Latest reviews

S & J reviewed: Clay sculpture workshop

"We did a 2 day weekend sculpting course with Jan. Jan is an incredibly talented sculptor and we learned so much. We’ve both completed two recognisable and individual pieces that we’re proud of. Gold star for Jan and for the experience, thank you."

Alex reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"My wife bought me this gate-making course for a present. She knew that I liked a “doing” activity present and we were not disappointed! Jed was a lovely guy to spend a weekend with and a skilled teacher as well as a skilled woodworker. Over the two days, with his help, I turned a pile of greenwood logs into a beautiful garden gate that I brought home to the delight of my wife. Two days of hard work, a plentiful supply of coffee and the use of Jed’s superb range of tools made it a weekend to remember. Thank you for all of that Jed."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Alex, Was a pleasure sharing your company!"

Hannah Browning reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I booked this course on the strength of the reviews and I just wanted to take time to echo what others have said! The course exceeded all expectations. Mark was a very welcoming and knowledgable host who had set up his 'workshop' with care. Everything had been set out and was explained, allowing us to learn about the craft of green woodwork, not just to create the final object. This time of year (April) his woodland was looking beautiful, and we worked with a 360 degree view of bluebells and woodland anemones. There was a perfect balance of instruction and practical, with Mark always on hand to support. The benefit of learning in a small group was we all got a great deal of individual attention. Lunch, provided by Christina, was delicious. Home made soup, cake and coffee at the dining room of their home was a real highlight of my day, and allowed us to get to know the other people and to hear about Mark's future plans. An after-lunch stroll around the woodland was a lovely touch too, allowed us to appreciate the environment and hear about woodland management. The afternoon flew past as we were so focussed on creating our spoons! We left with not only a spoon, but also knowledge of how to make another, tips and techniques and felt very inspired thanks to Mark's enthusiasm and passion. I completed this with my 14 year old son (his choice of birthday present for himself!) Mark was very patient with us both and I would highly recommended this course, for young or old. A fabulous day and one we will remember for the rest of our lives."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Hannah, thank you so much for the lovely review. Glad you both enjoyed and got so much out of the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Hedy Parkin reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"There was something special about the day. There were just three of us and we got a very a warm welcome from Liz in her super studio, which is clean and bright and has inspirational views. Liz gave us a good, clear, step-by-step guide and then left us to create and enjoy. She didn't crowd us, but was there to guide, encourage and answer any questions. I've not used this technique before but I am definitely going to try it at home. The day was well paced and we all left feeling very happy with what we had achieved."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Hedy, Thanks for letting me hear about your time at The Slipper Studio. It was lovely working with you all, particularly introducing you to a new process and sharing your day. You all did so well and created some lovely pieces. I hope you can continue exploring the process, as it has so much to offer. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Indra reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"Ruth is lovely and a brilliant teacher. She made it simple and we all learned a lot. We had plenty of time to practise and we all made some pieces to be proud of. I am inspired to take pyrography up now as a hobby as I will have a good idea of what I need and how to go about it. The setting was so nice, smashing to work outside, and there was coffee/tea and cake too! Thank you Ruth x"

Katie Thorley reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Great course, Jonathan was an excellent teacher/coach. Really enjoyed my child free, crafty day. Was bought as a gift for my 40th, now I have a special piece of jewellery too. :)"

Rachel Hollis reviewed: Green wood stool making weekend

"Fantastic setting and facilities for what was an excellent weekend of learning a new craft. From the felled log to a useable stool. This course has it all. Variety of tools and techniques. Really approachable and friendly course leaders and very experienced in their skills. Refreshments and sustenance was sublime - home made hearty food for outdoor working. Plenty of tea and cake round the campfire and accommodation in shepherds hut over night was the cherry on the top! Thanks for a great weekend."

Rushmere Farm Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much for these lovely words. We were so delighted you could come and join us for this weekend of woodworking in the woods. We'd love to see you again soon on the farm."

Suriya reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Excellent course. Thoroughly enjoyed the first lesson. Very easy going and well explained at each stage of the process. Thank you for an enjoyable start to the course."

Joy Derbyshire-Wells reviewed: 'Winged things'. Make a mosaic Bird, Dragonfly or Bumble bee in Ampthill, Beds.

"What a fantastic day! Emily was an excellent teacher and I learnt so much and really enjoyed the day. The atmosphere was very relaxed and fun and Emily helped and guided everyone to make pieces we could be proud of. Emily also provided us with delicious refreshments. I would thoroughly recommend the day and would love to go back and complete another course very soon."

Stories In Glass responded:

"Thank you for choosing a 'Stories in Glass' workshop Joy and also for writing such a lovely review. I am so glad that you enjoyed your first experience of mosaic making. The dragonfly you made was simply stunning. I hope it has inspired you to embark on more mosaic projects in the future. With very best wishes. Emily"

John Pettigrew reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"Lovely venue and kind, welcoming hosts. We learned a lot and were well supported in learning a new craft - and well fed with tea and excellent home-made scones! Being given some more green wood to take home and start a second spoon with was great. There are few things more annoying than learning something fun and then not having the chance to continue. Overall, a great day and definitely recommended."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you John, we’re so glad you both enjoyed your day. If you have any questions, just ask!"

Jules reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"I loved my course with Ruth yesterday. It was a wonderful introduction to pyrography and very rewarding to get `hands-on' very quickly, learn general techniques of wood burning patterns and produce a couple of pieces to take home. I will definitely continue to learn and practice further. A great day out and a lovely mindful learning experience :)"

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"Thanks so much for the lovely review. It was lovely meeting you and inspiring you to pursue pyrography"

Jane Fennell reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Relaxed atmosphere. Came away with candles I had made. Felt I had learned something."

Julie reviewed: Needle Felt a Blue Tit (with video instructions)

"The video was really helpful in completing this kit and the ability to stop and go back to look again made the whole experience very stress free."

John Simpson reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"I found it a thoroughly enjoyable experience with clear instruction and learned a lot about the techniques involved which can be put to use elsewhere . I would wholeheartedly recommend it."

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh thank you so much for taking the time to provide feedback. I totally appreciate it. It was a most enjoyable day! Di"

Kirsty reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Fantastic day - great fun trying the different pottery techniques and chatting with Louise. Enjoyed every minute. Louise and Simon were lovely hosts and we highly recommend Blended Monkey."

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

"Hi Kirsty, I'm so pleased that you and Terry enjoyed your pairs pottery experience. You both made some fabulous pieces - not to mention the two massive pots that Terry threw! It was lovely to meet you both and I enjoyed chatting with you too. I'll let you know as soon as your pots have been fired :-)."

Claire reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Becky and Jonny delivered a really brilliant session and I took home a beautiful basket from the day. They were really warm and lovely and explained each step clearly and patiently. Amazing lunch too, Becky bakes a yummy Victoria Sponge cake ? thanks for a really great day."

David J Lilly reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"An interesting day that took us to places we had not suspected we'd go. Richie and I agreed it was a fun experience, we made some lovely connections with other participants, and we were both (eventually) happy with what we created."

Fred Fletcher reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Pretty well all original comments have been made in earlier reviews. I would echo all of them. The high quality of the whole experience, has obviously been maintained over a number of years and it was a wonderful birthday joy for me to be able to be part of it this weekend."

Diana Hampton reviewed: Create your dream business from candle making - One to one session

"Thank you for such a lovely day. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I didn't realise that there was so much to know about candle making. You explained every detail/step-by-step of how to achieve a good result. My two 9-year-old grandchildren loved smelling them and saying which they liked best. I'm looking forward to using my 6 candles in the near future. Thank you again. Diana."

Nicola reviewed: Silver Metal Clay beginners class

"Ana is incredibly generous with her time and knowledgable advice. I love the pendant and earrings that I made. We took it at my pace so it was really fun but I also learned a lot throughout the day. I would definitely recommend!"

A CAT Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much Nicola. I also enjoyed my day with you. It was great to see how your design was made into a beautiful set. Looking forward to see your development."

Lesley Garrick reviewed: Sun-printed lampshade making workshops in Devon

"A well organised course. Bridget was a knowledgable and patient tutor. Well explained. We both made two excellent lampshades which reinforced techniques. We enjoyed ourselves immensely and had B&B too which was great after a busy day. It was lovely to see Bridget’s work around the house lit up in its glory."

Mike reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Fun day basket making with Jonny and Becky, both of whom were great teachers. The day started with a warm welcoime, a brew and a home made flapjack. We were then taken through the various different processes involved in weaving a basket from scratch, something I found easier than expected thanks to the great guidance on offer. Jonny and Becky were great hosts with plenty of refreshments on offer; we took our own lunch but very much appreciated the (second) home made cake given to us. I'm really pleased with the basket I've made and would definitely recommend this course to anyone; it's excellent value and a great day out."

Charlene reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fantastic course with a clearly experienced and knowledgeable instructor. Jonathan took great care to ensure that all of our needs - both on the course and our own comfort - were met. Attended with a friend and it was a great chance for us to have fun making something in each other's company. Highly recommended!"

Lisa reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Very enjoyable day! I was slightly apprehensive I'd be useless but Jonathan builds up skills in a logical way - and you soon feel creative and capable!"

Katie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Great course, interesting. Jonathan is very helpful - especially at fixing our mistakes. Great to try in copper first. Thanks for a lovely child free day."