Latest reviews

Hamish Good reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"My 87 year old father and I attended the one day bladesmithing course at Vladvark. We are both fairly ‘hands on’ when it comes to life’s practical challenges and were both excited to be learning new skills. Graham, his son and his son’s son (yes three generations) delivered an exceptional experience which combined as much metallurgy science as you could consume with the real, hands on process of turning a piece of metal into a knife. Plenty of hot and cold drinks were on offer along with a very substantial sandwich for lunch. We also got to enjoy the playful banter between the three generations of family members…All in all a fantastic day that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone that fancies it…Give it a go you’ll be really pleased you did."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Hamish and congrats to your Dad. He’s our second oldest participant but by a long way the oldest who didn’t need any help along the way ????"

Hamish Good reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"My 87 year old father and I attended the one day bladesmithing course at Vladvark. We are both fairly ‘hands on’ when it comes to life’s practical challenges and were both excited to be learning new skills. Graham, his son and his son’s son (yes three generations) delivered an exceptional experience which combined as much metallurgy science as you could consume with the real, hands on process of turning a piece of metal into a knife. Plenty of hot and cold drinks were on offer along with a very substantial sandwich for lunch. We also got to enjoy the playful banter between the three generations of family members…All in all a fantastic day that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone that fancies it…Give it a go you’ll be really pleased you did."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Hamish and congrats to your Dad. He’s our second oldest participant but by a long way the oldest who didn’t need any help along the way ????"

Francesca Cross reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"The class was really good and even as a complete beginner, we managed to make good pots. Geoff was really lovely and patient with us too."

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. Pleased you enjoyed the session, Francesca. It was great to meet you."

Gwyn Birch reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Loved the Batik class on Saturday which was a gift from my daughter. We both took part and Barbara’s instructions were excellent (which is more than I can say about my unsteady hands). With Barbara’s help I was very pleased with my result and am keen to try out more at home. Thankyou Barbara for sharing you skill."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It was a lovely day and your unsteady hand did amazingly well , your large picture looked brilliant, with fabulous colours and style. It will look great framed, keep felting :-)"

Jennifer Hudson reviewed: Machine knitting beginners workshop with TheaRose - learning the basics

"Very much enjoyed this ‘taster’ introductory day to knitting machines. Thea was a lovely teacher, very patient and helped me out of some rather scrappy work. Producing the two cute items was an accomplishment, even though by the end of the day I was very tired. Having never even seen a knitting machine before, this introductory day would be a great litmus test for anyone thinking of buying a knitting machine. I would thoroughly recommend this day. (and thanks to Thea's mum for the excellent cake)"

Marion Janner reviewed: Willow sculpture at Larkswold

"What a fantastic day! Off-the-scale hospitality and consideration, incredible to have been able to create such a magnificent willow sculpture of a heron to grace my garden (thanks to all the finessing from the lovely Kate). Fabulous lunch and cake. Magical location. Truly a perfect occasion."

Larkswold responded:

"Hi Marion, High praise indeed. It was really lovely to meet you and hope you will be back to visit us soon. Melinda & Emma"

Sarah Charnley reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Fantastic course - I’m sat admiring my beautiful bag now. I did the two day handbag course and it was fabulous - I enjoyed every aspect of it. I’ve don’t quite a few courses and this has been one of my favourites. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend"

Angie Mack reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"This was a great present from my husband, like everybody else has been saying they really know their stuff. I was with Chris and his lovely assistant (I'm so sorry I can't remember your name) and they just had a really great way of explaining and guiding you through the process. There was only me so I ended up with 7 pieces. A really lovely experience, I would highly recommend it. Thanks"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Angie, we are so pleased you enjoyed your time with us. Kind Regards From the team at Chew valley glass"

Ann Richards reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"3 of us attended the course and we all enjoyed it enormously. Dawn taught us in manageable bite sized pieces and spent time with each of us individually giving us suggestions or pointers. The studio is light, bright and airy and the resources available for inspiration and to use as appliqué were plentiful. The hot drinks kept coming and we were treated to homemade chocolate cake!! We’ll definitely return."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Ann, it was great to meet you all. Hope to see you again!"

David Challen reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"I was bought this experience as a birthday present in 2020, but had to cancel due to Covid restrictions. We were able to rebook when the site reopened and I'm glad we did, as it was thoroughly enjoyable. I have a desk job, so it made a really nice change to do something more practical and hands on. The instructor was fabulous and patient, despite my eagerness to 'get it right', I guess I'm a bit of a perfectionist. All together it was a great day, with a great instructor and some really nice people. There were only four of on the course, so we all had plenty of time to speak to the instructor and learn."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review, we really appreciate you taking the time to let us know about your day. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it and were able to learn a new skill. We will pass on your praise to Nicky. Trading Places Traditional Crafts Courses at Stanwick Lakes"

Shirleyann Gledhill reviewed: Fidget/Spinner Ring: Silver Jewellery Making

"Me and my Son had a wonderful day with Nina making spinner rings together. We both thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. Nina is very talented, friendly, warm and welcoming and a patient teacher! I will definitely be looking out for more silver courses with her in the future. It was the nicest Sunday, I’ve spent in a long time..?"

Iasthai Original responded:

"Thank you Shirleyann! I had an absolute blast yesterday, it was such a good laugh with you guys and I'm so proud of you and Sam and your beautiful spinner rings. Definitely tell Sam he can come and stay in the cupboard and pop out whenever we need his super strength ☺️ I hope to see you again. Until then, take care! Love Nina"

Patricia Dimberline reviewed: Painting with wool & silk fibres - Feltmaking

"I had a wonderful day with Barbara yesterday. I did a felt painting which should have been a sunset, with sea and mountain and a boat merrily floating along. Nope, after doing the rubbing this dragon appeared behind the moon, big wings, so we changed to Dragon Mountain with volcano of course and the sea a bit more wild and the boat was enhanced with freehand felting at the end. I enjoyed all the rubbing to get the fibres together, Barbara’s expertise helped me know when it was ready for the next stage. Not as hard as I thought. Will go again on Barbara’s course to see what I can achieve. Thank you Barbara."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I loved your creativity and going with the flow of the dragon lol Your pictures looked brilliant and it would be lovely to see it framed so I can add it to Craft Courses :-). Thank you for the fab review."

BIrgit reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"Wonderful experience, Rachel is very passionate and didactic, I learned a lot and feel thrilled with the little piece of art I created. We had a great time, lots of fun, interesting conversations too!! Thank you so much Rachel!! I'll be back!!"

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Ahhh that's so lovely - we had a great day & your little boat sun-catcher is beautiful. Glad you had fun & want to return ;-) R ;))"

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

"What a super time we had making candles with Anne. None was very knowledgeable and we were taught just at the right pace - excellent quality wax etc and we all left with our candles - Such a wonderful way to spend a few hours. If you are looking to learn this lovely craft you will be very please let you booked with Pemberley candles"

Sarah reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"I've had an amazing day! Can't quite believe how much we managed to do in a day. Jonathan was really knowledgeable and helpful, and I'm delighted with everything I've made. Delicious cake too! Thank you."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Sarah - it was a pleasure to help you with your jewellery making today - and well done! Jonathan"

Charlotte reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fantastic day! Learned a great deal and made some wonderful jewellery. Very well lead course and progress at everyone's own pace. Jonathan is welcoming and knowledgeable. A* day! Will definitely come again. Thank you : )"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Charlotte - and good luck with your new jewellery making plans! Jonathan"

Laura reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Jonathan was amazing! Can't believe what I am going home with after just one day. Thanks so much, I will be telling everyone to come along : )"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Laura - great to see your confidence grow throughout the day. Thank you. Jonathan"

Matilda reviewed: Make a paper lampshade from a your own paper collage design

"We had such a wonderful time at the Papershades course yesterday. Ros shared her passion for paper and gave plenty of design ideas and inspiration, but we were free to really come up with something personal and special. The atmosphere of the day was lovely and the end product is better than I'd hoped. If I lived closer, I would be going back every week until I had a Papershade for every room in the house! Would highly recommend this course."

Papershades responded:

"I was so impressed by creativity around my table and the beautiful results. What a lovely workshop we had, with such lively conversation, shared appreciation of the emerging designs and enjoyment of the process of making. I'm always thrilled to see the creation of new Papershades designs and it delights me to think that these fabulous lampshades will be cherished by their makers and will brighten up their rooms for years to come. Ros, founder of Papershades."

Hollie reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"My husband and I had a wonderful day at Blended Monkey. Learning new skills from Simon and Louise who are so knowledge and very patient. Thank you both."

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

"It was a pleasure having you guys in the woodturning workshop and the pottery studio. You both made some really lovely pieces! We're glad you enjoyed your experience :-)."

Claire G reviewed: Weave a Scarf in a Day - Harrogate

"I had a lovely day, creating a woven scarf. It was a small mixed ability group (some with weaving experience and some complete beginners). Everyone worked together and were really supportive. Anne was lovely and guided us through the process in small steps that was easy to understand. Six beautiful scarves were created and Anne gave us guidance on finishing (and a sheet to take home) and washing."

Sydney fox reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Bought this for my Dad for Christmas as he loves Forged in Fire. He came out beaming and really chuffed with the knife he had made. He said Andy was very knowledgable and down to earth! Would recommend to everyone!"

Helen Kurtz reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"We spent a fantastic day with Paul and Natalie yesterday. We learnt how to cut glass first of all and then worked on our own designs. Natalie was so accommodating and helped us to find ways of creating the images we had in our minds. It was totally absorbing and it felt wonderful to be totally immersed in creativity. Would recommend 100% to anyone thinking of having a go. We want to return to do more! Thank you so much ?"

Kamalini reviewed: Bristol Bronze Club - 2 day lost wax bronze casting workshop

"Dave was an excellent teacher and facilitator, with a perfect balance of letting you make your own decisions and do most of it yourself whilst offering guidance where needed. He obviously really cares that folk are successful. He shared his impressive depth of knowledge, talent and experience and the process was fascinating. There’s so much beauty in the alchemy and my son and I were on a high for hours! Great food too. Many thanks."

Ore and Ingot responded:

"A pleasure having you both there. Really glad you enjoyed it."

Tomas reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"It was a great experience, Neil was very friendly and helpful and guided us the day to create two excellent pieces that are going to go great with my fireplace."

Gill B reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"A very enjoyable way to spend a day. A really relaxed environment and great instruction and support from the course tutor."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I am glad you had a lovely day. Loved your art work Gill, It will look fabulous framed."