Latest reviews

Kerry reviewed: Stained Glass 3d Copper Foiling for Beginners - Wreath or Flower Cascade at Vitreus Art

"I recently spent the day with Mike and Jenny at Vitreus Art attending a beginners stained glass workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, both Mike and Jenny were friendly, knowledgeable and encouraging in their teaching. I was really pleased with the result and would love to go back and do another course "

Vitreus Art responded:

"Hey Kerry, Thanks for your review. We loved your special bird cascade! It was a pleasure having you in the studio. KR M"

Paul Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an absolute fabulous lads n dads day out learning a new skill. Debbie was very welcoming and greeted us with tea and cake, Ade and Andy were very professional and gave us just the right amount of heath and safety brief! A good demo and then we were straight into heat and hammers. My 20 year old son enjoyed it immensely as we worked together at the forge and helped each other to produce a pair a dragons. We were taught a good range of traditional forging skills which gave our work pieces great detail, functionality and even personality in the dragons heads. Andy was able to correct our inevitable mistakes so that we all had had a useful gift to take home. Food and cakes were all homemade using local produce which was very well received to replenish energy levels. All in all, a suburb days activity which I would highly recommend."

Chris reviewed: Building and weaving a simple stool at The Quiet Workshop

"I had a brilliant couple of days making a stool and am delighted with the outcome! StJohn was very patient throughout, and gave me the space to try things myself and provided help at all the right times. Lunch and cakes provided by Bryony were delicious! Would thoroughly recommend."

The Quiet Workshop responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Chris. It was lovely having you in the workshop; great work and great company. Best wishes, StJohn & Bryony,"

Laura Foster reviewed: Cracket Stool made with hand tools for beginners

"Absolutely brilliant time this weekend. Loved making my cracket box and really enjoyed the company of my course pals, and Andrew, who is so knowledgeable and friendly. He was broke the elements of the build down so well such that even someone like me, with nil experience of woodwork, felt confident and accomplished by the end of the two days. The location is beautiful and the facilities are just perfect. Looking fwd to developing a project and visiting again asap!"

Gill reviewed: Willow Sculpture (1 day) in the Peak District

"A really enjoyable day from start to finish. My friend and I were greeted by the host and introduced to our tutor and 3 other students starting with lovely refreshments. Once we got started we were all engrossed and Alison was so informative and helpful in guiding us through every step to create the different projects we had chosen. Lunch and refreshments provided were great and the lovely setting made it all a very memorable day. Thank you so much to you all. 😁"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou Gill, Delighted to hear you enjoyed your day here at Zantium Studios. Wonderful weather, friendly group and super projects all added to the day 🌞 3 ducks, 1 hen and a heron!"

Debra reviewed: One Day Jewellery Course - New Forest

"I attended one of Natalia's silver bangle workshops with a group of friends, to each make a bangle for our friend's wedding. We had such a lovely time. Natalia was so helpful and accommodating when I was initially enquiring about the workshop and continued to be throughout the whole process. The workshop itself was brilliant, very informative and in such a beautiful setting. We all came away having made something really special that we can keep forever. I would highly recommend Natalia's workshops and her jewellery is beautiful too!"

Mike Ryans reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"A great day. I bought this for my husband’s birthday. This what Mike has to say: ‘Alex is a superb teacher. He spent necessary time going through health and safety and then throughout the day he provided us with clear instructions every step of the way. He made the day so fun and enjoyable that it was 5.30pm before we knew it. He has great knowledge and abundant enthusiasm - he loves his job, actually a way of life! We all came away with great memories of the day and 3 useful blacksmithed implements- a door hook, a bottle opener and a fire poker. If life’s stressing you out do this day! You’ll come away de-stressed!"

Christine Vinall reviewed: Abstract Painting with Rebecca Hurst - Botanicals

"Well organised. Enjoyable session."

The Dart Centre responded:

"Good morning, Christine. Thank you so much for your positive review. We are so glad that you had such an enjoyable session and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future. Best wishes, Laura."

Marion Maw reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We both really enjoyed the Blacksmithing day. The tuition was very good with support on hand when needed. Adrian and Andy were both most helpful. The food courtesy of Debbie was excellent. We would definitely recommend them and we would consider attending another session"

Margaret Hanlon reviewed: Introduction To Dot Mandala Painting - Cumnor

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. The content and level of input was just right for the time. Techniques were well explained and demonstrated. I enjoyed it so much I bought all the tools and paint needed to do some at home. Well done Sarah "

The Crafty Boater responded:

"I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop, and very pleased that you will be carrying on with your dot mandala journey."

D.S.Taylor reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing Workshop, Mere, Wiltshire

"Natural Dyeing Course taught by Claudia was informative and creative. I left with clearly written handouts and samples of items for reference. I am definitely inspired! Thank you. "

Elka responded:

"I'm so glad that you enjoyed the workshop and are feeling inspired! Thank you for the lovely review. Best wishes, Claudia x "

Mark reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I bought this experience with Rudi as a gift for my wife for our iron wedding anniversary and the whole thing has just been perfect and an experience neither of us will forget. Rudi has been nothing but professional, helpful, accommodating and friendly throughout the whole process, even before we had booked this course. It was just myself and my wife giving us an exclusive and personal experience. We arrived with ideas of what we wanted to make and it was just awe inspiring seeing him work out how he was going to get us making our objects. In no time we were both at the forge and anvil making our first items. We made wine glass holders for the garden, a decorative bracket for a bird feeder and some key rings. As mentioned in previous reviews the balance of close supervision and direction with being left alone was perfect. We would both thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested. Thank you for such a lovely day Rudi. "

Helen Cooper reviewed: Hand spinning course - absolute beginners

"It was an excellent day from start to finish. Hollie came to me for a one-to-one session as I am a complete beginner. She was wonderful! She is not only a real expert but also a very good and patient teacher. She came well prepared with 2 spinning wheels and all the equipment and materials we needed. She also managed to set up my own spinning wheel I’d inherited recently but hadn’t got working. I recommend her very wholeheartedly. A lovely lady!"

Dee Boyd reviewed: Lace pattern porcelain ceramics in Kendal, South Lakes

"This was a fantastic course suitable for people of all abilities, as Nik is a very clear instructor, and goes through everything first before letting us loose. Produced some pieces of work that I was very pleased with, despite the rustic organic finish. It was a lovely group and we all helped each other and shared the equipment, etc. Great value for money. Would highly recommend. "

NIKSLOVELYART responded:

"Hi Dee, Thank you for your lovely review. I’m delighted you felt your day was great value for money and that you were really pleased with your pieces. I will see you soon, when you collect them. Many thanks, Nik. 😊"

Sue Smith reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"We had a fabulous day with Denise. She is generous with her time and expertise and intuitive as a teacher. We each created different things from each other and had differing needs but she responded to us all and we all felt we had achieved. Her studio is fabulous for working in, and her displayed painting and prints were inspirational. We hope to come back!"

Easel Weasel Art Workshops responded:

"Hi Sue, thanks so much for your kind review. It was a fabulous day and an absolute pleasure to spend the day with you, Julie and Joey. I would love to welcome you back. Very best wishes Denise x"

Frances Fox reviewed: Beginners/improvers glass fusing workshops in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire

"Had a lovely day with Carole at her glass fusing studio. Carole explained the history behind glass and the process for students to begin creating and cutting. Lots of lovely colours to choose from. Help always to hand and advice given. I created 4 items and was so pleased when I collected them. My random placement of glass shards produced a superb finish. I made a small rectangular dish, a pair of earrings, a pendant and a sun catcher in hues of blues and greens. My first time glass fusing and will be booking again. Next time to make Christmas gifts for my friends. "

Gore Tree Studio responded:

"Hi Francis, I so glad you enjoyed the workshop, I look forward to seeing you again :) Carole - Gore Tree Studio"

Diana reviewed: Suminagashi: Japanese Paper Marbling in Herefordshire

"Everything was provided to enable us to produce successful examples of marbling. Sarah’s instructions were very clear, and I feel quite confident that I can pursue this technique in my own studio. No daunting initial expense req’d. Altogether a most enjoyable day."

Sarah Amatt responded:

"Dear Diana, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review - so glad you enjoyed it! Sarah"

Odin Taylor reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"I had a brilliant day with Alex on the Blacksmithing Beginners Day. The day started with a nice cup of coffee and introductions from Alex and the other three participants on the course. This was followed by a comprehensive safety brief and explanation of the facilities. The course started with Alex demonstrating step by step what we would be undertaking (which is great to observe a master at his art), followed by us diving in and having a go. We created three objects on the day, starting with basic skills and then culminating into a finely crafted bottle opener (complete with decorative leaf!). Alex demonstrated and explained the steps with great proficiency and clarity, and stepped in to help when required by us. Overall the day was excellent and very enjoyable with Alex being the perfect mentor and host. The other participants on the day were also friendly and welcoming, making it something I would definitely recommend to those who are interested in giving it a go!"

Sally Benson reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Fantastic experience with Dave. Felt really welcomed and his knowledge really shined through. Everything was supplied and Dave has wonderful patience and a great sense of humour. Fantastic experience and would highly recommend anyone to try this out. Myself and my friend have zero experience but we left with a crafted spoon and a wonderful memory of a great afternoon."

Woodwyrm responded:

"Many thanks Sally, I really enjoyed the afternoon. It was a pleasure to teach and spend time with you both."

Sue reviewed: Willow Weaving 'Trug' Workshop

"Jane was great, very informative and instructive."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. We are pleased you enjoyed the course and shall let Jane know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sheila A reviewed: Beginners Beading - Jewellery Making Workshop - In London

"Penny’s jewellery and teaching skills are phenomenal and I had a splendid day in excellent company. I wholeheartedly recommend this course and I will be booking a bead stringing next. "

Penny Akester Jewellery responded:

"Aw - thank you Sheila, great to meet you, and i hope you have lots of fun experimenting with your beads once you get home! Happy Beading x"

Shiv reviewed: Create Tiny Wire & Paper Bird Sculptures in Derbyshire

"I had the best day! Lovely calm environment, super teacher! Lots of giggles! And I came away with beautiful birds! And I have made more! Course environment outstanding, not a big group…honestly do it!! I’m doing more!! "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Shiv, Thank you for your lovely comments - they are much appreciated and I have a big grin on my face. It was a lovely, fun day. You picked up all the skills really quickly and made a range of great beautiful wire and paper birds. So pleased you’re adding more mates to your little flock. Best wishes and happy making. Liz Wellby"

Alyson and Howard reviewed: Basic woodturning half day

"Fantastic beginners woodturning experience. I booked this woodturning tuition course as a birthday gift for my husband, and we both had an absolutely brilliant time. Chris was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and patient throughout the session. As complete beginners, we felt totally at ease in his workshop and learned so much in just a few hours. The hands-on guidance and encouragement made it a really enjoyable and rewarding experience. We left with a new appreciation for the craft—and a couple of handmade pieces we're proud of! Highly recommend this course to anyone curious about woodturning. "

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"Alison & Howard, it was my pleasure. You both did very well . The pieces you both made were tremendous,well done guys."

Ben reviewed: Full day Learn How To Upcycle Furniture Painting Workshop

"What a brilliant day!! Mel and Paul are fantastic, they were really welcoming and very knowledgeable in their craft! It was a real pleasure to spend time in their workshop turning a couple of old side tables (that we found on Facebook for free), in to two really beautiful pieces of furniture. This course has given us the confidence to try our hand at upcycling furniture and selling ourselves, really can't speak highly enough about this course, loved it!"

Redeemed Decor responded:

"Hi Ben & Oni, Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re absolutely thrilled to hear you both had such a brilliant day — it was a real pleasure having you in the workshop. It’s so rewarding to know the experience has given you the confidence to continue upcycling (and maybe even explore a new venture — how exciting!). You did a fantastic job with those side tables — they’re completely transformed and barely recognisable! Wishing you all the best on your upcycling journey, and we hope to welcome you back for another creative day soon. All the best Mel & Paul "

Wendy Loxley reviewed: Resin art workshops

"Brilliant day. Lovely people, excellent facilities, a great introduction to resin art. I recommend it completely."