Latest reviews

Phil Dickinson reviewed: Beekeeping Experience Day

"I took a one-day beekeeping course with John and Sue on the 23rd of April 2022. There were six 'students'. The course was a mixture of classroom and practical. It was fascinating and informative in equal measure. It was a thrill to smoke the bees and inspect several hives very closely. It all felt very measured and safe under John's careful tutelage. Refreshments and a tasty lunch were provided. I recommend this course."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hello Phil, it was great having you on the course and thank you for your contribution. If you need any help or guidance with bees please do just ask. With best wishes, Sue and John"

Nicky Thorpe reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I highly recommend this workshop with Jo. I was booked onto the workshop a year ago and due to the pandemic wasn't able to attend. I am already making candles and running a business however, l learnt lots of things and came away motivated and energised to create new products. Jo is friendly, easy to talk to and ask questions. I am so glad I attended."

Stephen McGrath reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"As much as I don’t want to encourage people to go on this course for fear of it becoming harder to get a place; it is only fair to say the course length and contents and delivery is excellent for learning and being creative at the same time the instructors were so helpful and friendly and always willing to help or step back which ever you prefer. I really can’t speak highly enough of my experience on this course. Starting with zero experience of welding to coming home with a giraffe sculpture that I designed and made by myself. Excellent value and an enjoyable experience too."

Skye Mari reviewed: Stained glass day course (Bristol)

"I had a great time! The course was really good and Catherine was very kind:)"

Catherine Dunstan Glass responded:

"Thanks Skye! Wishing you all the best with your course and future creative projects!"

Claire reviewed: Classic Linocut & Print Kit with 10 items UK made with video tutorials

"This was a present and she was thrilled with it. Lots of communication and help from the seller, definitely would buy again. Beautiful packaging too."

Alison Clayton reviewed: Introduction to Silkscreen Printing in Cambridgeshire

"It was great to learn from Judith. She was a very patient teacher and there were loads of resources readily available so we could try things out. She showed us clearly what we were supposed to be doing and showed lots of examples so that in the afternoon we could create something personal. For the price we paid, the knowledge gained, the lovely venue, the cakes and coffee, were all well worth it and I would be interested in seeing what else was on offer on Craft courses, hopefully a little closer to home next time."

Joanna reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"My partner took this course last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks to Andy for his knowledge throughout, would definitely recommend!"

Libby reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"It was a great fun afternoon and I came away with a very useful (and professional looking) plant support which is now gracing my garden. Many thanks to Nicki and Brian for their patience!"

Willowandyoga responded:

"Such a pleasure to spend the afternoon with you and so pleased you are happy with your plant support. Warm wishes Nicki and Brian"

Mick & Lorraine reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" 1-2-1 woodturning & pottery experience for 1 person

"What a lovely experience! Having recently retired we challenged ourselves to try something different. Our hosts Simon and Louise were brilliant, giving the right balance of guidance and instruction, and freedom to ‘have a go’ on our own ! Both sessions flew by but we were amazed at just what we managed to achieve in the time . We would recommend them to anyone wanting to have a go at either or both crafts ."

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

"Hi Mick & Lorraine, Thank you for a lovely review. We're glad you enjoyed your day as much as we did teaching you. Any assistance required in the future, please don't hesitate to get in touch. -- Simon & Louise"

John Mitchell reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"Had a fantastic day (Sat 23 Apr 22) with David, he is the epitome of a patient, extremely experienced teacher of a practical skill. I arrived with zero blacksmithing experience and left with a rich knowledge of the basic principles, the items we had worked on and the confidence that I could re-create those items myself (given the tools and forge of course!). I can honestly say it was one of the best learning experiences I have had and it is testament to the environment he has created, his kind manner and pure skill as an accomplished mentor. Thank you to David and I will certainly be back for more! John."

David Stephenson Artist Blacksmith responded:

"John, Thank you very much for your kind words. I'm really glad you enjoyed your day and look forward to seeing you again. Regards David"

Morgan reviewed: Make A Ring With A Stone Setting Or A Pendant (Cornwall)

"Lovely teacher, great knowledge of the craft and awesome help and instruction! Would recommend to anyone!"

Harry Lang reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This was a fantastic course. From our safety briefing through to our final spoons, we were walked step by step through everything in a fun and highly informative manner. All the equipment and the venue were perfect and I have already recommended the course to friends."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Harry, thank you so much for a positive review. Despite the fresh breeze it was great to be able to carve in the fresh air but have the Barn at Hill End to retreat into if the weather became more inclement. Thanks also for the word of mouth recommendations- gold dust for getting courses like this better known! I do hope the day rekindled your childhood passion for whittling and you’ll be carving many more spoons, spatulas and ladles in the future."

Nigel Brewer reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"The perfect course for me, I came away with all the knowledge necessary for me to develop my wood turning skills. A really good understanding of the machinery and tools. Simon explained and demonstrated everything with great clarity which made it easy to understand. Many thanks Simon definitely a 5 star experience. Nigel"

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

"Hi Nigel, Thank you for your frank review and praise - much appreciated! Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need any further help or information. -- Simon"

Mairi and Andy reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Great location, instruction and catering. We both really enjoyed this course and felt a real sense of satisfaction and achievement at the end. A wonderful weekend away shared with some lovely people and some new found skills to take home and build on (excuse the pun!). Thank you Carl and Sharon."

Gerry Parker reviewed: A one day introduction to good beekeeping practice

"We had a very interesting and informative day learning about bees. Jonathan is very knowledgeable and has an easy teaching style. There is lots of interaction with the hives and follow up information. A lovely lunch was provided and the location and hospitality was perfect! Thank you."

Wendy reviewed: Recycled Silver Stacking Rings Making Class (p.m) with Sarah & Mat

"I highly recommend the 3 silver stacking ring course. Mat is an excellent teacher. He explained the processes clearly and provided support when required. The workshop is well equipped and a creative environment. I have never made jewellery before and was surprised and delighted to end the session with three beautiful rings that fit perfectly and look professionally made."

Hove Jewellery Works responded:

"Hi Wendy, Thank you so much for your review. It means a lot to us to hear students feedback. So happy to hear you enjoyed the ring making workshop. Hopefully see you again for another class. Sarah & Mat"

Caro reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"My daughter and I did a morning of silver clay with Rachel, and it was brilliant! Rachel was welcoming and lovely, and explained everything really well. We'd not done anything like silver clay before, but I'd say it is a workshop where you can make something you're really pleased with at first attempt. We had everything we needed in the workshop (including biscuits!) and we both made braclets with several charms. Both keen to go back for a longer session to try making rings. Thank you Rachel!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to review and your lovely comments. It was really lovely to meet you both and the quality of your silver pieces was brilliant. I’d love to see you again for ring making. You’d both be great at it! Take care. Rach"

Hilary reviewed: Drawing Techniques Tuesday evenings - 4 week course live on Zoom

"I found the short sketching course really instructional. I have never drawn a face before these sessions now I would feel confident taking on this subject. I thought the instruction good with great help and encouragement."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you for your experience on the drawing course you have done so well as a beginner Hilary keep up the good work and you can now put your art materials to good use. Purnima"

Jinan reviewed: Drawing Techniques Tuesday evenings - 4 week course live on Zoom

"Really look forward to the drawing class every week. I can now sketch objects, I never thought I would be able to before. Purnima makes it both enjoyable and easy to learn different techniques. I highly recommend this course."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you Jinan for enrolling on the course. You have made a great start with the drawing course and have started to apply beautiful shading to your subjects making them look realistic. Keep up the brilliant work. Purnima"

Lee Rooney reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Had a great time learning from Kingsley. Great teacher, great level of knowledge and experience. I would highly recommend anyone to book and learn from Kingsley. Also impressed with his follow up with links to where we could purchase our own tools and material."

Andy reviewed: Automata, mechanical toy & kinetic sculpture online: 8 classes

"Tom is an excellent tutor and we got on really well. The sessions were really useful and I’ve learned a lot about technical drawings, building “sketch” models out of cardboard and other cheap materials before moving on to MDF board prototypes in preparation for the final model made in more expensive materials: best quality plywood, with brass and steel elements. Tom really helped me with the design element of the process and I learned to appreciate the more thoughtful approach he suggested. He also recommended other makers whose work was worth looking at and books that would provide help and advice. Along the way I’ve learned the pros and cons of different types of materials and fabrication techniques. It’s the first time I’ve done some of this (tech drawing, brass work and silver soldering) since third year metalwork at school in 1969 - I’m much better at it now than I was then!"

Tom Wilkinson responded:

"Andy was a very capable student. Not entirely a novice to start with, but with excellent making skills and a keenness to learn. He accepted the challenge of making a more complex mechanism in order to up the illusionary effect and worked hard to forfil each stage set. I hope he came away by the end of the course armed with a variety of techniques and tips that will enable him to grow and expand his automata making horizons. Although Andy didn't get to finishing his project, we did reach the final stage where all the tricky stuff had been worked out so he could proceed at his own pace, between tending his garden, in making the final version and bringing it to life with refinement of the characterisation and surface finish. I really look forward to seeing the finished automaton."

Jodie reviewed: Drawing Techniques Tuesday evenings - 4 week course live on Zoom

"Brilliant course very relaxed atmosphere. I've learnt loads from Purnima especially the last course were we studied portraits."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you for Jodie for joining the drawing course you have made a brilliant start with the shading and making subjects look realistic."

Sonia Robinson reviewed: 'Art your way' with Jill Jones FRSA, 3 hours

"Took my mum for a Mother’s Day present for a whole day. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day. Jill was so encouraging. It was a lovely setting in a nice light studio, very calm and relaxing day and under Jill’s expert tuition both of us came away quite proud of what we’d achieved. We had a delicious home made lunch which was accompanied by some home made bread made by Jill’s lovely husband. A truly memorable day spent in the company of a charming couple. Thank you very, very much."

Jill Jones Fine Art responded:

"Thank you Sonia, I’m so glad that you both had a lovely day, and your superb painting talents shone through! Well done to you both on the lovely cottage pieces, and it was great to meet you both! Keep up the fabulous painting works! Jill"

Stuart reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A very enjoyable weekend dry stone walling. Carl is a skilled tutor and he is very ably supported by Sharon in the background who made sure we were kept topped up with drinks and tasty food/snacks."

Colin Hodgson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Alex has a seemingly infinite amount of patience, which he definitely needed! An excellent teacher and it was great to leave with something that I was genuinely proud to have made . Learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the day ."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks, Colin, I really appreciate you going to the effort of writing a review. And I'm glad to hear you're proud of what you made ?. Cracking. Alex"