Latest reviews

Mandy Hetherton reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Lorna was a great teacher - clear, patient (especially when I just couldn't get my knots right!) and encouraging. The small class size (6) meant that she could help if anyone got stuck. She shared interesting information about the history of bookbinding and her own story of how she got into it as we worked, which added value to the experience. All materials were supplied well in advance and were of high quality. I am delighted with my notebook and would highly recommend this workshop. You don't need to be at all 'arty' or have any experience to come away with a really pleasing result. I was given the workshop as a present, and will definitely gift it to others too. Thank you Lorna!"

Camilla reviewed: Platter & Plates Workshop with Bryony Applegate

"I spent a joyous morning slip casting in porcelain using marbling with Bryony. She was an excellent teacher and facilities were very good. No experience of ceramics is necessary. Bryony is a lovely person. I look forward to receiving my glazed pots."

Alix reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"We booked this course for a way of three friends in different places (and countries) to get together and celebrate a special birthday. We all like creative activities and an online book binding course fitted perfectly. I'd seen it had good reviews and I now know why. Lorna was a delightful teacher, prepared, clear and with a clear passion for the topic. She was patient and had useful stories and anecdotes that helped us really enjoy the session. In addition we all came away with beautiful, professional looking hand bound books. Wonderful. Thank you so much Lorna"

Vicky reviewed: Make a terrarium

"My mum and I did this workshop and we both really loved it. Mel has a lovely shop and it is perfect setting for this workshop. It was so interesting watching Mel put together the Terrarium for us to then follow, to begin with I couldn’t believe we would be able to get the plants in the bottle, but it all makes sense when Mel shows you how. I found it very calming, and both mum and I are very pleased with our final Terrariums. I will definitely recommend this to friends as a fun and relaxing thing to do."

Chloe reviewed: 3 or 4 stone set silver stacking rings

"I had an amazing day on this course! Sarah is such a kind, patient and knowledgeable teacher who made the experience very enjoyable. The rings you make on this course are gorgeous! I’m definitely going to be booking other courses with Sarah, that’s for sure!"

Vicky J de-Vries reviewed: 5 week beginners crochet course with ready, steady, HOOK! (daytime)

"Lynn is a very welcoming and patient tutor. She has well prepared lessons with handouts and samples and the class runs at the appropriate pace for all the students. The location for the class is excellent and easy to find."

Ready, Steady, HOOK! responded:

"Thank you so much Vicky. I am very glad you are enjoying the course. Lynn."

Tracy reviewed: Enamelling taster

"Had a really enjoyable enameling session with Gen. She makes the process really accessible and fun, offering a wide variety of options in terms of what materials you can use/incorporate to create your final pieces. Thoroughly recommend."

Karen reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"Wow! What a fantastic day. Jo is a brilliant and patient tutor who taught me enough skills, in one day, to give me the confidence to try it again at home. With guidance from Jo I made a beautiful pendant and earrings, which have already received compliments. I will be attending the ring workshop next which I’m sure will be just as good."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you Karen - I'm so pleased you had a good day and look forward to seeing you again soon! Jo"

Trace & Jon reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"We had a great time learning about and making candles with Anita on Saturday. Her class was so much fun and I was so impressed with the beautiful candles we created under Anita's expert tuition. The amount of information she gives you during the class gave me the confidence to make my own candles at home. I will definitely be booking to go back and highly recommend Anita and her fantastic workshop. Thank you Anita for making our weekend so special and fun."

James Crowther reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"There were to be 2 attendees for the knife making course with Dave (as well as 3 “axe’ makers with Andy!) however the other attendee didn’t tip up - this only enhanced the experience as it was 1 to 1 ? for me. You choose the style of knife and the wood for the handle and then you are put straight to work firstly grinding the shape of your knife from a piece of steel with Dave guiding you all the way - you get shown what has to be done and then you are left to do it - you’re told when in doubt ask which I did and Dave explains how best to achieve the best result - the course is not slow but you don’t feel pushed, listen to the advice and you’ll be fine and at the end of the course you’ll have a very sharp knife (cuts through paper like a warm knife through butter). Heed the advice in previous posts - if it’s cold wrap up ‘cos it’s very cold in the forge, take food and drink. Would I recommend the course - a resounding yes !"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Hi James, many thanks indeed for your kind words, it was great to have you in the forge and I'm really glad you enjoyed the day. Kindest regards Dave"

Emily Chittenden reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"I enjoyed a weekend full of fun and learning and returned home with two lovely baskets. The pace was nice and relaxed with Jonathan providing clear guidance throughout. The homemade cake was much appreciated! Jonathan was always happy to assist but I would have found supporting diagrams helpful at times to illustrate some of the weaves/strokes for the numerous times I lost concentration; these would also allow for further home-learning. Thanks for a great weekend!"

Colin Izzard reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was purchased as a Christmas gift for me from my Wife! Simon and Louise greeted me and made me feel very welcome! Thoroughly enjoyable day! Simon is very professional and patient, I made some fabulous pieces and had a lovely lunch. I will be retuning for further courses with Simon! I would highly recommend"

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

"Hi Colin, Thanks for such a glowing review! It was lovely to meet you and we look forward to seeing you again. -- Simon & Louise"

Sandy Arpino reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"This is a fantastic course that I'd recommend to any beginner. Jan has a vast wealth of experience and skill, and is the perfect teacher. After a very useful demonstration we had enough knowledge to start on our own pieces - with Jan there to help and guide as much or as little as we wanted. I'm going back to work further in Jan's studio, confident that I'll learn lots more and develop my own skills quickly under her expert tuition."

Jan Simpson Studio Glass t/a Koru Arts responded:

"Thank you Sandy. Look forward to seeing you soon:)"

Tom Beesley reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I really enjoyed the half-day glass working course, Steve and Chris managed to guide us through the processes involved while still allowing us to undertake the hands-on work. The experience was bought for me as a birthday present and I would thoroughly recommend it. It was a lot of fun - thanks Chris, Steve and Angie."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you Tom for your kind review, we are so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Regards Steve Chris and Angie"

Xina reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"We regularly buy scented candles in our home and wanted to do a leadership team away day with a difference. Doing a candle making workshop with Bonita Candles was a no-brainer! It made more sense for us to do this instead of sticking straws together with blue tack as a way for our team to bond. We made the most divine candles ever! We loved the candles in a tea cup (we're also huge tea lovers!). The teaching was clear and straightforward, the items we were working with were clearly labelled. Pauline and her team really did pay attention to detail and we can't stop singing the praises of Bonita Candles. I'd highly recommend this workshop and Pauline's candles too!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Oh how wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for your awesome feedback. xxx"

Richard reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"Wanted something special and artistic for my wife's 50th birthday to make memories for an important occasion. Nicky was very calming and encouraging and made it a great experience. Looking forward to collecting the artwork. This is a really rewarding day and I would highly recommend this CreativeGlassFusion experience with Nicky."

A Mitton reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"This was a present for my partner. He came back full of enthusiasm having had a great day learning from Julian. He felt he had spent loads of time doing hands on welding. Julian was really interested in why he wanted to learn to weld and made sure he taught the course appropriately for that. Highly recommend."

Barry Gherhart reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"Outstanding course, I have been looking for a hobby since retirement and Joe has certainly given me ideas. Very passionate about his work and I was able to see a few of his pieces.....wow."

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Great to meet you Barry, enjoy retirement."

Antonia Guy reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: for two people

"My daughter and I had a brilliant day with Emma. We learnt how to cut the glass, how to prepare it for the work and how to solder it together. We both made beautiful mirrors to take home. I found the whole process fascinating and very relaxing. I will definitely keep practicing at home. I highly recommend the workshop if you want to try something new and different. Emma is a great tutor and the day just passed by so quickly"

Sue Renn reviewed: Enamelling taster

"I had a great time on this course. I learned a lot and came away with three enamelled items that I’m very pleased with. The course was friendly and well-organised. Genevieve demonstrated a number of techniques and made suggestions for adapting these, as well as answering my many questions. She has a clear enthusiasm for her craft which was quite inspirational. I’d like to come back for the full-day course when dates are available."

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback. I had a really great afternoon with both of you. I will be in touch about dates for a full-day course very soon."

John Doxey reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A really good introduction to lathe woodwork. Andy provided a very detailed explanation of the lathe, the various ways to set the machine up, the large range of tools and the machines and methods to keep them sharp to the importantly correct angles He then carefully worked through how the tools needed to be used and has a seemingly inexhaustible supply of patience in taking me through what I was attempting I booked a day course just to get an idea of this and loved it A great teacher!"

Devin and Ashlea reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"The couple's knife making experience at Kerr forge was incredible and we couldn't recommend it enough. Jon was an absolutely fantastic, very knowledgeable teacher and craftsman who guided us through the blacksmithing fundamentals. We got to be very hands on in the making of our knife and were over the moon about the end product. All round an excellent day. Thank you very much Jon we look forward to coming back to Kerr forge to craft some more amazing metalwork!"

Debbie Avery reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"A thoroughly enjoyable day and a great introduction to creating mosaics. Adele was professional , knowledgeable and explained so clearly how to make a lovely creation. It was a super day....very highly recommended, even to those of us who are not particularly artistic or creative !"

Sarah Montagu reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"I was given the gift of half a day using a potters wheel for my birthday. My partner and I had a great morning with Pat, who is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. It was a fun way to spend a morning and I would recommend it to anyone who fancies a little taster of what it’s like to use a potter’s wheel. I was delighted that we managed to make some reasonable pots with Pat’s help. It was also really fascinating to hear about her career and see some the beautiful pieces she has made."

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed yourselves, you worked hard!"

Mike Walters reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"This was an excellent well run course by Spike. A day to make a forged Viking knife. Spike is great teacher and I would highly recommend the course."