Latest reviews

Paula & Tony reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"We had a great day with John. He passed on his skills in a way that we could understand. We both produced a lovely relief carving to display in our garden. He was attentive,informative with a good sense of humour. Location was fabulous .would return for anotner session.Thanks John Paula&Tony."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Paula, Tony. Was great to have you there. Really enjoyed seeing how your sculptures developed during the day. Was thinking of doing a two day course next year carving a deep relief carving in Maltese Limestone to push sculpting techniques. Will keep you up to date. Take care and keep chipping. John."

Jess reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Really fun day. You start by making basic shapes and a chain link in copper to get familiar with using the tools. After a delicious slice of cake & a cuppa you move onto the fun with silver, a bit of alchemy too with the heating of your silver! Jonathan was a great host & we came away with a pair of beautiful silver rings. Recommend."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Jess. I'm glad he enjoyed his birthday treat and you both did very well. I'm so pleased the ring fitted nicely! Jonathan"

Louise reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"I had such a fab time! Nina is patient, funny and just a breath of fresh air. Nothing is rushed and everything is explained so well you do come out really having learned something. Will definitely be booking with Nina again. Thank you!"

Claire Bourne reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thank you Debbie, Adrian and Andy for a fun and interesting day on my quest to learn new skills, would highly recommend."

Michael Archer reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A truly engaging and thoroughly interesting day. Anvil Forge worked hard to make sure that every one of us who attended their course got the maximum enjoyment from the day and a truly rewarding experience. Patient, clear, friendly and helpful instructors were with us each step of the way, showing us exactly how to work with the metal ourselves while allowing us the opportunity to practise and DO, instead of simply watching. The end result of the day is a knife that I have crafted with my own hands that I am immensely proud of and very grateful for all of their help and advice."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Michael thanks for review it was a pretty full on day! everyone worked hard , instructors and students but as the photos showed some stunning results so very worthwhile. I must admit it is tempting to get carried away with showing how its done as it is an absorbing thing to do but letting you all do your own thing turned out to pay off. Well done Michael you turned in a great bit of workmanship."

Ollie Moore reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Just superb. A wealth of information without getting bogged down. Everything you will need to get on the right foot for a new candle business. Jo is full of energy and a great "teacher". Can't reccomended highly enough in all honesty!"

Kathleen reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"A great day with so much information and lots of creative freedom to create products you'll love. The soap turned out so much better than I could have hoped for and I am so glad I booked this course for my first soap making attempt. The hosts were really friendly and lovely."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks so much Kathleen for your lovely review, so glad you enjoyed your workshop with us! Nic"

Sam Eastman reviewed: Silver Textured Earrings OR Pendant Workshop; with Lindsay Forbes of Laconic - Durham

"I had a lovely morning learning the skill of how to make some silver textured earrings and necklace. Lindsay could not have been more helpful. I would definitely recommend anyone to attend one of her workshops. I am hoping to attend another of her workshops in the future."

Parisa Wright reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Instead of gifting more "stuff" to clutter the home / planet, my father's 70th birthday gift was a day's wood turning day course with myself and our fantastic teacher / wood turning guru for the day - Colin Simpson. We both love creativity and crafting and, though neither of us had done wood turning before, we had a super fun and productive day. Colin was a friendly and experienced teacher and we each went home with a beautiful bowl and a gorgeous egg cup that we had made ourselves (each made from a beautiful but sustainable piece of wood - from a dead tree that had fallen locally). Lunch of a delicious cheese board, fresh rolls and tomatoes from the garden was a real treat too! We were with Colin for almost 8 hours and every moment was either interesting or fun - a wonderful experience which my father and I both loved. It was also quite a mindful experience where all the worries of the world fell away as you strove to master the tools and processes you were taught. Finally I was delighted to see that the experience was an even more eco gift than previously imagined because Colin uses an air source heat pump and solar panels for energy - absolutely wonderful! A fantastic teacher, a great sustainable ethos and a wonderful day!"

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"I am so pleased that you both enjoyed your day with me and thanks for this lovely review. Best wishes, Colin"

John & Iris reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Course, Copper foil work

"This course was our first attempt at Stained Glass. We were so pleased that we chose Kingfisher Glass. The venue was in beautiful surrounds and easy to find with the Sat Nav taking us straight to the door. Our two days with Brenda were so enjoyable. Brenda is a first class Tutor Her knowledge and patience was excellent. Brenda is a very friendly lady with a sense of humour which made us as beginners feel very much at ease. We had morning Coffee, lunch and afternoon tea and cake. We was very pleased with what we achieved, bringing home our treasured stained class pieces now hanging in our conservatory. I would definitely recommend Brenda and her courses."

Sylvia reviewed: Throwing on the wheel for couples

"I've always wanted to have a go at throwing, so I was over the moon when I found this course nearby. Before having a go myself, I was able to watch the tutor talk through and show us the different stages so I knew what to expect. I was really happy with my finished pot, and that I had lots of fun and learnt a new skill along the way."

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the session, it's always lovely to hear back from students about their experience."

Simone Stakenburg-Evans reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Just absolutely perfect. Marvellous. Can’t fault it. I have booked again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Simone ;-) Your goat with golden appendages has caused a lot of WOWS! Can't wait for the next challenge!!!! Jo x"

Manara Gul reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"Me and my friend had such a lovely session with Kami, she was so welcoming and made us feel really comfortable. We learnt lots of different techniques and both ended up making some lovely pieces. She explained the process and steps really well and in detail and had all sorts of equipment to be able to create lots of unique pieces. Overall highly recommend, really enjoyed ourselves. Thank you"

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Manara So glad you enjoyed it. Please take a look at my other courses which would be great to learn so you can make Christmas gifts nearer the time :)"

Jamila reviewed: 7 Week Silversmithing Jewellery Making Course Level 1 (Evening Courses - Merseyside)

"I attended the Level 1 Silversmithing course as a real novice and feel like I have learnt loads. Each week my confidence has grown and I have now started making at home some of the pieces I have made in class. I am looking forward to starting level 2. Thank you Carol ?"

Angela Reid-Richards reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"We LOVED our course with Jo!! I am delighted to say that I have found my passion through Jo's teaching! We learnt so much in such a short time, as Jo had previously been in touch with us to discuss what we wanted to sculpt and communicated with us seamlessly to ensure that she would have all the materials ready for our arrival. Jo is incredibly professional, talented and patient! She supported our wild ideas and helped us create magic. From the moment we arrived, Jo had everything set up. The two day course was small (only 4 of us), which was perfect as it meant that we all had so much of her attention and also learnt from what she did with everyone else. Fabulous garden, wonderful wee dogs and very helpful and handy Andy!! If you only do one sculpture course, then absolutely do this one! I wouldn't settle for a one day course though... the two day is a must! Thanks Jo and Andy! You are a dream team and I am so grateful for what you have taught me and so excited about my new path of sculpting! Min :)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Wow Min - what a wonderful review, thank you so much. Your leaping hare was gorgeous and hopefully home and in pride of place. I'm so happy when I hear the workshop has triggered a new passion for sculpting - food for the soul for both of us ;-) Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Stella Forrester reviewed: Cyanotype Printing Workshop

"I really enjoyed the cyanotype course and Emma was an excellent tutor. I came away with a number of prints which will look great on greeting cards and displayed at home once our building work has been done."

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

"The Blended Monkey 1-Day Course is a very good way to experience woodturning for the first time. It is professionally organised and run. In addition the tuition is flexible to reflect the student's interests and existing knowledge. The workshop itself is well equipped and safely managed. Simon is a fine teacher keen to share his skills and passion for woodturning in a very accessible manner. The follow-up pack of course notes and equipment guide is very helpful. Together Simon and Louise make a great team. MSW"

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

"Thank you for a glowing review, Mark. It was a pleasure to meet you and we hope that the course has stimulated your interest in woodturning. Any questions or queries, please feel free to get in touch. --Simon & Louise"

April Smith reviewed: Macrame - Wall Art

"Absolutely loved learning how to make a macrame wall hanging. This class is such good value as you come away with a beautiful piece of art to hang up, but also with the skills to be able to do it again at home. Wendy is a great teacher and so patient. The little touches really go a long way, such as offering biscuits, tea and coffee and giving us a little 'how to' leaflet to take home so we know how to replicate the same hanger at home. I wouldn't hesitate to book another course here and already have one lined up in a couple of weeks time."

Tammie Patterson reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in candle making. It was extremely informative and Jo is so lovely and down to earth. The studio had such a lovely energy and I left feeling so excited for my new venture."

Ian Hoole reviewed: Introduction to leaded stained glass

"I can not express how much I enjoyed my time with Gen at Wicked Gen Crafts. I found the course stimulating it was far better than I expected and I was looking forward to it. Gen is very knowledgeable and has a lovely manor when taking you through all the process stages. I highly recommend this course. I also should say that the other students on the course, Trevor, Lynn, and Grey were a pleasure to spend time with. Thank You Ian"

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"Tuesday was a really fun day of teaching - lots of laughter from everyone whilst learning the different techniques of making a leaded stained glass panel. Thank you for coming on the course and thank you for your lovely feedback."

Ros reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Lovely day in beautiful studio. Very calm and relaxed. Claire is a talented artist and patient tutor. Recommended as a great way to spend a few hours and learn something new."

David Edward Burgess reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Really enjoyed my time with Julian. A knowledgeable and patient teacher. I learnt a great deal. I would recommend to all."

Alison reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Had a wonderful 1-2-1 Pottery Day with Louise at Blended Monkey. It was an incredibly relaxed and friendly environment which was perfect for exploring my artistic side as I learnt to use a variety of techniques to make pots and vases. I can’t wait for them to be fired and glazed so I can see them finished. I would definitely recommend Blended Monkey!!"

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

"It was lovely having you in the studio Alison - and I enjoyed our chat - we certainly put the world to rights :-). You made some beautiful pieces that you should be very proud of. They're drying away nicely and I'll get in touch as soon as they've been glazed. Lovely to meet you :-)."

Asya reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"What a fantastic set up! My daughter and I have attended two sessions and both of which were extremely well organised. The teaching was excellent. We made very different and unique products each time and will definitely be going back in future. They are also running a children’s session in a few days which I will be taking my younger one to. I’m really looking forward to it and she’s really excited too as she loves the candles we have made and bought home previously!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Ah that's so sweet, thank you. It was nice to see you with your lovely daughter enjoying quality mother and daughter time! Hope to see you both again soon. xx"

Lisa Putland reviewed: Wet Felting - Jewellery and Beads

"My Mum and I absolutely loved this! Wendy was fantastic with giving clear instructions and made the whole evening enjoyable in a calm little quirky hub :) Thanks Wendy…. We will see you again :) xx"