Latest reviews

Dawn reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience

"My husband and two brothers had a great day doing something different and totally unique for his 50th. "

AthelstaneForge responded:

"We're so glad to hear that they enjoyed the day! We loved having them in and would welcome them back for another course anytime! "

Paul Dobson reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"I attended the MIG welding course for beginners yesterday. I found the whole experience to be exceptional. Tony, the instructor was fully organised and knew what he had to do. The classroom was fully prepared with first class equipment, a huge supply of practice work pieces and an ideal environment in which to learn. Tony, has exceptional experience with an ability to teach and an inexhaustible enthusiasm and patience to match. I learnt more in four and a half hours than you can imagine. If points were to be awarded it would be 10 out of 10 in every category."

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you Paul for your review it is very much appreciated. I am pleased you enjoyed your time with me and went home keen to carry on welding in your own workshop.. If I can be any help in the future please feel free to contact me. Regards Tony "

Hartlepool Julie reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"I loved this course! Helen is an amazing teacher and has created a very special place to learn, develop and master stone carving. I did the 1 day Yorkshire Rose course and would urge anyone to sign up and give it a go. I'm not a natural, but with Helen's expert guidance and encouragement from others in the workshop I am delighted and very proud of my Yorkshire Rose carving. Best wishes to Helen and everyone in the workshop, thanks for a fantastic day x"

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Wow Thank you again. So so pleased that you had a great time and you love what you produced. You will definitely be remembered for your great personality and your enthusiasm. Best wishes Helen"

B quinlan reviewed: Introduction to Welding for Artists

"This was a great course. Recommended."

Becky Lenihan reviewed: Sword Making Workshop in Grassington

"We did the sword crafting workshop for two people. This was one of the best days out I've had in a long time and would highly recommend! Richard was a great and patient instructor. He gave us the opportunity to help design our swords with inspiration photos and discussed the options and the skills and time required to help select the best option. The design of the workshop allowed us to try out different approaches and skills, including woodworking on the handles, in a safe and supportive learning environment. Throughout the process, he struck the balance really well between helping us be as independent as possible in working on the swords, whilst providing supervision and assistance where required. This meant that we came away feeling like we had put the work into making something and trying a new skill, but also with a final product to show for it that we were happy with and are now proudly displayed in our home. Richard was so patient and friendly and we are so grateful for him for such a great day (although our muscles are still aching a week later from all the hard work)! I have recommended this workshop to all my friends and family and would definitely consider coming back for the half day experience in the future!"

Howard March reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Sad to hear this was the last course. All staff were friendly and helpful. Definitely recommended if they restart."

Kayley reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"A lovely day with Helen delivering this course. Its absolutely suitable for beginners, even the non artistic types. Really happy with my Yorkshire Rose and will definitely be back for the Green Man course in the near future. "

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you Kayley,I'm pleased you enjoyed the course enough to want to come back."

Julie Green reviewed: Natural candle making

"I loved the course. Sarah has a mind full of amazing information that has really helped me. "

Gaynor keeble ( came with Judith Ashness ) reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"Brilliant course!!! Relaxed, Informative. I was a complete beginner, never done anything with wood before, Pete was patient and very, very helpful, showing and explaining how to do the carving in a way I felt so at ease. I’d highly recommend doing the course, can’t wait to have another go. "

Zachary Tervonen reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"My time with Jon was very enriching for me - I learned a tremendous amount and had a lot of fun. I appreciated the bit of time at the start of the course devoted to deciding what kind of knife you want to make, including stylistic and functional details. I found that there was a good balance between guidance on how to do something while allowing plenty of opportunity for some trial and error to properly learn hands-on. I liked the holistic design of simply starting with a flat bar of steel and doing the whole process to get a proper knife. The course does not require any technical knowledge or prior experience, yet I learned so much. I am a materials science and engineering student in the field of metallurgy and this course was exactly what I wanted it to be in terms of giving me a direct way of connecting the real world with real metals to the science and engineering behind it. But mostly I did it for fun and an interest in blacksmithing. That being said, I recommend this course to virtually anyone. Jon is an absolute gem. His geniality, patience, and skill leaves me grateful for the experience I had with him and his forge. Many great conversations, too!"

David Green reviewed: Basic woodturning half day

"I had an amazing morning with Chris in my first attempt at wood turning. Chris was the most patient and graceful teacher who enabled me to produce two pieces that impressed my wife when I got home. The time went so quickly that the session came to an end on time, but before I wanted it to end. I leant so much and Chris led me through the process of turning. I would strongly recommend a session with Chris to anyone who would like to explore wood turning. I can’t think of how the deacons be improved; Chris knows his stuff and is brilliant at passing this onto his students."

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Hi David, Really glad to hear you enjoyed your tuition. David you was a joy to teach and very positive, I think their could be a lathe in your workshop soon. Best regards Chris "

Elsie reviewed: Dragon fly resin kit - 4 beaded dragonflies and 2 crystals dragonflies

"Really lovely kit was sent quickly not sure on what’s in it as is a gift for my sisters birthday in a few weeks but packaged nicely and looks good! Thankyou "

Inion responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review! I do hope your sister enjoys the Dragonfly and makes some wonderful examples. We would love to see some photos."

Frances reviewed: Beginners Woodturning

"An absolutely enjoyable day with a man of much patience and knowledge of his craft."

Elliot Robins reviewed: Half Day Intensive Glass Blowing Course

"Fascinating and fun experience. Beth did a great job of guiding and explaining every part step by step, and was happy to answer my questions about all the different minerals and such. "

Blowfish glass responded:

"Hey Elliot, it was an absolute pleasure to have you in the studio ! Thanks for your lovely review. Your pieces look fab btw. Cant wait for you to see them, Well Done! "

Jain reviewed: 2 Day Woodturning Course for Beginners

"5* experience! Mick is an engaging, patient and humorous tutor. I left this 2 day course with 4 items and energised to keep turning. So good I plan on coming back to do it all again!"

Cheshire Woodturning and Workshop Training Limited responded:

"Hi Jain Many thanks for your lovely review. I'm so glad that the course has inspired you to further pursue this amazing craft. You worked really hard, overcame several technical challenges and finished with some beautiful projects as a reward. It was a pleasure for myself to work with a trainee like you! Regards Mick"

Lotty reviewed: 7 Week Silversmithing Jewellery Making Course Level 1 (Evening Courses - Merseyside)

"I attended the beginners 7wk silver smithing course and learned a lot. Carol is a wonderful and very knowledgeable teacher and works with you to impart that knowledge. I really enjoyed learning the different techniques and made a great improvement from first to last project. I am excited to do level 2 and learning much more from her. I highly recommend her courses. "

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Lotty, it was lovely to meet you. I look forward to seeing you on Level 2 Silversmithing course."

Alexander reviewed: Wood joints class using reclaimed materials

"I spent a day with Tyler on one of his courses together with 4 others who'd also booked in with him. I've done a little carpentry in the past when I used to work with roofing but that was all pretty crude compared to the skills that Tyler teaches on his course so I largely felt like I was a complete beginner coming into the workshop. We spent the day learning how to make various different joints which are the fundamentals of any wood working project and while we made these joints, he gave us a whole range of tips and tricks on how to do it well, these skills ultimately carrying over into many other areas of woodwork. It was a lot of new information but Tyler taught in a way that stuck and I left feeling competent with what had been taught, Tyler himself is a very friendly / helpful / patient guy so the course was a lot of fun too and I was happy with the work I managed to achieve. I definitely recommend this course to anyone whether you're completely new or experienced (as some of the others were) we all learned many new skills by the end of the day."

Debz Robinson reviewed: Fused Glass Flower Gardens - for 2 people

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Stevie's enthusiasm for the subject is infectious. With her suggestions, help and encouragement we were able to create beautiful objects we can be proud of in just a couple of hours."

Stevie Davies responded:

"My favourite kind of review! You also both came with an open mind and willingness to play! Your makes are going to be fantastic. "

Charleen Haynes reviewed: Crochet Worshop - All levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"It was lovely meeting Cath and Anne. I spend two hours with Anne going through the crochet basics. Anne demonstrated each step and worked alone side me. It was a very enjoyable workshop in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere "

Rose reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop

"Excellent, full of brilliant ideas great fun"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the workshop! Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Lucy reviewed: Durham soap making workshop

"I had a delightful class with Claire where she gently and enthusiastically taught me the principles of soap making. The whole time I was kindly offered refreshments, if I was comfortable and even kinder, our session was relocated to better fit my accomodations. The whole experience was amazing, I left with plenty of unique and great smelling soap and relaxed through the great conversations and calming atmosphere. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to put a personal stamp on their scent collection and as an amazing de-stresser."

Sue Turner reviewed: Free Motion Quilting for the Terrified!

"What an excellent day! I learned so much and while I understand that free motion quilting takes lots of time and practice and Jen gave us all the tools we needed to go away and build on what we learned and develop our skills further. Jen also gave us loads of tips and tricks about quilting in general. Thank you! "

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, very much appreciated. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and gained a lot from it - your sampler was lovely. Enjoy practising and let me know how you get on! Best wishes, Jen "

Anita Abbs reviewed: Crochet Worshop - All levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"Lovely course, excellent teacher and came away feeling confident about crochet. "

Giles reviewed: Acrylic Painting Class

"Wow. What a wonderful setting, it's beautiful and the Josie is very helpful and knowledgeable too. Lovely chilled vibes "

Class Creative Studios responded:

"Fantastic to welcome you to the studio Giles really glad you enjoyed it!"

Hester Wain reviewed: Charcoal & Biochar Making Course - Warminster Wiltshire

"Fabulous course, great venue, fantastic teaching with great knowledge and experience. Wonderful lunch!"