Latest reviews

Chris Sheppard reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I was given by my wife as a Christmas present, a one day course in wood turning from Blended Monkey. It is always difficult for her to know what to get me and, with my abilities to be practical she thought it would be a good idea. Well she wasn't wrong, I loved it! I had no preconceived ideas about how the process worked other than I knew roughly what was made on a lathe, this in mind I couldn't wait for the day to arrive. Once I had booked a day for the course, I was kept well informed about what would happen on the day and assured that COVID guidelines were in place, should I have concerns. I was warmly welcomed by hosts Louise and Simon on my arrival and taken to the wood turning room and offered a drink with biscuits, the first of many through the day. Simon then went onto talk about health and safety and the equipment we would be using and told me not to worry about remembering everything, as detailed notes would be emailed to me the next day, The notes incidentally were very in-depth and repeated in print, the whole day which is and will be a great help going forward. We started on the basics and by the end of the morning I had produced a honey drizzler which, I don't mind saying without being big headed, was amazing for a first attempt. Lunch followed and here, I have to say a big thank you to Louise who, after being made aware of my dietary preferences beforehand, this being plant based, served up a lovey platter of sweet and savory offerings. Onto the afternoon and Simon went on to explain the next project which was a bowl made out of cherry wood. Again The process was explained and by the end I had produced a lovely bowl which again, I am really proud of and looks beautiful. I am hopefully going to retire in a couple of years and am seriously thinking about investing in the equipment to give me a great and totally enjoyable pastime when the great day finally arrives. To finish, I would thoroughly recommend this course with Blended Monkey, you will not be disappointed. Many thanks to you both. :-)"

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

"Hi Chris, So glad you enjoyed the day and felt it was enjoyable and worthwhile - means a lot to us. Thank you for such a heartfelt review too! -- Simon & Louise"

Tracy Robinson reviewed: Beginners Watercolours & Cream Tea Experience (minimum booking is for 2 people)

"My friend and I wanted to reconnect with art and found this class on line. It was a wonderful 2 hours learning art techniques in a very relaxing studio. We not only managed to produce a lovely picture, it also felt we had a mindfulness session of unwinding from the daily stresses of work. Amina was very engaging and supportive to help us learn and feel relaxed, she worked at our pace and gave us tips as we moved along the session. The room was spacious with lovely smells of homemade scones to finish off the session. Loved the whole experience and we will be back for more. Big thanks Amina :)"

A.S.K Art & Pottery Gallery & Studio responded:

"The session in watercolours with Tracy & Jeannie was so enjoyable. They loved learning and threw themselves into the workshop taking everything on board. The both completed a lovely final piece using the techniques they learned. I loved their enthusiasm and positivity, and, look forward to working with them again."

Sue reviewed: Silly Seagulls - stained glass workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my glass workshop with Gigha and the other ladies who attended. I was a complete novice and did not take to glass making naturally but with Gigha’s patience and excellent tuition, I was able to make a lovely mobile in the end. I will definitely return as I now have the bug. The venue, lunch, refreshments, duration of course were all spot on so I would recommend this to anyone who has seen glass made by other people, give it a go you might surprise yourself! Sue"

Alison Wood reviewed: Waterlilies in Fabric

"Everything about this course works. Kate knows her stuff and teaches well, sharing her time fairly, being both encouraging and challenging. Rosemary is a welcoming and warm host. The venue is beautiful and a joy to spend time in. I thoroughly recommend this course."

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your kind words, we're delighted you enjoyed your day with us!"

Jonny C reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky was fantastic! Really enjoyable afternoon. He was very patient whilst teaching you how to make glass ornaments. Very hands on learning where you get to make several pieces of work. Great value for money and also lovely setting!"

Helen Hammond reviewed: 'Make a framed, needle-felted Wren' with Helen Hammond a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Thankyou for your very kind review! I was delighted with both the lovely teaching space and facilities . The catering was perfect all day as was the company. Covid issues were in place and comfortable for us all to work together in as near normal conditions as pre pandemic times. I was delighted to be invited to run the workshop at Quirky Workshops."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you Helen for an excellent course!"

Sophie reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"My friend and I had a fabulous day at the workshop. Anne was incredibly welcoming and a brilliant teacher. We learnt so much about mosaics, including the how to, tricks and tips, and interesting facts. We were so happy with our finished pieces and I’ve already recommended the workshop to several friends and colleagues. I’d definitely like to attend a further workshop in the future."

Sally reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"Although I had worked from a silver clay kit before it was brilliant to learn some new techniques and get some tips and help with the difficulties I had experienced ! What a great day."

Ronnie reviewed: Enamelling on silver - Cloisonne

"I attended the one day course this week and absolutely enjoyed every minute. Lynette is very patient, explains clearly the techniques involved and also backs this up by demonstration. I had a particular design in mind and whilst it was ambitious for a first attempt, Lynette provided the support throughout and allowed me to overrun slightly in order to complete. I fully recommend this course to anyone as no matter what specific knowledge you have, (I had zero) Lynette will make the day extremely fulfilling. The piece I made was of particular meaning to my sister who loved it so much she was in tears, it's beautiful. I look forward to returning someday with my daughter who I know will also enjoy the course. Thanks Lynette."

LCEnamels responded:

"Hi Ronnie Thank you for such a lovely review. I am so glad that your sister loved her gift. I look forward to meeting your daughter if you are able to return for a joint workshop"

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

"I really enjoyed the silver clay workshop and am so proud of my earrings. My children were impressed that I made them myself! Charlotte was brilliant throughout, with instructions, advice and help and there was lots of inspiration for techniques and ideas. I was completely new to silver clay before I went, and I learned so much. I would love to do it again!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Jennie, thank you so much for attending our workshop. I'm really glad you enjoyed the day! You should be very proud of the earrings you made, they are beautiful! Regards Charlotte"

Angela reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I had a wonderful day learning to Lino print with Judith yesterday. I have been looking for a beginners day course for ages and this class fitted the bill perfectly. Judith was very generous in welcoming us into her home, providing regular refreshments and offering excellent tutorage. I was particularly appreciative of her encouragement to try more complex designs and techniques, the end result being a piece of printing that I was very proud of! I highly recommend this class. Thank you"

Laura reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 2 hours (am)

"What a wonderful time I had. Thank you so much for such an enjoyable session. Was made to feel very relaxed even though I’m not the most creative person in the world! Thank you and can’t wait to come back!"

Fired Glass responded:

"That is just what we like to hear Laura. We would love to see you again! Kind regards John and Jill."

steve harvey reviewed: One Day Bladesmithing Course - London Border

"Absolutely brilliant day!! Owen is a fantastic tutor and a all round lovely man, he covers everything every step of the way until the completed blade! Highly recommend this for anyone who would like to try something different."

Melanie Twigg reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Adela was friendly and knowledgeable of her craft. The time went very quickly ( 6hrs) and she supplied me with the mosaic tilles and grout to finish my project"

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

"It was a very enjoyable experience, and I was delighted to leave with some lovely pieces of jewellery. The event was well planned, and Tuuli was friendly and helpful."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you for your feedback Emma, it is greatly appreciated! I'm so pleased you left the workshop happy with what you made! Best wishes, Tuuli"

Matt reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"I attended the course due to an obsession with resin - and I'm so glad I did. Richard really knows his stuff, and had an excellent way of sharing that information, tailoring what he says to people of different abilities. Someone has left a review saying Richard was 'stand offish'. They must have been at a different course!"

Sarah reviewed: Jesmonite Plant Pot Workshop at Kirkstall Forge

"It was great xx Kim was so helpful and engaging xx"

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much Sarah! I really appreciate it. Thanks for coming! x"

Rose Harding reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Lovely environment, very relaxed. Learnt loads, so much better than ploughing through a manual by yourself and still not knowing what to do. Jennifer is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful, nothing is too much trouble. Plenty of refreshments and a lovely banana cake! Would highly recommend to anyone."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review Rose. I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the day, you all did such a great job. Good luck with all your sewing projects and thanks again for your kind review. Best wishes, Jennifer"

Rach reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"The weekend basket making course with Jonathan was absolutely brilliant. We had a ridiculously fun time learning how to weave our baskets. Jonathon was patient and kind and created such a cohesive atmosphere with a group of strangers. He gave us as much creative control as he could within our baskets, letting us explore how the different varieties of willow gave different results. The weekend felt so therapeutic and I left wanting to buy a huge bundle of willow to keep playing at home! I couldn’t recommend the course more. Absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to come back and learn more."

Norfolk Hedge Baskets responded:

"Thank you so much Rach for your lovely review. I can't wait to see you again on the next course to make a log basket. You certainly have the skills to take this much further, Jonathon"

Jane reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"Such a brilliant course! Suzanne was an excellent teacher…and just lovely to get on! The time flew over as I got to do lots of hands-on work and I’m really pleased with my beads! I am definitely going to return and would highly recommend to anyone…you’ll love it! Thank you for such a great time, Suzanne. Looking forward to seeing you soon!"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Jane for such a lovely review. So pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Sue B reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"My husband had been on a 5 day course making a coffee table back in 2020 . Based on his experience I wanted to try my hand at box making and so this was a birthday present for me. Mark guided me through the process but was also keen for us to do as much of it ourselves as possible . I thoroughly enjoyed the course, learnt lots of new skills and was thrilled with the box I made. Thank you."

Paula V reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"This is a fantastic course if you really want to take your painting to the next level! I have had so many complements from this course - both the watercolours that I painted then but also ones that I have painted since and my painting colleagues say my painting has improved no end, that there is a clear difference!! People have said that I have very well captured the fragility of the flowers. Georgina will look at your painting technique and let you know if you can do things better - this is really useful as on many other courses they do not actually teach you how to paint! Also she will teach you how to compose the painting so that you do not get overwhelmed, especially useful when there are many flowers in the flower-head. I am so very pleased I did this course, it has taken me to the next stage in my watercolours - well worth going to north Wales for! Thank you Georgina!"

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you Paula, I’m glad you got so much out of the weekend!"

Helen reviewed: 'Make a framed, needle-felted Wren' with Helen Hammond a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"I attended the workshop this week and have nothing but praise for it. The venue - Swallow barn at Quirky Crafts - was delightful and in spite of the freezing weather was kept warm. Helped also by the delicious refreshments, we were fuelled inside and out. Having only dabbled with needle felting before, this was an ambitious make in a day, BUT teacher Helen Hammond had all the stages worked out and gave us all the instruction and confidence that we needed to complete it - and we did. Each wren a masterpiece and delightfully different. A superb course."

Quirky Workshops at Greystoke Craft Garden and Barns responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Helen and am so glad you enjoyed the day. I agree it was an excellent course! Everyone's piece was brilliant, with the gorgeous wrens enjoying such attention to detail thanks to Helen, who was very organised with her teaching stages and materials. A lot of work had been put into the prep for the course and it evidently paid off! Hopefully see you here another time in Greystoke! x"

Natasha reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"An amazing day and experience. Jonathan was very patient and attentive when extra help was needed, and I would highly recommend this as a way to learn a new skill. Thank you so much Jonathan!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done with your ring making Natasha. It was a pleasure to meet you and I am very pleased with your recommendation. Thank you! Jonathan"

Clare reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Amazing day. So informative. learnt so many skills. Loved how hands on the whole day was. Went away with a beautiful silver ring, totally me. Coffee and cake was a lovely touch too. Thank you so much."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Clare. I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the day and your ring worked out really well in the end. Well done! Jonathan"