Latest reviews

Jane cantlon reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"I attended a wreath workshop a couple of years ago. What fun it was and how much did i learn !! Helen cheerily demonstrated her considerable horticultural knowledge and expertise ably assisted by husband marc. The range of resources was enormous enabling maximum creativity and experimentation. Wonderful festive atmosphere and much excitement about the magnificence of the final result. We were also treated to homemade mince pies and hot drinks. Just a brilliant way to get ready for the festive season while learning or developing new skills highly highly recommended."

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thank you Jane for a wonderful review. It's always good to have you along if you can make it. Look out for spoon carving again next year."

Rachael Turbatu reviewed: Introduction to Kintsugi

"Absolutely every aspect of the day was wonderful. The course surpassed my expectations in every way. As someone who is not at all artistic, Pippa's teaching style and meticulous attention to detail in the preparation of resources ensured that I felt really delighted with the art work I produced. The pace of the day was just right and the amazing cakes provided as part of the experience were above and beyond what I think any of us expected. I have come home feeling thoroughly uplifted and inspired. Thank you!"

Nyree O’Brien reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"My friend and I went along to our first workshop, not really knowing what to expect. It was such a lovely workshop and having the opportunity to make the wreath as well as decorate it was an absolute bonus. The workshop was a lovely calm relaxing evening full of being festive without the crowds and loud music. It was an wonderful treat!"

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thank you Nyree-we like to keep it calm & relaxing. I'm glad you can bring your daughter along this year."

Paul Bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just a note to say a huge ‘thank you’ for yet another great day turning with George in Burnham on Sea last Friday. As ever his instruction was patient and informative and I came away with my turning skills refreshed and revitalized with the added bonus of a lidded pot with pewter medallion of which I am very proud. With George's brilliant instruction and Sue’s excellent catering the day feels like a mini holiday for me where I can forget any other issues and fully enjoy the day."

Margaret reviewed: Spinner rings and bangles workshop

"It’s always a special treat and great fun to attend one of Jo’s workshops, especially as we try and go as a group. Jo is very patient with us, explaining every step carefully. I was so pleased with my bangle, my latest achievement!"

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for coming on another workshop Margaret! Your bracelet was lovely."

Laura Mella reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended the one day traditional stained glass workshop with Kate, and it was fantastic! Kate explained all the techniques really clearly and was patient and helpful with all the students. I really enjoyed the day and am very pleased with the panel I made. I hope to be back again soon!"

Stuart Main reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Really informative and thoroughly enjoyable practical day with Jake’s easy-going, friendly and reassuring guidance. So absorbing that the day disappeared all too quickly and would not hesitate to go again sometime and recommend to anyone else too."

Justina reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"I have now attended 2 different workshops at Make for Home. I only had a little experience of sewing previously, but Janet has taught me how to make my own curtains and roman blinds. I thoroughly enjoyed my days spent with Janet and would really recommend her classes. She is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable and willing to share all her knowledge. Her home-made lunch was also delicious. Thanks Janet"

Nick Hiltunen reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"5 star recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ollie is a great tutor, he is extremely knowledgeable & patient. I enrolled on one of Ollie's French polishing courses. Extremely glad I did as I have now come away with the skills and confidence to strip and refinish wooden furniture to a high standard. Highly recommended, thanks Ollie ?"

Julie Depledge reviewed: Weave your own shopping basket with Hilary Burns

"An excellent, inspiring 2 day introduction to basket weaving. Hilary is an experienced teacher and her expertise in terms of skills and her wide knowledge made it possible to achieve a basket that I'm very proud of, in fact my husband refused to believe I'd made it myself! The preparation for the course was thorough. All materials were generously provided and necessary tools available. The number of participants meant that instruction was never far away. Hilary also provided handouts with additional information and her knowledge of local and international networks will be helpful as I begin to find out more about growing willow and making things."

Sharon Greene reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"I've been to a number of Helen's workshops now and always have a great time. There are lots of beautiful materials to choose from, all from our local area, and plenty of help for beginners or those lacking inspiration! The willow wreaths survive the winter and can be used again and again, but I enjoy the workshops so much I go back every year with a group of friends for the fun, excellent mince pies and coffee. I thoroughly recommend them."

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Always good to see you & your chums Sharon."

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

"My friend and I had a brilliant time at the silver leaf jewellery making day with Sara. Sara took us through the techniques to make a beautiful leaf pendant each, which we are wearing with pride. Sara made it very interesting, fun and safe."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Thanks so much for taking the time to write a review Deb, it was lovely to meet you both and I really enjoyed the day as well - you both made a lovely pendant. Hoping to see you again sometime. Sara"

Ruth Middleton reviewed: Rag rug/rag wreath making day in North Herefordshire

"Great course very inspirational"

Isobel reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"Helen's workshop's are a real treat. Spending the day with friends and making new friends whilst creating a beautiful, unique wreath. A lovely day spent"

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thanks Isobel-would be great to see you again!"

Ron Irving reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Another cracking day with Adrian and Andy at the forge. Bit more tricky and a lot more hammer work than the other courses but made a pretty good set of tongs, a punch and a drift. Learned some more techniques as well. As ever the hospitality and food were spot on. Roll on the two day design and make course!"

Diane Cross reviewed: Introduction to felting techniques with Gill Baxter

"Had a lovely enjoyable day at GillyGetsCrafty work Shop Class, Wet Felting. Very Friendly and professional . would love to do more courses in the future. Diane Cross"

Claire reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I did the two day course this last weekend and it was fantastic. I was a bit apprehensive beforehand, having done various crafty things before but never trying jewellery making so wasn't really sure what to expect, or if I'd be able to come away having made anything I'd be able to wear. I need not have worried as the course was fantastic - Jonathan clearly knows his craft inside out and is a lovely friendly, supportive tutor. We covered everything I felt I needed as a complete beginner, from what kit would be useful to start out at home to different materials, thinking about designs and even having a nosy at some beautiful gemstones. Refreshments were provided over both days, with no issues catering for me as a picky vegan type. I've come away with a couple of lovely pieces which I've already been wearing and making everyone admire, along with enough knowledge to feel like this is something I could start to try myself at home. Fully intending on booking in for another session in the not too distant future and would highly recommend this course to anyone interested."

Lucy Thiara reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I really enjoyed the two day jewellery course I had with Jonathan. He was very knowledgable and approachable. I came away with enough information to start making silver jewellery at home, and a helpful list of tools needed. Lovely homemade lunches and biscuits were also provided by his partner in their home which was a nice touch. I’d like to book another course with Jonathan in the near future for sure!"

Jaki Summerfield reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My 17yr old son had the best time on the half day course. It was everything he hoped it would be, the instructor (Bob) was so friendly, he made the experience so enjoyable. My son came home with a piece of ironwork that looked so professional, something we'll have many years of use. He'll definitely be returning for further education."

Ann Sutherland reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"I attended a workshop as part of a family group with ages ranging from 13-75. We all had a great time, made some unique pieces of jewellery, and would recommend this workshop to anyone. Lynn was fantastic, arranging everything for us and welcoming us into her home. Anna is a brilliant teacher, keeping things relaxed but informative, and we really appreciated her rushing back from Glasgow to run the workshop for us! The location is great, too. It's a very easy 5-10 minute walk from Waverley. Can't wait to go back and learn more!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Ann! We were delighted to welcome you and your lovely family to The Arienas Collective: it's always special to see different generations getting creative together. What a fabulous range of silver clay jewellery designs you all designed! Anna and I are so glad you all enjoyed the workshop and were happy with the unique jewellery you made. Well done to everyone, and we hope to welcome you back here very soon. Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

John Bennett reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"I had a wonderful Sunday at this course, we all enjoyed making sun catchers. Very relaxing, satisfying and creative day."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thanks for your lovely feedback John You are an absolute star :-)"

Luke Abbott reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I attended Lucy’s stone carving course at the end of September of this year-and found as usual the course highly relevant and progressive. As I begin to understand how stone masonry and carving works, Lucy’s skills in coaching seem to know no bounds as she coaches from the inside of the processes demonstrating her immense know how and experiences which of course are infectious. The comradery over the weekend with other members of the workshop was absolutely uplifting too as were the wonderful array of meals we enjoyed over the 3 days together. I have now attended 4 of the weekends with Lucy in an effort to gain deeper skills in the art of working in stone as well as the craft of the mason. Lucy is just a brilliant teacher and coach who knows for each of us the next steps in increasing our skill set. Ever patient and forgiving too! I will continue to attend in the future as I know I will be able to increase my skills under her master’s eye. It is also highly relevant for us on the workshop that examples in the studio made by Lucy are true works of art and incredibly inspiring. I cannot recommend her course highly enough to anyone who has an interest and passion for working out how to make stone blocks breath life and meaning."

Deborah Lea reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"Fabulous course with lovely trainer. Plenty of choice of resources so could put our own style. Really relaxed atmosphere and everyone in my group came away with a beautiful wreath."

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thanks Deborah-your group always produces original work!"

Andrea Bennett reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Have been making sourdough every other week after the confidence your demonstration gave me!"

Learn Sourdough responded:

"I'm delighted you're fired up. Thank you for your review. I look forward to seeing you again at other Learn Sourdough events."

Philip and Elen reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Many thanks to Sharon for a wonderful Saturday morning sourdough masterclass, it was a great way to learn the art of sourdough, with a totally enthusiastic and committed teacher. There was also the benefit of a friendly team of fellow participants, keen to help and exchange ideas, while tasting the fresh made sourdough. We have progressed from little idea of sourdough, to going away with so much knowledge and very keen to actually make sourdough products with the starter ingredients supplied."

Learn Sourdough responded:

"It was a pleasure meeting you both. Thank you for your outstanding review. I'm thrilled that you enjoyed the event. It was a lot of fun wasn't it. I look forward to seeing you both again at another Learn Sourdough event. Sincerely, Sharon"