Latest reviews

Leigh-Anne reviewed: Life Drawing - Worthing West Sussex

"What a marvellous experience! This is the first art workshop I have ever taken and as a novice, I am glad that this class was one of my first. Tricia is an inspirational and highly knowledgeable tutor. Everyone involved were so friendly and I look forward to seeing most again in the foreseeable future! Thank you very much Tricia and to the model, I enjoyed every minute of the Life Drawing day :D x"

Art with Tricia responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely feedback. I know the day can sometimes feel like a lot of 'concentrating', especially if you are a beginner. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope my sessions are as informative as possible, while still being friendly and easy going. It's a treat to be able to devote a whole day to a new skill. I look forwarde to see you again!"

Joanne reviewed: Pottery course -hand building 6 week course- Saturday afternoons

"I found these classes such a boost for my well-being. There was all the promise of learning a new skill plus the sense of being in a space that allowed me to develop personally. I made new friends and really enjoyed making clay gifts for my old friends. Highly recommended."

Roger Sands reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Peter's introduction to green wood furniture making was just fantastic. The setting is beautiful, Peter and Toby's tuition was first rate and the camaraderie of those of us on the course was also great. I think we probably all created something which was beyond our expectations and I'm certainly enthused to do more and will be back! Must also mention the quality of Peter's flapjacks which were of equal quality! Thank you...really enjoyed it and came away thinking I'd learned a lot!"

Barry & Chrissie Wallis reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"Great atmosphere of friendship and enthusiasm from the minute we arrived. Andy's instruction was clear and encouraging, he moved at the correct pace for each individual and encouraged everyone to help each other. We highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to learn some woodcraft."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much indeed, Barry & Chrissie, for this very positive review. We're very pleased that you both enjoyed the course, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton wood if you choose to do another course sometime in the future. In the meantime, enjoy using your shave horses!"

Nirgon reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Had a wonderful experience with Simon learning to turn wood. Although I've sdone plenty of woodworking before, it was my first time on a lathe and he made it simple, clear and accessible and really spent a good amount of time on the tools. Workshop is perfectly set up for teaching and in a lovely setting, really would recommend to anyone thinking about having a go to jump right in. Now looking to find my local turning club and have a few more experiences before purchasing my own machine."

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

"Hi Nirgon, So glad you enjoyed the workshop. You should have my notes by now which give you a link to a map of your local woodturning clubs, so hopefully you can join up and start your woodturning journey :) -- Simon"

Elliot Francis reviewed: Individual 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"This was something we have been wanting to try for a long time and our experience went above and beyond our expectations! There were just two of us on the course and Jake was a brilliant teacher and we both felt like we learned a lot from him very quickly. He was also very friendly and personable, we would definitely recommend as a great day's experience! We got to keep the pieces that we made and we intend to put them up on the wall on display as they both turned out really well under his guidance. Jake taught us a lot of basic techniques and was giving us constant feedback on how we were doing and ways to improve. Thank you for making this day fun and memorable!"

Ian Barrow reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Fantastic Day!, spent with a most experienced instructor and all round great guy - Colin. Thanks! A full on day spent covering many techniques resulting in the making of several forged items under his close instruction and guidance, it was a fun day and I learnt a lot, It's very satisfying to create hand crafted objects out of a pieces of raw metal, highly recommended."

Marcus Priestley reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A day that i will remember for all the best reasons. Alex was a great teacher, giving me encouragement, advice and guidance in a perfectly blended manner. I had no prior experience of working with metal but found everything about the day so rewarding. I hope to go back one day."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Marcus, thank you for going to the effort of writing a review, it's much appreciated and I'm glad you enjoyed the experience and would come back for more! Many thanks Alex "

Maureen Kerr reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"I have just had an amazing day with Ashleigh Slater on this weaving course. He is an excellent tutor!!! I had the best fun and tuition I’ve had for a long time. He is so patient, even with someone like me who needs constant looking after. I produced a piece of weaving about a foot and a half long in the most diverse patterns. Chuffed?? Absolutely !!! Thank you Ashleigh."

Susan Holmes reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"If crafting is your thing, with or without any skill, then you will love learning to make jewellery with Jonathan. I attended this course with my big sister and best friend. My sister was enthusiastic but nervous when she saw the list of tools we’d be using and skills we would be taught. She needn’t have been. Jonathan is a calm and patient teacher and didn’t just make it look easy. He broke down each step so it was actually very easy to follow. We all made very different bangles but we were all absolutely delighted with our creations. There is something joyous about making something so when you can wear your creation too, there is nothing not to like."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Susan, It was great to be able to help your group with their new jewellery making skills, so thank you for choosing Salt Way Silver! Jonathan"

Rosemary reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Lovely day, Jackie was amazing, so knowledgeable and made everyone relaxed and able to achieve a good mosaic that i was proud to take home. Thank you."

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Hi Rosemary. Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure helping you create your lovely owl. So glad you’ve been inspired to create more. Don’t forget to send me a picture when you get chance. ?"

Alex M reviewed: Stained glass taster course - Morning

"Fantastic morning doing a stained glass taster course. Gill very informative in her lovely studio. Managed 2 small projects a stained glass sun catcher and small fused glass hanging. Wish I lived nearer to do her courses more often! Thanks Gill!"

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed Faye's willow weaving workshop. Totally unique experience producing a lovely piece of work. Faye is a good teacher and makes it a fun class. Totally recommend...."

Faye of the Forest responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback, hope to see you again soon ☺️"

Theresa reviewed: Making Wax Wraps

"Wendy made it all so easy for us and we made far more wraps than I expected. Excellent value for money. I had tried making these at home but the ones I made here were far superior. The ingredients she uses mean you get a really nice finish. The time flew by and we were surrounded with inspiration for other crafts. We had travelled a long way for this course but it was worth it and we will be back."

Sue reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"Had a fantastic day with Lyn learning all kinds of techniques in encaustic art. Lyn us really knowledgable, great sense of humour and made the day fun. I would really recommend this as something a bit different to try. I loved it. Thanks for a great day Lyn."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Thank you for joining me for the day Sue. The sun shone, and you produced a lovely painting, using loads of techniques. Send me a photo of it on your craft room wall when you get back home. Hope you have a lovely rest of holiday! Take care Lyn "

Sarah Louise reviewed: Beginner Basket Weaving Experience day - Surrey Hills

"My husband and I had an amazing day making baskets. Ellie was a great teacher and having never done it before it was very satisfying seeing my willow weaving become a basket :-) The open air workshop, views of the fields, copse, Lunch and tea by the open fire and bird song really made it a unique experience. A great gift & I'm looking forward to trying other crafts there too."

Joy Farms - Crafting, Woodcarving and Art courses in The Surrey Hills responded:

"Thanks Sarah Louise, glad you had a great time. Look forward to seeing you on another course soon. Adrian"

Anne reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"A very relaxing, creative day in an interesting country setting. Helen a very good, calm teacher and everything supplied. I organised the workshop for a group of five and and everyone left having made a variety of pieces. Strongly recommend."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Anne, thank you so much for taking the time to write this review. What a lovely group of friends, each producing something uniquely beautiful with a few giggles and cups of tea along the way. I’m delighted you all enjoyed your day??"

Alison Smith reviewed: Willow Weaving Workshop at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

"An excellent course for everyone. I had never done willow weaving before and found it very enjoyable and was thrilled with what I made. Faye was very patient and helpful with lots of guidance. The venue was ideal, with good safe parking and the food provided was very good. All in all a great time. I definitely recommend the course, it was good fun."

Faye of the Forest responded:

"Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed yourself!"

Lynn and Jeff reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"My partner and I had a really fun time learning different ways to make an assortment of glass beads. The pace was relaxing and Toni took time to help us, but also encouraged us to keep going and gain confidence. I would thoroughly recommend this course if you want to try out something new with a great tutor. Thank you Toni"

Wendy Cutts reviewed: Chinese Brush Painting - Lotus Flower & Fish in Meticulous Style on Silk: Intermediate & Advanced

"I learnt a lot from these two days. The tutor was very accomplished and inspiring. I will definitely be continuing to practice the technique The setting was picturesque and the food excellent. Sadly some of the joining instructions had suggested the buying the wrong paper and brushes which meant we had to share our equipment amongst us. This wasn't easy at the beginning when we didn’t know one another but got easier as the camaraderie grew. The room was spacious but as we had the door open the noise from an adjoining room with a very loud tutor was drowning out ours. The accomodation was poor as the lights in our twin room kept flickering and the table lamp fused. The bathroom light only went on as you walked back out so we had to leave the strip light over the sink on. This course was a birthday present from my partner and I'm glad I went on it."

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for sharing your experience at Dillington House on the Chinese Brush Painting course. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the course and that you learnt so much from the tutor. We’re sorry to hear that your joining instructions weren’t accurate in terms of the correct brushes to bring along. It appears that this slight change on materials/tools required from a previous course to this one did not get updated on our system. We have implemented additional processes now to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future. The noise from a nearby room coming from an open door is unfortunately due to the additional ventilation that some of our guests request in order to reduce the risk of COVID transmission. We will endeavour to brief all tutors further on the need to manage volume when teaching in spaces with open doors/windows for ventilation. In regards to the issues experienced with your accommodation, these have now all been identified and rectified. Please accept our sincere apologies for the issues which took the shine off what was otherwise a positive experience for you at Dillington House. We do hope that we can welcome you back soon and would be glad of the opportunity to show you that these were without doubt isolated incidents and that you will have a universally positive visit upon your return. We always welcome feedback and once again thank you for taking the time to get in touch. Kind regards, The Dillington Bookings Team "

Luke Griffin reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I've been a fan of Peter's work for some time, and been trying to get on one of his courses for about 3 years. It was worth the wait and I learnt so much in the short space of time. Concise guidance with an abundance of patience made for a very memorable weekend, and a lovely piece of useable furniture. Thanks to Peter and Toby for your support and excellent flapjack."

Saidul Hoque reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"The event was very successful. It was a gift I bought for my husband and for the fussy man that he is, to say that this was his best ever gift, I think puts his experience in a nutshell. He was welcomed by the teacher and the other lovely ladies that joined him in that course. Said couldn't stop talking about all the things he learnt and how knowledgeable and experienced Paula, his teacher was. I was not taking the class but was very much welcomed by the team and it felt so comfortable and relaxed. Thank you for a lovely day. I would without hesitation recommend this course to anyone."

Jasprit reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I was interested in doing this course for a while, and I am glad I did it. Paula explained the whole thing with a lot of interest and information. She was extremely happy to answer any questions we had. Thank you greatly and I appreciate all the others attending who were so friendly and helpful."

James G reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Course, Copper foil work

"Loved it, loved the location, loved the lunch, loved what we have been trained to do and practised doing."

Sean reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Can't recommend Mort enough. So much more than an intro to blacksmithing!"

Firebird Forge responded:

"Cheers Sean. It’s always nice to be appreciated, so thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed your day. All the best, Mort."