Latest reviews

Karen M reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"What a fantastic day! Ian is a fabulous host/teacher, who is clearly passionate about green woodwork. His craftmanship is simply amazing, and the pieces of work that he produces, anyone would be proud to own. Right from the start he makes you feel very welcome, including providing you with a lovely cup of tea. For a novice who is keen to have a go and learn new skills, Ian is extremely patient. He guides you without being overbearing, and allows you the time to create your very own handcrafted stool. What can be better, than to have a day learning traditional skills, and to go home with a beautiful piece of furniture. Would highly recommend! Thank you Ian."

Diane Hill reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Second time I have done this course, and I had another fabulous day. Anne is the perfect host and teacher, nothing is too much trouble for her, and lunch was superb. Really pleased with my flowerpot,and will definitely be returning again."

Liz Rose reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"I found the stained glass work shop to be a wonderful experience. The day was split into two halves, the morning was learning about the design and the cutting glass to fit it, the afternoon was the lead work and soldering your glass piece together. With only four others on the course, I found Caryl had plenty of time for all of us, our individual needs and one to one interactions weren't rushed at all. The lunch provided was very tasty and all dietry needs were catered for. The overall experience is highly recommended!. Thank you Caryl!."

Tony Murphy reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Can’t recommend this course enough. Richard was very helpful and good at explaining things step by step. He also gave us the flexibility to come out with different looking bags depending on what we had in mind and the leathers that we’re available to choose from."

Jackie Lockett reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I spent the day with Chris yesterday at his Ashburton studio and with his help I made a sycamore bowl. As a first-timer I was quite prepared to bring home something a bit wobbly and "look what I made, Mum!", but no, it's proper good! Chris was extremely patient with me, he gave me all the support and encouragement I needed and was a really friendly companion, despite some of my senior moments! So, thanks Chris - keep up the good work! ?"

Joanna Hayward reviewed: Mosaic workshop - Merseyside

"I have done a couple of courses with Bernadette, and thoroughly enjoyed them. Both times I have come away with a beautiful piece to decorate my home. I was a complete beginner - Bernadette is a great teacher, with a passion for her subject, and years of knowledge and experience. You'll learn the basics, so you could continue at home. A great day learning a wonderful skill."

Melani reviewed: Little

"I really enjoyed this day long needle felting course. Jo is a great tutor. She clearly explained and demonstrated the processes involved and was super encouraging, all of which I needed as a complete beginner. The small group size and Jo's easy teaching manner made for a relaxed, friendly and productive day. I am now a needle felting enthusiast!"

Liz Orr reviewed: An Introduction to Spoon Carving

"A really rewarding day. Clear instructions, lots of information and support to create a spoon. Would really recommend it. The catering throughout the day was really good and kept one going."

Oliver reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Recent acquired an old Myford lathe which I have restored, Colin did an excellent job of teaching me basic turning technique to get me going and catered what he taught to the equipment I have available at home. Spent most of the day making a bowl which I am very pleased with the out come and a now trying to replicate on my own lathe. He also did a quick intro into sharpening the tools and explaining how to sharpen the one I had and advised on the tools that would help me get started. Excellent day worth it even if you just want to try your hand at wood turning for a day."

Kirsty reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I recently attended Kerry's workshop with my mum and we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Kerry was warm, friendly and made us feel very welcome in her lovely home. The course was very informative and we had a fun time making candles and exploring all the scents. I can't wait to burn my candle as well as Kerry's creations. I highly recommend this course and Kerry's candles."

Morag reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Attended the course on Saturday last in the beautiful village of Temple. Very informal with refreshments and great company. Picked up a lot of tips to be able to make candles safely at home. Kerry was very knowledgeable with many years experience and a very down to earth manor. Would definitely give five stars and would do another workshop in the autumn. Thank you."

Gareth reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"This is an exceptional course, delivered in a beautiful, calm, setting that really highlight Martin's excellent teaching skills. His breadth of experience was evident throughout the course and really enabled him to capture some of the general principles of working with green wood, in just a few simple lessons. Martin was also more than happy to adapt his delicious catering for my dietary requirements. Came away excited, enthused and not a little surprised I'd actually managed to carve something that looks vaguely like a spoon!"

Jane Babb reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"I’m already planning to return for another course with Laura after a thoroughly inspiring and enjoyable day. Laura is a skilled facilitator; able to give just the right level of support and encouragement. From the warm welcome on arrival to the helpful email detailing the materials and equipment we used, this was a well organised and productive experience."

Felicity reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"It was a wonderful location and the willow curlew modelling was a great experience. However the lunch was very poor. I informed them well ahead of the day of my gluten free requirements. The rest of group had a lovely lunch but I was presented with a packet of crisps and some crumbly defrosted biscuits to go with soup and strawberrys. I felt it really spoilt what was otherwise a great day."

Broadrake responded:

"Please accept our sincere apologies Felicity – we admit that we totally forgot to get your GF bread to go with the Pea and Mint / Beetroot soups & Wensleydale cheese with sour dough lunch that everyone enjoyed, so could only offer you vegetable or potato crisps instead. Yes, we agree, they were a very poor substitute. There was plenty of soup to have more of which we did offer you. We then offered Bakewell tart(not GF) alongside a fresh fruit option the latter of which suits many of our guests, GF or otherwise and felt that seasonal strawberries was appropriate. The home-made stem ginger cookies were made with GF flour; unfortunately they’re always crumbly, fresh or defrosted, but they taste just as good as the normal ones! There were also some GF Hob Nob biscuits and ‘Naked’ GF carrot cake bars available. We won’t make these mistakes again and I'm very sorry that it spoilt the day for you."

Andy Wilks reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Me and my wife spent a day with Adrian and Andy and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, by the end of the day we were shattered but filled with a sense of achievement. The day starts off with a health and safety message and then onto the demonstrations to guide you through the build of your metal creations, Adrian and Andy were there to offer help and guidance as needed, and Debbie provided the wonderful home cooked creations that kept us sustained throughout the day. A day I can thoroughly recommend, so enjoyable and satisfying."

David reviewed: Dry stone walling course Lancashire/Yorkshire/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/North West

"I whole heartedly recommend the course. You will learn new skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Not only will you learn practical skills about walling you will also pick up some great tips about mindfulness. John is very patient and a great teacher. He needed to be with me. :)"

emma Miller reviewed: CHALK PAINT MEGA DAY Furniture Painting - one-to-one.

"Just had a one to one Painting day with Michelle, I have to say it was brilliant. It gave me confidence to paint my own furniture. We managed to paint four of my own peices that have been hanging around in the house for ages. Im so happy with them. I would totally recommend a full day."

Kerry Wilson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"This is a lovely way to spend a morning. Kerry is so knowledgeable about everything to do with making candles and explains it in a way that you leave with enough confidence to go home and try it yourself. Would definitely recommend this course to my friends and family!"

Carole Rea reviewed: Tambour beading: a haute couture technique

"An excellent day. Audrey patiently took us through the history and basics of tambour beading. It was a small class so easy to learn and plenty of opportunity to ask for assurance when working. I can away very inspired and can't wait to try my hand at home with the techniques I learned. I will definitely do the advanced course later in the year, in the meanwhile will carry on practicing. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested in this skill. Thank you Audrey"

Caroline Hansford reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"This workshop exceeded my expectations! I love 'playing' with essential oils, evocative scents and this gave the opportunity to combine that with producing useful cosmetics with an expert and the good company of friends. Our small group (3) meant we could get individual expert input and involvement with all aspects of the processes. I would like to have got 'hands on' a little sooner, but plenty was achieved and I've come home with lots of useful products that smell gorgeous too! The surroundings and company helped make it a very enjoyable and worthwhile day...much recommended."

Lynne Simpkins reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"Great course I leant a different way to wet felt which was great much easier I think. Nancy was a good teacher."

Debbie Stevens reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Five Star Course and fun day. I cannot recommend highly enough Jo's course. Jo is friendly, informative and an exceptional host. She shared her knowledge willingly and thoroughly, explaining the background and reasons clearly for the activities we were doing. The resources available from types of wax to containers/moulds and fragrances was superb. I came away confident of trying this craft on my own. BUT most of all it was a fun day with laughter in a relaxed atmosphere. Thanks Jo!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Debbie, so glad you had a good time. Do keep in touch and let me see any pics of anything you decide to make! Take care xx"

SKC reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"Making a chair quite literally from scratch is an experience I won't forget. The sense of achievement and pride at the end is well worth the effort. I was impressed with Peter's ingenuity and his hand made tools. It was deeply humbling to learn a little of his craft. If you have any apprehensions about signing up, be brave, you won't regret it! P.s. a shout-out also goes to Peter's wife who made us such delicious lunches each day. Thank you to you both!"

Green Ash Chairs responded:

"Thanks SK, what a very heartening response! My wife and I are very pleased you enjoyed the lunches. Enjoy your chair!"

Sylvain Ayite reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"For me taking taking part in this course was both tranformative and elevating and I enjoyed it so much. "Following the grain" was not only in working with the wood, it was also in the way I related to myself during this process and also in the way Hakim related to me. I feel truly humbled and grateful to have been taught how to make a chair to seat on...and it fits so beautifully in my kitchen. Merci. Sylvain Ayite"

Green Ash Chairs responded:

"Thanks Sylvain, it was a pleasure to have your company for 5 days! Enjoy you chair!"

Jacquie Banister reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I have just arrived home after a long journey, but well worth the effort to spend the day having fun printing with Penny. The day was lovely from start to finish and it was everything I'd hoped for and more! Straight away I was made to feel welcome and relaxed in Penny's beautiful home. We were plied with drinks and nourishment all day and the soup and special olive bread at lunch was delicious. The day was really 'full on' in a relaxed atmosphere with great company. We explored the effects we created, (using various methods of block printing and designs) on different materials. I found Penny so helpful, knowledgeable and inspiring; there were plenty of questions and Penny always had the answers! Thank you so much Penny for a fabulous, fun, friendly and formative day! I look forward to my next visit.... perhaps in your new studio."