Latest reviews

Aisling Syme reviewed: Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"So knowledgeable and super friendly; you'll have a brilliant evening. I'm signing up to another course asap!"

The Metalsmith responded:

"I'm so pleased that you had such a wonderful time! Your ring is going to look spectacular once in metal, and you'd be welcome back any time!"

Sarah Telles reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Thank you so much for the one day silver clay jewellery making course I attended, it was fantastic, really well organised and with a small class of only four, gave plenty of opportunity for discussion and reflection. Charlotte was a brilliant tutor, I can’t quite believe I came home with such lovely pieces from a first attempt but it’s given me a real passion to take it further. Again, thank you."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Sarah, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. The jewellery you made was beautiful - you should be very proud of what you achieved! Thank you for the lovely review. Regards Charlotte "

Antony Dodworth reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I was very much looking forward to the course, as it had been some 35 years since I did any woodwork tool sharpening at school. Dave and his team made you instantly feel at home. I liked his honesty about sharpening, he showed you that amazing results could be achieved with very simple bits of equipment, all that was required was some time on you doing sharpening, which I got plenty of hands on practice over the day. I took 2 of my own tools along that had seen better days and looked like they had been used for removing nails, I learned how to make them look new again and left with razor sharp tools to take back home. A really enjoyable day. The time went quickly as you were always doing something."

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the day Anthony Dave and his team are really amazing hope we might see you again on a future course kind regards Rachel"

Sheran reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"Loved my day with Sandra learning all about using silver clay to make beautiful jewellery, I love the pendant and earrings I made. With Sandras excellent tuition I feel confident to try to make more at home."

Jane reviewed: Water Soluble Magic

"Jayne is an excellent teacher. She explains things really clearly and makes it fun and encourages you to experiment and 'have a go'. Treat yourself to some playtime!"

Lin Stokes reviewed: No Rules Patchwork

"I really enjoyed this course. It is a very creative dive into patchwork which brings out so many ideas. Jayne is an excellent teacher, her examples are wonderful, her instruction is lively and clear and it is so much fun to ditch the rules in No Rules Patchwork. You are able to work through each section at your own pace with videos and helpful links which you can return to at any time as you have unlimited time to complete the course. I would recommend any of Jayne’s courses."

Jean reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"Really enjoyed the 2 day course Jo was really great at explaining the techniques & giving the background details about the craft She has great knowledge about the history of the craft & it was so good to have this explained as we progressed through the process"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review and we are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the course."

Bea reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"This was a very useful course for improving my gelli plate practice. I learned techniques I have not used before and I had really pleasing results. The course is well balanced in relation to demonstration time vs 'do' time. Lots of space and time to practice. Thoroughly enjoyable course."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Bea, Lovely to hear about your day at The Slipper Studio and thank you for taking the time to let me know. It was good to work alongside a more experienced gel plate printer, seeing your approach to the technique and relieved that I could give you some new ways of working! I hope the masking with flowers and leaves, will send you in a new creative direction. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Sarah McAllister reviewed: Landscape quilts workshop

"I just loved this landscape quilting workshop. Learnt so much from Jacqueline who is so attentive and supportive throughout the day. She was so helpful with every element of the quilts we were creating. It was also very good to chat and swap notes with the other attendees. I’ll definitely be booking more of Jacqueline’s workshops - so relaxed and creative. Can’t wait for the next one."

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments Sarah. It was a pleasure teaching you and seeing the landscape quilts develop during the day. I look forward to seeing you again for another workshop. I did warn you that quilting is addictive! "

Mike W reviewed: Introduction to Traditional Leaded Stained-Glass Course, 2 days

"A great experience with a helpful, personable and knowledgeable tutor in a pleasant setting. The materials and equipment were of good quality and sufficient quantity that there were few occasions when anyone had to wait. My fellow students were very friendly which made for a very enjoyable couple of days. As a bonus, I ended up with a small pane of which I am disproportionately proud"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the course and glad that you feel proud of your creation!"

Jane B reviewed: Monday (Weekly) Bobbin Lace Making - Evening Mixed Lace Classes (Effingham, Surrey).

"A very enjoyable day and clear instructions from Tina as I resumed lace-making after a 10+ year break."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Jane Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I was really pleased that you picked things up again so quickly, it is like learning to ride a bike. All in the muscle memory. Looking forward to seeing the progress at our next meeting. Regards Tina"

Sue reviewed: Morning One to One Photography Workshop for Beginners no longer available

"Had a great morning with Helen and learnt so much. Helen is an excellent teacher, fun and very patient, will be booking another workshop soon."

Helen Tisbury Photography responded:

"So Glad you enjoyed it Sue, look forward to welcoming you again."

Corrine reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Brilliant morning learning about glass fusion. I arrived a total novice with no idea of what was really involved. I managed to produce 4 coasters which Vicky is putting through the kiln and will deliver to my door. Vicky makes it look so very easy and makes sure you are comfortable with the processes before letting you loose on your master piece. Not rushed at any stage and allowed to progress at my own rate. Would recommend this to all my friends"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Thank you for this, it is appreciated! I'll see you on my way back from the lake......"

Jayne Appleby reviewed: Silver Textured Ring Workshop with Lindsay Forbes - Sedgefield

"Good value for money, great fun and excellent at teaching the skills needed. Can’t wait for the next one!"

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for such a lovely review Jayne. I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed this course! It'd be lovely to see you at another too."

MaryAnn Shupe reviewed: Water Soluble Magic

"I absolutely loved this class....and I feel I've only scratched the surface on how to use the skills I've learned. Jayne's passion and excitement for her art comes through and her teaching style and sense of humor made it so much fun. I'm so glad I have lifetime access to the course because everytime I watched a video I picked up another little nugget....or was inspired to come up with an idea of my own. The water soluble possibilities are endless....and I will be revisiting the class content and the techniques again and again. Highly recommend!"

Dave Stonier reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"An informative and inspirational one day course from start to finish. I was not only impressed by the breadth of Les' wood turning knowledge but also in the engaging way he demonstrated and delivered it. The experience has inspired me to use the information I learnt to develop this new skill."

Pren responded:

"Thank you Dave...your depth of interest was apparent and we covered much more in the session that I usually do. I'll put some notes together for you and email them to you in a day or two. Les"

Sarah D. reviewed: Candle Making for Beginners - Group Workshop

"My sister and I attended wirh our mum as a mothers day treat......and it was a great choice. We made the Jubilee Candles. Jane made us feel so welcome and she is a great tutor.....she talked us through the process and pitched it just right.....very professional. The scents are wonderful too. Jane made our afternoon tea a joy too....even catered for gluten free and dairy free......it was a real treat! We ate too much, laughed, learned, enjoyed ourselves and created something lovely. A perfect afternoon out."

The Candle Coach responded:

"Thank you Sarah for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you all on the workshop."

David Burden reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"The chair making course at Sallerton Wood was such a great experience To produce a chair from a tree trunk to the finished article in six days was something to be proud of. Andy the tutor was excellent and his instructions were clear and his affability and gentle humour helped to gel the group of six. A very worthwhile and absorbing course."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Many thanks, David, for your kind review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the course, and in particular the tuition given by Andy. We hope to see you and/or Helen back at Sallerton Wood one day, should you choose to plan another visit. In the meantime, thanks for your support, and enjoy your chairs! "

Bev reviewed: Silversmithing workshop

"We had a wonderful afternoon with Kami, she’s so knowledgable about all the techniques and we created completely different pieces. Thanks so much!"

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Bev and Phil Congratulations on your wedding anniversary. I'm so glad you chose to do a course with me as part of your celebration and to hear you thoroughly enjoyed it. Phil was in his element starting from scratch to make a copper ring and getting to grips with the anvil! And your gemstone and wire wrapped earrings are so good that I hope you continue to make other wire creations. Thanks so much for a lovely review too ? Thanks very much"

Sue reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"This was a Christmas gift from my partner which we actually booked for my birthday weekend - double whammy!!! As we chose the 2 crafts in one day package, that was another double whammy!!! Both Simon and Louise are friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable about their respective crafts and they made us feel comfortable and put us at our ease from the word go. Any concerns or preconceived ideas were quickly dispelled and soon enough we were creating amazing items in both wood and clay. I am so proud of my honey dibber and I cannot wait to see our pots after glazing and firing. We both had a thoroughly enjoyable day, learned so much, with the tea and biscuits and delicious lunch in the sunny garden being icing on the cake. We also spent the weekend in the absolutely stunning 'Crafters Retreat' which they run on site as well. A very cosy, peaceful, immaculately presented and fully equipped lodge, with a hot tub under the covered veranda (so weather is not important) and a firepit/Kadai in the garden (a bit more weather dependant). The gardens and the Woodlet also offer secluded spots to relax in or to just breathe in a little calm/zen. We could not have asked for more nor can we recommend Simon and Louise at Blended Monkey enough. You guys have a brilliant business and your passion and love for your crafts shine brightly. Keep sharing. Thank you for everything."

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

"Thank you for the delightful review! We're so pleased that you guys enjoyed your Christmas/birthday "2 Crafts in 1 Day" experience! It was a delight having you in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio and you should be very proud of the lovely pieces you created :-). It's also fab to hear how our Crafter's Retreat cabin is achieving what we set out for it to do and provide a peaceful, tranquil setting where you can just "be". We're delighted that you enjoyed your time with Blended Monkey and at the Crafter's Retreat and we'd love to welcome you again in the future."

Janice A reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"A most enjoyable and relaxing experience. Our tutor, Jenny, made us feel right at home (and that's where we were! Thank you Lyn). A great mixture of giving information, demonstrating, and practical experience of making soap. Everyone in the group was so friendly, and I felt as if I had known them much longer than a few hours. It was very pleasing to be able to take away the soap we had created - a real sense of achievement. Looking forward to making more at home. Many many thanks to Jenny, Lyn and the team for a memorable day: I loved it."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Janice. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review. I'm glad you enjoyed your workshop and now feel ready to make your own soap at home. I'll be emailing you Jenny's notes soon, so keep an eye on your inbox! I'm sorry to miss seeing you, but it sounds like you quickly made friends with the others in the class. We love it when that happens :-) With best wishes, Lynn and Jenny "

matthew butcher reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Six days of woodworking in a woodland with a river trickling through, amongst bluebells was absolute bliss. The course was great, Andy was great and the chair came out pretty good. Andy makes chair making accessible for all levels of ability. Top lunches too!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Matthew, for that kind review. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course and its woodland environment, and the lunches too! We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood sometime in the future if you choose to join us again. Thanks very much for your support; much appreciated. "

Ross Reynolds reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a one day course with Alex. His craft is second to none, absolutely worth booking onto the course. I felt I learnt a lot and just seeing metal being transformed into a piece of art was so rewarding. A pleasure to have met you Alex."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"A pleasure to have met you too, Ross. Glad you found it rewarding, I do too. Thanks for the review. All the best with the building work. Alex"

Richard Mills reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did the one day course with Alex, he is very knowledgeable and patient when taking you through the step by step techniques required to manipulate a section of metal into your very own thing of beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend it to anyone who fancies a real days work!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks ? for the great review, Richard. Glad you enjoyed it. It was great teaching you a few blacksmith techniques! All the best Alex "

Rachel Ellen reviewed: Letterpress, Print and Typography Workshop

"I had an excellent day on my letterpress workshop. Chris is so knowledgeable, helpful and creates a relaxed atmosphere. A full day workshop really helped me to learn as much technical information as I wanted as well as gave me time to be creative and explore the amazing collection of type. I really love the prints I produced and can’t wait to do more letterpress as soon as I can!"