Latest reviews

Debbie reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"This was a great day, and clearly Richard knows a lot about pottery and is generous with his time. We covered a variety of different Raku firing techniques and found the day really interesting and enjoyable. We also came back with a few pieces of Raku glazed pottery we can keep."

David Ham reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"This course was an excellent introduction to blacksmithing for a total beginner like me. The balance between good preparation and flexible learning was really good, and the pace was just right. We made three items over the two days, all of which will be useful in our home. Aaron is a really good teacher, whatever your ability. Highly recommended."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you David for your lovely review. Really glad you enjoyed the course. Trudi "

Jac Kingsley reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I’ve just completed a week long course with Ollie. It was a great experience from start to finish and I feel confident to continue restoring furniture as a result. Ollie is highly skilled and a great teacher. His years of experience means he can advise on and provide solutions for all kinds of unseen problems. I highly recommend him and his wonderful workshop."

Joan reviewed: Mini-Maker sessions - woodworking for kids at Ash & Co. Workshops

"My two granddaughters thoroughly enjoyed this class, a great experience for them Thankyou ?"

Ash & Co. Workshops responded:

"Hi Joan, thank you for your lovely feedback, so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Many thanks, Jonty :-)"

Lewis Calder reviewed: Work of Iron | Blacksmith Forge on the Firth of Forth | Edinburgh | 1-Day Blacksmiths Knife Making

"I bought this course to make some props for my Dungeons and Dragons game and I got exactly what I wanted, During which I made a Hook as a beginning project, A signet ring with a sun engraving and another project. It didnt feel too professional/strict, it felt very casual and calm and not that I had to rush to get it finished within a certain time. Jack was a kind instructor and gave me enough space to do it at my own pace without leaving me clueless as to what to do. I didnt have an exact design for what I wanted so when I got there we sketched something that fit what I wanted. I wasnt available for any of the given dates so we talked and were able to change it to a monday. Overall It was a very fun course and im glad I did it and now have experience in this skill, I will likely get it again sometime in the future"

Bev Willmott reviewed: Blacksmithing one day course

"Best 1 day course I've been on. Learned so much and Will is very informative, helpful and patient (and I needed a lot of help and patience ?) Came away with a hook and beautiful poker.?"

Sue Lopez reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Haven’t concentrated so much for ages!! Lots of different coloured glass to work with and Wendy was at hand for advice. I was pleased with my almost end result, it was nice and colourful. Wendy has offered to grout it, although You also have the option to do this yourself. Wendy offered us refreshments and biscuits to keep us going"

John reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"How do you put value on a course like this. I spent two days with Steve and the outcome is something I will treasure for the rest of my life. Steve guides you through each step of the knife making process with simple instructions and demonstrations. You will end up with something that you will be truly proud of."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi John Thank you for your review. It's always very satisfying to know how much a student enjoys themselves in the shop with me. I did say that you would become attached to that man blade after those two days of hard work. I know it will serve you well and you'll enjoy using it. Kind regards Steve"

Tina Walpole reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"I have always loved glass pictures and items so I thought I would give this a go. A complete novice but that doesn't matter. Jill was a fabulous teacher and John and Jill were both fantastic hosts. A very warm welcome with drinks and cake as soon as we arrived and a lovely home made lunch as we were there all day. There is no limit on what you can make - the only constraint is the time. I decided to make a large 'wave' piece of a beach scene with some different powders for colour and with Jill's help, it looks amazing. She is an amazing artist and her guidance can turn any novice into a budding Picasso!! This took some time as my first piece but there was still time in the afternoon to make a pair of tea light holders. The friend I was with made a similar wave piece but with less colour and so this took less time and she also made a couple of pendants along with tea light holders. To buy anything like this in a shop would cost more than we paid for the course and we have the added bonus that we made the items ourselves. And if there is anything specific you want to make or give as a gift then this is brilliant. We are definitely going back again and now we have a basic knowledge we can make even more in the time. I would advise anyone to have a look at their website and have an idea of what you would like to make before you go otherwise you will waste time deciding. Having said that, Jill will always give you some ideas and improve on what you have suggested. So in summary - brilliant hosts and facilities. Can't fault it."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you for your glowing review Tina, this makes us very happy. We are delighted you both enjoyed your time with us and that you were pleased with what you made on the day. This is our aim. "

Mary reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Great fun! We enjoyed making our plates and are super-pleased with the results. Thank you :)"

Martin reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"I did this course in August and had a very enjoyable and informative day. David was a very approachable teacher with a wealth of experience in many of the building trades and was more than willing to share his knowledge and tips with the three of us that attended.I learned a great deal, especially about the correct way of doing things such as measuring, marking out, drilling, sawing, fixings, joints - things that I found out I've been doing incorrectly for years! The course has really given me the confidence to start working on jobs around the house again. Thanks David!"

Debbie Barton reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Simply loved this course and the warm welcome and the quality of the teaching provided, I have already booked my next session - seriously addictive!"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Debbie. So pleased you enjoyed your time with us enough to make a return trip. "

Peter Morris reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"I attended an introductory wood turning class with Simon and I'm really pleased that I did. The venue is great, very clean, comfortable and well equipped but also welcoming which was important for someone trying to learn a new skill. (Especially when the skill is to effectively stick a razor sharp tool into a solid piece of wood rotating at considerable speed!) I have over 12 years of teaching experience and so I feel qualified to say that Simon's delivery style is first rate and backed up by excellent subject knowledge. By the end of the day (with Simon's help and guidance) I produced 2 pieces that I can be really proud of. For me the acid test is always, would I be proud to give this experience to someone as a gift and the answer is yes, without reservation."

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

"Hi Pete, Thanks for a glowing review, especially from an experienced teacher! Any questions or queries, please do get in touch. -- Simon"

Sharon McIntyre reviewed: Intermediate 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I certainly learned a lot today and with such lovely people. It's a course I would highly recommend for information and instructions, both written, verbal and practical. The constructive comments assisted me to produce a number of items in the day, identify and address bad habits and gain confidence to continue on the path to becoming a proficient wood turner. I will be repeating the course to learn other aspects of wood turning. Great course. Good food. Friendly people. "

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

"Hi Sharon, Thank you for such a descriptive and thorough review! Great having you in the workshop and we look forward to seeing you again. -- Simon & Louise"

Deb L reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Brilliant course, fun and informative. We had no experience of candle making before this and feel confident enough to try it at home now. Looking forward to doing more! "

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Deb. I could see you were both having a great time. I cant wait to see your fab creations in the future. x "

Laura & Ryan Lange reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Really good experience with Richard, he was on hand to help us throughout and explained everything really well , it’s nice having something to keep that we made together we are really happy with our poker for our fireplace and the knife my husband made too , thanks again Laura & Ryan "

Jo reviewed: Mastering Pen Making.

"I have spent a lovely day with Derek, making 2 beautiful pens. The day is well organised and Derek has a lot of knowledge which he will share throughout the session. He also explains the process in detail for each step of the way. I have never turned anything before on a lathe, but within a few minutes I was confident to do so. Although there are safety elements involved, this was a fun session and there was a lot of laughter, usually due to my mistakes, but the process was fun and I am proud of my accomplishments during the session. I would highly recommend this course if you like pens, enjoy wood turning or are looking at trying something new. Thank you for a fabulous day Derek, I think I may be back very soon. "

Assynt Pens responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed you day Jo. A great student. Well done on what you achieved! "

Ann S. reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Had a wonderful day with Amanda learning how to make stained glass ornaments. She was very patient and explained everything clearly and I was really pleased with the three items I made. I had been wanting to do some stained glass work for a long time and the experience was just what I had hoped for. "

Dragonfly Glass Art responded:

"Hi Ann, Thanks for taking the time to write a review! I am glad you were so pleased with your finished pieces!! All the best, Amanda x "

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

"What a great guy Rudi is, extremely friendly with a gentle manner, just right for teaching this. From first going in to his workshop all bright eyed and feeling slightly nervous you’re soon heating metals, controlling the fire and bashing the iron into something….anything in fact, you choose and it’s probably very possible whatever you can think of (within limits of course). I knocked up a couple of rustic hooks and then worked on a herb chopping blade…..this one was a long process so I have to go back to finish it off. I also bashed out a snail key ring. All in all I had a great day and I was extremely fortunate that it was just me on the course, one to one. I was comfortably tired at the end of the day, physically and mentally, but came away very satisfied. And not to forget the tea and biscuits throughout! Many thanks to Rudi for this. "

Anthony Hollick reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Had a great day made to feel very welcome & instruction was very good."

Ann reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"My friend bought me a couple of Jo's clay kits for my birthday, and we had great fun making one of them together. We watched the video which was very relaxed and easy to follow, and had the instruction sheet to hand which was very useful. The kits really do have everything you need, and there was enough clay left over to make a couple of small things as well. We were both beginners, and though the animals were not necessarily recognisable as we went along, the finished articles look great!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Ann ?. I'm so glad you both enjoyed making the kits and thank you for sending me the photos - I cannot believe you made an extra cat - and a swan - out of the remaining clay ???. Brilliant ? Jo x"

Ruth Carty reviewed: Wet Felted Pots

"Bought this as a birthday gift and we weren’t disappointed. Spent a very happy morning crafting a beautiful little pot each - surprisingly energetic and a lot of work goes into each little pot, but it’s so satisfying and Wendy is a very reassuring and helpful tutor. We were well supported at each stage of the process and left with our creations, wanting to have another go and make another of these unique little pots- so we bought the wool from Wendy and can’t wait to try it at home! "

Mary Musgrave reviewed: Greeting cards, pack of 6

"Really nice cards, arrived very quickly, I will be coming back for more. "

Jean Kiekopf reviewed: Duo human sculpture kit (1 x 30cm & 1 x 50cm)

"Absolutely loved the kit and the accompanying tutorial video. Quick to arrive and all instructions are clear. The personal touches from Jo also enhanced the experience. I had never worked with clay before and found all the advice invaluable. I feel so proud of what I've achieved. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Jean, and for sending me a photo of your wonderful characters! I'm delighted you enjoyed making them and have now experienced working with air drying clay - warning - it's addictive!!! Jo x"

Stewart Pearce reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"Attended introduction course at Sallaton had a fantastic day with a great bunch of people. Andy was a great teacher and we all managed to produce good results. The best birthday present I have had in years! Stewart."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Stewart, for that positive review. We're glad that you enjoyed the course, and it's nice that it was a birthday gift too. We look forward to meeting you again next season when you return to Sallerton Wood for the Make a Shave Horse course. "