Jenny reviewed: Gel Printing for Beginners

"My friend Hilary and I took the class on 28th January. I had used a gelli plate before but didn't feel I was getting the best out of it. Jayne is a very inspiring and encouraging teacher and showed us (only 3 of us in the class!) exactly how to do different techniques. There were lots of paints supplied and various things to use to make patterns. We both enjoyed it so much and came away with lots of interesting prints, many of which I will make into cards. The day passed far too quickly and was great fun and relaxing. "

Southlands Arts Centre responded:

"Some students are easy to teach and that's when I do really well. It was a joy having you and Jenny in the class. I'm hoping that both of you will consider entering a print into our women's art exhibition in celebration of International Women's Day. Intake day is 22 February, 1pm-4pm. Both of you had choices among your prints. Why not give it a go? Hope to see you again. "

Zoë Deag reviewed: Needlefelting - Ladybird Brooch

"Amazing! Absolutely loved this course!"

Chris reviewed: Bangle Making Workshop - Traditional Silversmithing Skills

"Excellent course Tutor was very helpful"

Anna H reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"Kate is a fantastic instructor and the workshop has everything you need to learn how to make copper foil wildflowers. I was actually able to make 9 pieces in the time we had, although 4 is the recommended amount. I was so pleased to learn all of the techniques that I've bought my own kit to make other copper foil stained glass pieces."

HAPA Architects reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day - Introduction

"We had an absolutely brilliant time at Giles’ blacksmithing course for our work Christmas do. From start to finish, it was hands-on and just the right mix of challenging and fun. Giles himself was fantastic – friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about his craft. He made sure we all felt welcome and got stuck in straight away. The setting in his workshop in Stanmer was so atmospheric – fires roaring, coal glowing, and the constant rhythm of hammers working metal. We spent the day learning the techniques of traditional blacksmithing, from heating and shaping to finishing our own pieces. I won’t lie, we were all aching a bit the next day, but it was definitely worth it! Giles really took care of us, making sure we got the most out of the experience. We left with a great selection of handmade items – a leaf key ring, a bottle opener, and a show stopping toasting fork, which I think we were all pretty pleased with. It was a great day out, full of laughs, a few blisters, and some impressive metalwork to take home. We would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a unique experience."

Giles W Clarke responded:

"Thanks for the kind words, it was a pleasure to have you all down for a very enjoyable day! "

Emily reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had a great afternoon carving my first spoon with Alan. It was at a good pace, and he was really supportive and helpful. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming. I'd recommend this experience to anyone else who would like to create something or try a new skill. "

David Stephens reviewed: Couples blacksmithing experience: three hours in the forge

"Excellent experience. Very pleased with our creations. Friendly and helpful staff."

Rebecca reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Botanic Designs

"This course was just brilliant. All resources were available and in abundance. Techniques were explained really clearly and what I benefited from the most was that Becky was available to help whenever I needed it. Was very fun and therapeutic and can't wait to get my handy-work back! Tea and biscuits were lovely - thank you. Already looking at when we are going to book on again! "

Gill reviewed: Calligraphy Workshops in North Essex

"Julie is a superb calligraphy teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed my introductory day in a small group environment. It was a gentle pace and the participants who were of varying levels made me very welcome. I would highly recommend the day."

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thank you, Gill, for a thoughtful and positive review. I am so glad that you enjoyed your first calligraphy day and it was a pleasure for me to have such an attentive and hard working student! You really did progress well with your Copperplate and I hope you came away feeling satisfied with your day's work, which is the main thing. Thank you again for taking time to leave feedback."

Liz F reviewed: One to One Leathercraft Workshop

"I was a total beginner in leatherwork, but Catherine soon had me cutting, edging and stitching away, as well as helping me with a project I’m working on. A really enjoyable day with a great teacher, highly recommend!"

Neil Tonks reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Full respect to John, Spencer, Bill, Aiden (and Pat for eating constantly!) Took this course as a 21st present for my Son, and brought along my Father for a tri-generational familial experience. It is not possible to rate this course, the brilliance of the chaps and the achieved results under their guidance, enough! Rejoice in whacking glowing hot metal with hammers, delight in dunking hot metal in oil, thrill in shaping wood and bemoan the aching shoulders with extensive filing and sharpening. The expert direction, encouragement and guidance from the chaps achieved the perfect balance of accuracy and succinctness, maximising the time to create with sufficient awareness of possible error or failure. We three achieved better results than expected, and the said results are available for use, and with indelible memories for hearty cheer for many years to come. Thank you, Friends."

Lynda reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"Fantastic day with Arian who is a great teacher and host. Skills learnt and confidence boosted and looking forward to putting them into practice. Plus lovely soup😄 highly recommend!"

Dan reviewed: Woodwork Day Course

"A great day, and a fantastic starting point for a woodwork journey. Despite my inability to cut a straight line, it was very informative and I came away with new skills and an enthusiasm to do more. My garage is now covered in woodchippings and sawdust. "

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Great to hear that Dan and with time your skills will become very good indeed. 🙏 Look forward to seeing you soon my friend. Kind regards Ted 🙏🙏🙏😎"

Gareth and Hazel reviewed: Saturday glass fusing workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"Fantastic intro to glass fusing. Great atmosphere, knowledgeable teacher and loads of materials to play around with. Would definitely recommend. "

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Gareth and Hazel! I'm really glad you enjoyed it - your pieces came out really beautifully! Kindest regards, Tuuli"

Richard reviewed: Intro to Joinery Weekend in Yorkshire

"Spent a wonderful weekend being taught by Tom. Tom is a fantastic teacher who has so much enthusiasm for his trade, he has the ability to show you wood making skills in a chilled and effective way. I learnt so much in two days and would definitely recommend it to anyone starting out in wood working."

Trina McDonald reviewed: Half-day 1-2-1 sharpening (woodturning gouges) workshop for 1 person

"Really enjoyed our afternoon with Simon. Thank you. It was just what my husband needed to renew his enthusiasm, advise us on what equipment we needed and the fact that it is already ordered bears witness to how effective and appropriate Simon's tuition was. We might even find ourselves working in the wood shed together!"

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

"Hi Trina, So glad he enjoyed the session. I’ve sent over my notes; any questions, please do get in touch. — Simon"