Latest reviews

Carol P reviewed: Felted abstract paintings using pre-felt with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"The lesson was great and Heather was a patient and inspirational tutor. Highly recommended- thank you Heather"

Karen Levell reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"We really enjoyed our mosaics class. Wendy was super helpful and explained everything really well - she guided you, without being overbearing. She was also extremely patient even though we overran our time by quite a margin. The workspace itself was a lovely oasis of calm and the whole thing was a really chilled experience. I would definitely recommend taking this class. Tip! If you're a beginner, designs with flat sides are easier than curves! :-)"

Karen reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"Bought the introdution to encaustic wax art for my friend for her birthday, great morning out - both complete beginners Phil was very patient and knowledgeable and above all else made us laugh and had a great sense of humour (considering we turned up an hour early!!) All in all a really fun class, learnt loads and have already siged up for the starter pack which means I'll be back!! Thanks Phil"

Phil Madley responded:

"Thanks Karen for your kind review. So glad you both enjoyed yourselves and learnt so much in a short space of time. Looking forward to seeing you again, will be in touch. Hadn't noticed you were an hour early...wondered who on earth was knocking on my door, certainly woke me up ; ) Cheers Phil"

Chris reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"I took the Damascus knife making class with Richard and can highly recommend this class, it was a fantastic day and the knife I made is beautiful. Richard is clearly an experienced teacher, very knowledgeable and a very talented blacksmith. Having had no previous experience in a forge, Richard explained the basics and then it was hands on experience and learning for the rest of the day which was just what I was looking for. Richard was on hand at all times and kept me on track as needed, and the result was a great knife with a beautiful Damascus pattern, far better than I thought I would be able to create."

Katy Morris reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"Thank you so much Sally, the course was excellent. We learnt such a lot from you and technical stuff was explained in an easy to understand way and no question was too daft to ask! I am looking forward to building on the skills you have given me and gaining in confidence with using my camera more creatively. It was great to spend the day with such a lovely group of ladies too. Thank you once again."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you Katy - looking forward to seeing your creative photography develop in the coming weeks and months!"

Posy reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"What a lovely day spent at Claires workshop! She is a very patient and effective teacher, makes everything very clear and encourages experimenting with techniques and creativity. I'm hooked! Getting all the tools and equipment to keep on lino printing. Thank you Claire."

Corran Burton reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I had a great day and learned a lot. I even made some tools to use at my small home forge. Thanks for the experience"

Richard Beane reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I am a self confessed wood butcher having always enjoyed making practical objects. This course was a birthday present to allow me to experience a long term desire to try wood turning. From the off Simon, Louise and their pets made me very welcome. The facilities are wonderful and Simon’s knowledge is extensive and he imparts it enthusiastically. I would thoroughly recommend any course offered here due to the professionalism of Simon and Louise. Following my rewarding day, I am designing additional storage space so I can empty my shed to create a workshop! Then I'll need another lesson (plus a lathe...) to further my knowledge. Best wishes, Richard"

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

"Hi Richard, We're so pleased you enjoyed your day and that you are pursuing the craft further - fantastic! If you need any help with anything, please drop us a line. And thank you so much for your advice on our electrical setup - invaluable. We do hope to see you again soon. -- Simon & Louise"

Carole Marsh reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day! We had plenty of space to work and the pace of the day and support from the teachers was just right so that you were kept busy and moved on when ready. The food was delicious and plentiful. I'm really proud of my dragon coat hooks and keyring and would love to go again. Would definitely recommend."

George Haywood reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"A brilliant day."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thank you very much George!"

Jane Godfrey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Friendly and well taught. Given space to work at own pace and help available promptly when required. Calm atmosphere created by team. Learnt loads and want to learn more!"

Kathryn reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"A very enjoyable afternoon learning the basics of wet felting. A lovely airy space and a small number of students which meant Karen was able to give us all some individual attention."

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review Kathryn, many thanks!"

Jim reviewed: 2 day jewellery/silversmithing course - all materials provided

"My wife and I really enjoyed Sue's course! She knows her stuff and is great at teaching it. We'll be doing more of her courses! Thanks Sue!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Jim, you were both great company and it was lovely to see you both create accomplished work in such a short time. Look forward to seeing you again soon. Take care, thank you and best wishes, Sue :)"

Angela Reid-Richards reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"Phil is full of beans and extremely enthusiastic... he is very good at encouraging you and teaches all different ways to use an iron! Brilliant :) I learnt a lot and am excited about breaking open my starter kit! I would definitely recommend this course for anyone that wants to learn to use wax in art."

Phil Madley responded:

"Hi Min Thanks for the review, much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope to see you again. Cheers Phil"

Lorraine Clarkson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fabulous day! Clear instructions and friendly, helpful teachers. We came away with items to be proud of and show off! We were completely spoiled with delicious food . . . including cake. Highly recommended."

Sarah & David Blaikie reviewed: Green wood stool making weekend

"What a wonderful weekend! I cannot thank Ivan, George and Uncle David enough for such an amazing two days. Everything about it was just magical; the setting was beautiful, the yurt was so cosy, the food was delicious and I'm still amazed that I managed to make such an impressive wooden stool - completely from scratch! I've never done any type of woodwork before, and Ivan is the perfect teacher - calm, patient and great fun. I wish George and his family every success with their fantastic organic farming venture too. You deserve the best of everything. Thank you for such a memorable, restorative and unique weekend."

Eithne Spain reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Bought this as a birthday present for my partner - he loved it! The day was very well run, the food delicious and plentiful. He said it was hard physically but he's come home with 2 items he's really happy with ans he got to explore his manly and artistic sides in one go. Thoroughly recommend."

Lesley Mitchell reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My mum bought the course for my 16 year old son. He has a totally fantastic day! He would love to do more. Alex was a great teacher and my son produced an amazing item. He gifted it to his grandparents who were amazed at what he had achieved. He loved understanding the process and working with the tools in the creation of his piece."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Lesley. Glad you're happy with what he achieved. Alex"

Sandra Webb reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"A full and most enjoyable day. Good pace, clear instructions and support when required. Purpose built studio was ideal. A bonus is that all the hares from our group looked great, all individual characters from the same tuition. Highly recommended for all."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thanks Sandra ;-) I love my studio so much and it's been a blessing during the Covid months. I know where you are coming from about the individual characters of the hares - they all start out exactly the same, but morph during the day through the touch of their creators! Jo x"

Jacqueline Smith reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"I had the privilege of experiencing the course with Imogen on a one to one basis. Excellent welcome, organisation and tuition. Can highly recommend for beginner or experienced sewers who want to make pictures inspired by nature. Thankyou Imogen for a lovely day."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"It was a pleasure to work with you Jacky and see your landscape develop so beautifully over the day. I really enjoyed your company too!"

Ali White reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our paper making workshop - something we’d never done before. Wendy was friendly and helpful, patiently showing us the techniques then allowing us to explore the possibilities on our own. A really relaxing morning in the lovely little studio. I would definitely recommend this course."

Lessia Mulka reviewed: Recycled Silver Stacking Rings Making Class (p.m) with Sarah & Mat

"Had the most wonderful time making my stacking rings. Mat and Sarah were brilliant teachers and I came out with a set of rings that I love and wear all the time."

Andy Cooper reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Really great beginner resin course. was very informative and the learning was made easy by course leader who was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Perfect for those wanting to learn this as a new skill"

Huw Willow reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"I am the husband mentioned in the review prior to this one, doing the full-day mosiac course. I couldn't recommend it strongly enough. It's really fun and Laura was very facilitating of some fairly specific ideas we had, as well as pointing out a few things that only improved on what we thought we wanted. Very friendly and just generally a great thing to do for a day-out treat."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Huw, You took to this art form so quickly and both of you at a gentle pace. I hope the mosaic work has a long and inspiring life in the garden. Keep up the drawing! Many thanks for your review. Laura."

Sandra Mace reviewed: Silver Jewellery Making 1 to 1 Private Class

"This was well paced for beginners and everything was well explained. The end products were impressive, it was a very enjoyable day out."

Sea and Silver Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Sandra, it was a pleasure to teach you both. You did really well!"