Latest reviews

Jayne and Richard reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"We had a great day learning some basic blacksmithing skills with Alex. I liked his emphasis on safety in what is a pretty alien environment for us but also his enthusiasm and attentiveness as a teacher. He was very patient despite my pretty appalling hand eye coordination! I'd definitely recommend this as an experience. You’ll be proud of what you make and will have a tiring but fun day out. "

Dave Cook reviewed: Pole Lathe Turning at Sallerton Wood

"I attended this 2 day pole lathe course with reservation as I had no idea what to expect apart from the course on line brief. I needn't have worried, Andy's relaxed teaching strategy put me at ease within a couple of minutes. His knowledge of all things wood is limitless and he guided the course in a flowing structured order, with a constant injection of personal tuition. I was able to immerse myself in the isolated woodland area which, in itself was an amazing feeling of wellbeing aside from the pure enjoyment of the course content. There was also no pressure or obligation to achieve a final goal and one could absorb and deliver results at a personal pace. A huge thank you to Andy for his expertise and good company."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Dave, for your very positive and thoughful review. It's great that you really enjoyed the course and you felt that you were put at ease by Andy's tuition. Thanks for your comments too about the woodland environment and your sense of wellbeing whilst there. We hope to see you again at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future if you choose to visit us again for another course. "

Lucinda Weis reviewed: Natural dyeing course in Pembrokeshire

"The course was wonderful. We felt like alchemists or witches as we toiled over saucepans filled with boiling concoctions made from freshly foraged plants! It was incredible to see the different colours emerging on the different yarns. Susan was fantastic. Her instructions and guidance were clear and she was very patient! She was very generous with her ideas and support. Definitely to be recommended. "

Susan Martin responded:

"I’m delighted you enjoyed the experience. Have fun with the samples you made and I hope the fleece felts well. "

Christian Walker reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Peter’s Introduction to Green Woodworking course surpassed my expectations and I can’t recommend it highly enough. The participants (a lovely bunch) had a range of experience and skill levels but everybody came away with a unique, beautiful piece of furniture, feeling inspired and most importantly a huge grin on their face! I booked the course for myself and my Dad to do together as his birthday present. It was perfect as there were lots of opportunities to help each other whilst being able to focus on our own skills and projects. We’ve done lots of construction projects together before but this was by far the most special experience we’ve shared. Be prepared for quite a fast pace of learning and work, Peter and his excellent assistant Toby managed to squeeze a lot into two days. There was a lovely, relaxed and friendly atmosphere but we needed to push ourselves and focus to get the most out of it. We felt like this made it all the more rewarding in the end though, and necessary to achieve something we are really proud of. Thank you Peter and Toby (and Stefan the work experience student!) for an incredible couple of days. We’re already talking about returning one day!"

Louise & Rob reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Thanks to Jon we had a fabulous enjoyable day on this course. We started off by making pebbles to learn the basics, then went on to make a paper weight, Christmas baubles and vases. Jon even went above and beyond to help recreate an elephant from a previous glass blowing experience onboard a cruise ship which was from our recent holiday, this wasn’t on the list but we thank him very much and how accommodating he was with this. Jon provided snacks and refreshments throughout the day and even found a no cheese pizza for lunch due to a dietary preference, (didn’t even know we could buy them) another example of Jon’s attention to detail, lunch was also the perfect setting in a seating area outside the workshop viewing the Mill. Thank you so much for our day with you to help celebrate the start of 50th birthday celebrations. Would love to return some day and then who knows what we might be making 😀 Highly recommend this to anyone it is an amazing day."

Mark Savage reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"This is the second time that we have done this course. Kate is a great teacher; from teaching the basics of glass cutting and grinding, to applying the foil and soldering. She is very encouraging and reassuring when things don't go to plan. At the same time we could do things at our own pace and make our own creations. I have recommended this day to lots of people. The cafe round the corner is a great place to have a quick lunch. It’s a busy day! "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the nice review, we hope you come back for another workshop soon."

Janet reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"I had a most enjoyable time. Jude was an excellent teacher and good company. I am thrilled with my ring and bracelet. "

Angela reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"Richard created a fantastic day for our small group of 6 people. He is a seasoned teacher, seamlessly moving between explaining the techniques to novices (me) as well as answering detailed technical questions from very experienced potters (my friend). I was delighted to come away from the day with 4 vessels to display at home. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, I'm keen to return. "

Potterydayz responded:

"A pleasure to spend time Rakuing with you recently. I look forward to seeing you here again at Potterydayz. "

Lilias Munro reviewed: Make a leather dog collar or lead with Cazzy, a qualified saddler

"I had a wonderful afternoon with Cazzie learning how to make a dog collar. Cazzie is very knowledgeable, patient, generous with her time and makes you feel right at home. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to know more about leatherwork."

Strapped Leather responded:

"Thank you!! Absolutely loved our afternoon xx"

Moi reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"Lovely experience, Vicki is a great and patient teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed the course and the lunch. Thank you"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Moi, many thanks for your kind words, they are appreciated. Hopefully the techniques learnt will help in the future - especially with the door panel! All the best Vicky"

Christine Briggs reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop

"Fabulous, informative and fun course; learned about history of aromatherapy, its uses, how it's used in reflexology and then we created our own totally gorgeous blend of oils which we got to take home. It was especially fun doing the smell quiz! Loved Catherine's friendly teaching style and appreciated the tea and biscuits! Highly recommend."

Arts a Flutter responded:

"Thanks Christine, it was a pleasure teaching you. And I hope you carry on your Aromatherapy journey. Regards Catherine"

Amber and Max reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Really good course. Teaching and explanation were excellent. Very attentive instructor who even went the extra mile to help make a specific type of knife. Would recommend. "

Michele Gray reviewed: Landscape quilts workshop

"I had a lovely day in creating a landscape quilt picture, with lots of tips and examples for inspiration. It was nice to be able to spend the days amongst other keen quilters. "

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments Michele. It was a pleasure to work with you and I hope you will send me a photo of the completed wall hanging. Jacqueline "

Shirley reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"What a fabulous couple of hours, made six pots and all were passable, Pat was brilliant, very patient and explained it all so that I could get on the wheel and make something almost straight away. Wish I lived closer so that I could do it again."

Pat Southwood responded:

"Hi Shirley, you did so well! I will contact you as soon as they are ready and we can sort out delivery/collection. Pat. "

Juan reviewed: Introduction to woodworking in the grassington area

"Top notch. Great introduction to woodworking by a knowledgeable teacher. 1: 1 tuition on the day. Would recommend it to anyone considering woodworking ."

Bev Carruthers reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North East Wales

"What a great workshop! Dave was a very thorough and friendly tutor. I enjoyed every minute, so much so that I booked the Improvers workshop as soon as I got home! I can highly recommend to anyone who has an interest in pastels."

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you so much, Bev, for being a great student and for this kind review! I'm glad that you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you at the improvers workshop in the Autumn."

Helen Pridmore reviewed: Metal embossing foil DIY wreath kit

"I haven’t made the kit up yet and am saving it until later in the year to make an Autumn wreath. I’ve had a peep and it all looks lovely. Beautifully packaged. Very good communication with the seller. "

Karen Hallett reviewed: Creative Stitch - Free-motion Machine Embroidery Cottingham

"This was the first course I had ever taken. Holly was lovely and guided us each step of the way to complete our creative pieces. I learned lots and am now intending to book onto another of Holly's courses later in the year."

Hugh Taylor reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"An excellent short course in the joys of green woodworking in a beautiful woodland. The time flew past and we had to finish all too quickly. Great company, environment and superb tuition. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who wishes to try a very practical craft. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, Hugh, for your kind words about the course, and for your recommendation. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the course tuition, the woodland environment, and the company of the others participating in the course. We look forward to your return to Sallerton Wood to do another course with us."

Finn Conway reviewed: 2 Day Introduction to Letter Cutting in Stone

"A fantastically enjoyable weekend with an excellent (and very patient) instructor in Tom Ball! Highly recommended for anyone even vaguely interested in letter-cutting—no matter how funky and obscure the alphabet."

Jayne reviewed: Silver clay taster workshop

"Me and my daughter attended the beginners course. Ana was an excellent tutor and made us feel welcome from the minute we walked into the studio. She explained everything in detail and you can tell she is passionate about the jewellery she makes. We couldn’t believe what beautiful pieces of jewellery we made and brought home. We will definitely be back. "

A CAT Jewellery responded:

"Hello Jayne, Thank you so much for your great review. It was so lovely to meet you and Gemma. Two very talented ladies with great potential. It was an enormous pleasure to share my experiences and knowledge with you. Kind regards Ana"

Jonathan reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"What an amazing experience! Ricky was very patient and took time to take us through all the steps of glassblowing. Would highly recommend this class. Ricky made us feel welcome and at peace. If you’re looking for some fun, education and an amazing experience, Glassblowing with Ricky is for you!"

Colum Linnane reviewed: Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide

"Myself and my girlfriend took this course. It was brilliant from start to finish and we left with some very professional looking products. Neither of us had worked with chocolate before and Margaret made it easy. Very knowledgeable, and an excellent teacher. Thanks Margaret and to you too Keith. Colum and Ling"

Deana Kirk reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"5* to Paul for every aspect of this course. Was kind, friendly, informative and very good teaching us on both how to complete our fused glass piece and on other techniques in various glass projects. Would recommend Paul and this course and will definitely be attending a revisit to Paul and his studio ."

Ella reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Judith’s Lino printing day course was great! She clearly has lots of knowledge and passion for printing, the materials were well organised, and guidance from her was very clear. Thanks Judith!"

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Ella, it was great to spend the day with you and I loved your geological/volcano prints with their personal connection. I hope you continue to Lino Print!"