Latest reviews

Grace reviewed: Natural dyeing - a taster day

"My day with Judy was an inspiration , and met all my expectations. Judy is a very good teacher, and I now have a good overview of the theory and practice of dyeing fabric and yarn with fresh plant material and extracts, including the variation achieved with mordants, heat, and post-dyeing treatments with acids and alkali. Judy's broad experience with spinning , weaving , felting and knitting set the workshop in context and I'm keen to have a go."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thank you so much Grace for your feedback. It was a lovely day - and I am still working on the st johns wort - I shall post the results on this site. "

Grace reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"My day with Judy was an inspiration , and met all my expectations. Judy is a very good teacher, and I now have a good overview of the theory and practice of dyeing fabric and yarn with fresh plant material and extracts, including the variation achieved with mordants, heat, and post-dyeing treatments with acids and alkali. Judy's broad experience with spinning , weaving , felting and knitting set the workshop in context and I'm keen to have a go."

Rebecca reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Had a relaxed enjoyable day. Happy with the level of instruction versus freedom to experiment. Lovely environment and highly recommended."

Michelle reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I have recently done the introduction to green woodwork course with my 10 year old son and we had an amazing day together. Andy was really good at ensuring we all felt comfortable and included despite the age range and had a lovely way of teaching us about woodwork. It is a beautiful location and we were keen to book again to spend more time in the woods ?"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Michelle, for your kind review. We're very pleased that you and your son Blake enjoyed the course and the location in which the course took place. It was a pleasure to have the two of you on the course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood when you return for another course or event. "

Nicki England reviewed: Experience the Japanese art of raku using fire and flame

"We had a lovely day with Suzanne, Alan and Janet. They were very welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. Due to the heatwave, the kiln stayed hot and we got to glaze and fire several pots. We were all given the chance to get involved in all aspects of the firing, and were delighted with the outcome of the pots. We went home tired, smokey, but happy!"

Gone To Pot Ceramics responded:

"Hi Nicki, so glad you had an enjoyable day, in spite of the hot sunny weather. You certainly produced some lovely pots. Kind regards Janet on behalf of the team."

Eva reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Thoroughly enjoyed my lesson. Ricky helped me create an apple design as my last creative piece. Very clear and kind. Look forward to seeing my pieces. Thanks!"

Phil reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"My daughter did this course and loved it. She has left her own review"

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

"I had a wonderful time at the half day workshop with Katie. She was a great teacher and explained the process really well. The small group ensured we were all able to get advice when needed and had our own space with all the equipment necessary. We all made 3 or 4 items to take home and I found it very addictive. I have booked a taster session including enamelling in December and would love to do another workshop soon."

Katie Sanderson, enamel artist responded:

"Hi Gail, Thank you so much for your kind review. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and plan to do more enamelling. It is very addictive! Many thanks Katie"

Lizzie Sturdy reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"A fantastic day in Imogen's beautiful house and studio... filled with tea & cake, great conversation and learning really experimental and fun techniques to take away with you. What better way to spend a day then happily creating art in such lovely surroundings!!"

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"Thank you so much! I had the most enjoyable day and was equally inspired by your work Lizzie and enjoyed catching up on, and discussing the way art education is moving in schools. I am more than happy that you will pass on the techniques of this very affordable art form and hope it will inspire many students over the next years. "

Cazz reviewed: Half Day Potters Wheel & Clay Hand Building, Heskin Chorley

"A surprise birthday pressie for my mum, we both had a fantastic time, Sharon and Hannah were a great laugh. Would defo go back again x"

The Crafty potter responded:

"thank you so much, you both did fab, See you soon Sharon x"

Tamsin locke reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I had the most relaxing 6 hours in such a long time! Dawn is a fabulous teacher, I learnt so much from her instruction and now feel much more confident in using the machine to draw and create appliqué pictures. The studio is bright, airy and full of Dawn's inspirational pieces of work. Would wholeheartedly recommend this course (well worth the long drive from Harrogate!) and will be booking on again. "

trevor reviewed: 2 Person Linocut & Print Kit

"I bought this kit as a present. It arrived very quickly and I carefully opened it to take a look. It's very beautifully presented and carefully thought out. Catherine seems to have a great eye for detail in her presentation of this kit. Thank you"

Jackie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had a wonderful weekend stone carving. Sebastian was helpful when necessary but hands-off most of the time, which was brilliant as it meant I could run with my own ideas and make any adaptations/corrections as I went along. I have been to a number of other craft courses and found that the tutor tries to take over when something goes wrong, which I find really frustrating. Sebastian has got it just right. I think I was too ambitious with my project and didn't quite finish, but I'm sure I will be able to complete it at home. Overall, a great weekend in a lovely setting - I hope to be back again very soon."

Judy reviewed: Floor standing Lamps by ShedLight

"What lovely morning spent making my lampshade! Lots of fabrics to choose from and, for an absolute beginner, I'm really proud of my finished shade. Vanessa was most welcoming and her explanation of each stage of the making process was excellent. I might have discovered a new hobby! Thank you! "

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you so much Judy - you were very adept and quick at lampshade making, producing a professional quality lampshade, well done?. I had a lovely morning too and really enjoyed chatting to you. ?"

HowardDah reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

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Rachel reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Super-relaxed setting and very friendly, expert tuition, a thoroughly enjoyable day with a brand new craft. Great value session and the cake and drinks were very welcome. Highly recommended!"

Julie reviewed: Sterling Silver One Day Simple Ring Making Course (Merseyside)

"Really enjoyed this course. Very informative and I love the ring I made. Would recommend this course to anyone interested in learning about silversmithing. All questions were answered, full explanations given and help there if you needed it. I’m thinking of my next course already ?"

La Jade responded:

"Hi Julie, Thank you for your lovely review ? and glad to hear you love the ring you made. I Hope to see you again soon."

Ellen Steel reviewed: Build your own fire pit / barbecue from recycled materials. A one day course in metal work skills for beginners.

"Great course covering all of the basics you need to know! Scott’s knowledge was superb and he could answer every question we had. He tailored the day to focus on the areas we were unsure on, and even had his daughter show us round her own self built campervan! A great day and cake and ice lollies in the heat were very welcome. Thanks a lot Scott! "

Margo Scharphorn reviewed: Humpback Whale online on-demand needle felting course

"Hello Elaine, I just finished my humpback whale. Really loved this video tutorial/course. Learned a lot making my humpback whale, I really love the endresult. I saw a review of this video tutorial at the you tube channel of Felts by Phillipa and I just had to make my own humpback whale. Many thanks for this great tutorial/course."

The Woolly Rabbit responded:

"Hello Margo Thank you for leaving me a lovely review, I'm so pleased to hear you enjoyed the tutorial and love the way your whale turned out! Warm wishes Elaine "

Janet reviewed: Introduction to pottery techniques

"Great day learning how to work with clay, 3 different pottery methods, the time went so quickly. Highly recommend the course."

Chris Chambers reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The whole day at Blended Monkey, for me was fantastic. The meet and greet is very friendly and even the German Shepherd loves to say hi, along with the Carp, but they just want feeding. I have never done woodturning before, and the personalised tuition is second to none. The lunch time cheese board was very yummy, and then it was back to the delicate art of turning a lump of wood into a gorgeous bowl, all under the watchful eye of Simon. At the end of the day, with many shavings on the floor and over myself and the rough end of a sandpit up the nose, a spalted piece of wood is turned and a bowl is born. Would I recommend the Blended Monkey experience? Hell yeah. Worth every minute of the day. Along with the goods you have produced, you get certification and a good sense of achievement. It was like being a kid again, "look mum, I made this" Thanks guys loved it. "

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

"Hi Chris, Thanks for an excellent review. We're so glad you had such a wonderful experience - exactly what we intend to do, so we're really chuffed that you enjoyed your day. (Simon: however, my workshop will ALWAYS be better than yours! :D ) -- Simon & Louise"

Julie Parsons reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"I spent an awesome day with the lovely friendly Alison learning how to make skincare products. There was so much to take in but Alison was so patient with me, keeping the pace to match my need. I got to make facial oil, toner, cleansing balm and moisturiser. Since doing the course I have really enjoyed using what I made, my skin is positively blooming. I cherished having ‘me’ time outside of my usual hectic schedule. I thoroughly recommend doing this course. I will certainly be back when my products run out. Award 5***** ❤️"

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Julie. I am so pleased you enjoyed your "me time" in the workshop and that you're enjoying using your products. I look forward to your next visit and in the meantime if you have any questions regarding your products please dont hesitate to contact me."

Nicky reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle

"Great course. New skills learnt and it was a lovely day in beautiful surroundings "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Nicky. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. X"

Martina reviewed: Weave an alpaca scarf in a day

"I spend a fantastic day at Clivewood Farm and left at the end of the day with a beautiful handwoven scarf. Caroline’s tuition was excellent and I learnt a lot. Meeting the alpacas who provided the actual wool for my scarf was a memorable moment and I enjoyed an interesting tour through the mill. Thank you for a wonderful day in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. "

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

"My girlfriend and I had so much fun making sea glass necklaces for our anniversary. Jules was very knowledgeable about everything and super kind. She helped us create something beautiful that we’ll wear for many years to come. Highly recommend. "

Sea & Solder responded:

"Mark is was great to see how much you both enjoyed the day. Thank you so much for the lovely review. All the best. Jules "