Latest reviews

Jamie Huante reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I took two courses taught by Nigel in Berkeley, California. He's thoughtful in his explanations and demonstrations, while providing insight and history into techniques. He's great at listening to his students needs and wants when it comes to developing a strong skills set. Nigel teaches in a manner that is genuinely interested in seeing you succeed."

John Niero reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I must say that I am so impressed with the teachings of Nigel. This the second time I have taken classes with him in Berkeley CA and am looking forward to more. Nigel has a natural ability to clearly explain the process and an innate ability to problem solve. I am new to hand stitching and I feel that Nigel has given me a very solid foundation to build upon."

Phil Partington reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"A great experience. Went with my brother to celebrate my 65th birthday. We both learnt such a lot from Bob and the banter between us all was good. I left with a very fine poker and Les with a welly boot scraper. Would highly recommend this experience. Thanks Bob, a day to remember."

Zoe reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My expectations of this private tuition, and for what I might achieve in a day were high - I was absolutely delighted. From my initial email enquiry, through contact leading up to, and throughout the day there was excellent organisation and communication in all areas. Timely information to plan, prepare and find the location, materials, health and safety, tools as well as provocation to ask more questions or anything specfic. The quality of the wrap around made the course itself even more enjoyable, relaxing, productive along with the high quality outputs . Thank you Lucy for such professionalism and authenticity in all areas."

Nigel Flatt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had a fantastic 2 days with Nigel such a nice guy and a master of his craft. He inspired me to set up my own forge so now i can improve on everthing he showed us."

Brian Watson reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"Being new to bee keeping, I thought a course would be the best place to start. Choosing a course was a challenge due to so many available. This course stood out based on the sustainability side of things. It did not disappoint, the course was really informative in all areas. Nothing was mandated, it was all fact based (backed up with scientific evidence) and really has made me stop and think about the importance of balance. The course location was excellent, as were all of the people who covered the subjects. Highly recommend this course if new to bee keeping or very experienced - plenty to think about and learn from."

Liz Benson reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"As a complete newbie to needle felting I was impressed at how well my hare came out! This was obviously thanks to the wonderful ‘Crafty Gal’, Denise. She’s patient and helpful, working along side us to demonstrate needle felting clearly. A delicious lunch and afternoon tea provided by Bonds completed a wonderful day. Thank you so much Denise xx"

Linda reviewed: Beginners bearmaking course

"Had a great day with Sally making my bear! She is very encouraging and helpful, especially to a beginner,like me, at hand sewing. Had a lot of fun and very pleased to go home with a fantastic bear (he looked quite pleased too). If you are thinking of having a go, do book this - you won’t regret it"

Bear with Me responded:

"Hi Linda. It was a pleasure. May you have many days of happy bear making. Thankyou so much for this heartwarming review too. Made me blush xxx"

Angie Snow reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops in Tavistock Devon

"Such a great days course. Wendy is very experienced and patient. She gives each person her attention when needed. A very relaxing day covering all information for carrying out the craft. I had never done anything like this before and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Love the fish that I made. Definitely recommend. ?"

alexandra newstead reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had an excellent day with Lucy. As a complete beginner I had no idea how to work with silver, but with Lucy's expert guidance I managed to make a lovely silver ring, which I show off at every opportunity. Lucy has a mindful of knowledge in jewellery making and is an excellent (and patient in my case) teacher. I would highly recommend anyone who is interested in jewellery making to have at least a day with Lucy."

Ian Higginbotham reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"40 years ago, as a teenager my Grandfather, a Master Carpenter, taught me to use a treadle lathe in his workshop. Eventually he mounted an old vacuum cleaner motor on the wall to stop me getting so tired and I was happy turning any piece of wood he gave me. I loved it. As I approach early retirement my children bought me a day's woodturning with Mark to see if I still loved it, as I always talk about buying a lathe and doing what pleases me in an artistic way........ Well, what can I say. We started at 9:30, stopped for 30 minutes for lunch and finished at 8:30 in the evening. So much came flooding back and the more I picked up on Mark's passion the more I realised it was a passion I still had, and that probably showed because Mark commented a few times on how quick I picked up on things. It was a lovely day, with a wooden bowl as a memento for my wife, lovely memories for me and a shopping list as long as your arm for when I do set up my own workshop. I think I even coerced Mark into agreeing to help me hone the shopping list to perfection so as not to waste money when I do eventually pull the trigger........ Just need to convince the wife that £6,000 is cheap for a lathe.......!!! Mark, thank you for sharing your passion, thank you for rekindling mine, and thank you for listening, challenging and your expert tutoring. I loved every minute of it. Ian."

Tiani Raveendran reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"Really enjoyed the workshop, I have learnt a lot about different kinds of wax. venue is suitable, sunday is the best day to have it as well. Sara is brilliant tutor...great fun."

Candle by Events responded:

"It was a pleasure meeting you, thank you for your lovely comments"

Tony Allen reviewed: Stained Glass - Copper Foil (2 days) in the Peak District

"I recently spent a very enjoyable weekend at Zantium Studios learning to create copper foil stained glass light catchers. Lillian was an excellent tutor - very calm, very positive & very knowledgable. Godfrey Hole house and Zantium studios was an excellent base for the course and the food was delicious. The Kingfisher light catcher I produced on the course now has pride of place in our conservatory. I would thoroughly recommend the venue and 2 day introduction course and hope to go back on the intermediate course as soon as possible."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Tony, thankyou so much for this glowing review. Lilian is, indeed, a very talented artist and patient tutor. I will pass on your positive feedback. So glad you enjoyed your time here - including the cakes! Hope to welcome you back soon."

Rob Fulton reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"This was my first time on a pole lathe and Adrian is a very clear, patient experienced instructor. All processes were explained well at the right place for all the group. When Adrian could see me struggling and at times frustrated by my attempts he got me back into the groove and I completed two bowls. Looking forward to going on another if Adrian's courses soon."

Anne reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops in Tavistock Devon

"This was a very enjoyable day - I had no experience of glass fusing. Fantastic to progress from newbie to produce an amazing piece of fused glass in just a few hours. All thanks to Wendy's patience and expertise with a good supply of materials and equipment available. Would definitely recommend anyone even if not artistically inclined!"

Catherine & Keith reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"The process of crafting a beautiful and functional stool from a piece of rough hewn wood is quite cathartic and highly recommended. Ambrose calmly and expertly guides you through the creative process, aided and abetted by the stunning Dartmoor scenery, lashings of sister Emily's homemade soup and the wit and humour of fellow participants. What are you waiting for?"

Subuola reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"It was a very enjoyable course. Sarah explained all aspects of making quality candles and the kind of wax on the market."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you, it was a pleasure meeting you"

Elaine Robinson reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I've completed 2 basket and 2 sculpture courses with Joe Gregory from Creative with Nature. She's a fab teacher, very patient & helpful. I'm so please with the baskets and the sculptures I've made, highly recommend."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thank you Elaine! you're feedback is very welcome. Well done on another gorgeous basket. xx"

Alison Scott reviewed: An Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Lovely relaxed day. Very clear teaching of different techniques, and well structured. Excellent food!"

Stuart Richards reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had an excellent time with Alex at the Chalk Pit Forge. Alex is a great teacher, very friendly and, importantly for me people like me with no previous experience forging, very patient! Very pleased with my ram's head letter opener! Thoroughly recommended. PS Now I know what a proper hard day's work feels like to!!"

Claire Delwiche reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended the two day French Polishing class earlier this week. As a keen furniture upcycler it was great to be able to learn different techniques, Ollie showed me not only French Polishing but also how to paint furniture correctly to achieve a better, more professional finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, Ollie is a fantastic tutor, patient, knowledgeable and very encouraging. I highly recommend this course and will definitely be back!"

Dee pilkington reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Fantastic and very informative morning I have learned loads today Kerrylyn is warm and friendly and I am armed with loads of info to start my own candle business ?I also have 2 perfect candles to try in a week I also now know how to take care of my candles - I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to start their own candle business fab morning xx"

Paul Santer reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"What a fantastic weekend we all enjoyed on Ambrose's weekend course! The location was perfect, on the edge of Dartmoor in a beautiful timber barn (which Ambrose built); the satisfaction derived from creating a fine piece of furniture out of a tree trunk in just two days was immense and the chilled and friendly style of Ambrose's teaching made the whole experience a joy. The other stool-makers were great company and quickly gelled as a group. On top of all this, Ambrose's sister, Emily, provided the most delicious and nourishing lunches each day which were enjoyed al fresco in the October sunshine. There was even home-made cake too! I can't recommend this course highly enough. Good luck in the future Ambrose!"

Annette Beardsley reviewed: Botanical Art Workshop - Two-day Course at Sculpture by the Lakes with Julia Trickey

"Excellent course in idyllic surroundings. Julia is a very good teacher and makes the topic very accessible. Her own work is inspirational. The lunch was delicious and the company good. Thoroughly recommended."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Annette, thank you for your lovely and kind review and we are so glad you enjoyed yourself."

Liz Cliff reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"What a fabulous experience. I booked myself and two friends to attend one of Jackie's courses, and what an absolute ball we had. Jackie was so friendly and approachable from start to finish, making us feel really welcome and very relaxed. She inspired us with lots of ideas, and was constantly on hand to help us, except when she was bringing us the most wonderful banana cake, scrumptious !! I can't thank Jackie highly enough, and would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to step out of the stresses of life, and take a day for themselves. I didn't believe I could make something I would be really proud of, with Jackie's help, I now know I can."