Latest reviews

Judy reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"This was a lovely and I thought at the last minute that I couldn't come and every effort was made for me to attend. I love my bracelet and learnt lots of new skills."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"I'm glad you managed to make it, and your companions seemed to enjoy the day as well! Well done with your jewellery making too. Jonathan"

Elise reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Really well taught class. Perfect for beginners who want to to know more about jewellery making. 10/10. Would recommend."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you for your review Elise. I hope that you go on to further develop your jewellery making skills. Jonathan"

Amy lynch reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"This was my first experience of leather craft and I came away with so many invaluable tips. Slim was excellent at teaching, very patient, polite and courteous. I did not feel rushed or under pressure at any point. It’s excellent value for money. This course has definitely built my confidence to be able experiment on my own. When I asked, Slim was so kind enough to put time aside to go through what to buy as a basic tool kit in order to get started with leather craft. I would most definitely recommend this course to anyone new to leather craft or anyone wanting to improve skills. He also made a great brew! Thank you again!"

Rebecca reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I purchased the course as a birthday present for my Mum and my Aunt also joined us. It was a complete surprise for my Mum and she couldn't have been more excited. Rosanna was so patient working with our different paces throughout the day, and could not have been more accommodating assuring we all got the bags we has envisioned in our heads. Needless to say we were all delighted with the finished product and they came out all looking very unique and completely professional. We are already fighting the urge to book on to another course soon!"

Maxine Simmons reviewed: Mushroom House Workshop! 1 day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"The Mushroom House Workshop teaches you how to use Pal Tiya Premium which is a new material which in my view revolutionises the way to do sculpture. This is because it does not need a kiln. Joe and Bob are excellent teachers, they give step by step instructions in how to produce beautiful art, which is so strong it can go outside. It sets like concrete. Joe gives great tips throughout the process as to how to improve your artwork, and the pace of the workshop is really well timed. Bob is also really encouraging and patient and helps the participants and the premises are a stress free oasis where different birds visit which is really interesting. The end result is a beautiful mushroom house that can have a light inside it. I never knew it would turn out so well. I am hooked on Pal Tiya and my mind is awash with multiple projects with this medium now. I thoroughly recommend Joe and Bob's courses to ignite your creativity!"

Linda Lillig reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild flower meadow kit

"I had fun making my piece of fused glass I thought the kit was well packed, had everything I needed to make the hanging. Speedy delivery both times. I like the end result, looks pretty in the window. Highly recommend. Many thanks. Linda"

Richard Carpenter reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"A fantastic course! I bought this as a Christmas present for my wife in 2020 and took us until August to finally go due to the Pandemic. My wife has wanted to try making some pottery for sometime after watching the Great Pottery Throw down so this seemed like the perfect gift (and we weren't disappointed) Chris sent plenty of information about how to prepare for the course and also information on the extra COVID precautions taken place. When we arrived we were offered a warm drink and shown through to the workshop. Chris then walked us through all the safety information and gave a quick but detailed demo on how to make a few different shapes. It sounded quite difficult at first, though Chris made it sound easy, and when it came to our turn to have a go he walked us through each step again before letting us get on with it. We ended up with a few pots and bowls which we then decorated using a variety of techniques before leaving them to dry with collection / delivery to be arranged in a few weeks time. The time flew by and we both found the experience very fun and relaxing. I would recommend this to anyone and would seriously consider doing another one of the courses on offer. Thank you Chris for a lovely morning, and we're very excited to see how our pots turn out."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Richard, Many thanks for such a wonderful review - it is really appreciated. Really great session and I'm very pleased it lived up to your expectations. It's always nice to know that the effort put in to explain and demonstrate comes across in the way intended so your comment relating to that is particularly appreciated. Your pots are drying nicely so I'll be in contact in a few weeks time. Thanks again for taking the time to send feedback. Best wishes, Chris"

Adria Neville reviewed: Learn the Basics of Blacksmithing and Forging- Beginner Experience Day

"This is a great course if you have no experience or like me it’s been a few decades since you did any forge work. Jon explains and guides you through a hands on course in a friendly professional way and I managed to complete three pieces of work. From lighting the coal forge to heating and twisting metal through to normalising and hardening metal to completing your pieces. This was a really fun course and I really recommend it to you."

Paul Rees reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"I would highly recommend this course. An Ash log was turned into a beautiful Welsh stick chair in seven days. The result for all attending was something to be proud of. I've worked as a Carpenter/ Joiner for over 30 years but learned so many new skills and techniques using ancient hand tools to create a beautiful chair. Ben is an excellent tutor: calm, patient, informative and not a bad cook! The setting is stunning. The open sided workshop is in the middle of ancient woodland with birds singing and the open fire burning. Truly idyllic. Book this course. You wont regret it!"

Diane Morphew reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"As good as a holiday.Four of us worked with Mark and each produced something to be proud of. He helps and guides you every step of the way,building confidence as you go. You get to use brilliant pieces of kit,and at the end you can SO impress your friends and family. If you need local accommodation I can highly reccommend The White House B&B at Clifton, just 5 minutes drive away"

Ruth Gatward reviewed: Reduction Linocut workshop at Shared Space Hitchin

"Fabulous day really enjoy myself and fantastic instructions all the way through."

Kimprints responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I'm delighted you had a nice time at the workshop. It was a pleasure to meet you and your work was just beautiful. Kind regards, Kim"

Austin reviewed: So you want to be a beekeeper! Beginners two-day course

"As a novice to beekeeping, Dafydd introduced all the relevant subject matter for a beginner to understand and think about starting conventional beekeeping. Dafydd is obviously very experienced both as a keeper and someone who can communicate well to deliver comprehensive material. The practical elements of the course works well with the theory and combined produce an effective programme over two days. Personally I would have liked a bit more on natural beekeeping as my goal for attending was aimed at pollination rather that harvesting honey, however, I found the theory very interesting and certainly raised my awareness of the subject matter. I would recommend this course as a really good introduction with fascinating practical modules carried out in a perfectly safe environment, located in one of the most attractive areas in North Wales."

James & Karina reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"My wife and I attended half a day pottery and wood turning courses. We loved them! I enjoyed learning all the wood Turning techniques and using the tools to create my honey drizzle. My wife liked making pots using the slab method and attempting a go on the pottery wheel. Both Simon and Louise were very friendly, Patient and great teachers. We are already planning our next visit! We highly recommend it to anyone looking for something different to do."

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

"It was lovely to meet you both and Simon and I enjoyed having you guys in our studios. We're pleased you've both found the half-day sessions to be a good taster and that you're keen to come along for a full day in each craft. We look forward to meeting you guys again!"

Carla reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My husband and I did this together and had a fantastic day. The day was really hands on with clear demonstrations and Andy and Ade always ready to lend helping hand if needed. Thank you Debbie for the endless teas, coffees, homemade cakes and biscuits and a delicious lunch; you made it impossible to go hungry ? Ade, Andy and Debbie are so friendly, helpful and really easy to get along with. Whatever your ability you will be made to feel and ease. This is such a brilliant experience: I think everyone should have a go. Thanks again, everyone, for being so welcoming and generally just awesome - we loved it!"

Caroline reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Had a lovely two days with Jo. She's a great teacher and gave us all lots of attention and instruction. She has a great studio and a garden full of inspiration. I'm very happy with my rusty leaping hare. Added bonus was trialling a new kit with Jo. We learnt a different technique to the one we used on the hares and had an extra piece to bring home. All very inspiring."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Caroline ;-) your rusty hare will keep changing as the iron content of the coating matures - it's a lovely 'alchemy' process. Thank you again for taking the challenge of trialling my new Human Sculpture Kit and creating a fabulous cobra Yoga pose lady in air-drying clay. You really have a flair for sculpture! Jo x"

Hannes reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"The course was a gift for my 21st birthday. It was the best present I could ever ask for. I had an amazing time and have a wonderful bag to remember it by. Couldn't recommend it enough!"

Heather Cooper reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I bought two experience days for my dad and husband as special birthday presents. They have both come back from today absolutely full of things to tell me about their day. They have loved learning something new, and could not speak more highly of Ade and Andy. They were very enthusiastic about the food! From start to finish I had a great experience of booking, even throughout covid and having to rebook twice. The communication and customer service from Debbie was excellent. Myself, my husband and my dad haven't got a bad word to say. Thank you so much for a wonderful birthday present for both of them!"

wendy mackenzie reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Had a fabulous 2 days with Jo, this is an excellent and very friendly and helpful course, Thanks Jo my Hare will look great in the garden, thanks also for the laid back approach you have with teaching an old dog new tricks, i shall have fun doing my leaping hare and look forward to hopefully coming back next year. Many thanks again x"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Wendy ;-) I enjoyed seeing your ear-scratching hare come to life - I hope he has a long life in your garden! Have a great time making your leaping hare and hopefully will see you again in 2022! Jo xx"

Julie Campbell reviewed: Scented soy candle making kit - vegan-friendly

"Fantastic kit, well packaged and thoroughly enjoyable to make. Would make great gifts for people who enjoy crafting."

Hiltingbury Holistics responded:

"Thanks for your great feedback Julie. So appreciate it and delighted you enjoyed the kit. We just love designing and producing all our kits - to make them special and exciting to unwrap! Thanks again for your order and lovely feedback :)"

Nicky Hodgkiss-Cook reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I bought this as a gift for my husband’s birthday (and because it’s for 2, cunningly for myself). We had the most amazing day. Bob is a brilliant teacher and great company (and makes a cracking brew). It’s really hands on all day - you’re straight into it within about 10 minutes. Skills in the morning to get to grips with some basic techniques before moving on to fashioning an actual item to take home in the afternoon (we are proud owners of a poker and a toasting fork). We really liked that the course is for 2 people maximum and that’s only if the attendees know each other. This means there’s lots of support and help throughout the day. It’s really relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable. A great experience to share with someone special."

Anna reviewed: Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide

"Fabulous day! Enjoyed every minute of it, making chocolates all day which are absolutely gorgeous. All my friends love them and can’t wait for me to make some more. Margaret is a fantastic teacher, full day, lots of chocolates to take home with me, lovely lunch. Perfect."

Confetti Chocolates responded:

"Thank you for your kind words; it was a pleasure to have met you and I am so glad that you enjoyed your day here at Confetti Chocolates. I do hope that you now build on your experience and continue to produce some fantastic chocolates. Take care and thank you again."

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

"Such a great class and beautiful workshop. Sarah and Mat were great they guided us through each part of the process. I loved every minute of the class from learning how to measure my ring size to soldering, texturing and polishing. Highly recommend this workshop. Can’t believe I made 3 rings in 3 hours."

Hove Jewellery Works responded:

"Thank you for your review Hannah. We are thrilled to hear you had a great time. It was lovely to meet you and hope you enjoy your new stacking rings. Thank you, Sarah & Mat."

Judy reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Imogen is an excellent and talented artist and teacher and I feel encouraged to continue working with textiles in this way."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"I enjoyed working with you very much and was so impressed with your still life. Can't wait to see more!"

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

"We had a very enjoyable day, Helen was very knowledgeable and helpful, put us all at ease and helped us make some lovely items. Would recommend to anyone who wants to have a go at making glass items.."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Paula & Kyle, great to meet you both and so pleased you enjoyed the day. Some items are already out of the kiln and look fabulous ( your stunningly lush landscape panel is currently in the kiln as I’m typing this so fingers crossed) You both made some amazing pieces and I hope you’ll be delighted with the finished items. Thank you so much for taking the time to submit a lovely review, I appreciate it. I’ll send the info about kilns and suppliers etc as it sounds like you’re ‘hooked’ !"

Daniel Forster reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin was friendly, patient and combined great teaching skills and his vast knowledge to provide an excellent 1 day introduction to woodturning course for me. I could not have hoped to learn more in a single day. Colin also sent reading material in advance which helped me to maximise what I was able to learn on the day, and sent me further useful information after the course responding to a question I had asked during the day and the web address of a local woodturning club I could attend. I really enjoyed the day and was absolutely delighted with the bowl I took home with me at the end of it. Would happily recommend."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Dan. I am pleased you enjoyed your day with me."