Latest reviews

Chris Hurley reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I had a great day with Steve and learnt a huge amount. Steve is a very friendly guy and a great teacher with a lot of patience and an easy way of explaining things. He explains each step of the process as you go through it and provides help and guidance as you create your own knife from a simple piece of steel. Although there is a pattern to guide you towards the type of knife capable of being made in the day, Steve is flexible and creative enough to allow variations and developments on the theme as the knife develops it's own characteristics. With Steve's expert assistance, I left after a very enjoyable day with with a bespoke custom knife that I love and am looking forward to putting to use. Be warned it's addictive !!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Chris I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day with me so much, apologies now if you've been bitten by the knife making bug. You may become an official lost cause because once knife making gets under your skin it can become all consuming. ATB Steve"

Lorna Connolly reviewed: Paul Siggins mosaic masterclass Leigh-on-Sea

"Brilliant experience, wonderful support to your own ideas"

Linda Averill reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"This turned out to be one of my best days ever! I was full of trepidation because I am not artistic and I had received a voucher as a present. Jacky is a brilliant teacher, her workshop is spacious and well stocked with beautiful colourful mosaic tiles. She guided me expertly through the process and gave help as it was needed. She provided copious amounts of tea and one of the nicest cakes I have had in ages. Best of all I finished up with 2 lovely mosaic pieces that I shall treasure. I would recommend this as an excellent day for all ages. Thank you Jacky"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you Linda for your lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure working with you. Jackie"

Wendy Dashper reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"What a fantastic day, I learnt a new skill and have a picture to hang mounted and framed inclusive of the price. Lovely homemade cake and coffee to keep me going. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Excellent tuition, easy to follow steps."

Dawn Dowding reviewed: Monthly beginners sewing class - Weds evening

"I learned how to sew at school but hadn’t used a machine for over 30 years. Tansy was great at explaining both the basics of a sewing machine and sewing techniques. I’ve gained in skills and confidence- managing to make my own curtains after the course finished!"

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills, knowledge and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. Well done on your curtains, and your dressmaking too, you've definitely got the sewing bug. Happy Sewing!"

Vix Snowdon reviewed: 6 Week Beginners Dressmaking Course

"Fantastic course building confidence in using, understanding and making small amendments to patterns (pockets anyone?) and translating into a wearable piece. Tansy’s classes are small and relaxed enough to ask all the silly questions you want to and you get a dress at the end too! Absolutely fantastic and a real bargain. Will be back for more"

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills, knowledge and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. I'm always happy to answer questions, and none of them are too silly to be asked. I'm really pleased you enjoyed the course."

Rory Vereker reviewed: Make a solid wood picture frame – beginners woodworking course

"This is a great course. Jonty is a highly creative and sociable tutor, and makes the course fun as well as informative. Making the picture frame is surprisingly complex and does require precision, but achievable for beginners using his innovative methods. The tools and materials used are high quality, and he goes above and beyond to explain everything in detail and give students individual attention. We all came away with something we were proud of, and also had fun doing it. It's worth knowing the measurements of the aperture of the mount are about 12 x 17 cm, and the frame itself is about 24 x 19 cm, just in case you have a specific picture in mind. All in all, yes I would definitely recommend it to a friend!"

Paul reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I took part in a one day bladesmithing course, and what a day it was. Steve is a down to earth bloke with a great sense of humour. I had such a good day in the workshop, and to top it off came home with my new pride and joy. It is remarkable how with some expert tuition a scrap bit of spring steel can be transformed so positively. I really want to get back to forging some time soon. P.S. Be warned Steve, I may be after some scraps from your R&D bin so I can give it a go at home."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Paul I wondered why you kept diving into that bin. I thought it was to get away from my terrible jokes. Now I realise it was to rifle through my old steel scraps. Really chuffed you had such an enjoyable day in the shop with me. I hope the new love of your life is sitting close to hand. ATB Steve"

Paula de Simone reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I've had the perfect morning making my own silver cuff bangle with Sara. Her little wooden workshop is perfect for one on one or group visits, it's set in her beautiful quiet garden, alongside her very gorgeous picture postcard cottage. Sara was a brilliant teacher, very knowledgeable, really helpful and she has helped me create something I absolutely love! Thank you so much Sara, I had a brilliant time with you (and I love my bonus ring purchase!!) and i would recommend you again and again x"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Paula Thank you so much for your kind words ...... you made it super easy for me, you are a natural!! Looking forward to seeing you again to make some sea-glass work :-) Sara x"

Teresa Kent reviewed: Wire bird sculpture workshop using black iron

"I went to Sue for a morning to try out some new techniques, she was very welcoming, knowledgeable, and provided plenty of resource to choose from. I can recommend a visit to her workshop"

Linda reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"So inspiring...very professional approach. Very talented tutor with so much to offer. I have attended fundamental art skills and 3 wool painting workshops. Raya is so encouraging..very patient and kind and you just want to keep attending more! I am continuing my artistic journey with watercolours next term. I can recommend these fantastic courses."

Neil Sabin reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Superb tuition. Modelled each part of the intricate and challenging process with patience. Plenty of time for coffee/tea. Soup and bread at lunch. A solid day's work. Really enjoyable. I have a lovely beech bowl when dried for another 2 weeks and finished with walnut oil will be ready for some porridge!"

John loosemore reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had an excellent day with Colin, I learnt so much in a short time thanks to his patience, understanding and formidable depth of knowledge. I thoroughly recommend his course to anyone interested in wood turning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you John. Happy turning!"

Robert Higgo reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Informative, relaxed, friendly, helpful. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot"

Susan Bradbury reviewed: Birds on a wire - creating small sculptures in Derbyshire

"Engaging workshop in the tutor’s own home studio, lovely space and ambience. Liz is very supportive and encouraging and makes the course enjoyable for everyone, whatever their degree of ability. Small group of learners so as much individual support as needed and a very friendly atmosphere. An interesting and enjoyable day."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sue, Thanks for taking time to review your day and I appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Lovely to work with you. Best wishes Liz"

Michael Tomlinson reviewed: Carving Woodland Beasts

"Excellent course. Plenty of help and advice given. Good venue and ample tools and instruction in their use. Nice atmosphere as it was a small group. Time passed quickly."

Kieron carlisle reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Myself & my partner did this amazing experience. It was a really fun day, made keys that we will have as a memory forever. Event organisers were very friendly and made us feel very welcome. Would recommend to anyone wanting a great day and something to remember. Would definitely do again. X"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Kieron. Your key rings were a brilliant idea."

Lin Freeth reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops- one day

"We have had the pleasure of 2 one day workshops with Connie which have both been fantastic! We are a group of 4 friends who had not done clay sculpting before but, with encouragement from Connie, produced some amazing pieces which we are thrilled with. Connie is full of enthusiasm and offers help and assistance with a smile. Thanks for such a great time and for the support, input, patience and fun! Wishing you every success with those who are lucky enough to join you. Looking forward to seeing you again soon xx"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Hi Lin Thank you for taking time to write a review. Your lovely words are very encouraging and appreciated. I’m glad you enjoyed both workshops, and it was a pleasure teaching all four of you. Will see you soon to glaze your sculptures. Connie"

Lisa Fenton reviewed: Hazel wall basket workshop in Grizedale Forest

"A deeply rewarding course. Lorna is an inspiration, and her knowledge sharing is excellent. I was drawn to learn this skill because I loved the idea that I could learn to craft such a beautiful, functional and long-lasting basket with a small knife and a couple of hazel wands. Not only this, but it can be crafted without long waits to dry materials. It really is the epitome of a hedgerow basket! I was also fascinated by Lorna's wide and deep understanding of forests, craft and materials, as well as basket-making more widely. I loved the woodland atmosphere in which we crafted together as a group too. Thank you Lorna, I have enjoyed continuing to experiment with this technique!"

Emerald Rymer reviewed: Introduction to container candle making half day in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset Somerset

"A warm welcome on arrival, with an informative, comforting and fun course! I learnt all that I needed, with beautiful candles to take away with me! Highly recommend, thanks soo much Sally!"

Hazel Backpack reviewed: Woven hazel backpack with handmade rope straps

"It was fascinating to watch Lorna bend a relatively thick hazel rod over her knee to produce lengths of beautiful bark for weaving. Even more fascinating to see what was left after the bark was removed, a flexible inner core that could be split in two very easily by again bending over one's knee. It took a while to master the process myself, but once I did it was extremely rewarding. Thank you Lorna, a great workshop and a good heads up on the knee pads!"

Kathryn reviewed: 3D pyrography with colour workshop in Lincolnshire

"This course was bought for me as a gift as I have enjoyed pyrography in the past . Susan taught many new skills and techniques that I had not used before. I enjoyed learning about using colour and working in 3D . Susan is very generous at sharing her knowledge of the subject and is also a very good host. I would definitely recommend this course to both beginners and those with some knowledge."

Brad Drew reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Spent the day with Janet making a blind and a curtain. The day was informative and Janet was able to pass on her knowledge in a friendly and relaxed manner on a 1 to 1 basis. Thanks for the lunch."

Lisa hellewell reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops- one day

"A fantastic day, Connie is a fantastic tutor. She is very patient and full of encouragement. We had never done sculpting before but by the end of the day we felt like we were professional sculptors. We had a group of 4 and Connie spent time with us all showing us what to do and we managed to make some wonderful animals and figures which can take pride of place in the home and garden. We had a lot of fun and laughs . Thank you Connie, we will be back . Well worth 5 stars ⭐️"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Hi Lisa Thank you for your review and kind words. I am glad you enjoyed both workshops. Your first lot of sculptures will be fired soon, followed by the second lot. I enjoyed teaching your group very much. See you soon. Connie"

Hilary Richards reviewed: Woodworking - Workshop/Taster Day - Coat Rack

"I can thoroughly recommend the one day coat rack course. I have very little woodworking experience, but Steve is an excellent teacher and with his guidance and encouragement, I produced a very attractive coat rack. He explains and demonstrates each step of the process, but always lets you do the work on your piece. There is a maximum of 4 participants, so Steve is always at hand, and each participant has their own workbench which is very well equipped with tools, all in excellent condition. Add to that the plentiful tea and biscuit breaks, and you have a very enjoyable and productive day. I am sure I will be back to do a 2 day course in the near future."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day and you are welcome to come back again anytime. Steve"