Latest reviews

ruth green reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, would definitely recommend to anyone interested in crafts and candles. Tracy is a lovely person and fabulous tutor. The day is very informal and the afternoon tea marvellous. I need to do a refresher or second stage course as all my wax melts have been appropriated as have the air fresheners ! :) Ruth"

Rick reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"It was my first Spoon Carving Workshop and it was perfect for me as a beginner! I could fix a lot of doubts and questions, Alan is a very nice, patient and passionate teacher! We went through all the different steps and details about wood splitting, types of wood, setting the billett and also knife grips, axe grips, different kind of axes and knives, how to make your own handmade knife sheath, an overview on the many different spoon styles, shapes and sizes and much more! On top of that, I could enjoy a few breaks with the delicious food and hot drinks provided by Alan's partner during the day! I totally recommend spending a nice day with Alan, especially if you're a beginner! It's worth every penny!"

Jodie reviewed: Wax carving for complete beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Throughly enjoyed the wax carving course, Viv was very knowledgable and created a lovely environment to work at your own pace on your own project. Would recommend the class to anyone who wanted to give wax carving a go."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"It's a fascinating activity - so amazing that you can produce such fabulous jewellery with just a few tools and a crazy idea! Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review, I am looking forward to seeing you again to complete the course :)"

Sasha Kowal reviewed: Felt Trilby or Fedora - Millinery Workshop

"My sister gifted me a voucher for one of Virna’s classes just before the lockdown. I contacted her in advance saying that I wanted to make a felt cocktail hat and she send me a moodboard and designed a whole class just for myself which made me feel very special. I spent a wonderful day, I learned how to sew for the first time and came home with the most adorable headpiece. I am planning to attend another of Virna’s classes and I cannot recommend her enough. She’s so passionate and knowledgeable about millinery, very patient and just a pleasure to be with. Thank you Virna!"

Azi Ghaffari reviewed: Sandal Making Italian Style

"I treated one of my friends for her birthday to one of Lucia’s sandal making sessions. We had a fabulous time making our gorgeous sandals. Lucia made us welcome, her coaching and guidance made the whole experience most enjoyable and in some ways easy, if that’s at all possible. I am hoping to attend another course with Lucia very soon. Highly recommended, you’re in for a real treat. Azi xx"

Sebastian Rasch reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"Yvonne is an excellent teacher, very supportive, encouraging and herself a distinguished artist. The 3 hour session went by in a flash, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though I am a man! I am so pleased with the cat I made. I would recommend this course to anyone. Small groups even now doable with social distancing. Sebastian."

Needle Felt Art responded:

"Thank you Sebastian, so pleased you enjoyed your first experience of needle felting, great result too. Yvonne."

Brian Lamb reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This day course was a brilliant introduction to woodturning having never done any previously. Simon was a great tutor who took time to explain things in detail before handing over the tools for me to have a try and was always on hand to give advice or step in when required. This course was very relaxed and informal which was ideal for someone with no turning experience and both Simon and Louise put me at ease from the start which was great as I was quite nervous when I arrived. Many thanks to Louise for the lovely lunch and the not to mention the endless supply of refreshments throughout the day. The information pack supplied after the course with some woodturning equipment and beginners notes as well as photos and video of the day was a nice touch. I would recommend this course to anyone who would like to try their hand at woodturning. Regards, Brian."

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

"Hi Brian, We're so pleased you enjoyed your workshop! You should be super proud of the pieces you made, and it was lovely to meet you :-). Don't hesitate to contact us if you need more information about setting your woodturning workshop. Kind regards Simon & Louise (Blended Monkey)"

Mary Tonnison reviewed: Sandal Making Italian Style

"Myself and my mum attended a sandal making workshop last year. Lucia was very informative and guided us through the process with ease. There was a lovely selection of colours and leathers to choose from, the process was easy enough also for a complete novice to easily complete. A lovely lunch was provided and Lucia was the perfect host!"

Lucia Girardi responded:

"Thank you Mary. Very pleased you both enjoyed it and I adore the style and colour combination you both chose."

Maria reviewed: Make your own flower crown

"This class was purchased for me as a complete surprise by some friends as a birthday present. I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Mary was welcoming & helpful. I have never done anything like this before. Mary talked us through it step by step making it really easy to follow. I am keen to join another class in the future. My flower crown has pride of place in my dressing room & i can't wait to be able to wear it when the current restrictions have reduced. Thankyou"

Mary Hill Studio responded:

"Hi Maria I very much appreciate you taking time to write a review. I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop and hope you get to wear your stunning flower crown before too long. Best wishes Mary :)"

Brian Ash reviewed: Introduction to container candle making half day in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset Somerset

"Sally is a great teacher. Her preparation for the course was very thorough. She gave me great notes for reference and lots of sensible, practical advice. She is planning a soap making course which I will certainly make sure to attend."

emma qureshi reviewed: Candle-making kit - Rolled Beeswax

"I purchased this kit as a gift. Great service from order to delivery in lovely packaging. The recipient loved her gift had really enjoyed making the candles."

Candle by Events responded:

"Really pleased the kit went down well :)"

Toby reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I’ve been on a couple of glass workshops with the Glass by Design team and they have always been excellent. I had been booked to attend a fused glass workshop with Cathy in March, the weekend after the lockdown began, and so it had to be postponed. However, I have just attended the workshop at the beginning of July as they have worked hard to build out individual booths in which you can work, separate from the other attendees and the tutor, whilst still getting excellent practical advice from knowledgeable tutors such as Cathy on fused glass (and Angelina on Stained Glass). They have put in place much to ensure that you and their safety is maintained at all times. Already thinking about when I should book another day. Thank you Cathy, I had a great day, as expected."

Glass By Design responded:

"So glad you enjoyed your time with us and felt safe and secure in our newly designed teaching area. You made such a lovely free standing curve and coaster!"

Geraldine Ross reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"Had a super day with my friend - delayed for three months due to the pandemic. It was so good to finally get there! Richard was very patient with us, showing us how to do it, but also letting us get on with our own ideas, for better or worse!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Delighted you both enjoyed the day. See you for glazing soon."

Jane Landsborough reviewed: Friendship Star On-Demand Digital Patchwork & Quilting Course

"Brilliantly organised course. Sheena’s got the knack of imparting her knowledge with good humour and grace. She gives loads of practical advice, tips and encouragement. The mix of emailed instructions, downloadable videos, online community and constructive feedback is really successful. Answers to queries come back inhumanly fast - she seems never to sleep! I thoroughly recommend Shena as a tutor"

Green Man Quilts responded:

"Thank you. You really are too kind! I really value your contributions to the class and you have such a good eye for colour."

Kim reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"We had such a fantastic family day out together making our rustic oak (chestnut and ash) bench with Ian. I would thoroughly recommend it and our two teenagers loved it too. Great sense of achievement at the end of the day and all socially distanced, with lots of fresh air too - the perfect way to celebrate end of lockdown."

Claire reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"My Mom and I had the most wonderful day at Matt's class. We'd never thrown clay before, but thanks to Matt's expertise, we'd thrown our first bowl within half an hour, and came away with five pieces (3 bowls, 2 jugs) each! From Matt & Rachel's warm hospitality, to Matt's patient tutorage and the mesmerizing experience of working on the wheel, the whole day was faultless. I'd highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to scratch a creative itch, try a new skill, or just wants to have fun doing something a bit different!"

Poornima reviewed: Blacksmithing experience - spend a day in the forge

"Richard is a superb teacher and provides individual teaching despite it being a group lesson. I am a beginner and decide to take this course out of curiosity but by the end I was totally converted and love the material and the skills needed to handle metal. I see myself returning again to improve my understanding and knowledge. Thank you Richard for being such an amazing trainer!!! A special mention - He was professional and the safety setup he provided for social distancing made me feel safe and comfortable."

Petro reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I would highly recommend this course and found it very informative. Paul is a great teacher. I enjoyed the day learning and making candles. The day ended with a lovely afternoon tea."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Petro, I’m so glad you enjoyed the course. Good luck with your candle making, all Christmas presents will be extra special this year! Thank you for choosing this course. Paula"

Andrew Milward reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Best course I have ever done. Kingsley is an amazing teacher with an incredibly laid back and approachable attitude. Learnt so much doing his course and had a great time, I was even blown away by the final product! Couldn't recommend this more to anyone wanting to do a weekend course where you learn a new skill and make something to keep. So rewarding, amazing teacher and such a great way to keep a traditional craft alive!"

Ben Frost reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"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 the materials and found some old furniture to practice on. Over the 2 day course Oli paced the work so that I completed more than I thought I was capable of achieving. It's quite a skill to master the shellac application but the results are wonderful. Thanks Oli for your patience and advice."

Gemma Gray reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. (Foil Method) One day class. Beginners and intermediate welcome.

"Clare is a brilliant teacher who showed me how to make two lovely glass sun catchers that I will treasure. There is all the equipment there you need which is great. I can't wait until I can go again and am looking forwards to making some more brightly coloured sun catchers as soon as I can."

Sarah Smith reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. (Foil Method) One day class. Beginners and intermediate welcome.

"Really enjoyable day making beautiful glass designs. Easy to follow to instruction and a great atmosphere."

Liz Fuller reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. (Foil Method) One day class. Beginners and intermediate welcome.

"What a great time we had on this lovely course. Clare is really helpful and friendly and guided me though how to make a butterfly and dragon fly which will look lovely hanging in my conservatory. If you would like to try a new craft I would highly recommend this one!"

Abby Gray reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. (Foil Method) One day class. Beginners and intermediate welcome.

"I attended a beginners course today and would recommend to anyone that is interested. I have a weaker hand and still found this was something I could do easily. I really enjoyed every minute of this course from start to finish. Brilliant teacher and there at all times to help and guide if needed. I can’t wait to do my next course. Seeing your finished piece is so overwhelming knowing you have made that yourself. And the finished piece is beautiful."

Pennie Gray reviewed: Stained Glass Sun Catchers. (Foil Method) One day class. Beginners and intermediate welcome.

"I attended a workshop today and it was amazing. Clare was a perfect tutor and everyone who took part had a wonderful day and we each made and took home two beautiful stained glass sun catchers. Will definitely be booking another class/workshop xxx"