Latest reviews

Dr David G Reay reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"Having spent the last year trying to self-learn wood turning, I became frustrated by not being able to achieve the quality of output I wanted. I contacted Philip, explained the problem and asked if he could help. After our telephone call I booked a one-to-one instruction day. Philip soon identified the weaknesses in my methods (too numerous to list) and set about correcting them. The session also went well beyond correcting working methods and included background topics such as wood types, wood and tool selection, use of jigs and tool sharpening, as well as lots of guided practice on the lathe. By the end of the day's programme, I was extremely happy to know what not to do, and to be able to start practicing the right techniques for the right reasons. Already, I have seen a step change in the quality of my wood turning results. Philip's understated breadth of knowledge, expertise and high level of patience was a joy to experience. Throughout the day he adapted the content to fit my needs and as a result he far exceeded my expectations. Philip and Wendy run professional and friendly operation in a beautiful part of the country and they looked after me like I was a family friend. I cannot thank them enough and have no hesitation in recommending Philip's instructional offerings unequivocally."

Mick Guy reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I spent a very interesting 2 days stripping and refurbishing a folding chair. The pace of progress was just right with plenty of opportunities to see how other learners were overcoming any challenges. The calm setting and atmosphere was doubly beneficial to me as I do suffer from PTSD."

Joanna reviewed: Half or Full Day Fused Glass Workshop, Stourbridge

"My daughter and I did the fused glass dish workshop ( half day), and absolutely loved it ! we had no previous experience but managed to produce 2 beautiful glass dishes that we're really proud of. The course is taught in a relaxed and friendly way, with lots of help and cups of tea. we are now thinking about going back to do another glass based course at the amazing Red House Glass Cone in Stourbridge"

Joanna reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"I did the one day course with Jackie and thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact I am now hooked on mosaic making! I went back for the 2 day course and now I'm making my onw mosaics at home with growing confidence. The atmosphere in Jackie's workshops is relaxed and fun, she is there to help with ideas, practical tips, whatever is needed really. The refreshments are top quality too! I am so glad I did the workshops and now have a new hobby for life- THANK YOU xx"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to work with you and i’m so pleased your now making mosaics at home. Jackie ?"

Caroline Pigden reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I attended with my 15 year old daughter who wished that she could spend more days there. The Phoenix Studio is a beautiful, relaxed and friendly setting for a superb course. Highly recommended for the talented and patient tutors and for escape therapy!"

Kawther reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I met Anna today and she is lovely , she gave me confidence and in 2 hours I was able to learn the methods of knitting. I was so pleased to have attended because she is lovely and helps even if im struggling :)"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Kawther for your review. I enjoyed working with you and hope you manage to eventually knit those jumpers for your fiancée. Keep up the good work. Ann"

Edward Smith reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"......"at the rate we're going I can't see us completing the course" I said to the friend accompanying me around the camp fire after day 1. But we certainly did, and the relaxed pace set by Andy was central to this experience at Sallerton Woods......no rushing, no pressure, just plenty of considered and experienced advice and all set in beautifully tranquil surroundings. We chose to camp, with the discovery of the shower (plenty of room, plenty of hot water) a revitalising bonus after a day on the tools. It was extremely satisfying to learn about the various tools employed and to be left to use them to make my Shave Horse. I really can't recommend this venture highly enough and will certainly return. Thank you, Andy, Jane and little Thomas."

Ryan James reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great 2-days of stone carving!! Not just because of the great weather (June/July 2018 heatwave) in such a tranquil setting, but being allowed to be creative whilst guided and supported by the expertise and enthusiasm of Sebastian. Would love to return at some point in the future, but first I need to make my own tools and find some stone!! If you want some headspace and try somehting new that you could quite easily pick up as a hobby (subject to space and time of course), this is definitely a good course to get going, and no doubt return visits would only allow you to further improve."

Alan Haughan reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What can I say. The other reviewers are spot on. Great weekend box making. Relaxed style from Mark puts you instantly at ease. Very clear yet detailed advise and supervision. You will come away with a box you have made which you will be proud of, and will have learned lots as well, whether a beginner or not. Go - you will be glad you did!"

Trudy reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I had an excellent two days with Rosanna, designing and making my own bag. Rosanna is very knowledgeable and patient and a great teacher. I am very pleased with my finished result and even had enough time left to learn hand stitching and make a small purse. I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to make something bespoke and hope that I will be back again someday to try something else. Thank you so much Rosanna!"

Laura Davis reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Such an amazing day, it was the perfect way to zone out from daily life and enjoy a new craft. I was a complete novice but Sarah was on hand at every step and gave clear and helpful advice and tips. I am over the moon with my bag, it's doing me proud and it smells amazing! ? I'll be looking to do another course soon and I've been recommending left, right and centre. Thanks Sarah."

Alison Ryder reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Great day, very patient tutor. I really was a novice and have been able with assistance to bring home a bangle I am proud to wear. Jonathan introduced us to different techniques which we were able to practice before working with the silver. Highly recommend, lovely location and the cakes were delicious."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Alison. Well done with your new jewellery making skills and good luck with your future crafting plans. Jonathan"

One day course making pendant & earrings reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"I had such a lovely day at this workshop. Jolene's little studio is just adorable and there is so much inspiration in the quirky objects d'art in there. The studio is accessed via a staircase which may be difficult to climb for some. After a lovely drink and chat we started and before we knew it was time for lunch which was spent in the yard as it was a beautiful sunny day. The afternoon was spent working on other designs and I came away with 4 fabulous hand made items. I learnt so much from Jolene and she was truly inspirational. I was so pleased with my designs and have been wearing them ever since. I would love to go back again and I can certainly recommend this course."

Rosie Robertson reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop - lead panels or garden sculpture

"I have been on two of Gigha's courses and both were excellent. Gigha gives you confidence to try everything in a quiet supportive way. Hopefully I will try some of her other courses in the near future."

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

"Just completed my second course with Spike. First time made a quiver stand, today have come home with a very splendid knife. I have learnt so much in these three days and wholeheartedly recommend these courses to anyone with an interest in the craft of the blacksmith. Spike has a real passion for his craft and is skilled at sharing his knowledge. Very educational, very enjoyable."

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

"Having never done anything like this before, I was full of trepidation but Jonh was great. I learned so much, I went from beginner to smug in just a few hours. John gave me the tools to crest a satisfying carving. I would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Pauline, what a lovely review, thank you so much on behalf of John! If you are thinking of repeating your stone carving experience, he is teaching a one-day course here at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September."

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

"Really lovely experience. Arrived at the house was welcomed warmly by Charlie. She took us through the house before coming into a large garden with the studio located at the back. After having a glass of bubbly and meeting the other guests, Charlie began to explain the candle making process and we moved into the studio which was very clean and modern. Charlie was very informative and really guided us through the process and answered any questions we had. We got to pick the vessel for our candle as well as our own scents out of about 50 different ones. We also got to colour our candles with dye and Charlie let us get a little creative at this point, mixing different dyes during the cooling period to create a marbling effect. My partner also placed some seashells into the candle which she had brought along. While we waited for the candles to cool we have tea and biscuits and a chat. It was a great way to spend an afternoon and would recommend to anyone and everyone!"

Lizzy reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"This was a day of learning, creativity and great fun! Ollie is an enthusiastic and creative teacher and uses every opportunity to give us more insight into print making. She was brilliant at seeing where we each wanted to go with our idea and helping us to develop it and teaching techniques specific to what we wanted to do. The results are amazing and as a beginner, I really felt I had produced something better than I expected. I will definitely do another one!"

Louise Stone reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Such an enjoyable day for my daughter and I! Olivia explained everything very well, and was very approachable if you had any questions. She made her way around to everyone participating and was always full of praise and encouragement. We didn't ever feel rushed (even when my own piece of work took longer to print). Olivia is truly inspirational and always had a smile on her face! We look forward to returning."

Shahri Savory reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"Hi Jonathan, just to say that last Thursday’s workshop was the most enjoyable experience I have had in a long time and so much fun! Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement yesterday. My family's gift of your 1day Introduction to Silver Jewellery Making Course was the best I could have wished for. Although I had been looking forward to the day, I had little idea of what to expect, having no jewellery making background, and was concerned that I might feel completely out of my depth. I need not have worried as your relaxed approach, sense of humour, enthusiasm to share your knowledge together with your expertise and teaching style have been nothing short of inspiring and I am already planning to book again after some practice with copper! I learned so much about all the processes and it was satisfying coming away with the silver earrings, especially loving the way we made the silver beads and imagining ways I can make those the basis for a style! My husband is busy exploring where and how to create a workbench for me and I have been e-trawling through the 'cooksongold' catalogue ;o) Thank you again and have a wonderful summer. I look forward to booking my next session and have been promoting your courses to every one of my friends. Thanks again."

Matt B reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"I booked for my girlfriend and myself for her birthday gift. We've been on a few different craft workshops in the past and we both agreed this was the best! Anita has a very easy going nature and her knowledge and encouragement throughout our session made for a great morning. The class is structured really well so you can be creative and achieve some great candles by the end of the session. We made hand dipped candles, scented votives, scented soy wax tealights and wax melts. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone who loves candles or just wants to learn something new."

Peter Buchanan reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"Very enjoyable .The information ,history and Johns easy going approach struck exactly the right balance and by the end I had learnt a lot .Thankyou"

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Peter - thank you for your feedback. I hope you are able to use the information while building your flower bed retaining wall."

Jamie H reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Went with no experience and struggled at the start. But with excellent tuition I was doing great welds by the end of the day. *Review written at the welding facility on 14/07/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Lee M reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"This was a Christmas gift for me and I had a great day learning fantastic content. David is a patient teacher (he needed to be!) and he even loaned me his welding helmet. The environment was relaxed and comfortable and now I know how to weld! *Review written at the welding facility on 14/07/18, hard copy kept at premises."

Chris F reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"The course is great, gave me not only knowledge but confidence too. Really enjoyed the day, couldn't have asked for better. Would highly recommend.  *Review written at the welding facility on 14/07/18, hard copy kept at premises."