Latest reviews

Dan reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"This was an excellent course and a fantastic day. We really enjoyed learning some blacksmith techniques from Niel - who was welcoming, helpful and a great teacher. We were amazed at what we were able to achieve throughout the day and came away with a hook and fire poker. We would recommend this highly and would even like to do it again ourselves!"

Gemma reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"Lampworking is something I've been wanting to try for a while. So when I came across Suzanne offering a beginners workshop, I jumped at the chance! Suzanne was super friendly with a lot of patience, which was brilliant for someone like me who hadn't worked with glass before. The half day session went by in a flash... but it was so informative. Suzanne briefly explained her process and even the type of glass she used which I found so interesting. The session was brilliantly put together. I was able to watch Suzanne make a bead, each step explained clearly and then basically have a go myself! As a complete novice I was surprised I was able to create what I did! It was thoroughly enjoyable and if this is something you've even remotely thought about doing - give it a go! The half day session is brilliant for people with busy lives/work - I can only imagine what fun can be had in a full day. Thanks so much for having me Suzanne. :)"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your workshop Gemma. Thank you for taking the time to post a review. Suzanne"

Jenny Ferguson reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"If you are looking to start candle-making as a new hobby, a business, or just want to spend a fun morning with some friends, I would thoroughly recommend this workshop. Jo is very friendly, knowledgeable (and patient) and guides you through all the basics including different types of wax, fragrances and stockists and shares her tips and experiences. The course is wrapped up with lunch which is served downstairs in a quaint little tea room while Jo packages up all your masterpieces ready for your departure. Myself and 3 friends had a lovely day and came away feeling that we had learned a lot. Thank you Jo."

Paul reviewed: Beginning spinning

"I had just purchased a wheel but had never spun before so enrolled on a spinning course with Cath Snape at beechwood crafts. Cath was very welcoming and first set up my wheel. There were three learners and Cath was very patient, knowledgeable and showed us what to do. I was very impressed. We all spun throughout the day and produced some reasonable work. I would thoroughly recommend Cath and Beechwood Crafts."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"thanks Paul It was great to have you on the course"

Ben Jacobs reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I've just done a two day chef knife making course with Steve, and from start to finish the experience was great, l cannot recommend enough! Steve was beyond helpful and passionate about making sure you get the best blade possible. It is wickedly sharp and a thing of beauty. I would like to thank him for making it a brilliant experience. I definitely have been bitten by the bug and will be booking another course with him in the future."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Ben You're more than welcome, you were a pleasure to work with and the skill set you already possess made helping you create your chefs knife so much easier. You're the kind of guy that is show and let go and I know the knife you made with me will still be around for you to show your grandchildren."

Luke stott reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Had a brilliant time. Andy and Dave helped out and gave advice with their obvious years of knowledge. Came away with a beautiful knife and a massive smile on mine and my son's faces'. Would recommend this to anyone."

rollo thompson reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"I have just had a great day with Phil and can highly recommend. A patient and safety conscious teacher who lets you get involved straight away. I left with a finished bowl and a head full of great metaphors to help me remember key techniques. Very friendly and welcoming. I can highly recommend as a gift for anyone or for those who want to learn / brush up on wood turning."

Tim Swales reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is a brilliant course. Run by very talented and knowledgable people. Lots of information given about tools and machinery and the wood that is used. The workshop is amazing and has such atmosphere it encourages you to make beautiful things. The passion for the subject oozes from the environment you are working in. Highly recommended. Anyone from novice to the more experienced will gain great skills and knowledge."

Natalie reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Absolutely fantastic experience - very informative and well taught. It was very hard work but great fun, and I now have a new appreciation for all the effort that goes into blacksmithing! Came away with great little mementos. Will be recommending to friends!!"

William Pritchard reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife bought this as a gift for my birthday. What an excellent day. The instructions were clear and we were helped along the way to achieve good end results - I was amazed about what I achieved. I proudly took home my efforts, and my young grandson was amazed with the results. It was informal, relaxed and friendly with the addition of a lovely lunch and snacks provided by Debbie. My friends will all be hearing about this great day. I would recommend this day to those wanting to understand the process and maybe start a new hobby. Thank you Adrian Andy and Debbie. Plus a big thank you to my wife Lesley for this wonderful gift."

Hilary Patterson reviewed: Mosaic experience workshop for two with award winning artist Julie Vernon Nottinghamshire

"This is the 2nd of Julie's workshops that I've attended. This time it was myself and my 13 year old daughter. We both had a wonderful time and are very pleased with what we managed to produce on the day. You do not have to be highly creative (I am not) as Julie provides helpful and much appreciated guidance just when it is needed. I would highly recommend this course, both whether you want to do something on your own or as a family / friends outing."

Julie Vernon Mosaics responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review … enjoy your mosaic makes!"

Indhu Sharma reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Was gifted the course for my birthday and totally loved it! Lots of interesting information and tips given in a friendly and patient atmosphere. Chuffed with the candles we made and really enjoyed myself. Thank you :-)"

Michael Walters reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"We came along with zero skills and a desire to create: we were not disappointed! It was a very relaxing day in Kate’s lovely home with a small group. By the end, a couple of herons, rabbits and a giant chicken were all made (& looked great!). For me, my proudest moment: Derek the giant Dodo was born in the room! Plenty of refreshments, a lovely lunch and some good banter throughout: Kate is a great artist, able to help guide us to our destination. Highly recommended! Lovely to meet Borris the Schnauzer too :)"

Michael Brewin reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I took my son on Stephen's 1 day bladesmithing course. I was slightly concerned that being 13 he wouldn't be able to handle the tools properly, but this was not a problem. Stephen shared his expertise and with patience and passion, guided Fred through the process of transforming a nondescript piece of steel into a beautiful and razor sharp knife over the course of the day in his den-like workshop. Stephen is generous with his time and humour, super knowledgeable and has an infectious passion for the craft and next level knife-making skills. I'll book again for sure."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Mike I'm really glad that Fred enjoyed his bladesmithing day and I hope you gained as much knowledge as he did by staying the whole day with him. He worked really hard for such a young fella and I hope the blade he made gives you many years service. ATB Steve"

Jane Hill reviewed: Basket Making Introductory Course - one day

"I received this course as a birthday present and wasn’t disappointed. Maggie is a superb teacher and has the patience of a saint. The day went too quickly, yet I came away with a pretty decent basket for a first attempt. Loved every minute of it and it has inspired me to try making some more at home. Can highly recommend this course."

Danny Grub reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I just wanted to say how grateful I am to George and his wife Sue for making today's woodturning session a very enjoyable one. George was very informative and broke down each stage making it easy to take in everything I needed to know in turning my first bowl. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking to pursue woodturning as a hobby or to a more advanced level."

Sarah and David reviewed: Watercolour 2 day Art & Spa full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Had a lovely weekend. Pace just right for beginners like us. All equipment provided. Patient and constructive teaching. We were pleased with our efforts and came away with a determination to continue and improve. Great venue, spa hotel too. Close to the coast and Great Dixter Gardens which made for a great weekend break."

Laura Riley reviewed: Beginners crochet workshop

"What an absolutely fantastic place, the course was great. You feel instantly at ease as you walk through the door. You are welcomed by lovely team. Jennie is a brilliant teacher, extremely patient, warm and friendly. I loved every part of the course, the food was a delicious surprise too. We have already made plans to go back and try more of the menu! An absolute gem of a place. I can't recommend enough!"

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

"Fabulous day, would highly recommended to anyone. Great fun. Can’t wait to go back and do another day. Thank you so much Siobhan."

Kate Yates reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"No experience? - no problem. Even a complete novice such as me can be learning and creating in no time. Take an idea and with patient and knowledgeable instructions you can come away not only with an individual piece of hand crafted jewellerry, but also a new skill learned and a desire to create more. Would recommend this fun,informative and worthwhile experience to anyone wanting to explore their creative side."

Iasthai Original responded:

"What a lovely review! Thank you so much Kate x"

Liz Orme reviewed: Beginners crochet workshop

"Really enjoyed the course today. Excellent value and Jennie has infinite patience! Everyone was so friendly and the centre is a real gem. Lunch inc cake was amazing, thank you Natalie! Will definitely be back, after much practicing at home to consolidate what I have learned."

Karen Bywater reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I was given a voucher for Kerry’s candle making workshop and it has been a great gift. The workshop was informative and fun. Kerry is knowledgeable, hospitable and friendly and the whole experience was relaxed, with a few giggles along the way. There’s a great satisfaction in choosing and mixing aromas. As well as making my candle there was another treat, a fabulous homemade crumble with our coffee! I can thoroughly recommend a workshop and I’m really hoping I can go back for a Christmas workshop too."

Karen reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"Spent a great afternoon engaged in a one to one Ebru workshop with James. The technique is both relaxing and quite engrossing so the time flew by. By the end of the afternoon I had been able to have a go at many of the Ebru techniques and produced some pieces I was quite proud of. The atmosphere is relaxed and I think you'll be amazed at what you're able to produce, even as a beginner."

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Karen, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the Ebru Workshop you made incredible progress, your tulips were particularly impressive!"

Jackie Andrews reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Had a brilliant day Charlotte is a great teacher and explains things clearly. I made some great pieces and am confident I could continue this at home. Would highly recommend the course."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for your review Jackie. It was a pleasure to teach you! You made some beautiful jewellery on the day!"

Kelly Rogers reviewed: Paint pouring with tea & cake

"What a treat to "step inside" 35 Design Studio for an easy-to-follow course on paint pouring. It was such an amazing experience. I felt at home. And a great present to have for my birthday. The instruction given by Dina (an amazing artist, designer and all round creative being, and her mum) was an easy flow of information. I enjoyed it that much I purchased a bag of goodies to continue experimenting at home. There is a coloured guide and photos for each section, list of tools and equipment, and through discussions on the course on the best methods and acrylics to use. Dina has a hive mind, demonstrating different techniques, explaining effects and possible design capabilities. I thoroughly enjoyed myself (and the banana cake) and can’t wait to experiment and improve on my paint pouring journey."