Latest reviews

Caleb reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great experience, ended up with a great knife and had a great time. Instructors were blunt but helpful, and if you want to insist on being unique I'm sure they'd humour you. If you have anything like asthma or hayfever where your throat is a bit more sensitive, might be a good idea to take a mask for the belt grinding portions. Not sure if I got unlucky and got ill after the first day of the course or was down to breathing in dust, can't hurt to have some protection."

Duncan reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"I had one to one help throughout a very busy day. My wife was impressed by my finished panel and I have certainly developed some transferable skills, I might even buy some materials for home "

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Duncan, thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated. This is what is great to see, upgrading skills that someone has, adding a few bits and showing what can be done their own workshop - which sounds perfect! All the best Vicky"

Jackie reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"What a fantastic day! It was so fun + you really helped us to get a great result. I would love to take it further, as I have really got the bug now!"

Susannah reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"I had a wonderful time. Great pace and fantastic support from Emma."

Di reviewed: Silver precious metal clay (PMC) taster session

"Loved the course. Great fun crafting, in a relaxed & friendly environment. Would highly recommend 😊. "

Sumersata designs responded:

"Thank you Di. We enjoyed it too ! Janet and Pauline "

Jane Millership reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"What a great bunch of people, very welcoming, ready to give helpful advice, relaxed atmosphere the facilitators/ teachers are a joy. I loved it, can’t wait till next week. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Jane, we very much appreciate comments. You may well like to try our new silversmithing sessions starting in September. I will pass your kind comments onto Elaine and Mell. Regards Alan "

Vicki reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 2 hours (pm)

"Great course. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Friendly instructor, easy to understand instructions, interesting explanation of techniques and resources, lots of time to experiment and great fun! Coffee and cake were delicious too. "

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Vicki great to hear you enjoyed your time with us and it was rewarding and fun. Kind regards John and Jill "

Melissa Flint reviewed: Silver Stacking Rings Workshop; with Lindsay Forbes - Sedgefield

"Such a fun class! Lindsay was incredibly nice, helpful, and she was a great teacher. She encouraged everyone along the way and the finish rings were amazing! Definitely book with a friend(s) as it's more fun to have a socal buddy along the way. "

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Melissa, glad you enjoyed the workshop. I hope you had a great first experience of soldering too, you made some fab rings!"

Gary Shepherd reviewed: Discovering Pen and Wash - with Margaret Jarvis - a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"Such a great course and a great day. Margaret was full of encouragement, guidance and tips for improving all in the room, regardless of level. Annie was a magnificent host. Wonderful lunch and refreshments. All the attendees were lovely and I can't recommend this enough."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Gary, this is a kind review - thank you. Am so please you enjoyed the day so much, felt you got a lot out of the class and appreciated all the home made extras and lunch . I will pass you comments on to Margaret - you all did so well and i really liked your painting of the venue too!! thank you again - Annie "

Tracy Turner reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"A very instructive day and perfect for someone as a beginner or looking for tips. Amanda is very attentive and explains the steps clearly. The one-on-one tuition definitely makes a difference. You are also very well looked after on the tea/coffee side, Highly recommended"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review Tracy. I think you're flying now with quilt-making! Amanda"

Jo Garrett reviewed: Botanical Eco-Printing in the Lake District

"Excellant host, the food was great as was the workshop. Learnt lots in a lovely setting. "

Hare Hill Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Jo. It was good to meet you and I am glad you enjoyed the day. I hope to see you again in the future. Best wishes, Vanda "

Shelley Williamson reviewed: Slate mosaic workshop at Jo Garden Art

"Oh my goodness! What an amazing, inspiring day! Jo offered a wonderful workshop, incredibly well structured and organised, amazing creative space and the end results were way beyond my expectations and I’m thrilled with them! Jo is an inspiration! Jo left no stone unturned in terms of support, hospitality, enthusiasm. My partner enjoyed the day equally and Jo even had close-work glasses to hand as we'd forgotten ours!! Thanks Jo and Andy for everything. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"What a wonderful review - thank you so much Shelley (and Philip!). Each of your four pieces were so different. Lots of creativity within each one and I've been delighted to hear you are continuing with this new process at home. Please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any questions. Jo xxx"

Darren Hemmings reviewed: One day welding course for two people

"Booked the one day welding course for me and my 15yr old son, what a great day we both had, neither of us had ever welded before so we didn’t know what to expect! Julian was brilliant in his teaching methods and such a nice guy! We came away with a great understanding of different types of welding technique's and now feel confident to practice what we’ve learned, definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn about welding!"

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Thank you for your review Darren. I am pleased to know you had a good day. You both were good students and really well focused on achieving strong welds. Hope you take this new skill forward . Anything in the future you need then don't hesitate to get in touch. Julian"

Nick Taylor reviewed: Fused glass 'create' workshop

"Well supported with plenty of resources and tutor support when needed."

Weef reviewed: 2 Day beginner stone carving course with Ben Russell

"Not only is Ben a brilliantly gifted sculptor of beautiful, intricate pieces, but he’s also a very cool guy. His workshop in the middle of nowhere (Barn Owl Buildings, Denhay Farm, Broadoak) is idyllic. You can bash away at a piece of sandstone, only disturbing the local Dorset wild life. Ben is a master sculptor with a fount of knowledge and experience, which he generously imparts. Working at your own pace, Ben is there at all times with positive help and practical advice. I learnt so much on this course, though two days wasn’t enough to complete my over ambition piece, imagining myself as the next Henry Moore. Bonus points for constant tea and coffee and the great picnic lunches. "

Francesco reviewed: Private 2hr Fused Glass workshop

"Nadine is an amazing instructor! Organised, managed to put all of us at ease and enabled us to have a great time, safely. Her studio is a great place to switch off from the daily work pace. "

Paddy McGowan reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"I had a great day doing this course, a present from my wife, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes the idea of making something by hand. Maurice is a great teacher with plenty of patience and a helping hand to make sure you have a good experience and hopefully walk away with something that looks like the object you intended to make. To get that object (a bowl) though, you need to do the work as the blisters on my fingers and tired legs will testify. Despite all that, its a real pleasure to see the final product taking shape and then show it off to the family. Now for the final touch to take off the rough edges, "pass the sandpaper please""

Touch Wood responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it Paddy!"

Kath reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Emma made a very complex process easy to follow and I am really pleased with my 2 batches of soap and inspired to make more! A half-day session would be good with less theory as I have a friend who would like to do the course with me but I don’t need to do the morning theory again."

Gerard reviewed: Scything Course

"Excellent course, enjoyable and good learning"

Jane Faulkner reviewed: Beginners and improvers oil painting workshop

"Really good course. Ernie is fantastic artist and a brilliant teacher. Would thoroughly recommend. I learned a great deal."

Ernie Butler studios responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Jane. It was a pleasure having you on the course & teaching you. Happy painting. Ernie "

Sam and Tom reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"We had a fantastic time on this course, and both of us were amazed at what we managed to carve with expert help. Lunch was delicious too!"

Sophie reviewed: Introduction to Green Woodworking

"My family and I had such a fantastic day on the Introductory to Green Woodworking course with Matt and Emma. They were both incredibly welcoming and the different tools, tasks and techniques were all excellently explained and demonstrated. Matt was always on hand to offer advice and provide extensive knowledge both about the course subjects and the surrounding woodland area. Matt was also incredibly patient and we are very grateful for the extra time he took to support our son with some of the trickier tasks - he is incredibly proud of the work he was able to achieve during the day. The outdoor workshop itself is a thing of rustic beauty and the upmost effort is made to ensure you are comfortable throughout the day (their endless supply of tea was very much appreciated!) We would definitely recommend this course to anyone who thinks they might have an interest in green wood working … and we can’t wait to return and book onto another one of the courses! Thanks again for such a fab day! "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Sophie, it was so lovely to meet you all! We're so glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again soon. Emma"

Anne reviewed: Slate mosaic workshop at Jo Garden Art

"Jo's a great facilitator! Her introduction into materials and techniques is clear and moves at a good pace. Her preparation of everyone's work space is second to none. Material galore! Every participant created wonderful pieces - most enjoyable!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Anne. I over-prep at times 🥴😆 and keep finding new wonderful materials, so no two workshops are ever the same! I love how everyone makes completely different pieces as their own personality directs their choices. Thank you for sending the photo of your wonderful piece up on the wall already. Jo xx"

Sue Carrott reviewed: Willow Hare Sculpture

"Thank you it was a lovely day, felt I accomplished something and it was a much needed distraction for me personally. "

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Brilliant sue -huge thanks for coming was a pleasure to meet you both and good to see you again in the future x"

Charlotte reviewed: Paint & Create - Children's Easter Holiday Workshop

"Finlay loves going to Josie’s afterschool are club. He has learnt to work in several different media and is really proud of what he’s created so far. Fin says ‘I love going because I get lots of help from Josie in my art which I don’t get at school. I totally recommend doing her classes if you like art and want to get better at it. It is really fun. Five stars. ‘ A great local resource for the kids in Morpeth and an opportunity to have fun with a subject that often gets sidelined in schools. "

Paint & Create responded:

"Thank you so much Charlotte . I really appreciate that you have taken the time to write such a lovely review. Fin is very creative and artistic . I can see how much pleasure Fin gets from creating his own original artwork. It is an absolute pleasure to have him in the workshop. Many thanks Josie :)"