Latest reviews

Marika Szabo reviewed: Tapestry Weaving for Beginners

"As a total beginner weaver, this course has set me on the right path for successful weaving projects. The videos give very clear explanations and it has been so useful to be able to continually rewatch them to gain clarity as I am weaving. Lauren presents the techniques in a clear simple manner. My loom is different from the one shown in the videos, having precut slots. Because of this, I had some questions for Lauren that she has very helpfully answered. I would definitely recommend this course!"

Weaving a New Story responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review Marika! It brings me a lot of joy to know that you are enjoying the course and learning what you set out to. It's been lovely chatting with you over message and I'm excited to see your future tapestry pieces. If you have any further questions in the future, then please feel free to reach out- I'm very happy to help. All the best and happy weaving! Lauren"

Neil Hendriksen reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day. It’s a delight to learn new skills - and that whole process is enhanced when you’re lucky enough to have a great guide and instructor such as Spencer. He steered us through the techniques with just the right balance of demonstration, encouragement and letting us learn by doing. I’m so pleased my family gifted me the day. I wholeheartedly recommend the Anvil Forge."

Emily reviewed: Short evening course in Copper Foiling Technique

"Sharon is a brilliant teacher and such a warm friendly person. She really looked after us and responded to our questions and individual projects with perfect guidance and encouragement. I love the studio - atmospheric and a good working environment. This course is perfect for learning a new skill, developing one already begun and having a really great time in lovely company."

Sally Lewis reviewed: Hand Embroidery Workshop with Kate Barlow - 1930's Whitework

"Excellent course. Kate Barlow, the tutor, was very informative and provided a beautiful whitework kit to work on. I am fairly new to hand embroidery but Kate provided all the help I needed. The workroom was well lit and Paula was on hand with drinks and cake. A brilliant day and I look forward to attending future courses there."

Cambria Costume House responded:

"Thank you so much Sally, it was lovely to meet you and I'm so pleased you enjoyed Kate's class. I look forward to seeing you on a workshop here again. Paula"

Pamela reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"It was the first time I have ever tried fused glass. I was very nervous when I went into the class but Helen immediately put me at my ease and clearly explained the process. Helen had brought items to show the finished products and encouraged us to experiment with all the lovely coloured glass she had brought along. She was available at each stage and gave me confidence. It was a lovely workshop - only 8 of us so individual attention. The pieces we had created were taken off by Helen for firing and were delivered a few days later - wonderful! So exciting to see the pieces. I will definitely be booking on another course!!!"

Lynne Friel reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"I booked this workshop for two us and we both throughly enjoyed it. We learnt a great deal and we each came away with a large chunk of soap which I will cut and use some for Christmas presents. The workshop was carefully laid out and everything was ready for us. Once we had made the base recipe we could choose from six different soaps. Wendy teaches in a very relaxed way and shares her extensive knowledge of the subject. I can't recommend this workshop highly enough, I will be booking again."

Jenny reviewed: Glass painting taster day

""Fantastic workshop, extremely knowledgeable tutor who is more than willing to share his skills with his students. Very engrossing time and made to feel v. welcome; so pleased with my finished piece of work. Thank you.""

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you Jenny, so pleased you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you again soon, best regards Derek"

Mandy Rees reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"Thank you Lucy for a really inspiring and relaxing day in gorgeous surroundings. I learnt so much about how holistic design includes all the senses and especially enjoyed the session about how colours work together, something I normally find a bit daunting. There was a really good balance between teaching, with lots of useful examples and advice, and hands on tasks and discussions. The course really opened my eyes and has given me refreshed enthusiasm to get going on my next project."

Lucy Renshaw responded:

"Thank you Mandy! It was really lovely to spend the day with you xxx"

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

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Was most certainly more than expected. The dedication to creating a wonderful start to Weaving was immense. The hospitality and knowledge of both of you was amazing. My only reservation is the time it took me to travel to your location. Nevertheless thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Alison Winfield reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"A thoroughly enjoyable day! Judith is both a fantastic teacher and a host. She was organised and welcoming and struck the right balance of providing reference and ideas whilst giving us ample working time. She was very helpful with advise and also acted as our technician. The work space was light and clean and overlooked her lovely garden. COVID safety measures were in place also. All the equipment was supplied … as well as beverages and home made cakes! Yum!!! It was a nice, relaxing, friendly atmosphere and it was great meeting with the other students. We all came came away with some amazing prints and with the intention of carrying on in the future."

John Martineau reviewed: Full Day Workshop - Needle Felting 'Christmas Robin with Holly' & 'Woolly Sheep with Scarf' - includes festive 3 course lunch!

"Cecily Kate's workshops are utterly inspiring. The love, beauty and attention to detail in her work and her teaching pays off in the amazing things her students produce. We now have a small zoo of gorgeous felted animals!! Highly recommended!"

John Martineau reviewed: Easter Bunny & Snow Hare Needle Felting Kit (inc make-along video)

"What a beautiful kit. We followed the instructions and now we're the proud owner of a pair of lovelies! Highly recommended!"

Sophie Borthwick reviewed: Easter Bunny & Snow Hare Needle Felting Kit (inc make-along video)

"I had never felted before, but the clear instructions in the kit led me step by step through the process. It was fun and therapeutic. Lovely materials"

Paul Dale reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"You've read the other reviews right? If you have then you already know Richard is courteous, knowledgeable, friendly, funny, interesting, and dedicated to his craft. As a teacher he has the perfect balance of when when to step in to provide the benefit of his experience and skill and also when not to step in and let folks bash away, make mistakes and the correct themselves. Unmissable for all the "forged in fire" junkies out there. The hours in the forge will give you an exquisite taster for the real experience within a working forge keeping the craft and traditions of the past alive for this and future generations. Very much looking forward to the next session - What a phenomenal day!"

Chris Hinsley reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"An amazing day from start to finish. Jamal is so friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. He walks you through whole process with great patience. You get to come away with a new talent and an amazing piece of art. Thoroughly recommend the course for anyone who is thinking about it. Do it, you wont regret it."

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

"Would absolutely recommend Sea and Solder, not only for the amazing jewellery I have had previously but now for the incredible courses too. I had a fabulous time with Jules, she is so patient and knowledgeable. The final piece is great, I can't believe I made it! Lucky to have found such a encouraging teacher, can't wait to come back and craft some more special pieces for friends and family. Thank you so much!"

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

"This is the best idea to ever have! I've never felt so attached to a piece of jewellery! I absolutely love my silver and seaglass necklace that I've made. And I have a newfound appreciation for the process of making a piece...it's so technical! It's worth spending the money to create a piece that is completely personal, robust and will stand the test of time. Ive learnt a lot, left with a piece I'll treasure forever and the help and advice from Jules was invaluable. Thank you Jules!"

David Newland reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Although I had over a few years been 'playing around' with a wood lathe I’d never felt confident in what I was doing. Having looked at many YouTube videos on the subject I decided I needed some one to one tuition and the Blended Monkey site seemed to offer exactly what I was looking for. In fact the day turned out to be that and more. From start to finish it was an experience I won’t forget. Simon explained and demonstrated each step, then used a guiding hand to allow you to experience the correct way of using the gouges. He then allowed you to continue on your own but was always there when you needed any help. I now feel much more confident, knowing the correct way to hold and use the gouges. Having the notes Simon supplied will be very useful and something I’m sure I will use quite frequently. I would say to anyone thinking that wood turning might be for you Simon’s course is an absolute must. Thank you Simon for a really great day."

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

"Hi David, You are most welcome! You were a pleasure to teach and we're glad you had such a great day. -- Simon & Louise"

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

"A great day rag rugging with Jenni! I learnt lots, and have been able to finish the project at home. And I feel inspired to do more. Jenni gave us information at a good pace, letting us practice the things she taught us. Lots of items on show that she had previously made, giving us inspiration for our own creations. Would recommend the course to anyone."

Jenni's Rag Rugs responded:

"Looking forward to seeing your project Ceri, and glad you feel inspired to do more rag rug making. I enjoyed the company on our day workshop."

Jeremy Arden reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"You just have to do this course if you like making things out of wood. Quite simple techniques using pillar drill, band saw, belt sander and hand tools. But the resulting automated hand cranked toy is an immensely rewarding achievement. Stef is patient and encouraging. He can put right any mistakes which the unpractised student might make. I was so pleased with my effort that I have taken home the materials and instructions to be able to make the dancing sheep toy (with two shafts!!) in my own time. Stef says to bring it back to his workshop if I want to, in order to make sure it is accurately glued together once I have done the initial work so that I don't mess it up. What more could one ask for?"

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Jeremy, what can I say…. Thank you very very much for your kind comments. I am happy you had a great time. I enjoyed working with you too. And I am glad I was able to convince you to paint your toy, you underestimated your artistic skills! I look forward to getting in touch with you again to assemble “The Dancing Sheep”… I’m sure it will be another beautiful creation!"

Alice K reviewed: Basic automata and mechanical toy making

"This was the most enjoyable day I have had in ages! Stefano was such a wonderful tutor - he was patient, informative and very encouraging. I made the fishing cat and each stage was so much fun - from cutting and sanding the mechanical elements to carving and painting the decorative cat and waves etc. The time simply flew by and I didn’t look at my phone once! It was very therapeutic! And I got to take home a lovely handmade toy to enjoy (or maybe, maybe, give to a friend with children, ?). I would definitely recommend this course and may even have to come back myself for something more complicated! ?"

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Alice, thank you so much for your enthusiastic, very kind review! It was a pleasure working with you… and you’ll always be welcome if you decide to come back for the advanced course ?"

Paula reviewed: Introduction to glass fusion Morning half day taster (beginners)

"Lovely, enjoyable course made particularly so by Sally who was so helpful, inspirational and supportive throughout. Really inspired to go further. Thanks Sally for being so welcoming."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Paula - great to meet you and also for you to have some 'down-time' creating in the workshop. Look forward to perhaps seeing you for an improver session in the future :)"

Sue Wagstaff reviewed: Tailoring Taster Class

"I recently attender one of Emmas courses and thought it was great. I have sewn for years but had very little knowledge of tailoring and all its secrets. I was given lots of tips that I can use in my everyday sewing as well as give me knew eyes to see what work goes into a professionally tailored garment. Emma was lovely and the day was both relaxing and great fun."

Sally Phoenix reviewed: Easter Bunny & Snow Hare Needle Felting Kit (inc make-along video)

"What beautifully put together kits ,I am getting one for my niece who I know will love it."

Liz wilson reviewed: One day introduction to stained glass for complete beginners (copper foil method)

"Once again a great class with Sally. Having never cut glass or soldered before I did wonder what I might achieve. But I was not disappointed. Sally kept us on track re time and was as friendly, knowledgeable and helpful as always. With a small group (of 2) we had heaps of 1-1 support and I managed to make a Robin! And much to my amazement it really looked like a Robin!? Just brilliant ?? I thoroughly enjoyed the day and unreservedly recommend Sally’s courses. Next course I will be ‘dot painting’ (Mandela) which looks very calming and mindful. Again never painted anything since school but I have confidence in Sally’s teaching and Can’t wait to give it a go, great ‘me time’ ?"

Craft Workshops responded:

"You worked so hard on the stained glass Liz - and I was really pleased the robin was amazing and much appreciated too. Looking forward to a more chilled day of dotting paint soon - and hopefully some more glass work in the future too :)"