Latest reviews

Nicky reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"We had a fun day both listening to Nigel sharing his life experiences and learning basic blacksmithing forging skills from his wealth of knowledge. Making your own creative tools has a certain sense of achievement, and Nigel is so supportive guiding you through each process. You don't have to be creative or talented to enjoy the day, just up for trying something new that's a bit different. "

Martin Staniforth reviewed: Portrait sculpture in clay

"Not all sculptors can teach. Not all teachers can sculpt. Luke does both in a way that reassures while also stretching confidence and ability. This course was a really useful springboard for my own sculptural practice."

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Martin. I often use an image of you with the clay sculpture you made in my publicity because it shows the passion you have for the work. "

Lyn Harris reviewed: Batik - hot wax full day workshop

"Spent a very enjoyable day with Jane on a Batik hot wax course and came away with 2 cards and a picture. Jane is very knowledgeable, explained everything very clearly and is incredibly patient (makes a delicious cake too!) Thank you Jane"

Jane’s Celebration Services responded:

"Thank you Lyn for a lovely day. It was a joy to meet you both and so glad you enjoyed your day. Your Japanese tile design worked very well. As for the cake , well that’s Mary Berry, she never lets me down. Hopefully I’ll see you both again soon. "

Paul reviewed: Box making for beginners

"I had a very enjoyable day learning how to make a wooden box. Andrew was very informative and helpful and gave me a huge amount of confidence."

WoodWorker responded:

"Thxs Paul, glad you had a good day, enjoy your box, have a great time with further woodworking endeavours. Andrew "

Jenny reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop Lechlade The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Have had a fantastic day making silver clay jewellery. Lovely venue, and Karen was a very friendly, excellent tutor. Have already booked another course "

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your day and that you are inspired to do more. See you soon!"

Rhoda Allison reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I would highly recommend this course- I’ve been twice. Matt is a great teacher- patient, knowledgeable but it’s also a great venue surrounded by Matt's work for inspiration. You have the opportunity to design your own project so you can be as creative as you like. "

Jan de klein reviewed: Willow Weaving – Laundry Basket

"It felt like doing a course together with a group of friends in a comfortable convenient space. We learned some pretty neat basking weaving ways. We had a wonderful time working away, patiently pushed in the right direction by our friend Jane and provided with tea and coffee by Denmark Farm . "

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Hello Jan, Thank you for coming to weave willow with us and for your kind review. Hope to see you and family again soon."

Jason reviewed: Willow Weaving – Laundry Basket

"I really enjoyed this course and would definitely recommend it! Jane is a brilliant teacher, very clear and easy to understand and wasn't fazed by my multiple questions! We were all able to also add our own extra to our baskets, making each one personal to us, so you're not stuck to a rigid template. I'm pretty proud of the final product and look forward to using it for years to come!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Many thanks Jason, You made a beautiful basket and you should be proud. Thank you also for all your support for our charity. "

Susan Smith reviewed: Fused glass 'create' workshop

"My daughters and I had a brilliant afternoon doing the Fused glass ‘create’ workshop with Kathryn. Kathryn and her team were all so helpful, we could make whatever we wanted and had everything we needed to use. Glad we had done a little research into what to do before we went, there’s so much choice . Would highly recommend this workshop, even for someone who has never done fused glass before (we had only ever done it once before). Loved the relaxed atmosphere and looking forward to receiving the things we made. Keeping my fingers crossed Kathryn will be able to do some workshops near to where I live in the future. Thanks for a great afternoon."

Kelly reviewed: Sew and Make a Mini Messenger Bag Ages 8-15 years Cottingham

"My 9 year old recently attended and thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills. She was so proud to show off her bag which she had created and tell us all about the new skills she had learnt. She can't wait to attend again would highly recommend "

Thread and Press responded:

"Ah thank you Kelly, it was lovely to meet you both, so glad she enjoyed it :)"

Zoë Rebecca reviewed: Whittling Workshop

"My husband and I came along to the wood whittling course and loved it. Taking place in the woodland, there was a calm and relaxing atmosphere and spaces on each course are limited to ensure intimacy which reflects this. This also enabled Matt and Emma to be able to attend to the group and help us when needed. You could make something from the examples on the table or bring your own idea which they were open to support with. We came to the course as complete novices and left having ordered our own whittling knives and gloves to try at home, thank you so much! "

Fiona reviewed: Sew and Make a Pencil Case 8 - 13 years Allerthorpe/Pocklington

"My 12 year old daughter loves Holly's sewing and craft classes. This week she has returned home with a fully lined pencil case with zip and she is very pleased with her achievements. Holly is a brilliant teacher! "

Thread and Press responded:

"Thank you Fiona, it was great to see her again, I loved her design :) "

Jo reviewed: Sew and Make a Pencil Case 8 - 13 years Allerthorpe/Pocklington

"Great session, my daughter really enjoyed this. Fun and educational. Looking forward to future sessions. "

Thread and Press responded:

"Thank you Jo :)"

Tricia Penny reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"My daughter and I loved this course. We made pots in the morning with Chris and were very proud of our achievements. After a delicious lunch we spent the afternoon with Sarah in her glass workshop creating colourful glasswork. We are excited to see the final results when they have been fired and would highly recommend this course. Thanks to Sarah and Chris for a brilliant day!"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to meet you both! Your masterpieces are all successfully out of the kilns, many thanks, Sarah"

Michelle Frost reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"Thank you Sarah for an amazing day. You put Millie at ease and you have amazing teaching skills (Millie would love to see you become a teacher ☺️) it was just a brilliant way for her to clement her love for making jewellery and enrol in an arts and crafts course at college. I can’t recommend this course enough whether it’s for a treat or hobby. A truly wonderful and friendly lady, thank you 😊"

Trish Montgomery reviewed: 2 Hour Pinch Jug Pottery Course

"Brilliant instruction and great fun 🤩 "

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Trish, thank you for taking the time to leave a review about your experience. I look forward to seeing you for another workshop in the near future. Best wishes Mat"

Nigel Little reviewed: Willow Weaving – Laundry Basket

"The course was hosted wondefully by Mara at Denmark Farm, the facilities and accomodation were excellent and the course tutor, Jane Welsh, was an inspirational teacher. She was able to give each participant in the group the input they needed despite there being a differing range of abilities and experience. I shall definitely be booking another experience at Denmark Farm. Thank you Mara and Jane!"

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you Nigel, It was great to meet you and see your wonderful basket be created. Many thanks for your kind review and looking forward to seeing you again soon. "

Per Hall reviewed: Portrait sculpture in clay

"Luke's teaching is inspirational. From a standing start with no previous art or sculpture experience, with his expert guidance and refined approach I was astonished at my first ever "Head"! Even the dog was impressed when unveiled at home - backing across the kitchen barking! Now some years later I am heading back to do the course again for a post Covid "tune up" so I can get back in the groove!"

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Thanks Per...you know about 40% of the people who book on my courses have been before and want the "tune up". It will be great to see you again and delve further. Could you ask your dog if he'd also write me a review? Sounds like he was impressed! "

Snezana Floyer reviewed: Shoemaking workshop

"This was an interesting experience. Kate was lovely and very encouraging as we went through the steps for making our shoes. I was a little slow but Kate was very patient and, although I took longer over the time we had, Kate was very understanding and allowed me to continue without making me feel guilty or uncomfortable. Thank you Kate. "

Gaia Gifts responded:

"Thank you for a lovely review! I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and well done for making your first pair of shoes. "

Marilyn Wood reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Lindsey was an excellent mosaic tutor, explaining every step of the process clearly. I was a complete beginner so was delighted when I produced a piece of work good enough to display on my shelf! It was very enjoyable talking to the other participants and seeing the variety of mosaics they made. Lindsey gave us a fact sheet with names of suppliers, and I have already bought some tile nippers and grouting in preparation for my broken stained glass project. This course gave me the practical skills and confidence to forge ahead with this."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for the fantastic review, Marilyn. It was lovely to meet you and I am so pleased that the workshop has given you the confidence to attempt your glass project!"

David Graham reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"This was a great course, making a beautiful craft built functioning longbow from scratch over a weekend. And leaving on the Sunday with such a thing of beauty and power in your hands is far more valuable than the cost of the course. We received patient step by step instruction and guidance with full explanation by Gavin and Tom at all stages. And it was a real pleasure to get to know them and the lovely group of people that were my comrades on the course. Thoroughly recommend it."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind words and we are delighted you enjoyed the weekend. Happy shooting"

Sonia Blakeley reviewed: Willow Weaving – ‘Alibaba’ Linen Basket

"Tremendous workshop! As an enthusiastic and complete novice I was stretched, challenged but equally supported to achieve great things and came home with a wonderful willow basket. We were inducted into a complexity of willow weaving skills and somehow supported to pull it off in two days. I couldn't be more pleased."

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you for joining us Sonia. Very happy that you are so pleased with your basket. Look forward to seeing you and Mary again soon. "

Paul Dixon reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Really enjoyed the week and very proud of what I was able to create. Brilliant setup and just the right amount of "supervision". Thanks Mark and see you next year for course 2."

Donna Rose reviewed: Fabric Dyeing

"It is one of the best courses that I have attended. Jen was a fabulous tutor and made us feel immediately welcome. Over the 2 days we made samples using many different techniques. I came home with lots of lovely work and have been inspired to carry on dyeing!"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Donna for your lovely review! It was a great couple of days in the studio and I'm so pleased you are going to do more dyeing - your pieces were gorgeous - I'm going to dye some t-shirts today! Thanks again, Jen "

Dorian Hobday reviewed: Portrait sculpture in clay

"I've studied under Luke in a sculpture course he has run in London. The framework and content of his teaching is excellent, as is the way he communicates with learners. He has warm manner and a calm supportive energy. I would thoroughly recommend any course he is running. "

Luke Shepherd responded:

"Hi Dorian. Thanks for your 5* review. The Sculpture for Surgeons Course I teach in London is very similar in content to the Portrait Sculpture Course. The emphasis is on looking, observing and seeing clearly. The majority of plastic surgeons do not have any previous sculpture training. It's wonderful however to hear how their surgery can be enhanced because of their better understanding of facial forms. I never dreamt I would work at such a level with both junior and consultant surgeons and to be able to meet their needs through my work with sculpture. "