Latest reviews

Mike Hammond reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"A really great course for anyone wanting to try a new skill. Stephen is a great teacher - knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and funny. A really great couple of hours to spend a morning - and not a half bad spoon to take home at the end! Very much recommended."

Julie Beisner reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"The silver clay workshop I attended was very good and well presented. The instructor Charlotte was so kind and patient taking you step by step through the process of transforming clay into silver- truly fascinating. I am absolutely thrilled with the jewellery pieces I was able to make. They are unique pieces of art I am proud to wear and they feel all the more special because they were under Charlotte's careful guidance, made by me! I thoroughly enjoyed the informal friendly atmosphere of the workshop and the delicious chocolate biscuits which were supplied. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to others - Charlotte is a brilliant teacher as well as a very talented and creative individual who can inspire others to have a go at making silver clay jewellery themselves."

Rob Ellis reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Having just completed the 6 day chair making course at Sallerton Woods with Andy Morton, I would highly recommend this experience to all. I really enjoyed the whole week and Andy was a great host as well as an encouraging and thoughtful teacher. I already had some experience in green woodworking and Andy was able to pitch his guidance just right for me so that I was able to learn valuable new techniques leading on from my current skills and knowledge. I camped on site for the duration and this was also a wonderful experience set right in the woods with rustic but beautifully effective facilities. A hearty lunch was provided each day and I had free use of the woodland kitchen for my other meals which was great. I came home with a beautiful and well made chair entirely sourced from the woods in which I slept. Amazing. Thanks Andy and Jane."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Rob, for that very full and enthusiastic review, and we're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the environment in which it took place. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood again sometime in the future."

Haf & Matt reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"We had such an amazing time with Jake. I was really worried when we started that I’d find it really difficult but Jake was an excellent teacher and made me feel more confident. He also knew when to step in to lend his expert hand. My husband absolutely loved it and is desperate to come again! Thank you Jake for such an amazing experience. :-)"

Mark Field reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"My son and I spend a wonderful day with Graham. We made a bowl and a candle stick. My son was a quicker learner than myself and Graham was ready to answer all his questions and even spent some time showing him an easier/quicker method for hollowing out a goblet. Both Graham and his wife are really friendly and easy to get on with, this makes the day go easier as conversations are not forced. All in all, Graham is a font of knowledge and since my course I have gone on to make another bowl, a desk tidy and a piece of firewood (I might be able to salvage it into a small bowl or an ashtray) :-) My son is now thinking of buying a better lathe as the starter lathe we have will soon be no good for his projects. A day well spent."

Ben Grocott reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a complete legend, the experience, knowledge and skill he possesses and shares is nothing short of exceptional. The skills you will learn will transform your ability. I had never done anything like this but Nigel gives you all the guidance, mentoring, tools and coaching you need and you come away with so many pieces. I can’t recommend this course highly enough."

Ellie Odell reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Such an amazing day with Stephen! It was such a relaxing day and so informative too! Has made me want to do more carving and now I’m a bit jealous of those who purchased a knife! Thanks Stephen! Hope to see you again xxx"

Pat Barnes reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"What a wonderful way to spend a morning in such inspirational surroundings, good company and with the lovely teacher, Lara. She makes the art of screen printing come to life and makes you want to do more. Thank you."

Louise Anthony reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"This was the first time I have ever tried any kind of woodcraft, and I absolutely loved this course. It was a great way to learn various skills that can be transferred to more complicated items later on. I loved the atmosphere in the studio, and felt very comfortable to ask for assistance when needed. The instructions were always very clear, and it was very rewarding to see the progression to the finished piece. I will definitely be booking more courses here in the future!"

Davina reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington

"I have just had a great day with Joanne making a foot stool. It was a relaxed and fun way to learn a new skill. Joanne helped us all out and the low numbers on the course meant we could have attention from Joanne to make sure we had a good end product. Add to that her home made cakes and scones, good banter and a new footstool - what a great way to spend a Saturday! Thanks Joanne."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thanks Davina, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and enjoyed the cakes :-). What a great bunch."

Mrs hazel williams reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a lovely morning meeting new people having tea and learning the craft of candle ? making. Thank you Hazel."

Sam reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"10/10 I highly recommend this!"

IRIS CLARK reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Just spent a lovely Saturday morning with Kerrylyn learning the do's and don'ts of candlemaking. Done in the friendly, warm, informal environment of Kerrylyn's home, we were introduced to a world we knew very little about until today, and all conducted by the loveliest of hostesses. I would highly recommend this activity for a fun and rewarding day out."

melanie Reardon reviewed: 1 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hen or duck at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Really enjoyed the day My hen is in the garden and much admired. Thanks Melanie."

Meg reviewed: Weave a willow coffin

"Would highly recommend Manda's coffin course to anyone considering it. Fab venue, delicious food and an awesome teacher, was well worth the trip down from Scotland to do it! And she can even post your coffin back home for you if you travel by train so don't let that put you off! It was quite an intense few days which I found really enjoyable and as promised I had a complete coffin by the end of it and had learnt enough to be able to repeat at home and make another couple."

Julie Linton reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I had a wonderful time at Swallows and Artisans where I attended a 2 day chicken wire workshop with artist Chris Moss. The whole experience was fabulous and surpassed all my expectations! Both the accommodation and studio were wonderful and bright with stunning views in a beautiful location. The event was hosted by the lovely Karen who was very attentive and assisted by her equally lovely mum who provided us with scrumptious food. Tutor Chris was very attentive and provided us all with clear instructions in a relaxed, informal manner making the experience very enjoyable and rewarding especially when we all managed to create a uniquely different hare to take home! I had such a wonderful time, met some amazing souls and can't wait to return! Julie Linton"

Mark reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A highly recommended candle making course in an exquisite setting in Suffolk. Jo is a great teacher, very friendly, passionate and very knowledgeable about her craft. My friend and I had a lovely morning making candles which we’ve been using with pride. A super lunch was also provided. 10/10."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Mark. It was a pleasure to meet you and learn a bit about your industry. Good luck! Do let me know how you get on."

Keith Knight reviewed: Copper courses run in a Blacksmiths forge - basic sheet copper skills including foldforming

"A great day bashing copper, Lucille is a fantastic teacher nothing is too much trouble she explained each stage with a demonstration then let us make our own pieces of copper work. In the afternoon it was make your own project. Lucille was again on hand to give help and advice and practical demonstrations of copper forming techniques. As a complete novice I learnt a lot that day and would recommend the course to anyone thinking of taking up copper forming."

Alberto reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"The workshop was what I needed to improve my candle making skills and learn about different other techniques (i.e floating and pillars). Sarah is very organized and the 3 hrs are full of things to do, highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn candle making or just want to have fun with wax!"

Candle by Events responded:

"Hi Alberto, thank you for your comments really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Nicky Robinson reviewed: Bark basketry

"I enjoyed my course with Jasper so much. He was really knowledgeable and eager to share his skills. He is a great teacher and I have recommended him to several friends already. I came away with an elm bark container that I was extremely proud of and the skills to be able to create more in the future. I will be back to take a different course later in the year."

Sharron reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I received this course as a gift and it was amazing from start to finish. A lovely warm welcome from Siobhan and a day of learning with a small group in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. I made 4 pieces that I designed with guidance and Siobhan passed on her great knowledge of what would and wouldn't work. When I collected my pieces the following week I was so happy at how they turned out and will be booking again nearer Christmas to have another go and do some decorations."

hazel mackenzie reviewed: Indigo Weekend -Shibori & Batik Workshop at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"Had a really fantastic weekend again. My 5th visit to Rosie's. The course was really informative, a great bunch of people too. Rosie always makes everything such fun. The results were really great and we produced so much. I went away with a beautiful table cloth and napkins etc. Rosie also gave me advice about material that I brought with me. It would also be a great course for someone new to craft or lacking confidence about crafting. Really fabulous weekend."

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Dear Hazel, I'm so glad you enjoyed are new Indigo course- and great to have your feedback, it was a great weekend and so nice to see you again. Yours Rosie"

Diane Owen reviewed: Christmas wreath workshop at Loam with Julia Freemantle

"Great course! I have made baskets in the past but making a willow sculpture is very different and I thoroughly enjoyed learning a new craft and producing a chicken that now has pride of place in the garden. Judith is very welcoming and a wonderful teacher. Jack sent detailed information about the course and how to find the lovely venue, and provided us with a delicious lunch (vegan option was no problem at all). I would definitely recommend it and plan to book another course with Judith in the future."

Leslie Pinkham reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"If you want to experience wood turning for the first time, or indeed, if you have some experience already and want to learn more then there is no better way than getting yourself on to one of Mark's courses. Mark has over 30 years of wood turning skills to draw upon coupled with a very professional, practical and friendly coaching style. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but be prepared for a long one ..... time just evaporates as you go through some of the theory behind wood turning, insiders practical knowledge around kit & equipment and importantly the raw material itself (I hadn't appreciated just how much there is to learn about timber). If you want to get more involved Mark can steer you towards some initial recommendations for clubs, societies and equipment which is worth such a lot on its own - he's also available to contact for advice after the course - so, all good. A great day for me - I would definitely recommend to anyone of all skill levels - give it a go!"

Lyle Closs reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Andy is a terrific teacher, answering any questions thoughtfully and helpfully, a really nice guy, and his work environment is wonderful. Highly recommended."