Latest reviews

Colin Kemp reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I felt I was not ready for an Intermediate One Day 1 to 1 Woodturning Course when my wife bought it for me, but I am very glad to have attended the course. From the outset, Simon put me at ease as we discussed woodturning in general, as well as my own experience and concerns, in particular. Simon informed me what we could do throughout the day, and we did. Simon has a good training environment and setup in his workshop which assisted me to draw the maximum from the day. He is an extremely capable trainer, with a great deal of woodturning experience and knowledge, who instructed me in a relaxed professional manner. He passed on both guidance and tips, including to stand even closer to the lathe and have the rest even closer to the wood, to good effect. He encouraged me to take away all that I had learned and put it into practice, which I intend to do. I very highly recommend this course to all woodturners who wish to improve their skills and knowledge, whilst drawing on the experience and guidance of a very capable professional and woodturning instructor. I look forward to attending another course run by Simon, in due course. "

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

"Hi Colin, Thanks for a lovely review; I’m so glad you enjoyed the session. Do get in touch if you have any questions or would like to take it further. — Simon"

Clair reviewed: Free motion embroidery

"Thank you so much for our Free motion embroidery course today, both Sarah and I really enjoyed it and learnt so much. Very informative and Cath was so friendly and made us feel at ease. We will definitely be looking to visit again. Thanks again "

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Hi Clair, had a lovely time teaching you both a new exciting skill which hopefully will enhance your makes. Look forward to seeing you again, Cath "

kathryn reviewed: Modern Punch Needle workshop

"A very enjoyable taster/beginner course. Caroline was very knowledgeable and enthusing. It was a lovely group of people and the venue catered well for us all. Thank you."

The Galleria- Burton Latimer responded:

"Thank you very much, hopefully we will see you again soon "

Charlotte parsons reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"Absolutely fantastic. Amazing course, lots of options and plenty of material and tools. So much to learn and lots of fantastic tips, help & advice. 100% recommend this to anyone you will not be disappointed. Such a warm welcome 🥰"

Mya Designs responded:

"Ahh what a smashing review, Charlotte, thanks so much! Yes, I agree that it does make a difference to have face to face tuition so you can learn different ways to use various tools and inexpensive options. You both did amazing with your projects and your mum achieved how to make sliding knots for her creation too. I'm so glad you got a lot out of this course and do get in touch if you need a reminder on anything. Keep on crafting Kami xx"

Tracey Reynolds reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery throwing workshop

"After watching the Great pottery throw down we thought we’d like to have a go but never got round to it. However we found Blended Monkey after my partner, 54, suffered a stroke and thought it would be a great way to have some fun alongside rehabilitation with their expertise with working with stroke survivors. Louise is amazing, welcoming, patient and encouraging. Great tuition as we were complete novices. We had a wonderful afternoon, full of laughter, plenty of tea and biscuits. We won’t win any prizes for our efforts but thoroughly enjoyed having a go. Can’t recommend highly enough and thank Louise for a brilliant time. "

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

"It was fab having you guys in the ceramics studio. I'm really pleased you both enjoyed your session and that you found it fun as well as creative. It's never a chore to have nice people like you guys in the studio :-). Thanks for the lovely review!"

Linda Lillig reviewed: Organic Skincare Workshop 2 Attendees £90 per person

"Spent a very informative day with Allison, she was very enthusiastic about her subject and was keen for us to enjoy our day, which we did, thank you! Made a facial oil, face cream and balm and a toner. I particularly like the face cream we made, it has really soothed my quite sensitive skin. I hope to be able to replicate the formula again! Was a real eye opener to see that it is perfectly possible to make lovely organic products at home, with not too much equipment. Thank you Allison! "

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Linda, Thank you so much for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both and I'm so pleased your moisturiser has been successful in helping to soothe your skin. Don't forget, if you need any help recreating your products do drop me a message. Best Wishes Allison 💚"

Sally reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Really enjoyed the course, despite some ups and downs I’m chuffed with the end results…more physical than I imagined.. could have done with bringing an old cushion!"

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thank you Sally for taking the time to write such a kind review and for making the weekend so enjoyable, regards Jonathon"

Laura reviewed: Glass Fusing for Beginners - Flowers or Meadows Curved Art Half-day Class

"Absolutely wonderful, friendly people, well taught, fun and interesting. Really highly recommend. "

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for joining us Laura - it was a pleasure teaching you and we hope to see you at the studio again sometime. Kr Jenny"

Anna reviewed: Felt Slippers

"I really enjoyed the course and I'm delighted with my slippers - thank you once again for an excellent course."

Josie reviewed: Felt Slippers

"Fantastic couple of days with excellent friendly tuition producing some lovely felt slippers. Really enjoyable, easy to find location and brilliant creative teacher. Highly recommend."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great to hear you enjoyed the weekend workshop - loved your slipper design. "

Shirley reviewed: Felt Slippers

"It's been a very fun and informative learning experience. Inspiring and friendly environment."

Wendy reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Thanks very much for your help in taking me from a nervous beginner to feeling able to attempt my own design for a pair of silver earrings in the afternoon. You may have helped banish the left over fears from metalwork lessons at school. Never thought I’d be filing, soldering and polishing! Despite coming on my own and joining three other ladies for the class the small individualised setting makes it a nice learning environment. The day zoomed by as you get so engrossed in what you’re doing and learning. I’m quite proud of my creations even if they aren’t quite perfect! "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you, Wendy for your very kind words. It was a pleasure to meet you and help you develop your skills. I hope you are getting plenty of admiring remarks about your hand made silver earrings and you are always welcome back. Well done! Jonathan"

L. Robinson reviewed: Felt Slippers

"Absolutely fantastic course! Emma is very knowledgeable and inspirational. Thank you. Can't wait for the next adventure."

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great News! Glad you enjoyed the experience - loved your slippers and look forward to see how you embellish the sheep details."

Thomas Douglas reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"A brilliant way to spend a day! Our instructor Steve was really insightful and the whole experience was just fantastic. Not only did I leave with a lovely spoon but also a bunch of great tips and tricks for any future carvings. "

Northern Wood Monkey responded:

"Hi Thomas. So glad that you enjoyed the day and you should be proud of your spoon too, some great creative carving went on. "

Fabian reviewed: Introduction to MIG welding and metal fabrication for artists, Diy'ers and furniture makers

"Very enjoyable day with Conan, and a great way to get an introduction to welding. Also got to walk away with some little projects of our own, can recommend for sure. "

Conan Sturdy, Blacksmith responded:

"Hi Fabian, was great to have you and the guys down. You were all welding pretty well by the end of the day and you nailed the basics and can weld things together in your workshop. If you've got any questions in the future drop me a line 😊✌️"

Wendy T reviewed: Free Motion Sewing/Applique - 2:1 course

"Had a great day learning from Caroline. Lots of info but plenty of time to practice techniques. Caroline was very supportive and encouraging. Came away with some finished products and lists of enthusiasm to take free motion embroidery further. Well worth the cost, thanks."

A girl in her shed responded:

"Thank you Wendy. It was lovely to have you both over for the lesson. Hope to see lots more of your work."

Rachael and Cat! reviewed: Jewellery design workshop - silver pendant or silver earrings

"Wow what great three hours we spent with Sheila (and Jodie her fabulous Cocker) in her great studio. Sheila taught us well and had us make unique earrings. Sheila helped us quickly develop our design ideas and adapted - tutoring us according to our competence. Snacks and caffeine in abundance in a relaxing atmosphere. *Jodie the cocker only present at our request for anyone who isn’t keen on dogs!"

Sheila Roussel Jewellery Design responded:

"Hi Rachael and Cat Your earrings worked out really well and it was nice to see you wearing them too. Good to know that you enjoyed your workshop. Jody missed you both after you left! Hope you had a safe trip home. "

Elaine Green reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Excellent course. Very well structured with plenty of advice and guidance from Olivia who is very friendly and helpful. I had never tried linoprint before but was carefully guided through every stage. The results from our group were amazing and I know everyone had a great experience. I will be encouraging my friends to attend one of Olivia's courses and will no doubt return myself at some stage!"

Joanna Forbes L'Estrange reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"A really lovely way to spend a morning and I came away with a new skill as well as three beautiful, homemade candles. The only negative feedback is that the hall was freezing cold (even though the heating was on!) "

Lucy reviewed: Simple Frame Basket with Windrush Willow

"A wonderful course, really good teachers with lots of knowledge. It was a really lovely day and I love my basket, I'm going to make more! "

Windrush Willow responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind comments. Regards Sue & Richard"

Sue Parsons reviewed: Furzie's Needle Felt Workshop - Somerset

"My sister and I had a lovely day needlefelting at Michelle's workshop on Saturday, learnt lots with some other lovely ladies. Michelle was very patient and nothing was too much trouble, would highly recommend, will do another one and her book is excellent !"

Furzie responded:

"Thanks Sue! What a shame we can't review students - you, your sister and the other ladies were all lovely and great company!"

Seasn Costello reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"Would not hesitate to recommend. A lovely relaxed but interesting and informative day. Steve is an excellent teacher and his skill and enthusiasm shines through. Nice coffee as well. 👍"

Northern Wood Monkey responded:

"Thanks Sean, so glad that you enjoyed the day, and headed home with a great spoon too. No day is complete without coffee!"

nicholas john wright reviewed: Soap making course with Goat Milk

"Very helpful"

Annette reviewed: Introduction to Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea in Lincolnshire

"I attended Sharon's soap making workshop on the 20th January this year and everything about the workshop was enjoyable, informative and relaxed. Sharon's demonstration of soap making was easy to follow. The safety aspect of making soap was also well covered. We were provided with gloves, aprons and goggles to protect ourselves from any splashes. Besides the various oils for the actual soap making, there was a very generous choice of colourants, materials were provided that could be used as exfoliants and there was a wonderful supply of carefully chosen essential oils and fragrance oils suitable for soap making. The afternoon tea/lunch was impressive with sandwiches, freshly made scones with jam and cream and a freshly made carrot cake as well. Millionaires short bread, and tea or coffee finished off the meal nicely. I found the whole process enjoyable and would attend Sharon's workshops again. The attention to detail was greatly appreciated in both the soap making workshop and the delicious afternoon tea."

Beehive Wellbeing responded:

"Annette That is the most fabulous review to receive, thank you so much. I am absolutely blown away and you have provided such detail. We work really hard to make sure all our workshops are a fabulous experience and receiving 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ is amazing. Hopefully we will see you in another workshop or class soon. Sharon"

Wendy Cotier reviewed: Terrarium Workshop with Glass Gardens London in Ealing Broadway

"Took this course yesterday. Really enjoyed it and a lovely terrarium to take home. Emily was great, really friendly and instructive. Venue was centrally placed in Ealing and suited the course, as it was in a beautiful flower shop. Materials all supplied and different types of materials had their purpose explained. Would thoroughly recommend for a lovely, relaxing evening "