Latest reviews

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

"I am a very experienced D.T. teacher but had done very little wood turning prior to the one day course I have just attended. Andy's workshop is very well equipped with the very best of lathes and other equipment . It is was impressively clean and tidy on my arrival but less so on my departure. Andy has thought through the content of his course with great care. I came away with a lot of basic knowledge that has well prepared me for the future. I expected to leave the course with some turned exercise pieces of fair quality , however Andy instilled in me the importance of producing work of the highest quality. The bowl that I produced was , thanks to Andy's teaching both well turned and finished using simple but highly effective techniques. An excellent course in all aspects."

Lisa nad Duncan reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A great day. Myself and Lisa really enjoyed it and love our bowls. We enjoyed listening and learning from George's experience. The hospitality provided with teas, biscuits and lunch was first class! Lisa’s bowl is full of apples and oranges as you can imagine. Thanks again for a great experience, we loved it!"

Kathie Weedon reviewed: Regular ceramic & glazing tuition and pottery wheel workshops Shetland

"I spent two days at Princetown with Sonje Hibbert learning to throw on the wheel, i went with a friend and we both had a very interesting and happy time with Sonje. She is a very skilled and patient potter and her workshop was very inspirational she had beautiful pottery and paintings for us to look at. She is also very skilled and knowledgeable about glazes and all mediums to decorate pottery. Two fabulous days and very good value for money with a very skilled patient lady."

Werxzovart responded:

"Thank you Kathie for coming to the studio and the review! It was a pleasure to meet you and help you with your pottery skills while I was on Dartmoor. All the best Sonje."

Sinead Hands reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Great day suitable for everyone. Colin clearly loves what he does and this comes across in the fantastic enthusiasm he has for blacksmithing. My husband, son and I were thrilled to spend a day making all kinds of useful pieces such as knives, hooks, toasting forks and bottle openers. Such good fun and thoroughly recommended."

Debby and nina reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"What a fantastic day! Kate is clearly a talented and experienced craftsperson who is passionate about her work. She supported us every step of the way and after lots of encouragement we are now the proud owners of a pecking hen and a sitting hare! Kate's home and gardens are the perfect setting for the day and homemade soup for lunch on a cold winters day was just perfect.....thank you Kate x"

Laura K reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My 11 year old daughter and I spent the day with Sally-Anne at her lovely home, making a pair of handsome stags. Sally-Anne is a brilliant teacher and was fantastic with my daughter. Barley is beautiful village & we enjoyed lunch at The Cabin. Can't wait to come back. Laura"

Carol Asher reviewed: Full day card-making & scrapbooking classes in Portsmouth area

"What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday. Debbie and Clare were great hosts and welcomed us to the relaxed, informal session and through demonstrations, individual tuition and the friendly help of other more experienced crafters, we made some beautiful cards and other craft items. There was a huge variety of crafting equipment we could use and we were kept topped up with tea and delicious cakes throughout the day. We got to meet some lovely new people and are looking forward to the next workshop."

Karen H reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"Had a fabulous time etching a mirror/lantern and jam jars! So effective. I love my pieces. Jenny is a wonderful tutor and nothing is too much trouble. Thank you!"

Sandy Jerrim reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"Amazing day. Lucile is an amazing teacher and guided us through a full day of learning and making (with timely tea breaks) . Somehow I managed to make a lovely toasting fork so went home very proud of myself. I would strongly recommend this day whether an introduction, a new experience or for the challenge."

Sadie McNeice reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"Went to Roger wanting to be able to form wire fairy/dragonfly wings and solder. After going through the tools and getting fmiliar with stretching/bending wires we got on to soldering. In less than a day I manage to produce a really nice set of wings and went away with lots of ideas for things to try. I've been back and learnt to dome copper sheet and get a bit more advaced with my soldering skills. Roger is a patient tutor who showed me what to do , explaining why we were doing it and then letting me have a go at it until I needed him to step in and help. Got good results and now have lots of ideas of what I could make. I also now have 5 or 6 projects on the go including a full size wire head and several different wing shapes. Would recommend this course for anyone wanting to have a go but put off by how hard they think it is, its really not!"

Jackie Wallace reviewed: Piped cushion with lapped zip

"Janet is such a laugh. Really great company. Very knowledgable and an incredibly good teacher. Her home is wonderful and where you learn the craft is perfect. I came away with a brilliant cushion and the full knowledge and confidence I can make one myself at home without any problem. I would highly recommend this course and Janet. I will be back to learn how to make a blind!!"

mel fine reviewed: Sandcast glass with wire inclusions

"This was one of the best workshops I have been on and it was so lovely to come away with 3 "pieces of art!". The first day was very informal and involved making the small models. We were provided with a lovely lunch and lots of cake. The group was small and intimate. The next day we went to Bovey Tracy and had a wonderful time doing our mould and then having them cast. We were all actively involved in the whole process. WE also had a fab lunch and more cake. All in all a great workshop and worth the expense."

Gareth Summers reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an amazing introduction into the world of blacksmithing! Practically from the moment we arrived we were given a hands-on introduction and were getting stuck in before we knew it. We were very involved throughout the entire day and were encouraged to just get involved and ask for help when needed; both Adrian and Andy are very experienced blacksmiths who were very friendly and approachable and happy to help out where needed. Debbie was on site to provide a constant stream of refreshments and the homecooked and locally sourced lunch was definitely welcome, I think we all worked up a huge appetite as the morning progressed. Everyone involved went to great lengths to make us feel welcome and to provide an entertaining day and they were certainly successful in their efforts. This course was booked for me as a surprise Christmas present and I was very happy to receive it; the snail key ring and dragon coat hook we made on the day have found a proud place in my house. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something practical and unusual and I have already looked into attending another course myself, I’d love to return!"

Rachel Proto reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"We went as a group of 6 but got so much help and assistance we all had a fabulous time. It was great to try so many techniques without feeling rushed and the end results were carefully wrapped and touchingly returned to us to our delight! Thank you both."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Thank you so much, We are very pleased you all enjoyed it. It's great to have such positive feedback."

Taz reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"Jenny is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable but also creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at her workshops. I would highly recommend."

Sarah reviewed: Sandcast glass with wire inclusions

"Jenny was amazing to work with and I would highly recommend this. I started with a glass etching class which was brilliant and progressed onto the 2 day workshop. With Jenny’s expertise I was able to bring my design to life. This would make a perfect gift!!"

Lucy reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Really lovely day with Jo, we learnt so much! Jo is so helpful, and i have been really pleased with the candles i’ve made since too."

Derek Lewis reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"This was an excellent workshop. Susan has an in depth knowledge of her subject and is presented well. I have learnt a great deal on the use of Woad as a plant dye and I would thoroughly recommend it."

Kelly Anderson reviewed: Stone carving courses in central London

"Very knowledgeable and friendly tutors and it was a lovely relaxed atmosphere in the workshop. I was really happy with what I carved and would definitively recommend to anyone."

Rebecca Barnes reviewed: Beginners Introduction to Jewellery Making

"Both my friend and I really enjoyed this course. Hannah is lovely to chat to and really patient which is great when you're just starting off. She taught us a wide range of different techniques and I love our spinner rings"

Bent & Forged responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback Becky, all the best for 2018."

Lyle Closs reviewed: Stone carving courses in central London

"Great experience and really helpful and considerate teachers."

Rebecca Bennett reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"I attended this course last week. It was absolutely fantastic and I would definitely book onto another. Sarah was so friendly and informative. The environment was relaxed and fun. I learnt about and made a variety of different candles, ones which I will keep and use. I can’t wait to make some more using what I learnt."

Judi Leblanc reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"This has to be the best course I’ve done this year. Sarah is extremely helpful and clear, she makes it so easy! I came away with a goody bag full of candles, some of which have been given as Xmas presents already.I highly recommend this course to anyone with a wish to make candles. It was only 3 hours long and very informative, the follow up email with tips and source details is also helpful and I’ve already ordered a kit to continue making them at home. Thanks very much Sarah!"

Dawn reviewed: Hand built ceramics: Make your own jug and bowl

"Learnt such a lot on this workshop and am so pleased with the jug, vase and bowl I made. It was really relaxed and easy going, I have hand built before so finished before some others so made an extra piece, all of our work was good and we got lots of individual help at the right level for us all. I've never used body stains or some of the decorating techniques before so that was an interesting way of working. I'm happy to recommend, I'll be going back for more :)"

Poppy Hughes reviewed: Landscape painting in oil & cold wax medium in the Yorkshire Dales

"With very little painting experience since school I was pretty unsure what Id let myself in for, but loved it! Penny was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and really helped me feel confident. We went out and painted around the studio, heading up a little track to get good views. We worked with different textures, building areas of texture into backgrounds before we left the studio so that we were much more experimental and didn't get too fussy. It was a lovely day and has really inspired me to paint more! Thoroughly recommend!"