Latest reviews

Em Smith reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"Such an amazing informative and fun morning making some beautiful candles. The pace of the tuition and size of the group worked perfectly and I came away with a big smile on my face. Highly recommended."

Janet Kerry reviewed: One day introduction to resin art

"Absolutely loved the whole experience. Very well explained and a lot of patience! Wasn’t sure what to expect but loved what I did. Highly recommend Thank you Eunice"

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Janet so glad you had a good time it was lively to meet you and your hubby too Enjoy creating Eunice x"

Allen reviewed: Woodturning Experience Days - Come and spend a day turning your first bowl

"Would absolutely recommend doing this course. Stephen was a great teacher. Not only was he very patient, extremely knowledgeable but also has a relaxing teaching approach. It was a full days learning on how to turn two bowls on the wood lathe which was a lot of fun. If you have ever thought about wood turning just book the course and give it ago. You won't be disappointed."

Bodden Cross Studio responded:

"Thank you Allen, it was a pleasure to meet you and introduce you to wood turning. I look forward to observing your progress in the coming months."

Laura Frampton reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"Decided to have some me time, and saw an advert for the printmaking course. I’ve had a lovely day, getting nice and messy with paint, and have several prints to take home, having mastered basic stamp making and then a Lino cut. Liz was very welcoming and on hand to give advice and suggestions. I’ll definitely do another course, maybe even bring a friend!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Laura, Good to meet and work with you today and thanks for letting me know about your day. Printmaking is a lovely direct process and you jumped in with both feet. It was great to see your enthusiasm for the processes and outcomes. It will be a pleasure to work with you again; do try Create with a Gel Plate - I think you’ll really enjoy it. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Lynne K reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"Just happened to see the Mandala Drawing for Beginners class mentioned on Facebook, a couple of days before it was due to take place, and thought it might be fun to do. I booked it straightaway and am so pleased I did! It turned out that I was the only student who had booked for that day's class, but Kathryn was happy to accommodate me nevertheless, and having the one to one tuition was great. It meant I didn't feel at all rushed, or that I had to keep up with others, and could ask as many questions as I liked, but I'm sure it would have been just the same had the class been full. I had never done anything like it before, but Kathryn is so lovely, friendly and patient, and her teaching so clear and easy to follow, that I was confident that, with her help, I could achieve a good result. I'm thrilled with my first effort, and once I've had chance to practise the techniques for a while, I will have no hesitation in booking on the intermediate class to extend my new found skills. Thank you so much, Kathryn, for a wonderful and relaxing morning, which I thoroughly enjoyed."

Alison reviewed: Sterling silver ring making workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop, David is an excellent teacher and it was great to spend time with him whilst making the jewelry. His skill and passion is inspiring, I will definitely be returning for more workshops with him."

David J Lilly responded:

"Hi Alison Thanks for thr lovely review. It was a great afternoon with you and I look forward to seeing you again Best wishes David."

Helen Gardner reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"This was a great day thank you Jon and Becky, you are great teachers offering detailed step by step instructions and lots of one-to-one support as well as oodles of patience! A lovely workshop and a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Also a very nice lunch. Can definitely recommend."

Fred Capewell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Fantastic experience, I had a one day course with Chris on a one to one basis. It was a very enjoyable day, Chris made me feel very welcome. I made a leaf key ring and Chris went through everything at a steady pace, I never felt under any pressure. Chris took time to explain each step in the process, having explained a step Chris would show me how he did it, explaining all the detail as he went through making his leaf key ring. I would then do the same with Chris giving guidance as I did it, we did this through each of the stages. At the end we both had made leaf key rings, mine, whilst a leaf key ring had my own individuality, that's the great thing of hand crafting with a blacksmith. If you're thinking of going on a course with Chris don't hesitate it's a great day and experience."

Mandy Leavy reviewed: Learn to make Roman Blinds - Worcestershire

"As a complete Novice I was a little apprehensive but everything was explained and there was no pressure. Very pleased with what I achieved. Instruction paperwork to bring home will be most helpful. Thank you."

Mrs K Hayes reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My husband has attended this course twice now and absolutely loves it. The first time he made a knife, which has been very useful working on a small holding and with local farmers. On the second course he made a garden fire pit, so looking forward to lighting that in the slightly chilly spring evenings when sat outside. The team at the forge have all been wonderful, so supportive and pacing the course well to the individuals. They are a highly talented team, a credit to their industry. Im sure my husband will be attending this course again in the not too distant future. Thank you to the whole team for giving him such an enjoyable experience and for helping him produce some fabulous pieces."

Liz Maxwell reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"Had a wonderful time this morning making candles with Anne, who was excellent. The experience was relaxing and creative, and Anne guided us through the process safely and with patience and expertise. I would definitely recommend this course, and look forward to taking part in another in the future. Thank you Anne"

Mary reviewed: Learn to make Roman Blinds - Worcestershire

"I had a fantastic morning on the Roman Blind making course. Very informative for a complete novice like myself. My mum also came with me and she has some experience of making soft furnishings but also found the morning extremely useful. Really is a great course to do for all abilities. Judi is an excellent teacher and although it is a group activity it really does feel like one to one tuition. We will be back for a curtain making course, thank you Judi"

Feona Veys reviewed: Fused glass taster course

"I had such a fun time with Jane and made some really nice pieces - I can’t wait to see them when they come out of the kiln! Highly recommended course."

Cosy Creative Crafts responded:

"It was lovely to meet you and help you create an amazing piece if artwork, and fun pieces too. Thank you"

Andrew Kirkpatrick & Tan Mallett reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Both Tan and I had a fantastic morning with Pat She was very welcoming and took time to explain everything we needed to know, this I turn lead to a great experience on the wheel and we were both able to produce some reasonable pieces. We are looking forward to collecting them post firing and glazing in a few weeks We would both definitely recommend this experience to anyone thinking about having a go on the potters wheel"

Pat Southwood responded:

"Hi, Thanks for your lovely review, you certainly both did well and I look forward to showing you your finished work soon. Pat."

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

"An excellent and informative day, well supported by Jonny and his partner. Recommend it for anyone as help given throughout process. Was really pleased with the end product. Good value for money."

Jeff Parker reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I've been trying my hand at wood turning (with a small amount of prior knowledge) through lock down! Simon's course was just what I wanted. He took me though all the basic principles and then slowly taught me the basic cuts for spindle work and for bowl turning with lots of hands on practice and careful guidance. I came away exhausted but very satisfied. More importantly I came away with a MUCH better understanding of what I was trying to do and how to do it safely. A great day. I learnt so much and had a lovely lunch to boot! Thank you Simon and Louise."

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

"Hi Jeff, So glad you had a useful day and came away more confident in the craft. As ever, if you have any questions or issues, please reach out to us. -- Simon & Louise"

Bev reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Good course. Exceptional teaching with lots of patience! I learnt a lot about jewellery making."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Bev - I hope you have plenty of admirers for your hand made earrings! Jonathan"

Melodie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Thank you for a fabulous day, I have learned so much and made a lovely ring. Great cake too!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Melodie - I love your ring design and may have to make one myself soon! Thank you for choosing Salt Way Silver : ) Jonathan"

Michelle & Tilly reviewed: Sterling Silver Stacker Ring Course - (Reading)

"My friend bought me the course for my birthday and attended the course with me. We both made a lovely set of 3 rings and had a great time. Thoroughly enjoyable ?"

Lorraine reviewed: Silversmithing Taster Day - (Reading)

"I attended the course with 3 friends and we all had a really fun afternoon making rings. We are hoping to attend another course soon."

Helen reviewed: Introduction to Watercolours

"A wonderful way to spend an afternoon -learning new skills. Amina’s studio is the perfect setting for the course. The materials she provided were all of a high quality as was the tuition. Amina introduced the skills calmly and in easy to manage stages. Once we had built a basic skill set we all produced a lovely silver birch mixed media piece. Finally we were given time to create our own piece of work using the acquired skills. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. I look forward to joining another course in the future."

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

"It was so lovely to meet Helen on the workshop. She came in with a positive attitude ready to learn. By following my instructions Helen completed beautiful pieces, both her flower and silver birch trees in pen and ink washes were to a good standard. I hope to see you again at one of my workshops in the near future."

Steve T. reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I attended the course today and found it an absolutely superb experience. Jon is an excellent teacher and his knowledge and enthusiasm makes the day a joyous adventure. I highly recommend this course for anyone wishing to try their hand at blacksmithing. Thanks Jon"

Marie Idziaczek reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Rucksack/ Backpack

"I have never received such a wonderful gift as this. Make a bag in a day. I spent a full day in George's purpose built workshop. There were so many leathers to choose from which ensures every bag is unique. Using a variety of tools, machinery and techniques. George is a friendly, experienced and knowledgeable tutor. Definitely will return another time."

A. Cooke reviewed: One on one gem cutting tuition: faceting an emerald cut

"Highly recommended. James is a very knowledgable instructor with years of experience and went through everything patiently. I now have the confidence to do faceting myself having been shown what to do. Great introduction to gem cutting."

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you very much! I had a great time with the tuition, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you. Best of luck with your adventures in lapidary! Regards, James :)"

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

"Fantastic day, couldn’t have been better. Jon and Becky are friendly and encouraging teachers. Lunch was fabulous. My finished basket received a surprised (good) reception when I got home. I highly recommend this course."