Latest reviews

Cathy reviewed: Mixed ability Crochet class - East Grinstead

"I attended one of Nicole’s beginner classes in 2019 which reignited my interest in crochet. Since then I have attended the crochet along classes and recently a Christmas class, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have completed some lovely projects. Nicole is so helpful and I have met lovely like-minded people at these sessions. Really recommend."

Lynne reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"An excellent introduction to working with clay and the potter's wheel. Louise is relaxing company whilst offering instruction and advice throughout the day. The lunch was tasty and accommodated dietary needs, and tea was plentiful throughout the day ! Thank you Louise."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was lovely having you in the studio Lynne and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your ceramics experience :-). I'll let you know as soon as your fabulous pieces have been glazed and are ready for collection. Merry Christmas!"

Melanie Hanbury reviewed: 1 to 1 Beginners Crochet and beyond - East Grinstead

"I had a one to one session with Nicole at her lovely home. In the two hour class I learnt how to read a pattern and many stitches. Nicole is a very good teacher and I would love to go on to learn more at her sessions."

Karen reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Thoroughly enjoyed the session with Claire, she was very patient with lots of new ideas and things to try! Very pleased with my results, looking forward to an in-person course in the future!"

Robert reviewed: Come Frame With Me - Making your own Picture Frame

"I was very fortunate to be able to return to see Ady and his wonderfully equipped studio workshop. This time l had a canvas that l wanted to frame. This involved a few different techniques which Ady once again guided me through in his calm and reassuring manner. He gave me a few prompts as and when necessary but was also giving me the confidence to know that l should be able to order my own materials and give it a go on my own in the future!!"

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"Thank you for the review Bob. Once again, it was a pleasure to host you for the day. The canvas looked fantastic in the frame and I know it will be appreciated. Have a great Christmas and New Year and all the best for you future framing!"

Sibel reviewed: Craft it yourself indoor mosaic kit: Owl

"I bought this as a present for my son. The order arrived quick and well packaged with everything needed to complete the project. Would recommend it to anyone who likes arts and crafts."

Primrose Mosaics responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Sibel. We do try to include everything you'll need to make it an 'easy to do' project. I hope your son enjoys his creative time.... maybe he'll let you help!"

Lisa reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"I found this course very well structured and informative, especially for those totally new to interior design like myself! I thought I might find it a bit daunting as I’m not naturally very creative but the online course material, alongside Nikki’s tuition, provided everything I needed to know in an easily digestible format. Nikki was always on hand to answer questions and guide my progress. I now feel much more confident and equipped to plan the interior design for our new house and can’t wait to get started!"

Leri Ballard reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"Received this as a gift last year. The kit contained literally everything needed (except water!) instructions were very clear. Managed to create an end result I am really happy with ? Would highly recommend 10/10"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Leri! And thank you for emailing me your fabulous photo's ?. I'm so glad you enjoyed the kit and now have a little sculpture to make you smile. Jo x"

Claire Greenhalgh reviewed: Tiffany stained glass Christmas decorations

"I had a great day with Kate doing the Christmas Decorations Workshop. I learned a lot during the day, and Kate was always on hand to help. The finished pieces look great on my tree! I'll definitely be signing up for another workshop next year and would recommend this to anyone who's wanting to try stained glass."

Fiona Cooper reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"My daughter and I have just done a days course with Jill. It was brilliant! We made a number of different items and Jill guided us and helped us to bring our ideas to life. We would recommend this days course to everyone, whether they have done glass fusing before or are complete novices."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Fiona for your review. Jill and I are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your time with us and Jill helped to bring your ideas to life. Kind regards John and Jill."

Dinah reviewed: 'Fundamental Art Skills' 10-week live online zoom course for complete beginners with Artist Raya Brown

"I have just completed a 10 week online course on Foundation Art Level 1 with Raya Brown and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having done very little art work since my schooldays many years ago, I started to do some from a ‘teach yourself how to draw book’ during Lockdown and got the bug to do more. A friend recommended Raya’s courses so I signed up. It was a very absorbing course, hard work at times but I learnt a great deal and didn’t notice the time fly in the process. We covered lots of basic things from artistic techniques to the use of different materials and some art history too. Raya is an encouraging and enthusiastic teacher, she provides opportunities for all abilities to stretch themselves and she’s always cheerful and kind. How do you manage to keep up such positivity and patience Raya?! Without any reservation I highly recommend her courses. Dinah H"

peggy reviewed: Perfume Making in Norfolk

"A very interesting day learning about blending my own perfume - though it was quite hard to make up my mind. A lovely relaxing way to try something I haven’t done before. My new fragrance is mellowing nicely so I am looking forward to using it . ?"

Aroma Natural responded:

"Hi Peggy Thank you for taking the time to write this review, I really appreciate it. It was lovely to meet you and spend the day watching you design and perfect your Perfume, hope you enjoy wearing it. Best wishes Diane"

Michele reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Both Simon and Louise are so patient and incredibly talented. They are clearly very passionate about their crafts and made the day informative, safe, inspiring and fun. They are both such lovely people and very easy to talk to and they genuinely could not have done any more to make our day special. Me and my son had the most wonderful day learning new skills and we are hoping to return for another session next year."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was a real delight having you guys in our studios :-). We're really pleased that you both enjoyed your woodturning & pottery experience! What a lovely mother and son treat :-). We'll let you know as soon as your fab pots have been fired. We hope you have a great Christmas and we'll see you in the New Year."

Emily reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"What a wonderful day. Teacher was very kind, considerate and informative, supportive when needed but also had the balance right to leave you to get lost in your creation also. The selection of colored glass was vast which felt like you could create almost anything. The studio was very clean and felt covid safe which was felt nice to have that anxiety removed so you can fully enjoy the day. The day did not feel long enough as I was enjoying it so much! I wonder if it would be possible to make two pieces, one incredibly simple one to warm up and then maybe one main piece? It would only add to the wonderful feeling you get when you create something to be proud of in a medium I definitely hadn't used before. OR maybe this is me being greedy and not wanting the day to finish! It was brilliant experience and you leave with something you can be truly proud of - don't be scared of the glass - it is stronger than you think - just go for it!"

Guy Edwards reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"A brilliant, no-nonsense course with excellent tuition from the hugely experienced Clarke family who take a justifiable pride in what they do, offering a superb experience. It was the first time I had stepped into a working forge, but by the end of the day, I had made a knife from beautiful Damascus steel that I was really proud of. I learnt so much, as did my daughter who came with me on the day and made a lovely knife of her own. A thoroughly recommended great day out, and you'll leave with new knowledge, good memories, and a tangible, useful and unique memento of the day!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Saturday was one of those special days when it all came together so well. We’re so pleased that you and Abi had a great day too."

Guy Edwards reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"A brilliant, no-nonsense course with excellent tuition from the hugely experienced Clarke family who take a justifiable pride in what they do, offering a superb experience. It was the first time I had stepped into a working forge, but by the end of the day, I had made a knife from beautiful Damascus steel that I was really proud of. I learnt so much, as did my daughter who came with me on the day and made a lovely knife of her own. A thoroughly recommended great day out, and you'll leave with new knowledge, good memories, and a tangible, useful and unique memento of the day!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Saturday was one of those special days when it all came together so well. We’re so pleased that you and Abi had a great day too."

David reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I would unreservedly recommend this course. Simon is both friendly and informative and no question is too stupid to ask. His workshop is well equipped and the programme was just right for me as a beginner (well, actually I had already turned one bowl, but that was 45 years ago at school!). There is ample opportunity to both practise and ask questions and I was delighted with the things that Simon helped me to produce. It was a day where I barely noticed the passage of time as I was fully engrossed for the whole workshop. I discovered there is much more to wood turning than I realised, but was also convinced that all of it is possible."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"David, Thank you for such a glowing review! We're glad you had a useful experience and delighted that you have got the woodturning 'bug'. Happy turning! -- Simon & Louise"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Since my last visit Lucy has been extremely helpful in finding various sources of information on chain making for me to follow up. We are continuing with the ancient technique of loop-in-loop chain making as before but still researching for alternative ideas. Hundreds and hundreds are needed for a wearable chain length so any improvements in efficiency would be of great benefit! So we took another short break in the day to consider ways the ancients might possibly have worked. Lucy remembered a fellow student at the RCA doing a similar chain and kindly emailed her for me. Looking forward to more jewellery making after Christmas. A big thank you Lucy for all your great teaching and support."

Ellie Price reviewed: Tiffany stained glass Christmas decorations

"Thank you Kate for a brilliant day! I'm so happy with my decorations and they'll be perfect Christmas gifts for family and friends."

Jacky reviewed: Willow Flower Craft Kit

"Haven’t used this yet as a Christmas gift, but service and delivery great."

Thais reviewed: Christmas Mistletoe sprig or wreath - Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"The Mistletoe making course was a great Christmas activity for anyone who loves arts and crafts. There was very clear step by step explanations that allowed participants to work at their own pace which made a lovely and calm workspace. I particularly love the feeling of watching what you are making develop and transform into something new as you go through the different stages and start to bring it together - some wires into a stick, into a branch and eventually into a plant. I would definitely recommend taking this course as not only was it fun but there is something very rewarding and special about making your own Christmas decorations."

Cab reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"I really enjoyed the Christmas box workshop. When I saw Hannahs's design ideas I thought as a complete novice I would never be able to accomplish anything similar but with Hannah's expert guidance I produced a lovely keepsake box which I'm gifting to my great-granddaughter. Thank you Hannah for a wonderful day, fantastic atmosphere and support."

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks Cab! I'm glad you enjoyed the day. I thought your box was excellent and you did a fantastic job. It looked very professional. I hope that your great-granddaughter loves it, I'm sure that she will :) Thanks so much to you and Kay for coming!"

Kim Pedrick reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Kit on Eco-friendly Willow Bases

"Jenni, Thank you so much for sending me my wreath making kit so promptly. So enjoyed making this. I am a complete novice and found your instructions and guidance really easy to follow. Thank you again. Will highly recommend this to my friends for next year. Kim"

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"It so warms my heart when I receive the review like yours which it is why I decided to do the kits in the first place. I really wanted novices or people who thought they weren't necessarily artistic, to be able create something they could be proud of, especially when making it themselves, and from scratch. I am also happy that you found the instructions easy to follow and so lovely that you'll be recommending me to your friends. I'm already excited for next year and planning a number of new designs for a Christmas range.???. Take care and thank you, Jenni"

paul robbins reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"Well, that was an interesting day. Looking at the picture of what I was to make, my initial thought was that's a tad simplistic. This is based on the fact that I make theatre scenery and props, along with assorted boxes, toys and other wooden items as a hobby. Whilst I admit each part of the process for me was relatively easy the theory and application of each process were what made the day interesting, and educational. Steph is a very methodical tutor ensuring each step is carried out in the relevant order, and able to provide hints and tips on the best way to achieve this. At no point did I feel this course was beneath my ability, despite as I say extensive experience, albeit self-taught. The course was pitched exactly right and given time allowed a single shaft automaton is probably as complicated as a single day will allow, especially when you take into account painting and glue uptime. Equally, if you are a beginner as I am when it comes to painting projects, Steph has the knack to get the information across in a manner that would make you feel proficient enough to undertake this project. So is this suitable for all levels I would say yes? Is this a fun and entertaining insight into the myriad world of automata definitely, would I like to learn more about these and make more complex items definitely. If you are thinking about doing this, just do it I very much doubt you will be disappointed."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Paul, thank you very much for your enthusiastic review! I’m very happy you enjoyed your birthday present … even more considering that you are an expert woodworking aficionado. It was a pleasure working with you (and thank you for your tips regarding the scroll saw!) and I am glad that I was able to show you the “magic” of automata. Happy Christmas! Stef"

Jeni reviewed: Resin Art Holly and Mistletoe Kit - the perfect Christmas present - everlasting translucent bunches of holly and mistletoe

"Purchased for a friend - with the request that they keep it for Christmas, but they were way too impatient! Delivery was super-quick, and she was delighted with it - and has already sent me photos of the finished product, which she has really enjoyed. Great value. Thank you."

Inion responded:

"Thank you so much - so pleased your friend enjoyed it. What is she going to open on Christmas Day????"