Latest reviews

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"

Mandy da Silva reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Great session, loads of very good and useful information given in a very clear fun way . Easily understandable. Lovely free samples too. Well worth the money."

Learn Sourdough responded:

"It was a pleasure meeting you. I'm delighted you enjoyed the event so much. Thank you for taking the time to review it. I look forward to seeing you again at future Learn Sourdough events. Sincerely, Sharon"

Angela Corbet reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"I've just done Sharon's "Let's Start! Mastering Sourdough Starters" session & can highly recommend it if, like me, you've had umpteen unsuccessful attempts at raising your own consistent & well-behaved "fridge pet" of the sourdough variety. She demystifies the whole process & explains the science behind it. You get to start your very own starter, and learn how to raise it, care for it, store it and revive it to peak activity when you need it. There are copious notes to take home, though it's worth also making your own as ideas & questions pop up. (Plus some very worthwhile vouchers for local & online shops and a dough scraper too.) Not to mention trying out her very excellent bread with a variety of intriguing toppings! All in all, a very interesting & worthwhile session."

Learn Sourdough responded:

"I know you're going great guns with making sourdough bread since coming onto 'Let's Start!' I'm really delighted for you. Thank you for your terrific review. It will surely inspire other 'sourdoughers' to book. Sincerely, Sharon"

Jane Planner reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Stuart and myself had a great time. Your talk was so interesting and has rekindled my interest in both sourdough and fermented foods. You are an excellent speaker."

Learn Sourdough responded:

"I'm flattered by your kind comment. Thank you. I'm delighted that you've rediscovered the wonderful and delicious world of fermentation. Sincerely, Sharon"

Rebecca Jacques reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Attended Sharon’s sourdough workshop today which not only comprehensively explained the process of making a sourdough starter (and walking away with my own) but also spoke about the gut microbiome. This included the opportunity to sample really yummy sourdough bread with lots of local spreads and oils as well as an amazing homemade probiotic spread. Really fab, enjoyable and informative few hours. Highly recommend!"

Learn Sourdough responded:

"Thank you Rebecca for your exciting review. The gut microbiome and real sourdough bread go hand in hand. I'm truly delighted you enjoyed my event so much. I know you've booked onto one of my other events. Thank you. I look forward to sharing more of my expertise with you and helping you progress smoothly on your sourdough journey. Sincerely, Sharon"

Celia Irving reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Great! Having done Sharon’s, ‘Sourdough Extravaganza’ my appetite was whetted for more information about the starter – and this course provided it in spades! A wealth of information, entertainingly presented, with lots of hands-on experience. Highly recommended!"

Learn Sourdough responded:

"Thank you for your splendid review. It gives me a lot of pleasure and satisfaction to read how much you are enjoying my sourdough events. I'm looking forward to hosting a private sourdough event for you in the new year. Thank you sincerely for booking with Learn Sourdough, Sharon"

Paul & Carmen Nash reviewed: Let's start! Mastering sourdough the starters

"Very interesting. Sharon outlined the details of starters for sourdough in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. A really excellent course. We can recommend thoroughly."

Learn Sourdough responded:

"Thank you for your splendid review. It was a pleasure meeting you both. Thank you again for coming all the way from Shropshire to Dorset especially for my event. I'm bowled over! I look forward to meeting you both again at another Learn Sourdough event. Sincerely, Sharon"

Alison Shardlow reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"I went to Karen’s wreath workshop with my mum and a friend – and what a morning it was! The choice of different greenery and other things meant that everyone could create something that was really personal. With Karen’s guidance and support the challenge of moulding the willow was quickly overcome by all three of us. The result was a beautiful decoration for my door which brought many comments – as well as disbelief that I had made it myself! Thank you Karen"

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thanks Alison. You're right about the personal touch-no two wreaths are the same."

Martin Gard reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks for a great day of tuition at your workshop. The pewter lidded box looks wonderful in my display cabinet. More important to me was the help you gave me to unlearn many of the bad habits I have developed over the years. I am practicing every day the things you have taught me until they become second nature. Thank Sue for the wonderful lunch, the soup was fantastic."

Serena James reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I’d booked a one day course as a birthday present for my partner (something we could do together) based on all the positive and amazing reviews - we were not disappointed. Despite our late arrival (multiple train issues), we were still able to produce 6 practical and usable dishes each, which I think is a true testament to Matthew’s teaching skills. This is a fantastic course to do as you really learn to appreciate the level of skill required to master a truly beautiful craft. We thoroughly enjoyed our time on the course and can’t wait to receive and use our handcrafted dishes. I highly recommend this course with Matthew; he’s a fantastic teacher and I will definitely book again for another session."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Serena and Sandro, It was a pleasure to teach both of you and see you both progress throughout the day. Your pots are now drying ready to be fired and glazed. It would be a pleasure to have you both back on the course again in the future. Best wishes Mathew"

Danial Farahabadi reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day, one to one blacksmith course with Alex which was a present from my fiancée. This was my first ever time blacksmithing and I made myself a dragons head door knocker which will be going on the front door of my house. I would like to say thank you so much to Alex for all his help and direction. He is an amazing teacher and an extremely talented blacksmith! I had such an amazing time, and blacksmithing is definitely something I would love to do again!"

Danial Farahabad reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day, one to one blacksmith course with Alex which was a present from my fiancée. This was my first ever time blacksmithing and I made myself a dragons head door knocker which will be going on the front door of my house. I would like to say thank you so much to Alex for all his help and direction. He is an amazing teacher and an extremely talented blacksmith! I had such an amazing time, and blacksmithing is definitely something I would love to do again!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Danial, thanks for the great review, it's much appreciated. Glad to hear you'd do it again. Many thanks Alex"

Madeleine Chandler reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I had a really enjoyable morning making silver clay jewellery with Claire. The course began with Claire explaining all about silver clay, showing some examples and suggesting ideas. Claire then demonstrated the techniques needed before I started on my own project. The time went so quickly and the atmosphere was relaxed. I went away brimming with ideas for my next project, so I will be back! Many thanks."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thanks Madeleine! Looking forward to see what you make in the future!"

Ed Livingstone reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had an excellent time on the course. I'm very happy with the bowl I made and George made every effort to make sure that I knew how to use the tools and machinery safely and efficiently. I felt very welcome and had a great day, would definitely recommend that course to anyone who wanted to try their hand at woodturning."

Lucy Wickett reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Myself and best friend Liz had the best afternoon, celebrating our 30th birthdays, creating one off bangles. Would definitely recommend this experience to everyone. Beautiful surroundings: fire on, drinking tea, eating cake - the hours flew by! Would do it again!"

Liz Hunt reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We have had a wonderful day aboard the silver jewellery boat. Such a well thought out day learning lots of different techniques to make our final bangle! Lovely company and cake too! Highly recommended. Thank you Jonathan."

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. The instructions were very clear and we had good fun. Pleased with my finished product. Thanks."

Maciej Blazuk reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"I came from Coventry as an absolutel beginner but Laura's classes was 100% worth it. I didn't even know if I liked watercolour painting but after this amazing experience I have fallen in love! Laura's studio is the most inspiring place I have ever been. She is a brilliant teacher with amazing attitude. During the course Laura is always willing to give you a lot of tips and attention. I am already planning to book another class in the future. Honestly I can recommend to everybody!"

Nadia reviewed: Springtime painting

"I really enjoyed learning a new skill in a lovely relaxing environment. It was easy to follow and we all produced a lovely work of art. Thank you."

Karen reviewed: Springtime painting

"It's been a great evening. Very calming and Chrissie was so welcoming and friendly. I will definitely be back for more painting evenings. Thank you!"

Vanessa Thompson reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"We attended this course on Sunday, and didn't really know what to expect. Its safe to say that it exceeded all our expectations. Nic and Ben delivered a fun and informative course. Nic brilliantly explained the science behind soap making, which was fascinating and then they both led us through the process step by step, giving all of the group equal attention and guidance. Cannot recommend highly enough, we cant wait to go back."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Ness, Thanks so much for the lovely review! It was a pleasure to have you all and hope you enjoy using your soaps once they are cured. We'd love to have you back soon! Nic"

John Forbes reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"It's difficult to know what to say without repeating all the other reviewers! As someone who is relatively unartistic (but married to an artist), I had thought of woodcarving as being more woodwork then art. However, I learned from my day with Gareth that woodcarving is very definitely art! Gareth emphasised form and movement and freedom and composition as well as teaching the hand skills necessary to create a beautiful piece of wooden art. I thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill and being coaxed and encouraged to engage the left side of my brain. Gareth is quite unique; he thinks for himself and expresses himself beautifully through his work and through his word. Through conversation, we touched on a number of fascinating subjects which were outside my normal 'field of vision' but were complementary to art in its widest form. I especially admired some of his work which was on display - from full-size life drawings to stone sculpting. I also liked and admired his beautiful bespoke furniture; he is a craftsman and artist of the highest order. Thank you, Gareth for a fascinating day."

Daniel Morriss reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Brilliant day! I got this for my girlfriend for Christmas last year and it far exceeded our expectations. Ian was very accommodating when I contacted him to arrange the course with quick and informative responses. Ian was mega friendly and put us at ease as soon as we arrived, he is very genuine and likeable. He is incredibly knowledge and was always excited to answer any questions we had, we came away with a solid foundation on green carpentry as well as some beautiful stools that will last us a lifetime. Super chilled atmosphere throughout the day and I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a fun day working with your hands."

Melina reviewed: Botanical Contact [“Eco”] Printing: An Introduction

"Excellent course with a very friendly instructor with years of experience who is so happy to share her knowledge with each participant. Great fun too! I love my new scarf--and sharing the story of how I made it."

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Thank you Melina. It was a real pleasure to work with you, and see how you brought your own artistic practice to bear on the workshop and the creation of your glorious scarf. Best wishes Maggie ?"