Latest reviews

Angharad Hill reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"I had a lovely day with Gill in a beautiful setting. Lunch was tasty, cake was wonderful. The course was unique as I had one to one tuition throughout and could experiment with cutting and shaping the glass. I learnt so much and came away with a lovely keepsake from the day. Keen to have a go at home now and will be returning to develop more skills in the future. Lovely day , thank you ❤️"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Angaharad for your wonderful review and it was so lovely to meet you. So thrilled you enjoyed the course and well done you, your leaded panel looked absolutely stunning!❤️ Hope to see you again sometime in the near future! Gill x "

Pauline Whiteman reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Attended the course on Saturday 10th June and whilst initially anxious at attending my first workshop I shouldn’t have worried . The people were great , Charlotte was lovely , knowledgeable and so helpful and I would highly recommend this workshop "

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Pauline, thank you so much for leaving a review about your experience on our silver clay workshop. Well done on making such beautiful earrings. I'm really happy you enjoyed the workshop. Regards, Charlotte"

Amy reviewed: Fused glass landscape workshop

"Had a fantastic time at the fused glass workshop, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. Diane was an encouraging and knowledgeable tutor who was able to answer any question. Can't wait to book again!"

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks Amy for the wonderful review. Your beautiful seascape is in the kiln as I type x"

AdrienneB reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

" I attended a Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury with my teenage son. We both enjoyed the day immensely. Mark is very knowledgeable and personable. He managed the expectations of everyone on the course and tailored the day to suit all students. Lunch is served which was homemade and delicious. We both left the day with a wooden spoon and will definitely be returning. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Adrienne Thank you for the review. Glad you both enjoyed the day. Look forward to seeing you back here. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Jo reviewed: Crochet - Beginners - Wednesdays

"I really enjoyed this class! I have wanted to crochet for some time now but couldn’t get to grips with it using videos online. Bryony taught us the basics and I have been practicing, with support of online videos, and it’s going great! I might even sign up to an intermediate class soon. Bryony was so patient and clear, and helped me massively as a leftie. I recommend this class for anyone wanting to get into crochet."

BeachBry Creations responded:

"Thank you for your review. I'm very glad that I was able to help. Being a leftie myself, it's great to be able to share my skills with someone with the same dominant side."

David Howard reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"A very enjoyable day. Some useful re-visiting of the basics as well as some excellent tips and advice."

Sue massey reviewed: Silver jewellery course for beginners in Exeter

"Really enjoyed our day with Anna, I made a ring and learned a lot. Anna was lovely and a very good teacher. I would definitely recommend this course. "

Silver Jewellery Art responded:

"Thank you for such a good evaluation of the course. It was a great pleasure for me to spend this day with such talented ladies. Thank you again. Anna"

Isabell reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a brilliant day at the forge. Alex is so knowledgeable and great to get on with, too. The boot remover I made is really handy and beautiful, as well as a conversation starter. I had no aches and pains the following day either, which surprised me as I am not used to this sort of work at all and am quite a weak lady. Can highly recommend this experience. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Isabell, I'm glad you had a brilliant day and didn't wake up with any aches and pains... That's a bonus. Glad you're happy with what you made and would recommend a hot day in the forge! Thanks Alex "

Bob Angell reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"What a fantastic day. I have a wood turning lathe that I purchased following a days tuition a few years ago from an amateur turner. I enjoyed that day but my daughter and I attended Blended Monkey as a birthday present and learnt so much. Simon has fantastic enthusiasm for turning and this shows in his teaching. I really cannot thank him enough. Worth every penny of the cost. Brilliant! "

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

"Hi Bob, So glad you enjoyed the day and it’s nice to know your interest has been piqued once more! Any queries, etc. do get in touch. Happy turning! — Simon"

Janet Davies reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a fabulous day here, excellent course great company so well looked after. Fantastic way to learn a new skill I would highly recommend it Melanie Louise is an amazing tutor she’s patient and encouraging . The whole session was so relaxed I will definitely be back to try out another skill. I can’t thank her enough. "

Vicky Aldred reviewed: Drum Lampshade Making Class in Norwich

"Really lovely morning, spent with some lovely people. Lots of information and inspiration. "

Liz Sharman reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"Great day, felt I had accomplished something by the end, hopefully they survived the firing !"

Potterydayz responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day Liz, pottery making can be very satisfying. Thank you for the review, see you again soon ."

Elli reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"This was a brilliant days crafting! As an absolute beginner to the lathe, Jake immediately made me feel at ease and guided me through making a beautiful lidded bowl and a pen. He's clearly passionate about woodworking and is a great teacher. Now the only problem is I want my own workshop! "

Mike Glasbey reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a wonderful day with Simon and Louise at Blended Monkey last weekend, with my first foray into woodturning. I've been wanting to try turning for so long and Simon's expert knowledge and easy to follow instructions made the whole day very informative and enjoyable and I got plenty of "hands on" experience and turned my very first bowl. All in all, a great day with some lovely friendly people! P.S. thanks for the hospitality and the lovely lunch too :-)"

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

"Hi Mike, You're welcome! Great to have you here for the day and so glad you enjoyed the experience. -- Simon"

Tania reviewed: Artist Catalogue - Colour Pop with Jessica Grady

"Received colour pop booklet Lovely little booklet with lots of colours, great ideas with recycled items found around the house. Lots of colourful pages."

Jessica Grady embroidery artist responded:

"Hi Tania, Thanks so much, really pleased you enjoyed the little catalogue! Best wishes Jessica Grady "

Gail and Carol reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"We had a very enjoyable and fun day with Paul who was a lovely host, he was friendly, calm and informative throughout the day. Nothing was too much trouble to help with our designs. It was a nice size group of 4 which was friendly and I would definitely do the day workshop again. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Gail, thank you to you both! :)"

Lydia reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"A wonderful course! Paul is a great and supportive teacher who is incredibly knowledgeable about his craft. His studio location is gorgeous and the skills learned were brilliant fun, with a beautiful piece of artwork to now treasure from it. Would absolutely recommend anyone to sign up."

Graham and Paula reviewed: Beginners Copper Bowl Making

"Paula and I had a great time making our little copper dishes. Emily was very easy to follow with her instructions and her guidance on health and safety issues. "

Theo reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at The Robertsbridge Club

"An excellent day in the most lovely setting. Marianne is a wonderful host and tutor. "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Theo! Look forward to seeing you again sometime. "

Rachel Angell reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I booked this 1 Day Pairs Woodturning Course as a Birthday Gift for Dad and we had a fabulous day. Firstly Simon was very accommodating with the dates and all of the information was sent well in advance of the day with a gift certificate that I could wrap for Dad's present. The location is beautiful and Simons enthusiasm is infectious. We had a super day, learnt some new skills and now have a new hobby which we can carry on together. I love the bowl we created, and proudly showed off my handiwork to the rest of the family. Thank you for a wonderful day. "

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

"Hi Rachel (& Bob), So glad you enjoyed the experience. Do get in touch if you need more help or advice. Happy turning! -- Simon"

Ella Gilbody reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"This was a brilliant experience! Very knowledgeable guide and it was really hands-on! It was very involved and I was so proud of what I made!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Ella, so pleased you enjoyed your time with us. Regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Michelle reviewed: Brush Calligraphy Workshop - Saturday Afternoons

"I paid for my Mum to go on this course and she absolutely loved it. She had the best time and said she learned so much. She is now saying she wants to attend another and that it's really encouraged her to keep practising. "

Andy Stone reviewed: Carve a Wooden Spoon '23

"This was a great course and I had a really fun time. There aren’t many things more therapeutic than carving a piece of wood, amongst the trees, around a crackling fire, sharing stories with like minded people. Chris and Paul, the instructors, were very knowledgeable and encouraging and taught more than I expected. A great day and very enjoyable. I also came away with 2 nice spoons that will be used by my children, and a desire to book another course soon. "

Surrey Wildlife Trust responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Andy. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the day. I will certainly look forward to seeing you again. With kind regards. Sue"

Linda Lillig reviewed: Half Day Copper Foil Workshop For Beginners

"Mavis and I spent a lovely morning with Ruth learning a new skill. She is a lovely friendly lady whose calm and patient approach made the whole experience very enjoyable. It was fun to choose your design and choices of glass to make your project, and lovely to come away with a memento of the day. "

Ruth Mullan Stained Glass Artist responded:

"Thank you so Linda for your lovely review 😊. It makes me happy to hear that you had an enjoyable day making and learning about the basic techniques of copper foiling. You both made great pieces with lovely colour schemes. Well done! 😀 "

Andrew Price reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"Great weekend, with super friendly hosts. This is something that I have always wanted to do, and the course exceeded my expectations. Mark was a great teacher, sharing his knowledge, ensuring everyone on the course was included. Very relaxed environment, with refreshments available throughout the 2 days. Thank you both so much for such an enjoyable and informative weekend. Very happy with my finished bronze, which is now hanging on my garden fence."

New British Art responded:

"It was a real pleasure to have you on the course Andrew, and fantastic that your cast came out so well! Thank you very much for coming along, and for the review. Caroline and Mark"