Latest reviews

Neil Payne reviewed: Glass Fusing Fun Workshop

"We went to Penny's course as a birthday treat, learning a new skill and to come away with some great momentoes. Penny is a great teacher and very friendly, so it was a wonderful experience all round. I'm sure the finished works will look amazing and we can site them pride of place for everyone to see. I would recommend the experience to everyone wanting to learn a new skill, Thank you Penny for your time and patience. Regards, Neil"

Through the Arch - Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Neil and Sylvana, it was lovely to work with you both and watch your confidence grow. You learnt new skills very quickly and I loved your ideas developed in glass. "

Rob reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Great week and great course in August 2024. Mark is a great teacher - lets you get on but also steps in if needed! Thrilled with my new coffee table and learnt so much about woodworking, hoping to do course 2 soon!"

Richard Gray reviewed: Whittling and Wooden Spoon Carving

"Fantastic course, soo interesting with passionate professional people who are knowledgeable and helpful with every step of the way Beautiful site and location I personally would recommend this course and Colin And Sarah , great team , great tutors and friendly Great value for money Fantastic experience And lovely feeling to walk away with a handmade spoon . "

The Wiggly Path Company responded:

"Thank you, Richard. We try to make folks feel at home, in our home in the woods. You were a great student, and totally embraced our ethos of getting to know more about yourself, by taking time to just relax and enjoy time spent with nature, and you created a beautiful thing. We look forward to seeing how your adventures continue. Anything we can help with, just call. Take care. "

John Aiken reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A great day and experience, learning with the highly skilled and approachable Alex. I have to mention he’s incredibly patient ! I highly recommend this experience."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for your positive comments and review, John. I really appreciate your feedback. Many thanks for having a bash at Chalk Pit Forge! Alex"

Charlie reviewed: Crochet for Beginners August

"Really enjoyed this course. I had tried to teach myself but got frustrated. I learnt so much in the 3 hours and felt I had achieved something. Definitely booking on a another one."

Tom reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"It was a brilliant day. I feel like I've got a newfound appreciation for the art and history all around us. Mark was a great teacher, he got us all started, had projects ready for us to work on and we all got help and encouragement from him when we needed it. Simon and Louise were fantastic hosts, the space they have made is fantastic, they put on a great lunch and we're really enthusiastic and welcoming. I've had a woodturning session with Simon before and I can confirm their quality as hosts is consistently high. Absolutely fantastic experience."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Tom, thank you for your lovely review! You made a beautiful piece & we're so pleased you enjoyed the stone carving experience. Mark is a great tutor and we're pleased to have him on board. Thank you also for your kind words about our Blended Monkey setting and how we do as hosts :-). Hopefully we'll welcome you back to our studios sometime in the future. "

Katherine reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"Fabulous course with an exceptional tutor. I really enjoyed every aspect of it from the lovely hosting to the beautiful garden setting. Thank you for such a super day, I'm absolutely delighted with the piece I carved. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Katherine and I'm still wowed by how much was achieved - such beautiful work all round. Thank you for your positive review. Maybe we'll see you again in the future."

Moud reviewed: Plants & People (Foraging for food, herbal medicine & plant crafts)

"Great course, very informative and enjoyable day."

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you so much for joining us Moud. We're very happy that you enjoyed this course. Hoping to see you again soon. Best wishes Mara "

Mike Wilkinson reviewed: Stone Carving Experience - Working with Geometry & Pattern - Stone Masonry - Blended Monkey

"This was a great day really enjoyed the workshop on stone curving,was made very welcome and a lovely lunch. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Mike, thank you for your kind words. We're really pleased you enjoyed the stone carving workshop - you all created amazing pieces! Maybe we'll see you again in the future."

Vicki reviewed: Introduction to spoon carving

"I thoroughly enjoyed the spoon carving course with Maurice. He had lots of advice and information and took me through, step by step in a way I could enjoy as well as produce 3 utensils. I would highly recommend."

Noel Mc Laughlin reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I recently attended a 1-2-1 full day wood turning course, with Simon and Louise. I was welcomed by both, and immediately felt relaxed. Simon walked me through all the health and safety issues, before explaining about the lathes and tools that we would be using Simon was very patient and helpful throughout the day and is clearly an extremely competent, talented and professional turner. We completed 2 x tasks on the day and the time flew by as I enjoyed the challenges in a very relaxed atmosphere. Simon let me work alone but was onhand with advise and positive feedback throughout the day. The course was a present for me and I'm so glad to have had the experience. Thanks Simon and Louise for an extremely professional experience in a very relaxed atmosphere Noel "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Noel, So glad that the experience exceeded your expectations and that your day was relaxed and satisfying. If you have any questions, now or in the future, don't hesitate to get in touch. --Simon"

Chris Leakey reviewed: Still Life for Beginners

"Very enjoyable in nice surroundings and with a small group. Our instructor Sue Tilbury was clear in her teaching and very helpful and complimentary in our efforts. I would recommend her art courses to anyone."

Lyndon moore reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"Really friendly and cheerful. Also very professional tutor, looking forward to further lessons"

Rix & Co Rocking Horses Ltd responded:

"This is wonderful to hear Lyndon - will be in touch soon :) Kind Regards, Maggie"

Sandra reviewed: Gelli plate printing workshop with Creative Hug

"Very enjoyable. Sharon was extremely well organised, so that we had everything we needed and space to work. Demonstrations were good and she was very supportive. An excellent venue….with lovely views across the harbour."

Creative Hug responded:

"Thank you so much, Sandra! I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed the workshop and felt well taken care of. I always aim to make sure everything is organised so you can fully focus on creating. I’m really glad you found the demonstrations helpful too. It’s such a bonus to be in a venue with those lovely harbour views, isn’t it? Looking forward to hopefully welcoming you back to another workshop in the future! Sharon x"

Sally Crawford reviewed: Ladies' Creative Evenings - Cardmaking Wednesdays!

"Spent a relaxing couple of hrs learning a few techniques Aneta very knowledgeable about her craft . Made a really nice card "

Ankarika Craft responded:

"Hi Sally, thank you for such nice feedback. I'm very pleased that you enjoy my classes and I look forward to meeting you again. :)"

Erika and Carl reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"A fabulous course! We chose this activity for our silver wedding anniversary and thought that making silver rings would be the perfect thing to do on our special day. We had a lovely time and Julie was very welcoming and explained everything in detail. She was very patient and took time to listen to what we wanted to achieve and helped us through the session with careful demonstrations but let us make the pieces completely ourselves, gently guiding us through the process. We stopped for coffee and cake about half way through, which was a nice touch and gave us more time to chat and get to know Julie too. The studio was well equipped and we learnt the different techniques and methods to use when making rings. All in all a great time had by both of us and we not only have special memories of our silver wedding anniversary but lovely handmade rings too. Thank you again! I am now recommending you to all our friends and family ! "

Jewellery By Julie responded:

"Thank you for a lovely review. Glad you enjoyed your workshop. Hope you enjoy wearing your rings. "

Anna reviewed: Gelli plate printing workshop with Creative Hug

"It was so lovely to get stuck in to a new craft with all the supplies laid out ready and clear instruction and encouragement from Sharon. I especially enjoyed how experimental gelli printing is with no wrong outcomes, just opportunities to add to each print until you crate an image you are happy with. Many of my favourite prints from the day are ones that were complete accidents. I look forward to attending future workshops with Sharon to build on the skills learned at this one. "

Creative Hug responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review, Anna! I'm thrilled to hear how much you enjoyed diving into Gelli printing and experimenting with different techniques. One of the things I love most about it is there really are no wrong outcomes, and the process is full of fun surprises! I'm so glad your favourite prints came from happy accidents; that's often where the magic happens. I can’t wait to welcome you to future workshops and see how your skills and creativity continue to grow! Sharon x"

Vicky Loudon reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I recently did a knitting class with Ann and I would 100% recommend it. We learnt how to cast on, knit, pearl and cast off. It was 2 hours and gave you plenty of one on one time to pick up the new skills. The money also goes to a great charity. It took place in the cutest little tearoom too. I will be booking in for crochet next time once I’ve mastered my knitting! Ann was really kind and patient with us. Thank you so much! 😊 "

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you enjoyed your workshop. Hopefully you will now find the time to master your knitting. Kind regards Ann"

Helen Fisher reviewed: Mosaic Bird Bath Workshop

"Great workshop, choice of materials and love the result"

Sue M reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I had a fabulous day with Jake, making a lidded wooden bowl on his lathe. It was a real pleasure to spend the day with Jake - he was very knowledgeable and was really good at explaining the steps I needed to follow. He was there if I needed him, but he also gave me space to get on with what I needed to do and make my own design decisions about my bowl. He was also a lovely person to chat to and spend time with. Thanks Jake!"

Sharon O reviewed: The Beautiful Craft of Needle Felting - Hare

"Highly recommend this felting course. The tutor was full of helpful tips and the day was paced really well. I am thrilled with the Hare I made and would definitely do another course. Location is beautiful and as the weather was fine I got to wander round the stunning gardens at lunch. Pre course info sent by Jude was really helpful and they were great hosts on the day."

The English Country House responded:

"Hi Sharon, We’re glad you a wonderful day, we thoroughly enjoyed hosting you! :) hope to see you again on another course! Very best wishes, Jude"

Briony and Nicola reviewed: An Introduction to Sea Glass and Wire Wrapping

"We have just done this course and had a brilliant morning - Rebecca's passion for sea glass and her art is clear to see and we have learnt so much. We love the pieces we have made and brought home - they are as individual and unique as us! This is a brilliant starting point to turn a hobby into something that can continue to bring joy and beauty - we would highly recommend this course to any keen seaglass hunters or people who like to try new crafts and techniques. Many thanks again to our wonderful host, Rebecca."

Debbie reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"Had a great day mosaic’ing. Frances is a great teacher, worked with us on what we wanted to do, everything was really easy and the facilities were great"

Mosaic Mania responded:

"Thank you Debbie! I'm so glad you enjoyed the course. It was lovely to have you both. I'll be in touch as soon as I've grouted your lovely mosaics."

Hannah Palmer reviewed: Full day private jewellery tuition for 1-4 people

"Sam was the most amazing person making all of us from 50yrs old to 8yrs old feel so comfortable and capable! The most enjoyable course I have attended in the most stunning location- a huge thank you to Sam from Hannah, Stanley, Alex and Hazel x "

Linda and Elaine reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. It was well structured and paced so that everyone could complete their next task without feeling rushed, and we had plenty of time and opportunity to ask questions. We learned a lot from discussion with Paul and he was very good at demonstrating each task. We were given time to practise and hone our skills before tackling each stage of our project. All 3 of us finished with a lovely design, of sufficient quality to display in our homes. Thank you for a brilliant experience!"