Latest reviews

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."

Dave Rooney reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Was a great experience. Very informative and really a brand new experience. Both guys made sure that I knew what I was doing and that I was safe. I have really caught the bug."

Stephanie Copson reviewed: Stained Glass course

"We really enjoyed the course. Keith explained what we needed to do and was on hand to assist when needed. We felt the course was well worth the money. Thank you Keith "

Antique and Period Glassworks responded:

"Thanks Stephanie, these reviews really help. It was a fun day, hope you enjoyed the glass blowing 👍"

Maria reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"5* experience! This family trio are knowledgeable and entertaining! Their enthusiasm for bladesmithing and practical experience provide you with a wealth of tricks, tips and techniques guiding you to create a wonderful crafted knife and sheath. They are so approachable if you’re struggling, need a helping hand or clarification. This was for my son, and what he has accomplished in two sessions is incredible, the positive feedback on his work boosted his confidence and self esteem. Everyone is definitely taking home a piece they can be proud of! Lovely, really informative sessions with the knowledge of why and how things are done, with brilliant lunch and snacks- totally recommend! "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks for your comments Maria. Ruben's knife was very good and I'm sure it will serve him well for many years."

Brian reviewed: Gosport: Beginners Nib Calligraphy

"What a really enjoyable experience. Tutor was very friendly and knowledgeable and was able to teach the basics of the course. Time passed really quickly, l would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in Modern Calligraphy."

The Modern Calligraphy Company responded:

"Hi Brian, Thankyou so much for your lovely feedback. We are so pleased you enjoyed our workshop and we look forward to welcoming you back sometime soon. We will pass on your kind words to your tutor. Best wishes The Modern Calligraphy Co Team.."

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

"Great fun- learned so much and even got to make something genuinely useful! "

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

"Hi Simon, So glad you enjoyed the day. Do get in touch if you need any further assistance. — Simon"

Jen reviewed: Half day woodturning experience for 2

"My husband and I attended a half-day wood turning workshop to celebrate our 5th (wooden) wedding anniversary, and it was absolutely brilliant! The workshop was led by Chris, who was an exceptional tutor. His extensive knowledge and encouraging demeanor made the experience both educational and enjoyable. As complete novices, the workshop setup was perfect, providing everything we needed to catch the wood turning bug. Chris guided us through each step with patience and expertise, ensuring we felt confident and capable. By the end of the day, we had crafted two beautiful bowls, a tangible reminder of a fantastic experience. We can't recommend this workshop enough—it's a must-try for anyone interested in wood turning. Thank you, Chris, for making our anniversary so special!"

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Jen & David It was an absolute pleasure to have you both in my workshop. Really glad I could contribute to your special day. Happy anniversary 🎉 Chris "

Julia Crumpton reviewed: Willow Weaving ‘Pheasant’ Workshop

"I had a lovely time making a pheasant. Jane was very informative, relaxed and helpful throughout the day. I’d definitely look to book another course in the future. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Maria reviewed: Abstracting the Landscape in Acrylics - Workshop

"Great experience. Excellent teacher, easy to talk to and I learnt a lot. Thank you."

Paint What You Feel with Lynn Keddie responded:

"Thanks Maria, I really enjoyed working with you. Your art is lovely!"

Gillian Hedger reviewed: Abstracting the Landscape in Acrylics - Workshop

"Fantastic day I learnt so much and am now not worried about using acrylics. Would thoroughly recommend Lynn as a tutor. "

Paint What You Feel with Lynn Keddie responded:

"Thanks Gillian, I think you'll really love acrylics once you get used to them. They are so versatile. Enjoy experimenting!"

Charlie Wootton reviewed: Art clay silver

"A brilliant course being easy to follow and making some lovely unique pieces. Also given me the confidence to be able to recreate silver clay jewellery at home. I would highly recommend."

Glenda Devereux reviewed: Beaded heart hanger with Judith from Beaded Wirecrafts

"Wonderful experience. Nice to create with other like minded people. "

Judy Nichols reviewed: Botanical Mono Printing Class

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Good, clear instruction from friendly and informative tutor. It was lovely to be able to create prints to take home."

Printmaking with Evelyn Polk responded:

"Thank you for the kind review Judy. All the best Evelyn "

Judy Nichols reviewed: Art clay silver

"I really enjoyed the course. Friendly, informative host. It was lovely to be able to leave with items of jewellery that we had made! "

Julie Hulme reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"Fabulous way to spend a Saturday afternoon… patient, expert tutor in purpose built surroundings. Thank you, had a great time… good luck in your new career."