Latest reviews

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 in Newcastle

"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!"

Kerry Butler reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Fabulous workshop! We both enjoyed learning a new skill and were chuffed with what we achieved with Jack’s guidance. Jack is a great teacher and we would love to return and do some more at some point. Many thanks"

Sharon Towe reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"I had a lovely time learning macrame techniques. Alice is patient, encouraging and in just a couple of hours I came away with a finished pot holder. Perfect!"

Allyson peachey reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"An excellent day with an excellent tutor who made you feel at ease and that you could achieve. We all came home with a finished item ....and the cakes were fabulous. Great day, worth every penny, coming back soon."

Michael reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"Had a great time making my beautiful new chair. Ben is an excellent tutor and his passion for green woodworking shines through. Would definitely recommend. Michael"

Billie Ball reviewed: Spinning rings workshop

"Brilliant workshops! Been on two of Kate's workshops, learnt so much... Kate is so patient & generous with her time & materials. I can't believe I have made such beautiful jewels. Totally recommend her workshops, I will definitely be signing up for more!"

Jo Tester reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Alice is a brilliant and patient teacher. I attended a one day beginners course. During the day I learnt a breadth of skills. The course gave me the confidence and skills to continue practicing weaving at home. The location is beautiful and you are able to see other artists studios and get a decent coffee. It was a really relaxing and productive day. If you are looking to treat yourself or someone else, this is perfect."

Dao Earl reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"I had been wanting to do this for a long time, and just needed the know how. What I got at Hide Camp was more than that. It was fun, holistic, and very well rounded in its content. It is really hard work to do that, but the programme is loose, so there is as much down time as one needs. The authentic and relaxed nature of Jane & Jesse made the whole thing such a joy. It is such an inspiration that two such willowy young women have done the whole Stone Age thing, and now impart that in such fun and practical ways. You two are the best. And of course at this time of year Dartmoor is exquisite. Well done girls. My arms still ache, but I have a deer hide to play with now."

Holly Bryan reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Loved my birthday present of willow weaving with Kate and ended up making a squirrel. Kate was extremely helpful and patient and assisted to create a sculpture that I ended up being really proud of. The workshop is in beautiful surroundings (her lovely garden) and lunch was nice too. I hope to come back again. Highly recommended!"

Anna reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"Just had a great day screen printing. Ria was great in giving lots of help, tips and clear instructions. Really enjoyable day and will definitely be practicing at home! Thank you very much Anna"

Henry Venner Woodcock reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Two weeks of incredible learning and fun and Hewnwood has left me with so many new inspirations and a whole new woodland family. Such skills and passions that Alan and his family have shared are truly humbling and they have really made their woodland feel like a second home. Plus fantastic food, music and campfire fun! Any other course I go on from now has a whole lot to live up to!"