Latest reviews

Mark McArthur-Christie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian has found a little bit of paradise in the Gloucestershire orchard where he runs his stonecarving courses. His laid-back, relaxed style is more about letting everyone get involved straight away than stifling them with supervision and over-instruction. It's only when you look back that you realise how much help and quiet guidance he gives you. And it really works; as someone with all the artistic ability of a chairleg, I didn't hold out great hopes of producing anything but a larger pile of stone dust than I started with. But I ended up actually taking away a piece of stonework that's already got compliments from non-guidedog owning friends. Our fellow carvers were thoroughly conducive too; everyone was keen to praise and encourage everyone else's efforts. Coffeetime and lunchtime chats (sitting in the sun with a plentiful supply of gingernuts) ranged across every subject from going self-employed to why the resident geese were so quiet. Even if you've never hefted an adze (Sebastian's on a mission to convert the sculpting world to the adze) or picked up a chisel, you'll be more than fine. A great weekend - just wish we'd been able to stay longer."

Paul Webzell reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I had booked this course as an anniversary treat for my wife & I as we had enjoyed watching it on TV &i had always had an interest in weapons ect. We had a fantastic day in the forge which far surpased our expectations, you were given clear instructions on what to do & they had planned the activitie in such a way as to allow you to find your sea legs & grow your confidence as the knife forgeing progressed. Although the instructors were on hand to help/advise & would correct any errors quickly as they occurred you really were left to do the majority of the work so at the end you have a massive sens of achievement & pride in what you made. I would happily recommend this course to anyone who is curious about blacksmithing or just looking for something different to try. Dont be put off thinking you might not be physically able to do it as you will suprse yourself my wife is very slightly built & found the hammering hard but managed to turn out a beautiful knife. It is a fun relaxed day with some cool relaxed instructors! Give it a go you will love it."

Diane Cooke reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"Lovely relaxed afternoon, I would never have had the courage to try this on my own but Claire was confident and reassuring. I arrived with a rather over ambitious idea in my head and Claire worked with me to produce a lovely unique piece that I will really treasure, even allowing the class to massively overrun so that my piece could be finished in the kiln. Do give this a try, you won't be disappointed."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Diane and I am so glad we were able to achieve all that we did and that you went away with the lovely piece you made! Thanks again!"

Andy Collie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a brilliant day at the forge, would strongly recommend anyone giving it a go. As a novice i went with an idea of what i wanted to create and Mort gave me all the advice and help i needed to turn it from an idea in to reality, good banter was had by all during the day and even a history lesson which was fascinating! I returned home with a creation to be proud of, saving up now for the next visit.... perhaps a suit of armour next time :-) Thank you Mort and thanks to my wife for buying it as a present.... Perfect all round."

Kerrie o reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Lovely day out, Charlie made our day personable and homely. Thoroughly enjoyed day out, would highly recommend ?"

Victoria Avery reviewed: Introduction to weaving on a frame loom at Bristol Textile Quarter

"I feel so excited after attending Mary's course and have been non-stop weaving and eagerly drawing new ideas! The course was fantastic; tuition was clear and easy to follow, the structure was just right. My mum, aunt and I all attended the course and we all really enjoyed it, we each came away with unique weavings and an understanding of how to develop our newly-acquired skills! Mary is a patient and friendly teacher, no question we asked was too silly. The fact we also came away with our own loom, weaving accessories and amazing weaving guide (...and a tummy full of cake!) makes this course incredible value too. Thank you, I would not hesitate to recommend this course!"

Laura reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"This course was one of the best I have been on (and I am racking up a fair few craft courses now!) Jonathan was a great teacher for the day, and I really can't fault it. By guiding us through the copper wire exercises we were able to confidently give the silver bangle making a go, which have turned out looking very professional. Friends and family have all been impressed when I have shown the final creation off. What I think adds to the fun of this course is the brilliant setting of the canal boat. You can be inspired by nature whilst trying to concentrate on being creative!!"

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

"I spent a delightful afternoon at the Flamingo house in Hove learning how to create a gorgeous fragranced soya wax candle. The setting for the course was a charming studio in the garden where we were taught by Charlie. WE enjoyed a yummy home baked cake and a glass of bubbly. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone and I look forward to making my own candles to give to friends now that I know how to! Thank-you so much"

Heinz Hellerer reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"It was an excellent course. My main interest is keeping bees without treatment and here my main questions to Leo Sharashkin have been answered. Leo Sharashkin gave an entertaining and high coherent presentation which was easy to follow even if your mothertongue is not English. The presentation will change my building of beehives and methods of beekeeping. I highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in alternative and sustainable beekeeping."

peter lead reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"Dr Sharashkin is inspiring. He demonstrates very clearly how bees can be hived with their interests at the forefront yet still being able to share with them their honey. The deep frame hive is so logical when understanding the overwintering behaviour of the bee that it begs the question why is it not more common practice. I will be promoting this style of beekeeping from now. Excellent! And thanks to Nicola and her team Bees for Development."

Celia Dossett reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"This was the first time I had tried machine embroidery and I loved it. I am hooked ! Dawn was so helpful and provided excellent guidance in delightful surroundings. I will certainly attend more courses."

Sheila Fellows-Turnbull reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"Incredibly thought-provoking course, Dr Sharashkin made us realise that sustainable beekeeping is very ‘do-able’, we don’t have to keep fiddling with our bees to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. I would recommend him and this course to anyone seeking a natural approach to keeping and helping bees. I would also commend Bees for Development for not only arranging this course, but also for their work in developing countries assisting people to enhance their lives through sustainable beekeeping"

C Chandler reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended one of Sarah's candle making courses in December, I thoroughly enjoyed it! So much so that I have just finished one of her advanced courses. I have learnt a lot from Sarah and her book - which has great step by step instructions and photos on how to make other types of candles at home. (Which I am doing!) Sarah has excellent knowledge and passion in this subject, which makes her courses fun and enjoyable. The group is a good size too. We got to take home our finished products - which was great to show off to family & friends! I would highly recommend Sarahs candle making courses!"

Yuk-Wah Wallace reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Richard was such a knowledgeable and kind person. I had such a wonderful day and certainly one for the memory bank. On the day, you design, cut and make your bag. You have a choice of leathers to choose from. I learnt so much and really didn’t think I would be walking out of there with a bag that I’d actually use and keep for life. I was a complete novice and now I’m totally hooked. I’m going to book another one with my friend. Time really does fly in this magical workshop."

Ian Scarlett reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I enjoyed the day’s woodturning with you very much, thanks. Once I’ve had some practice, I will definitely be booking another day with you."

Tom McGrath reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"What can I say that hasn't been said by just about everyone rating this course? Absolutely fantastic. You know the old saying--'those that can, do; those that can't, teach'. In this case you couldn't be further from the truth. I've taken the basic whittling course from Martin a few months ago and was very impressed with his teaching style. With the Spoon Whittling weekend I was impressed even more. More advanced knife work as well as hand axe work (that I was interested in, in particular) that as always starts with safety and good technique. But what impressed me the most was the clear progression of techniques that build upon previously taught and practiced ones. I feel much more comfortable in tackling my own spoons now, although it may take a few decades of practice to even approach the beauty of what Martin has already done! I won't even go into his home-made lunches--but if asking for (and receiving) copies of his recipes is any indication... If you want to spend 2 days learning a lot, enjoying the company of fellow whittlers, having a Master Class with a warm, humorous teacher, and ending both days with a smile plastered on your face, you can't go far wrong with this course."

Alan Monk reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day with John and his team at the forge - The day starts with a H&S briefing, then it's onto learning/re-learning some basics by making a simple poker, then it's onto the Viking-style hand-knife, using a combination of forgework to get the blade area thinned down , then shaping and bending of the handle, followed by the grinding and filling of the cutting edge. The class size is small 5-7 and sensibly-paced, so John and his guys can spend quality time with each student and ensure everyone goes away happy with a functioning knife (and poker!). A hearty pub lunch is included (plenty of options) and the tea and coffee are on the go all day. I thoroughly recommend this course!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Alan thanks for review , I am pleased we get it right for everyone.you are welcome back anytime. best wishes John"

prue reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"A thoroughly satisfying and informative workshop. Thank you Sally for a great session wet felting. I had no idea how to do it before but Sally was patient, encouraging and a great teacher. The day went very swiftly and after as much tea or coffee as we wanted, plus all the materials we needed, we all were very successful with our final pieces. I loved the day and would definitely do another."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for coming to the wet felting workshop Prue - really enjoyed having you in the group. The pieces which you went home with were lovely! Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Sue Huxtable reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"What an enjoyable day - I came home feeling really enthusiastic to practice the things I had learnt. I struggled with my machine as hadn't used it for a long time and it's quite a complicated one - however I got great support from Dawn and managed in the end to get going with a design. Lovely friendly people there and Sarah and I are looking forward to coming again"

Camilla reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent 2 days with Ed learning how to make a mould for a model I already had. He was a brilliant teacher and had so much knowledge. It was a friendly atmosphere and I picked up a lot of new tips. I had already been making moulds but I now have so much more confidence to make more complicated things. Thank you!"

Zoey Planjer reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I was thinking of learning how to work with leather for years! Finally took the plunge and had a lovely day making my tote bag! Exceeded all my expectations. Richard talked us through the whole process from designing the bag to handcutting and hand stitching it. The products we used look and feel amazing. I would definitely recommend this course. I will even maybe join again to make an other unique piece!"

Jan Longworth reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I went along with my partner for this course and we had a great time. Claire and Daisy gave us a lovely welcome and the session was relaxed and informative. We were very happy with our pieces and Claire was a great teacher. We had tea cakes and laughter, mixed with learning about working with silver clay. I would recommend Claire's course to anyone."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"You both made some lovely pieces and I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!"

Louise Pugh reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"My husband and I did this for our third wedding anniversary. It was so lovely to meet Rosanna and spend some time learning from her...In fact I enjoyed it so much I’ve decided to get some tools and have a go at home! It was a brilliant morning, Rosanna is very welcoming and a great teacher. I was really happy with the lovely purses I made, as well as a card holder gift for my dad for Father’s Day!"

Tamahine Boyd reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Great weekend away with lovely people, really friendly and welcoming The food is great and plenty of it Lovely comfortable rooms You can craft all weekend if you want to, the rooms are really spacious and you get a big table with plenty of space to spread out I would highly recommend this weekend to anyone that wants to craft with lovely people in lovely surroundings"

Luke Cross reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"This is a brilliant experience that i would highly recommend to anyone interested in blacksmithing, Spike is a brilliant tutor that explains every step clearly both verbally and practically. He is a genuinely nice bloke who is knowledgeable in his craft. I am definitely going to be booking another course with him."