Latest reviews

Gitte reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Many thanks for a lovely day. The workshop was beautiful, the day thoroughly informative and Jonathan so informative. There is a wonderful arrangement of samples and equipment for us to choose our own projects, and things to take home and wear."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Gitte for your kind words, and for choosing Salt Way Silver as the venue for your day out making silver jewellery with your daughter. Jonathan"

Rosie reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"A wonderful slice of respite to allow the creatives juices to flow! Liz was a fantastic guide and teacher, providing gentle encouragement to myself as an absolute beginner. The Slipper Studio is beautifully relaxed and Liz really makes you feel at home. It was so rewarding to be able to complete the whole process of Lino cut (from design through to print) in a single day. Thank you Liz for an inspirational workshop"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Rosie, What a wonderful review - thank you so much! It was lovely working with you and your Mum, sharing a new experience and encouraging each other. I hope you can find time to continue with your printmaking and create more beautiful outcomes. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Yvonne Boyle reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"I attended a fused glass workshop without knowing what to expect. Helen was excellent at explaining what we needed to do and answered all our questions clearly and simply. She was very patient and attentive and really good at guiding us with helpful suggestions if needed. She is very kind and thoughtful and I had a great time. She put in a great deal of work into our pieces afterwards which meant that they were finished to a very high standard so she clearly puts in a lot of time and effort in behind the scenes. When we finally received our finished pieces they were beautifully packaged. The whole experience was very uplifting and I felt very cared for. I have already gifted a workshop to a family member as an experience I feel deserves to be shared."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Good morning Yvonne, thank you for such a positive review, I’m very touched. I was so pleased you enjoyed the day and receipt of your stunning finished glass creations once fired. You embraced everything that was demonstrated and then gave it a unique twist- your beautifully delicate soap dish was a triumph! It was fascinating chatting with you and I now look forward to meeting your family member next week. Thanks again."

Karen Shaw reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Thoroughly enjoyed me weekend, learnt loads and Mark alway calm, informative and an excellent teacher. I really feel I’ve come away with new skills I can build on."

Sue Mylott reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Talton Mill with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"I thoroughly recommend this glass fusion workshop. From start to finish, Helen was so informative, patient and encouraging. It was a wonderful chance to totally relax, to lose myself and just what the Doctor ordered. I cannot wait to have another go! Don't miss out on the chance to go on this workshop!! I rate this with an excellent 5"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks for your review, such kind words, I really appreciate you taking the time to submit this. I’m delighted you enjoyed your day, we had a giggle didn’t we? You worked so carefully on each piece and I thought your choice of colours was inspired. It would be great to see you at another workshop so you could further develop your ‘sea-theme’ in order to capture memories of your holidays in the south. Thanks again."

Nick reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"I had a truly wonderful week. Peter is so knowledgeable and he is a patient and skilled teacher. The venue is beautiful, as are the yurt and workshops that he has built. Starting with ash logs, we learnt new skills and we each went home with a beautiful (and functional!) chair that we are so proud of. We also made new friends and eat really well too! Even if you have done no woodwork previously, I would highly recommend this 5 day course."

Brian Chapman reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I came in here as a total novice, and very much enjoyed the day. The class had a great vibe, and was very hands-on - but with great support and teaching from David, Declan and Graham. I ended up with a knife that I'm very proud of, and it was thanks to them that it happened."

Ray Legg reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Great course, good choice of materials, good quality and sharp tools and helpful tuition. You are able to work at your own pace with help on hand should you need it. All in all an instructive but overall fun day."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks and glad you enjoyed the course Ray. And see you on another course some time in the near future!"

Dot reviewed: Summer natural dyeing in Pembrokeshire

"A lovely day in the woods learning about natural dying. It was a great introduction course and Susan was very informative. Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in natural dying."

Susan Martin responded:

"Thank you."

Elisabeth Legg reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"A great fun course. Amazingly satisfying taking a few pieces from mother nature, and with only a few hand tools, ending up with a lovely little three legged stool. Amazingly patient tutor, juggling us all at different stages throughout the day. And astonishing how we all ended up something that was totally different to the others. Heartily recommend this for a fab day out, with the advantage of having something useful to take home too."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks so much Elisabeth. hope to see you again on another course. Enjoy your tumblers!"

Pete and Lorna Scurfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The course was a surprise birthday gift for my wife and I booked another place to go along with her. We both had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Debbie welcomed us with a hot brew and some homemade flapjack before Adrian gave us a brief introduction and before we knew it, we were hammering away at red hot steel over the anvil. The practical demonstrations were given in small easy to follow steps then we all went away and copied what we had just been shown. I was surprised how much we learned in such a short time and very pleased with what we managed to produce in one day (a key ring and a three-hook dragon coat rack). Adrian and Andy gave us all the help and support we needed throughout the day and their warm and friendly banter made us feel at ease from the start. Debbie provided a splendid lunch and home-made cakes to go with tea and coffee at the end of the day. Everyone there said they had enjoyed it when we were sat having a cuppa before leaving for home. We would definitely recommend giving it a go, you will not be disappointed."

Daksha reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"I booked this course for my niece’s belated 21st birthday present. Helen was so helpful right from the beginning with regards to dates and choice of venue. We chose Halford and what a beautiful place - perfect for us! We all thoroughly enjoyed our day and nothing was too much trouble for Helen. She was there to help us when we required assistance. I received the goods in the post and OMG they are so beautiful. I wouldn’t hesitate to book another course that Helen hosts in the future. Thanks Helen!!!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Daksha, thank you for taking the time to review my fused glass course, I really appreciate it . I’m thrilled you all enjoyed your day and I was lucky to have such good company. The pieces you created were really beautiful and I imagine they are real talking points in your home. What a thoughtful gift for your niece and I’m sure a happy memory for you all to cherish. I hope to see you all again.Thanks, Helen."

Nick Hill reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"We have done a few craft courses over the last couple of years, and this was (by far) our favourite. Les is a really friendly guy who strikes that fine balance between teaching you and letting you learn from your mistakes. But he also manages to do that without letting you turn your piece of craft into a meas. Would highly recommend and we will visit again for sure"

Pren responded:

"Thank you so much for the review....I thoroughly enjoyed working with you both and will be more than happy to see you again."

susie reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"wonderful tutor and excellent course, ged takes time to teach and support you in the making of the stool, wonderful tools, authentic tool shed and environment! highly recommend"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Susie. Glad you enjoyed the course and hope to see you again on a course."

Mark Carrington reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Having been bought this course as a birthday present, I was very excited to go and experience woodturning for the first time. I enjoy woodworking generally as a hobby, so this felt like the natural next step for me and I can confirm that this experience has helped me make up my mind and see that woodturning is definitely for me. Both Simon and Louise were very welcoming and Simon’s passion, calmness and clear tuition gave me a great amount of confidence throughout the session. I left feeling very proud of what I had learned and a with a determination to follow this up further! A huge thank you to Blended Monkey for giving me a fantastic day and a wonderful experience."

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

"Hi Mark, Thank you for a lovely (and speedy!) review - felt like you were only here yesterday ;) So glad you enjoyed your experience and I hope to see you again soon for more. Any help in the meantime, please do get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

Mike reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Can't recommend Ged and this session highly enough! Ged is tremendously knowledgeable and his calm, friendly and encouraging approach puts you at ease right away and really instills confidence in the absolute beginner. The beautiful, brilliantly equipped workshop is the ideal location and I'm absolutely delighted by the finished product! A huge thanks to Ged, can't wait to build my skills and experience at future workshops :)"

Gedwood responded:

"Ah thanks Mike! Hope to see you again on a workshop?"

The William reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"An amazing day! Under Simon's excellent tuition, supervision, and encouragement I turned a 2x2" square section length into a passably attractive honey dribbler, and an ugly lump of sycamore into a very bowl-like piece. (I wish I could add photographs - they are quite beautiful and I am so proud!) It was utterly absorbing. As a complete novice (but an expert klutz) I was in danger of turning (geddit?!) my bowl into an eggcup but Simon rescued me. He was generous with his time, determined we should go away with fully finished pieces. It was also inspiring to see what SimonTheExpert achieves - paper-thin bowls in example shapes, and spindles-as-art (both in their own right, by eccentric centring, and as a set that creates female forms in the gaps between them). Can't recommend this highly enough :-) But, if you don't want to find wood shavings in your underwear, wear one of the offered smocks!"

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

"Hi William, So glad you enjoyed your experience - you were a pleasure to teach and lovely company. If you do get the bug and need more help, don't hesitate to get in touch. Kind Regards, Simon & Louise"

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

"What a fantastic day! Jonny and Becky were friendly and helpful and excellent teachers. There was a lovely atmosphere and going through the entire process of making a basket from start to end was really interesting and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this course!"

Linda reviewed: Summer natural dyeing in Pembrokeshire

"Lovely atmosphere in the session. Knowledgeable and informative session leader, left confident enough to try it at home and am pleased with results. A lovely touch was the refreshments and cake"

Susan Martin responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the workshop. Have fun experimenting at home."

Angela Drake reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"A very well organised and well equipped course with clear instructions and explanations. A friendly atmosphere and plenty of help when needed. I was surprised how much we all achieved in just one day. Really very good."

Jeff Jones reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"A huge thankyou to Wendy & Clive for such a lovely day! I've learned so much today to start my leather working journey. A beautiful location, a warm welcoming atmosphere, and a massively knowledgeable couple that make learning new skills so easy! I'll be back ASAP after practicing my saddle stitch. Cheers Jeff"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Hi Jeff, Thank you for the review. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. We look forward to welcoming you back on another workshop soon."

Karen Fraser reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"In person course today was a refresher for me, after not being able to continue at home due to health issues. Was lovely to be able to be shown how to do different designs/patterns I had done a while ago. Many thanks Alice, for a lovely productive day. Very pleased with my work."

Marje Callister reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"I’ve just had a lovely day! Caryl is a very clever lady and an excellent teacher. As a stained glass beginner, I needed lots of help and Caryl was there with suggestions and assistance when necessary. I was very pleased with my creation and my family think I’m a genius! Thank you Caryl!"

Caryl Hallett Stained Glass responded:

"So pleased to hear that you had a wonderful day, especially as you've had to wait many months for this birthday treat. Thank you for your kind feedback. Caryl"

Dawn Mander reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Second time even better than the first. Thank you so much and see you soon for the spinner ring!"

Rob reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Loved the rings! Thank you Nina!"