Latest reviews

Anthony reviewed: Wood joints class using reclaimed materials

"I recently took part in the 'Introduction to Wood Joints class' at TM Woodcrafts, and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in woodworking. Tyler (the course instructor) is fun, knowledgeable and clearly very passionate about his craft. He took time to measure the skills of the students in the room and tailor the content and speed of delivery to suit. His approach was supportive but not overbearing. Importantly, we were very attentive to safety. The course itself was great. Tyler explained the theory of everything he was showing us, as well as various ways to achieve a desired joint. For example, when cutting and chiseling he explained about the grains in the woods we were using and how different grains would cause the woods to split in different ways. When we made mistakes he offered ways to rectify them. Despite being complete beginners, all the students in my class completed three joints which were strong and reasonably aesthetically pleasing. Something I certainly wouldn't have been able to achieve before attending the course. As well as being a great teacher, Tyler was also a great guy. He kept the coffee flowing and he even gifted a few tools to one of the students who was just starting out, so that the skills she'd leant could be put to use. I will definitely return in future."

Michele Brook reviewed: Willow Flower - Allium/Poppy Seed Head Workshop with Dovecote Willow

"Great workshop. The poppyseed head is now in pride of place in the garden. Welcomed the opportunity to also purchase other willow items from Vicky. Good location. Will book another one soon. "

Barbara reviewed: Willow Flower - Allium/Poppy Seed Head Workshop with Dovecote Willow

"I had a lovely relaxing morning and am very happy with the end result. I hope to attend more of these workshops in the future. "

Ruth Lewis reviewed: Hand spinning course - absolute beginners

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Hollie. We both have spinning wheels but no real idea of how to use them. Hollie explained what we should do then let us try, adding extra information and advice when she spotted we needed it. She was unfailingly patient and encouraging, and we both came away knowing what to do next. A fantastic day!"

Gilian reviewed: Fused glass workshop - make a Lantern - Forest Row

"Great morning - of being totally absorbed and creative. Jayne has a friendly, helpful and encouraging approach to anything you wish to create. Love it - will definitely be back."

Doreen Parker reviewed: Discovering Spinning on a Drop Spindle

"Drop Spindle course was really enjoyable. Amy was friendly, helpful and very patient - many thanks. I felt I learnt so much in the session. "

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Very happy that you enjoyed this course. Thank you for joining us and hope to see you again soon. Mara"

Susan Hill reviewed: Needlefelt a Herdwick portrait - with Jane Makes. A Quirky Workshop in Greystoke, nr the Lake District, Cumbria

"I absolutely loved this whole experience at Quirky Workshop in Greystoke. If you are travelling alone, don't hesitate, you are looked after from booking to leaving. Lunch and afternoon tea was delicious. Annie is a wonderful host. The tutor was very friendly and helpful."

Wendy reviewed: Stacking rings workshop with Faith

"Thank you for a really great ring making workshop today, my daughters and myself really enjoyed our time with you, a lovely warm and knowledgeable tutor, and a lovely studio. Thank you x"

Ms Heather Coles reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"The Raku day with Richard Gibson from Pottery Dayz was fantastic. Richard is very knowledgeable and is able to explain things very clearly. The day was really well organised but did not feel rushed. We were able to produce 4 finished pots using different techniques and were able to get involved with the firing process in a safe way. Lovely setting with good facilities. Very pleased with the pots I was able to glaze and decorate. Highly recommended."

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks for the detailed review and the recommendation. It was a great day for a Raku gathering. Your attendance was most appreciated. I hope we see you again for another soon. Good luck with your continued craft exploration."

Emma reviewed: Cabochon cutting and faceting course over two consecutive days

"James was so helpful during the two-day course I took in March! He's a really skilled craftsperson and a very attentive teacher. The course was a brilliant introduction to stonecutting and a rare find! I would absolutely recommend it to anyone considering. Brilliant experience, thank you, James!"

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you Emma! It was lovely to meet you and I had a great time instructing you. Thank you, Regards, James : )"

Mereta reviewed: Felt Lampshades

"Emma was an amazing teacher and testament to her teaching is the brilliant finished products. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole making process and loved creating the felt fabric! Thank you so much for your belief, inspiration and calmness!"

Patrick reviewed: Stool Making Workshop

"Can’t say enough good things about this course and the teacher, Tim. The stool came out great and the whole process of making it was really fun. He’s a top teacher - really friendly, explains things really well and is a great help, while allowing you to do everything yourself and have total control. "

Isabella reviewed: A day on the tiles: one-day mosaic workshop

"Booked this for my Mum who came back so pleased with what she had made, she had a wonderful time thank you! "

Valley Craft Studio responded:

"I’m so glad she liked it - she worked really hard and I think it shows. Her finished piece looked amazing 🤩"

Chris White reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Gwrhyd, Pontardawe

"Excellent 2 days. Covered more than just basics so good insight for me to tackle some walls at home. Easy to follow instructions. Very knowledgeable instructors. Relaxed tuition. Interesting to the point I'd like to learn more."

David Graham reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"My son and I did the one day course, and had a brilliant time. The tuition was first class, very patient and knowledgeable. All the knife making stages were done at your own pace, and when you made a mistake, you got to correct it with sympathetic guidance : ) Both of us came away with very functional knifes, but not as fine as Graham’s ! We had such a good time, that the axe making course is on our to do list."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks David and we're all looking forward to seeing you both again."

Jenny reviewed: Beginners Dressmaking: Japanese Apron

"Small group with mixed experience. Useful tips and ideas even tho' I had sewn before. Used interlocker for first time - great."

Barbara Clark reviewed: Beginners Dressmaking: Japanese Apron

"Really fun and practical course, I love my apron and now I think a lot of the family will be getting one for Christmas! Lovely teacher."

Samuel Warren reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I am a complete amateur with epoxy resin but left this class feeling confident enough to start casting on my own. Very thorough and enjoyable class."

Julie reviewed: Oval shallow basket for the garden at New barn at Usk Castle Chase,Monmouthshire

"Such a great day on my basket making course. Amanda is lovely. Very experienced and a great teacher. It was a very full day, and my hands ached afterwards but came home with a beautiful basket, feeling very proud! "

Wyldwood Willow | 🧺 Learn Basketry, Coffin Making, Sculptures & More! responded:

"Thankyou so much Julie, A pleasure to meet you and I thoroughly enjoyed our day together too. All the best and see you again I hope x"

Jenny reviewed: Intermediate Pottery Day Course

"A brilliant day, I highly recommend Dimbleby ceramics for anyone who wants to learn to throw. Mat is an excellent teacher, very patient and encouraging, with great knowledge and advice. "

Ruth and Sarah reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: for two people

"My friend and I attended Emma’s course this weekend and we had such a brilliant time. Emma was an attentive and encouraging tutor and the three of us had a fun and happy day together. Both myself and my friend were delighted with our results, which were made possible by the help and skilful guidance of Emma. We would thoroughly recommend this course and will return.😀"

Jo Wilson reviewed: Bushcraft Skills - Sharp Tools and Camp Crafts

"A really great and instructive day. Learning and making in beautiful surroundings. Thanks Matt"

Manor Wood responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Jo! Matt"

Laura reviewed: Art clay silver

"Fantastic class! Great fun. Friendly, helpful and experienced tutors. Everything included, went home with 3x pairs of earrings. Would definitely recommend, really worth a go at the magic of silver clay."

Chris G reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great weekend for my son (24) and me doing something very different and, despite not being particularly practical, producing a very decent knife at the end of it. Graham, ably assisted by David and Declan, took us through the processes with humour and some sympathy (or not depending on how stupid I had been at the time!). I would highly recommend the course and many thanks to the Vlakvark team. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Chris, It was a good weekend and we also enjoyed your company."

Jill Barker reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"A fantastic day learning with Jane to weave willow and a super pheasant to bring home at the end. A very enjoyable day and great company."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the course and do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."