Latest reviews

John Ratter reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I had a most enjoyable weekend on the box making course. I found it to be a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy learning new skills. Mark is very patient and knowledgeable and is good at explaining all the steps involved. It's a great workshop with a huge selection of machinery and hand tools. Highly recommended. "

Debbie reviewed: Powertex Notebook/Journal Workshop

"I really enjoyed the course and Michelle was very friendly and knowledgeable. I will definitely be booking on another powertex course in the future."

Gwendoline reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"I recently attended the spoon carving workshop and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! Nick was incredibly knowledgeable and patient, guiding us through each step with ease. Debbie was lovely and took good care of us throughout the day. The hands-on approach made it easy to learn, the atmosphere was friendly and encouraging, perfect for both beginners and those with some experience. I left with a beautiful handmade spoon. Highly recommended for anyone looking to learn a new skill and have fun in the process!"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Debbie and I are delighted that you enjoyed your day so much, it was a fantastic workshop despite the weather! If you have any questions about tools or further information, please feel free to contact us :)"

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"A really informative introduction to natural dyeing, I learnt a lot and really enjoyed my day! The venue was lovely and we had endless cups of tea. A bonus was having a mini booklet to take home, a mini shibori dyed bag (that we dyed ourselves) and dye samples."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review Nicola. We're delighted that you enjoyed the day and feel that you've learnt a lot! "

Ann reviewed: Bespoke One Day Workshop For Two - Introduction to Linocut

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course! It was well planned with lots of useful information (both in advance of the course and during) and examples to help us understand the materials, equipment and process but also plenty of opportunities to work at our own pace and level, with as much support as we wanted. Gerry was very accommodating, a great tutor and the studio was beautifully equipped. I had a fun, relaxing afternoon and managed to achieve much more than I had expected, I can’t wait to try Lino printing again!"

Gerry Coles Prints responded:

"Thank you Ann, the print you produced was fabulous and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed coming to my studio and getting to know the process. Thank you so much for leaving a review. Best wishes G"

David Owen reviewed: 1 Person Pen Making Experience. Make & take home the pen of your choice.

"A wonderful experience and a joy to spend time making a pen which is personal. Duncan's approach is both encouraging and helpful, giving you the feeling of pride in the pen you have made. The variety of woods and finishings give much choice. Excellent."

Duncs Wood Turning responded:

"David, it was a pleasure meeting you, your love of pens and penmanship in general were evident, I hope that the pen that you made gives you years of pleasure. Rgds Duncs."

Josie Aldridge reviewed: Star garden light

"I ordered this kit to build for my sister. I had a query about how quickly it would be dispatched- my query was answered very promptly and I received the kit within 2 days. It was very straightforward to make- apart from the last instruction about attaching the battery pack. I just couldn’t understand this instruction at all, so I left it for my sister to sort out! The finished star looks lovely in her garden."

Craftkits responded:

"Josie, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. I'm glad that you liked the star once completed. I think I know the issue with the instructions, I have a kit for a much smaller version of this star and it has a wee wooden star that the battery pack hides behind, I think I sent those instructions by mistake. I'm so pleased that you still managed to put the star together though. My apologies for the error. Thanks again and kind regards, Lorna"

Graham Clark reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Thoroughly enjoyable day, well led by Alex. His knowledge and ability is quickly apparent and he helped all of us throughout the course, showing where we had gone wrong and helping us to make corrections. He explained all of the safety risks, demonstrated necessary techniques and how to use the various machines and allowed everyone to get on with their own knife making. I was very pleased with my end product made using tools and techniques I hadn’t used before. Congratulations on running an interesting and memorable course. "

Prin reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"The taster pottery session was a very good basic class in which there was plenty time to practice on several pots. Lorraine was very helpful and supportive, as well as informative on exactly how to practice hands on and learn a new skill as a hobby or anything else which was meditating and lots of fun too. "

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks indeed for the kind words and I hope to see you again at some time. Lorraine at Woodsetton"

Kevin Shakespeare reviewed: 2 Person Pen Making Experience. Make & take home the pens of your choice.

"My friend & myself went to Duncs Wood Turning today & it was an amazing experience. Duncan is very professional & such a nice man. He helped us both create our own beautiful pens. This course is highly recommended. Thanks again Duncan"

Duncs Wood Turning responded:

"Kevin, It was my pleasure to have both in the workshop today, you both made beautiful pens and I hope that they give you years of pleasure. Rgds Duncs"

Sue reviewed: Frameless Mosaic Sun Catcher or Mandala class (am)

"Had a lovely time making a Mosaic Mandala garden sun catcher. Chrissy is very informative and helpful with a well equipped workshop. I have managed to rediscover my own creative mojo since attending. Thank you, Chrissy x"

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback, and I'm so glad you had a great time. "

Pete reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Recently done a three day stool course and very happy to say came away with a finished item. Well worth the money to leave the everyday life behind and spend time in nature. The setting is peaceful and relaxing with Andy as a great tutor, something magical using hand tools to turn a log into a working stool Help on hand whenever needed and to keep you going tea/coffee/biscuits .and a tasty lunch. Would recommend to anyone as no previous experience needed "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Peter, for your positive review and recommendation. We are very pleaed that you enjoyed your experience on the course, and the environment in which it took place. Thanks for your kind words about the catering too. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime, and in the meantime enjoy using your handcrafted stool. "

James reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"An excellent introduction with a pleasant and patient instructor. One-to-one format was invaluable. Would recommend"

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you James for your feedback it is very much appreciated. If I can help or be any assistance please feel free to contact me. Regards Tony "

Melanie reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"What an amazing weekend learning new skills. Joss was amazing her teaching style is brilliant. Watching each pot and bowl progress because of the skills she shares! Endless clay to make and create. I really do recommend this course. Having never thrown clay before I was really proud of what I achieved. "

Powdermills Pottery responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the weekend - you should be proud, because you achieved so much! I hope you have more mud pie fun going forward! Thank you for the lovely review x"

Charlotte Louise Stedman reviewed: Make your own Sounding Bowl

"My friend and I spent a fantastic two days with Quentin and Emma in their beautiful studio and garden, each making sounding bowls out of copper or brass. Neither my friend or I had any previous experience in metal work, but managed to make two lovely sounding bowls under Quentin’s skilful guidance. Both he and Emma looked after us brilliantly over the two day course, making delicious lunches, tea, coffee and cake. This is a truly unique experience that I would recommend to anyone."

Quentin Cowen Bowls responded:

"Thank you Charlotte. Not only were you great company, but it was very heartening to see two new high quality bowls go out into the world. Bravo to you both for the work you put in. Q."

Doreen Ding reviewed: 1 to 1 Beginners Crochet and beyond - East Grinstead

"Nicole was very patient with my 11 year old daughter. She was trying to work on an arugurumi heart but had been frustrated by trying to do it on her own using Youtube. Nicole rightly guided her to work from the basics before diving in. She said that she really enjoyed the first session. Thank you for giving her the confidence."

Just My Cup Of Crochet responded:

"She is a natural! It’s great that children want to learn to crochet, I hope she gets on well with her heart, feel free to email if she’s stuck and I hope to see you both again! X"

Victoria reviewed: Small round willow basket (stake and strand) workshop with Debbie Hall of SalixArts

"This was such an excellent class, and I am so pleased with taking home my very own completed round basket. The teaching was excellent, really clear and well paced for everyone in the group (4 of us). The studio and garden are beautiful. I would not hesitate to recommend "

Jon Palmer reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"Simply a brilliant day. We learnt much, enjoyed ourselves and created some nice pieces. Arian was knowledgeable, welcoming and very helpful. The setting and forge itself, as it should be. We highly recommend. Thank you. "

Arian's Forge responded:

"Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure to meet you and your son. I’m happy that you both enjoyed the experience and were pleased with the lovely items you produced. Wishing you all the best. Arian"

Jim reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Excellent day, cheers Alex!!"

Dave Wilson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Had a fantastic day with Alex , he is a very skilled and knowledgeable Blacksmith, I learnt a great deal which is down to his passion and enthusiasm for his craft, I would highly recommend this course."

Cazzy reviewed: Willow Deer Walford Mill

"We had a great time. Jo is fun and silly (in a good way) but very professional with it. Our sculptures were incredible - wow. I think we could have done with an extra hour but it all kind of got done and we probably could have fiddled around for ever! Thanks Jo "

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"It was a great atmosphere and you both brought good spirits and joy to the class. Such lovely deer made, all so personalised and similar. I do enjoy a Deer day!:thank you for your company. Jo"

Alan Valender reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great course and in an orchard with rustic buildings surrounded by the beautiful undulating Gloucestershire countryside. Sebastian approach is relaxed and is such that the subject is not made daunting. He encourages his trainees to have a go carving whatever object they desire and makes the day fun to be part of. Thoroughly recommend to have a go and have an experience you'll never forget. "

Ellen reviewed: Gel Plate Printing - Fabulous Feathers

"I joined the gelli printing class with Jane only a few days ago and I've already purchased my own equipment to do more at home, that's how much I enjoyed the course! I was made to feel very much at home and given lots of encouragement to experiment after the techniques were clearly demonstrated. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to create beautiful art. I definitely want to join one or two (or more) of Jane's future classes, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to my friends. "

Jane Fellows Art responded:

"Thank you Ellen for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure to teach you and I’m so pleased you are going to carry on having fun and experimenting with all the beautiful images one can produce on a gel plate. I look forward to seeing you again in the future.😁"

Rosie reviewed: Mosaic Birds 'n' Bugs

"A lovely few hours spent with a great teacher had lots of fun and learned a lot , I would recommend "

Creative Avenue York responded:

"Thankyou Rosie. I hope you make some more, let me know if you need any furhter advice on equipment or suppliers. Kind regards, Lisa-marie"

IAN PRICE reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"An enjoyable experience in a creative eclectic environment. An opportunity to carve with high levels of autonomy. Sebastian. Is a very light touch teacher allowing students to find their own way. Leaving inspired to do more carving and desire to learn more. "