Latest reviews

Freda Sellars reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"A perfect venue for a relaxing day making a hare. Needle felting is a new skill to me but Louise guided us through all of the different techniques required with ease. Thanks for a wonderful day."

Carol Bain reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"I have been to two of Lara’s workshops and enjoyed every minute, could have stayed all day! Lara is an excellent tutor, I am very much looking forward to attending another course soon. Screen printing is a magical process, the possibilities are endless. The studio is welcoming, bright and inspirational, a fantastic opportunity to take some timeout, meet like minded people and let your creative side flow. All materials are included, no need to bring anything, but your willingness to learn something new. I have so far created a design for a tote bag and a tea towel. Thank you Lara."

Louise reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Great teacher, lovely to talk to and very knowledgeable. This was my first time doing pottery and after one lesson I want to do more"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your review, I'm delighted you enjoyed your pottery experience. Best wishes, Louise"

Fiona McNamara reviewed: Dry stone walling course Lancashire/Yorkshire/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/North West

"I recently attended the course with my 22 year old son and I can honestly say (despite a storm coming through on one day!) that it was extremely rewarding and there was never a dull moment. The level and detail of the teaching was top notch and I feel that I am able to tackle my own project with confidence and gusto. A very positive and fulfilling experience."

Dog with a Bone responded:

"Fiona was hard working, determined and also had some good ideas of how to lay out stones prioer to putting them on the wall. Fantastic student, a real grafter and her son was good too - a great team."

Andy Halsey reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"A great one day introduction to french polishing, all hands on and working at my own pace, with guidance from a very knowledgeable tutor. Everything was explained as I went along and at the end of the day I finished the piece I had taken with me to a very good standard."

Nichola McKay reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I completed Kerry’s Business Candle Making workshop a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. The 1:1 session was perfect and allowed for time to go through my pre-prepared questions. Kerry has a lovely honest approach and the course content is perfect for those who wish to start a business. Good notes, delicious cake and tea are a bonus! Thanks Kerry!"

Simon Hill reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"What an incredible day! Very happy with my first sycamore bowl. Looking forward to returning to see Joe again"

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Thankyou Simon, it was great to meeting you."

James Priest reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"I had one of the best days for a long time working with Julian. I haven't done much metal work since school days 40 odd years ago, but I've always had an urge to revisit it. In my view Julian is a great teacher with the right balance of explanation, teaching by example and letting you get hands on. We discussed a project in the morning, over mugs of tea, that would be challenging but achievable in the day. Julian's mix of technical experience and artistic flair with a real practical and down to earth approach was wonderful and led, not only to achieving something I'm proud of, but to a great days conversation and something I'll remember for a long time. A thoroughly engrossing day, that I'll be keen to follow up on! Many thanks for welcoming me into your workshop Julian!"

Rachel Davies reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I had an absolutely lovely morning on Clare's really great little course. Clare is an excellent teacher - really creative with lots of advice and ideas, I would definitely recommend her courses. Very relaxed atmosphere in Clare's little garage studio - with tea and biscuits too! The time went so fast, but Clare made sure we timed everything and ended with lovely prints. I've enjoyed it so much that I've booked to take my sister now for her 50th birthday and my Mum in law for her 80th. You don't need to be able to draw, just enjoy being creative."

Lyndsey Addison reviewed: Fused Glass - Taster

"Enjoyable couple of hours making 2 coasters. Julie is extremely helpful and a great teacher. I have booked further sessions as I enjoyed so much."

Bex Silvester reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"A wonderful introduction to throwing a pot! The setting is easy to find, lots of parking and beautiful inside. It's a light and airy studio with excellent facilities. Jack has a fantastic teaching style and is obviously a very skilled potter. He took great care to explain the process and then was always on hand, with tremendous encouragement and calmness, to help when required. It is also great value for £50, with my three little pots sent on to me after firing for a small p&p fee. I really enjoyed this taster morning and would actively encourage anyone who fancies having a go to book with Jack. I only wish I lived closer, I'd join a ten week course in a flash! Bex x"

melanie a rampeearee reviewed: Beginner's spinning

"Booked into Cathy's spinning workshop on this site. Was in a lovely venue in Crosby, Liverpool. It's very handy that Cathy is running these workshops locally. Had a brilliant fun day, Cathy and her mum Jean were lovely, very friendly and patient with us all. It was a small class which made it possible for Cathy to spend time with each one of us to assist. I enjoyed the class so much I decided to continue spinning and I purchased a wheel. Since the first workshop over a year ago Cathy has helped me with spinning troubleshooting and her wealth of knowledge has helped me to progress and tweak my spinning, thus making me more confident with my spinning. Definitely recommend Cathy's workshops."

Lazykate Textiles responded:

"Thanks Mel, We enjoyed getting to know you and your mum, the day was great. Thanks for leaving such a nice review, i really appreciate it."

Dave Duggan reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"This was my first attempt at stone carving and I was very pleased with the way the course worked. Short introduction to fellow course members and tools by Sebastian then right into having a go. Sebastian is very helpful with advice on how to progress with our various ideas of what we wanted to make. I have been inspired to have a go at home Facilities are simple and working in the outdoors on a lovely sunny weekend was ideal. Indoor facilities are available if the weather's not so good. Great - thank you Sebastian"

Richard Newell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"We had a really great week at the Hewnwood course. Alan and his family could not have been more generous with their time, knowledge and hospitality. The course was really well run with Alan, Connor and Sid at pains for us to gain competence and to understand each step of the process. Mary’s food was wonderful, the campfire and music afterwards very special... I’m truly grateful and looking forward to the advanced course."

Joanna reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"There were five of us on the one day pottery and glass course. We split into two groups: my sister-in-law and I spent the morning with Sarah, who introduced us to the art of glass fusing, whilst the others tried their hand at the potter’s wheel with Chris. We broke the day with Sarah’s delicious homemade lunch then swapped workshops in the afternoon. Despite the fact we were all novices, we were thrilled with our creations and came away with an array of goodies from decorated pots to Christmas tree decorations, and lots more besides. The sessions were well-organised, informative and good fun. Chris and Sarah’s expertise and enthusiasm for their work was clear. I highly recommend both workshops to anyone who would like to try a new skill, develop existing skills further or simply recharge their batteries by doing something mindful and completely different. I can’t wait to come back ..."

Marion Warriner reviewed: Make an arts and crafts copper clock with Bryony Knox

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course, throughout the week Bryony was encouraging and patient, always able to give pointers to improve your skills or overcome any problems. The small class size enabled Bryony to give individual attention when required and as she is an extremely knowledgeable tutor it made for a relaxed but very informative atmosphere. The course is full-on but with everything required being supplied from tools and materials to encouragement and excellent tuition it is well worth the effort and at the end of it you have a one-of-a-kind clock to show for your efforts."

Sarah Thorp reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"The workshop was a wonderful way to enjoy a creative morning. I had never worked with silver clay before, and I was thrilled to bits with the earrings and three silver heart pendants that I made. Tuuli was an excellent teacher - very patient and extremely encouraging. I loved the way all the equipment was so neatly organised and ready for course participants to use (including a huge choice of really beautiful and intricate little moulds). I also enjoyed using a blow torch and watching the transformation of the silver clay. I have already recommended Tuuli's courses to my friends! Thank you, Tuuli. I look forward to attending another of your courses in future. Sarah Thorp"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for your review - I'm so glad you enioyed the workshop!"

Ursula Hope reviewed: Mosaic art day course at Ruby Button Studio Norfolk

"My daughters gave me a voucher for this course for Mother's Day. What a lovely gift it turned out to be, as I really enjoyed my day with Lynn and Sophie. They were very helpful and encouraging so that I came away with a lovely mosaic, having had a good day and a superb lunch. Ursula Hope"

Dawn Gillott reviewed: Creative Spring /Christmas Gift Wrapping Workshop with Lunch

"Super day at Wortley Hall, Jo was very informative and her demos were very good and easy to follow giving 1:1 support if required. I must admit I arrived feeling a little sceptical and I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the day learning new wrapping skills. Breakfast and afternoon tea was lovely too. Thoroughly enjoyed the day with a group of lovely ladies."

Sue Waddell reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I absolutely loved this introduction to loom weaving (a birthday ? from a friend, who joined me for the session a couple of weekends ago). Rebecca had already set the loom up and my sample piece was great - can’t believe we were each able to produce a usable piece of cloth in such a short session, playing about with all six weave structures. Today I tackled the wet finish process. Thank you Rebecca!"

Alex Raymond reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"My partner and I did the private pottery throwing lesson and would 10 out of 10 recommend. Jack is incredibly hands on, patient and his style of teaching is really easy to follow. The only downside is that it went too quickly! We could have happily spent all day in the studio. Having said that we’re both so happy to have left with 3 pots each that we love which is only thanks to Jack. Will definitely be returning to do the 10 week course."

Pauine Parry reviewed: Needle felt workshop

"I had a magical time felting at Mount Pleasant, only two of us that particular day so we made a slightly larger hare, great to see its form appearing as we continued to felt the lovely wool. Louise was very patient, and with the garden around us it made for a relaxing day while learning a new skill. Many thanks for a great day."

Oliver Ward reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"I joined John, Alex and small but mighty Henry for the two-day chef knife making course in May 2019. We were lucky to be a very small class of two but that didn't affect the warm and very enthusiastic welcome from the forge. After a cuppa we set to work forging an attractive iron fire poker to get a feel for the process. Another cuppa in and we were presented with two very rough templates cut from a strip of leaf spring steel salvaged from junkyard. We beat this into shape heating and beating the metal slowly drawing out the edge like you would with pastry. We were shown what colour to heat the metal to and to watch for sparks, suggesting you have burnt the iron because you were too distracted watching the others create bespoke pieces for clients! Once the rough edge is formed we allowed the metal to anneal by bringing it up to temperature then allowing it to cool slowly. Next we sketched out the knife profile we were trying to achieve and grinded down to the rough shape using this stage to create the primary bevel. After a hefty pub lunch we then worked on achieving the secondary bevel before filing and sanding the edges, hardening the edge by quenching it in oil once past the magnetic point. John kindly took the blades to bake in the oven for two hours and slow cool. The next morning we set to work on our handles, choosing our hardwood and forming the shape which proved tricky when trying to align the tang inside. Once finely sanded and oiled we went through the final process of sharpening, finishing the knife and testing the sharpness with the customary slice through paper. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend; John and guys really instil the excitement of forging and have a wealth of knowledge with years of experience. This is a working forge with teaching on the side which in my view is far better than trying to churn out large classes for profit. I also think my knife speaks for itself with multiple friends asking where I did it and how they can sign up! Thank you John, Alex and Henry for a great weekend :)"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Oliver thanks for taking the time to send such a comprehensive review, I am sure this will help others to understand the amount of work you guys put in over the two days you are with us and the great time we all have both tutors and trainees. I am pleased that your friends were impressed as well as all the work produced was of a quality that made our time teaching all the more rewarding for us as well. As promised I will let you know about the ore smelting we have planned once we have it in the diary. best wishes John"

Sofia Fallon reviewed: Regular ceramic & glazing tuition and pottery wheel workshops Shetland

"Came with my friends as a pre wedding treat and it certainly was that! Lovely, creative, relaxing workshop in beautiful Haworth. Sonje was a great workshop leader and made us very welcome with cups of tea and cakes! Highly recommended for a friends or family get-together - excellent choice of a gift also!"

Werxzovart responded:

"Hiya Sofia, It was lovely to meet all five of you for the pre wedding get together and I am really pleased you had a great time! And thank you for the thoughtful review of the session, indeed they do make wonderful and unique gift packages. I think you all did great with learning some skill on the wheel and hand building and I look forward to getting everything out of the kiln to show you. Hope the wedding goes well! Sonje"

Matt reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Although feeling a bit apprehensive about this course at first I realised when I got there I couldn't have been more wrong. Alan and his family really make you feel as though you are family yourself and teach you their amazing craft in an awesome environment. The combination of knowledge, life lessons, food and friends made the 2 weeks probably the best 2 week holiday I have ever had, especially when Alan taught me to waltz! Don't be put off and just book it, you won't regret it!"