Latest reviews

LESLEY WILLS reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Yet another excellent day at the wheel with Mathew; he constantly encourages me in developing new and exciting skills. Who would have imagined that I could create storage jars, plus lids; even the ones that collapsed!!! Thank You Mathew"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lesley, Thank you for the taking the time to leave a review. It is great to see your skills continually develop on the wheel and just how much you have achieved over the past year. I look forward to seeing you again in July. Best wishes Mat"

Helen Brent-Smith reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"I had a great week on this course, and can thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in working with wood. The workshop is lovely, equipped with all we needed, and the woods are a stunning setting. Ben is an excellent tutor - the course is well planned and structured and though it's a lot to fit into a week Ben ensured that we all did it and we were really pleased with our chairs. Ben was good at teaching all the many new skills involved, he was calm and patient and very encouraging and was skilled at keeping an eye on everyone and knowing when help was needed. Can't recommend it enough!"

Tony Rimmer reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"With next-to-no prior experience, did a one-day workshop yesterday with Lucy to turn a plain strip of silver into a textured anticlastic cuff bangle which has delighted my wife. Lucy is a hugely skilled, knowledgeable and patient teacher with a well-equipped studio. Altogether a fulfilling day with added incidental birdwatching for extra enjoyment!"

Matt reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking - make a stool or small table

"What a weekend! A superb two days learning, crafting and finishing a unique piece of furniture (which you can actually sit on!). Bob and Steve were note only personable and approachable, but had a sense of humour and an obvious enthusiasm for what the weekend held. A superb spread was put on for lunch both days, as well as having a biccie tin to hand should anyone need a little something! Hugely recommended, great chaps, great company was had with likeminded people, I am confident that any Turning Hare woodcraft course would be a present like no other - so treat a loved one, or yourself! You won't regret it."

Tessa Bond reviewed: Woodwork courses - beginner - make a serving tray

"I really enjoyed the course & making the tray. It was fun, informative, informal and educational. Will do a few more for sure!"

Les Gale reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George for an interesting experience day and also to Sue for providing the food and drink throughout the day, also many thanks for picking me up from the campsite. After the necessary health and safety instruction you gave enough theory and demonstrated the techniques at each stage of producing a bowl. After practice, and your patience, my holding of the wood gouge was then removing wood successfully. By the end of the day I had produced a bowl that I and my wife are very pleased with, the addition of the texture and colour as well as the shape make it a nice feature piece. Thanks again for an inspiring and interesting day."

Anya Hollis reviewed: Beginners DIY day course archive

"Had a super day and learnt a great deal! Nice small group, relaxed atmosphere and you can ask anything - no question is too small or too daft! I took my own drill on the course which was great to find out how it really should be used! Have been tackling DIY jobs for years using my instinct, but can now do them confidently and correctly. Spent the next morning sorting my screws (who knew about Pozi head screws - that's why the Phillips screw drivers always slipped!!) and then drilled the front wall of house to hang a new house number - great job, though I say it myself! Definitely recommend this course."

Bee Griffiths reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Very enjoyable day spent having fun and learning something new."

Tosin Ogunseyinde reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"The candle making class was amazing. A great and informative session with practical application. Thank you so much Paula for a good time! I’d recommend this course to everyone!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Was lovely to meet you. I am glad you had a great time. Thank you! Paula"

Paul Bassett reviewed: Two person Rose making workshop - blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Brilliant course! Jake is a superb teacher who inspires confidence and provides enough gentle encouragement for students to be enthusiastic to want to attempt tackling some challenging activities. He is equally happy at letting capable students just get on with it but also recognises when to step in where necessary and carefully guide students onto the correct technique. Jake's principal objective seems to be that students should complete the course confident that the work produced is substantially from their own efforts and skills. Jake has a great sense of humour and also an abundance of patience. Spacious and well-equipped workplace in a lovely part of the country. Having done previous blacksmithing courses we felt that this would be a hard task to complete but Jake's advice, support and guidance made it a breeze! We will be going back to make more flowers in the future."

JePy reviewed: Modern Macrame - residential workshops

"Modern macrame 2 day course with Isabella was OK. Isabella was fabulous, friendly and a good teacher, but the name of the course was misleading "Modern" eluded that we would learn something different than the basic macrame knots and there is nothing 'modern' about a plant hanger or wall hanging. The venue was great, super, excellent!! - plenty of space, drinks and cakes."

Tiny Homes Holidays responded:

"I'm surprised you found the description misleading as it clearly states "make a plant holder and an iconic wall hanging" as the projects! Isabella is taking Macrame to new frontiers and has we believe a modern touch ... but you have to start somewhere and both these items are now to be found in many contemporary interior shops!"

Rebecca Moore-Yelland reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"What an amazing opportunity! Great teachers, great views, great experience...and let's not forget the soup..."

ALEX EASTERBROOK reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I found this course really beneficial after having done the two day intensive course. Ollie really does pay great attention and give good support for this 5 day course. I took three complicated pieces of furniture all with different needs with me and we got them all done. I took notes but there are also good course notes to compare with and it’s great to get to know different products in the market and what to use. I remain in contact with Ollie now to get his advice and thoughts on different pieces I’m working on. If you’ve got interest in restoring furniture and french polishing and using the skills you acquire on a regular basis I would recommend this five day course."

cory w reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I was first invited to the forge by my partner, who said it was a surprise, and it was a pleasant one. Initially greeted by John I was then give instructions to forge a poker which was fun (especially hammering away at the metal). Anvil Forge was a great day out I can recommend to all those interested in a exciting blacksmithing experience."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Cory thanks for the review , pleased you had great time and of course you are welcome back on any of the other courses. best wishes John"

Helen Harris reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Fantastic wood turning lesson with Graham. We were greeted by Graham, his lovely wife Chris and their two very sweet dogs, we were made to feel very welcomed from the start. Both of us were total novices to wood turning and Graham was an excellent teacher, patiently steering us in the right direction, if we were going off track, and we each ended up with a bowl that we are very proud of. Graham is so knowledgeable and we both learnt loads in a relaxed, safe environment. Graham had a good sense of humour )which he needed with the two of us!). Coffee and biscuits were fab. Young or old, male or female, novice or not, I cannot recommend Graham highly enough. We had a really enjoyable morning, and I’m looking forward to booking another lesson very soon. Thank you Graham."

Cat reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I had such a lovely week at the course. I was pretty nervous about going but that feeling vanished as soon as I arrived in the beautiful setting. Alan, Mary, Connor and Sid made everyone feel completely at home with their kind and giving nature and great humour. Mary’s food was absolutely amazing. Alan and Connor and Sid were so patient, brilliant craftsman and great teachers. I didn’t have any prior knowledge of oak timber frame building and the course has given me a theoretical and most of all practical insight into the processes involved in the construction. I worked on a gable end with two others, it felt like a real achievement to see it all slot together on the last day. The evenings were so much fun, we walked up a local hill with beautiful views on evening. Other evenings we were around the fire and were filled with music, singing, chatting, axe throwing and spoon carving. I couldn’t recommend the course enough."

DEBORAH reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Enjoyable and inspiring day learning a new skill Lovely teacher, delicious lunch and pretty setting. Well done both and good luck in your new Crafters cottage."

Charlotte Fitzgerald reviewed: A day on the tiles: one-day mosaic workshop

"A fantastic day, concluding in a product I was really pleased with! Very gentle and helpful guidance and excellent hospitality from Fiona. I will be back! Thank you."

Four day intensive beginners woodwork course reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the four days beginners course with Ciarán, and I have to say it was the best birthday/Christmas present I have ever had. Ciarán is a charming man and a natural teacher, his love of wood and working with it is infectious, his knowledge is extensive and he seems to genuinely enjoy sharing that knowledge with his pupils. As a complete beginner I was delighted with Ciarán's patience, guidance and encouragement. With his help I created a table that I would never have been able to make, even in my wildest dreams, without him. I learned so much on this course from how to sharpen and bring old tools back to life, to how to make a mortice and tennon, along with many simple little tips to make the running of the workshop more efficient without having to spend a fortune. I was also lucky enough to see some of Ciarán's bespoke commissions, he is obviously very proud of his work and quite rightly so. His attention to detail is minute and it shows in the quality of his work, which is quite exceptional and beautiful. If you are looking at this course, I recommend, without hesitation, that you do it. It has given me confidence and the pleasure I get by looking at my table and thinking "I made that!" is priceless. Thank you Ciarán!"

Nigel reviewed: Tool sharpening

"Had a fab day from start to finish. I was worried that the course content would not cover my needs, I was wrong, All aspects of tool sharpening was covered during the day, from draw knives to super sharp chisels. The mysteries surrounding achieving a razor shaft cutting edge melted away with plain and simple techniques using basic equipment that anyone could buy without breaking the bank. Good course, learnt a a lot."

Rachel Gillis reviewed: A day of drawing with line and wire in Derbyshire

"Great chance to re-engage with some basic drawing techniques, then progress through the day adding lovely new methods and styles, which I’m looking forward to using. Loved the wire fish making, although it’s trickier than it looks! Thanks Liz for encouraging and supporting, and all in the relaxing surroundings of the gorgeous Slipper Studio."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thanks for making time to review your day. You produced some lovely work and hope you have found somewhere to display your wire fish. Lovely to work with you again. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Clare Winstone reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"I would recommend this course as a fun an informative way to learn various painting techniques. Jo is very helpful and knowledgeable, and the group of other ladies on the course were friendly and supportive. I’m looking forward to doing the next level."

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you and your lovely Mum enjoyed the day Clare, it was great for me too. A lovely group and soooooo creative. I look forward to seeing you again on the level 2 workshop."

Alan Dowling reviewed: Raise your own copper bowl, two day course

"I really enjoyed the course and am very pleased with the finished bowl. Charlotte explained and demonstrated all the various processes involved in a clear and very understandable way. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to try working with copper and achieve a wonderful bowl that you can be proud of."

Jean Zerebiec reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I cannot rate Maggie and her wonderful two day course highly enough. Maggie is truly inspirational with an infectious love of her craft! She is exceedingly knowledgeable and helpful with a gift for encouraging and giving confidence to her students. The course was fantastic value and I cannot wait to return!"

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Thank you so much Jean for writing such a lovely review. I thoroughly enjoyed your company and watching your amazing poppy design evolve. I hope you will continue to create mosaics at home and that you'll come back and see me some time."

Anon reviewed: Wet Felted Flowers

"Fabulous time had by my friend and myself when we attended one of Wendy's wet felt flower making classes. A delightful craft shop selling everything you can possibly need for handicrafts, with a charming host to teach by demonstration how to make felt flowers. Refreshments were available throughout our time there. Everyone came away with 2 beautiful felt flowers and full of inspiration to make more. Loved it!"