Latest reviews

Kate reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"2nd course I have done. Very enjoyable and leave with a bag that nobody believes I actually made!"

Charlotte reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Anne is a great teacher and there was a fantastic selection of items and tiles to choose from. I had a fabulous day creating a large, colourful mosaic flowerpot. The day was brilliant and I'm really pleased with what I made. Tea, biscuits, cake and company all great too!"

Jemma Millen Ceramics reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I had a fantastic 3 days with the brilliant master that is Ed, learning everything there is to know about mould making and plaster. Ed is incredibly generous with his time, skill sharing and patience. I came away feeling miles more confident in mould making/plaster work, as well as motivated to get back to my own studio to give it all a go by myself - so I absolutely recommend this course to anyone at any level interested in learning correct making practices for mould making and plaster work. I only wish he could figure out how to copy himself to also share a studio with me as I'll definitely miss our chats! I stayed at the Pot Bank hotel too recommended by Ed, as it's situated on the Spode Works site where his studio is based. It took all the travel stress away as I'm a maker based in Northern Ireland, so not too familiar with the area in Stoke."

Andy reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"I was expecting a very traditional course but was pleasantly surprised by the more artistic flair presented by the instructor. I came away with a “bunch of flowers”, that are now proudly displayed in my garden."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're glad you enjoyed the day and hope you enjoy your 'bunch of flowers' for years to come!"

Richard Clark reviewed: One day introduction to resin art

"Great tuition and paced exactly right between tuition and practice. We all completed two resin pieces that certainly completed a terrific day"

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Thank you Richard"

Andy Aston reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Just returned from a very interesting & fun glass blowing introductory lesson with Chris & Jo at Chew Valley Handmade Glass, New Manor Farm, Bristol. I was unsure at how successful I would be, but Chris explained & demonstrated how to do it & I was soon making a vase followed by 2 more a bowl & 2 paperweights & my wife made a bauble. Thanks Chris & Jo for a great morning. Would recommend to anyone to go & have a go."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"We are so pleased you enjoyed your time spent with us today. It was lovely to meet you both, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Regards Chris & Jo"

Claire Lea reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Excellent one day beginners course. I'm very pleased with my bowl and tree creations. Thank you Les."

Pren responded:

"You're very welcome Claire, I'm glad that you enjoyed your day."

Adrian and Bev reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"A fantastic day, Simon and Louise were excellent. We both felt instantly at home and relaxed and it was a great hands on experience. Lunch was much more than we expected and delicious. Overall we would thoroughly recommend the day."

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

"Thanks for the lovely review! We're so pleased you enjoyed your "2 Crafts in 1 Day" experience guys! It was a pleasure having you in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio and we're really happy that you found the day relaxing and that you'd recommend us :-). We'll see you again when your fab pots have been glazed and fired. "

Cath Holmes reviewed: Sun printing workshop in Devon

"We enjoyed Bridget's sun printing course. We didn't really know what to expect & luckily as it was a sunny day & we got to try a variety of printing techniques out in the open air. We produced a range of samples & now I've seen what's possible, I'm keen to do more & try out other objects. It was also very interesting to learn about the history of sunprinting from Bridget."

Corinna reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"Spent a totally absorbing afternoon with my daughter at the mosaics class. What a talented lady Wendy is and what fun we had. Time just flew by as we indulged ourselves with our designs. Wendy was on hand for guidance, tea and biscuits and a great sing-a-long to the super playlist. Absolutely recommended, don't miss out !"

Louise Rowley reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Very knowledgable and gave us lots us useful information..really helped thoughtout the course with anything you needed. Helped me a lot as my hands hurt more then I had hoped!! Great location and good facilities. Would highly recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Louise, thanks so much for the positive review. It was a pleasure to work with you through the day. I do hope your hands have recovered. If you carry on carving you will build more strength in your wrists and hands, especially if you take a ‘little but often approach’. As your technique improves you’ll also find the carving process easier. All very best, David"

Lisa reviewed: Three Little Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"Booked this for my Mom and I as a birthday treat for myself and we had the most wonderful experience. The course was very reasonably priced and the little sweet treats were a lovely touch. The instructions from Melanie were clear and her knowledge throughout was fantastic, she was incredibly patient with us! We are so pleased that we booked this workshop and we will definitely book another one with Melanie in the future! We both highly recommend this lady and her crafty business xx"

Pam reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"Brilliant afternoon and well worth attending. You can watch as many videos as you like but you really need to attend a workshop to fully understand how to pour etc"

Elly M reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"What a wonderful way to spend ans afternoon! I was so lucky to have been given a voucher for blended monkey fory birthday. I didnt know what to expect at all. Louise is such a kind and calm person, and her pottery studio set in her beautiful garden is just sublime! I can honestly say ive not had such a relaxing and peaceful 3 hours in many many years. Excellent value for money considering all the prep work Louise does, the 1:1 expert tuition, the fact Louise then finishes, fires and glazes 3 pieces for you, and of course the free biscuits! Therapy when i wasnt expecting have therapy, and I made some nice pots at the same time :) Highly recommended."

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

"It was a real pleasure having you in the pottery studio Eleanor :-). You made some fabulous pieces and I'm so pleased you found the experience to be relaxing too - that's exactly what we try to achieve. Was nice talking to you on the market yesterday too. See you soon when your pots have been fired :-)."

Alex reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"A fantastic course in a beautiful setting. I feel like I learnt an awful lot over the space of two days and came away really happy with the piece I made."

Julie Clancy reviewed: Mosaic workshop make a mosaic Heart or door number using vintage china

"My 13 year old daughter and I went to Eva’s for a mosaic workshop. She did a heart mosaic and I did a door number plaque which was perfect. Eva is friendly, warm and patient and her craft cabin is lovely (even when we experience 3 seasons in 3 hours!) We are both delighted with our finished wares. Thanks Eva."

Linda Stacey reviewed: Fused Glass - Taster

"The course was for my Grandson, Granddaughter and Mum. They thoroughly enjoyed the course and are all looking forward to seeing finished items."

Tracy Eggleton-Akers reviewed: Fused Glass Sun Catcher Workshop with Natalie Bullock

"I had booked half a day course originally but I changed it to a full day. Paul was a fantastic tutor explaining everything from start to finish, how to use the tools correctly and health & safety. Nothing was to much trouble especially if I couldn’t quite cut or break the pieces of glass each time. He gave all of us plenty of individual attention to make sure we had great results in our finished pieces. I live quite local so will be booking in again"

Natalie Bullock Art responded:

"Hello Tracy :) Thank you for your five star review :) So glad you enjoyed the course - we’d be pleased to welcome you back again! :) Best wishes Natalie"

Marianne Cox reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Plant Support Course (Obelisk and Cloche) at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"What a lovely day! Highly recommended! Making willow obelisk structures in peaceful countryside surroundings. Truly the best medicine for the soul! I will be back! Basket weaving next! Thank you! ?"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Hi Marianne, Thank you so much for recommending my course and you're even going to take part again! This time with your Mum in July! Wonderful! If she picks it up as easily as you did, then you'll end up with beautiful baskets. Look forward to meeting your Mum once over from Norway. With best wishes, Marianne x"

Carol Ann reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I had such a great weekend learning to spin. I was visiting from Canada and looking for something fun to try. This hit the mark. I enjoyed the course, learned so much, and loved meeting some neat people. It was quite a different way to be a tourist! I got to see a whole different way of life than I'm used to. Elaine is so talented and patient with absolute beginners like myself! I got home a day ago and already ordered myself a spinning wheel! I can't wait to do some more. Thanks for the great weekend Elaine!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Hi Carol Ann Thank you for your kind words. I'm so pleased you had an enjoyable trip to the UK and that you are planning to carry on spinning with your own wheel. I enjoyed meeting you and passing on this absorbing, creative and traditional skill. Best wishes, Elaine"

Susan reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A fantastic day. I highly recommend this course. It was relaxing and fun but most importantly really informative. Jo was happy to answer lots of questions and was really honest whilst also being encouraging and supportive. I have spent most of the week since attending the course researching materials and experimenting with making candles - be warned it is quite addictive! Feeling inspired and enthusiastic - thank you for this Jo."

Daiva reviewed: Epoxy Resin Art Masterclass: Seascapes

"Lovely experience, I really enjoyed. Seascape coasters that I created look nice and other students' work also looked great when we finished. It took me 1hr 40 min to travel to the studio because I live far away but it was worth it and I would do it again. It was great to learn and to see how other students do it, also - learn from our mistakes. I'll be attending other classes in a future."

Phil Ellis reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I decided to book a taster session with Les to decide if I would like to get into wood turning. His enthusiasm and passion for the subject was infectious and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Les is a talented teacher and explained everything in the right level of detail. A real plus was being able to take away something I'd made and could be proud of. It now has pride of place on our coffee table. Diolch yn fawr Les"

Pren responded:

"Thankyou Phil...it always gives me great pleasure when my students write such reviews but I must keep a humble head on my shoulders; it is the students who often make the sessions so successful. Thank you for your enthusiasm and your openness to instruction, you were a very receptive students and you made my day most enjoyable."

Carolina reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"I had a lovely time at my Box Workshop. I enjoyed learning about how to paint geometric shapes in furniture, I will definitely be applying the techniques to other pieces I have at home. Hannah was friendly, informative and helpful. The location of the workshop was inspiring. Recommend!"

Hazel reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"We had an amazing day, loved every minute. It was the most interesting and addictive craft day that I have ever taken part in. We were given wonderful instructions and able to produce pieces that were designed from our own imaginations which gave us a wonderful sense of achievement. Melanie was a really good teacher and made us beginners feel confident that we could produce something to be proud of. We are having trouble containing our excitement waiting to see our finished pieces and we are planning to come back and do another course in the not too distant future. And the constant supply of tea, coffee and cakes was a lovely touch so thank you for a fabulous day Melanie and hopefully we will be back for more very soon."