Latest reviews

Bob Missin reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was its usual excellent day (I have been 3 times) with great food, great tuition, a warm, friendly atmosphere and at the end you go home with something worth looking at in the garden, at home or as present. I would recommend it to anyone, you don't have to be big and strong to do it, just watch your head on the forge."

Sue Barlow reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I bought the experience day for 2 for my Dad’s 80th What an amazing day we had, Bob was so lovely and so helpful. We started off with the basics in the morning then made a couple of things to take home. I would highly recommend the blacksmith workshop. Thanks Bob we had a fantastic day!"

Howard Swarbrick reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"There were four attendees on the course held over 14/15th Aug of varying skills and experience.To his credit Mark was able to keep us all on the go at a pace to suit our individual abilities but at the same time not allowing anyone to fall behind. There was no waiting for anyone to catch up. There was great emphasis on workshop safety and to this end the use of all relevant hand and power tools was explained and what could happen if "you did it wrong"! Each step along the way was carefully explained with a demo if needed. Mark is very knowledgeable particularly when it comes to wood finishing; indeed he has created his own finishing waxes. I made a box using oak with concave external faces with a walnut drop down lid and radiused corner trims. Well chuffed I was! The location is super, very close to the M6 and easy to find. We had a lot of fun; a good laugh and came away with a sense of achievement. Here's to the next course"

Mark Jeavons reviewed: Painting classes and workshops with Kate Freeman

"I met Kate while on holiday in Pembrokeshire. The amazing scenery etc enspired me but I had little confidence in using colour in my art. After seeing how well she used colour in her art I decided to do the half day colour course with Kate, playing with colour and learning how to use acrylic and mixing, tools to use etc. I loved it and am inspired to take on more colour projects. Kate it lovely and very good at guiding you down whatever route you want to take to improve your skills. Great coffee and cake too ? I'd recommend Kate to anyone at any skill level. And hope one day to return and learn/play more."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Mark! Our session was great fun, not least because we had so much to talk about. As your “guide” through the various colour experiments, your enthusiasm was very rewarding. The way you interpreted my suggestions resulted in some really original, exciting pieces. Fantastic that you’ve carried on experimenting and making new work since our afternoon in the studio. I look forward to your next visit to the Coach House."

Adam reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"A fantastic day. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and found Kingsley to be an excellent teacher. Would highly recommend."

Helen reviewed: Jewellery making experience day (weekdays)

"I had a wonderful day with Karen. She is a very talented jeweller and supported me to create a completely bespoke, high quality piece of jewellery. Karen listens carefully, helps to make your ideas a reality and you leave her workshop with a beautiful piece of jewellery."

KFD Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Helen. Today was a really enjoyable day. The bracelet you made was beautiful. You should justifiably proud. Karen"

Rich Westwood reviewed: Learn letterpress printing

"FANTASTIC COURSE - A great day in rural Suffolk. We thoroughly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in printing, or just in hands-on crafts - a great antidote to working on screen all day. We'd prepared a couple of ideas in advance, which helped get started, and Edwin worked extremely hard with us to turn them into some striking A3 prints (cards are also an option). His attention and commitment to turning our rough thoughts into a quality end product were truly impressive. Edwin, Jane and Burt the dog were wonderful hosts, offering a delicious homemade soup for lunch as well as chocolate brownies."

Mitchell-Finch Printing responded:

"Thanks Rich - It was a pleasure to work with you both, and for you to come so prepared was a bonus!"

Ruth Wozniakowski reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Would recommend Paul and Natalie.They are both very skilled and excellent teachers.Natalie helped me to design and create a fused glass piece and also taught me how to use a stick cutter properly( at last !!).We discussed pattern making and cutting and Paul showed me what sort of kiln to buy. They are both amazingly helpful .Excellent day! Ruth wozniakowski"

Gillian reviewed: Hand spinning Day Course

"Juliet was easy to get along with and attentive to my needs so she could alter the course teaching to optimise my learning opportunity. I would recommend the course for those who want to learn but are complete novices. Her knowledge of sheep, fleece and all things to do with Handspinning is second to none. Thank you Juliet for a super day."

Juliet Hill Handspinning responded:

"I'm pleased you had a nice day with a very satisfactory outcome ."

Lis Sharratt reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had such a lovely day and am very grateful for my wonderful gifts certificate from my best friend! I was put at my ease upon arrival and was made to feel very welcome. Who could resist Harry the dog, Nala and Simba the cats and a beautiful garden? The workshop was lovely with lots of tools and pieces to entice. Everything was clean, tidy and organised. I felt bad leaving a huge pile of shavings in my wake at the end! Simon introduced everything over coffee and explained how we would work. Every step was explained clearly and demonstrated. I had never turned anything prior to this. I felt that I was in safe hands and could ask for more help whenever it was needed. It was lovely to be given time to practice the skills at my own pace. Making the drizzler was very pleasing. It really enabled me to see the skills I was trying to gain. Definitely need to come back to beads! Simon was very attentive and ensured that I was a successful. He was very patient with my left handed translations! I loved every minute. The sense of awe and wonder in the beauty of the wood will remain with me. I am very proud of the things I made and I cannot recommended the course strongly enough. We stopped for a lovely lunch half way through but I couldn’t wait to get back to start on my bowl if I am honest. The time passed so quickly. I do hope that I will be able to return at some point and I will certainly keep a longer wood turning course on my retirement bucket list. I was definitely inspired to learn more. What a lovely hobby it would be. I also spied the ceramics workshop but have more of an eye on the silk option. Thank you for a great introduction to something wonderful."

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

"Hi Lisa, Well, what a review! Thank you so much. We’re glad you enjoyed the day so much and look forward to seeing you again should you wish to pursue more crafts. Simon & Louise"

Kathi reviewed: Powertex Hare Sculpture

"I attended this course with my sister-in-law and we both thoroughly enjoyed it! We had a great day and each made a wonderful hare/rabbit. Fantastic tutor, easy to follow directions, wonderful results."

Laura reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"This course was amazing! Lovely people and patient leader who held hand along the way. Created a beautiful product that I’ve always wanted!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Laura, The jewellery you made was very beautiful indeed! Well done! I'm really glad you enjoyed the day. Regards Charlotte"

Charlotte reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A really great course - Sebastian is a brilliant teacher and genuinely amazed at how much can be achieved in just two days. Brilliant fun, would recommend!"

Helen Sargeant reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"I did a one to one course with Amanda at the weekend and it is the best thing I have done in a long time. It was such fun and so rewarding as I came away with my own mini quilt! All in one day.!Amanda took me step by step and was so helpful with suggestions and expertise . So inspired have bought my own equipment and am about to start on my own project and its only Tuesday. Thankyou"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Dear Helen, Thank you for taking the time to write a review of the 'Quilt in a Day' course. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Good to hear that you are now all kitted out and ready for more quilt-making! Amanda"

Ellana Gotterson reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"We came as a family to complete a half day mosiac workshop which we all throughly enjoyed. Great communication beforehand on where to park and pricing. We had a fab morning as part of a holiday in the area."

Linda reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Thanks Matt, a really great day of learning. Lots of info and help when I needed it. I was a bit worried I wouldn't finish but with Matt's help I've ended up with a Lead Panel which I'm very pleased with. I'm all keen now and thinking about my next project."

Iain Hogan reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Fantastic day As somebody with a basic knowledge of DIY and how stuff works but having never worked with metal before I was a bit nervous at the start but equally at 62 I also had no desire to go back to school either. The course was excellent. The tuition was there when you needed it but hands off when you were heading in the right direction. There was a strong but not excessive focus on safety and as a result I felt 100% safe and under control in what was a potentially dangerous environment. There was a group of about 6 of us on the course all from different places, skill sets and ages (17 to 62) and all seemed to be getting the support they needed when they needed it The time flew and at the end of the day I had knife to show off to the family and all 10 digits still attached . The sandwiches were pretty good too. Great team, great day ,new skills learnt and a pretty good knife - Thanks guys"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Iain, It's lovely to get feedback such as this to let us know we're getting it right ???"

Jayne Knight reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Hannah is a lovely teacher and goes at a comfortable pace. I really enjoyed the day and to have a finished up cycled piece of furniture at the end, is fantastic. The course was full of tips and Hannah answered any questions. It was great to try a different type of furniture paint too. I would highly recommend Hannah’s work shop for anyone who is interested in up cycling, you won’t be disappointed. She is a lovely person and the group was small so meant that Hannah could spend time with each person. The venue is easy to find and there’s a vintage shop and cafe within the old building. Thank you Hannah for an enjoyable day."

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Jayne, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day :) It was great getting to upcycle with you! Your piece looked great with the wood contrasting against the green. Can't wait to see what you so next..."

Gail West reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"What a wonderful day! Matt is extremely personable and very clear in his instruction. All COVID distancing and sanitising guidelines were followed as well as well as safety guidelines for the course. Every one of us on the day came away with a piece of work we were pleased with and could be proud of. I was very nervous to begin with but once we got going, and with Matts guidance, we were soon working independently. I would highly recommend this course."

Michael West reviewed: Guitar Strumstick Dulcimer 3 strings instrument

"This course was hands down one of the best days I have had this year. Ted is so knowledgeable and such a fantastic chap! You will no doubt learn loads on this course and you will end up with a fantastic and fun instrument at the end of it. The workshop is very comfortable and well equipped, also very pleasant and interesting conversation was to be had in the periods of waiting for glue to set up and breaks. I strongly recommend anyone interested to take this course you will not regret it. Thank you Ted for such a fantastic day, you have inspired me to look into setting up my own workshop and I'm sure I'll be joining you again in the future for another course Mike"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"I have to say Mike completed his instrument in good time and he really knows many things including woodwork terminology. I was not surprised when his work turned out great. I know we will meet again and speak about music very soon. Well done Mike"

Nicky Farrell reviewed: Pyrography workshop

"I only booked up this workshop yesterday and attended today. Quite a drive for me but well worth every minute. As I had recently purchased a pyrography kit I wanted to gain a better understanding of this craft and this 3 hour workshop did just that. I didn't actually complete either of my 2 projects but only because they both needed different lessons and Rob provided these through demonstrations and on-going support. Brilliant workshop, totally recommend it. Many thanks Rob"

Mike Braham reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Hi, what can I say about the day, there was some serious hammering done, the whole day was excellent from start to finish with a cup of tea/coffee on arrival, lunch was very good and the cup etc before leaving for home. Everyone was made welcome and after a safety talk we got down to some serious hammering. This is my second time blacksmiths and will be back again Regards Mike"

Clare reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"A lovely day for me and my sister. Jonathan was very informative. I learned a lot of techniques. Well watered and cake for break times. I look forward to returning to learn further skills."

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

"Well what a day, what a course!! Absolutely delighted (and amazed) with my sculpture. Not being a particularly arty type, the whole process was a revelation. Lovely fun bunch of 5 other ladies and what a talented teacher Jo is. She started by describing the process, then demonstrated. We had a ‘go’ under her watchful eye and could ask for direction & help at any stage. Jo is....endlessly helpful, patient, kind and great fun. Who wouldn’t enjoy a workshop like this, highly recommended and going again next month for a two day course ??"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Trudi! I can't wait to see what you create on the two day workshop ;-) Plus you will have time to make a human sculpture on the second day! Really looking forward to seeing you back here, Jo x"

Christine reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"A lovely day and lots of information into jewellery making with my sister with help and encouragement from Jonathan. Cups of tea and cake, end result - a beautiful bangle. Thank you so much"