Latest reviews

Toby Hare reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A great day! Simon was a brilliant instructor - patient, giving me lots of time to practice and try techniques but on hand in case I needed assistance. A really enjoyable day with a lovely lunch and got to take home a cracking couple of pieces that I can be proud of. Would really recommend!"

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

"Hi Toby, Thanks for a lovely review and we're glad you enjoyed your day; you should be proud of what you made -- well done! -- Simon & Louise"

Sally reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Extremely enjoyable and fun day. Learnt alot, with excellent teaching and hands on experience."

Ruth Sparks reviewed: Large human sculpture kit (50cm)

"This is going to be a Christmas gift The delivery was prompt and kept updated Like the fact there is a YouTube video to follow of how yo make the model I feel excellent value for money with all the goodies to make the sculptor"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to post this review Ruth ;-) When I create the kits, one of the pleasures is coming up with the contents to ensure someone can get straight on with making the sculpture, rather than search around for equipment and materials! I do hope the recipient of your gift has immense fun making their human sculpture. Jo x"

Marie reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"Suzanne, explained and showed us several techniques from "pulling stringers" to creating a "fish eye" before letting us loose in her workshop. We both thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and were very surprised and really pleased with the results!! Yes, it's safe to say we're totally hooked. Thank you, Suzanne for a fantastic afternoon."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am so pleased you both enjoyed your workshop. Suzanne x"

Nick Booth reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Can I start by saying this was the best course I've ever been on ! Will is an excellent tutor and gifted craftsman . He covered many techniques of carving , plus the chisel sharpening section . This enabled me to produce my own piece ! I found him patient , knowledgeable and above all able to communicate how to pass on his skills . It was a brilliant two days and I will be returning for more courses soon ."

Simon reviewed: Introduction to ceramics - 7 week course plus Raku day

"Excellent tutors and facilities. Highly recommended. I have rebooked for next year."

Graham reviewed: Acrylic portrait's at my farm studio TV atist Marilyn Allis

"I had a great time on this acrylic portrait painting course! Marilyn was able to guide us through how to paint vibrant, brightly coloured portraits and I think we all learned something here. We were lucky enough to be able to take our paintings outside in the afternoon and paint in the sun. Marilyn was great at advising us on our direction when we were painting and helped us fix bits. I'm really happy with the portrait that I was able to paint that day and I really enjoyed my day."

Yasemin Wigglesworth reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Fantastic course, thoroughly enjoyed it. Lorna is a top tutor with a huge wealth of experience & patience!"

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you for joining us! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Julie Reardon reviewed: Weaving on a lap loom

"We were a group of 5 visiting Pembroke and we booked Tunde's loom weaving course and also wet felting. We had a great day - really enjoyed the informal, relaxed atmosphere and Tunde was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend both courses if you want to learn a new skill and enjoy yourself at the same time."

TK Textiles - Workshops responded:

"Thank you very much for the lovely review Julie. It was lovely to meet you all, we had a fab crafty day together. You all made beautiful art pieces! ?❤"

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

"Bearded Pig Forge is tucked away in a lovely spot, which felt ideal as a location to get away to and make something by hand in this method. I did the one day course, making a viking knife and it was an excellent start for someone who has never crafted metal work before. Spike was a great teacher in every way. Super patient, very clear with directions and ready to help whilst also instilling confidence in us to learn the process through the trials and errors we could afford. I was delighted with the results and it's brilliant to be able to make a functional knife that I can use in the kitchen daily. I'd highly recommend this course and Spike to anyone! I hope I can go back and learn some more some time!"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Beautiful October day back at Lucy’s to finish a project I started 20+ years ago - before life got in the way! We started gently with a cup of tea and a chat about my design. I want to change it from earrings to a pendant by joining two hollow semi-spheres into a single globe-shaped bead. Lucy taught me to start with a sample: a scrap of the gold I had used with gold solder - to test the colour match. It worked well. As a fountain of knowledge she is always keen to get your piece to a high standard. The weather was nice enough to enjoy lunch in Lucy’s pretty garden. Afterwards, having noticed the two halves weren’t an exact match, we used a doming punch to make them marry better. I want to make a hand made chain for my pendant and - with Lucy’s guidance – after researching online and in her brilliant reference books, I decided to follow a technique dating back 500 years called “Loop in Loop “. The time flies by and, after a wonderful day, it’s time to stop until my next visit. Thank you, Lucy."

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for this fabulous review Carole and so glad we had that wonderful autumn sunshine. Engaging with the chain making process, though monotonous, also provides the best exercise for soldering. Look forward to when you can continue your project here."

Daniel reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"For those of you looking for a quick summary: the day was amazing, start to finish. Neil welcomed us into his office space, we had a quick chat and then swiftly headed to the forge to begin working. He briefed us on what we would be making, the tools we would use, safety protocols and showed us by example the techniques we needed to mold the steel to the shapes we wanted. He then left us to our devices, watching over us and giving tips and tricks every now and then. Overall, I really enjoyed this experience - I would definitely recommend to anyone keen on trying blacksmithing!"

Eve Cox reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild poppies dish kit

"Very quick delivery, made this for the first time and can’t wait to get it back and see the results. Loves the experience."

Simon reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I have to echo all the previous reviews on this site, I had a completely enthralling day learning about spoon-carving with Mark in a magical location. Mark’s passion for woodcraft and the woodland flora and fauna comes across from the moment you meet him. As a teacher Mark is a consummate professional, starting with an overview of the tools used and giving just the right level of guidance at the start of each stage and being there when you needed further guidance or help. Lunch followed by cake, prepared by Cristina, his partner, was really, really tasty. I finished the day totally relaxed with a passable spoon. The follow-up information provided by Mark after the class included a good range of resources and information. To summarise, great teaching, wonderful location and good food. Many thanks, Simon"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm glad you got so much out of the day. I must say though you sold your own efforts rather short - you produced an enviable spoon! Thanks again Mark and Cristina"

Janet Fraser Stained Glass reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"I am already an established stained glass artist that’s wanting to learn more about the art of painting on glass. Derek is a wonderful teacher and very patient l didn’t find it easy to paint with a brush but l went away with the basics and will practice because as we all know practice makes perfect. Thank you, Derek."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you Janet, it was great meeting you and so pleased you enjoyed the course. ?"

Graham Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had been looking forward to this since booking in 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Adrian is a very welcoming spirit and easy to talk to considering you are meeting for the first time. He is a great demonstrator and keeps you on track offering help when needed. There is no blinding you with unnecessary knowledge. My dragonhead coat hook looks more like a baldy dog, but I quite like those. My key ring and the coat hooks themselves are great. I would do that same course again for a bit more practice. I am certainly interested in one of the "Design & Make" weekend courses, so will have to save a little. Debbie's welcoming, warm character and hearty food were lovely, as was Debbie. Welcome tea and homemade goodies to a stonking veggie lunch with crumble and custard to boot, and more tea... Tea. Heat metal. Beat metal, Heat metal. Beat metal. Eat. Heat metal. Beat metal. Heat metal. Beat metal. Tea. What is not to like. Could they do anything better? For me, I'd like the day to go on a wee bit longer. One more hour. Other than that, nothing else. As an experience, it was affordable, hugely enjoyable, you come away with physical permanent keepsakes that you have made and a great set of memories. All the best & hope to see you again Graham"

Ann Truin reviewed: Introduction to small goods leather crafting

"Enjoyable day with excellent teacher who shared interesting tips and knowledge. I was a complete beginner but came away with finished piece."

Kay Barber reviewed: One-day woodcarving for beginners

"What a fantastic day..." time flies when you're enjoying yourself"...I felt like I was there an hour or so! Will is a great teacher, very calm, happy, covering all basic aspects for your budding future in woodcarving. I came away not only inspired but full of enthusiasm to pick up those gouges and get cracking! As Will said look out driftwood ...oh yes here I come! Thank you Will I highly recommend it to all. PS Forgot to mention the tea and pastries (made freshly from the local baker)! Oh, I wish I wasn't Gluten Free!!"

Lesley reviewed: Macrame - Wall Hanging

"Brilliant workshop with Wendy. I had never tried macrame before but this wasn’t an issue. Relaxed & plenty of time to achieve a completed wreath. Great tunes too Thank you"

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

"We booked a workshop with Amina as a gift for our soon-to-be sister-in-law, and it turned out to be a wonderfully zen and fun alternative to the traditional 'hen do' :) Amina was so welcoming and put us all at ease; her studio is spacious and really well equipped. Everything was prepared when we arrived and we all sipped a hot drink whilst she talked us through what we'd be doing and what to expect. None of us had much recent art experience but we were all pleasantly surprised at what we were able to produce with the different techniques. All this topped off with delicious homemade scones, generous helpings of jam and clotted cream, plus freshly pressed coffee and a pot of tea - it was a wonderful afternoon enjoyed greatly by all. Thank you, Amina!"

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

"Hi Ruth, It was a lovely afternoon and I felt privileged to host such a special occasion. The work you all completed was beautiful, there was a lot of talent in that studio. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the home made scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. I look forward to seeing photos of the wedding. Amina x"

iona burton reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaic Planters. All-inclusive 1-day workshop

"We had a brilliant day at the stained glass mosaic workshop. We were shown lots of techniques for cutting the glass and how to do it with patience and great skill. We both produced really nice mosaics and enjoyed a day without the kids. This is my third workshop and I have already booked a Christmas decorations workshop. Highly recommended."

Stained Glass Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much, it was great to see you again and I'm glad you enjoyed it."

William of York reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"At the end of the weekend I looked at what we had all made and could barely believe it. As a complete beginner, this was a wonderful weekend, so satisfying, a testament to excellent tuition. Thoroughly recommend. Brilliant"

Doug Raby reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"As days out go, this was right up there for us. Thank you Ged, it was just great and I learned so much. We couldn't wait to have a sip out of the tumblers that night, so we lined them with cling film, topped them up and had a lovely time."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Doug. Glad you and Alex enjoyed the workshop. Enjoy your drams - slainte!"

Jo Roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Adrian was a fabulous instructor ‐ he makes it look so easy yet always on hand for some encouragement. Debbie did a great job feeding us with homemade goodies, needed an extra hour for a nap after lunch! My Dad loved it ‐ Thank you"

Andy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"An excellent course. If you keep yours eyes and ears open you will learn a lot about woodworking as well as leaving with a piece of work to be proud of."