Latest reviews

Ben Grocott reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"I can't recommend Blended Monkey highly enough, Simon's passion, knowledge and calm teaching style made for the most wonderful day and I left with some real skills that will serve me forever. If you are thinking about trying a Blended Monkey course, don’t delay, you’ll have such an amazing time, the facilities are incredible. I will definitely be back. "

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

"Ben, Thanks so much for a glowing review! Great to have you in the workshop and look forward to seeing you again. — Simon"

Steve Elwood reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Had a great half day honing my technique. Simon was a great teacher with a good “guiding hand”. Would recommend wholeheartedly. Thank you "

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

"Hi Steve, Glad to know the session was helpful. Do get in touch if you need any further help or guidance. — Simon"

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

"A friend and I did this course as our Christmas 2021 treat (albeit not until October 2022!) and what a wonderful day we had. Jo’s studio is light and bright, set in beautiful grounds with plenty of space to work, get messy and creative! Jo is an excellent tutor and wonderful host explaining every step in detail and on hand to help with any queries and suggest tips to improve our ‘hares’. There are plenty of hare sculptures around the studio to gain inspiration and develop your individual hare. Everyone who did the course on that day had completely different sculptures and I created something I am truly proud of, I just can’t decide whether to keep indoors or put in the garden! We both bought a small hare kit to do at home and have planned our own sculpture workshop day at home. I thoroughly recommend this fun and rewarding day."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jo 😀 That was an amusing day with three 'Jo's' in the studio!!! So glad you both enjoyed the day making your hares - you could have them inside during the winter months and outside during the summer. Mind you - they look great covered in frost and snow, so outside is great all year round! Enjoy making the kits! Jo x"

eileen reviewed: October half term willow lantern making workshop (afternoon sessions)

"Excellent course cannot praise Jane and her assistant enough for an excellent lesson even my 6 year old granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed herself and had a lantern to take home. Will certainly look for further courses."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review, we shall let Jane and Becky know that you all enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing you again soon."

Teresa Crosby reviewed: Stained Glass Traditional Leading Workshop for Beginners

"I found the course to be excellent. Mike explained each step thoroughly and was very patient and encouraging and I'm very pleased with my finished piece. A delicious lunch was also included along with many cups of tea and biscuits! Would thoroughly recommend."

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Teresa - it was a pleasure!"

Sarah Canton reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Course was great. Clare had a methodical approach and gave some good tips. Put it all into practice next day when i made another lampshade at home.. Very enjoyable and great value..Thanks Clare.... "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the lampshade making workshop and thrilled you went home to make another lampshade."

Julie williams reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"Really well taught course, Jane has the patience of a saint! Lunch is also brilliant!!!!"

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Thankyou so much Julie! It was lovely to meet you and your work was beautiful. I hope to see you again soon 😊"

Gem D'Souza reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: for two people

"We had an absolutely fantastic day with Emma. Booked for my mums 60th birthday and couldn't have asked for a better gift! Emma is a thorough and patient teacher and really felt like we learned a lot in just one day and had fun whilst doing it! Really pleased with the pieces we created by the end of it. Highly recommend and hope to be back some time for another workshop!"

Carol Shaw reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"Absolutely loved this workshop, learned loads and was really surprised at how much we made during the day. Great tutor and venue ."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Carol, thank you for taking the time to submit your review. I’m delighted you enjoyed the day. You created such beautifully unique pieces which are currently going through a series of firings. I hope you’ll be impressed with your finished results and look forward to seeing you at future workshops. Kind regards, Helen🦋"

Ray Lewis reviewed: Woodwork Day Course

"I enjoyed my day with Ted. I had never had any formal training in woodworking and needed the basics. I completed 4 joints which I could take home and show the family. "

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Raymond you certainly have some good skills at your fingertips my friend. Look forward to seeing you soon on another course? Your welcome any time 👍👍👍 kind regards Ted 😎"

Emma reviewed: Beginners bowl carving

"An absolutely wonderful relaxed but very skill focussed weekend making Sami bowls. Nick was there to tutor us through the processes of axe and knife work but also allowed us to bring our own artistic elements to the finished products. We all came away with the most wonderful bowls and spoons and the skills to make more in the future. Thank you too, to Debbie for the most wonderful welcome and catering. Highly recommend this couple and their company. "

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Emma. We’re so glad you all enjoyed your weekend!"

Patrick Barry reviewed: Fused glass bowl and dichroic glass jewellery in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire

"I had a fantastic day at the glass works studio, a really interesting process and one that allows your creativity to flow. Melanie is an amazing teacher, and I will most definitely be coming to the next course. "

Jane reviewed: Stained Glass: Poppies (Copper Foil)

"Thoroughly enjoyed the class. Tutor was helpful, relaxed setting and came away with a finished product"

EJaRt Creative responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us your review. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your session with us. We hope that we can welcome you and your family back to more sessions in the future. The EJaRt Creative Team"

Jonny Keightley reviewed: Candle Making Course at Butterfly Barn Studio - Private Workshop for up to 4

"I did this course with my wife and it was great! Kathy was very engaging and clearly knew what she was doing. We had a really fun time and it will not be the last course we do with Kathy! Highly recommended!!"

Ally reviewed: Box making for beginners

"Relaxed and detailed. Thoroughly recommended "

Ally reviewed: Dragon book box

"Very relaxed but informative. Excellent information provided."

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Thank you for leaving a review Ally, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'm pleased you found the workshop helpful. Best wishes Jan"

Michele James reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Five stars from me! Really enjoyed this course and will book another next year. Sarah is extremely organised and covers all you need to know about candle making."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Michele."

Juanita Harrington reviewed: Three day glove making course

"Fabulous glove making course. Elizabeth is an excellent teacher, very patient and helpful. My sister and I had a wonderful time. We would recommend this course to anyone. Mark (Elizabeth’s husband) kept us well fed with excellent home made food. Hoping to make another course in the next year or two"

The Smart Stitcher responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Juanita. It was a pleasure meeting you and your sister. I hope you are both proud of your achievements. I wish you every success in your future glove-making. "

Adrian Price reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant weekend, great place, excellent guidance and help. The food was amazing, if you’re not into blacksmithing then come for the food, bring some chestnuts and watch everyone hammering 😀👍"

Amy Fitz-Desorgher reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"We have just had a fantastic day with Di making Giacometti bronzed animal sculptures. She was a fabulous teacher and so accommodating, very kindly rescheduling after illness struck our original booking a few months ago. We had SUCH fun and are all thrilled with the results! Company from Bojo the dog throughout was also a very happy additional extra. Thoroughly recommend this course!"

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh Amy you are so very kind! I throughly enjoyed your company and had a fabulous day with you all.!!! 👌💖"

Marie-Christine Reece reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"Did the workshop on my own after a recommendation from a friend! Dina and her mum were fabulous teachers. Very patient and informative. Amazing to see all the different results obtained with the different techniques taught. The tea break was lovely and gave us all a chances to relax with fellow “painters”. Will definitely do another workshop next year ! "

Christina reviewed: Macrame plant hanger

"loved making my pot hanger and booked onto another course "

The Summer Lane Collection responded:

"So pleased to hear you loved it Christina, lovely to meet you. See you soon😊"

Jude reviewed: Pottery taster course for two in the South Downs

"An amazing two hours learning to throw clay, well worth the money . Rowena is an incredible teacher . I'm definitely going back for another class. Loved it."

Lydia Turner reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"I was bought this course as a birthday gift and had a great time. Wendy took me through the paper making process, showing me how to undertake each step and answering all my questions. A calm and unhurried atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend!"

Chris Wright reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"A brilliant day out, I got it as a birthday gift Had a ball, made a knife and learned a lot what more can y want!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a good day on Saturday - glad you enjoyed it so much also."