Latest reviews

Brad reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Spike is a great teacher, really good at demonstrating and explaining before letting you get stuck in. I thought the course was very accessible and brilliant fun. Would recommend! "

Cath reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"Joss is an excellent teacher and has worked out a great programme to get pupils from complete beginners to pretty confident in a weekend. A real achievement. This was a fantastic weekend in a spectacular setting and Joss and her family make you feel very welcome. I can highly recommend and am already thinking about returning (perhaps for 5 days next time). Absolutely brilliant. If I could give 6 stars, I would, without hesitation."

Powdermills Pottery responded:

"Thank you Cath for such a lovely review. I hope you have some fun with your new pot-making skills -and it would be lovely to see you again if you decide to join another course. "

Sarah reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Bought as a surprise for my husband's birthday. He thoroughly enjoyed the day, learnt lots and had all his questions answered. Would definitely recommend "

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Hi Sarah,glad to hear that Paul found the course instructive and that he had a good day. He is welcome to get in touch if he needs any advice. Many thanks,Julian"

Richard Worrall reviewed: Woodturning Absolute Beginners

"Fantastic course by Paul Hannaby, lovely cozy workshop. Paul was very patient, he took us through the safety aspects of using a lathe, tutored us in tool sharpening and all the basic cuts in Woodturning, definitely recommend for the beginner, as with most craftwork, it’s harder than it looks until you know some of the tricks of the trade, then it’s practice, practice, practice. Thank you Paul, will be back for an ‘Improvers Course’ when I’ve practiced some more."

Paul Hannaby Creative Woodturning responded:

"Thanks for the feedback Richard. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and I look forward to next time."

NB reviewed: Watercolour Brush Lettering Workshop in the Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"An enjoyable course that gives you the skills to get going and lovely tutor"

Angela reviewed: Sew your own fabric gift bags

"Excellent time spent with these ladies all helpful and friendly. Can’t recommend it enough definitely going on next course "

Craft Circle responded:

"It was lovely having you with us Angela! Your bags looked great, and it's fun to make something that is kind to the planet too. Looking forward to seeing you at another session. All the best, Tanya"

Tanya reviewed: Ecoprinting- exploring the magic and alchemy

"I had a lovely day with Fiona learning the ins and outs of eco printing. My favourites were the plain cloth and paper, and it was really interesting to see how the different leaves made quite different impressions. I can't wait to get stuck in and do more printing!"

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you Tanya. It was lovely to meet you and share the magic of Ecoprinting. So pleased you enjoyed your day."

David Coulson reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I booked two places on this hare sculpture course for myself and my wife - a very different choice of birthday present - and it was hugely enjoyable. Jo is an excellent teacher, and together with her husband Andy, she provided an unforgettably good experience for both of us. It's not often one can learn something totally new in such a short time and bring the evidence home ... and feel really proud of it. We're telling all our friends about it!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much David - it was lovely having you both in the studio and you should be justifiably proud of your hare sculptures, which were fabulous. Great birthday present! Jo xx"

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

"An absolutely brilliant course, loved every minute and my finished stained glass panel will take pride of place in my home. Excellent tutor ( thanks Paul ) for clear and concise instructions/guidance and help when needed. Friendly working environment, I felt at ease as soon as I stepped through the door and my lack of knowledge regarding stained glass didn’t impact my finished panel. I came away from the course feeling I could, and maybe will, try this again. 😊"

Hannah reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"This was my second class with Mark, having attended a class last year. I had a great time and felt that the class was as good, if not better than last year. Mark is a patient and thoughtful teacher and the location really grounds the idea of working with green wood and taking time to focus. Cristine's lunch was incredible (as it was last year) and the group was small enough for Mark to focus on each of us. I highly recommend this class!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah Thank you for joining us again and for your glowing review. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Chris Louca reviewed: Stone carving for the Garden - Carve your own garden planter or bird bowl in Bath stone – a two day creative stone carving workshop with Zoe Singleton

"An absolutely great way to spend a weekend. Zoe is such a nice person and a terrific instructor, who somehow managed to guide two ham-fisted blokes into creating something way beyond our expectations. Great facilities in lovely surroundings- this course is good value and well worth doing!"

jne Wood reviewed: Creative Mosaic Workshop

"Well, what a fabulous long morning we had with the lovely Ali. This was the first time that I had attended a workshop of any kind and looking for something to do with my granddaughter this workshop jumped out at us. Along with a very good friend and her daughter we spent the morning as complete novices with Ali. Firstly we were given the safety talk and then we were off. Multiple choices of resources were to hand from recycled china, tiles, sea glass to name a few. Ali was there to guide and encourage and give constructive advice, and there were many fabulous examples of her own work on the walls to get inspiration from, so much so that I will definitely be booking again as there is so much more I want to try. Thank you Ali, and by the way, the cake was out of this world! "

Elizabeth Stevens reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I really loved my one-to-one pottery lesson with Louise. She and Simon were very welcoming and their home felt a very secluded and calming environment to spend the day. As a complete beginner, I was able to go at my own pace and I found Louise very patient and encouraging. I was really pleased with what I was able to achieve in one day. I’d love to go back again and stay at their crafters retreat, which looked beautiful. Highly recommended."

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

"Liz, I'm delighted that you enjoyed your day with us here at Blended Monkey :-). I know you were a little cautious about throwing on the wheel at first, but WOW - look at what you achieved!!!! You've made some really lovely pieces and I'm just as excited as you to see how they look after they've been glazed. Thank you for your review - very kind. "

Alli Templeton reviewed: Willow weaving with Pippa Tee - Taster sessions

"My daughter and I spent a delightful afternoon with Pippa today, and we couldn't have wished for a better introduction to the craft of willow weaving. Pippa was both a gracious host and an excellent tutor, and we both came away feeling proud of our first creations and eager to carry on with and develop our newfound skills. If you're looking to try your hand at this enjoyable and rewarding traditional craft in a stunning rural setting, then I can thoroughly recommend Pippa's willow weaving workshops. Many, many thanks Pippa! "

Pippas plants responded:

"Thankyou for these kind words Alli - you and Maddie did great and were delightful company! Happy weaving! Pippa"

Berrian and Tom reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"The whole experience was fantastic! Dave was an outstanding teacher with a very calm presence and obviously enjoyed his work which translated well to our experience. The course was very informative and enjoyable giving us the basic skills to go and wood carve at home. Also Dave cooked a very nutritious and delicious meal. Would definitely recommend."

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Berrian and Tom. I'm glad you had a good day and well done on your lovely spoons (and butter knife Tom). All the best, David "

Debbie reviewed: Moon gazing/sitting willow hare (or rabbit) sculpture workshop

"Lovely relaxing workshop which was paced and pitched well. Definitely worth travelling for. I came away confident in the use of willow and with the skills to make more. Thank you."

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Hello Debbie thank you I am glad that it was worth the journey Have fun making :-) Jacquie "

Paul and Rosina reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"What a wonderful and fun day! We learnt how to make beautiful glass sun catchers using coloured gloss, copper foil and lead free solder. It was fun cutting the glass to the right shape and then using the grinder to finish the glass pieces ready for the foil and solder. Tejal was very knowledgable, kind and patient. She is an inspiring artist and teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed the beginners workshop course and would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about creating and designing stained glass projects and panels. Thank you for a great day!"

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Paul & Rosina, appreciate it."

Sarah P reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"This was a fabulous one day workshop. Kate is a really good tutor - very patient and supportive, giving clear instructions. I’ve done some glass work before but this was a unique way to produce some lovely pieces. I would highly recommend it."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Bridget M reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Excellent 2 days. Essentially great fun and totally absorbing. Relaxed and very supportive. Thanks Jo! "

What Jo did next responded:

"Ha! Thanks so much Bridget... perfectly summed up in my opinion! Hope to see you again soon xx"

Karen Meins reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"A lovely morning spent with Julie creating fused glass items…. Who knew time could pass by so quickly and picking the right colours and cuts of glass could be so all consuming in such a fun way. Julie provided gentle guidance and great advice to make the best of the projects I had on my mind ensuring they came to life as I envisaged…well worth the money….."

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"thank you glad you had a good morning your work was lovely . "

Helen and Alan reviewed: Moon gazing/sitting willow hare (or rabbit) sculpture workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day. We achieved the goal....2 Hares that looked like Hares. Certainly learnt a lot about all aspects of willow. Met some lovely people. Very inspiring 👏 "

Willow and Crafts responded:

"Hello and Allen thank you for a lovely review it was a pleasure to meet you both. I hope that you had a lovely evening and a good journey home today All the best Jacquie "

David reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I have just enjoyed a terrific day with Les on his 1 to 1 wood turning day in his excellent workshop in beautiful north Wales. Les has years of experience turning and is hugely skilled but what makes the day is the fact he can impart some of that knowledge to others through his excellent tuition. I would highly recommend this course. "

Pren responded:

"Well thank you David for that review...much appreciated."

Karli C reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Such an enjoyable experience. Very knowledgeable and patient. Excellent set up and well stocked studio which allows for all skill levels. I travelled 200 miles to attend the course and I would definitely recommend Sarah, and I'd definitely book again. "

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Your lovely pieces are cooking in the kiln now! Thank you very much for leaving a lovely review - it was great to meet you! Thanks, Sarah"

Iain Stewart reviewed: Axe making course

"Fantastic day! Present for my lad who turned 18 and had always wanted to try blacksmithing. We both have an interest in making and although a bit of a drive for us from Liverpool over to Wakefield -well worth it! Andy was a great tutor. Friendly, informative and straight down to making with all the health and safety covered too… very knowledgable and on hand to help, advise and guide us through all the stages of making and open to questions around the whole process. A really good day.. Coming away with our own axes has given my son and I ‘the bug’! Hope to book another course soon!"

Kerrie reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Don't waste time, book this course immediately! Beautiful unspoilt woodland, everything provided, fantastic atmosphere, leave your phone at home you won't want to be interrupted. Matt is an excellent tutor, knowledgeable, gentle in manor and teaching style, and experienced enough to go with learner interests and inclinations. No expectations or judgements, open to listening and hoping to learn more himself. This proved to be an amazing, most memorable day, even doing nothing would have still been beautiful, despite the rain. We foraged food and fire supplies, naturally swapped stories, made fires in different ways, baked bread (we suggested Matt calls it " a century old family sour dough base" but it's not in him to create a falsehood), made foraged tea, selected woods and used tools to chop and create made to measure tools....mine is already being used at home! Matt somehow makes it all very achievable. Everything is considered, vegan milk options, proper coffee, and Emma's lovely homemade treats..yum! I will be seeking to return to this pair and their wood at every opportunity possible. I've no doubt I will be talking with great enthusiasm about our amazing day for a long time. You won't be disappointed. Guys, please, please, please open a Forest School for adults. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Kerrie, We are so grateful your lovely review! It was a pleasure to spend the day with you both. Thankyou for coming with an open mind and giving the day your all despite the rain. Hope to see you again soon. Matt"