Latest reviews

Sea glass jewellery making novice reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Really enjoyable day. Very equipped workshop and Jules is really helpful in showing you what to do and helping as needed. Ended up with a beautiful pendant that I will treasure. Thank you for a great day. "

Mike L reviewed: Pen Making Course (1/2 day)

"Great afternoon spent with Derek learning how to make a pen - and so much more ! Taken through each step in the process methodically and with demonstrations throughout. Derek was very friendly and explained things well and was happy to offer advice on other wood working aspects. Highly recommended for those wanting to have a go - and end up with a very nice pen in the process 😀 "

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thx Mike. Great to see you again. "

Sarah reviewed: Yorkshire Rose stone carving class

"I had a really fantastic day - never done anything like it. I wasn't very confident about it but Helen was a very good teacher and really patient and supportive throughout. It is a great place and everyone was so friendly. I'm really pleased with what I managed to create and would thoroughly recommend this course. "

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thanks for the great review Sarah . I'm glad you had a good day here. Helen"

catherine george-samuels reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day. Vickie was very welcoming and informative. She is very jolly and chatty and explained and guided us through the different stages, and at the end of the day we had produced a lovely piece of art work to be proud of. Cathy "

Sue Inglis reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"This course was amazing from start to finish. Carl (and Ray) were excellent teachers and ensured each and every one of the group were involved throughout. I learnt lots over the weekend and met some great people. We had lots of fun while repairing part of a drystone wall. Food and refreshments were aplenty and very enjoyable too. Thank you "

Andrew Bell reviewed: One day leather workshops Scotland

"The leatherwork workshop was fantastic. Hamish was so knowledgeable and brilliant at teaching and demonstrating the various techniques which gave you confidence in doing it yourself. It was a great learning experience and a well recommended workshop. I learned a lot about leather craft during the day course and Hamish covered so much. Hamish included information on the history of leatherwork which really helped in understanding the technique used today. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn leatherwork."

Els reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I have had a wonderful course. Two days of learning how and what about encaustic painting. I love the way Lynn thinks about teaching. She asked how I want to learn and then she helped me to develop my skills. Everybody who knows encaustic a bit come a lot further in skills. Thanks Lynn for these wonderful two days! Els beemer Delft, the Netherlands."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop responded:

"Dear Els, thank you so much for travelling to spend time with me to develop your skills with encaustic wax. You have produced some lovely pieces of work, and I hope you will continue your journey and find your voice. It’s such a special medium, invoking so many emotions. Safe journey home at the end of the week Lyn "

Angela Consterdine reviewed: Resin and wood beginner class

"My husband had an excellent time and really enjoyed the opportunity to have one to one tuition!"

Manjit Cheema reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I did the 2 day wood carving course and really enjoyed it. Geraint Lloyd was a very patient tutor as all of the participants were new to this but everyone left with a beautiful piece of wood carving. "

Paul reviewed: Wood Carving Workshop - One Day

"Don’t get me wrong, this was a pleasurable day, very knowledgeable tutor and hands on, but would have liked a little more direction/training on which tool to use when and for what effect. Fine if you are an experienced woodworker, not great if you are a novice."

Richard reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"The course was excellent, the location was idyllic, more than enough food and drink (loved the home-made chutney), even the weather was good. I really didn't want to leave. Andy was the perfect host and tutor. Knowledgeable, patient and encouraging, we all ended up leaving with something resembling what we set out to carve. More importantly was the desire to do it again. I think everyone on the course was inspired and thought this was the start of something rather than the end. Wish I'd done it sooner. Wish I lived there!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Many thanks, Richard, for your enthusiastic comments about your recent Greenwood Carving course at Sallerton Wood. We're very pleased that you enjoyed the course, and found the location idyllic. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the chutney too! We'd love to welcome you back to Sallerton Wood for another course, if you'd like to join us again sometime."

Becky reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop - Create 2 pieces

"We had a great day with Yolanda. Really enjoyed learning glass fusing. Excellent explanation and guidance. Good balance of support and also leaving you to complete the pieces. Excellent lunch and afternoon tea too. Will definitely attend more courses. "

Lorraine reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Had an amazing time today with Vikki. She is extremely patient and explains all about glass infusion. I thoroughly recommend this workshop. Can't wait to collect the items we made."

Katy Salisbury reviewed: Private Tuition in Sculpture, Stone or Marble Carving, Letter Carving and Relief with Simon Burns-Cox

"I learned a huge amount from my one-day course with Simon - he really helped me understand the nature of different types of stone and which equipment and techniques to use to achieve a range of effects. I was delighted with the small carving I produced and was so inspired that I opted to buy a set of tools! I now feel confident to try to tackle some designs on my own. "

Simon Burns-Cox Sculptor and Letter Carver responded:

"Hello Katy, thank you so much for your kind review. It was lovely to meet you and I thought you did incredibly well and produced a lovely relief in one day ! Do hope the carving goes well and if you need any further help, please do not hesitate to contact me."

Rachel Sommerville reviewed: willow sculpture weaving workshop

"It was really good to be able to learn the basics of wicker sculpture from such an expert and be able to finish a heron on the day of the course. It was quite an intense day, as we needed to work quickly to get through each stage. That wasn’t always easy for those of us with no previous experience of using wicker. It might be a good idea to extend the session, even by half an hour, to make sure there is enough time for breaks. "

Wyldwood Willow | 🧺 Learn Basketry, Coffin Making, Sculptures & More! responded:

"Thanks for coming along and leaving a review Rachel. You wove a lovely heron along with the 10 other people on the course who all finished their chosen willow creation too. Sculpture weaving is quite an intense activity especially when weaving a project in one day. We had 3 breaks in total and I work at the natural pace of the group to manage the different projects. I was quite surprised that everyone was finishing up just before 4oclock which is unusual as this workshop tends to run on a bit usually and I am always flexible with the time as there is usually someone needing a bit longer, but on this occasion that was the natural conclusion and it just demonstrates how you all listened and then carried out my instructions with a good level of understanding from start to finish. The level of accomplishment was high considering none of you had woven much before and I for one was very pleased with how the day went and all of your outcomes."

Anthony Illingworth reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"My husband did this course on 20/04/24 and thoroughly enjoyed it. He says it was hard work and very intensive but very enjoyable and worthwhile. He made a beautiful decorative poker of which he is very proud, and rightly so. He says the 2 people running the course were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them. Five stars all round!"

Jane Rocky reviewed: Large rug making tufting workshop - Beginners

"Excellent course, great fun and very well run"

Maureen Grant reviewed: Modern Calligraphy (1 day) in the Peak District

"My daughter Joanna and I had a wonderful day on our modern calligraphy course. Allie, our tutor, was excellent - she explained everything simply and it was easy to understand. We learned so much and are eager to put it into practice. Our hosts were a delight. Beautiful surroundings and lovely home cooked lunch and delicious cake in the afternoon. Can’t wait to arrange another course. "

Dianna reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Fantastic Day - I learnt a lot. Scott was extremely informative and I would recommend to those who want an insight into Resin work."

Rachel and Charlie reviewed: Woodcarving weekend with experienced teacher, all levels of experience welcome

"This was an excellent course, Almut is very knowledgeable as well as being a lovely person keen to share the magic of wood carving! I had very little experience with working with wood and my partner is a carpenter but she catered for both our abilities, would definitely recommend!"

Claire reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Fantastic experience. Information and instructions given were very helpful. It was a delightful course and Pat's experience and pleasant personality made for a successful afternoon, bearing several good results. Would fully recommend. Thank you"

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you Claire, I am so glad you had a good time. Pat."

Karen reviewed: Upholstery classes in Norwich

"As a complete novice I thOroughly enjoyed the day. Lee was very busy, spreading herself around the group making sure everyone knew what their next task was. All the tools and materials free to use. Definitely would recommend the day. "

Finch and Toad responded:

"Hi Karen Thank you for your lovely positive review. Much appreciated. Kind Regards Lee"

Linda reviewed: Introduction to green woodwork course at Sallerton Wood

"I did the Introduction to Green Woodworking course and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in working with green wood, or if you just love wood like I do! I was gifted it and I am so glad 😊. Andy was the tutor and he is lovely, so patient and so interesting to listen to. And he provided a very nice lunch!! It was a fantastic day learning how to use all the different tools and then producing something pretty decent! And all this in beautiful surroundings. I'm now looking at doing another course there. Thank you Andy! "

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Linda, for that really positive review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, and are looking at joining us for another course. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood."

Phill reviewed: Introduction to Metalwork & Welding - for 1 or 2 People

"I wanted to learn more about metal work and have a go on a few tools before getting myself setup at home. Phillip is a great teacher, patient and very knowledgeable and gave me lots of hints and tips about the best way to get started at home. Plasma cutting, welding, working with the forge, angle cutting and grinding. I even made a start on my dream project - a weathervane. I would highly recommend! "

Philip Melling Sculpture, Art & Design responded:

"Hi Phill, Thanks so much for your kind review - it was a pleasure having you in the workshop. Good luck setting up your workspace and feel free to get in touch if you need any advice on anything! Philip"

Lennie reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I felt like an old fossil with a gammy back and right elbow. I did not know how to cope with the pain, the posture or manipulate my tools. Every step of the way I was supported by Geraint and now I have a lovely ammonite. It could be more shapely and mature... but think of its potential for development. While I primarily focused on sustaining the stamina for my own project, it was just great being among others, watching and appreciating all their achievements."