Latest reviews

Eve Smietanko reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A wonderful day in a beautiful setting. David and Caroline were friendly and welcoming and the location was lovely. It was a relaxed day but with a good amount of structure with loads of support and help on hand when you needed it. As a complete beginner I had no idea what to expect but there was a clear plan from the start of the day and guidance was given in good bite size chunks throughout the day so that it wasn’t at all daunting. A fabulous day, I would recommend to anyone and would absolutely go back."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Eve. I really appreciate that you travelled some distance to attend and I’m pleased you enjoyed the experience. I’ve just sent out the follow-up notes and I hope I’ve sparked an interest in a really immersive and relaxing craft activity."

Hannah reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Foiling Method Course

"Had a lovely day, Cheryl was really friendly and helpful and guided me through the processes, made a lovely rainbow sun catcher which I can’t wait to display on my wall"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Hi Hannah Thank you for the review .. I’m delighted you enjoyed your day .. your rainbow was so lovely ?.. xx ?"

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

"This was a fantastic introduction to silversmithing! Jules is a really encouraging tutor with a passion for her craft. She has created a lovely workspace with everything we needed to create stunning pieces by the end of the day. The pace of the workshop was excellent - having a maximum of 4 participants means Jules is able to give participants plenty of attention and I never needed to wait more than a few minutes for support when I needed it. I would definitely recommend this workshop and Jules as a knowledgeable and encouraging tutor who will help you achieve something you will be really proud of."

Karen reviewed: Willow Deer Sculpture Haymoor Studio

"I unleashed a new passion in willow sculpting thanks to Jo’s excellent teaching and enthusiasm on the day in this beautifully located centre. Not only were all the deer made on the day worthy of pride of place in our respective gardens but each was individual to the maker. Jo has also been helpful in giving me information and tips on how to go away and continue exploring this craft for myself. I will definitely be booking again for future courses."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you so much so Karen, I feel there is so much to be enjoyed in the willow, it just speaks to some of us!! Keep weaving!!!"

Richard Clark reviewed: One day introduction to resin art

"Perfect balance of quality tuition and practical ‘hands on’. 5 attendees meant plenty of opportunity for Eunice to assist each of us during our first attempts. Pitched exactly at the right balance of instruction then supervision of our first efforts. Really pleased with our results!! Everyone involved finished the day with an excellent hand made brilliant resin picture. 10/10"

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Thank you Richard so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Your ocean inspired resin art was a delight to see materialise. Warm regards Eunice "

Alison Scott reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My Hubbie and I had a great day with Adrian, Andrew and fabulous caterer Debbie. Never having attempted to work with red hot metal before they guided us through the process and we are really chuffed with the results. Highly recommend the day to anyone who wants to have a go at something different."

Christopher Kelly reviewed: Willow Basket Weaving - with Eddie Glew (2 days) in the Peak District

"Zantium Studios is set in a beautiful location which is made better by the welcome from Godfrey the peacock. Alison and Peter hosted the 2-day workshop beautifully; they are the loveliest people and were available for anything we needed. Ahead of attending the course Alison was on hand to answer all my questions and assured me that they could cater for my gluten free needs. The lunches were delicious as were the yummy snacks, teas and coffees. I attended the 2-day basket weaving class with Eddie Glew. The course lived up to all my expectations and more. Eddie is a great teacher and I couldn't recommend him and Zantium studios more highly."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Chris, for this wonderful, glowing review. Thankyou so much for joining us here at Zantium. It was a pleasure to have on the course...and my only regret is that I failed to get a photo of you departing by pushbike, with your beautiful big basket on the back! Enjoy your newfound skills and come back soon x"

Tina reviewed: Basic woodturning half day

"Wood Turning course was excellent and Chris is an amazing Instructor. Chris is very knowledgeable and professional. He explained everything that I needed to know ...would definitely recommend. I came away with a wooden bowl that I had completed myself (with Chris's instructions)."

Christopher Bell reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is the second Blacksmith course I have done here. I have to say it was a great day again and I am looking forward to the next day making a rams head poker. The food also was amazing. If anyone is looking to do or buy a blacksmith course this is definitely the place to do it."

Maximilian Allison reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"This course was great. The instructor, Richard, was very helpful and made the task very approachable and safe. The pace of the class was good, it was efficient but explanatory. I will be returning again and would recommend this to anyone interested in starting woodwork!"

Nicky Morley reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"Steve managed to pack a lot into two hours which can't have been easy as there was a lot of info to impart. I enjoyed the workshop and would recommend it."

Anna Hodgson reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"This was bought as a gift for my fiancé as he is into the Forged in Fire series! He hugely enjoyed himself, said it was exhausting and physical but really satisfying creating the knife. Steve is a friendly, relaxed and informative guy who ensured that Lee had a great day."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Anna I'm glad I didn't put Lee off knife making permanently, but I think he may look at the stock removal process as well now. I'm glad he enjoyed himself so much, it was a pleasure to host him in the workshop. Kind regards Steve"

Mike (Chester) reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"I asked my family to buy the Damascus axe course for a significant birthday. I love Damascus steel, but have never done any metalwork. This was the perfect course. Gary and Jos strike exactly the right balance between instruction, support and enabling you to be hands-on. I couldn't be happier with the end result. Many thanks guys. It was an excellent introduction to the world of the forge"

Gill Thomas reviewed: Introduction to butter knife, spatula and spoon carving

"A first class experience all round - would highly recommend for beginners like me."

Touch Wood responded:

"Thanks Gill, well whittled on the day!"

Lachlan Rowland reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"As a novice with an entry-level lathe, I needed proper tuition and introduction to equip me to safely and competently begin to turn wood. I took the one-day beginner's course with Colin, and it could not have been better. Over the course of the day, I learned everything I had hoped to, about the turning tools and their specific applications, approaching the wood, turning it, and finishing. In fact, I learned a great deal more than that, in the course of some excellent, patient tuition and demonstration. At the end of the day I had two very presentable finished turned items, that had exercised a lot of different techniques and skills in their execution. I also had been properly introduced to the workings of the lathe, safety advice, information on workpiece finishes: waxes, shellac, linseed, mineral oil. Tool selection and purpose, sharpening, with regard to their composition (carbon or HSS steel) were also covered. I came away more competent and confident (and therefore safer) than when I arrived, itching to get back to my small workshop and put the techniques into practice. Colin referred to detailed handouts with comprehensive photographs for reference during the day - actually magazine articles he has written previously - and they comprise virtually an encyclopaedia for beginner wood-turners to refer to. He sent me an electronic version which is going to be an invaluable reference. I highly recommend Colin's course to beginners - I can see me returning for an advanced version once what I have now learned has been practised and bedded in."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for this great review, Lachlan. It is much appreciated. I hope to see you again sometime. In the meantime ... happy and safe turning. Regards, Colin"

Ruth reviewed: Pottery Wheel Taster Private Session

"What an excellent experience . Alison such a lovely bubbly person. Extremely patient and helpful. Dealt superbly with my daughter who has Asperger’s and a physical disability. We both thoroughly enjoyed the lesson and are eager to go back. Thank you Alison!"

David Thorndycraft reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day! I made, with a fair degree of help, a nice unique welly boot stand to my own design which will keep my boots nice and dry. Mort was a font of knowledge and is passionate about his craft. I learnt the 7 basic blacksmithing skills and was able to practice them all myself and use them on the project. Physically the day is demanding -you are on your feet most of the day and wielding a 2lb hammer is tiring on the arms. To get the most out of the day you ideally need to be practically minded but the essential skills are well taught and the ability to complete a project in the day is very satisfying."

Anne O’Driscoll reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a great day we had in the beautiful forest with Mark and Cristina! Expert tuition and generous hospitality and the chance to become totally absorbed in an activity that challenges mind and body. A perfect day, thankyou!!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Anne Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Louise reviewed: The MasterClass

"I’ve been to one of their previous workshops and it was amazing! I learnt so much and the tutors were so inspiring would recommend it to any young person that’s a creative!"

Diana reviewed: 2 persons simple leather belt bag or crossbody bag workshop (half-day)

"Professional, helpful, an experience that enhances one’s passion for bags. Very happy with this mini-course."

john reviewed: Wooden Ring Making

"A really interesting and enjoyable couple of hours. Peter is an excellent teacher and a really nice bloke too! The course content is just right and even though I've done a bit of turning I came away with a much better technique - plus the ring looks great! Thanks for everything, Peter and I look forward to the pen blanks course!!"

Childwall Emporium responded:

"Thanks for such a nice review, you did a great job on your ring. I'm glad you came away with knowing a bit more see you on pen course!"

Sue Richardson reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Kerrylyn was very warm and welcoming. The course was extremely informative, clear to understand and very enjoyable. The time just flew by but we all came away feeling we had learned a lot. The hand out is very detailed with a full list of suppliers and contacts. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience with us."

Adrian Jowitt reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"I attended the stool making course recently. It was my first attempt at green wood making and the course was superb. The location was amazing, the wood really well looked after and the buildings made from materials harvested from the wood and in a way that meant they blended in rather than imposed themselves on the site. Andy is a really good teacher, provides guidance and clear advice, giving space for us to get on and do our making but there when needed; if only I'd had a few more teachers like that at school. I highly recommend this course and Sallerton wood generally."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Adrian, for writing that account of your experience at Sallerton Wood. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the woodland environment in which it took place. Thanks also for your recommendation to others, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood if you choose to visit again. In the meantime, enjoy for greenwood stool!"

Ali reviewed: Wet Felted Pots

"I had a great morning creating a wet felted pot with Wendy. It was relaxed, informative and very satisfying Although I'd never done felting before, I came away with a pleasing result. I feel able to have a try at home with the few materials that I chose to purchase afterwards and notes to remind me of the process. A real pleasure."

Pauline Webb reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I booked the course for my sister as a birthday present and thought it would be more fun for her if I went along too as soap making was something we have both always wanted to try. We had a fantastic afternoon and both came away with a lovely big cake of beautiful soap that smelt as good as it looked! Nichola and Ben couldn't have been more welcoming and the whole session was really well thought out, informative and interesting. Nichola was very patient and explained each part of the process really clearly, helping each person to choose colours, scents and additional ingredients to make their soap unique and special. We even had a choice of recipes so we could choose which type of soap would suit our skin best. The coffee and biscuits were delicious too. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in making hand made soap. My sister and I learnt such a lot and it was so much fun!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thank you Pauline for taking the time to leave such a lovely review! It was a great afternoon with you both. Glad to hear you enjoyed it and are pleased with your soap... enjoy using it when it's cured! Nic x"