Latest reviews

Su reviewed: Woodturning taster

"Loved this session. Chris was very patient and a great ambassador for the craft of woodturning. I signed up for a two-hour taster session but was there for almost double that time, which is testament to the fact that Chris wanted to ensure I left with something I was really happy with. He also provided details of woodturning clubs near me ( I completed this session while on holiday). I was really pleased with the bowl I produced and would love to go on and learn more. Thank you so much Chris"

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Hi Su Great to hear from you, it was a pleasure to introduce you to a wonderful craft. Really enjoyed passing my knowledge onto you and your appreciation of pieces that are ( tactile) by adding texture. Enjoy your journey Su. Best regards Chris parker "

Caroline reviewed: Make a sterling silver bangle in New Romney, Kent

"This was my first time doing any course, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The whole day was so well thought out and welcoming. The tutor was approachable and explained everything clearly, which really helped build my confidence. The workshop space was lovely, the materials were great quality, and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Would definitely come back. Well done to everyone involved!"

BH reviewed: Make a sterling silver bangle in New Romney, Kent

"Such a lovely way to spend the day. The tutor was fabulous – friendly, knowledgeable, and really encouraging throughout. I felt instantly at ease, even though I’d never tried anything like this before. The workshop had a relaxed atmosphere, with everything we needed laid out and ready to go. It was fun, informative, and very well run. I left with a beautiful bangle and a real sense of achievement."

JJ reviewed: Make a sterling silver bangle in New Romney, Kent

"A really enjoyable day from start to finish. An excellent teacher who made everything feel approachable, even for someone with no experience. The demonstrations were clear, and there was plenty of time to try things out with guidance along the way. The space was welcoming, the tools and materials were well laid out, and the whole experience felt calm and creative. I'd happily recommend it to others looking for a hands-on, relaxing workshop."

R F reviewed: Make a sterling silver bangle in New Romney, Kent

"Lovely course. Would do it again! Everything was really well organised from start to finish. The tuition was clear and supportive, and there was a fantastic selection of materials to work with. The tools were high quality, and the whole atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The refreshments were a nice bonus, and it was a lovely way to spend the day. I left feeling proud of what I’d made and already looking forward to the next one."

Paul A reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"My son and I participated in a spoon carving course run by Dave Atkin last Friday. Dave was welcoming, knowledgable and very relaxed and the afternoon was completely absorbing and enjoyable "

Woodwyrm responded:

"Many thanks Paul, so glad you both enjoyed your afternoon."

Jane Evans reviewed: Free-motion (freehand) machine embroidery and textile art

"Had the most wonderful day with Cathy at her beautiful home in the Welsh hills. So patient and so kind, welcoming us with freshly baked biscuits. Followed by a gorgeous lunch. I came away with my piece of work feeling really proud. We also received a goodie bag. I would thoroughly recommend this lovely course."

Mark reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"I write this review whilst sitting in a most wonderful chair, a welsh stick chair, made by me! Whatever your experience of the course, you will enjoy and take great pride in your creation. The chair is so solid it should outlast me, and become a family heirloom. Which of my 2 children do I leave it to? I'm wondering if I can justify doing the whole course again just to avoid that decision. And believe me, if I can do it, you can. Ben is a wonderful teacher, calmly explaining, demonstrating, encouraging, reassuring. The course is structured brilliantly, but it is hard work, 7 days 8-9 hours a day, but oh so worth it! And it provided so much more, a chance to disconnect from the day to day, a chance to connect with nature - the setting is idyllic, historic woodland with huge 400 year old trees, carpeted with bluebells, a chance to meet a great bunch of people, a chance to learn new skills. Come home, exhausted but rejuvenated, sit down on your chair, and the next day, and the next, and the next..."

Jane Sumner reviewed: One Day Jewellery Course - New Forest

"Was given this course as a birthday gift. Was very apprehensive as I had never done this before. No need to worry, amazing support and instructions from Natalia. Such a fantastic day, with the result being 2 rings and a beautiful pair of leaf earrings. Can't recommend highly enough. My earrings have received so many compliments. "

MELINDA reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"Another wonderful day spent with the marvellous Marianne. This is my second workshop and won’t be my last. Marianne is such a brilliant tutor and extremely patient. I am delighted with my basket and came away inspired. Thank you Marianne!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Such a super message to hear, Melinda! I love to inspire and weaving with natural materials lends itself so well for that. Thank you so much for your review and I'll look forward to seeing you again soon. Still so many projects to try your hand at. Exciting!"

Lyndsay reviewed: Spanish and Mexican Tapas

"I ended up with a 1:1 day with Phil for this course and it was great! Really friendly and welcoming, easy to understand the directions and also some choice in what to cook! Really tasty food and easy to replicate at home and find the ingredients in supermarkets! Took home lots of food for dinner and had an amazing lunch too! Value for money definitely."

Yvonne Kerry reviewed: Private pick & mix glass fusing taster session

"Spent a fabulous morning with my daughter and granddaughter on a private taster session. Dawn was very welcoming and gave us very clear information on the different techniques and how to use them. Excellent value for money and something a little different for the granddaughter's birthday. We are all looking forward to collecting our finished items and are keen to have another go! "

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Yvonne (and your patience on the morning!) - it was a pleasure to meet your family, your granddaughter is an absolute delight. The work you all created was lovely, I hope you will all be pleased, and come back any time! "

Alane Jackson reviewed: Wire wrapped jewellery taster class

"Absolutely loved my class with Chrissy. I was able as an absolute beginner to make a pair of earrings, a keyring and a pendant necklace. The class has defo given me more confidence to go on and make more. Chrissy is lovely, friendly and a good teacher. Would highly recommend her classes"

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you Alane for your lovely review. I'm so glad to have met you and that you enjoyed it. "

Peter C reviewed: Beginners hand tool woodworking

"Really enjoyed this course, and Andrew was really good at explaining everything and helping with questions while we were building the box. He even managed to use his expertise to fix my sawing mistakes! Lovely workshop and setting too. Definitely would recommend."

Dave B. reviewed: Design and Weave a beautiful alpaca scarf at Burnt Fen Alpacas

"Just finished the two day design and weave a scarf. What a fantastic experience! Annie is great and very experienced, the alpaca's are amazing especially Mr. Tumnus who is a real character. The location is so relaxing and comfortable, the light lunch is really good and the whole atmosphere is truly wonderful. We were blessed with beautiful sunny days so were able to work outside and spent some time in the fantastic yurt. Can fully recommend this course,"

Burnt Fen Alpacas responded:

"Hi Dave, thank you so much for your review of my weaving workshop. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this and am delighted that you enjoyed the course. As the weather has turned I hope you're wearing the beautiful scarf you made! Annie 🦙"

Graeme Young reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Excellent day immersed in forging axe head from a billet of steel with Alex. Superb instruction at just the right tempo in a small group of 5. He explained everything (with safety in mind) and was very hands on with us all. Great technical knowledge throughout the process of raw steel, to finished axe to take home. Thoroughly enjoyed and would like to come back to make a Damascus steel knife. Well worth travelling to, you won't be disappointed. In a word 'elemental'."

Clive Macdonald reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"What a great, enjoyable day with Dave at his workshop! Dave is a great tutor. His love of his artisan skill is infectious. Very clear instructions and guidance throughout the day. Dave is very good at giving you confidence to have a go but has great judgement when to provide some assistance/further guidance at key points. A great sense of achievement and well being at the end of the day when you walk out of the workshop with a beautiful, useful kitchen implement"

Rachael Evans reviewed: One Day Jewellery Course - New Forest

"What a fabulous day making and learning in Natalia’s forest studio. We kept Natalia on her toes by all having different projects in mind. I absolutely love my chunky bangle, with sea creatures. Just brilliant to be able to creat such treasures in one day."

Rosie Frewin reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"I really enjoyed my day in the wood carving a spoon. We were a small group of 5, well looked after by David. The approach was friendly, informative, supportive and safe. No question too silly, with a perfect pace of working through the stages. I am really pleased with my final creation, it actually looks like a spoon! I would definitely recommend this day to anyone seeking something creative, mindful and rewarding"

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Hi Rosie, thanks so much for your review. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the course and congratulations on your excellent spoon. All the best, David"

Bethan reviewed: Introduction to Ethical Jewellery

"I had a really lovely day on Emily’s ethical jewellery workshop. Emily is super knowledgeable and was generous with that knowledge so that I feel more confident in what to look for in ethical precious metals and stones. I also really enjoyed the discussion on what can be done to repair or refashion pieces we already own. I came away with a ring I made myself (well with some help!) and a lot more confidence in what makes a quality and sustainable piece of jewellery. Highly recommend!"

Donna reviewed: Chunky Textured Silver Ring Workshop

"I really enjoyed this course and never done anything like this before. Clare was really friendly, knowledgeable and skilled. I was fortunate to have a one on one with her. I learned so much about jewellery making generally while making my own beautiful chunky silver ring ‘for me by me’. Love it. I’ll be signing up for another with Clare soon. "

Halton Village Silver responded:

"Thank you for the lovely words, it was an absolute pleasure to have you in the studio. Happy birthday BTW! "

David Thomson reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"I was on the same the same course as Den Rimmer ( see review above ) ( never met him before - great guy, bar he kept nicking my stones ;-) ) and would echo every word he's said. A very well structured two days which ran at a decent pace. I did this to scratch an itch, but like Den I am left looking to do even more. "

Katherine keyte reviewed: One Day Jewellery Course - New Forest

"What an amazing day, I wasn’t sure what to make but with Natalia’s encouragement and expertise I made a pair of personalised earrings very admired since. I found the working with silver really interesting and Natalia explained all the options. I came with two friends and we all were able to walk away with our own masterpieces. I would highly recommend this course a fantastic venue with warm hospitality, tucked away in a woodland setting, just the place to find the creative you. I will be back, thank you Natalia."

Ian B reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"Fantastic course. Would highly recommend this to anybody wanting to learn to mig weld. Tony is a great teacher, super knowledgeable. I learned far more than than I would from a classroom based course."

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Hi Ian I am glad you enjoyed the course. Keep practicing when you purchase your own equipment. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Regards Tony "

Jo Salter reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"This is a brilliant course and I love my chair! It is a busy week of the learning techniques and subtleties that can only be passed on by one with experience which Peter and Toby have in abundance. I enjoyed every minute of it!"

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Jo, great to meet you. Hopefully see you soon!"