Latest reviews

Lukasz reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Great experience! It was a gift from my partner and I've really enjoyed it! I have the knife on a display. Would recommend to anyone :)"

Alicia Dadlani reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Wonderful course with a wonderful teacher! Peter and his apprentice Toby were brilliant woodworking mentors- they were relaxed, helpful, calm and encouraging! It’s a green wood course so you use your hand tools mostly which is incredibly satisfying. We started outside chopping up logs and finish with a beautiful hand made stool! Very much recommend!"

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Alicia, glad you enjoyed it. Such a great group."

Simon Aldridge reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"My much anticipated and twice COVID cancelled course finally happened. I had a wonderful 3 days in the sun carving my masterpiece under the ever watchful and always helpful eye of Lucy. It is immediately obvious how talented she is from the first few demonstrations she gives - brilliant knowledge and skills. She was aware I had done a little carving before so adapted her teaching to pinpoint exactly what I needed to know and conveyed the information in a really precise and hands-on fashion leaving no doubt what I was learning and why. Lucy is a great teacher, I felt no pressure and the days went very quickly carving, chatting and eating cake with Lucy and the other wonderful student Nick!! Lucy had worked very hard adhering to the recommended COVID precautions and we felt very safe. I have come away a much more knowledgeable and confident carver and hope to make a return visit to learn more in the near future. I would thoroughly recommend this course to everyone plus there is the added bonus of great food provided for us and the City of York to explore out of hours."

Anonymous reviewed: Saturday Silver Ring Making Workshop - Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"Bought this for my mother. Unfortunately due to Covid she had to wait a while. However, she absolutely loved the course, and made a wonderful ring, now using what she has learned to make rings in her studio. Thank you!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"I'm so pleased to hear this! She asked lots of questions and seemed very excited to get back to her studio and put into practice what she had learned. Thank you for taking the time to give me feedback, it is greatly appreciated! Best wishes, Tuuli"

Stuart Kingston reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I had a great one-to-one day of wood turning with Andy this weekend. As a complete beginner, we started with the fundamentals of sharpening. We then covered basic turning techniques such as coving and beading and in the afternoon we worked on producing a beautiful bowl. The single day was fast-paced and covered a lot of information. If I were doing it again, I would be tempted to go for one of Andy's two day courses to give myself a bit longer to improve my technique."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments Stuart , I enjoyed your company and glad that you found the course helpful, it is always difficult to pack so much information into a singe day Look forward to seeing you again - maybe with the wife next time ?"

Lyn Savage reviewed: Explore 2 colour lino cutting & printing in Derbyshire

"Excellent class again with Liz, I learned lots in an easy and relaxed way. She is a great teacher, I look forward to further classes with her."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Lyn, Lovely to work with you again and really pleased that you enjoyed your day. Hope you have time to carry on cutting and printing and create lots of 2 colour prints. Can I tempt you back to Derbyshire for a gel plate workshop on 21st August? Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Louise and David reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Absolutely fabulous! We were greeted by Simon, Louise and their dog Harry, all incredibly welcoming. As complete wood turning novices, we had no idea what to expect from the day ahead but Simon gave us a great introduction, he showed us how to use a number of wood turning tools and demonstrated techniques from which we made a pine honey dipper and a sycamore bowl each…almost all our own work!!!! Lunch was a tasty ploughmen’s - fun, friendly and relaxed day. Would thoroughly recommend."

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

"Thank you for a lovely review, Louise & David. So glad you enjoyed the day and you should be justifiably proud of your creations :)"

Jenn Read reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Loved this workshop. Karen was helpful and patient and explained all the processes amazingly well. We made some gorgeous smelling candles. The afternoon tea was yummy and the location was stunning. We’ll definitely be back - thank you Karen"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. I look forward to meeting you again. Best Wishes Karen"

Graham Slinn reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"As a relatively new woodturner but a background in building I was looking for someone to fill in the gaps and give me some practical direction to develop my turning. Colin tailored the day to suit me and my questions, with demonstrations, hands on exercises, notes of different techniques, and examples of his work showing points he was making. I was especially interested to learn practical ways to harvest and prepare logs to build up stock for the future, something he does himself. I got guidance in sharpening my own tools on my own system and advice on tools I want to buy. No point in having the best display of tools on your wall when you only need the ones to do the job. He clarified the use of texturing tools for me and we did a bit of colouring as well. Colin is a very talented, practical and successful craftsman in his own right, which makes him a very good teacher. If anyone is thinking of getting into woodturning, a day with Colin would be the best thing to set you in the right direction ideally before you bought your gear as he would save you a lot of time and money. The best day I've had in a long time, many thanks Colin"

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Graham. Happy turning!"

Peter reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"My son and I had a great day. We had waited over 12 months for this and it was worth it. Graham and family were excellent teachers. The day was very informative and they explained every stage very well. Very aware of our needs and caught us just in time when we were going wrong. Eventually producing a knife that I will always treasure because I made it. Excellent day, James and I really enjoyed it. Thanks again."

Joseph bloom reviewed: Copper wire jewellery Workshop

"We went as a couple to make each other a ring as a surprise for my partners birthday. It was AMAZING! Personable, comfortable and Kami went above and beyond, a truly lovely lady. Ended up with beautiful pieces of jewellery and a very fond memory. I implore others to give it a try :)"

Mya Designs responded:

"Hey Joe and Chrissy Thanks so much for coming to the workshop and so good to meet you. I love the way you guys went with the flow with your designs. So glad you made use of all the tools and great that you personalised your rings with letter stamps, which makes them absolutely unique to you both. You looked so very happy with your finished creations. Looking forward to seeing you again in the future :)"

Toby reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"Booked in for a taster pottery wheel throwing session and had an excellent time. Had no experience with pottery and no idea what to expect. Lorraine was very friendly and a great teacher. Gave use a short but useful demonstration and then allowed us to get straight into it, giving us plenty of time to have a go ourselves. Have recommend to family and friends and look forward to returning to see how our pottery turns out after being professionally finished by Lorraine."

David Taylor reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Mike is an excellent teacher, I learnt a massive amount from him in a day. A fantastic experience all round and would definitely recommend!!!"

Kerry mills reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"This was a fantastic course and Ollie is a great tutor. I have learnt a lot from him about how to bring wood and furniture back to life. Due to the variety of students and furniture pieces I also had the opportunity to learn about french Polishing, stains and painting. It was a really enjoyable and relaxing 2 days. I hope to do more courses with olllie."

Lisa Dobson reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making/silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"Had a totally brilliant day with Sara. She showed me how to set a stone into a ring. I am really pleased with the end product and have been practicing what I learnt. It was such a fun day and Sara was very knowledgeable and able to answer my many questions."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Lisa - thanks so much for your lovely review and I'm so glad you've been able to have a go at home too! Sara"

Jackie Gregory reviewed: One day introduction to resin art

"**Challenged myself to do something creative, good for my wellbeing after working from home for 16 months in lock-down! ** The Resin Painting day was certainly something that I had no experience of beforehand, nor for that matter have I done very much in the way of anything artistic for too many years ... but I was determined to be creative and even brought along with me some small items of colour and texture to see if they would inspire me or even if they could end up in my final art work (which they did). Eunice has a great set-up, the studio worked well for the 4 of us and her instruction was clear, easy to follow and also very engaging. It wasn't difficult to get inspired by the techniques and all the colours of the mica pigments that we were able to use. I had fun. I have 2 pictures, bookmarks and coasters to show for my time. I will keep going with this as I want to become more confident with colour and technique. Thank you."

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Jackie it was pleasure and your embellishments were a perfect addition to your work. Keep enjoying your new Resin adventures Eunice x"

Stephanie Clark reviewed: Beginners candle making kit + online videos + live online workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Sarah is an excellent tutor, really thorough and I learnt so much. It is also informal and great fun. It is really worth doing whether it is just to learn a new skill or to start a business. Highly recommend."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Stephanie, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Elaine W reviewed: Saturday Silver Ring Making Workshop - Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"This is my second session, I did the Silver Clay Saturday morning class last September and really enjoyed both. Tuuli is a very good communicator, very patient and helpful. The groups are small, so everyone is able to get the help and support they need. I was very happy with the ring I made, it’s amazing what you can achieve in a 4 hour workshop with little or no previous knowledge of working with the equipment and materials. If you’re thinking of booking a session, I would definitely recommend it, you won’t be disappointed!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you Elaine for leaving such a lovely and detailed review! Your feedback is very important to me. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Kind regards, Tuuli"

simone laura lee reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"This course has changed my life. Try stopping me upcycling everything I can get my hands on. I so enjoyed the course and the relaxed but thorough teaching style with Sarah who was friendly, supportive, informative, informed, talented, inspirational and committed to making us get the most out of the course, just so encouraging. I loved the studio. The environment was bright and spacious and Covid safe and we also were informed about general health and safety. The equipment was good and well thought through and Sarah was generous in supplementing us with odds bits and pieces that we needed. Also we picked up so many tips along the way. Arriving as a total beginner I have learnt so much that I am raring to get to the next level and perhaps do a fabric upcycling course (this was the wallpaper one) or one of the other courses she will be running. Sarah is wonderfully talented and a very good teacher, but more than that she has a sparkly way of being and extraordinary interpersonal skills that add the extra dimension. Cannot recommend this well-priced course highly enough."

ReVamp Boutique responded:

"Ohh Simone! You are so very kind! It was lovely to have you along after such a long wait ( COVID 19) to meet you!!! Really pleased you are now on the up cycling reuse path and looking forward to seeing your work and having you along back with us again for another workshop in the near future! Best wishes Sarah"

Mandy reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"We had a lovely time making stools with Ged as a Father’s Day treat for our family. Ged was super patient with the younger family members and we were delighted with our fabulous stools. Thanks Ged"

Gedwood responded:

"Was a pleasure having you and the family over for the day Mandy ??"

Dorota Hawthorn reviewed: Beginners silver art clay with Hampshire School of Jewellery

"Wonderful workshop.Highly reccomended. Laura is very knowledgible and supportive for us to complete our ideas .The finished products are of a very high standard - our taster day left us yearning for further courses! The room was nicely laid out - very Covid rlted - roll on when restrictions are lifted and even more people can come along!"

Hampshire School of Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Dorota. I am so pleased you enjoyed the class :-) Laura x"

Tim Cartwright reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Great course, very good tutor in Colin, took me almost a beginner through what I needed to know to give me the confidence to carry on woodturning. Very relaxed atmosphere and good lunch. Many thanks ."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"You're welcome, Tim. Enjoy your woodturning."

sally eaton-baudains reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"a joy as always! I Have been attending Martin's glass class for quite a while and even though I have no more space to put my completed projects I would really miss the classes if I stopped going."

joan Leifer reviewed: Printing Ink 4 pots 30ml, for block relief printing, mix + match choose from 20 shades, UK made, water based & mixable

"I was delighted with this lino kit and I ordered extra colours too. Catherine responded straight away to my order request and it was quickly despatched and beautifuly packaged. If times change I would happily stay in Liverpool (I live in Surrey) a few days to attend one of her face to face sessions. Catherine is an excellent person to interact with !! **************** THANK YOU"

Mark Sheehy reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Fabulous wkend spent in a glorious setting doing the introduction to green woodworking. Peter and his apprentice Toby couldn't of made me feel more welcome. So much knowledge gained from just two days thanks to this course and now i have a beautiful small table which i cannot believe i made myself. Great group of people on the couse to and it felt like we was all best buds by the end of the wkend. I highly recommend this course and please have a look at some of Peter's work which you can buy it is incredible."

Peter Lanyon Furniture responded:

"Thanks Mark. Thats very kind of you to say. Great to meet you and enjiy your beautiful table."