Latest reviews

Yvonne & Ian reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I would highly recommend going on this 'Introduction to Powertex' with Annette. She is such a wonderful tutor with so passionate about what she does. Thanks Annette for a fantastic workshop, we've come away with so many ideas and can't wait to get started - the possibilities are endless......."

Annette Smyth responded:

"Yvonne and Ian Thank you for your lovely review. I can’t wait to see your creations. Exciting. Axx"

Rebecca Hoyle reviewed: Copper Christmas decoration making, half-day course

"Really enjoyed our time at Charlotte's workshop. loved making the copper decorations and would highly recommend the course"

Simon Gaule reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was given a day in the forge as a Christmas gift and I have to agree with the others that it was probably the best present I have ever had. Alex was very calm and patient and answered any questions. he showed what to do on a seperate piece and was unflappable even when melted a piece off! we recovered and I was still able to make a very satisfactory piece in the time, even got to make a quick extra! It was a professional, unhurried learning experience from a great blacksmith.I would totally do it again and heartily recommend it. Thank you Alex."

Ashley Tallyn reviewed: Stone carving 1 day introduction course in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"If you have the slightest interest in stone carving, get yourself down to Driffield! I spent two days learning and carving with Alan and Tracey and cannot recommend it enough. I had a great time and learned so much about general stone carving and the restoration carving that I was particularly interested in. Alan was so generous with his time and I can't believe how much I was able to achieve. He is a great teacher and both he and Tracey were so welcoming. Tracey even went above and beyond to work with me and my hectic schedule to sort out a couple of dates that would work. My general interest in stone carving has been absolutely set alight and I can't wait to get stuck in on a project at home. At least until I can get back down to Driffield!! :)"

Micklethwaite Studios responded:

"Hi Ashley, Thank you so much for your great review! It was a pleasure to meet you, and we are so pleased to have been able to find some dates that made it possible for you to come along - especially as we love to hear your interest in carving has blossomed. You really did achieve a lot during your two days with us - and have created a fantastic carving. Enjoy your carving at home, and we will look forward to seeing you again here in Driffield too! Best wishes, Tracey"

Guillaume Wright reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"A fantastic course - for someone aware of the basics but lacking confidence in DIY skills, Scott and Sue have created a very accessible, useful, and most importantly fun course! Plenty of great tips, not just on upcycling, but DIY and woodwork in general, the chance to be creative, and you end up with some unique (and practical!) items to take home. Scott is a really great teacher, and they're both lovely people - thanks both!"

John Conyngham reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"Earlier reviews have eloquently set out the contents of this course and there is no need to repeat them. What has to be SHOUTED out is just how good this course is! It is highly instructive, different, makes you bring out the creativity you never knew you had, keeps you totally engaged to the extent of wanting to skip the lunch break and it is GREAT FUN!! Chris is just an excellent, natural tutor with a great people instinct and he is very ably assisted by wife Sue and lovely daughter - not forgetting Black Paw owner, Max! What a friendly family. Nothing is too much trouble for all 3 and you will never be left floundering. The weekend just hurtled by - do go for the 2 days - and I arrived home on Sunday night exhilarated, proud of my very modest achievements and tired out! Thank you Chris and Sue ...and, in case anyone didn't read this far, GO!"

Matt Grayson reviewed: Two day axe and felling course

"The course was fantastic. I learnt so much about how to maintain your axe and to use them safely and to the maximum of their potential. Dave and his volunteers were really helpful and made the two days really enjoyable! My confidence using an axe has improved greatly since doing the course."

Eddie Stewart reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day at the forge with John and the guys. There were 6 of us on the course. Having 3 forges and John, Spencer and Charlotte to instruct we had a very good ratio of instructor/kit to student. I came to make a knife but I would have been happy just going away with my fireplace poker. Forging the knife was the cherry on top. The lunchtime pub food was very good. I'm definitely considering which course to do next. Would recommend this course to anyone who fancies a go."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Eddie thanks for review, I am pleased the knife was the cherry on the cake ! as you know we have a selection of metalwork or blacksmith courses and you are welcome back anytime. thanks John ps the pub we use offers a 20% discount on all our students that have attended , if interested email me and I will send a voucher. best wishes John"

Pardis Arvinrad reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"As a complete beginner I really didn’t think I would end the day with proper craft! Absolutely thrilled with my new found skill. Alice has great patience! The studio is so cosy and nice. Loved the experience:)"

Laurie Smith reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Thoroughly enjoyable and informative evening spent with Rebecca on the beginners weaving course. I would love to learn more and eventually get my own loom. Thank you Rebecca"

Liz Howe reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"My husband and I attended the donkey workshop in Farsley. We weren’t sure what we were going to end up with at the start with our lump of clay. But under Richrads expert tuition we needed have worried. We both really enjoyed the day, the company and Richards gentle way of teaching. It was relaxed and absorbing. We both ended up with sculptures that looked like donkeys, it was fascinating and I can’t wait to do another one. Great value for money too."

Amit Tauro reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"Adrian was an extremely good teacher. Very knowledgable and very helpful. I very much enjoyed his course. I would definitely attend a future course. Thanks Ade!"

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

"really enjoyed my workshop, although a bit late due to the bus going a random route!!"

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

"It was a lovely morning spent with Charlie who is very knowledgeable about Candle-making. I was taught to prepare and fill the containers with the wax, all about choosing scents, adding colours and the basics about presentation of the final product. We had a nice chat and cup of tea out in the garden as we waited for the wax to set. The morning session came to an end with information given regarding supplies etc. The candles which I had made were given to me in a beautiful gift bag. It was a morning well spent!!! Thanks again Charlie."

Gabriela Berutti reviewed: Printing on clay

"This course was a beautiful experience. I’m from Argentina and I barely speak english. Zoe was extremely kind to me and, even with the language difficulties, I learned a lot. The tecnhics she taught were really useful and the space is very nice! I truly recommend it."

Debbie reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"This was a very informative and fun course. Sarah made it all seem very easy. Everything was clearly explained and we each made several different types of candles including coloured and scented candles. The pace was excellent. Thank you Sarah."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Debbie, glad you enjoyed the workshop"

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

"We asked Charlie to come to our home that we had for a hen weekend. The workshop was the perfect accompaniment to the weekend, we had vessels to suit everyone and she was so helpful with suggestions of how to make them in the future. I would recommend her for a hen, party or even as a birthday gift for a loved one. We each left very happy with candles to suit each persons' personality."

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

"I had an amazing time, Charlie made it so easy to learn how to make candles, she's a lovely host and teacher. I've since started making my own candles and they're turning out just as well so you really do walk away with all the knowledge and skill you need to get going."

Nell chambers reviewed: Monthly drink & draw evening class

"Love the Drink and Draw evenings. Both men and women on the course and lots of fun trying out new things. Personally, I don’t do a lot of drawing. More cut and stick for me, and sloshing around with paint. Cheese, wine, grapes and Maltesers. Who could ask for more?"

The White Room Art Studio responded:

"Love your (Malteser fuelled) collages Nell !"

Caroline Hadley reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"I have never known three hours go so quickly! Ellie was a great teacher, knowing when to help and when to let us get on with it. There was a vast selection of different yarns and threads to use. I loved it so much I bought my loom. And the cake was delicious too!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Caroline, Thank you for the review. It was great to meet you and i'm very glad you enjoyed the workshop :) Best wishes, Ellie"

Alison Martin reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"This was a relaxed group, there was a lot to take in, in a short time, sally made it easy to understand all the camera functions and didn’t mind going back over things. I feel I gained confidence in my ability to use my camera to its best. I would recommend this course to complete beginners or someone who has a little knowledge but wants to learn more about composition, light etc"

Libby Bauchope reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"An absolutely wonderful course in soap making in very relaxed and beautiful surroundings. The warmest of welcomes from Lynn and Jenny, made it a really special day. The soap making was very well explained, and to see the finished soaps gives a real sense of accomplishment, I now can't wait to make my own. We shared some absolutely gorgeous food, and its a great chance to have a chat and socialise. An amazing day. Xx"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Libby. Thanks so much for your really lovely review. We're so glad you enjoyed your day with us so much. We hope you will continue making your own soap at home, and look forward to seeing photos! Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective one day. Best wishes, Lynn x"

Mr. Jason Ashley reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"You will not be disappointed, Graham and Dave where fantastic ,very knowledgable and helpful,you get to do everything with their guidance ( pretty much the forged in fire experience but the right way ), highly recommend to anyone Hopefully I will be going back soon . Thanks again Graham and Dave"

Hannah Hamer reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Absolutely loved my day needle felting with Denise. I was amazed at how well my hare turned out but im sure thats all down to Denises patience and guidance. I have definitely caught the bug and have been busy creating friends for my hare with the amzing starter kit that i got from Denise. I cant recommend this workshop highly enough!"

Daniel Charlton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely brilliant day today with Adrian on today’s course! Learned loads and he was always happy to answer questions and share his experience with this wannabe blacksmith! Also have to say massive thank you to Debbie for supplying coffee, cake, biscuits and a delicious lunch! I will definitely be back when I get the chance! Cheers!"