artsy” techniques. The class, held in beautiful Ushaw College, is a most welcoming and inspirational experience. Jayne our teacher makes it very accessible, with her gentle and encouraging teaching style. Guiding us through each new technique, and enabling us to produce some really beautiful work. The class organisation is fantastic, down to Michael and his art supplies. The class groups are well set out with all equipment supplied. My fellow learners can relax, make friends, get the help and support they need; enjoy a laugh and produce some amazing art to boot. COVID 19 did not spoil our journey as Michael and Jayne took to Zoom, providing weekly virtual classes and projects to keep us busy. A huge thank you for the great effort from you both, I’m sure you helped many of us survive this very strange time, keeping our mental health well, with the inspiring and healing art."

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Carole"

Sue Smith reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thank you Elaine, I had a thoroughly enjoyable, informative and hands on weekend. I even managed to bring home a skein of spun wool. I really wish I lived a bit closer and could take some other courses. I will be heading home to make a start on the fleece I have in my garage and need to sort out my spinning wheel and then I can use all my new knowledge. Thank you so much."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Sue . I'm so glad you enjoyed your course. It was fun to work with you."

Juliet Pankhurst reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Andy was so knowledgeable, great environment and really enjoyed the course. Also had lovely lunch ?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Great to hear that you enjoyed this course, and many thanks for writing a review. :-)"