Latest reviews

Lindsay reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Had such an enjoyable session and Geoff was a great instructor! Will definitely be back!!"

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thank you, Lindsay. I’m glad you enjoyed the session. Hope to see you again for some more throwing."

Deirdre reviewed: 2-hour 'body bits' pottery workshop for your hen party, birthday or other gathering

"I enjoyed every minute of the recent Hot Fox Pottery workshop I attended. I was slightly apprehensive in the run up to it, having never attempted pottery previously. However, thanks to Alice's clear instructions, the relaxing and creative atmosphere, and the excellent array of materials, I came away with a piece I really liked and a desire to do more pottery as soon as possible. Thanks so much."

Hot Fox Pottery responded:

"I'm so glad you found it fun! It was lovely to have you come and make some boobs with us! "

David Hudson reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Fantastic course! Very knowledgeable tutors, relaxed atmosphere, quality tools, and great instruction. Really pleased with how the bow turned out, and learned a lot in the process. It's a lot of work, but very rewarding. Highly recommended."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you David its great to hear you had a good weekend and like your bow. Happy shooting Pam"

Sue Anderson reviewed: Stone setting in silver clay - Lori Ridgway Featherstone

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day and amazed at what we managed to create with Lori’s patient instruction. I can recommend this course to anyone."

LR Silver Jewellery responded:

"Hi Sue Thank you for the review, it was great having you both on the course, you created some lovely pieces. Lori"

Course participant reviewed: Wet felted landscape 2 day workshop - Fri 27th Jan & 3rd Feb 2023, Aberford

"I thoroughly enjoyed this two day Wet Felting Course in Aberford Village Hall. Janine was an excellent tutor. She gave good,clear instructions for the different processes involved and was always on hand to offer encouragement, ideas and support. I found it to be a relaxing experience and it was good to have the time to be creative. I can definitely recommend the wet felting experience."

Janine Jacques responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review I really appreciate it and the time taken to do it. So lovely to hear how much you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you very much for coming - it was lovely to meet you. Maybe see you in the community cafe on a Friday sometime! "

Laurence Burton reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I did a two day course (Fri/Sat) - a really great experience. Nigel was really patient - especially after I got it wrong for the 3rd time! :-) We've covered far more than I thought we would be able to - Nigel loves to share his knowledge and expertise!"

Jane B reviewed: Saturday jewellery tuition - choose your project!

"We thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. It was very relaxed, we were so pleased with what we made and now really appreciate the skill involved in jewellery creation. Sam is a very good and patient teacher. Definitely recommend booking"

Andrew reviewed: Axe Making Course - One Day Blacksmithing Experience

"Excellent instruction and fun experience. Highly recommended to anyone interested in blacksmithing or historical crafts."

Tom Robinson Metalwork responded:

"Thanks for your review and so glad you had a good time on the course! "

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

"What a fantastic day! Rudi is a lovely personable guy who (obviously) really knows his stuff and is very talented (you just have to see the work he has made in his workshop to see that). He takes his time and explains the whole process in a very understandable way, particularly for me who had no prior experience. I made a fire poker, knife and key fob. Rudi demonstrates the process and then allows you to copy and create your own pieces. It's hard work work but thoroughly enjoyable, I'd highly recommend this experience...... be prepared to get your hands dirty!! "

Mark Hambley reviewed: French Polishing workshop full day with Rob Cain

"A fabulous beginners course which is a hands on experience in Rob’s shop. Rob has a brilliant and fun way of explaining and allowing you to have a go at each process of French polishing. I highly recommend you give it a try and the homemade lemon drizzle cake was fab."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Thanks so much for coming, and I'm glad you both got so much out of it. Good luck restoring all your fab pieces in France, here if you need me, Rob. "

Sandi and Mike Turner reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"My husband and I attended the 2 in 1 craft day the woodturning and pottery day, and what an incredible time we had. Louise and Simon are so welcoming and are attentive and patient teachers. Although I was most looking forward to the pottery wheel, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the course and was surprised at just how much I enjoyed the woodturning, as a complete beginner. My husband had some experience at woodturning, but under Simon's expert guidance he learnt so much. We both loved the pottery afternoon and the different methods and, although the wheel was challenging, Louise is a fabulous teacher. It was a brilliant day and we will both definitely be returning. Thank you both so much. "

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

"Excellent tuition from a very knowledgeable and skilled teacher. Patient and calm. Loved taking home my work. Lots of tea and a great lunch too ! Thank you. "

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Gill, it was lovely to meet you that weekend and thank you for your kind review. Don’t forget, just get in touch if you’d like any information :) Best wishes Paul"

Jane reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"An informative, fun and enjoyable day learning a new skill. Lee was a great tutor who managed to give individual attention to all of us on the course. I'd thoroughly recommend."

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"It was great to spend the day with you Jane. I was really impressed with how quickly you took to lino printing and the beautiful prints you made. I look forward to seeing the next ones!"

Patricia Dimberline reviewed: 'Bluebell Woods' Acrylic Painting Workshop with Sue Gardner

"Absolutely fabulous. Sue, thank you. You teach in an easy way for numpties like me to understand. You made the course so easy, especially doing the cow's nose and eye. I have never painted an animal and at least it does look like one, even though perhaps a bit psychedelic 😂🤣. It was a great day 5/2/2023, today, lovely lunch and cake was had by all. Plenty of drinks, no not gin, but everyone’s cows were marvellous. I shall definitely look for another of Sue's courses to attend."

Sue Gardner Studio responded:

"Thank you very much Tricia for leaving such a lovely review! It was a pleasure to meet you and you painted a terrific 'coo', tiptop-full of character. Glad you had a nice day, I'll be delighted to have you along again in the future 🙂"

Kath Bailey reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"Been on many of Melanie's courses and loved every one, she is a brilliant teacher, very patient, and the cakes are good too 😍"

Sarah Kehaya reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Bristol

"What a great day!! Informative, friendly, productive! Loved every minute aided by really clear instruction, snippets of history and differences across the world - as well as heaps of encouragement! "

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Sarah, that is really good to hear :-) You were a pleasure to teach. Thank you for taking the time to write a review."

Alan Dowling reviewed: Forge your own silver spoon, two day course

"This is the 4th course I have attended with Charlotte in Sheffield and, as with the others, it was thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding. Charlotte is an excellent tutor and lets you work at your own pace, explaining the processes clearly . I am really pleased with the spoon I made."

Charlotte Tollyfield Contemporary Bespoke Silverware responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, Alan. It was great to have you back in the workshop, and hopefully it won't be long before your spoon is back from the Assay Office. I'm glad that you enjoyed the course and that you are pleased with your spoon, you did a fantastic job! Best Wishes, Charlotte"

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

"Really good for beginners. I made a pen and now I am going to buy a lathe myself."

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

"Hi Otto, So glad you enjoyed it and (finally) got the car sorted out. If you need any advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon"

Carina Rofe reviewed: Egg frame basket (1 day) workshop with Hopewood Baskets

"Absolutely loved this course. Fantastic tutors, learnt a lot and yet it was also relaxing. Am so pleased I learned to make my first ever basket with Sarah and Marcus."

Hopewood Baskets responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review; we’re delighted to hear you had an enjoyable day! Lovely to meet you and weave together, and hope to see you again one day. "

Sue R reviewed: Explore printing

"Great introduction to gelli plate, monoprint and linocut printing. All three being something we can easily do again at home on the kitchen table. Lisa walked us through the techniques at a pace to suit us, and gave us lots of opportunity to explore and experiment. Well thought out day, with plenty of cups of tea, and some naughty cakes too 😋"

Coneyhurst Studios responded:

"You both had such brilliant ideas with your exploring of the printing techniques. I am so glad you had such a great time."

Gillian Berry reviewed: Gelli Plate Experimental Monoprinting.

"A very enjoyable day, lovely food and very clear instructions. Thank you."

Fiona Setchell Artist Tutor responded:

"Thank you Gill. It was lovely to meet you. You created a beautiful set of prints, especially the Barbara Hepworth inspired prints. Happy retirement, may it be filled with creativity ! All the best, Fiona. "

Lin Holliday reviewed: Kiln Fired Enamelling with Katie Sanderson. Half day workshop

"What a brilliant morning! Katie was great - friendly and welcoming and took us through some health and safety, and then demonstrated some enamelling techniques. We all then went back to our work benches to make 2 orv3 items to take home. It was really absorbing and satisfying. I went home with two pendants and a brooch I had made. I would recommend the course and will be back to do another course. "

Katie Sanderson, enamel artist responded:

"Thank you so much Lin! I really appreciate your lovely review. Hope to see you again. Many thanks Katie"

Claire reviewed: Silver Filigree Heart Necklace Workshop; with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic - Sedgefield

"The course was fantastic, very well organised and easy to access, even for us as beginners. Lindsay was very patient helping us to make something really lovely and was determined to ensure we all took home a piece to be proud of. Thanks so much for all your hard work. "

Bench Box responded:

"I'm so glad you all enjoyed the course Claire, thanks for coming along and for the great feedback! You should all be so proud of the lovely necklaces you made, they really are fab! "

Helen Rayner reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a fantastic day, from start to finish. Jo could not have been a better host and facilitator; she made us feel so welcome and at ease, patiently guiding us through each step of the process of making our hares with such skill and clarity. I am so pleased with my moon-gazing hare! Now I can't wait to make another hare from the kit I brought home with me and I hope to attend another course soon. Thank you, too, to Andy for all the cups of coffee!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Helen! It was a great workshop and I hope you enjoy making your hare kit at home. I look forward to seeing you back in the studio! Jo x"

Emma and Robbie Fitzgerald reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"Richard was amazing - we had such a great day and love our finished breadboards. The course was informative and fun at the same time and has definitely got us thinking what our next project will be!"