Latest reviews

Carole reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"Just attended a fabulous one to one day course with Ruth Blackford - Textiles/Machine Embroidery. Ruth made the day fun and gave me lots of ideas and helped me to develop my ideas. She made me very welcome. Would thoroughly recommend Ruth as a Textile teacher."

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

"Fun and educational experience lead by a friendly teacher. Very enjoyable"

Annette Orsborne reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Needle felting was something I have always wanted to learn. The course was perfect, exactly the right number of people and the tuition easy to follow. ‘The Moth Lady’ was patient and informative and I was delighted to take my owl home at the end and feel such a sense of achievement. It was like friends getting together to craft. I highly recommend doing a course with her."

LouiseWood reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"My teenage daughter had been doing pottery classes for a couple years, but wanted to try throwing a pot. When I googled throwing a pot in Surrey we were lucky enough to find Marina. A very experienced Potter based close to us in Dorking with a studio dedicated to all things pot like! We have had a few classes now and my daughter has the bug, she has bought home many pieces already and is gaining useful practical tips/hints from Marina who is a joy to learn with. I can recommend her highly whether you are experienced or not Marina will have you throwing successful pots on your first session!"

Wai-Lian Scannell reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"For a novice spoon whittler like myself I loved this course and highly recommend it! It was thoroughly enjoyable and informative, set in a welcoming atmosphere at Alan’s home. My greatest fear was to start with a log and return home with a twig or only one chopstick but under Alan's skilful tuition I left with something that resembled a spoon but more importantly the ‘confidence’, knowledge and tools to finish whittling at home. To sum up this course… Spoon whittling, scrumptious soup and scones makes for a super Saturday day out. Thank You!"

Lucy Chivers reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I had such a good day. The venue was perfect. Plenty of space, comfortable, inspiring! Dave is a great teacher, very experienced and patient with deep knowledge of the craft which he gives freely and with enthusiasm. I explained my teaching style which he responded to perfectly, always the sign of a great teacher. He involved everyone in every stage and tailored the content accordingly. We started off with introductions (a bit like spooners anonymous!) and went into safety and axe and knife grips and how to use them on a piece of practise wood. Then we went straight into making a butter spreader and onto a spoon in the afternoon. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed, ample tea and coffee breaks and the most divine flapjack I have tasted. Dave followed up with a comprehensive email with links and information covering all the points discussed the day before. Well worth the price and you will learn skills that will last you a lifetime."

Ian callaghan reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I definitely think anyone who’s interested in metalwork should try this cause it opened my eyes to how much work and craftsmanship goes into making knives The staff there are so friendly and helpful and I had a thoroughly good day and Would definitely do it again"

Ian callaghan reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I definitely think anyone who’s interested in metalwork should try this cause it opened my eyes to how much work and craftsmanship goes into making knives The staff there are so friendly and helpful and I had a thoroughly good day and Would definitely do it again"

Simone reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"Jeffrey's workshop is a brilliant introduction to spoon carving. By the end of the workshop I had made two beautiful spoons, one from a spoon blank and the other by using an axe to chop down a log into my own spoon blank. I left the class hooked on whittling and axe work and enthused to make more spoons. Jeffrey is a great teacher: personable, patient and able to give clear concise explanations and instruction to beginners. I can't recommend his course highly enough."

Adam Hennessy reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Me and my wife a had a great day with Jake at his forge! I would certainly recomend it to anyone. The joy you get from creating something with your own hands (with a little expert help from time to time) is immense. Jake was very easy to get along with and a very good instructor. He even was able to help me create a Mjolnir (Thors Hammer) pendant. As a side note the cafe was very nice for lunch also providing a tasty selection. The parking at the forge is a little tight so if you have a large car or arent very confident in squeezing through tight spaces i would recomend parking on car park around the corner. An excellent day all round!!- will definatley look at more blacksmithing in future"

Lesley reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Farrington's Farmshop, Bristol

"This course is fantastic,we thoroughly enjoyed it, easy to understand, Michelle is an excellent teacher. Good food. Even catered for my gluten free diet,would recommend to anyone."

Chris White reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Judith was welcoming and gave first class instruction and support. The equipment and materials provided were great. I thoroughly recommend this workshop."

Holly reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Joan was a lovely and extremely knowledgeable teacher. She talked and showed us the basics and then let us free to use our own creativity. We managed to fit so much in the time and I'm made up with how much I made! Such an amazing afternoon can't wait to come and finish off my pieces! Highly recommended!"

Jason Scrutton reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I had very particular requirements from this course - to make a number of bronze buckles for my nascent business. I was sent some wax in good time in advance of the course, with excellent guidance on what to do with it... Mark and Caroline are fabulous hosts, there was just the right amount of participants on the course - all from different backgrounds, and from all across the UK. The facilities are perfectly fit for purpose, I really enjoyed the time spent at each stage of the process, Mark was always willing to give helpful, positive advise and guidance; which was especially helpful as I don't [yet] always have the language to know how to best get across a particular query or question. I made a number of different pieces as well as some belt buckles, my wife and son were very happy with their unexpected presents. I must also mention how AMAZING the lunches were - which was a very pleasant surprise indeed. I hope to be going back in a few months time to go into some elements of the process in a lot more detail, and to hopefully return home with a pile of buckles to finish! If you have any queries prior to booking yourself [or someone else] on the course, drop them a line, you will get a positive and helpful reply! Go for it..."

Katie Herbert reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I had an excellent time on the course. Jo was so friendly and knowledgable about her craft. I highly recommend for a creative and fun day making candles and wax melts. A lovely day meeting new people and learning together. Great value to money."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you Katie, was lovely to meet you and I'll definitely be in touch. xx"

Annette reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Michelle is a lovely, approachable tutor who worked hard all day to make sure we had a successful time. Her attention to detail was fantastic and she was well prepared. Plenty of good quality materials were available and all the equipment was provided as well. The venue was very pleasant, the service was very good and the food was great. The one downside was the delay in the starting of the day which led to a rush at the end of the day and most of the students had not quite finished. Personally I think 8 students was 2 too many but I would go again."

Kevin Anderson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fantastic day! Adrian and Andy were brilliant giving us all the info and confidence to create our projects. The food and hospitality completely faultless. Thank you so much, you have awakened my inner blacksmith, already looking to come back and progress to the next level."

Natalie and Greg reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"January 2019- We came to the taster day for our first ever blacksmithing experience and were so impressed with the course! Adrian, Debbie and Andy were so welcoming, the demonstrations were great and we got the opportunity to forge our own pieces to take home. We completed more forging than we expected and were so happy with our finished products! Homemade lunch, snacks and cake provided by Debbie made the experience a perfect day out! We would definitely recommend and may even be back to try the next course! Thanks again! Natalie and Greg (Huddersfield) :)"

Vicky reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"As a first time felter this workshop was ideal. A lovely step by step at your pace hands on class. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend these classes to anyone with an interest in needle felting."

Simon James reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A superb afternoon learning how to linocut and print, I couldn't recommend it highly enough. I went in with zero experience and ended up with a set of cards that I was very pleased with, having had a really absorbing afternoon in a welcoming environment."

David Yarrow reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day, learned loads and its give me confidence to do some blacksmith work at home. Excellent tutors who were very knowledgeable and supportive. Really enjoyed this experience and will be returning to do another course. Also the home cooked food is great. Thank you."

Emma reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"What a wonderful workshop, Nic and Ben couldn’t be more welcoming! The background to soap making was really interesting and a great start to the day. Then the whole soap making process was fantastic with clear instruction and plenty of resources to get creative. Fabulous soaps to take home, I’d definitely go again! Thank you."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Emma for such a lovely review! Really great to meet you all - hope you enjoy using your soaps and we'd definitely love to have you again! Nic"

Jade Carr reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I bought my boyfriend and dad a blacksmithing day with Colin and it exceeded all expectation! They both had the best day and came away with two works of art each. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great day out or as a gift idea. They now both want to learn more so I am sure we will be back! Thank you :)"

Marj Burnett reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"I’ve been going to Anne’s classes for about 12 years- not every week but regularly. I enjoy the sessions, love the mosaic skills that I’ve learned and it’s a fun way to spend time with other creative girls (and occasional men). We do such different projects and fresh ideas are all around us. Anne is a great inspiration to us , helping us with design and technical advice and encouragement when needed (and she also keeps the cups of coffee/tea coming) A wonderful way to spend my spare time- thoroughly recommend it!"

Susan MacKell reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Really great little course - spent a lovely couple of hours learning a new printing technique and achieving great results in a short time. Clare is an excellent teacher - really creative with lots of advice and ideas, would definitely recommend her courses. Very relaxed atmosphere in Clare's little garage studio - with tea and biscuits too! I would have liked to have spent at least another hour on the course to get more prints done, but have already ordered a Gelli plate so i can carry on printing at home,"