Latest reviews

Rob Kendrick reviewed: 'Art your way' with Jill Jones FRSA, 3 hours

"Very instructive course in a medium I was not familiar with. Jill's advice and guidance was given in a friendly manner. Would recommend this course."

Jill Jones Fine Art responded:

"Rob, You worked so well in an unknown medium - with massively different colour vibrancy [to watercolour or inks] etc, you did a sterling job, well done on that piece and keep it up! Jill"

Jems reviewed: Daytime glass fusing workshop with Paula Andrews

"A fab afternoon of creative delights, highly recommended!"

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

"Had been looking forward to doing a workshop with Eddy for ages, and was certainly not disappointed! I made a log basket and although not a total beginner felt lots of fine tunings shown by Eddy really helped me up my game. He was so patient and spotted little things I was doing that were not quite there yet, and helped me to work on the correct method to give a much better finish on my basket. Thanks Eddy i will definitely be back! Thanks also to our lovely hosts at the wonderful Zantium Studios, beautiful surroundings, including Godfrey the peacock! And the lovely lunches and snacks. Such a great experience all round. Would definitely recommend!!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou so much, Jilly. We feel very fortunate to have Eddie as a visiting tutor here at Zantium Studios. Delighted to hear the course hit the spot and you have plans for more willow weaving pursuits. I trust your wonderful basket will soon find its perfect home at your dream croft..."

Lesley reviewed: Silver Textured Ring Workshop with Lindsay Forbes - Sedgefield

"Friendly session and Lindsay was very approachable and knowledgeable. We both learnt a lot and made silver rings that we were really pleased with. Lindsay was really good at listening to what we wanted to achieve and helping us do that. Many thanks Lindsay, we hope to come to more sessions :)"

Bench Box responded:

"I'm glad you both enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback and it'd be great to welcome you to another workshop in the future!"

HjT reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making at Stanwick Lakes

"Now im not the best, and certainly have minimal experience, but i had so much fun! There was so much to choose from, and we had opportunity to play around and create personal wreaths tobe proud of! Sophie was supportive but not in your space, and leant her knowledge when needed. Thank you!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"So glad to hear that you had fun on this workshop and created a wreath that you are proud of. Thank you for taking the time to write your review, it's much appreciated."

Dee Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a fantastic day. Nigel and his relaxed teaching style was just tight, no pressure. Thanks for a great course."

Karen Turner reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Oh my word what an amazing time my husband and I had making stools in the woods. Andy is a fantastic teacher, very calm and knowledgeable. I was so nervous, but as soon as we arrived in the woods, and had meandered down to the clearing, I already felt calm and relaxed. We were greeted with tea and biscuits, and after brief introductions to the other participants, we were off to the open air (but covered!) workshop. A fantastic 3 days, excellent company, great food, oodles of tea and biscuits, fab teacher. If you look at the photos and think - I’ll never be able to do that. Really you can, we did."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks so much, Karen for that lovely review. It was great to have you and Paul on the course, and we're really pleased that you enjoyed the course so much. And very many thanks indeed for booking on another course at Sallerton Wood so soon after this one!"

Kat reviewed: Willow workshops

"We had a fabulous day on Sharon’s willow workshop. Perfect weather, beautiful surroundings, tasty cake, clear instructions and plenty of artistic license! We both came away with a woven obelisk each which we are very pleased with. Thank you for a lovely day Sharon!"

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thanks so much for the kind review! Yes brilliant weather and good company, with some beautiful results, well done all!"

Amanda Kindell reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making at Stanwick Lakes

"Really enjoyed the class. Sophie was very friendly and helpful. Will definitely recommend"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. We are glad you enjoyed the workshop and would be happy to recommend it to others."

Tjp reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"Iain was very informative and explained each step clearly. It was very nice to have small group of 3. I really enjoyed this stained glass course and came away with a piece of art I am proud of."

Sherrill reviewed: Willow Leaping Hare at Haymoor Studio

"I absolutely loved this course, Jo’s tuition was excellent, enough detail to enable and never too much to make you feel like being back at school! I never imagined in just 5 hours we’d produce a willow sculpture easily as good as ones I’ve seen for sale. I did it with a friend, it was a first for us and there were 6 other people in the group, some with a little experience, all of our willow hare sculptures turned out brilliantly. I’ll definitely be doing another course with Jo in the future… maybe a deer next time."

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thank you , I think weaving can really open doors to so much creativity. Glad you came and made such lovely sculpture!"

Ben Thompson reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I booked this as a surprise for my partner's birthday and we both enjoyed it immensely. Rob was great and really knew his stuff. We left with 6 very different candles each and useful information for future making."

Brenda reviewed: From melting to money making - The business of candles - Online Course

"I've been pottering about trying to get my candles to a place where I feel proud of them, feel confident in selling them, and to be honest I wasnt. I've went through so many you tube videos and books etc and all were conflicting and different to the other leaving me bewildered and lost and ready to give up. I was juggling over 70 different scents and getting nothing but confusion. Just per chance I ordered a centreing tool and with it came a little leaflet about Jane and I decided to have a look. Within a week I could see clearer. I was trying to do too much and perfecting nothing so I took the course and it is so well laid out from the basics to actually getting the business off the ground. How to target,sell, package, label and all the legalities. The Facebook page is also invaluable. Im so glad I joined. Now I feel focused and determined to stick to a smaller amount of scents but to be confident in my product. I really believe I'm going to get there this time. Highly recommend"

The Candle Coach responded:

"Thank you Brenda for your kind words. I'm so pleased the course has been helpful to you and I am looking forward to our Power Hour soon."

Ruth Tanner reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making at Stanwick Lakes

"I had a very enjoyable afternoon indeed and arrived home feeling uplifted. Sophie was a wonderful tutor who ensured that there was a friendly, supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Having demonstrated the main principles she helped us all to be creative. We all went home with a very personalised and individual finished wreath that we had made from the extensive array of materials Sophie provided for us to choose from. It was so good to have enough time to finish the wreath at the workshop and not to return home with it only partially completed (as sometimes happens at some craft workshops) I hope it will be possible to attend other courses at Stanwick Lakes and it would be especially good to learn to create a Christmas wreath nearer the time."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are so pleased that you were able to leave with a finished wreath and had an enjoyable afternoon."

Mike Wilson reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My Son Jason and I visited Anvil Forge as a gift and had the most fantastic experience creating Viking knives ably guided by Spencer who was very patient and clear on how to make the most of our time. The whole team were very welcoming with the right mix of humour and creative support that made us both want to book back in and attempt something even more spectacular. Thank you Spencer, you have got us hooked...."

Ruth reviewed: Silversmithing - Rings & Bangles (1 day) in the Peak District

"Delighted with my two new silver rings and can’t believe I made them myself! Kate our tutor was fantastic and it was interesting learning how to use all the different tools. Stunning venue with brilliant facilities and excellent catering. Would definitely recommend this workshop."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou so much, Ruth, for your kind words. Delighted to hear you enjoyed the workshop and the treasure you took home. I trust your jewellery has been much admired. I will pass on your positive feedback to Kate. Thankyou xx"

Jo S reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I would thoroughly recommend this day to anyone! Adrian, Andy and Debbie created a welcoming relaxed atmosphere with plenty of great food, coffee and chat (Particular thanks to Debbie for taking my gluten free diet in her stride!). The teaching was excellent with plenty of support but also the freedom to make sure we felt that our creations were our own. I came thinking this would be a "one off" experience, but I'm already thinking about when I can do it again!"

Liam reviewed: Arrow smithing (full day)

"Excellent day making arrowheads, Greg was a fantastic teacher despite me having no experience with a forge I was able to walk away with several bodkins to shoot on my next batch of arrows!"

Jaz K reviewed: One to One Candle Making Business One Day Course (Bexley -London)

"I had so much fun, Paula is so friendly, she made me fell incredibly comfortable, and delivered the lesson so well, very detailed explanations, and that is what I needed. I felt like I could ask anything and didn´t need to feel shy in case it was a silly question! It is not always the way the course is written, the person who delivers and the methods are important, so thank you so much Paula!"

Dawn Lewis reviewed: Craft Bookbinding (1 day) in the Peak District

"The bookbinding course was a gift from my adult children and what a wonderful gift. The course was really informative and fun taken at a pace to suit everyone but a small enough group to make it feel very personal. Holly was a great teacher calm and positive. The setting was beautiful with lovely food and refreshments. I will definitely look for other courses at this venue"

Sue Ulay reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"I thoroughly enjoyed my soap course with Paula. She is extremely helpful and explained everything so well with lots of useful information. It was a great experience and the day was fun. Thank you Paula"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you so much, so pleased you enjoyed the course. Take care. Paula"

Jon reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Very happy with the day I spent on my first try at woodturning. Simon ran the day at a pace that was just right for me and we talked about all sorts of things that will be helpful when I take the next plunge which will be a lathe of my own. Oh, and tidying my workshop after being put to shame by Simon's immaculate space. Looking forward to my second day of turning with Simon when I hope I'll be able to try some more new things."

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

"Hi Jon, Thanks for a great review and I look forward to our second day together. "

Gill & Cathy reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course in the old mill buildings. It was easy to find from Dave’s instructions. This is a forging workshop so don’t expect laboratory conditions. Dave is very well prepared with a full safety briefing at the outset. He is very considerate to each persons needs and tremendously patient to ensure you each come away with something you will be delighted with. His knowledge of the subject is extensive and he is very happy to share this with you. If you were wanting to embark on a resin casting career or craft, the information he provides you with to take home is very useful. We are really looking forward to seeing our completed blocks when they’re ready. Thank you Dave it was excellent ?"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you both very much for you kind review, I really appreciate it. Great to meet you both, your blocks turned out fantastic well done. Kindest regards Dave"

Lyn reviewed: Silver 'loopy' necklace workshop with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic - Darlington

"This was such a fun workshop I was a complete beginner and Lyndsey talks us through the steps in a clear manner I love my new necklace"

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for the great feedback Lyn, your necklace turned out beautiful, I hope it gets plenty of wear!"

Diana Abernethy reviewed: Powertex Hare Sculpture

"Had such a lovely, informative day with Gillian who was a superb tutor and patient! Came away with a lovely characterful hare. Will definitely be booking more courses and can't wait to try more techniques using Powertex."