Latest reviews

Jane reviewed: Saturday silver clay jewellery workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 1.30pm - 5.00pm

"My daughter and I had a wonderful afternoon making silver clay jewellery with Tuuli. She is a really great teacher and has a lovely manner. She explains everything clearly and is very organised with a great choice of moulds and cutters to choose from. We made several pieces that we are delighted with. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much Jane! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. You both made such great pieces! Kind regards, Tuuli"

Sue Adams-McMillan reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I received a one day stained glass workshop course as a gift, and what a wonderful present it was. The workshop is in a lovely setting and there is plenty of space, light and glass of all different colours and textures for you get crafty with. You get your own workspace with all the required equipment to make a design of your own, or if you are not that way inclined there are designs that Matt can offer you. You get to learn how to do traditional stained glass windows, or the copper foil method. I opted for the copper foil method and I wasn't disappointed. After hearing all the safety info, and the techniques needed to cut glass ( which was really relevant) we all learnt how to wrap our fingers in insulation tape, to prevent all those minuscule pieces of glass from cutting your finger tips to pieces. We then got going. Matt was a great tutor, he moved around and helped people with all the different parts involved in making our designs, with a good mix of humour and lots of positivity and motivation. I would highly recommend this course, it made the non-arty part of me into an artist. I didn't have to worry about mixing paints, how to use a paint brush correctly, or trying to make clay into that correct shape. I just cut glass and fitted it together. If there were any negatives they may be: 1) you got glass envy when you saw what other people managed to find in the racks and use in their designs, 2) you got design envy when you saw what other people came up with in their design, some of them were fabulous and I wish I thought of that, 3) once you were in the 'stained glass cutting and compiling zone' you became totally unaware of the concept of time. My design had to be modified as it had too many pieces, but I finished it and when I finally held it up to the sunshine, well it was awesome. Thanks Matt, for a lovely creative day."

Tom lodge reviewed: Axe making course

"Really fun and interesting learning the process of how an age is forged, every step of the process is explained clearly. To sum up it's just an extremely cool experience."

Christine Ellis reviewed: Perfume Making in Norfolk

"I had a lovely day with Diane! I am so proud of my perfume, which met with the approval of my chums later that evening who declared it to be ‘gentle’ (a word Diane used), ‘warm’ ‘subtly spiced’ - just what I was aiming for. I had lots of different aromas and essences to work with, which was initially overwhelming, but under Diane’s steady eye (and nose!) I eventually developed a recipe which produce a beautiful perfume. Thank you Diane!"

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Christine Many thanks for your kind words and for taking the time to write a review for me, I really appreciate it. So very pleased you are happy with the perfume you created, you must have been very happy when your friends liked it to. I really enjoyed the day I spent with you. Again many thanks."

Victoria Grainger reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Thank you Alison for a really brilliant day, you are so talented, skillful, professional and hospitable. Firstly, you looked after our every need with a few little surprises too to make it special. Secondly, everything was prepared and ready for our activities which were well staged to help us succeed with the technique. Thirdly, you were attentive to each person helping them in a relevant, encouraging and understanding way. I would love to come back to this beautiful setting for future workshops and would recommend this to friends too."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Victoria, Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, it was great to meet you and work with you yesterday.I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and I hope it has given you the confidence to develop your batik skills ! I look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

Ella reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"This course was excellent. I was a complete beginner but have come away confident enough to attempt this in the comfort of my own home. Claire was friendly, helpful, informative and knowledgable. I would recommend this course and will look book further courses in the future. Thank you Claire."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you Ella it was really nice to meet you. I look forward to seeing what you make in the future!"

Susan reviewed: Reclaimed Wooden Personalised Box Crate

"Love the product. Quick and efficient service. Good communication on order. This is my second order and will use again."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you Susan, so kind and so pleased! And thanks so much for the second order. All the very best. Rach"

Alison reviewed: Rag rug/rag wreath making day in North Herefordshire

"Loved learning to prog with Jenni. Good venue, excellent teaching and lots of inspiration and good company"

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"A good day which I enjoyed too. Looking forward to seeing your seat mat."

Penny Henshaw reviewed: Weave a patterned scarf in a day - Harrogate

"As a person with not a lot of crafting skills I came away feeling quite proud of what I did. Anne was a brilliant mentor and always at hand to assist and answer questions. I strongly recommend the course and it was a day I shall not forget spent with friends who kindly bought me the day as a birthday gift."

Ian Ryder reviewed: Spoon Carving Course with Sussex Green Woodworking

"These two days really exceeded my expectations - largely due to the welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that Danny and his helpers and family have created in their woodland haven. A wonderful two days spent away from the cares of the world, with excellent teaching, help and advice at hand, and tasty food. I came away with a spoon and bowl that I'm really pleased with, and everyone on the course seemed to be having just as much fun as me. All I need to do now is find the time for that 5 day chair-making course..."

Sussex green woodworking responded:

"Thanks Ian . It was a great weekend . You showed a good understanding of the material and the tools and made some fine pieces ! The excellent weather was a bonus . I hope we can meet again in the woods ."

David Hamilton reviewed: Two day blacksmithing course

"I've been a hobbyist blade smith for about 3 years and decided I wanted to increase my skill set, everything I learned so far had been from YouTube and TV but there is only so much you can learn that way, so I booked in with Julian for a 2 day course. On arrival Julian immediately puts you at ease, runs you through a few basic safety things and then its into the work. I chose to make the poker, which sounds easy, but isn't. Over the next two days Julian taught me how to do many of the things I've been struggling with (upsetting, twisting, ring making, drawing, spreading and many other things) he also corrected my hammer work so that I can work much more efficiently. All the while putting up with my stupid errors with patience and understanding. Its a busy couple of days, but Julian lets you work at your own speed, encouraging without criticising and keeping good humour through it all. I cannot recommend this course enough; whether you have worked hot metal before or not you will enjoy 2 very instructive and fulfilling days and come away with a piece you will be proud to say you made."

Kevin Forth reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really enjoyed the day - this was bought as a Christmas present after I expressed an interest in learning more about blacksmithing and I'm hooked! Adrian and Andy were really good and helpful explaining what we were there to make, and showing us step by step through the process - I never thought I would be capable of producing items that looked so good as a beginner! the pace of the day is perfect, at no point do you feel rushed and help and advice is always on hand (as is first aid if you manage to burn yourself like I did - turns out red hot metal burns if you touch it who knew?) I will definitely be booking on to more courses in the future!"

Liz reviewed: Explore printmaking

"I was given this course as a Mother’s Day present and having done no such thing before I thoroughly enjoyed it. I brought home my work and was extremely happy with my first attempt. Barbara was very helpful and answered all questions in an easy to understand way. Full marks for the course."

B Wagner Printmaker responded:

"Thank you Liz. I am glad you enjoyed it."

Michael reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was a fantastic course to learn woodcarving skills. Alan is incredibly knowledgeable of safe carving techniques and great at teaching them. Sim was also very welcoming and made sure we were well fed and caffeinated. I highly recommend this course and the spoon carving addiction that brews from it."

Liz reviewed: Throwing on the wheel for couples

"My husband and I had a couples throwing on the wheel course with Geri. She is an excellent teacher and firstly demonstrated, and then guided us through making our own pots. We had great fun, the time just flew by. We were also delighted that we managed to make some nice pots, even though as a novice the shape of the pot is whatever appears rather than pre thought out design! We even added some colour which made the pots much more professional looking. We had a great day and I’d highly recommend this course"

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your morning. I will be in touch when your pots are ready to arrange sending them to you."

Sue Hope reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Wow what a fabulous experience in the most wonderful of surroundings with lots of hares for inspiration. Very relaxed and humorous at times. Jo is an amazing tutor, friendly patient and extremely knowledgeable. With step by step instructions and demonstrations it was easy to come away with a beautiful Leaping Hare that will take pride of place in my lounge. I cant wait to return in the future to make a larger sitting hare for my garden. Thanks for giving us all an amazing workshop/experience and keeping us hydrated throughout."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"My pleasure Sue ?. So glad you enjoyed the day creating your lovely leaping hare. I look forward to seeing you again! Jo x"

Marius reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"First experience with epoxy resin and I have to say Richard can share his knowledge in a easy to understand terms. Loved that we were given the freedom when mixing the pigments. Anyone who's interested in creating using epoxy, shouldn't miss Richard's courses."

Caroline reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"Warm friendly welcome felt like we had known Nikki forever, an amazing day, thanks."

Willowandyoga responded:

"Thanks Caroline, it was lovely spending the day with you weaving in the woods."

Amber reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Jules workshop was fabulous! I absolutely love the ring I made. She was very helpful and patient, taking time to show us how it is done and then helping us make our own creations. I would recommend this to anyone who would enjoy creating their very own, one off, piece of jewellery."

Sea & Solder responded:

"Thank you Amber. It was lovely to meet you and see how much you enjoyed your day with us. Your ring is just wonderful."

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

"An absolutely wonderful day of basket weaving - thank you Jonny and Becky for your excellent teaching and patience to introduce us to basket weaving! I bought this as a present for my mum and sister and it definitely lived up to expectations. We all finished the day with a beautiful basket, which we’ll be able to keep for years to come! I highly recommend the course - lovely atmosphere, coffee, and cake. Thank you."

Jessica reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Will is an excellent instructor. I was impressed how he was able to create a safe, supportive and fun learning environment for our group in such a short span of time. He helped each of us choose, design and execute our own projects, carefully guiding us through the wood carving process, while making sure that each of us felt sufficiently challenged considering our respective levels of experience and interest in taking the course. I can't wait to get my own set of chisels so I can continue my projects at home and hope to have the chance to learn more from Will in the future. I highly recommend this course!"

Jane reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fabulous day. Jonathan is a great teacher and I achieved so much more than I imagined! I love the bracelet that I made- and I'm planning to come back and make gifts for others. Also - delicious cake!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Jane! You did achieve lots. Thank you for the positive review - it means a lot. Jonathan"

Sam reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Really great day, lots of fun and a chance to try new things. Highly recommended! Thanks!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Sam. I'm glad you enjoyed the day. Jonathan"

Cori reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"As a total beginner, I came away with a lovely keyring and necklace. Jonathan was very patient and helpful. He was also very accommodating of my dietary requirements, making a gluten free cake especially. All in all a great day!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Cori - the cake was pretty good eh? Thank you for your kind words and well done. Jonathan"

Angela Clark (for Andrew and Maxx) reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"We booked this course because of the rave reviews. They are ALL true! Feedback from the 16 year old (birthday gift) included enthusiastic statements like "best birthday ever" and "you'll never top this one mum" If you know teenagers, this is POWERFUL and POSITIVE feedback! Feedback from the 53 year who was the plus one and not all that keen included surprised and enthusiastic statements like "excellent course, well taught, knowledgeable teacher" Both have left feeling very confident with the skills learned, and having arrived home now after a 2 hr drive back, I have to mention that they've already ordered sharpening stones and metal!! I can see they'll be practicing more knife making in the near future. THANK YOU for this amazing experience. Mum of the Year goes to ME for booking :) Hooray!"

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Dear Angela, thank you very much for this feedback; I’m delighted that your son had exactly the kind of experience I aim to facilitate. They’ve done so well, and it was a particular pleasure to have father and son working and learning side by side. I hope they’ll continue with Knife-making and Knife -use over time, and please feel free to be in touch if they need any help and advice. And finally, thank you for your booking; I often find that behind a new knife there is a generous person who gifted the course to their loved ones. Thanks Angela."