Latest reviews

Nick Reynolds reviewed: Pole Lathe Turning at Sallerton Wood

"The course was all I'd expected, and more. The large shelters, all built by Andy from locally harvested materials, gradually revealed themselves as I followed the signs through his idyllic wood to join him and the others for introductions with proper tea and coffee from his home made wood fired kitchen range. He then demonstrated and expertly guided us at a relaxed pace through each stage of the process from log to finished article including cleaving, preparing the billet using froe, axe & draw-knife and setting up and operating the pole lathe. The turning tools were introduced in turn as I mutilated a practice billet, with Andy on hand to explain why the inevitable mistakes occurred and how (in theory at least) to avoid repetition - practice makes perfect! I was then able to progress onto turning items for a shave horse, making fewer mistakes and learning how to achieve a consistent diameter. There was also an excellent session on the sharpening and care of tools, which I have already applied to improve the keenness of some of my chisels. I can't think of anything that would have made the course more informative or enjoyable and aim to go back."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Nick, for such a comprehensive review. It's clear that you really enjoyed the course, and took away a lot of useful skills with you. We're also very pleased that you appreciated the working environment at Sallerton Wood. We note that you aim to return for another visit to our woodland workshops, and we look forward to that. In the meantime, keep those tools sharp!"

Laura Morris reviewed: Coptic Binding

"Amazing! Best thing I've done in years. I have a severe mental illness and this was the first outing I've done alone in almost 3 years. I felt so welcome and comfortable. I didn't feel rushed in doing this book. I was able to really focus on getting it right and I could (and did) ask as many questions as I wanted. There was a wonderful selection of paper for the book cover and string for the binding so we didn't have to compromise on our first choices. Mylyn, the teacher, is wonderful, very welcoming and friendly with endless patience, has a wonderful teaching style and was great at helping too. Mylyn helps and talks you through a bit you are stuck on or undoes a tricky knot you make but doesn't do it for you which is the best way to learn. Mylyn provides templates for every stage which are wonderfully helpful. By the end of the course I felt tired, proud and confident to try this at home with the notes I made during class, and the detailed notes sent to us by Mylyn along with an email with very helpful links for supplies. Already booked for both classes this weekend. Thank you so much."

Handmade Workshops Ltd responded:

"Thanks for your wonderful review Laura. We're so pleased you enjoyed the class! Hope to see you again soon"

Victoria reviewed: Explore your Creativity in Enamels - an introductory morning of enamelling for 2 people

"My son and I had a lovely morning enamelling with Christine in her cosy little workshop. We learnt a new skill and had lots of fun too ! "

Original Kiln-fired Enamelled Jewellery responded:

"I’m so glad you had fun at the workshop making your enamelled pieces. It was great to help you bring your creative ideas to life and to think of your one of a kind plaques being displayed at home in the different ways you described to me. Thank you for choosing my course."

Wendy Russell reviewed: Zarzo Baskets in the Surrey Hills

"A wonderful day's course in peaceful, green surroundings. Brian was relaxed, friendly and encouraging, explaining everything with great attention to detail so that all the steps were easy to follow, and was always available for individual help when needed. I finished the day with a basket I am really pleased with. There don't appear to be any books on Zarzo techniques, so I hope to be able to replicate it from memory with willow I have at home. If I don't manage it I will definitely be back for a repeat! "

Grace Lam reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop at the Warehouse 2nd & 3rd September 2023

"It was excellent for the beginner who wants to try stained glass ;) Had a relaxed and fun day with Jo. I’m so glad that I did this class. Will try the other class from Jo definitely! xxx "

Jo Turner Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I am really pleased you found the course relaxing and fun, and hope you are enjoying you stained glass piece. Best wishes, Jo 🙂"

James Holmes-Siedle reviewed: Welding 101 - One on One!

"I was looking for an instructor who would ask what I wanted to achieve, and then marry this with their considerable knowledge and experience, but then deliver an evenly paced introduction to welding. Philip absolutely met those expectations, delivering an exhausting, but exhilarating introduction to MIG, MMA and TIG welding in steel and aluminium (a special request). I came away with the understanding and some practical experience, was given encouragement and time to improve :) Welding is a craft - but it was delivered in a sympathetic and safe environment by someone who clearly cares about the craft and has skills in communicating it to other people. Would thoroughly recommend."

Philip Melling Sculpture, Art & Design responded:

"Hi James, Thanks so much for leaving such a wonderful review, which is very much appreciated! It was a pleasure to run the workshop with you - you are an enthusiastic and curious student and I enjoyed every minute. I think you had a really strong start picking up the basic skills of welding, and I would encourage you to take it further if you can - whether with myself of someone else. I'd be really interested to see if those MMA welds you did were beginners luck or if you have some annoying natural talent! If you do get the little MIG welder feel free to contact me for any advice or tips you may need, and good luck! Many thanks, Philip"

Gemma reviewed: Make Your Own Silver Ring Jewellery Beginners Class

"Fantastic workshop, Sarah was so knowledgable and patient. We tried different techniques and the final product was beautiful. The scones and tea were also delicious! Thank you, I would highly recommend "

Graeme Gallimore reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Great environment to spend a very enjoyable weekend of learning to do some green wood carving. Andy is a excellent tutor, and with his guidance I came away with a Koksa which I surprised myself I was capable of. Soooo peaceful and relaxing, good for the heart and soul."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Graeme, for that generous and positive review. Glad to hear that the peaceful woodland environment was good for your soul too! We look forward to seeing you again when you come back to Sallerton Wood for another course. "

Ian reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"What a magical experience. Thank you Andy for an amazing couple of days in your beautiful and peaceful woodland. You have created a wonderful space to learn carving and making techniques with your expert and patient approach. And to come away with my kuksa is a bonus. I will be back. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much for your kind review of the carving course, Ian. Glad to hear that you really appreciated the woodland environment too. Looking forward to seeing you again on a future course. "

Bryony reviewed: Explore 2 colour lino cutting & printing in Derbyshire

"Thanks so much for a lovely afternoon! Had a brilliant time creating our lino cuts with very clear tuition that was easy to follow. Liz was a fab host and we had some really interesting conversations. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Bryony, Lovely to hear from you and I appreciate you taking time to let me know about your time at The Slipper Studio. It was a pleasure working with you and see your beautiful lino cut of your cats develop from your initial sketch. I think this is a great process for you to continue developing, so go order those materials and equipment and get cutting and printing! Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Dave Hargreaves reviewed: Pole Lathe Turning at Sallerton Wood

"Great location! And what a great course. The whole works from cutting a chunk off a still ivy clad log, cleaving it to avoid later gremlins, marking, shaving, to then getting it on a lathe, and under Andy's watchful eye, (and ear, he can hear the mistakes!) roughing out and learning how to turn it into something useful and pretty! The joy of wood. I never thought I'd be so absorbed for two days. We covered wood types, tool sharpening and maintenance, and had a fabulous lunch provided both days, and plenty of tea! Andy, you are a very good instructor. Thank you. I'm already working on the return visit. "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Dave, for submitting that enthusiastic and comprehensive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, its location, and the lunches and tea. Your kind words about the tutoring are also appreciated. We look forward to seeing you again when you return for another course. "

Jamie reviewed: 'Make a silver ring' jewellery taster workshop - Somerset

"This was a great 2 and half hours which ended with us walking away with our own handmade rings. We went through the whole process from start to finish and with Roderick's guidance it was totally stress free and very satisfying. I liked it so much I've ordered some tools to have a go at home 👍"

Roderick Vere responded:

"Wonderful to meet you Jamie. And a real pleasure to work with you too! Very much looking forward to seeing what new things you rustle up. Best wishes and stay in touch! Rod"

Rachel reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Another fantastic weekend in the beautiful Sallerton woods under Andy’s patient, watchful eye. My husband and I can’t wait for the next one!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, Rachel, for your positive words. We were glad to see you return to Sallerton Wood to do another course, and glad that you and Richard enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing you both again in the future. "

Sally reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I can’t recommend Lucy’s one to one tuition enough. Spent a day in Lucy’s fantastic workshop, finishing a silver pendant. Lucy is very adaptable to her students' plans and needs- we discuss ideas beforehand and develop a plan/agree on any materials needed. She is very patient and encouraging and thanks to her, my confidence with silversmithing is growing - I’m starting to create ideas of my own rather than using images I’ve seen elsewhere. Lucy even sends helpful photos taken during the process, after the days tuition. Book a course with Lucy, and not only will you create beautiful jewellery, but you will be well looked after. I always leave having learnt something new, often unexpected and always useful! "

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Sally for your review. You have only had 3 - 4 sessions over the last year and shown excellent progress and initiative. It's good to see you developing, and finding out that being creative really is something you can do!"

Sarah reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I attended this workshop with two friends. Graham, David and Decklan were absolute stars and made the whole experience enjoyable and informative. We loved their no nonsense approach and we learnt a lot about bladesmithing and metallurgy. We all took home lovely and practical knives which remind us of a fabulous day! "

Clarke Knives responded:

"It really was a good day. We all hope to see you again sometime 😊😊"

Rich swain reviewed: Make Your Own Flat Pack Shave Horse

"An enjoyable day spent working with Peye and Jacqui, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable team. Good tuition, great teaching style, good tools. I'm very happy with the outcome, and would highly recommend this course"

Pat Southwood reviewed: Lamp glass bead making

"Jade greeted me warmly at the door and let me through to her home studio where we discussed what I wanted to try making. A clear demo followed and help along with tea was provided when needed. I really enjoyed the three hours, it went by very quickly and I look forward to seeing my efforts!"

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"Your beautiful beads are on their way to you, it was lovely to meet you hopefully I’ll be able to come to one of your workshops soon :) "

Sue R reviewed: Willow Weaving 'Trug' Workshop

"Excellent course, I am very happy with my end product. I feel confident to try it out on my own now, with plants from my garden. Great teacher. Lovely venue. Ready supply of hot water and iced water throughout the day whenever we needed a refill. I definitely recommend it. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

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

Diane reviewed: Introduction to Beaded Jewellery - West Sussex

"What a fabulous class. This was my first attempt at jewellery making and Wendy was a great tutor. I learnt so much and made several sets of earrings - which I love. The venue was perfect and I can't wait to return to try out another craft. One lady had been gifted the class for her birthday - what a great idea and lovely surprise. "

Hui & Judy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"We had a great weekend with Mark, who helped us transform lovely bits of wood into beautiful works of art! It was great to be able to use a well maintained set of workshop tools and the instruction on the use of the power tools was a valuable part of the course - no one lost any limbs that weekend! Mark is knowledgeable and talented, and has a very clear, relaxed, step by step way of teaching. Group size was small allowing for personalised attention. Mark also allowed some design options, so everyone had a unique box to take home. A really lovely and stimulating way to spend a weekend! Thanks Mark!"

Julie smith reviewed: Indigo/ Shibori Dyeing Workshop - COURSE FULL

"Superb course with an excellent and knowledgeable trainer. "

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Dear Julie. Thank you for sending your review for the Indigo/Shibori Dyeing Workshop you attended this week at Dillington House, we are so happy you enjoyed your day. I have passed on your kind words to the tutor Zara. Kind regards. Dillington House Events Team."

Emma D reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"I attended Jo's beginners upholstery course and had a fantastic day! Jo was very knowledgeable and provided excellent resources and step-by-step visual (and written handout) instructions to enable us to create a footstool from scratch. The day was well paced and the venue was great and we were well looked after with homemade baking too! Highly recommended."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Emma. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. I will pass on your very kind comments about the cakes to the baker (Mum) 😊🙏💕 x"

Greg Barbosa reviewed: Green Man clay sculpture course at Middleton Hall

"My wife and I both had a fantastic day. Miranda was a great teacher and provided plenty of tips and advice whilst also letting each person express their own vision of their green man. I would thoroughly recommend the course"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review Greg, glad you both enjoyed it. Best wishes Miranda"

Helen Nield reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"Everything & more than I expected …I had a lovely day. Definitely worth travelling from The Midlands for this course. I turned it into a short break & would highly recommend the course. Such a warm friendly welcome & a lemon based cake which is always a winner. I’ll be heading home tomorrow to tackle bunting for my first Grandchild’s Christening 😊 "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Helen 😊 It was a pleasure to spend time with you and the other ladies in the studio, you all worked so hard and made a fabulous job of all the skills I showed you. The lemon drizzle cake is always a crowd pleaser! With very best wishes for all your sewing projects, Jennifer "

Carol reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"My daughter and I were thoroughly enthralled designing, learning how to use the materials and producing our own lanterns guided by a lovely and inspiring teacher. She showed us how to use glass safely and create our own individual work. The studio is set in a beautiful quiet location near the River Tamar and was filled with inspiring pieces of work. Many thanks for an insight into a wonderful craft."