Latest reviews

Keith Duncan reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"Book this course!! Helen is amazing, with endless patience and knowledge Helen supports everyone individually to make the best use of the huge selection of glass materials she provides. The day is well organised with a lovely atmosphere. After the course Helen takes the pieces you have made to her studio where she spends time carefully firing them and then either mounting or drilling to create a beautiful finish. Updates are given as your pieces move through the workshop processes and very quickly your glass is available for collection at the course venue or sent to you in the post. My wife and I have attended many very good workshops but Helen’s was outstanding!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Keith, thank you for taking the time to send this review and for your kind words. It was great meeting you and Anne and I was impressed with how well you both used the tools & materials, both creating really beautiful pieces. I’m also delighted that you are both going to continue your explorations of this craft and potentially introduce your granddaughter to it too, I did warn you it’s addictive! I look forward to seeing you both soon."

Emma Khan reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Highly recommended! There are many candle making courses out there, but I'm so glad I picked this one! I chose this course over others to learn about the business side of things, as well as making candles. Jo's knowledge is invaluable in this department and was happy to answer all questions in depth. For anyone embarking on their candle making career, this really is a fantastic course. The day was thoroughly enjoyable; we made a variety of candles and wax melts and came away with a lovely goodie bag and gorgeous products, that I can't believe I actually made! Thank you Jo for a fantastic day!"

Ali Wilson reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"Thank you for your class on drawing techniques Kate. I hadn’t drawn for ages and this course gave me the tools to get started again rather than looking at a blank page. Lots of hints and tips too, as well encouragement which was confidence building. Kate readily zoomed in on my need to be more expansive and experimental. I am certainly going to try and build upon this very positive start and experience. A great 2 hour session which went in a flash! Good value for money."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Ali, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, especially such a lovely one, concise and to the point with everything I was aiming to achieve with this workshop. Remember to drop me an email if you need any pointers or encouragement! It would be great to see your work - I can put it up on here to if you wish?"

Jane Goff reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I did this course it was amazing. I didn’t think I would be able to crochet as I didn’t have a clue. Natasha was brilliant she had so much patience with us all. I was sad when the course finished."

Kath Tobin reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I've done various courses with Ray's Room, both online and in person. I have learnt a lot and produced some lovely things which I am very proud of. Natasha is a calm and patient teacher, nothing is too much trouble, everything is clearly explained and we all have fun. I highly recommend the courses."

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

"Attended the Blended Monkey for the day with my wife, we both had a great time learnt some new skills and experiences. Would recommend it to anyone and I would be surprised if we are not back again at some point to take one of the skills further. You can't give a much better recommendation."

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

"It was lovely to meet you both and have you in the woodturning and pottery studios for your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. We're really pleased you enjoyed your workshops and would love to welcome you back again sometime. You made some lovely pieces. Well done!"

Craig Michel reviewed: 1 on 1 gem cutting: standard round brilliant or diamond cut: meetpoint faceting

"Had a fantastic time with James, a very insightful lesson. Enjoyed James's company, he is an exceptionally talented cutter and always willing to give advice during and after the course. Thanks James!"

Treasureworks responded:

"That's awesome to read Craig, thank you very much! It was great to meet and instruct you in lapidary, I had a great time. Thank you! Regards, James :)"

Jane F reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"What a fabulous day with Judith in her lovely home. Felt very comfortable with her Covid protocols. Having never tried Lino cut printing, my expectations for the day were quite modest but these were well & truly exceeded and I came away with about a dozen different variations of a two colour beach hut. Judith was a fantastic tutor- the right balance of demonstrating and then letting me ‘get on with it’. Would highly recommend the day & would love to return in future."

Nicola reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"Amazing course - the tutor was a font of knowledge! Calm, welcoming, took her time to make sure everyone could follow next steps and managed to work at different places tailored to each attendee so every person got the most out of each session. Could not recommend this course more! If you're looking for a great course that will help you with crochet, this is it. You won't find better and it's great value for money too!"

Lynn Davidson reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"What a fabulous way to spend a morning! I have never done anything like this before and Toni was perfect at creating a relaxed atmosphere with her extensive knowledge, inspiring teaching, encouragement and advice on various techniques all imparted at your own pace. A couple of days later, after Toni has finished off the beads in her kiln, you receive a package of the lovely beads you've created! Great fun and I would definitely recommend."

CG Crafts responded:

"Thanks Lynn, so pleased that we finally managed to do the class after Covid delays. You both did brilliantly."

Wendy Pettitt reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I attended this course with my Husband. We really enjoyed it. The group was friendly and relaxed. We learnt a lot about making different types of candles and went away with a box of lovely candles. The time just flew by. I can highly recommend this course."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thanks Wendy for taking the time to write your kind review. Glad you both had a good time All the best Rob"

Sue Smart reviewed: Silk scarf Painting

"What a joy to learn a new skill in beautiful surroundings. All materials provided in a calm and supportive setting. The tuition was clear, followed by plenty of support and advice, as needed. All provided by highly skilled and lovely creative people. Can thoroughly recommend this course - and the results are surprisingly good!"

Norfolk Crafts Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much Sue for your kind review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the day."

Sue reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I came to these crochet classes already able to crochet the basic stitches, but with Natasha's guidance I was able to enhance my skills and can now read patterns, and undertake any project in crochet. So these classes are NOT just for beginners: use them to improve your ability, give you the confidence to learn some new techniques, and even get to know new people"

Carley reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I enjoyed every minute of this course; Helen is a friendly, approachable, positive and inspiring teacher with all the kit needed to create beautiful items. I made Christmas tree ornaments, pendants and a chicken (!) - so plenty of time and different materials to make lots of unique pieces, some of which were fired on the day to take home (the other items were delivered within a a few days). The venue was lovely and so was the lunch, cake and coffee. Great value for money. Thanks Helen!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Carley, I really appreciate you taking the time to submit your review. It was a lovely group at that particular workshop and I really enjoyed everyone’s company. You worked so enthusiastically and produced some stunning pieces- I often wonder where you put your chicken, it was fabulous & really made me smile! Thanks again, I do hope you’re able to join us at another workshop in the future??"

Chris reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and pen

"I did the online workshop and had a fabulous 3 1/2 hours creating my pewter embossed notebook. With no previous experience of this craft, I thoroughly enjoyed the process and having a completed notebook and pen at the end was brilliant. Having received a craft course voucher as a birthday present, I can recommend that; as a gift, or, just to try something different, this workshop is a great choice. Thank you to Melanie who is a patient and encouraging teacher!"

Michelle - Mish reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Wow, what can I say a truly fantastic day in a beautiful setting. You think you know how to make candles and then you attend Jo’s course and realise you know nothing! She explained everything so thoroughly and also offered valuable advice, whether you need the course for just making candles for yourself or setting up a new business ??"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Michelle. It was really lovely to meet you and I'm excited to see your onward journey. If you need help, shout! x"

NEIL BEARNE reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"Excellent course....Richard was a brilliant and i thoroughly enjoyed it...im hoping to go back to do another one soon!"

Nina Becket reviewed: Fused glass taster course

"Fabulous - Excellent guidance, materials and a lovely way to spend some creative time."

Cosy Creative Crafts responded:

"It was a pleasure to work with you and join in your creativity"

L Sutherland reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"Best birthday present ever. The course has really inspired me to try and learn more about working with green wood. I was so proud of my rolling pin! It gave a great feeling of achievement. Thank you so much Ged for a brilliant day."

Gedwood responded:

"Ah thanks Laura. Better get baking with that fine ash rolling pin now?"

Mark Simmonds reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Neil was a great instructor and kept us engaged throughout the day. I look forward to more workshops in the future. As a chef, a knife making course would be wonderful."

Emily Doherty reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"I enrolled on Nikki’s course when COVID lockdown blues were at an all time high. I needed something to help make me feel engaged, connected and creative. And I’m so very thankful I found this course. We were in the middle of a loft conversion and renovation where lots of the decorating choices had been rushed and I was keen to carve out one room that I could take my time with and would have some design control over. The course was supposed to take 5 weeks - but with mothering, working and trying to carve out time for the course Nikki was completely flexible and accommodating and allowed me the time I needed to undertake the readings, tasks and homework’s at my own pace. The phone consultations, which happen at the end of each week were an all time highlight - bespoke, supportive, encouraging and educational. I couldn’t have asked for better. I loved the course materials and have been revisiting them as I refine the design for the room I chose to work on and I’m reassured to know I have that knowledge now going forwards for other parts of the house that need decorating or styling. I did this for fun and it was - Nikki is utterly fabulous! Go on ... treat yourself!"

Scott Leith reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"Fantastic shavehorse course with Ged, couldn't wait for day two, great set up to work in, looking forward to a return visit."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Scott. Hope to see yo again soon☺"

Jeff Buttress reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"My second course with Ged....First was an Introduction to Pole Lathe turning where I made 4 whisky tumblers and this latest course where I made a shave horse. Excellent course, great tuition, good company and a lovely shave horse to bring home at the end of it. A nice relaxing weekend and I learnt a lot. I think I will need to make an ash gate or maybe more experience on the pole lathe next time. I will be back."

Gedwood responded:

"..thanks Jeff! Be great to have you back on another course!?"

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

"A fascinating day, well out of my usual comfort zone. We start with a small bar of iron and finish with a basic knife, all without cutting, simply "hammer and tongs" (and a lot of heat). Come with clothes able to get dirty (this is a forge, not an exhibition) and you will get very hot at times. I liked being treated as an Adult but with careful safety briefings. I felt that Spike really got the best from us all, and he carefully helped when my skills were struggling. Allow time to find the place on the site, it takes a while and is not that clearly signposted (not at all at the start). Bring your own (simple) lunch, as the serving time for a sandwich take-away at a café on site was rather long."

Claire P reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I attended one of Helen's fused glass workshops at the Butterfly Effect Studio with two family members and a friend. It was a brilliant experience which we thoroughly enjoyed and we left very proud of all the things we had made. We were a mixed group of absolute novice to more experienced crafters, all new to fused glass. Helen's kind, supportive and effective tuition enabled all of us to achieve some impressive fused glass makes. She creates a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere as she shares her talent with you. I thoroughly recommend this and trying any of her courses."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Claire, thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to submit this review. I’m thrilled you all enjoyed the workshop as a brief introduction to fused glass. Each one of you created something amazing and I enjoyed your enthusiasm and company. I hope to see you at future workshops and perhaps we can encourage David to have another go at joining us in our creative adventures!"