Latest reviews

Pat Swinborne reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, learning how to do lino cuts with a very talented and inspirational tutor. The 3 hours just flew by. Excellent content."

Richard Norton reviewed: Coptic Bookbinding Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Last Saturday I completed the Coptic Bookbinding course at Lechlade Craft Barn. It was a wonderful day and I now have my own handmade notebook. I will be coming back to Lechlade Craft Barn very soon to revise my sewing skills and to do some of the many other courses on offer. I highly recommend this course to anyone thinking about it. I now have a new hobby to practice at home."

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Richard It was lovely to meet you and so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Karen "

Sarah Hunter reviewed: Modern upholstered footstool workshop - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"Great fun and we came away with a wonderful stool ( love my two- colourway)! Delicious lunch too. "

Roundedby responded:

"It was so great to have you on the course Sarah - your Cerulean & Mustard footstool looked absolutely lovely. I think you achieved a brilliant finish - WELL DONE!! Best, Lucy "

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

"Couldn’t have asked for more from the day’s experience. I was initially met by both Simon and Louise, who immediately made me feel completely welcome and comfortable. Simon subsequently took me to his workshop, where after a cup of tea, biscuits, and a relaxed catch about anything and everything in life, we began the teaching session. Simon is clearly a very talented craftsman who is passionate about his work. His style of teaching is both thorough yet laid back. He seems keen for you to be able master his techniques for yourself, and will explain the reasons why they’re important to know. However, once taught, he’s just as happy to leave you alone to practice for yourself, something I personally really appreciated. Lunch was great (ploughman’s style). There was loads of choice and if felt like it had been done with a genuine sense of care. At the end of the day I came away with loads of new knowledge, a bowl and honey dipper that I love, and that good vibes feeling you can only get after doing something really enjoyable for a day. A final point that feels worth mentioning is how thoughtful Simon appears to have been to the types of people who might come to these sessions- the tools and lathe he teaches you on are the sort that a serious hobbyist would have (I.e. v high quality, but not the ridiculously priced equipment that a true professional might need - he has those use too!), As such, I left feeling as if I had a rare opportunity to try a craft under expert tuition, on equipment that was both accessible if i chose to take it up as a hobby, yet more professional than my skills would probably ever require. This final point was further demonstrated when Simon informed me that he sends out detailed handouts of all the techniques and equipment used, whilst also offering to be a source of contact if I needed any advice on buying equipment in the future. Thank you Blended Monkey for a great day. "

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

"Hi Owen, Thanks for a wonderful review - so glad you enjoyed your day and do get in touch if you need more assistance. --Simon"

Michael Salisbury reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Excellent experience. Hands on and very informative. The team there where very helpful and experienced. Make you feel at ease and comfortable. We made 4 peices, vases, glass and paperweight using colour. This gave us a great insight to some of the tricks and techniques used in glass blowing. The team there are great people. Great conversion as the day went on. Got to try to my hand at it all. Would recommend and can't wait to book another session. "

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us Michael. Thank you for your review, it was a pleasure to meet you. Regards the team at chew valley handmade glass "

Jo Ward reviewed: Create a mosaic in a day in Yorkshire with professional mosaic artist Sue Kershaw

"Had a fab day. Sue was really helpful and made everyone feel welcome. Learnt so much. Will definitely sign up for a further workshop. Thank you"

Sue Kershaw responded:

"It was great to meet you Jo. I am really happy that you found the day so useful and it would be great to see you again. Keep mosaicing!"

Rachel Hughes reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"I had the best day ever. The workshop exceeded my expectations, Jules made it feel so easy and this is all down to how patient and helpful she is. I never expected to come away with such a special piece of jewellery and to have felt such a calmness throughout the whole process is amazing. I would recommend this to anyone of any skill level as I came as a complete novice myself. Thank you! "

Chris Lewis reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day long Giacometti sculpture course. Di was the perfect host and the whole experience took me back to the little bit of sculpture I did at art school many years ago. The studio is set in beautiful surroundings and being away from all other distractions was the ideal environment to relax and be creative. I was so inspired by Di that I am considering taking up sculpture as a hobby. "

Art on the Edge responded:

"Hi Chris. Thank you so much for your kind review! Definitely take up sculpture you are a natural! I look forward to seeing your work in a gallery one day! Di x"

Danielle Harris reviewed: Modern upholstered footstool workshop - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"I was really nervous about the footstool workshop and genuinely worried I would not be able to make one very well. However under the expert guidance of Lucy, with her wealth of knowledge and experience, and kind patience (always with humour!), I actually did it! It was such an enjoyable experience to push myself out of my 'desk based' comfort zone, to learn new skills and realise that we are all capable under the right tuition. We worked hard but the reward - coming home at the end of the day with a beautiful footstool - was so worth it! The studio is beautiful and lunch delicious too. I would highly recommend doing this workshop! Thanks SO much Lucy x"

Roundedby responded:

"Thank you Danielle for such a lovely review, it was great to have you at the workshop. I’m always especially delighted when people step out of their lane to try something new - you asked excellent questions & so quickly found your groove - Great Stuff! Now put your feet up on your very lovely Cereulean footstool! Best - Lucy "

John and Oli reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I have never forgotten when I received my first sheaf knife as a teenage from my brother. So when an opportunity came to actually craft my own for my son to have I couldn't resist booking on the course. Graham, David and Decklan were on hand throughout the day, by first explaining what we were going to do and why. A demo then followed and then we had a go under their watchful eye. The pace of the day was relaxed and not rushed. We learnt lots about steel and its property and had a very hands on day using new tools and techniques. We came away with our first knife which we will put to good use when we go camping next. I would highly recommend this course!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks John and it was great you both enjoyed yourselves.. Your next camping trip will be all the better for it"

Jason reviewed: Silver Rings Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Had a great day today at the craft barn. Definitely a recommended day for anyone in the local area, and if you're far way then its worth the journey! Thanks for a great day."

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Jason Lovely to meet you and thank you for coming to the workshop. So glad you enjoyed your day and hope you are able to make it to another workshop soon.. Karen"

Josie Aldridge & Sue Green reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"We really enjoyed our afternoon with Julia making glass beads! Our session began with a demonstration of how to make a basic bead using Moreno glass . Julia explained everything and safety measures were in place throughout. Once we had watched Julia make it look so easy, we got started and realised that there is a lot of skill involved. We had a work station each and spent a very enjoyable afternoon making a variety of different colours and shapes of beads. Julia was always there to help and offer suggestions and was very friendly. Would definitely recommend!"

Niall Stephenson reviewed: DIY Workshop: Power Tools Course

"A great course with a great teacher. Richard explained everything clearly enabling beginners to understand the subject and those with previous experience to build on their knowledge. Richard went above and beyond in answering any questions posed to him. I would highly recommend and look forward to doing another course with Richard."

Cressida Murray reviewed: Modern upholstered footstool workshop - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"Lucy is extremely talented and a fantastic teacher . I had the most wonderful day on the footstool upholstery workshop and and chuffed to bits with my very own beautiful footstool . The whole process of booking and choosing from a selection of coloured wool ( I chose ‘ Meadow ‘ ) was straightforward and Lucy was quick to respond to any questions . There were six of us in the group and Lucy was incredibly attentive but also let us get in with the measuring , cutting , stapling , glueing and hammering . It was really thrilling to have made such a beautiful thing in only a few hours - oh and the lunch from Caccia & Tails was absolutely delicious . Thank you and I may return to make another !! "

Roundedby responded:

"Ah thank you Cressida - yes do, I’d love to have you back! Loved the result of the matching Meadow, you worked so hard & created a fabulous piece, and gained confidence with the tools, working the materials with speed & deft as the day progressed - well done! Best - Lucy "

Jean Price reviewed: Make a mosaic (for beginners).

"I really enjoyed this course. Tracey is helpful, friendly, encouraging and knowledgeable. The day just flew by. It was my first time at attempting mosaic. Although I am not at all 'arty', I found with Tracey's help I was able to start a project which I am really looking forward to finishing at home. I would certainly recommend this course."

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Jean, thank you for your kind review. Despite insisting that you are "not at all arty", you produced a very attractive mosaic of a stylised owl, inspired by a cheerful textile design. Combining glass smalti and unglazed porcelain in your piece worked really well in this design and I look forward to seeing your finished mosaic in due course. Thank you for your recommendation, much appreciated."

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

"By far, the best hen party activity I've been to! I loved making my booby pot, and Alice was the perfect host. She is clearly a very skilled potter, but knows exactly how to tailor the session for a group of easily distracted (possibly drunk, definitely loud) and un-skilled novices. Nothing phased her, and she certainly knows her way around a clay boob. I can't believe how great all of our creations looked, and that we all got to take home an actual item that we're proud of! I'll definitely be looking into further courses with Hot Fox Pottery. "

Hot Fox Pottery responded:

"Thanks so much for a lovely review, it was great to have you all and your booby pots looked fab! "

Janine Salvage reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I did the soap making course with my daughter and we loved it! Wendy was very friendly and explained the process clearly step by step. The Craftery is a lovely space to work in and we had a great afternoon making soap, and can't wait to make more. Really looking forward to doing our next course. Great fun & good value. Thank you Wendy"

Susie P reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"A most enjoyable day. Matt was a great teacher and I am so pleased with the result"

Sian reviewed: **New ** Make a sterling silver bangle with Silver nugget or Stamp initial Charm

"Sarah is a great teacher and her studio is cosy and relaxed - we had a lovely time making jewellery and meeting Sarah and the cats. I love my bangle very much!"

Sian reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"We had a lovely day with Sarah making rings and a bangle. Sarah is a fantastic teacher and we really enjoyed the process of making our jewellery "

Clare Goodman reviewed: Exploring drawing from charcoal to collage in Norfolk

"A very enjoyable a relaxing morning. Melodie creates a really lovely atmosphere and was very supportive and encouraging. "

Melodie Cook PS responded:

"Thank you Clare,I am so glad you enjoyed it!"

Alyson Millar reviewed: Fused Glass Panel

"I had a very enjoyable relaxing morning learning about fused glass techniques. Claire, who was lovely friendly and approachable, was good at explaining and guiding the class. I was impressed by the organisation and supply of equipment and materials for each member of the class. I'm really looking forward to seeing my finished fused glass piece."

Lynne reviewed: Pottery Wheel Taster Private Session

"Had a brilliant time with Alison learning how to throw on the wheel. Great teacher and learnt loads. Would highly recommend and will be going back very soon to learn more. "

Sheila reviewed: Sun-printed lampshade making workshops in Devon

"A very enjoyable day, with a beautiful lampshade to take home. Had a lovely relaxing few hours on the Cyanotype lampshade-making course with Bridget, in her cosy house. Lots of clear friendly instruction and inspiration from Bridget's array of lampshade and cushion creations. Highly recommend."

Clare reviewed: Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide

"Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide Wonderful day! Margaret is an excellent teacher. We learnt so much from tempering chocolate to making ganache and caramel. Margaret was very attentive and encouraged us to ask questions throughout the day. Home made soup was provided at lunch with fresh sandwiches and oven warmed rolls. At the end of the day we could take home all the chocolates we'd made in lovely presentation boxes and wrappers. I would encourage any chocolate lover to take this fantastic course!! Thanks for a lovely day Maragret!! "

Confetti Chocolates responded:

"Hi Clare, thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to host you for the day and I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course. Hope you keep up with the skills you have learnt. Best wishes, and don’t forget I am only a phone call away for advice on anything chocolate!"