Latest reviews

caro hamilton reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Great one day knife making course at the Bearded Pig Forge. Spike is a patient and knowledgeable tutor. I'd really recommend this as a course for yourself or a gift. Thanks!"

David reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Excellent day, I learnt a lot about leather and enjoyed making a tool bag to go on a belt. Rebecca’s teaching was really helpful and well delivered."

David Wilson reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"It was a very relaxed, informative and enjoyable day out, well organised and actually fun to work with wood at this level. Thank you."

Helen Mullen reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"I had a wonderful day learning how to make a stained glass panel with Caryl. She is knowledgable and patient and provided us with clear and careful teaching to enable everyone in the small group to make and take home a beautiful leaded stained glass panel. The selection of coloured glass to choose from was excellent. Great lunch too! A very enjoyable course, thanks so much!"

Bryony Ford reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Hi Jonathan I really enjoyed the Silver Jewellery workshop. Thank you so much for the excellent organisation of the day and your very clear and patient explanation of the techniques we tried out. I learnt so much in a few hours. I shall definitely take this interest further and thanks giving me the confidence do that. A really lovely day on the Silver Jewellery Boat. I might do it again in the summer ! Bryony"

Linda Devereux reviewed: Throwing taster session

"Great explanation and demonstrations. Loved this hands on experience of making something."

Linda Carroll-Bentley reviewed: Throwing taster session

"Deiniol was approachable, competent and really patient with attendees. The course is well worth doing and gives a good idea as to whether you want top learn more, carry on learning in the future"

Colin Partridge reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"My partner and I completed one of Alan's day long welding courses a couple of years ago. We had never done anything remotely like this before and were frankly a bit apprehensive and concerned that we would not be able to rise to the challenge in just one day. But Alan was extremely encouraging and his step by step instruction in basic welding techniques soon had us nonchalantly sticking bits of metal together. Alan's own expertise is clear and, although he presided over a delightfully relaxed and informal atmosphere, I did notice him keeping a careful eye on us to make sure that we did not set fire to his workshop or ourselves. We managed to complete a bit of "sculpture" by the end of the day which still has pride of place in a front garden and which we are both most proud of. I would recommend one of Alan's courses without hesitation to anyone who has even a vague interest; you will not be disappointed."

Anwen Jones reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Many thanks for an enjoyable, worthwhile and inspiring course in a lovely setting. Dunja is a lovely teacher who ensured that I as a total beginner had clearly understood what was being taught, and I succeeded in leaving at the end of the day with a product of which I was proud. I hope to return. Diolch yn fawr."

Krystyna Gadd reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I learnt lots over the two days and am delighted with the results. Bridget has a wealth of experience and is generous in her sharing of it. An inspiring two days!"

Jane Firth reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"The course was set in a lovely light and airy village hall with new born lambs in the field outside. Six very different craft enthusiasts with talents in many different areas came together to make six very different wet felted pictures under Bridget's watchful eye. She is generous with both her time and her knowledge. I would highly recommend this course."

tracey reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"So enjoyed my time learning a new skill with Claire, who shares her knowledge and expertise readily and makes you feel comfortable throughout each process that is involved in silver clay. I've been wanting to try this for a while now and so glad that i had booked! Claire explains everything each step of the way and makes you feel able to accomplish something unique to yourself with special meaning. I had an inkling of what i'd like to make beforehand but since i left my head is buzzing with ideas. Thanks so much Claire and Daisy Dog for making this such an enjoyable step into the unknown and untried.....left with some really lovely pieces as presents for my nearest and dearest! This was a Birthday treat for me, the day before the course so thanks again Claire ....."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was a great morning thank you for booking the workshop and happy birthday to you too! I hope you send more photos of future makes :-) Claire & Daisy!"

Chris Hallis reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"Absolutely awesome day... Had high expectations of the course, having seen the quality of Slim's leather work, and they were definitely met. The course was set out really well, with good explanations, and constant support from Slim. Don't think I could be any happier, I have learnt a new skill and have a wallet that will last a lifetime. The value is great and the lunch provided was well above standard. THANK YOU SLIM...."

Alex and Olivia reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"My fiancée and I made our wedding rings with Lucy this month. We found Lucy from great reviews online, and are so happy we booked her. It was really important to us to ensure the creation of our rings was a very special process, and we couldn’t be happier with how Lucy designed the day. She guided us through the ring making process in a fantastically designed way so you don’t feel daunted, and are able to take ownership of the experience and get creative! At each step she is helpful and patient, and her studio is a calm, relaxing environment that you can curate for the day. This part of our wedding was made even more meaningful by Lucy, and we can’t thank or recommend her enough!"

James green reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"I was made to feel right at home friendly welcoming and informative course. Nothing was to much trouble. If you have even the slightest interest in making your own knife from scratch you will love it. Matt and Ally are truely great hosts, i intend to go back to forge my second blade"

Angelo Bisignano reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"Fantastic course! Spent an amazing day making a wonderful card wallet. Very intensive day, but Slim was behind us every single step. A very supportive teacher. Family friendly and relaxing setting. We were fully looked after, from coffee in the morning to a delicious stew for lunch. Excellent value for money. If you are doing one course this year, make sure it's with Slim!"

Dawn Coubrough reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"A very enjoyable day, informative with lots of hands on experience. Jonathan is a excellent teacher, lots of patience with no time constrances. Family very hospitable. Would highly recommend."

Hannah Rose reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"I was bought a complete chair upcycling workshop at LaDiDa Interiors with Steph as a Christmas present. I can honestly say it was one of the best presents I've ever had! I am a complete beginner when it comes to painting and up cycling but now I feel confident enough to tackle projects on my own. I had a specific purpose in mind for my new chair and I am delighted with the results. I would recommend this course to anyone who enjoys making new and beautiful things in a relaxed environment. Thank you Steph."

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your review"

Chris Giltnane reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"What an excellent day. Started the morning making a simple poker and by end walked away with a Sword and a Dragon Claw mount to hang it in. All the guys there were attentive, super friendly and helpful. It really didn't matter who you asked, they were happy to help you move along with whatever it was you were making. Need to use an angle grinder, here is how to use it safely. Need to make a curve in that sword, use this tool. Need to drill something, let me help clamp it down properly and get you started. My son (12) was just grinning the whole day and when asked at the end just said "Awesome". We came with some ideas for a sword and within reason you got to make what want to your design within the day. I can strongly recommend this experience day if your son/daughter has any sort of interest in working with metal."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris thanks for your review we appreciate the feedback , I am pleased you and your son had such a good time. It make all the effort of running classes for younger aspiring 'blacksmiths' rewarding. As we said photos will be on the web site when its up and running again. best wishes John"

Sarah Rice reviewed: Creative Writing Workshops

"It's not an exaggeration to say that going to this course has changed my life. I always knew I wanted to write and yet I just couldn't find the time or the motivation to do so alongside my full time teaching job and my role as a mother to teenagers. My experience of the course has been overwhelmingly positive. When I walked into the room and the group for the first time, I felt that I had, at long last, found my tribe. Jo is the most incredibly warm and encouraging facilitator. She is skilled and knowledgeable, and knows just what to say to improve one's writing without ever making one feel diminished in any way. Since coming to the writing course with Jo, I have gone from feeling that I would like to write ( in some vague way) to feeling that I can and will become a real writer, who is paid for their work and is published, in the not too distant future. The quiet, calm atmosphere in the group is so conducive to writing. Think of sitting in a library where you can speak to anyone you like at any time and get a cup of tea or coffee at will; where you can munch on a bag of crisps or nibble a chocolate bar or share a massive bag of maltesers with everyone while focusing on the work of writing. As Terry Pratchett said, writing is "the most fun you can have on your own". In Jo's group, writing is the most fun you can have on your own within a group of supportive friends. Peace and quiet when you need it. Input when you need it. A hug when you need it. Direction and inspiration when you need it. Believe me, if you love writing, you NEED to come along to this group. It really has changed my life, and Jo is the most wonderfully attentive and intuitive mentor you could ever wish for."

Josephine Dawn Munroe responded:

"So pleased you have found got so much from the workshops Sarah. Thank you for your lovely review. Always fab to have you join us. Can't wait to hear more of your work. What a wonderful lot of people we have in our tribe!"

Nicola reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"My mum and I went along to Lynne's lovely house in Chichester for the one-day course. Lynne is an excellent teacher, structuring the day perfectly so there is time for learning each skill, cutting and pressing the paper, choosing the leather (that part takes the longest!), and making two notebooks. We were both very proud of our finished books. Each looked very different, since Lynne had encouraged us to be creative with different colours, textures and buttons. Highly recommended!"

Lyn reviewed: Needle felting workshops (monthly)

"As a complete beginner i signed up with very little expectations of my own ability. Jo was lovely and immediately made me feel welcome. The friendly atmosphere of the group of v different abilities encouraged and supported everyone equally. The Hive venue was perfect as equally relaxed. I've now attended two w/shops and signed up for a third! I'm hooked. Thank you for sharing your skills Jo and being such a great teacher x"

Josephine Dawn Munroe responded:

"Thanks very much for your review Lyn. It's great you're enjoying your new hobby so much - needle felting is great fun isn't it? And you're picking up the new skills really well. Lovely to have you join in, looking forward to seeing you next month for more 'stabbing'!"

Katie Griffiths reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"Such an amazing weekend on the two day throwing course! The tuition was excellent and I feel like my techniques improved quickly because of Jacks teaching. Such a beautiful and inspiring setting and I am so thrilled with my pots. I have come away feeling relaxed, refreshed and eager to return. Thank you!"

Rosie reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Thank you Alice, I had a great time on the macrame course today, under your expert tution I made a lovely plant pot holder - I’m so impressed with my first attempt at macrame! I’m definitely booking in for another class to learn some more knots :-) Rosie"

Lucy Baker reviewed: Creative Writing Workshops

"Writing tends to be quite a solitary occupation so it was with trepidation that I took my scribblings to my first writing group . I needn't have worried from the moment I arrived , the other writers were really friendly . The space is quiet, warm with limitless tea . I found working with other writers scribbling / tapping around me was inspiring rather than daunting . Jo is warm and welcoming . After a shared lunch we get to share some writing . It's fascinating and motivating to hear other people's workings . It is really good to get feed back from other writers, all working on such different projects . I totally recommend this group for anybody that writes ?"

Josephine Dawn Munroe responded:

"Thanks for your review Lucy. Your writing is spellbinding - always a pleasure to have you join us."