Latest reviews

simon reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"An excellent day, Jake creates a nicely informal atmosphere and is an excellent teacher. His enthusiasm for wood and teaching shone through and made it thoroughly enjoyable day. The order for the lathe is already in!!"

Jackie reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"I had a great day doing the stained glass course with Vicky. She went through everything in great detail giving good tips and sharing her experience. I learnt a lot from the day and and feel confident that I would be able to try making some stained glass at home."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it. Enjoy creating in your new space, it sounds perfect!"

Julie Goddard reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"Fabulous day at Swanwick Studios. I found Rachel to be an excellent tutor. She was chatty and very knowledgeable and we all finished the day with a fantastic sun catcher. Rachel gave us clear instructions but then allowed us to use our creativity. Can certainly recommend this. "

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Arhhhh Thank you Julie - appreciate your very kind words - your bluebells were awesome :-)"

Christine Turner reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"This was an excellent course. Not lectures but hands on working on your project from the word go. Jo is really helpful. She explained clearly what to do next and showed you as well. She was always there when you needed help or were ready to do the next step.There we’re 4 of us doing different types of work and she helped us all individually and seamlessly ( sorry about that one). The fact that 2 of the people were returning for a second course says it all. "

What Jo did next responded:

"Hey Christine! Thanks for a great review! See you in March ☺️ X "

Lynne Lino reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I spent a lovely morning with Kerry at her house learning the ins and outs of candle making, it was really enjoyable. Kerry obviously knows a lot about her craft and was sharing lots of tips and tricks relating to what I wanted to learn. She was kind enough to give her supplier list as part of the course which is invaluable. I can't wait to get started."

Can To Candle responded:

"Hi Lynne, great to meet you and glad you enjoyed the workshop."

Michele reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"We had no previous experience of making glass beads. Julia quickly put us at ease & talked us through each stage before giving us opportunity to get creative. She is brilliant at her craft and very reassuring. We thoroughly enjoyed the session & will be returning. "

Francesca Turner reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Jamal was a very interesting and informative teacher. His knowledge and experience was evident in his approach. It was a wonderful course paced just right and each stage was skillfully demonstrated and discussed. Despite our limited ability we achieved our stained glass pieces with help from Jamal. There was plenty of time for us to ask questions and discover for ourselves how difficult it is to produce leaded stain glass panels. We enjoyed hearing all about the history of how Jamal found his craft. Thank you Jamal for a lovely day and thank you for your hospitality. "

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Francesca Turner, Many Thanks for your lovely feedback. It was great to have you both in my studio! Kindest Regards, Jamal Rafay - StainedGlassic"

Rich Dean reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"I really enjoyed my time learning key skills to building my own campervan. Scott is very knowledgeable and a welcoming host. I finished with some well needed knowledge and ideas on what to get for my first build. Hands on skills to confidently buy the right and install electrical, water and fuel equipment. I definitely recommend the 2 day course if you are planning to build any size home on wheels 👍 thank you Scott Kindest regards "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Rich, I'm so glad you enjoyed the course and found it useful. have fun and go for it Scott"

Mandy Pearce reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"I loved this course. Can thoroughly recommend to anyone wanting to try out this amazing craft. Iain is a very informative, patient and helpful teacher. "

Fay Painter reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Traditional skills in a lovely old studio. Jo is a fantastic teacher, very skilled and knowledgeable and gives each student individual attention and support. Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 day course, so much so returning in March for a further 2 day course! Strongly recommend if you want to learn upholstery skills in a lovely welcoming environment. "

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Faye! Lovely to meet you, and looking forward to seeing you again next month... Jo"

Sharon and Simon reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"We attended a 1 day workshop with Andy yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very informative and fun. Andy managed to share a lot of valuable information that makes a difference to the end result. This holistic approach meant that when the hands on time came you could truly appreciate what you were doing right (and wrong!). Andy's enthusiasm, knowledge, skill and experience were infectious, to the extent after never having done this before we are considering investing in a lathe and having more lessons! His wife Mary and their dog Angus were very welcoming as well. Great way to spend Sharon's birthday! "

Andys woodworking responded:

"All three of us (Andy mary and angus ❤️) are really looking forward to seeing you again "

L Bennett reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Myself and my family (4 adults) had a wonderful experience at Chew Valley Handmade Glass. The instructor was amazing. He explained everything carefully as each individual took their turn and was very patient with us! I would definitely do it again and would recommend the experience to my friends."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review, we are always pleased to hear that you enjoyed your time with us. Kind regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Chris Cole reviewed: Introduction to Arc or Stick Welding, with award winning metal artist, Roger Russell

"I found this an incredibly helpful course. Roger gave very helpful instruction and advice, the facilities were were ideal for the course and his patience ensured that I could go away fully prepared and confident to carry on developing my welding skills. I would recommend this course to any other novice welder - it is really good value for money. Thanks Roger for you help getting me started"

High Definition wire sculpture responded:

"Thank you Chris. Glad you liked you lesson, Please contact me if you need any advice, And dont forget to join my Facebook Sculpture group for more tips and advice . It was a pleasure to teach . Roger "

Gemma reviewed: Knife Making Class

"What a fantastic day!! Booked this for myself and my friend and we had a great day with Will (the tutor). Will was a great guy who was knowledgeable and easy to get along with. His experience was clear to see and he was very helpful. This is definitely a day I would love to do again and wish it had been spread over two days. The builders tea wasn't for me but Will kept the drinks flowing and spent time with everyone on the day. Keep up the great work Will and hope to see you again later in the year!! Thank you for a great day!!"

Rebecca reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"A delightful afternoon making glass framed pressed flowers. Ffion was very warm and welcoming. Explained and demonstrated every step. We left with beautiful pressed flowers and we have discovered a love for soldering! "

ffimini responded:

"Thanks Rebecca and Carol, you were naturals!"

Sharon reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"It was a wonderful day and I learnt so much! Julie was inspirational and her passion for the subject was infectious. The range of candles, melts and other items we were able to make throughout the workshop was impressive, as was the access to all Julie's amazing resources! The huge afternoon tea provided was delicious too! It was all certainly excellent value for money and I would highly recommend it! "

Katie reviewed: Half day glass fusing for beginners/intermediate

"Booked 1/2 day glass fusion workshop with Nicky really last minute, she was so quick to respond and provided all the information needed. The workshop was just what we were looking for and Nicky offered lots of great advice and tips when making our designs. There were lots of options and styles to choose from. Nicky was really friendly and provided a lovely relaxing space to spend an afternoon. We are really looking forward to collecting our coasters once they’ve been fired. Thanks again :) "

Miltos reviewed: Couples blacksmithing experience: three hours in the forge

"Unique experience! Definitely worth trying! Be prepared for physically demanding hammering!"

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

"Excellent course. Alex was great and took me through all the steps of process with a friendly, patient and very knowledgabe manner. Thouroughly recommend it to anyone wanting to try their hand at blacksmithing."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Andy, Thanks very much for the cracking review. it's fully appreciated and I am happy you'd recommend it. best wishes Alex"

Hannah reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"I had a brilliant time at the taster session and learned so much. I really can't recommend a pottery session with Joan highly enough. It was a perfect balance of instruction and practice. Rather than trying to squeeze in too much, Joan suggested choosing two methods from handbuilding, pinch/coil pots and throwing on the wheel, which really made the most of the session. Joan is a very knowledgeable teacher and was very generous with her time. "

jccermaics responded:

"Aah Thankyou Hannah you are very talented and I can’t believe what you and your mum achieved, you really do need to find some classes near you and carry on and if you need any advice please just ask 😊"

Laura Stidolph reviewed: Woodturning with Green Wood in Cornwall - Whole Day (1 person)

"My husband and I had a fabulous day with Richard and Jane. Richard has created a great course, he imparts lots of knowledge, demonstrates very clearly the technique and his caring nature ensures you leave satisfied with your own unique pieces of work. The day is well paced and Jane was the perfect hostess providing tea and coffee and home made treats throughout the day. Highly recommend this course."

Sophie reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"Absolutely incredible! It was worth every penny. Such an enjoyable and informative course. Not only was the entire family warm, welcoming and armed with delicious homemade cake, but Scott patiently answered all our questions and guided us through a series of interactive sessions. Can’t wait to start building my campervan :) "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Sophie. Thank you so much for such a great review. I'm so pleased you liked the weekend, and yes I liked the cake too. Scott "

Edward reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Instructions very clear, and a highly enjoyable experience!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"☺☺☺It was a good weekend"

Bev reviewed: Pre-felt Collage inspired by Braque & Matisse or make some word art with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"I had a great time making a lovely felt picture to take home. As an absolute beginner I was really pleased with the way Heather guided me through the process and taught the techniques. My friend and I had a lovely and creative afternoon. special mention goes to the delicious homemade cake which Heather kindly made using gluten free flour. "

Cathy & Katy reviewed: Half-Day Jewellery Making Workshop for 2

"Myself and my daughter came for a jewellery making morning as a Christmas present. We were made to feel really at home and really special during our workshop and had the freedom to get really creative with Linda. We were both able to try different techniques and both made pieces of jewellery we were really pleased with! Special pieces of jewellery we made together with lovely memories to treasure alongside them. We absolutely loved our morning and look forward to another session where we can try out even more skills and techniques. "