Latest reviews

Cheryl Greenwood reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"I was initially attracted to this workshop after seeing Gareth’s work in a sculpture gallery in London, and then discovering he held carving workshops. I’ve always considered myself creative and I’ve painted in the past, whilst my husband on the other hand is a non-creative who fortunately, and somewhat reluctantly agreed to join me for a little moral support. Upon arrival we had a good look around the farm at some of Gareth’s work, which really inspired us to pick up mallet and chisel and have a go ourselves. Before long (after basic initial instruction) we were both carving away at a simple relief in cherry wood, and loving the creative process. By the end of the day I just managed to finish my relief, although my husband's wasn’t complete, and that might be something to do with the fact that he spent some of his time in the meadow watching a pair of hunting barn owls. This workshop is a must for anyone interested in sculpture and learning how to carve, with the added bonus of a beautiful location with plenty of wildlife. Gareth is very friendly, affable, accommodating and his work is quite beautiful. I will be back in the future for some stone sculpture tuition. Highly recommended."

Alexa Radcliffe-Hart reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Loved my second retreat with Zenia and creating the duckling! As before, excellent tuition and lovely company."

Michelle Ackroyd reviewed: Copper foil stained glass workshop

"Absolutely fabulous workshop. Would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone. Would love a follow up session to make another piece. Thanks Sam we both had a brilliant time"

Helen Riley reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What a fantastic day, the time just flew by so quickly! Theresa is such a great teacher. I arrived a complete beginner and rather nervous about what to expect. Theresa (and Ted) soon put me at ease and and then took us through the complete process of turning a fleece from a sheep into a skein of yarn ready to knit or weave. I quickly found myself carding fleece, making rolags and was then introduced to a spinning wheel and how to use it. Under Theresa's patient tuition I was able to spin my rolags into yarn and come home with a skein of yarn I had spun myself, (which I had not expected to do in one day). I can't wait to get a wheel of my own now and start practicing what I've learned. All in all a brilliant day - thank you Theresa and Ted!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Helen for your review. Receiving it was a lovely end to my busy day. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day and that you produced a fabulous skein of yarn. That always makes me so happy at the end of a workshop. I do hope that you get your own wheel soon and can't wait to see what you produce after shearing time!! Theresa and Ted!"

Celia reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I looked on the internet for a short introduction to making silver clay for my daughter and I. This was perfect, we were the only people there and had 100% attention, guidance and support. In 3 hours we made whatever we wanted, and I really like wearing my earrings. Thank you so much Claire for accommodating us at such short notice. A lovely lady, highly recommended by us!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"I’m glad I could fit you in at short notice and so pleased the earrings turned out so well. Lovely to meet you and your daughter"

David Dunn reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Had the most rewarding 2 day course with Steve in his excellent and well equipped workshop. Turned a rusty hunk of metal into a beautiful and functional knife, I've got dozens of books on knife making but learned more in 2 days than I have in the past 3 years. Brilliant"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Dave I'm really glad you had such a great time over the two days and the blade you made turned out really well. I'm looking forward to catching up soon buddy. Kind regards Steve"

Joanne Adamczyk reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a great time on the blacksmithing taster day today. I have never done anything like this before but came away with a real sense of achievement, keen to do more. Really patient instruction and careful supervision. We were really well fed too, delicious home cooked lunch and cakes. Excellent, thank you."

Michael Lord reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Fab day at the forge with Jacob, who really knows his stuff. Very relaxed teaching style, enough guidance so you stay on track but equally willing to let you have a bash (pun intended). Learnt loads of different techniques and left feeling tired but very satisfied with what we produced. If you fancy a go at blacksmithing you should definitely check this place out."

Ruth Grint reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I have just done the one-day course with Rosanna and thoroughly enjoyed it. She made it very interesting and easy to follow, and being able to make four small things in a day really gave me a good idea of some of the basics of leather work. Sore fingers the next day from plying two needles at the same time but it was worth every minute for a day spent with a fascinating craft and a lovely lady teaching it!! For anyone wanting to have a go at something different and very absorbing I thoroughly recommend Rosanna's course. Ruth Grint - 10 April 2019"

Rosanna Clare responded:

"Hi Ruth, Thanks for the lovely review, so glad you enjoyed the course and I hope your fingers have recovered now! Rosanna x"

Michael White reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An awesome day with good company, great food and first class teaching and assistance. As a taster day it was brilliant with well chosen projects and made me consider further days. Thanks to the team you were fantastic. Mick"

Conrad Hextall reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I had a great time making a pepper mill. Bill is very knowledgeable with a calm teaching style. He will guide you through every technique required to make the piece. The workshop is nicely laid out with everything in its place. PPE is provided but I would recommend wearing old clothes or work wear as you will get covered in chippings. I've considered getting a lathe for a while and if I do, I'd definitely go back to Bill for further lessons and guidance."

Martin Hayward reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"3 day course. I decided to book the course after watching a blacksmithing feature on Countryfile. Alex was nearest to me down near Arundel and the setting of his forge was lovely. He was a great teacher, asking what ideas I had, then breaking down the process of planning and construction into simple, easy to understand chunks. He showed me the processes and then watched over me completing them - and telling me how to alter what had gone wrong! I made a six hook coat rack, fish shaped bottle openers and a twisted ammonite key ring. I really enjoyed the whole process and hope to put some of the techniques into practice before too long. I would 100% recommend Alex's courses. What a fantastic experience!"

iain hobbs reviewed: English Longbow making in Cumbria

"A top weekend in a magical location with a top bloke guiding my clumsy hands and busy mind to a point where I actually made a functioning and in my eyes quite beautiful long bow Tony is a skilled, knowledgable, understanding teacher and guide with a true feel for his craft and with a patient relaxed approach which put all of us at our ease. He is a genuine woodsman and artisan with a sensitive and deep connection to nature and his environment with an extensive knowledge of the history of the British long bow and its significance to this land. The weekend was not just about learning new skills though. It was also a great opportunity to slow right down,to be quiet, to listen to the birdsong whist meditatively shaving, rasping and hewing a piece of ash into a working bow. It was also about spending time in an ancient wild environment amongst interesting fellows of the woods and leaving the cares and troubles of the modern world behind. Tony makes you feel right at home in the camp and workshop he has created in the woods. A couple of days spent there focused on a good and noble craft under skillfull tutelage with a band of brothers, will cast a subtle spell that cannot but make you look at life with different eyes. And you get to bring a bow back with you too along with some magical memories. Cheers Tony and to all the other guys who spent the days in honest graft and nights around the fire shooting arrows into the starlit skies. Highly recommended."

Happy crafter reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"What a lovely day we had! This was a birthday gift from my daughters, it was a great day! We were made very welcome, had lots of choices to choose from when it came to making items. I went home with a blue tit and a hen, both turned out well thanks to the excellent tuition. I felt the day was good value and would highly recommend it, even to non-crafters!!"

Tricia Boateng reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"A very relaxing and immensely rewarding day with Lucy in her workshop. Lucy took us step by step through the process of making our bangles encouraging creativity and confidence. We are both very proud of what we achieved in such a short time and our children are delighted with their presents. What a special gift to be able to make for loved ones! We’ve booked another day to further our skills and make something for ourselves. Highly recommended."

Emma reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Ruby- thank you for being such an inspiring teacher. It was the best medicine to be in the woods, making for the weekend and a most welcome meditation. I’m already busy spreading the word and loving my basket. Lovely to meet lots of inspiring and like minded people- thank you also for your good energy. Will keep an eye on future courses :)"

Amy reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"This is a great workshop! Jo is warm, welcoming, full of knowledge and an all round brilliant teacher. Thank you for such a great day and the confidence to start creating. Xx"

Carol Byrne reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Had an absolutely fabulous day. I learnt so much and Theresa is an amazing teacher and so friendly, I felt relaxed straight away. Everything about the day was just brilliant and at the end of the day I took home my first skein of wool. So thank you again Theresa and a big stroke to Ted for his company. I would not hesitate a moment in recommending Theresa’s course to anyone."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Carol for your lovely review. I really do appreciate it. It was such a fun but busy day and you made a fabulous start with your spinning obviously aided by your gorgeous wheel too!! Do keep up the good work and I shall await pictures showing your progress! Well done."

Tracy Ridley reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop, both fun and educational by The Divine Hag

"Had a one to one with Margaret who helped me to create my own bespoke fragrance. Within minutes of meeting Margaret it felt like we had known each other for years. I can’t recommend this course highly enough and am looking forward to becoming a regular visitor to her shop"

Emma & Graham reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"We both had a great day and learnt so much. Ian was a really good tutor, very encouraging and helpful. I would highly recommend this course for its therapeutic effects as much as for the finished products which we were really pleased with. Thank you Ian!"

Nicki Hartley reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Overall an excellent day. Everything was clearly explained and help was at hand whenever needed. Really chuffed with what we managed to achieve making a key ring and dragon coat rack which involved learning various techniques. The food and refreshments are all homemade and are delicious. Big thanks ?"

Trish & Evie reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"My daughter and I have just had a really enjoyable day jewellery making with Toni. We made 2 pairs of earrings each and are chuffed to bits with them. Course very suitable for teenagers. Thanks Toni!"

Bev reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"We had a brilliant day with Nicky. A very good teacher, with patience and ideas. She taught us lots of different techniques. She allows you to be as reative as you want. There was a vast amount of material that you can work with. The morning session went by so quickly and we were all eager to get back to her lovely studio in the garden studio after our lunch. We are looking forward seeing our finished pieces."

David Graham reviewed: English Longbow making in Cumbria

"Brilliant course and a great weekend taking a rough ash stage and carefully working it down with traditional tools into a beautiful longbow, then making the string (an art in itself) and trying the bow out in a beautiful natural setting. Tony is a wise and feelingful guy managing this woodland with a wealth of knowledge of nature and traditional wood working. He guides you with his knowledge gently and to your own pace until you are the proud owner of a functional thing of beauty."

Charlie Dayson reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Fantastic course. Enjoyed the freedom to choose rather than making the same thing. Clear guidance and support."