Latest reviews

Alex Fretwell reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"A brilliant course and thoroughly enjoyed my day with Julian. Clearly knew his trade very well and everything was straight to the point, teaching me to weld. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to learn welding for the first time. 10/10"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thank you Alex for your review.You really took to welding ,and we covered so much ! There is nothing more to do to keep up to the standards you achieved on the day than MORE WELDING. Good luck with your future projects, no worries!"

Teresa reviewed: Crushed Glass Dish Workshop

"Crushed glass dish - A great 3 hours with excellent explanation of what to do, Greatly appreciated the regular cups of tea too! Altogether a most enjoyable experience I’d recommend to anyone."

Christine reviewed: Painting Restoration

"Racheal is patient, knowledgeable and skilled. Really enjoyed the day and left feeling enlightened. Super smart lady."

Rachael Milligan at Little Leaf Studio responded:

"Thank you Christine, that is very kind of you to say! I’m glad you had a good session. It was wonderful to see the details of your painting come to life! I hope the final stages go well! Best wishes, Rachael"

Rebecca reviewed: Yotsume Toji - Japanese Stab Book Binding

"I spent a lovely afternoon with a small group of ladies stab book binding. The teacher is friendly and welcomed us with tea and coffee. The studio is small but perfect for our craft. This was my second course I have done with the Little Craftery and I will definitely book again. "

Issy and Barny reviewed: Bushcraft and Survival Skills Course

"Can't thank Pete and Jacqui enough for a fantastic day. Hugely educational, fun and wholesome. There was always tea and a biscuit, which we needed in slightly chilly November, so long as we helped start a fire to get the kettle going! Would recommend to anyone interested in unleashing their inner explorer and getting away from screens for a day. "

Anna reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Steve and Angie couldn't be more friendly, they guided us through each stage of the process. Blowing your own glass bauble was a magical experience, especially just before Christmas 🎄 thank you"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for the review Anna, so pleased you enjoyed your time with us. It was lovely to meet you both. Regards Steve and Angie "

Lewis H reviewed: Craft Your Own Carving Bench: One to One Woodworking Class

"Great course and very good direction from tutor. Cool place to do woodworking and quite easy to get to from the A14. Would recommend to a freind. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Lewis, thanks for your review! Glad you enjoyed the day, see you again soon. Matt"

AJ, Beds reviewed: Glass Fusion Abstract Christmas Tree & Snowflakes Decoration Workshop

"Had a great time learning how to make the decorations, though more practice required in cutting the glass! Our instructor explained the instructions clearly and with only a few in the class, she was able to assist and provide advice if requested. I'd definitely recommend."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a lovely review. We are pleased you enjoyed the workshop and hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Hayley reviewed: Glass Fusing Fun Workshop

"Wonderful day, Penny was so knowledgable and we made lots of beautiful products . Thank you so much "

Through the Arch - Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Hayley. It was a great day in the workshop for me too. You all made some lovely glass art, I’m looking forward to returning it to you after firing."

Sarah Glover reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"Excellent course. Liz has a knack of explaining techniques clearly and succinctly. The day was well organised and perfectly pitched at the correct level for the participants. The venue is beautiful and very well equipped. It was a peaceful and inviting space to spend a day lino cutting. I was really impressed with the individualised approach Liz took with each of us, discussing the type of finish we wanted to achieve. She provided many useful links and suggestions to carry forward what we had learnt. We came away with two lino cuts, many many prints and a useful recap of the days teaching. Ofsted would give it an OUTSTANDING!! :)"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thank you so much for your kind words - I have an extremely large smile on my face and feel pretty chuffed. It was lovely working with you and great to share the skills, which may just become a bit of an addiction in your life. Happy printing. Liz Wellby "

Alison Levens reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"One of the best craft day courses we’ve done. Both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and came away with two fabulous books each. Lynne had plenty of examples to inspire and her instructions are clear and pitched at just the right level. She was very hospitable, friendly and welcoming, and guided us through the book making process. We enjoyed it so much we are planning to do more courses with her. "

Lynne Friel responded:

"That's so kind of you Alison, it was a pleasure teaching you and Angela a new skill and your books looked great. I look forward to seeing you both in the future. Best wishes, Lynne"

Ken Laurie reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"A great day learning the basics of blacksmithing under Arian's patient and hugely enthusiastic guidance. Thoroughly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in having a go! You'll surprised at what you can produce."

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you Ken,I really enjoyed our day and all the great projects. I hope you'll get lots of use for your toasting fork, and thank you for your efforts and focus. Glad that the way I run the course worked well for you, that's the aim! Warm regards Arian"

Andrew Whewell reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"What a brilliant day. Great tutoring and brilliant insight into what can be done with a bit more experience. Came away with a couple of great looking and useful projects. Will enjoy poking my fire using something I will always remember creating myself."

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you Andrew for your feedback: great to meet you, and the others on the day. I always try to balance the learning of the blacksmithing process as well as walking of with useful items for yourselves. Thank you for your hard work and focus, and enjoy your fire poker and the hook for years ahead! Regards, Arian"

Chay reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"Great knowledge and really went the extra mile to help us understand the process and history too"

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you Chay, great to meet you, and so glad you could make couple of useful tools for your own forge. Let me know if I can be of any help as you continue setting up and exploring this craft. Best wishes Arian"

Jake Croft reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day course at AW Artistblacksmiths was the most fun day I've had since I can remember. Everything was brilliant, from the small details like the instructions provided to find the place, the friendly and welcoming team, the beautiful lunch and snacks provided and then of course the most important part THE MAKING! Adrian and Andy we're great teachers... they were there to help if it was ever needed but gave us the freedom and independence to try everything ourselves and learn from mistakes. I feel a real sense of accomplishment with the dragon coat rail that we made, having explored a range of different techniques, tools, and materials. I am raring to come back for another course to learn more and have another day of loud, hot, fiery fun! Thank you so much Adrian, Andy, and Debbie @ AW Artistblacksmiths "

Lawrence Hughes reviewed: Glass Fusing workshop now fully booked sorry

"An enjoyable workshop. We were all given as much support as we needed. Great fun with lovely people. Thank you."

The Community Workshop and Cafe responded:

"Thanks for your message and your very welcome "

Luke Fromant reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"I found the course very useful as it helped my knowledge of power tools & what to use them for. The instruction from David was good & informative."

Steve Medati reviewed: Blacksmithing day courses: making garden flowers

"I did the craft course, making 2 garden flowers. I must say I had a great day, I can't speak highly enough about Adrian and his team, everything was explained and broken down so that even I could understand what to do. Add to this a wonderful lunch, and even mouthwatering cakes to end with, and the real cherry on the cake, my wife got two lovely flowers for her garden, so it even kept her quiet for a few days, bliss. So if you're thinking about taking part, jump straight in I'm sure you will have a great day."

Mark reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"Very informative, learned a lot of technique and general knowledge about the equipment and tools. I even managed to turn a nice little wooden vase which I definitely wouldn’t have been able to do without having been on the course "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks Mark, I hope to see you on another course in the future."

Linda Lillig reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"This was the third course I have been on with Paul. As always he was kind, patient and very encouraging. Looking forward to receiving my fused glass in the post. Thanks once again. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Linda, Thank you for your review, much appreciated. Hopefully by now you will have received your project….. Best wishes Paul :)"

Ann reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"I went to the Needle Felting workshop to make a small animal with a friend. This was a new craft to both of us and we were very pleased with our little robins. Barbara is a very good teacher - obviously skillful and very patient with complete beginners! We had a great morning. "

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both, your robins were so cute. I hope that you keep needle felting...a hare next time! :-) "

Wendy Poynter reviewed: Copper Foil Stained Glass Workshop Bedford

"Brilliant course. Have wanted to do this for ages and it didn’t disappoint. Will was an excellent tutor and very encouraging and patient. Would certainly book again in the future. "

Marianne reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was great fun, we were very well looked after. So pleased with our finished pieces, even though we didn't have a clue when we started. Thank you Adrian, Andy and Debbie. "

Steve Plumb reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really brilliant day. Thanks so much Adrian, Andy and Debbie. It was a lot of fun and I’d recommend it to anyone. Food was great too."

Symon wrangham reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day. Fantastic insight into Blacksmithing. Adi and his team were very friendly and looked after everyone amazingly. Can’t wait to come back and do another course."