Latest reviews

Alison Morgan reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"What a wonderful day. Lee was a brilliant teacher and I came away with a lot of useful knowledge , not only in lino printing but also composition and colour. Not having done any formal art training I am lacking in technical skills so found this most helpful. I think I could repeat the course at some time and learn more , a day didn’t seem long enough to take it all in "

Kamalini Rankin reviewed: Carve your own picture-relief, with experienced woodcarving teacher in Devon

"I really enjoyed our wood carving day. Almut was knowledgeable, supportive, clear and genuinely cared about our progress and success. My son (15) and I were both very glad we attended this course."

Caroline reviewed: Willow Trug Basket Workshop

"Thanks Suz This course was great....I really enjoyed a day surrounded by beautiful bluebells, making the trug and learning about willow. The pouring rain all day just added to the outdoor experience!! Thank you and I would definitely recommend the day to others..."

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Hi Caroline! Thank you for your review. Thank goodness for the bluebells! It made the rain more bearable for sure. Thanks for coming along and well done on your basket!"

Andrew Cole reviewed: Introduction to Beekeeping - One Day

"Fantastic course , thoroughly enjoyed the whole day from start to finish , Chris was extremely knowledgeable and very good at presenting the talk throughout the day. Working with the live bees was good experience for when my bees arrive, can’t beat the practical side of actually handling the bees close up. Excellent cake and lunch was lovely too , I would definitely recommend attending a bee course with Chris, worth every penny ."

K reviewed: 1-2-1 Practical Leather Tuition & Consultancy with Georgie Tym

"My 1-2-1 tuition day with Georgie was a great experience. I wanted to be able to make eyepatches and I brought some examples with me but no concrete plan. Georgie helped to design a pattern and new style of adjustable strap. She then guided me through cutting, moulding, edge finishing, riveting and saddle stitching. I had no prior experience with leather or crafts generally, but this was no problem. With excellent tutoring, I finished the day with 3 eyepatches and many ideas for future variations. The end result is better than any of the ones previous ones I've had, and it's great to wear something I made myself. The workshop is a cosy and fun environment and Georgie is very easy to get along with. The day passed very quickly. I would definitely recommend it to anyone; it's great value considering the items you produce and the skills you acquire."

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

"Great one day course with Alex, made a crown, a bottle opener and a birdfeeder holder with time to spare! Alex clearly has a passion for smithing and passing on his knowledge, it shows in the way he explains the details. 10/10"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Connel, Thank you so much for your review. I am chuffed you gave the day 10/10 and that you enjoyed the experience. I hope you get lots of use out of the bottle opener. Alex"

Karen Boughton reviewed: Wax Sculpt a Floral Ring or Pendant Workshop; with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic - Sedgefield

"Absolutely loved using wax (for the first time) to sculpt my ring - going to pick up the finished silver ring in a few days, can't wait! This is the second silver ring course I've done with Lindsay - I highly recommend her!!"

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Karen. I'm glad you enjoyed this course too. The ring you made is gorgeous, I hope you love it when you see it! "

SALLY HENBEST reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"The whole experience was delightful from start to finish. The success of the day stems from Anne's delightful teaching which was thorough, reassuring and warm. Also, her workshop, which is set in such an idyllic location, the friendly and informal lunch break and the chance to create something that I had always wanted to create. It is a shame that there is not enough time to grout your work, but I understand that this is not possible due to the need for the mosaic pieces to set. Anne provides all the necessary grout and advice on how to do this at home. My slight nervousness about doing this was overcome by the final outcome. "

David Sykes reviewed: Pole Lathe Turning at Sallerton Wood

"Another great course at Sallerton Woods. As ever, Andy was superb at explaining the principles and demonstrating the methods - including the 'this is what will happen when you get it wrong!' The Delia Smith of the woodworking world! As part of the course I chose to make a spoon, initially by turning a 'baton' with a sphere, cleaving off half the sphere and then carving out the bowl of the spoon. I hadn't anticipated that the carving would be just as absorbing as the wood turning. Not only is the course good, the surroundings are fantastic, in the heart of a deciduous wood, with sounds of wildlife, and smells of moss, woodsmoke and coffee at refreshment time. A particular thanks for providing the Gluten Free food options Great fun! I will be back. Many thanks."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, David, for being the very first person to review our brand new course in pole lathe turning. Thanks for your kind words too, and for returning to Sallerton Wood for this, your second course. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and its woodland environment, and we very much look forward to welcoming you back sometime in the future. "

Lindsay Taylor reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a brilliant day!! We tasked Rudi with helping us create a piece for the wall above our fireplace. He helped us through the design stage through the forging and shaping of the materials and finally even let us do some welding! We ended up with a really bit of beautiful art deco inspired artwork! Thanks Rudi!"

Janette Sbley reviewed: Botanical Linocut Workshop at Offley Hoo Farm, Hitchin

"I thoroughly enjoyed Kim's Linocutting course, she is a very, warm, generous person who loves to share her knowledge."

Louise Wills reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"I had a lovely day making mosaics with Coralie, She is very welcoming and her studio is a fabulous space full of inspiration and amazing works. She taught me all the skills I needed to complete a mosaic on the day, she was very helpful and gave me lots of helpful tips. The studio is equipped with all the tiles you cold possibly want and lots of books for inspiration if you don't arrive knowing what you want to make. I would totally recommend this course to anyone wanting to have a go at mosaic making."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you Louise, it was genuinely a pleasure to meet you. Your mosaic is beautiful and a credit to you. Best wishes Coralie "

Russ Barker reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 1-2-1 woodturning workshop learning all about woodturning as well as the equipment required, tools needed, wood (and grain). As a total novice who only had seen YouTube videos of woodturning, I ended up "proficient" enough to take home 2 pieces of my work that currently sit proudly on display for all to see! Simon was patient whilst explaining and demonstrating the techniques and tips needed. He is very easy to chat to, and quick to allay any fears or answer any questions. It doesn't seem to stop at the end of the day either - the post-course information notes (and some great photos) were gratefully received afterwards. Something for me to read up on, so I don't forget before the next time I am in front of a lathe...."

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

"Hi Russ, So glad you enjoyed the day - do get in touch if you need any guidance, especially purchasing kit. I can't promise I know it all, but I'll try to help if I can. -- Simon"

Andy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a FANTASTIC experience! If you're on the fence about booking this for yourself or as a gift I'd encourage you to stop thinking and get involved! I've spent two separate days at the forge so far under the instruction of Mort who is extremely knowledgeable and encouraging. I've enjoyed it so much and have been so impressed with what I've managed to accomplish (with a fair bit of help of course) that I've got the itch and can't wait to book another day! Fire, Hammers and plenty of tea what more could you want. I highly recommend! "

Ana reviewed: Ceramic Tea Bowl Handbuilding and Cha Dao Tea Ceremony

"I felt very privileged to participate in the workshop, as it far exceeded my expectations. I went into it thinking it was a bit of fun but quickly I realized these were very special/advanced techniques which were being passed on. I now have a renewed appreciation of the amazing craftmanship involved in creating hand built pottery of this type. I particularly enjoyed how the tea ceremony complemented the pottery. It encouraged a very mindful atmosphere in which to absorb yourself in the processes. I thank you both, Claire and Linda for your amazing dedication and generosity in sharing your wonderful practices with me. "

Geraldine Truss reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I had a wonderful time at Taster of Weaving class. Rebecca is a very good instructor, very informative and creative I loved every minute of it and at the end produced a piece of woven fabric which I’m delighted with. Will certainly attend another workshop "

Dobby & Rose responded:

"Thank you Geraldine! I am so pleased you enjoyed your Weaving Workshop! I shall look forward to seeing you again, Rebecca x"

June Eagling reviewed: Quilting at The Viking Loom, York

"This was my first visit to Viking Loom and I really enjoyed it. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming and Lynn was so helpful with my new quilting project, giving me lots of advice. Looking forward to this coming Friday. Will definitely booking some more classes. "

The Viking Loom Ltd responded:

"oh thanks so much June. we all try v hard to make the viking loom a homely ,welcome and inspiring place to learn . so v grateful for your comments . looking forward to seeing your project as it develops . best regards romy and team . "

Mary reviewed: Rag rug making course in North Herefordshire

"My daughter and myself had been wanting to try rag rug making for some time. Jennie's day course gave us a good introduction to the craft, with easy to follow demonstrations and examples of the techniques involved. Her book "An Introduction to Rag Rugs Creative Recycling" which we purchased is also interesting, informative and very useful. We have now tried out some of our ideas and started on our own projects. Thank you Jennie"

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"I am pleased that you have carried on with rag rug making (I did say it was addictive!). I look forward to seeing pictures of what you make."

A reviewed: Ceramic Tea Bowl Handbuilding and Cha Dao Tea Ceremony

"I loved this workshop. The lovely mindful tea ceremony complemented beautifully shaping clay to make my own tea bowl. And for the first time ever I made a bowl that I love! The whole weekend was quiet bliss interspersed with laughter - led peacefully by Charjin Claire and by potter Linda who guided us so clearly."

Ros Williamson reviewed: Ceramic Garden Seed Head and flower Ornaments - Emma Godden Ceramics

"Emma's Ceramic Seedhead Workshop is brilliant! She is an excellent and very knowledgeable teacher, guiding us through the process of making our creations in a relaxed but productive atmosphere. It was great fun making these lovely seedheads and I can't wait to collect mine once they have been fired. Emma is very talented and her creations are inspirational."

Emma Godden Ceramics responded:

"I’m so glad you had a brilliant time Ros! And thank you for such a kind review. I means so much to me that people enjoy the experience so much. Best wishes, Emma "

Chris & Mike Freed reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"A genuinely excellent tutor, course and workshop environment. Ben has the patience of a saint, is a lovely bloke and was able to nurture these 2 amateurs into budding chair-makers. Its hard to believe we turned green wood ash logs, with accompanying pre-prepared materials, into 2 welsh stick chairs we are proud of. Its all thanks to the structure and pace of the course, along with the newly learned skills, which kept us on our toes but ensured we both got our chairs completed. Our course-mates were an unexpected bonus - a fine, collaborative group who brought their own skills, good humour and support (including visits from friends, partners, wives and dogs to keep up morale and provide additional snacks). The woods and Welsh weather provided a stunning and calming backdrop that served as a wellbeing tonic, with the week being fuelled by Ben's satisfying lunches. Altogether brilliant! "

Piquita Robinson-Lobbett reviewed: Mosaic 5-Day Summer Course: In Depth Mosaic Skills

"I love mosaicing with Roz, her sessions are always enjoyable, fun, informative, and relaxing. Mosaicing is so mindful and Roz always helps me to achieve the outcome I have been visualising and more."

Rosalind Wates Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Piquita! Always lovely to see you (...and the scrummy cakes you bring in for us all...). A privilege to have such a talented student: wonderful mosaics AND cakes!!"

Tom reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A highly enjoyable and informative day. I was completely new to turning and Simon was a wonderful instructor, patiently walking me through the background of the equipment, points to watch out for and how to approach a project. His guidance on techniques and proper handling of the equipment meant that I was given a strong introduction in how to approach the craft, and the information provided afterwards meant that I now have a fantastic reference point going forwards. Overall, a brilliant day with a great instructor, providing an informative and good, broad coverage of wood turning. I would highly recommend to anyone considering this course."

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

"Hi Tom, Thank you for a very comprehensive review - you were a model student and I wish you well in all your woodturning endeavours. Any queries or assistance required, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

David B reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Had a great day with Joe, one to one tuition is a great way to improve skills and the sycamore bowl came out really well!"

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Thanks David, you were a real pleasure to teach. Enjoy the bowl."

David B reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Really good day - great instruction from Sarah and we learned a lot in one day, enough for us to have a go at covering our other chairs now we know how!"