Latest reviews

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."

Sue Cartlidge reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"Hadn’t done anything like this since school days very many years ago. But with Lee’s help I learned much more than then.....how to hold the cutters, what kinds of pressure to use, how to use the roller and mix the colours....all quite new to me. Was astonished at the resulting image that I produced, all in a very supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Thanks so much for a really great day that got me out of myself. Am sure I’ll be back for more before too long."

Barbara Francis reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"My sister and I had a lovely day with Kami. She is so knowledgeable about the techniques, and an excellent teacher. We made a couple of lovely pendants each, using family heirloom stones, so that meant a lot to us. Thank you for such a rewarding experience."

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Barbara and Gill, thanks so much for coming to the workshop and glad to hear you enjoyed it. Wire wrapping stones is a bit of a tricky business but you did amazing using the wire coiling gadget, rolling mill and a whole range of pliers, cutters and mandrels! I love your finished jewellery pieces, each one is unique and wonderful! I hope you'll continue to try other types of workshops to learn about different crafts. Thanks again for a lovely review too :)"

Richard Whillock reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshop at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

"Excellent class and relaxed atmosphere, she really knows her stuff. Faye is a pleasure to work with and made something lovely to take home!"

Faye of the Forest responded:

"Thank you, glad you had a great time!"

Martin McLean reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Beautiful day and great location. Tutored by the brilliant, knowledgeable, friendly and patient Ged, this was a course well worth the journey. From start to finish this was such an enjoyable experience. Led on by Ged’s hands on approach we travelled from raw tree trunk to finished article using hand tools and an assortment of GED’s hand made equipment. To see our item evolve was such a great feeling. There was a superb camaraderie between all of us who attended the course. Lots of laughter and fun. An experience not to be missed. Thank you for such a rewarding day. Don’t miss this wonderful day out."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks very much Martin. Glad you enjoyed the day and hope to see you again on another course!"

Kate reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshop at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

"Lovely relaxing workshop. I was so pleased with what I made and took home with me."

Faye of the Forest responded:

"So lovely to hear, I hope you are displaying your creation in the garden with pride!"

Gillian Baker reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making at Stanwick Lakes

"I arrived with a friend to a welcome from Sophie, our tutor, a voucher for a pieces of cake and a cup of tea. The class started with an introduction and an eplanation of what was available and suggestios about coloiur and texture. There was an abundance of dried grasses and flowers to work with. We all got stuck in with enthusiasm and by the end of the class (2,1/2 hrs) later, all of us had managed to produce a wreath to be proud of. Sophie was great, advising and helping were and when necessary. The promise of another afternoon wreath making with another theme is on the cards. If possible I will certainly be there."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review about the wreath making course. We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed it. Look out for more courses in the future."

Bill Bramley reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"An enjoyable two day course."

Diana reviewed: Clay modelling Christmas Figures

"Fabulous course with Sharon. We went using vouchers given for Christmas and enjoyed every minute. The set is a great intro to various skills and the go on the wheel was a great laugh. Can't wait to go back and collect our creations once they're fired. Such great value to come away with so much at the end too. There is plenty to do at the shopping village as well, so combining the course with lunch made it a real day out. We will absolutely look at another visit or course soon"

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Diana, you both did an awesome job, cant wait to see them all glazed up."

Alastair reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an excellent day with Adrian, Andy and Debbie, they made me feel welcome and relaxed from the moment I walked in right up to the moment I left. Their knowledge and patients is second to non. Really pleased with what we created and has definitely left me wanting more! Even made a space for a small forge in my workshop!!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting an experience even if they have no background in metal work. First class!!!"

Anthea Penrose reviewed: Learn how to create classical and contemporary sculpture in clay

"Dean is an outstanding teacher, I have learned so much and have continued to book subsequent courses since my first one because apart from the whole process being so enjoyable, I have been taken aback at what can be achieved under Dean's guidance. The small groups are very friendly and the overall atmosphere in Dean's studio is exceptionally warm and supportive. I highly recommend this course."

Hannah reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"Oh we had such a fabulous morning learning furniture painting techniques and making a gorgeous box in the process. Hannah is a really great teacher, strikes the perfect balance of teaching and letting you give it a go. Loved all the little packages of everything we needed - as well as a superior choice of snacks!Definitely will be back for more!"

Carissa reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"First time I have ever been to such a course and a beginner at that. Dawn is friendly, approachable and kind. She taught me how to use my machine - who knew it could do such a thing! A skill I would love to develop. The personal touches made it unique. It was worth going just to get your own cute stitched name badge, handmade by Dawn herself, along with the homemade cake! If I lived closer, I would go again to build up my confidence, as I think practice would be beneficial. The workshop is a quirky space and quite inspirational in itself. I would recommend anyone to try- but not to become too popular as I would like to go again!"

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review, I’m really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Hope to see you again! "

Jane reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I had an interesting and fun morning with Toni learning a few different techniques in making lampwork glass beads. As a complete beginner I was put at my ease with good demonstrations and lots of encouragement. I would like to return and progress learning more. Toni is very friendly and likes to pass on her knowledge. I would recommend to a friend."

Peter Morton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thanks for a great day. The tuition was friendly and helpful and the food was excellent. I really enjoyed myself anvil definitely be coming to future courses."

Nicky Labdon reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"Cannot recommend enough. A very enjoyable afternoon with clear instruction. Friendly and helpful. Thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing the finished product ?"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Very kind of you to leave such a nice review Nicky, many thanks indeed. Your block turned out fantastic, just the right amount of sparkles in it!! Kindest regards Dave"

Michael Crisp reviewed: Craft Bookbinding (1 day) in the Peak District

"The Craft Book Binding Course was excellent. Holly really knows her stuff and was really supportive all day long. The venue was excellent, the catering was outstanding. Would definitely go to another course there and would recommend it to everyone. 10 stars out of 10 Thank you again Michael Crisp"

Hannah Knight reviewed: Exclusive One/One Jewellery Workshop For Two People

"I went with my Mum to celebrate my 21st birthday and it was the best gift ever. Jolene Smith is kindest and most fun person ever. She helps you bring to life any ideas that you have and gives advice when needed. I would recommend this to other mothers and daughters as well as friends. The cakes are also amazing!"

Roman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"That was a tip-top weekend; loved it. “Box Making” doesn’t do it justice. After two days under Marks expert and thoughtful tutelage I’ve come away with a beautiful object and feel more accomplished and amazed at what I’ve achieved. And, as if that wasn’t enough there are heaps of skills and lots of tips picked up. Just fabulous. Plus, stunning Cumbria with lots of reasonable options for places to stay. Took a “camping pod” on a secluded nearby farm with glorious views. And if you can stand the 10-minute walk, or two-minute drive to the Rheged Centre you can pick up a great lunch as an alternate to the even more local Greggs and Burger King (nothing wrong with either of those, in case you were wondering). So, if you are thinking about doing it, do it. You will love it and have a great time."

Mandy W reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is absolutely the best course I have ever been on. Andy is a patient teacher, expertly sharing his skills to guide you through making a chair. The woodland is magical and was utterly beautiful in May with a blanket of bluebells. Working with green wood was a joy and I love my chair. There were six of us in all and they were a truly lovely group of people to spend time with. Very much looking forward to returning on another course ? PS the wood fired pizza was a special treat ?thank you"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you so much, Mandy, for your really enthusiastic review. We are delighted that you enjoyed the course so much, and its woodland environment. Thanks for mentioning the pizza too, and we're glad that you enjoyed it. We look forward to seeing you again on another course in the future. In the meantime, enjoy your chair! "

Alex P reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Having never worked with any kind of precious materials before and going in with a very specific idea in mind i was slightly apprensive about how the days course might go. However after a few questions from Jonathan to guage my abilities, experince and what i was looking to get out of the days course. Jonathan seemed very confident it could all be achieved. We worked together to achieve the style of ring i wanted to make and what i got from the days course by the end was not only a working knowledge of how to make a silver ring but also the confidence to begin doing so at home on my own. Jonathan was generous with his time even going over the alotted time by about an hour. He was also patient and great at imparting his knowledge and experience. I would absolutley reccomend this course to anyone looking to start making and dealing with silver."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Alex - it was a challenge for me too so I'm very pleased that we achieved your aims and I look forward to hearing how your jewellery plans work out. Jonathan "

Robin Bernstein reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great experience making a beautiful oak box with Mark Farrelly. Mark managed to impart a great deal of knowledge and made the whole course very enjoyable and I learnt a huge amount in a short space of time. Mark has a good deal of expertise and patience which he demonstrated throughout the weekend. Highly recommended."

Judith Roberts reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"I had such a wonderful day weaving with Ashleigh. He explained everything very clearly and was very informative about different types of weaving and patterns. I was thrilled with my finished piece and having leaner different techniques I am now set to make a scarf in my favourite pattern. The course is held at Nest which is a crafters’ delight. I would highly recommend Ashleigh and can’t wait to go back."