Latest reviews

Gemma reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"The course was great! Jo was really approachable and generous with her knowledge."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Gemma. Good luck with going forward x"

Ali Gamble reviewed: Linocut one day workshop: one to one

"Fantastic day with one to one teaching from Annette. She’s hugely knowledgable and very passionate about her craft. I learned so much in just one day and she’s given me the confidence to go off and start creating my own work. I can’t recommend this course highly enough."

Annette Rolston responded:

"Thank you Ali I hope that you continue to develop your printmaking.... keep up the good work. Annette"

Leila Williams reviewed: Fused Glass Free Standing Wave

"This was a brilliant course. Jo was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She guided me but also gave me the freedom to create a unique, personal piece. There was a studio full of inspiration and a wide range of materials. I will definitely go back another time!"

Turner Rowe Art Centre & Gallery responded:

"Thank you Leila, it was my pleasure :)"

Zoe Palmer reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Very enjoyable and educational day. Would thoroughly recommend. Thank you."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Zoe. I'm very pleased that you enjoyed your jewellery making, and time you spent away from other concerns! Jonathan"

Lisa reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Lovely day thank you. Jonathan is an excellent teacher with lots of knowledge. Thanks"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lisa Lovely to meet you today. It was a good day making silver jewellery with your friends. Jonathan"

Nicola reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Brilliant day. I had great fun designing and creating a piece of jewellery I can keep forever. I highly recommend this for a group of friends who are complete beginners or experienced. I can't wait to go again. Jonathan is so patient and with a great sense of humour."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Nicola I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the day. Looking forward to meeting you again for more silver jewellery making! Jonathan"

Bev Gandy reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Brilliant day, very creative, excellent tuition, lovely jewellery at the end. Can't wait till next time."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Lovely to meet you today Bev. Well done completing your bangle design. Jonathan"

Irene reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Very enjoyable day. We made a bangle. So very pleased with the results. Definitely would come again!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done with your jewellery making today. Keep it simple always works best! Jonathan"

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"I booked this workshop last year before we were hit with lockdown. It was well worth the wait. I started by exploring a series of mark-making techniques and by setting up a screen for breakdown printing. After lunch, which was delicious, I did some silk screen printing. Some years ago, I had taken a workshop in this and although I had a fab day on that occasion, I felt no desire to return to it. However, under Kathryn’s guidance I explored a different method and an alternative printing medium – and found I could make beautiful things. I will be doing screen-printing again. Finally, I worked on the breakdown printing. Oh, my goodness, what a joy! Whilst I had been shown what could be done when I lifted the screen after the first print, I could not believe the beauty of what I had achieved. I will be revisiting this technique again. Absolutely wonderful, in the true sense of the word. Kathryn was a gentle calming presence, a generous teacher and very patient at moments when I became indecisive. Just a lovely person and a lovely way to spend the day; my soul has received nourishment. And I still have the unwrapping and finishing to look forward to. I’ll be back in the Autumn, if I may."

Kathryn Green Textiles responded:

"Thank you so much Jayne. It was an absolute pleasure working with you last week. I felt you achieved a lot, producing some great samples and a fantastic breakdown piece of cloth. I look forward to welcoming you back to the studio in the future."

Cat Chapman reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"My husband bought me a class for my 40th and we had a brilliant day! Sandra was so patient with us and really helped us to turn our ideas into designs and then turn those designs into amazing pieces of jewellery. I am amazed at what we managed to make during the session! We came away with a beautiful spinner ring, a Yorkshire rose pendant and two copper heart pendants (that we made honing the skills before we were let loose on the silver!) A wonderful birthday gift, and such a fab experience! We will definitely be back to try some more techniques!! Thank you so much Sandra!"

Sandra Kerns Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Cat, it was a pleasure to have you and David at the studio. You made beautiful pieces x"

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

"Did the half day pottery experience. Excellent tuition and thoroughly enjoyable. Would totally recommend doing the Full day course as time just flies by when you're having such fun !!"

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Michelle. It was great to meet you and you took to throwing very quickly! You made some beautiful pieces and I'll let you know when they're fresh from the kiln :-)."

Helen reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Fantastic course, Phil is a really patient and humorous teacher, and we all left with very passable curlews! The pace and level of support was just right, and the home-made biscuits and cakes were delicious, as was the veggie lunch. I highly recommend it."

Broadrake responded:

"Hi Helen, So glad that you enjoyed the day. Since you are not so very far away from Broadrake, I really hope that you might come back again for more willow work with Phil - he really is the best tutor! Rachel"

Beth & Tony reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A lovely day of making in beautiful surroundings. Phil was a very good tutor. The venue and catering were excellent. And we came home with two willow creations that looked pretty like curlews."

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks for your kind comments - I hope that your willow curlews find good homes in your garden. Let's hope it's not the last time you venture into the world of willow! Rachel"

Annabel reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"The venue is the first thing to hit you in between the eyes… over-looking the Ribblehead rail viaduct spanning the wilds of North Yorkshire, Broadrake is in the most astonishingly lovely location. Our hosts Rachel and Mike were welcoming. The food was lovely. The spacious airy facilities meet every requirement, with clearly apparent modifications for managing this sort of event, to meet current Covid precautions. Instructor Phil Bradley is just brilliant - a friendly easy-going teacher with much patience & good humour; he demonstrated much accomplishment in his craft. I would recommend the day to simply anyone!"

Broadrake responded:

"So glad that you enjoyed the whole experience - we're very lucky to have Phil teaching here. I hope that you are inspired to come back for more willowy workshops at Broadrake. Thanks, Rachel."

Eva Stacey reviewed: Beautiful, practical, functional, baskets.

"Had such a lovely time making our amazing baskets, really enjoyed it! We learned so much and shared a precious time with Nicki in a very relaxed environment. Thank you for a great day! Eva & Bibi"

Tracey Winsor reviewed: Sun-printed lampshade making workshops in Devon

"what a lovely day spent in beautiful surroundings, learning a new craft. Bridget was a very patient, supportive and encouraging tutor. I love the finished article and it has taken pride of place at home. Cake and lunchtime conversation was also rewarding... A great day off from the busyness of NHS working thank you Bridget"

Bridget Arnold responded:

"Thank you Tracey It was so great to be back making Lampshades again with you and your Mum. I would love to see your new Lampshade in its Happy New Home if you would like to send a photo please"

Ali Mc reviewed: Learn to sew - Frome

"Aliss' beginner sewing machine classes were great. She is very patient with total novices and is really knowledgeable and skilled in her craft. Her classes gave me the confidence to use my machine (which I'd never used before) and get into sewing as a hobby. Highly recommended!"

The Stitchery Frome responded:

"Thanks Ali for your feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed the course - you made such a massive improvement when you took the time to sew slowly! Hope to see you again in September for Clothes Making!"

Steve Harvey reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was exactly what I hoped for. Alan is a really laid back teacher who knows his stuff, explained things really clearly and worked at my pace. The time flew as I got increasingly absorbed in carving my spoon in the peaceful surroundings of the back garden. Lovely homemade soup and cake helped make for a very enjoyable day. Highly recommend."

Samantha Adams reviewed: ZZZ Fun taster of Enamel Jewellery, South Devon

"Really great course and I learned so much! Very good value for money. Would definitely book a more advanced enamelling course if one becomes available."

Bigbury Mint responded:

"Hi Samantha Thank you for your review, your comments are much appreciated. I will pass them onto Fee who runs the courses. Kind regards Dawn"

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

"My husband arranged for me to go on this course as a Christmas present (arranged several times due to Covid!) and I was so pleased to finally do it as it was brilliant! Jo’s expert planning and preparation meant that we all progressed through the different stages of making our hares at roughly the same rate and produced lovely finished products at the end of the day. We all felt very welcome in Jo’s studio, garden and home and the atmosphere was lovely. We also came away with all the information about what we had used in class and a small pot of paint and a brush for touching up - a very useful finishing touch. I can unreservedly recommend Jo’s class to any ability because of the preparation and structure of the day."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Glenis ;-) We finally met after re-arranging your surprise present 5 times! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and took home a kit for your husband to make a 'leaping hare' companion for your wonderful hare sculpture. I hope you do not need the 'touch-up' kit, but pleased you liked the provision just in case. Jo x"

Max C reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Having bought as a gift for my Dad I didn't really know what to expect, but had an awesome day. The guys really love what they're doing and are great teachers- I really didn't see how my bent and battered slab of metal would become a knife but I left four hours later with something I'm pretty proud of! Would 100% go back for one of their other courses, and a few friends are planning to book from my recommendation. Can't recommend it highly enough."

Jacquie Pinnock reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"I attended the one day course with my adult daughter in June. Wendy and Clive were very welcoming and the course was very enjoyable. Wendy gave very clear instructions and guided us through all the processes. She is very knowledgeable and was happy to tell us how we could purchase the stamps etc should we decide to continue working in leather on our own. We made, decorated and dyed several items with which we were very pleased. I'd imagined a degree of strength was required and as I'm recovering from surgery I was concerned that I wouldn't get the most out of the day but I managed fine. I wholeheartedly recommend this course which I feel is suitable for adults of all ages and older children."

LUKE ABBOTT reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"From Luke Abbott and Sandy Frost Can't keep away from the Churchill stone carving weekends-we are addicted! This time we both made commissions for people guided by our mentor and master stone mason/carver. The results are fantastic now we can add the final touches at home on our own. Lucy is an outstanding artist/craftsperson as well as a deeply intuitive teacher meaning we never tire of her teachings and skills gifts. I wish I had known this as a younger adult as I would have had a completely different career.........."

Mike reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"A great 3 days making a Damascus knife. Joss was very helpful and always willing to lend a hand, but also was comfortable to let me get on with tasks myself. Ended up with a beautifully patterned blade and even had enough material left out of my billet to make a bottle opener as well. I learnt a lot and would definitely recommend taking a course here."

Jo Hague reviewed: Design a room in your home with weekly one to one consultations

"I loved every step of the way with this Interior Design Course. Nikki was an exceptional tutor. She has a vast amount of knowledge and experience that helped enormously when I needed support. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She was enthusiastic and so encouraging about my project on the lounge and gave precious advice for future projects that I may undertake in time. I have always been interested in interior design but never fully understood the basic principles. This course shows you all the 'do's and don'ts' to designing. Now I feel much more confident in designing my own home but also have a far larger understanding when viewing certain programmes on television, listening to podcasts and generally talking to others. Thank you Nikki, a great value course."