Latest reviews

Pete Kelson reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"Simply perfect. Two days of woodturning bliss. Andy is the best. I am a complete woodturning virgin. Haven't even got a lathe (yet). Andy was so patient. Constructed the 2 days in such a way that I followed it all. Couldn't get enough of it. Andy made the art of woodturning comprehensible to me. And tea and lunch with Mary and Angus was a fantastic bonus too. This course was worth every penny. Life enhancing. Thanks Andy, I'm a happy man. "

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for that lovely feedback Pete , the last two days have been great Looking forward to seeing you again Andy Mary Angus x"

Sarah reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Workshop - 121 OR for 2 (with a friend)

"I bought this course for my Mum for a birthday gift, she said " I had a lovely day with Ruth, she was very Friendly, knowledgable and kind. I had a 1;1 session and thoroughly enjoyed the day, Ruth made me feel welcome and guided me through the process of creating a tiffany recreation, she even complimented my abilities and said I was a natural haha!. What a great way to spend a day and such a great gift. I highly recommend the course and would love to go again. Thank you Ruth" "

Blue Skies Glass Studio responded:

"Thank you both so much! 😁"

Hilary reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Weaving for Beginners - Day Course in Winchelsea

"Marianne is a very skilled basket weaver and glad to pass the traditional skills on. I enjoyed her course very much and she is a kind and patient teacher. I'm delighted with the basket I made with her help, which will last me decades."

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Hilary! With each course you took part in, you set yourself a tremendous challenge; as an example, not to just make a basket, but to make an oval foraging basket in a day. The message in your email I'm also very grateful for, where you say: "I so enjoyed Marianne's basket-weaving one day workshops that I have now done three! Marianne is very patient and knowledgeable. She took the time to ensure I went home with 3 beautiful strong baskets that I'll love using forever! I now have the skills to try a simple one on my own and I've already made a Catalan platter." Hopefully our paths will cross again this new year, perhaps for a plant support course. All the very best for now! Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Sue Broadbent reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"What a great experience, Dina and her Mum who helps but is also very experienced were both super. There were 9 of us in the workshop and it was a perfect number. Very good at explaining and helping - great when asking for advice and very hospitable when it came to tea and cakes - fabulous. I actually can't believe that I could produce something so lovely the first time I tried it... I will definitely sign up again - it's kind of addictive!"

Joe Flitton reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"Just had a great day making mail with Phil! Didn't know what to expect but Phil had a great balance of being knowledgeable, helpful and fun with some great training skills! The session talked us through the history, gave us a go at making rings, riveting and finally putting together some chain mail. I really feared it was going to be frustrating, but Phil kept us going through advice, support and good humour! Highly recommended for people interested in trying out a rare craft skill, or anyone who is a bit of a history nerd! "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks for the review Joe, was great to meet you and your friends, thoroughly enjoyed the interaction and laughs throughout the day."

Rose reviewed: Spoon Carving - Slojd Workshop

"As a complete beginner this is a great course! Max explained each step and not just how to do something but the reason why we were doing it too. We really did go from a piece of wood to a spoon! Learnt how to use different tools, including axe work (that other courses I've looked at haven't had the opportunity to use). Max showed us step by step and let us move at our own pace. It was a very relaxing and positive environment, everyone had freedom to make different designs and everyone came away with a successful spoon! Would definitely recommend, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be coming back to make another! Thank you Max!"

Rae reviewed: Blacksmithing - Axe Making

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable day making the axe with Sandy. Would endorse this course for others. "

David reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"After forging a knife, makimg the handle and knife pins, I needed to finish it off with a sheath! I'll be honest, I was worried bringing a knife to a leather making course would be frowned upon, but Kingsley was incredibly understanding and welcoming. I was fortunate to have a 1-on-1 session, as the workshop had only recently relocated, which gave us time to talk. Kingsley is not only knowledgeable but had more than enough skill to put even my mistakes right. I highly recommend this course, whether you are a complete novice, like I am, or a seasoned hobbyist. Thanks for the amazing day."

Louise B reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Received the course as a surprise but very welcome gift. Never worked with stone before but felt reassured from the first contact with Sebastian that I’d be able to make something meaningful to me. Sebastian is an encouraging and expert presence, always available for advice, with a knack for spotting just what help is needed and when. The small group size was perfect and sociable. All equipment was provided. Hot drinks and log burner were warm and comfortable on the coldest of days. Beautiful setting, relaxed yet purposeful vibe. Didn’t know it but this was exactly what I needed. Very highly recommended. "

Sam reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"We had an amazing weekend. We thoroughly recommend the stained glass 2 day course. Sam, Sara and Karen "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Sam, a very lively and enjoyable two days!! Please pass on my thanks and very best wishes to Sara and Karen. 😊Paul"

Kev and Con reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Attended the 1 day blacksmithing course Absolutely fantastic day, Gary and Joss are amazing and really down to earth, will be returning very soon, thanks guys best day out in a while"

Sue K reviewed: Drum lampshade workshop - Saturdays

"I created the 30cm drum lampshade and absolutely loved every minute. Sarah is a fantastic tutor offering very clear instruction throughout the session and very welcoming and accommodating. The end result of all the attendees was a professional looking lampshade and everyone was really pleased. Would strongly recommend."

Tahira Mohammad reviewed: Crushed Glass Dish Workshop

"Had a wonderful 3 hour workshop with Jane in Stourbridge. I was a beginner and she went through each step carefully. Jane was so helpful and I was very happy with the end result."

B Terry reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"Really good introduction to wood turning. Shown and practiced various techniques and cuts. Lovely lunch included and all very friendly. "

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed the day."

Dean Butler reviewed: Spoon Carving - Slojd Workshop

"My 14 year old son and I went along to this and it was awesome. Max is a very competent carver and excellent teacher. Beautiful setting and awesome lunch on the fire. My son already wants to progress and carve more! Would highly recommend."

Anne reviewed: Crushed Glass Dish Workshop

"As a complete beginner and self declared as lacking creativity, I thoroughly enjoyed this work shop. Jane was very welcoming, knowledgeable and supportive. After taking us through the skills and tools we needed to complete our project, we had a varied selection of designs and glass colours to choose from. Jane was on hand to give as little or as much support and advice as needed. I really enjoyed seeing what the more experienced and creative people were doing too. Look forward to my dish arriving by post! "

Kean Brown reviewed: Woodworking power tool workshop

"I just returned back home from the Woodworking Power Tools Workshop with Tyler Mason in Congleton. It was my first woodworking workshop and I can only describe it as a fantastic day and 100% worthwhile. I learned loads on the day and experienced using a great range of different power tools and machines. Tyler was so approachable and extremely generous with his vast knowledge. His passion in what he does made the day so enjoyable and at the end, I came out buzzing with enthusiasm. I will certainly be booking on more courses with Tyler in the future and I would highly recommend his courses to anyone interested in learning about the wonderful subject of Woodwork."

TM Woodcrafts responded:

"That is amazing to hear how much you enjoyed it! I appreciate your kind words, you took to all the tools very well and I can certainly see you producing some great things in due course! Hopefully see you soon! Tyler"

Zoe Fox reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Wonderful day with Louise. Great experience would highly recommend, hand building in the morning, lovely lunch then on wheel in the afternoon "

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Zoe. It was fun having you in the studio and although you don't think it, you did make some lovely pieces :-)."

Claire harris reviewed: Cornish Blacksmithing Experience

"Absolutely amazing day in the smithy with Jeremy, he was calm and put me at ease straight away. He was thorough in his explanations and very patient whilst we practiced the basic techniques. He was open to my ideas and gave me the confidence to try lots of techniques. I came away exhausted but exhilarated with my garden sculpture which will take pride of place. "

Richard reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Great time and learnt a lot from Dave. Thoroughly enjoyed the day."

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for your review Richard, so glad you enjoyed your day. Kind regards David"

Kev reviewed: Welding day class

"A great course. Neil was very knowledgeable and patient. Had a good amount of time to practice on various techniques. Next step get own machine!"

Georgia reviewed: Acrylic paint pouring - Learn the art of acrylic paint pouring using a variety of different techniques

"I had a lovely day trying out the different techniques and it was fun seeing how my pieces turned out. Cath was really knowledgeable and encouraged trying all the different techniques and just giving it a go."

Ashleigh reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"We had a fantastic morning with Clare, she was lovely and really welcoming. We had a great time making the lampshades and the workshop was really fun and informative. This was a Christmas gift for my friend and she loved it! Would definitely recommend "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I'm really pleased that you all enjoyed the workshop. Your lampshades looked fab! It was great to see you repurposing fabrics, giving them a new lease of life."

Pauline reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Me and my sister had a very relaxing enjoyable morning thanks to Julie. Would recommend it to anyone who would like to buy a fused glass piece as it’s much more rewarding making it yourself. With Julie’s guidance you don’t need to be artistic but will come out with a masterpiece to brag about. Thank you"

Andy Hart reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"I had a great day “striking while irons hot”. Lovely hospitality. A clear passion from both Tim and Jessica. Thanks. "