Latest reviews

Damien reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"We did the taster session. It was fantastic. Julie found exactly the right balance between being helpful and letting you experiment and come up with your own design. She was so accommodating even organising a session to suit us even though she hadn’t planned starting the courses until the following week. The day itself was so much fun, we made two coasters each and even if they hadn’t turned out the way we wanted we would have been delighted with how the day went. Luckily when they did come out of the kiln they were perfect. I can’t recommend this day enough, it truly was a wonderful experience."

lyn reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"Excellent day. Sally is very friendly and has so many tips and hints to share in addition to the structure that ensures everyone makes something to be proud of. She offers so many ideas of how to set up cheaply at home without spending on specialist equipment. She also has boxes full of stuff to have a go with, so things were covered that wont always be offered on a beginners day. Also loads of different polishes and equipment that again often dont get hands on experience with. Def feel i can continue with this with what i learnt."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your review of the workshop Lyn - it was a action-packed day and I am really glad you enjoyed it as well as feeling you learnt lots to implement at home. Hope to see you again, Sally"

Elinor Lunn reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I attended Martins fused glass course with my mum, we both really enjoyed ourselves and can not wait to see the finished pieces once they have been fired. Martin is an excellent glass worker and teacher. We have both learned new skills on this course. I would highly recommend the course, I know I will be attending other glass courses run by Martin."

Mick Emms reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Had this experience gave to me as a gift by my other half, could not recommend this enough. Had a brilliant insight into this ancient craft, they are so patient and so welcoming and would like to say thank you very much for a great day. I will definitely be back."

Mick Emms reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Had this experience gave to me as a gift by my other half, could not recommend this enough. Had a brilliant insight into this ancient craft, they are so patient and so welcoming and would like to say thank you very much for a great day. I will definitely be back."

Alan Caunt reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Exactly as advertised A fun day providing an introduction to the techniques involved in the creation of fused glass pieces. Martin is an excellent teacher and also makes a good cup of tea!! I look forward to seeing the coasters, bowl and sun catcher in due course."

Pauline reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"My first experience of working with such a variety of fused glass materials. A well formulated course, no pressures, excellent tuition and so interesting. After doing stained glass in Martins’s excellent courses previously, I was amazed at the results over a one day course. So many different materials. I can’t wait to see the fired results. Would thoroughly recommend this Day course, no previous experience necessary."

Verity James reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Excellent, friendly and knowledgeable tutor. Relaxed atmosphere. Really pleased with what I made. Loved my vegan lunch at a local cafe too. Perfect day. Thank you Lindsey :)"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you Verity - your positive review is much appreciated, especially as it comes from an amazing glass artist! I have a feeling I got as much out of the workshop as you, and lovely to explore new ideas. Your mosaic was beautiful!"

Ceri james reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Me and my wife had a wonderful day in this course. Lyndsay made us feel very welcome and uses her expertise to guide and help develop ideas. It's amazing to be able to create something and complete it on one day to a high standard! We both left feeling very relaxed with a sense of achievement in what we created. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you Ceri for the very positive review. It is always rewarding to hear that even one day’s exploration of a new craft can have great outcomes. Your mosaic was beautiful and should sit well on your table, reflecting the countryside beyond."

Philip and Julian reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is a great communicator and educator. We spent a thoroughly enjoyable day learning and practicing blacksmithing. Mort was demonstrating and guiding, and stepping in to help when we made missteps. Julian (14 years) says: Mort is a very good blacksmith and he knows a lot about the historical roots of metal working. I wish that this sort of stuff was available in school these days, but unfortunately it isn't. It was the best practical lesson I've ever had."

Carol Fry reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A fabulous day! I am amazed at what I have made. Can't wait to come back and do it all again. Thank you."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Carol - you did really well today Jonathan"

Dan Holland reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I did this experience as a gift for my girlfriend but I never expected to enjoy it so much myself. The advice and teaching from Jonathan was fantastic and we each came away with some new skills and a one off piece of jewellery."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Dear Dan Well done, and thank you for your very kind words. I am thrilled that you both enjoyed the day so much and it was real fun to meet you both! Jonathan"

Miranda Hayter reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Amazing day! So much fun and I love the ring I made. I would recommend The Silver Jewellery Boat to anyone. I will be coming back! Thank you Jonathan"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Dear Miranda It was a great day and you both did very well. You are a "star" : ). Thank you for your kind words, it was lovely to meet you and you are both welcome back anytime. Jonathan"

Kirsty Baxter reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I was given this as a Christmas present and it more than lived up to expectations! We learned lots of skills using copper before attempting the final ring. I enjoyed getting to experiment with different ideas. Jonathan is very helpful and my silver rings are amazing. I can't wait to show them off!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Kirsty - loved the rings you made Jonathan"

Mary Furnice reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"I have just had a wonderful day on Caryl's stained glass panel workshop. Caryl is an excellent tutor, not only highly skilled in glass work, but highly skilled in passing those skills on in the course of a relaxed, inspiring, creative & wonderfully productive day. During this she also provided regular refreshment & a delicious lunch. The day was worth every penny & was a 5* experience I very much hope to have again?"

Andrew reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"The session was booked as a surprise for my wife's birthday, something we could both do together. The experience exceed my expectations.  Richard was very knowledgeable and a good teacher plus a nice chap into the bargain. All of which meant we really enjoyed the afternoon. "

Fiona reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Really enjoyable lesson. Learnt loads and I feel confident to go home and make more! Thank you Judi, looking forward to next weeks workshop"

Jane Newell reviewed: Willow weaving for home and garden

"A very informative and relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning. My initial nerves of trying something new soon diminished, with the gentle instruction and guidance from Cathy. Before long our small group was happily weaving away, stopping only for delicious home-made cakes and biscuits. It was lovely to meet new people and learn new skills. I left with a substantial willow tree-skirt that was greatly admired over the Christmas period. Looking forward to signing up for another course in Spring."

Elizah reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Fantastic workshop. I have throughly enjoyed myself and learnt so many new things. Judi was really helpful and explained everything clearly. Thank you :)"

Tamsin reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Really enjoyed the "Get to know your sewing machine" workshop, learnt a lot in the three hours. Thank you"

Perry reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Great fun, lovely group and very friendly. Feel impressed with myself for actually producing something!"

Penny reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Really enjoyed the workshop :) Right pace and length. Good intro, lots of advice and encouragement. Thank you"

Mandy reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Had a lovely time today in the "get know your sewing machine" workshop. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to next weeks cushion lesson."

Hanneke reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Fabulous day in beautiful Cavendish making candles in a relaxed and fun environment. Jo is very knowledgeable, lunch was delicious and I met lovely people that day. I went home with a bag full of beautifully fragranced candles. All in all a great day and I highly recommend this course."

Marie Smith reviewed: Shave horse making at Orchard Barn, Suffolk

"The course was very informative and practical. I learnt a lot - and came home with my very own shave horse! What I loved most was the style of teaching - rather than giving strict instructions to follow, the course leaders were more keen for delegates to learn to think for themselves. There were enough leaders and volunteers to make it very easy to ask a question if you wanted to. Each tool was introduced and explained - and if it was your first time using the tool then good supervision was supplied by the very friendly and cheerful team. We really got to feel the leaders' and volunteers' passion for the skills and for the project they are collectively working on. The setting is stunning - with the inspiration of a natural building in the process of a very careful restoration project, as well as the surrounding woodlands (a natural wood yard!) and the facilities were perfectly in keeping with the situation. I left feeling inspired and confident to make a similar item on my own. This isn't the only course I've enjoyed at Orchard Barn - and if I lived closer I would definitely go on lots more."