Latest reviews

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

"Thoroughly recommend buying a course. Abigail explains things clearly, I had never tried this before but it’s great fun! Will be buying more in the future! Thank you so much Abigail ?"

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

"I really enjoyed this course instructions clear and well thought out I have done a number of these successfully on my own the resources that I purchased were of the top quality and any queries I may have had were quickly and efficiently answered"

David Ffrench reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"What a wonderful day! We were well look after and everything was clear explained both before and during. We’ve been together 14 year and married for 9 but never did the ring bit. We wanted to find something that had meaning for us both. With 3 kids at grandmas for the day (and overnight) The whole experience was really special and a wonderful way to spend time together and now we have beautiful rings which we made for each other together. We will treasure the rings and the experience for the rest of our lives. The workshop is beautiful and very well equipment and Lucy is a superb craftsperson and excellent an teacher. Thank you so much for everything."

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

"I could not recommend this workshop highly enough. As someone who doesn’t feel naturally creative or confident with colour, I was apprehensive about being bold and abstract. However, Jo was fantastic and made me feel enthusiastic and comfortable – it is a beautiful space to work in and the setting is really inspiring. The workshop taught me how to layer up an abstract painting using various techniques, tools, colour and of course a touch of gold and silver! It was a really fun and well organised day, and great fun to paint with a group and share ideas. I look forward to going again!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Lizzy ;-) I'm glad you overcame your initial apprehension - having a pallet knife instead of a paint brush works wonders! Would love to see you back again, Jo x"

Sushma Shah reviewed: Week-day (Three Day) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"I have been making Idrija Lace for sometime but was having difficulty understanding how to work the corners. I booked a one-to-one day session yesterday with Tina to learn how to work the various corners. And I finally understand how to work them. Tina is a great teacher and very knowledgeable about Lace. I had a really great day and will definitely attend more workshops."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Sushma It was really good to meet you, along with helping you to understand the technique of working the corner in Idrija lace. I am looking forward to seeing the finished piece of lace. Lets hope the next time we meet it will be with other students so there is more interaction and hopefully more information for you too pick up. Regards Tina"

Pen Tilbury reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"This workshop was a surprise birthday gift for me and what an amazing idea for a present! Despite absolutely no experience or particular aptitude I was delighted / amazed with my achievement of creating a beautiful bangle/ cuff. The whole environment is just lovely. Sara expertly guided the session and made it very relaxing. I actually found the whole process to be extremely therapeutic. I will definitely do it again and will absolutely be treating some of my (lucky!) friends to workshops for their birthdays. Highly recommended!!!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Penny, thank you for your lovely review, it was so nice to see you both and glad you enjoyed your birthday treat & of course your lovely hand crafted silver cuff - great job ..... you didn't deserve the grade you said you got for metal work at school!!! Sara"

Cliff reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I have just attended the two day course. Both Jason and is wife Louise are two of the nicest people you could wish to meet. The course was brilliant I didn’t think I would learn so much in such a short space of time. I will be back in the future for a even more advanced course. Thanks again Jason it was a pleasure meeting you."

Emily B reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner to wood turning I found the day full interactive, covering everything I wanted - from tool maintenance, Parallel and cross grain turning. Mark was extremely patient and knowledgeable and tailored the course to my needs. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending one of Mark’s courses."

Alison reviewed: Beekeeper for a Day

"Thank you for a lovely day - the day was brilliant, relaxed atmosphere in extraordinary surroundings. Really had a lot of fun."

Kim and Carl reviewed: Beekeeper for a Day

"Thank you for a fabulous day; we really enjoyed the whole experience. Everything was exceptional, your knowledge, the refreshments, the build your own pizza’s, the honey. Just loved it all."

Brian reviewed: Pottery taster course one-to-one in the South Downs

"Throwing pots with Rowena was so good that I went back for a second session. She is a really good teacher, explains things clearly, helps correct your technique and wobbly disasters in a friendly easy going way. What's especially nice is that she frequently checks that her way of explaining things works for you and adapts that style to suit you. My confidence grew really quickly, and I felt like I was making real progress. She has some lovely pottery on display with beautiful glazes. Can't wait to see how my pots have turned out after they've been fired. This has been a truly worthwhile experience. Thank you Rowena."

Paddock Studio Pottery responded:

"Thankyou so much Brian for taking the time to write a positive review.Glad you enjoyed the making of more bowls.I'll be in touch when they are fired.Thanks again .Rowena"

Michelle Mills reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jo and her gorgeous pup Blossom. The course was perfect and answered everything I needed to know about getting started in the candle industry. The setting was beautiful, easy to find, with plenty of parking and a very smiley Jo ready to greet you with a warm welcome. I left the course feeling excited to start making my own candles with the knowledge and advice Jo had shared. I would highly recommend this course for anyone interested in setting up their own candle making business or just for pleasure."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Michelle. Wishing you the best of luck with your venture! x"

stefan trebacz reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I had a superb day with Nigel. He helped to improve my skills at every step in the way the ubiquitous veteran pilot talks down the rookie in the seat of the Jumbo Jet to a perfect landing. Nigel's style is relaxed yet he imparts so much knowledge and information in the day that you are just eager to get home to put it all into practice. The workshop setting and facilities are really good, endless coffee (or tea) humour, skills and patience. I came away not only better armed and less likely to damage myself or my tools but with a better knowledge of the best leather to use for distinct projects and a lot of encouragement to experiment. I will definitiely be back and thoroughly recommend the course to anyone wanting to improve and broaden their knowledge in leatherworking."

Neil reviewed: 'Watercolour Christmas cards' interactive online Art course with live tuition.

"I have attended Raya's online live tuition Watercolour Course and I have enjoyed every moment of jokes and laughs with the online Zoom. Raya is an amazing teacher and she has encouraged and supported me every week to become confident using watercolours and finding my inner artist. I have produced some experimental watercolours following Raya's clear online demonstrations and learnt different watercolour techniques and styles of work. Online tuition allows me to interact with different people in my own home without having to drive and rush around to get to Raya's workshop during peak traffic times. I would like to say thanks to Raya and I would recommend this course to anyone."

Christopher Doherty reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day at Leeds, West Yorkshire

"I would highly recommend a day with Jacek!! My wife bought a day long experience here for my 40th birthday and I too much fun to put in writing. Having watched many YouTube videos and Forged in Fire, I was really excited to get stuck in and that’s exactly what I did! Jacek was a fantastic teacher and Monika was the perfect host for my day at the forge.. plus I made a knife that will not leave my side!! Thanks for all your knowledge ??"

Jorgen Craft responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad you have enjoyed the class with is. Chris was a very good student with good manual skills. Thank you for choosing Jorgen Craft. :)"

Maria Sheridan reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"The Beginners Glass Fusion course is delightful! What a lovely way to spend a day. Melanie is a fab tutor and her enthusiam for the craft she teaches is very evident. After Melanie went through the materials and processes, we couldn't wait to get started. The class was very small, just the three of us due to Covid restrictions and every care was taken to ensure that we were safe. Melanie's studio is full of inspiration, I wanted to have a go at making everything I saw but of course I couldn't and which is why I'll be booking another workshop. The day passed by far too quickly, but by the end of it I had completed a star, a coaster, a slump dish and two pieces of jewellery. Don't hesitate in booking this workshop if you have an interest in glass fusion, it's great fun and you won't be disappointed."

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a very pleasant day learning to make candles with Jo. She covered the required labelling and answered all of our questions about starting a candle business. Her workshop is easy to find, in a lovely setting and with plenty of parking. This is a great course to get you started if you're thinking about making candles to sell. Came home with a lovely bag of goodies that smell fantastic. Thanks Jo! x"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thanks Nicola, glad you enjoyed yourself and wishing you the best of luck! x"

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

"My measure of any good training course is that you feel inspire to put in practice what you have learnt. I have. I've purchased an anvil and micro forge and started on honing my skills. Over the day course Jake paced the work so that I completed more than I thought I was capable of achieving. It's quite a skill to master the movement of steel over the anvil whilst hammering but the results are wonderful. 3 objects completed; Poker, wall hook and bottle opener. Family and friends are wow'd by the results so they can't be to bad. Thanks Jake for your patience, advice and having a laugh."

Alastair reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"I have just completed the Fundamentals of Woodworking 2 course which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have dabbled a bit over many years without really knowing what I was doing! I have a keen interest and thought it was about time that I did something about learning "how to do things properly", or getting back to basics. This, however is certainly not a basic course and the time spent with Aidan was really well spent. So much so that I am already booked on another course! It is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced woodworkers and Aidan is very attentive and makes sure that all attendees get the support that they need. i learned so much, not just techniques, but also care and setting up of tools, including how to sharpen properly. There is more to it than you might think! The overall course had a good atmosphere across all attendees, and I feel more confident in my skills going forward. It is a good feeling to have created something myself and I am proud of my achievements. Looking forward to the next course. Thanks Aidan."

Nathan reviewed: TIG welding day

"Natalie was an excellent teacher. She made you feel comfortable and at easy with welding. It can be a daunting course if not done before, but she always made you at ease and answered any questions you had. Totally recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn Welding."

Chris Lambert reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"So glad I did this course as I learnt so much. What looked so simple at the start became quite the feat of engineering and precision for me. I have a lovely oak picture frame to show for it that I shall bore everyone who sees it how it was lovingly handcrafted with sweat and tears."

Helen Vine reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What a great course to do if you're interested in candle making. I did this yesterday (21/7). Beautiful setting wonderfully friendly Jo and her gorgeous pooch Blossom. Learnt a lot and gave me so much to think about which I hadn't before in regards to legislation and wicks etc and also on top of that left with some great goodies in candles and melts we made that day. Relaxed and very friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended.. 5*.. Thank you Jo xx"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Helen. Good luck with the next step of yiur journey xx"

Alex reviewed: 'Watercolour Christmas cards' interactive online Art course with live tuition.

"I very much enjoyed this course and I think its relaxed nature has helped me to develop my skills in watercolour painting. I must say that I much prefer classes via Zoom. I feel as though I get more out of them. I would much prefer classes over Zoom even without the pandemic. I think, Raya, you have developed a great teaching method using Zoom. As you heard in all of our classes, we all very much enjoy your online classes. So, I am hoping they will stay. I’d like another watercolour class. The 5 week stretch was nice, it gives us a bit of break in the middle, but I would be happy to join a 10 week class too. Thank you very much!"

Gary Dennis reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Attended a introduction to leather work course with Nigel, and had an informative fun day. Nigel’s knowledge is second to none, and he explains things in a way that’s both interesting and easy to understand. So much so that I am in the process of obtaining my own tools so that I can progress my learning further. Once I have practiced, I will definitely be looking to do another course with Nigel again."

Julia Swann reviewed: Pottery taster session

"Enjoyed a lovely afternoon learning some pottery basics. Great bit of creative time out for me, thanks Ceramic Studio!"