Latest reviews

Gill Moody reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Spent a memorable day with Mark being taught how to carve a spoon. Our group varied in experience from none at all to using an axe to chop kindling - we were soon all handling a carving axe with confidence and ever improving skill thanks to Mark’s great teaching. Lunch was delicious and a sociable event providing a welcome break from our creative endeavours! We all left with a spoon - all different designs - but most importantly with a sense of achievement and a day well spent in a glorious environment. Now to return for the next level course or maybe the bowl carving in the autumn. Wondering if you should have a go at spoon carving with Mark - just do it! Great day - thankyou Mark."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Gill Thank you for your review of the day. Glad you enjoyed the day. Hopefully see you here on another class. ATB Mark and Cristina (and Alfred and Ruby)"

Yvette reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I really enjoyed my time with Ann. The knitting session was held at a lovely cafe in the wonderful and well lit Grand Arcade next door to The Grand in Leeds. I had recently picked up knitting and I’d got into a muddle with a few things so I booked a session with Ann who immediately spotted where I was going wrong. I’m now onto a flying start. "

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed your session and found it useful. All you need now is practice!!! Keep up the good work. Kind regards Ann"

Ian W reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I arrived with no experience of knife-making – I departed with a beautifully crafted blade that is as aesthetically appealing as it is practically serviceable. Dave is a modest, yet accomplished craftsman, who is a gifted teacher, a clear communicator and a patient tutor – a person who puts you at ease from the outset and encourages you every step of the way. The course is well organised and ambitious without being daunting. Dave explains each knife-crafting process, demonstrating where necessary, before supervising as you give it a go, offering encouragement and advice. Although the technical skill level required advances through the day, you are building incrementally on previous competences gained so it is challenging but manageable. And the end result is something you can be proud of having created. On this course, you will gain new knowledge and skills, fresh experiences and achievements, in the company of a master practitioner, talented educator and a convivial companion. "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you so much for your absolutely fantastic review Ian, I really appreciate it. It truly was a pleasure to meet you and guide you in the making of your superb knife. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and you are proud of your knife, rightly so I thought you did a brilliant job very well done. I hope it serves you well for many years to come and thank you again for your extremely kind review."

Annie reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"Very much enjoyed the day learning the correct method of making a small piece of furniture. Each stage was clearly explained and Jo took a lot of time with each participant to ensure a great result for us all. Jo is very organised and approachable, certainly passed on her passion for creating beautiful and useful items. Would absolutely recommended this course. A great experience! Thank you. Xx"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Annie. I'm delighted you enjoyed the workshop. What a fantastic group you were. I had lots of fun too. x"

Teresa Matthews reviewed: Moroccan Leather Bookbinding

"Wonderful experience...felt immediately welcome and comfortable, with fascinating information shared throughout the session. Hamza gave very clear tuition, taking time to explain, and showing patience as we started to learn the basic skills. I would definitely recommend the experience and would like to return and complete more bookbinding sessions. If there was an option to do a longer course over multiple lessons I would definitely be signing up! Thanks Hamza."

CRAFT DRAFT responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words. It was lovely hosting you two at the session. Will definitely consider planning a long-term series on bookbinding. H."

Jean reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"Fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable day! Highly recommend it - learned so much and feel like I have the confidence to have a go at my own upholstery project. Thanks Jo, and thanks to the others in the group for adding to the enjoyment and success of the day!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"What a fantastic group you were Jean. Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and feel inspired to continue at home. Can't wait to see what you create. x"

Elizabeth reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I came with a friend Cath and we had never done Batik before. Melanie was wonderful and put us at ease. She explained the craft and we came away with 2 lovely pictures each. She was a wonderful hostess with plenty of coffee cake and biscuits. Workshop is in a really nice setting with gorgeous views of the countryside. Overall a very rewarding day."

Sarah reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"My son and I attended John’s beginners day course yesterday and loved every minute of our day. John was both helpful and supportive. Highly recommend . I carved a tortoise and my son carved a maple leaf. We were very pleased with what we produced and looking at everyone else’s carvings were very impressed with their achievements 🙂 "

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thank you Sarah for your kind words. Sorry about the weather but it didn't appear to affect your enthusiasm. Great sculpture have you shown it to Racy? I'm sure he will he love his portrait. Your sons leaf was also beautifully carved with a lot of contrasting textures and finesse. Bravo. "

Emma reviewed: Spoon Carving at Wilderness Foundation UK

"Absolutely fantastic! Max is awesome with loads of knowledge and expertise. He is friendly, patient and encouraging. I'd really recommend this experience and Max as a teacher. The location is also fabulous."

Max Sconyers III responded:

"Thanks Emma! It was wonderful to teach you and get to know you. Glad to hear you have got your kit together to begin your carving journey! Happy to be a part of it."

Bev and Katherine reviewed: Glass Fusing Full Day Introduction For Two

"We did a day course for two people and can definitely recommend Andrew. He was very accommodating when illness changed our plans, he was friendly, approachable and welcoming on the day. He was flexible and willing to adapt to enable us to work with our ideas whilst also gently making us aware of when these might be beyond our beginner’s skill level. He was generous with materials and attentive during our makes. We had a blast! "

Kalypso Glass responded:

"Thank you, it was great to meet you and glad to hear you enjoyed your day."

John Bowcock reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"An excellent introduction to stone carving. John was really helpful in getting us started and provided ideas and guidance throughout to enable a successful outcome and a completely enjoyable day. Totally recommended."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thank you John much appreciated. You were very attentive and I can see the artist's attention to detail. You should be very proud of yourself. Great carving and composition. Bravo. Regards John."

Elizabeth Gregory reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"A great day, excellent, friendly teacher and lovely jewellery to take home."

Tracey reviewed: Powertex bunny

"What a fabulous day! Laughed from start to finish! Jan is a lovely fun host who made us feel completely at ease from the moment we walked in. Loved creating my unique bunny. Would wholeheartedly recommend. We will be back! "

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Tracey, I so enjoyed helping you to create your unique bunnies. You chose a rather complicated sculpture for your first experience of Powertex but you did an amazing job. You are welcome back anytime."

Dawn Batchelor reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"We had an excellent morning making our own glass baubles. Chris was a knowledgeable, patient teacher who made us all feel very relaxed and welcome. Highly recommended. "

Matt Malins reviewed: Leather Traveller's Bag

"Had a really relaxing day. Not just making a beautiful bag, but also enjoying a good chat with a skilled craftsman and tutor as the day went by. Thoroughly recommend for anyone thinking of having a go."

Sandra reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"Booked this for Freya and Alice as a 21st Birthday gift, they thoroughly enjoyed it, thank you so much. The items they made were beautiful and so personal. Lovely memories made too."

Mara reviewed: Weave a Little Bark Bag or Basket

"A really lovely course. Justine introduced and explained the process in detail and was right there for any questions. We were allowed to be totally creative with some wonderful materials all pre-prepared ready for us. It was so much fun and a totally new craft for me. I will definitely be trying it again soon. Thank you 🙏😊"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for your review "

Vicky reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"This course was bought for me as a gift and I'm so glad it was! I had such a brilliant day. Our group was so lovely I felt like I was there with friends. Jo was really helpful, patient and informative. We all made some amazing little foot stools. I'm definitely inspired to do more. Thank you for such a lovely experience."

The Boho Shed responded:

"I had a brilliant day with all of you too Vicky. Thanks so much for your lovely review. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. X"

Tim reviewed: Half Day Introductory Woodturning Course for 1 or 2 people near Salisbury Wiltshire

"I had a fantastic morning learning woodturning with George, who was an absolute joy to learn from. The session was hands-on right from the start, and George's patience, personable nature, and engaging teaching style made the experience truly enjoyable. I learned how to clean pieces of wood and then use various tools to cut, shape, and polish them to a shiny finish. Like others here, I crafted a Christmas tree model, a bowl, and a spinning top. George's passion for woodturning is evident througout. Even during our coffee break, it was fascinating to chat with him and see examples of his commissioned work, which were truly jaw-dropping. I highly recommend this course to anyone. I may even have some of my family looking to book soon!"

Anna B reviewed: Upholstery Workshops Bring Your Own Project - Full Day

"Great course. Plenty of instruction but not too much interference so perfect balance "

Esther Hastings reviewed: Learn to Weave Two Day Course

"Cathy Wright is a very knowledgeable and talented person. Can't wait until my next course with her. No question was a stupid question and she encouraged me to explore colours and different stitches to transform the threads. Well worth the time and effort to be taught by Cathy."

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Gosh this made me blush. Thanks Esther for this wonderful review. You were great fun on the workshop and your creative mind was a delight to watch, so inspiring. Really looking forward to seeing you soon "

Bronya Francis reviewed: 2-hour 'body bits' pottery workshop for your hen party, birthday or other gathering

"Really fun class to do with friends, and suited all abilities. We had the best time! "

Hot Fox Pottery responded:

"We are so pleased you enjoyed your class, and hope you love your booby pots when you get them! "

Linda reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent week, learned so much and came away with an amazing piece of furniture. Mark made the whole process really enjoyable, he has a very supportive and relaxed approach with great advice on how to get started with wood craft, from information on tools, wood suppliers, health and safety and getting your work space set up. Met some lovely people as well. The setting is perfect, easy to get to from the M6, parking is great, plenty to do of an evening in the local area. I now have a real appreciation of what proper wood working is based on and how much work goes into making things. "

Lynn reviewed: Silver Jewellery Bangle making workshop

"I really enjoyed learning how to make my personal silver bangle."

Sarah Bradley Designs responded:

"Hi Lynn, Thank you for your review. It was lovely meeting you and I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Maybe see you again for more jewellery making in the future, All the best, Sarah"

Mike R reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"A great days training with Tony. Very relaxed. Great instruction and company throughout the session! Patience of a saint from my "Mig Blobbing" to far better welds at the end of the day. Different metal thickness welding and setups. Horizontal Flat overlap. Internal and external edge welds at 90 both horizontal and vertical welds. Plus many other tips and instruction. Feel confident I can make a strong weld but just need more practice in my own time to make "Pretty Welds". Thanks again Tony. Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Highly recommend to anyone starting out or who wants to take it to a next level "

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Hi Mike thank you for your kind review, it was a pleasure meeting you. I am extremely pleased that you enjoyed your day with me at my workshop and gained the knowledge and confidence to continue welding at your own pace at home. If I can be of any assistance in the future please feel free to contact me.Regards Tony "