Latest reviews

Virginie Daniau reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My daughter attended the workshop this weekend and had a wonderful time. She has managed to carve a great spoon even if it was a beginner."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Many thanks for your review. We're glad Sara enjoyed the class. She did very well. We were particularly impressed with how quickly she took to the axe work. All the best Mark"

Andy Turner reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Just got back from this knife making course with Andy. Got to say I had a great time. Andy is very knowledgeable and a great instructor, he lets you get on with it while giving you pointers and guidance to keep you from making too much of a mistake. I've always wanted to have a go at forging a knife and I wasn't disappointed. Smacking a red hot piece of steel into shape is so much fun! Definitely recommend this to anyone. Amazingly, at the end of 4 hours or so I ended up with a really nice knife that both looks good and is razor sharp!"

Rosanna Blight reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My husband booked this course as a gift to me for our 5th wedding anniversary (it’s wood so hence the off the wall gift). Both of us were complete novices (I had to google what wood turning was before the actual day!). However I had the most wonderful day. Mark tailored the day completely to our level. He is obviously a very skilled wood turner however he was able to break down the components of the tasks very clearly so that even my husband and I could understand what to do!! We left with two brilliant bowls which we have been showing off to anyone who will look at them. I throughly recommend this course to everyone and I hope to have another go at woodturning in the near future!!"

Nicki reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Chris was patient, kind and hugely generous with his time and knowledge. He made the pottery course extra special. Pottery was a 'bucket list thing' for me and I am so glad that we chose Chris (and the lovely Sarah) cannot recommend the courses highly enough and have already booked to go back. Nicki x"

Nicki reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Sarah's course was like the alchemy of her glasswork; simple, brilliant and fun! Her attention to detail, kindness and generosity with her time and knowledge made the course such a wonderful experience. With Sarah's guidance it seems I'm quite creative. Who knew!! Cannot wait to see how everything else turns out and look forward to the next course in August! Thank you very much. Nicki x"

Jill Nicholas reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I really enjoyed my 2 hour stone carving session with John in Weymouth during Dorset Arts Weeks. He was happy to let me stay on an extra half hour to finish my Celtic design. I am very proud of my first attempt and definitely want to do more."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jill - so glad you enjoyed your course and that you would like to do more! John is here teaching a one-day course at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September in case you are free... Thank you for your review."

Pat Reilly reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course and nice to see the finished knife. Recommended."

Tom Hardisty reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Had a fun time and really good to see the knife emerge, stage by stage. Good tutor. Recommended."

Peter Smith reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Beginners need not worry - good, patient tutor and guided along each step. Had a good time. Recommended."

Martin Kemp reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Brilliant time. Transformation from a piece of metal to a knife. Good tutor and good location."

Jay Farley reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"No worries as a beginner, patient and attentive tutor. Had a really fun time. Recommended."

John Shaw reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Good course and patient tutor. Thoroughly enjoyed the two days. Highly recommended."

Joe Kent reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Had a great time creating my knife. Really good tutor. Recommended."

Gordon Stowe reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Really good course and attentive tutor. Recommended."

Blake Stevens reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Really fun and wow a knife from a piece of metal. Enjoyed my time, many thanks."

John Haven reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Great two days - nice to see the knife taking shape. Really good tutor."

Steve Blyton reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I never had the chance to do any form of metalwork at school or in the many years since. Meeting Jake at his occasional market stall pushed me into 'having a bash'. Absolutely no regrets. This is simple personal tuition in a simple workshop: No glitzy surroundings or presentations. Just a solid 'hands on' day. Jake's teaching style is patient and understanding, with the aim of producing some hardware at the end. A proper introduction to the craft, giving a great understanding of what is needed to create metalwork."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you Steve for the kind words, was a pleasure teaching you! Kind regards, Jake."

David Hinshelwood reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"Lucky is amazing and her course is awesome! My daughter has been going for 3 years and always feels nurtured and allowed the freedom to express. My daughter loves it and is always keen to go."

Claire Summerhayes reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I attended a half day with John in June and had a fantastic time. John is a great teacher really explains things well and had some great ideas. I was so pleased with my piece of stone I did it has pride of place in my garden!! If I can do it anyone can. Great fun and met some lovely people. Highly recommend."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Claire - so glad you enjoyed your course with John, he is a great teacher... If you are thinking of doing another course, he is at Sculpture by the Lakes for a one-day course on Sunday, 2nd September."

Sumon martin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I did a workshop mid june in Weymouth and really enjoyed it. The workstation was laid out well for easy usage. John was inspirational and very helpful as this was my first time. I brought home a piece of work that im very proud of and my wife loves. This course is definitely worth doing and is worthwhile."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"It's lovely to hear that had such a good day with John, he is a very good teacher, as everyone says! If you are interested in taking another course, he is at Sculpture by the Lakes for a one-day course on Sunday, 2nd September. Kind regards"

Brenda Gibb reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I recently did a workshop with John, it was an amazing experience, John was so patient, and explained things in laymen terms. After two hours of chipping and Johns expert help I walked away with a beautiful yacht set in Portland stone. I can honestly say it’s probably one of the things I am most proud of. I defiantly will be going to another of Johns workshops."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Brenda - so glad you enjoyed your course with John and that you came away with such a great piece of work. If you are interested in taking another course with John, he will be doing a one-day workshop with us here at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September. Kind regards"

Christian Harris reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"As an Engineering student, its amazing to get to do something practical. I love all kinds of craft work and I must say this course was up there with the most enjoyable. Graham is a fantastic teacher, very friendly and open to questions about any stage as you go along. He also welcomes general questions outside the scope of the class as well! Lunch and refreshments were great, the ice-cold drinks throughout the day were incredibly refreshing and much needed when spending a day hammering away in close proximity to the hot forge. Well worth the money and I will definitely be coming back for more!"

Christian Harris reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"As an Engineering student, its amazing to get to do something practical. I love all kinds of craft work and I must say this course was up there with the most enjoyable. Graham is a fantastic teacher, very friendly and open to questions about any stage as you go along. He also welcomes general questions outside the scope of the class as well! Lunch and refreshments were great, the ice-cold drinks throughout the day were incredibly refreshing and much needed when spending a day hammering away in close proximity to the hot forge. Well worth the money and I will definitely be coming back for more!"

DAWN STOCKLEY reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Wow, what a day. Mark and Jill are amazing teachers in the art of spoon carving. The workshop is in the most beautiful location and a fantastic lunch was provided by Christina. We had been waiting for a date for a year to do the course due to other commitments but the wait was well and truly worth it. The course is about far more than learning to carve a spoon. You learn all about the tools and how to use them safely, information about what wood to use and a lovely walk around Marks woods. If you are considering doing the couse think no more, get on and book it. You will not be disappointed."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Many thanks for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the day. Watch this page for future classes. All the best Mark"

Dawn Hammond reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Barbara is such an inspiring teacher/instructor....I have learned so much from her classes. She has given me the confidence to work with a mixture of Wool incorporating my Husky Wool. I have created 2 beautiful scarves that I will treasure and also created 2 wrist cuffs. Thank You Barbara.....I will certainly do another class soon!!! Dawn ?"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Hi Dawn, Thank you so much for you kind and very encouraging words. You brought something unique and very special into my world of woolly fibres with your beautiful husky fur. Your two nuno felted scarves are gorgeous. I look forward to teaching you and encouraging new techniques in to your work. Barbara :)"