Latest reviews

Simon reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Booked onto the course as a present, cant recommend it enough, had a great time and learned so much about the process. well worth it!"

Paula Worrow reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Toni is an excellent teacher and really welcoming, my friend and I did the beginners enamelling course and had lots of fun! We made 4 pieces each using the different techniques Toni taught us, and we are really pleased with the results! I will definitely be booking another course and would highly recommend to others :)"

Lalage Knight reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"I don't consider myself at all artistic, but enjoy art in many forms as an observer. I was browsing the Goddington House website for something else entirely, noticed this course and thought 'why not?'. By break time, I was feeling rather hopeless to say the least, but with Brenda's encouragement, excellent teaching and help, by the end of the day I felt that I'd achieved something that, if it survives the kiln, I wouldn't mind showing to friends and would be happy to display at home. I'd certainly do the course again. Thank you Brenda."

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Lalage, it was lovely to meet you and I am so pleased that you enjoyed our time together. Your finished piece is something to be proud of and I look forward very much to our next time . Kind Regards, Brenda"

Sandy Huskisson reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I had an amazing day and Caron is one of the friendliest funny people I have ever met. I have the bug now and can`t wait to start some projects. I would definitely recommend this lady.."

Mayfly Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Sandy was lovely meeting you to. See you in a week or so ?x"

Ivora reviewed: Learn to papercut at Wattle and Daub, Godalming in Surrey

"Attended this course at Godalming with a friend, neither of us had done any paper cutting before. Lovely way to spend a Sunday morning - learning a new skill, having a chat plus tea and cake. Great instruction and enthusiasm from Aimee . Would definitely recommend"

Howard Houlston reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I had done a small amount of carving prior to seeing Chris presenting at a show and was impressed by his obvious knowledge and skill, and so decided to sign up for a one-to-one course. I'm very glad I did - Chris' teaching style is very approachable and the steps he describes for fashioning the blank with an axe and then finishing with the knife are easy to follow and certainly helped me fix a few problems I had been experiencing previously. The homemade lunch and afternoon cake provided by his mother in a beautiful rural setting were also excellent. In summary it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I would definitely recommend to anyone else with an interest in getting into carving or taking their skills to the next level."

Harry Rowe reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"i was bought a day at the forge with Alex as a Christmas gift and it's probably been the best present i have received! Alex is a great teacher but also just a very nice chap. i made a large candelabra. from entering the forge alex is getting you familiar with what you will be doing and how to do it. after initial demonstrations for each stage of the build i was largely left to it so i could learn for myself with alex there to advise which was perfect for me. i had a brillaint day and would highly recommend it to anyone who has even a passing interest in blacksmithing. i can now say i have the bug and will be looking to do more very soon!"

Linshao reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I took a 3 day basics course taught by Nigel in Berkeley, CA. Nigel is an amazing teacher! His teaching style is clear and efficient. He cares about your learning and is generous with his time and takes care to answer all your questions. I had a great experience in his class and walked away with many new skills and feel inspired to be more creative with my leather working. If you have a chance to learn from Nigel, do it!"

Julie reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I attended this workshop in July and had an excellent evening. Suzanne created a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, and catered to all ability levels. Every single one of us was amazed at what we were able to create! This was such a fun alternative way to spend an evening out with a friend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Julie. Thanks for your lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your paint and wine evening. The class is great for beginners...but also fun for those like you who have painted before! We loved your finished piece :-) Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. Lynn x"

Martin Rae reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What an absolutely fantastic day I had with Chris. I received this day as a birthday gift and what a great gift it was. Chris was an absolute inspiration and a thoroughly excellent instructor, it’s hard not to feed off his enthusiasm. Time was spent explaining the do’s and don’ts along with the forge design etc. then it was down to work. Chris explains every step through example and makes sure you understand completely before handing over the tongs and hammer. I can not recommend this enough, a real must do. I will certainly be back."

Graham Pears reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had a really good day. Great value for money. I have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone with even just the slightest interest in woodwork. All the tools and materials were provided and the right balance of tutoring. Nice and relaxed and most importantly great fun. Alan and his good lady were perfect hosts and everyone on the course were well catered for."

Jim reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a fantastic day in a beautiful setting with such friendly, patient, passionate and knowledgeable teachers. I can't wait to it again!! Not because I was particularly proud of my spoon but because I had enjoyed the process and methods of making it so much. By lunchtime you become completely immersed in the craft and switch off from the outside world. Thank you Mark and Jill"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for you review. Glad you enjoyed your day. Lots more classes next year if you do fancy a return trip."

Marion Marks reviewed: Millefiori Beads with Polymer Clay

"I did the one day millefiori bead making workshop with Jo. I was the only student and feel very privileged to have had such expert tuition all to myself for a day. I was a complete novice but left with some beautiful beads, jewellery and plenty of ideas and ambition for my next projects. Eager to sign up for the next course!"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you for your review Marion - I'm glad you left with lots of inspiration! I love teaching and hopefully, enthusing people 'to make' and I'm so lucky not to be governed by class sizes - when a class gets a booking, even if it is just the one, it runs!"

Vicky Cutler reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a fantastic day with Lucy and learnt so many new things. I am a complete beginner so was absolutely thrilled that I was able to complete 3 rings. Lucy's knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm is second to none and I would highly recommend coming on one of her workshops. I have already booked to come back."

Richard Hawkes reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I've now done this course twice, which I guess says something in itself ! The first time was with my 8 year old son. Mark & Jill were (rightly !) concerned about an 8 year old doing the spoon carving course given how sharp the tools are and the coordination required. They remained immensely professional about it but facilitated making it possible for Oscar to take part just like any adult. Both he and I has such an amazing day. I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Just DO IT ! 2 years later and following a 2nd trip where I brought our whole office to carve spoons out of logs we all still talk about it very fondly. I'm also pleased to say that 2 years later we're still using all the spoons we made :-) You can never have enough wooden spoons. Think I need to organise another trip . . . !"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Glad you both enjoyed your day. Oscar did really well - amazing work for an 8 year old."

Leonie Carter McMahon reviewed: 2 Day Complete Lampshade Making Masterclass

"I loved this two day lampshade making course - it 'ticked all the boxes' for me. Moji is an excellent instructor, a very talented and skilled artisan and business-woman, and she shared so generously from all her experience and years of knowledge. It was inspiring. There was also an added bonus in that the two other students were not able to attend at short notice so I had her to myself! However, I am sure even with other students it would have been a great course. The studio space is lovely too, and in itself, an inspirational setting. And she is a fab cook as well! Highly recommend this course."

James Inglis reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Having completed the 2 day course with Ollie and as a complete novice to woodcare I feel very confident to continue with the craft. Ollie is highly engaging and knowledgeable and was encouraging and supportive thoughout the process. This was time very well spent."

Sonya Ward reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"Thank you Sally for a very enjoyable day learning needle felting techniques. I thought I would find it difficult but with Sally's clear explanation, demonstration and encouragement I was able to make a cheeky little robin at my first attempt. It was a very relaxed day with plenty of coffee, biscuits and laughs along the way. I will definitely be booking on a future course and hopefully bringing a friend too."

Martin Osicka reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I have just done the two day course with Ollie in his new work shop. It was very enjoyable and I have learnt a lot about the art of French polishing. Ollie is a very knowledgeable guy and he makes the tea! Great couple of days. thank you. Looking forward to doing other wood craft courses with Ollie ?"

Frances Jones reviewed: Make a Mosaic One Day course

"I enjoyed this course so much. I had no experience of mosaic before, but I have made something I love and every time I look at it I think, “I can’t believe I made that!” A real confidence boost to achieve something you never thought you could do. Wonderfully supported by Justine throughout the day, a pocket rocket of support, knowledge and enthusiasm. I can not recommend this course highly enough. We will be back!"

Cariad Glass responded:

"Thank you SO MUCH!! Ha ha...pocket rocket, I don't think I've ever been called that before...! Always a pleasure to teach you, you should be really proud of your fab creation...loved seeing it grow during the day, and that magical moment when we all saw it for the first time - wow!!! See you in 2019 - diolch yn fawr iawn!"

Carl Taylor reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I had a fantastic day at Firebird Forge, Mort is a very skilled craftsman and excellent tutor. He took the time to walk us through the basic techniques required for the project at hand (in my case tongs), then we set free hammer, anvil and tongs and of course the forge (which is skill in itself to manage correctly). I got the chance to try my hand forge welding and using the power hammer, the work was challenging however it really gave me the confidence to continue to learn and build on these skills. I intend to visit the forge again as gain more experience and put into practice what I learnt on the day. I was a tired man at the end of the day but a happy man. Thank you Mort for your patience and sharing your knowledge."

Judith Thornton reviewed: Stained Glass in a Day

"Really enjoyed it. Went from complete beginner, who had never cut glass before, all the way to producing a lovely bit of stained glass. The course is really well designed; they have obviously run it numerous times before, so there is a very suitable amount of input from tutors, sensible choice of patterns you can use (nothing unachievable, but plenty of variety), good equipment, nice introduction to the various techniques needed throughout the day, plenty of breaks, and it is well set up so that if one person needs a bit more help than somebody else it's easily done."

Cariad Glass responded:

"Thank you so, so much Judith - really kind words that mean a great deal to us! It's so important to us that students feel supported, encouraged and helped during each stage of the processes used, and go home with something to be proud of - it's why we keep class sizes small, and it's great to hear that this was important to you too! Really hope we will see you again soon - thank you so much!"

Jonnie reviewed: Ash Splint Basket Weaving

"A great course, made better by the planning and prep Adrian clearly puts into it. The course was carefully designed to ensure we got the most from it - trying our hand at all relevant techniques, but not losing unnecessary time to the labour intensive bits! He'd done some serious graft before we even arrived. A great setting (a characterful traditional barn), knowledgeable and entertaining tutor, superb homemade food and great atmosphere. Absolutely what I hoped to get from the two days - more in fact. A real sense of accomplishment, and a genuine feeling of leaving with the skills/confidence to continue unassisted. If you have an interest in traditional hands on crafts, I'd have no hesitation recommending this course (or Adrian as a tutor)."

Ann reviewed: Stained Glass in a Day

"Really enjoyed this class and was very impressed by what we could achieve in a day. The tutors were very helpful & friendly and gave just the right amount of guidance & help. Would love to do another one at some point."

Cariad Glass responded:

"Great stuff Ann, so pleased you enjoyed your day with us and found it to be an enjoyable day! We do really enjoy teaching our courses, so it means such a lot when a pupil has a memorable time - thank you so much for sharing your review, and we hope to see you again soon!"

Iwona reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I joined this course as I love essential oils and aromatherapy on the whole. Emma was very informative, straight to the point and a great teacher. I had never made any soaps prior to the course and had no knowledge of soap making whatsoever and yet by the end of it I made 3 batches of differently made soap which is now curing and smelling wonderfully around my house. Well done Emma! Most importantly for any beginner or enthusiast, I feel confident that I can repeat the whole process of soap making at my home and keep on using it. What can be better? I can highly recommend it to any person willing to try it for either personal use or in preparation of running your own business, you won't be disappointed :))"