Latest reviews

Kim reviewed: Cyanotype workshop (half day)

"In a sentence: a brilliant way to have a creative afternoon, in great company where you actually like the thing you make! I'd never done Cyanotope before but others on the course had and the workshop seemed to work for all. Lucy was really friendly, approachable and provided us with guidance, lots of tips along the way and beautiful materials to work with. I came away with 7 pieces of my own art work that I'd be proud to hang on my wall. A really satisfying way to spend a half day."

Marina Szijarto reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"Deep gratitude to you all for your wisdom teachings and the detailed hands on application of them. Your teachings all came from a place of immense generosity, deep understanding and love. Thank you. The weeks unfolding of the philosophy of craft traditions, the relationship of minerals and colours with the planets, together with sacred geometry patterns and how they all connect was opening for the mind and consciousness. The physical action of touching, washing, grinding minerals, plants & beetles, plus the dramatic chemical reactions, grounded the knowledge in the body and crates a relationship for me with all the materials and tools we used. The making and using of the paints on the sacred patterns was a heart opening meditation that connected all parts of this incredible week - thank you so so much. Thank you also for making space for Darren’s water talk, which was also illuminating, plus the daily poems and prayers which helped set the intention of the room. I wanted to share these words I was inspired to put on social media with some photos after the course “Wild crafting our materials ( both traditional craft arts & healing arts) and connecting our creativity to a specific place on the earth - making relationship with those plants, earth, rocks and minerals and their connections to the planets/ cosmos is all of our birth right, no matter which continent we live on, or who are ancestors are - it is the medicine to antidote the industrialisation and commodification of our world and Re Member our interconnections.” On returning to London ... I felt similar to how it feels when coming back from a meditation or spiritual retreat...only better as now I have some beautiful colours to mark and remember the journey :) I hope to be able to take more workshops with you all ... Thank you again, and warmest regards to you all and your families during this beautiful dark time of year and the rebirth of the seed of light,"

Lee Hannam reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"Thank you so much for last week's course, a truly wonderful weeks journey of shared knowledge and wisdom. The space was held gently and openly as we co-created our pigments and paint and put compass to paper. I feel re-enlivened to colour and to art. Every time I stir my morning coffee I am reminded - clockwise, clockwise!"

Christina Mason reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"This was most enjoyable. Great teacher, and good instructions. Loved the whole process. Will definitely be coming back for more next year!!"

Jennah Fitzpatrick reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Enjoyed the day with Jonathan and my family. Never tried anything like this before but I had a fantastic time thank you! Very happy with the ring I made!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Many thanks Jennah for a lovely review - it was a great day. Well done with your jewellery making Jonathan"

Tania Stretton reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A really fun and interesting day that more than exceeded my expectations! I learned so much and I'm looking forward to coming back with some friends. It was lovely and cosy on the narrowboat. Although it was a miserable and rainy day, we were warm and snug in the boat with the lovely wood burning fire. Jonathan is a great teacher, very personable and made us all very welcome - thank you!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Tania Thank you for the kind reviews. It was a pleasure to work with you and your lovely family. Jonathan"

Jennifer Stretton reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I did the jewellery making course with my sister, Mom and Nan. We started the day learning to make chain and small pendants using copper, and how to solder, file and polish the metal. We then progressed on to our own designs in silver and each came away with a piece of hand made jewellery. Jonathan is an excellent and patient teacher and it was a really fun setting on the narrowboat! It was lovely to sit and make jewellery and Jonathan kindly provided hot drinks and cake. Thank you for a fantastic day!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Jennifer. Well done with your jewellery making Jonathan"

Pam wootton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Went on a beginners woodturning course with Mark on 10 December 2018. This activity was always on my bucket list and I can’t praise mark for his patience and all the help and encouragement he showed me. The course fulfilled all of my expectations including a fabulous wooden bowl to take home. I have thought about taking up woodturning has a hobby but I still have many things I wish to achieve on my bucket list . Perhaps at a later date ."

Dawn reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Thoroughly enjoyable course and we were so productive. Jo is very knowledgeable - she knows her candles! Fun day to experiment and create some beautiful wax pieces, topped with a lovely lunch. Hope to book again in the New Year."

Jennifer reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Oh my friend and I had such a lovely time on this candle making course - jo knows sooo much and will answer all your questions and point you in the right direction to start your candle making journey. The candles we made and came away with were fabulous. Loved spending time in the “ tea on the green ” Thanks so much"

Emma Braid-Taylor reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"I highly recommend this beginners' course. I have been twice now and will keep on going back! Lynda is a delightful person, very knowledgeable and generous with that knowledge. She is full of ideas and inspiration and encouragement. Her studio is situated perfectly in her lovely garden, full of light and surrounded by the beautiful pieces she herself has made or is currently working on, so you absorb the creative atmosphere as you work, while Lynda gives you all the materials you need, as well as invaluable tips and guidance throughout the day. It is great fun and therapeutic too - I absolutely love it - thank you so much Lynda!"

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Emma. You have created three very different and amazing mosaic pieces over the two courses. I am excited to see what you create next time. Looking forward to another enjoyable day with you."

Sam Skeet reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"Jack did an excellent job of running our pottery class. He was extremely patient and instructed us both well. Neither of us had done pottery throwing before but by the end of the session we had both produced pieces to be proud of! Thanks Jack!"

Yvonne & Liz reviewed: Wet felting / needle felting workshop: Private session with Zenia from The Lady Moth

"My friend Liz and I had a wonderful private session with Zenia. She made us very welcome in her lovely home and we made robins! We learned so much about how to handle the fibres, which tools to use, how to build up different shapes and textures. It has given us the confidence to carry on with our own projects although we have already booked our next session with this excellent teacher to learn different techniques."

Chiemi reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I learned not only the basic techniques but also the pattern making. Bill was very generous sharing his knowledge and experience. I highly recommend this course to anyone who loves art and craft."

James Lowe reviewed: One to one pottery throwing class in Worksop

"I bought this course for me and my partner to try for her birthday present and thoroughly enjoyed every second of it! The tutor was extremely nice and was a brilliant teacher! Would recommend this to anyone, we will certainly be going again."

Andrew Rowley reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Greg is a man who is a master of his art, and possesses that rare ability of being able to teach that skill to others in a relaxed and confident manner. I would highly recommend the course to anyone considering turning, and I had a great 2 days. Last but not least, he makes good soup and bakes good bread! Will certainly go back for further tuition in the future."

Gemma& Dave Atkins reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"What an absolutely lovely day. Highly recommend."

Stephen Blockley reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I started the day as a complete beginner but Colin took me through the basics and I managed to complete four items in a busy day at the forge. Colin has a collection of photographs showing various items that you can make but he is happy to accommodate your own ideas. He demonstrates the techniques as you go along and then makes suggestions about ways of achieving your design ideas. It was a pleasure to spend a day with a true craftsman. I learned a lot and I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in this traditional craft skill."

Martin Bourne reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"An excellent 3 days. I achieved much more than I had hoped for and the time just flew away so I must have been having fun. Lucy gave such clear instruction/ hands on tuition at the start that I felt I was able to quickly move on with confidence. I also appreciated how she gave both technical and aesthetic advice whilst still letting us make our own decisions in our creations. And as for the food... what can I say!"

christopher hesketh reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A really good day. excellent levels of instruction. Colin is very friendly and guided me through the production of two high quality items. A lot more than I had expected to be able to do in one day."

mike knight reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"it was a very interesting course with Olga. We made a sampler and there were lots of fibres and materials to choose from."

Jean cooper reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Well appointed and safely organised workshop, good car parking and great little cafe. Martin is a very good tutor, deceptively relaxed as we actually worked hard! Would love to sign up again. Any chance of bowls/shaped (slumped) panels day? Glass casting? Thank you Martin."

Chris Stephens reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"I gave a "Make a Dragon in a weekend" course to my wife as a Birthday Present ---- of naturally I had to join her on the course. It was brilliant we both had a really good time -- the team was great helping us realise our objectives and adding ideas as we went. Excellent for beginners ( we both were .... but can now add it to our cvs ) and =/- level artistic types ( wife +, me a techi so - ). Highly recommended P.S. The pub lunches were pretty good too."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris sorry to take so long to respond but we have been pretty busy with courses and commissions. I am glad you enjoyed the course so much and created your own unique dragons ! Please send me picture so I can share with other dragon owners . I hope to see you on one of the other courses making more interesting creatures. Of course there is a great pub lunch waiting for you as well. Happy New Year John"

Libby reviewed: Introduction To Creative Floorloom Weaving 1-5pm

"Janine runs small classes, and in the beginner's course teaches all the skills required to make your own woven artwork. She also provides a wide range of fibres to experiment with. I made a festive door hanging in my first lesson, which I feel proud of, and am looking forward to my next class. The weaving itself is a relatively simple process but requires concentration. It's your choice how much you experiment with fibres and techniques. The venue for the class is a fairly new craft centre with other interesting things going on alongside, and easily reached on the DLR. I can thoroughly recommend this class. I loved it!"

Jackie Thomas reviewed: Willow weaving for home and garden

"I really enjoyed the course. I liked being in a small group as this meant that there was plenty of help available when needed. There were plenty of materials to choose from and it was good that all equipment was provided. The project was easily achievable in the time available and it was very satisfying to return home with a beautiful item. The refreshments were also excellent."

More than Willow responded:

"Thank you Jackie it was a real pleasure to work with you and I am so pleased you enjoyed it too! Hope to see you again in 2019."