Latest reviews

David D reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"A short note of thanks for the most enjoyable and creative weekend spent in Stockton. I came away with a real feeling of achievement which is always a sign of a well run and organised course. Your enthusiasm was certainly infectious and your patience in dealing with a bunch of 'greenhorns' was more than appreciated. I will certainly recommend your skills to any other 'wannabe' blacksmiths. I am presently looking around locally for a forge in which to practise. Thank you once again for your hospitality."

Claire A reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"I would like to tell you just how much I enjoyed your course. Once again I will tell you what a wonderful teacher you are. The fact that you care for your 'little blacksmiths' really shows and all your effort and preparation goes to bring a truly memorable time. I shall look forward to your next course. I thank you and your wife - the inspiration you have given me shall go forward in my blacksmithing future."

Andrew H reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"Thank you for delivering such an interesting course. I must say that I learnt a lot about blacksmithing, but most importantly I enjoyed the three days immensely. I was surprised to be hitting hot metal within 15 minutes of starting, but as you said, it is a very practical activity and there is no substitute for experience. Friends and family cannot believe that I produced all those things in the three days as a beginner, it is a testament to your ability as a teacher. I am looking forward to setting up my own forge in the fullness of time."

Zillah Limbert reviewed: Silver Jewellery Mixed Ability at St Ives Adult Learning and Skills

"Donna, the teacher was really helpful, managing the mixed abilities of the class well. She took time to explain what we were doing and provided the necessary materials - though most of us were bitten by the jewellery making bug and got some of our own supplies & kit. I learnt basic skills that I can now use to continue with jewellery making at home. I feel so proud of myself when I wear the bracelet and ring that I made! I would definitely recommend this course and have really enjoyed it."

Adult and Community Learning responded:

"Thank you for your review Zillah, so glad that you are pleased with the jewellery you made - St Ives Adult Learning"

Nick Harrison reviewed: Brew Your Own Craft Beer with St Ives Adult Learning

"Really enjoyed the class and learnt an awful lot. It has given me the confidence to to start brewing."

Adult and Community Learning responded:

"Thank you for your review Nick. We are glad you enjoyed the course - St Ives Adult Learning"

Lauren Quigley reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My Dad and I had an absolutely fantastic blacksmith experience day and we couldn't be prouder of what was accomplished with the help of John and his team. My dad made a beautiful mushroom and dragonfly ornament with my mum in mind and I managed to make a dragon clawed door knocker! Thank you so much for your patience and the opportunity to learn a little of your craft, we'll definitely be back for more courses in the future :)"

Vivien reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"This was an excellent course in a great environment. I am still amazed I was able to produce such a fantastic looking animal at the end of the process. The pace was just right and I went home armed with enough info and stuff to be able to have a go myself at home. That said because of the range of other things I could make and the great company I would consider doing it again."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Vivian for posting such a lovely review. Your hare was amazing, you flew through the process and it was a joy to spend the day with you needle felting. I'm so excited you want to do more, can't wait to see pics OR work with you again on another woodland creature."

Jane Hanson reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"Dunja is the most fantastic teacher. The weekend course was so engaging, all materials were really well prepared, we wanted for nothing. Dunja was very giving of her time, and every question was answered. All in A Spin is a lovely craft barn environment - a spinner's paradise, complete with log fire. I couldn't recommend this course highly enough - I hope you enjoy!"

Greg reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Graham is a very good teacher, who took us methodically through the process of making a bowl, which turned out far better than I had expected. There was plenty of tea and coffee, a great home-cooked light lunch, and a warm workshop on a cold day. I learned a lot, and Graham was extremely patient, taking a genuine interest in the people on the course, and giving us beginners good advice for getting set up as woodturners ourselves. A very enjoyable and productive day."

Carol reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops in Tavistock Devon

"This was my first attempt at glass fusing. I must admit I am not particularly artistic but interested in trying a new skill. Wendy helped us formulate a "do-able" piece of work, guided us through making a design, then choosing and cutting the glass and constructing it ready for the final fusing which Wendy does later on our behalf. I am thrilled with my unique piece of work am certainly looking to do another course in 2018."

Mark Saich reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Great class in a lovely place. Nigel is calm, patient and accommodating. His tuition is relaxed, encouraging and tailored to suit the individual."

Caroline Stead reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"I booked onto the course after a taster session run by Jason where I’d really enjoyed the saddle stitch and wanted to take those skills further. I booked the two day course which was a hands on immersive experience at making every bit of the bag. Jason is passionate and knowledgeable about the subject and he and Louise were excellent and attentive tutors. I left at the end of the 2 days with a beautiful bag that genuinely looks hand crafted."

Jayne cooke reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a wonderful day at Penny's warm and inviting workshop. Penny has a natural talent to teach drawing and painting techniques that not only enhances your creativity but pushes you beyond the Boundaries. Clearly, her dedication and knowledge in the arts is a credit to her. We are privileged to be taught by this former foundation teacher on this auspicious occasion and would highly recommend the course to every creative soul. Freedom to laugh, have fun to create, enjoy warm soup, bread and cake are a must and worth the trip alone."

Kate reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Another fantastic day sewing with Dawn who is really helpful and supportive. This time the workshop was dedicated to making Christmas decorations and cards. Using free-machine embroidery with access to Dawn's stash of fabric, card, sequins, ribbons & trims, a small mountain of threads and much more some great crafty, creative time was spent. I'd definitely recommend this workshop to anyone!"

Sandy Andrews reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"What a fantastic day!! A very relaxed atmosphere and Aaron is so knowledgeable about so many things. Masses of hands-on 'doing' and it was surprising how little strength was needed to form the metal into something pretty. I can't believe I came home with such professional-looking and useful items - brilliant! Highly recommended. :-)"

James Dewes reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was a full and busy day with quick demos and then getting stuck in for ourselves. You very quickly learn different techniques in steps that you build on over the day, gaining confidence in working with metal. Adrian & Andy help you learn and share interesting stories of their time blacksmithing. I am not in the least bit artistic, so I was amazed to go home with work that I am proud of. It is clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone into both the format of the day and the things we made. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to try something practical and satisfying."

Paul Shardlow reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My girlfriend and I made some Christmas tree and beeswax candles with Anita. The course was great fun and informative, Anita is an excellent host with a amazing knowledge of everything candles!"

Anna Bowen reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My Mum and I went on a half day Willow Working course with SallyAnne last week for my Birthday present. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. SallyAnne is warm and welcoming, she was organised and very professional. It was obvious that SallyAnne was not only passionate about willow crafting but a skilled teacher. We made a fabulous angel each which we are both very proud of. I learned lots about willow and weaving techniques on the course and came away feeling confident that I will be able to make more willow items as SallyAnne made it seem very simple. I can't wait to do the next course!"

Wendy reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Thank you for the inspirational felt making workshop. I have fallen in love with the magic of felt! I made a beautiful felted flower brooch which I attached to my bag. I would recommend this workshop to anyone- clear instructions, professional tuition with a creative approach. I am coming back to Magic Wool Studio to explore felting further and make more beautiful things. Wendy"

Caroline Barnes reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"A most enjoyable day spent making a lovely hare. The course is excellent value for money as it included all materials plus drinks,lunch and afternoon tea and cake ( the course was held at Bonds ) The pace was just right and very relaxing. Denise is an excellent tutor very encouraging and just the right amount of guidance given. The opportunities for further projects are endless ( im attempting to do a 3d midel of my mums boston terrier) its an inspiring medium to work with and im really pleased I attended this workshop. Needles(s) to say I'm well and truly hooked."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Needles(s) to say I'm delighted with such a lovely review Caroline, thank you. You and your mum helped make the first course I held at Bonds extra special, you were both lovely - AND expert hare needle felters! I can't wait to see what you both make next with your Crafty Gal kits, keep in touch."

Helen reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"A fascinating and very enjoyable day! Jamal was very enthusiastic about his craft and created a very welcoming atmosphere. This was bought as a gift for me and my partner, but Jamal made it very easy to add an extra person onto the course. Now we all have a beautiful panel of stained glass to take home and a deeper understanding of the craft."

Kerry reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"Everything about this two day course was a joy! Peter and Alison are warm and welcoming hosts at Zantium Studios, situated in beautiful rolling countryside of the Derbyshire Dales, serving a delicious home-cooked lunch, and afternoon tea with homemade cake. The paper cutting course was fantastic! Christine is an inspiring and encouraging teacher, guiding us through each stage and sharing her vast knowledge generously. Zantium take only small groups, ensuring lots of individual attention and support. I cannot recommend Zantium Studios, or Christine Green highly enough!"

Alan Morton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"If you want to try new things that you might only do once in your life then you have to do this course. Great set up from start to finish, well looked after by Adrian and Debbie. As stated in other reviews, after a quick chat over coffee, a bit of health & safety and guidance you are pretty much straight into smashing red hot bits of steel with hammers as you set out making your first item! The environment is excellent as it is a proper barn on a working farm, the noise, the dirt, the heat of furnaces, the aching arms of swinging hammer blows make it a really authentic experience and an fascinating insight how a blacksmiths runs on a day to day basis. Photographs and videos are encouraged to take home memories of the experience. Debbie's home cooked food was outstanding as was selection of breads and cheeses. The other participants made the day memorable too. All in all an outstanding experience."

Sue Thomas reviewed: Hand spinning for Beginners Level 1 accredited course at All in a Spin

"How can two days go so quickly ! I've just spent the weekend with Dunja completing the level 1 course...and it was excellent. You learn so much and its only when you reflect on the two days do you realise quite how much was learnt on the course. Its a very relaxed atmosphere and Dunja is such a professional in the way she delivers the course and so generous with her knowledge. If you are genuinely thinking about booking this course ...I'd definitely recommend it."

Manon reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Attended one to one course with Lucy recently. I was a complete beginner but with Lucy's knowledge, expertise and patience I created a silver stacking ring. Very cozy workshop in a beautiful setting. I hope to return there in the new year to create another piece of jewellery with Lucy's assistance."