Latest reviews

Iain reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I did this course having only occasionally used a wood lathe in an incorrect manner. I found Simon a very good teacher who very quickly helped to correct my mistakes. It is a nice airy workshop with good equipment. During the day I was able to learn how to correctly sharpen tools; learn how to do spindle turning and complete a finished bowl. The following day at home I managed to make my first solo bowl. I would definitely recommend Blended Monkey for woodturning courses. I feel I learnt an amazing amount in one day."

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

"Hi Iain, Thank you for a lovely review and so glad you learned so much and put it into practice straight away! Would love to see a photo of your bowl... Happy turning! -- Simon"

Clive reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"A great day. I couldn't believe what I had produced after just a few hours and Mat's patience and skills are limitless."

CHRIS. W reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Spring - Vale of Glamorgan

"Great introduction to dry stone walling. A lot of knowledge on offer, allowing you to take away a lot of information in two days. Looking forward to learning more, as they run more courses over the summer with different stone."

Margaret White reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed the Batik course with Melanie. This was a new craft to me and Melanie made the whole process easy and enjoyable and I came away with 2 pieces of art which I am proud to now have hanging on my wall. I would recommend this course as it was excellent. "

Nicky Settle reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"I would thoroughly recommend this course - Angie was an excellent and enthusiastic teacher. It was great to have such a small group and to see what each of us made over the 3 days. If I lived closer I would join the weekly classes. The cakes and biscuits were great as well."

Sally reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"A really brilliant course with just the right amount of teaching and letting you experiment. I came away inspired and wanting to do more! Melanie is a great teacher."

Amanda Whitefoot reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Lovely experience learning to throw a pot. Geoff was very good at explaining the technique and I would highly recommend "

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your review, Amanda. I'm glad you enjoyed the experience."

Fiona Butler reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a fantastic day learning about Glass Fusion. Lovely atmosphere and Melanie was the perfect tutor. Great location and lovely cake and refreshments too. Relaxing and creative and a super day out ! Thank you."

LornaF reviewed: Batik - hot wax full day workshop

"Cracking day, I really enjoyed it and would do it again. Jane was great, a good teacher and very patient. Providing help, advice and a near constant flow of tea or coffee. I wouldn’t describe myself as arty but went home with 2 very presentable pieces of work."

Jane’s Celebration Services responded:

"Hi Lorna, I’m so glad you enjoyed your day. Thank you for the lovely review. Jane"

MC reviewed: Parent + Child Carving - Sloyd Workshop

"Can't recommend this course enough! Shared a chilled Saturday afternoon with my 12 yr old son, learning by doing, in Max's peaceful garden workshop. Max is delightful company but also somehow manages to be completely relaxed and completely in control of things at the same time. I think there must be very few situations I would feel OK watching my son swinging an axe, but this was one of them! It was so enjoyable, and learning practical skills together felt like an easy, natural way to spend time with my growing son. Thanks so much Max! I really appreciate what you do. "

Max Sconyers III responded:

"Thanks MC! It was such a pleasure working with you and your son. What a great young man and great mum. You’re welcome back anytime. "

Alice reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"Many thanks Janet, Suzanne and Alan for a wonderful day! It was really fun to decorate the pots and be so involved in the process and then exciting to see the results and take them home! "

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review, so glad you enjoyed your day. Kind regards Janet, Alan and Suzanne "

Kim C reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"MartinMcAssey Glass is a wonderful arts training business. I’ve been learning stained glass with Kate for over 3 years and the classes have become an essential part of my week and life. The entire experience is wonderful for the mind, body and soul. I thoroughly recommend learning with Martin and Kate, who will enable you to fully express your inner creativity whilst giving professional, generous, insightful guidance, encouragement and support."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Jan reviewed: Mosaics Taster near Exeter, Devon

"Great time on this workshop and to take home something you can display - what a bonus. Definitely going to do some more. Thank you Denny for great instruction and not forgetting the lovely cake! "

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you Jan. You all did so well and I’m delighted to know you’ll be displaying your artwork! I look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes Denny"

Margaret Sparkes reviewed: Multi Colour Lino printing course

"Absolutely love this course. Evelyn is knowledgeable, encouraging and friendly and although I was slightly confused to start with she explained the process and with her help it all became clear and very enjoyable. I would highly recommend Evelyn and the course. "

Printmaking with Evelyn Polk responded:

"Thank you so much Margaret for the lovely review. I'm very glad that you are enjoying the course. All good wishes Evelyn "

Hamish reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Absolutely loved this! We visited Sarah as part of my mum’s 60th birthday celebrations. There were 5 of us and we all really enjoyed learning about the process and making our own pieces - it was very therapeutic. Sarah is very welcoming, patient and her set up is great - can’t recommend enough - we will be back for more! Thank you :)"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to meet you all and be part of the birthday celebrations! Thanks very much"

Tricia reviewed: SAORI Weaving Taster session

"Thank you so much Amanda for an enjoyable Taster Session on Saori weaving. The environment is conducive to learning and Amanda gave a comprehensive overview of this type of weaving and encouraged us to experiment even though we were all beginners. I came away with an unusual piece of cloth. The venue is centrally located , easy to find, 3 hrs free parking in most of car parks, if going on a Saturday go bit before 10 to be ahead of shoppers. A creative and enjoyable morning. Thank you. "

BEAUTIFULcloth SAORI Studio responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Tricia. I am so glad you enjoyed the Taster session and came away with some unique and lovely woven cloth."

Andrea Conning reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Having really enjoyed the one day Batik course I signed up for the 5 week course which has been a lovely relaxing experience. As I am not naturally artistic I really appreciated Melanie's help and the encouragement of the other participants. I produced two pieces of work I am very pleased with and I am looking forward to booking another course. Would highly recommend . "

Joanne PW reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had an absolutely fantastic day at Crafts in the Valley. The location is stunning and the Studio is a dream! Melanie is the best host and very knowledgeable in her arts and crafts. I produced 2 beautiful batik pieces that I was thoroughly pleased with, met some lovely like minded people and had cake and real coffee to boot! A 'Must Do' course. "

Judith reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"This was a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning. I thoroughly recommend it. I really enjoyed making the panels for my lantern and the jewellery and look forward to seeing the results once the items are fired. The workshop was well set out and Melanie is an excellent teacher. I have already booked another fused glass workshop."

Jan Erskine-Power reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Loved this course. Did the five week evening course and found the eagerly-anticipated sessions flew by. So much creative mindfulness and thrilled with the final result. Melanie is so supportive and welcoming. With her guidance and advice I was able to tackle a more ambitious piece and was also inspired by the lovely finished pieces she had coaxed out of the other participants. I love my time in the studio with Melanie and recommend her courses to all my friends. There is always great company, calm creativity and, of course, cake! Already booked my next course."

Neil Simpson reviewed: Watercolour - Landscapes and seascapes

"Excellent. Karen was very welcoming and happy to help with the project I wanted to pursue, rather than the one advertised ! "

DD reviewed: Kintsugi Course

"Brilliant course, very well explained and lots of help from the tutor. Thanks Richard!"

Watergild Studios responded:

"Thankyou Denise. Your warm and friendly participation helped make the day really special! ☺️ "

Carole Cheshire reviewed: Fused Glass Hearts Workshop

"Had a wonderful time learning how to fuse glass with Vanessa. She has great patience, provides inspiration and is very talented. The time flew by. You wont regret doing this workshop"

Phil White reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"Great experience with knowledgeable tutor. Would do it again. "

Lesley reviewed: Make At Home - Fused Glass Spring Flower Garden Kit

"My friend and I had a lovely afternoon making these kits. Great fun, different to anything else we do."