Latest reviews

David Hargrave reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"What a great experience. My second course and I will be back for more. Excellent teaching method makes everything such a pleasure. St John explains things in such a way that you just know you can easily make it work. Bryony, thank you for the wonderful food and the recipes "

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"David, it was lovely to have you back. Thank you so much for your review. You did a great job on your stool and in record time! We look forward to seeing you on a side chair course. StJohn & Bryony"

Camilla reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"We loved this course! We found Dave an amazing teacher who shared his great knowledge of smithing and knife design. Taking the materials to the finished product, we learnt so many different techniques and skills. Thank you so much for an incredible day and helping us make such beautiful kitchen knives."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you so much for your amazing review Camilla, it is hugely appreciated. I'm so glad you both enjoyed the day, it was great to meet you both and fantastic having you in the workshop. Excellent job with your knives, you should be truly proud of what you achieved they're a couple of belters!! Hope you enjoy using them for many years"

Sara reviewed: Beginners Lino Print Workshop

"100% recommend this!! We had a wonderful morning with Cat last week, and produced a number of prints we were really happy with. Cat is a great teacher, funny, relaxed and helpful, meaning we felt comfortable to just have a go and experiment. Lino printing is an extremely satisfying craft, you see results quite quickly and the outcome is enormously satisfying. You're free to choose designs and colours and it's something anyone can have a go at. What's not to love?!"

CatKing Artwork responded:

"Thanks Sara It was a pleasure to each you both. Thanks for your great company. I hope you keep printing! Kind regards Cat"

Joan reviewed: 'Gorgeously Swirly Calligraphy' .. with Claire ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns in the Lake District nr Ullswater

"My daughter and I had a lovely morning at the calligraphy course. In the space of less than three hours, we were surprised at how much we had achieved in such a short space of time. We thought it was enough for us as we were able to take home a calligraphy set each so that we were able to practice further at home. The venue was easy to find with excellent directions provided by the course organiser. We were directed to a free carpark just in the nearby village. It was a short walk, which we didn't mind as it was in such a lovely location, but there was some parking spaces at the venue but I think these should be left for those with difficult mobility. We would recommend this course, we both enjoyed it very much. Claire was a very good teacher who was very patient and helped everyone in the room to progress so quickly. The session was well planned and informative and everyone was encouraged from the start to get creative. I'm looking forward to attending again to learn something new. "

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"How kind of you Joan, to leave such a lovely review- thank you! We try hard to make sure workshops run as smoothly as possible by sending out as much info as we can prior to the big day, so it's always good to know it comes in useful. (Interestingly we've been on several courses ourselves to other venues in the last year and were amazed how little info is provided to students who are expected to arrive at the course venue at the correct time etc. without any local hints and tips) Anyway - it's always good news to hear news of a happy customer. Claire is an excellent tutor of Calligraphy - she makes it fun and relaxing - and really enjoyable! I think you've booked another course with her in November, so we'll look forward to seeing you again in a few months! Many thanks again, Annie :) "

Mandy reviewed: Peg Loom Weaving with high welfare fleeces

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Bec at The Woven Briar. Bec is very knowledgeable and her passion for her craft is infectious , so much so, that my peg loom, which has been collecting dust at the back of my cupboard, is now set up and ready to go. I cant recommend Bec highly enough and meeting her flock was an absolute joy "

The Woven Briar Ltd responded:

"I am so pleased Mandy I hope you have hours of creativity at your loom. Enjoy!"

Natalie Washbrook reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"I had a fabulous weekend with Miranda at Chillington Hall. The location is beautiful and we were fortunate that we had good weather, so could work outside. The stone carving course is brilliant. Miranda is a wonderful teacher and very helpful and patient. I was so pleased with my finished project and all the help and support I was given. I can highly recommend this course and looking forward to returning soon. Thank you."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Natalie, so glad you enjoyed the weekend. See you again soon. Best wishes, Miranda"

Martin scott reviewed: Router Day Class

"I have come away with enthusiasm, now knowing how to care and use my router, it’s a real must if you're thinking of getting into using a router. The course helps you choose the right tools and goes through the basics hands on using a router plus I really liked using the router table. David takes time with everyone and explains how and why. His workshop is ideal for the course, lots of equipment to use. I would recommend this course. Now I feel I have the skills to make things and will look at other courses too."

Karl Cerski reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a brilliant time on this 1-2-1 woodturning course! I learnt so much, and particularly appreciated the depth of knowledge that Simon has - and his patience with an absolute beginner! I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have a comprehensive introduction to woodturning."

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

"Hi Karl, Thank you for a lovely review. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need further help. —Simon"

Emma reviewed: Cornish Blacksmithing Experience

"Absolutely brilliant. We learned so much from Jeremy who is clearly a very talented blacksmith. He explained things really well and gave us confidence to try so many different techniques. We came away with some beautiful fireside tools. Highly recommend this. "

Katie Tindle reviewed: Automata, mechanical toy & kinetic sculpture making in artist's workshop: 6 classes

"Tom was a brilliant teacher. He was very accommodating and flexible in regards timing, patient when explaining new concepts, but allowed me to work out elements of the build myself so that the skills would be replicable in the future. I would definitely recommend this course, it was a lot of fun!"

Tom Wilkinson responded:

"Thank you Katie, for your kind words. You were a terrific student – keen to learn new skills and very capable in your making abilities. I wish you well with your project and look forward very much to seeing it on completion. "

Florence reviewed: Private booking rustic Log stool making 18th August

"We made rustic stools as a family group and could not have enjoyed our day more! We are absolutely thrilled with our beautiful stools and will keep them forever. Pete and Jacqui were excellent, patient and kind teachers with such an appreciation for the pleasures of working with wood. I can't wait to do a second course. "

Steve Gifford reviewed: Coffee Table/Bench Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"Being a complete novice to woodworking to making a bench from raw materials without electric tools was a little concerning, but our welcoming host Celi with her excellent tuition skill set was superb throughout explaining everything step-by-step to individuals or as a group. At the end of the course she ensured that all group members had a finished item to take home. The workshop setting was perfect. The home cooked food was delicious and all the other members of the group were lovely and always helpful. As you are only using hand tools, it can be quite physically demanding. So in all, a fantastic weekend and a great experience which made me appreciate the work put into handmade woodcraft."

Ruth reviewed: Woodturning half day taster

"Really enjoyed this course and came away with a perfectly formed vase. Paul was very patient and knowledgeable. A great half day spent learning this craft. "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Glad you both enjoyed the session. Hope to see you on the next one!"

Mrs Michelle Schofield reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"I had a really lovely day. Very relaxed, and enjoyable. Cant wait to return soon. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Many thanks Michelle 😊"

Jonathan Howell reviewed: Leather tooling course with Pip Davidson

"A delightful and deeply informative one-on-one (+ the occasional visiting dog). I came away feeling very positive about being able to continue with the skills that I had arrived hoping to learn & polish. The range of experience that Pip has had and the skills she has developed make for a very hands-on approach. Time passed as a summer's day should with bees humming just outside the open patio door - the gentle tap-tap-tap of tooling leather punctuated with a range of conversation from film, theatre & leather-armour to martial arts training. Thank you Pip - a valuable and memorable couple of days."

Chris Scriven reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A fabulous day delivered by an inspirational teacher; its proper thumpnology and that's a very good 'ology to have!!! I would heartily recommend to anyone..... "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Ha ha! Thanks Chris. I'm glad you enjoyed your lesson in 'thumpology' Thanks again for your great review Alex "

Jane B reviewed: Twisted Rope Ring Workshop

"This is our second trip for ring making, this time for the twisted ring making. My daughter Lia and I had a wonderful time. Superb and patient tuition, step by step made this seem so easy and it was. We came away with a beautiful twisted ring along with another memory made. We're looking forward to another booked session to make a necklace. Highly recommended!"

The Courtyard Workshop responded:

"Hi Jane! Was lovely to have you back in the workshop, looking forward to seeing you again soon. Nikki "

Reece porritt reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Brilliant experience, enjoyed every minute of the day. Passionate instructor who really made me feel at ease, he was really welcoming and took care of us. "

Mark reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Fantastic experience, highly recommend the course to anyone, you learn so much and Alex is brilliant and takes all the time you need to be confident and answers any question you might have. 10/10 excited to go back!"

Sue Cole reviewed: Suminagashi: Japanese Paper Marbling near Kington

"Interesting craft taught in a small group with good practical support from the tutor throughout. Relaxed and comfortable studio. Follow up notes and material sources provided - easy craft which would also be relatively inexpensive to set up and continue in a home environment. "

Sarah Amatt responded:

"Thank you Sue - I’m so glad you enjoyed it! All the best Sarah"

Steve Williamson reviewed: Building and weaving a round stool at The Quiet Workshop

"This was such a satisfying and enjoyable course, going beyond my expectations. The learning style from StJohn was perfect - demonstrating core hand tool skills, jigs, and tips and techniques; happy to explain as much or as little as needed and stepped in to support just at the right time. It's reassuring that the furniture can be made with hand tools, which gives me the confidence to have a go at home. The workshop setup was ideal with individual benches and plenty of natural light. I enjoyed meeting my fellow learners and the social conversations over Bryony’s excellent lunches and teas. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with an interest in chair making or an interest in home made cakes and cookies, with some chair making in between!"

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Steve, thank you so much for your very thoughtful review. We’re really glad you enjoyed the course and B’s catering. You made an excellent job of your round stool. We hope it serves you well in your workshop. StJohn & Bryony."

Stephanie Freeman reviewed: Beach Hut Picture Mini Felting Kit

"The packaging for this item was not adequate, it arrived in a paper envelope. This caused the card mount inside to be bent during postage. "

Frankie and Sidney responded:

"Hello Stephanie, I’m really sorry the item arrived in a damaged condition. We have not had this issue before. Would you like me to send you a replacement mount? "

Steve Wheeler reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"This was a great course, with David on hand to show you where you have made mistakes, but with enough time to just keep practicing at you own pace. A great way to refresh you skills, move away from poor practises, or just as a beginner. A well equipped workshop with proper kit, plus an extensively well stocked shop where you can buy any of the equipment you have used at sensible prices. Even if you have never welded, and have none of the safety kit needed, turn up and you can buy everything you need on site. "

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for your great review Steve, pleased you enjoyed your day. I always try to make it a good mix of theory & plenty of bench time. Thank you also for the comments regarding our shop, we always try to stock what we believe clients require. Kind regards David "

Annie Shacklock reviewed: Peg Loom Weaving with high welfare fleeces

"Had an enjoyable fun and relaxing day learning a new skill in a tranquil setting. Becky is very passionate of her work with fleece and warmly guides newbie's in their own creations. Learnt an incredible amount of interesting information. Thank you so much for a lovely day. "

The Woven Briar Ltd responded:

"Thank you Annie it was a pleasure to spend the day with you talking all things sheep!"

Andrew reviewed: Frameless mosaic sun catcher or mandala class (AM)

"Excellent instruction, and we’re both so happy with what we’ve made. Chrissy was a lovely instructor. Would highly recommend!"