Latest reviews

Sue Bateman reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"My sister and I had a great day with Emma at her workshop in Hove. It was fun and interesting, and we had enough time to learn the basic techniques and each make a stunning piece to be proud of. I definitely recommend this course to anyone - no experience needed - Emma is a great teacher and you will be sure to go home with something amazing."

andrew butteriss reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"Learnt a great deal will be booking again soon for the stained glass course."

Craig Thornes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I was fortunate to receive the taster day as a present. I am clearly not going to be pursuing a career as a blacksmith but the course was thoroughly enjoyable and I would struggle to think of a better way to spend a Sunday. Many thanks."

Jane Livermore reviewed: Lino cutting in Rye, East Sussex

"I bought this for my Partner for a Christmas present and we both attended the course in February. The surroundings are lovely, peaceful and inspirational, we worked in an outside hand made workshop, which had an aga to keep us warm, with lots of windows to provide wonderful light. Steve talked us through the process and time was given to practice using the various cutters and then we were let loose to make our own. Phil and I had brought ideas on what we wanted to do and I must say this is a good idea, Phil took most of his time to create a fabulous Grey Heron which everyone seemed to love, I wanted to make Zebra prints which was less complicated and I was able to try two designs. Tea and Coffee and biscuits are provided regularly which is lovely. A great 6 hours which were both creative and relaxing, definitely recommend if you fancy a go at this craft."

Jeremy Storr reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Spent a lovely day with Natalie and Paul. Paul ran the day for us, taught us all we needed to know. Then step by step we put together our Fused Glass art work. Natalie came in to work her magic and add some awesome touches to what we were creating. It was a fantastic day which we both thoroughly enjoyed and both created something we were chuffed with. Thank you"

Liz Gardner reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"Fabulous day. A relaxed and fun workshop. Well paced with just the right amount of attention. Everything supplied on the day. I especially liked that Alix supplied a variety of carving tools to try. Nice small group allowing time for individual questions and answers while letting the group be creative and gently directing us to out very own masterpieces! Great location with friendly and helpful staff. Really enjoyed the experience and would do again without hesitation."

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Hi Liz, thank you for your review and I am so pleased that you enjoyed it - your lotus flower was great! You were a lovely group to work with. Looking forward to seeing your next prints ;-) Alix x"

Liz reviewed: Woven Heart Baskets

"Would highly recommend this course.Ellie is a very knowledgeable & enthusiastic tutor and made us all feel very welcome. The materials supplied were very good and the information sheets were very helpful enabling us to complete the project at home if we hadn't finished. It was a very enjoyable time and I left inspired to do other weaving projects in the future."

Elka responded:

"Hi Liz, Thank you so much for the lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop! Very best wishes, Ellie"

tara Davies reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Brilliant teacher, me and my daughter absolutely loved it. Definitely worth it, can't wait to go again."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Tara. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. You your daughter and her friend were great. I was very impressed with all your work. Well done. x"

Amy reviewed: Textured Jewellery Making

"A brilliant workshop! Brought a voucher for my bestie for her birthday present, so exciting to try something new & then to come away wearing a beautiful piece of jewellery too! A very relaxed & friendly atmosphere, Katherine offers helpful advice whilst letting you walk your own creative path...my new thumb ring has two different textures and a series of stamp designs! Just need to decide whether I'll be making making earrings or a bangle next time I go!"

Sam Hobday reviewed: Winter Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"Fantastic course that I would highly recommend. The venue was wonderful and Rachel the course tutor was absolutely lovely, very knowledgable and happy to guide us through making lots of different products, which we took home at the end of the day. The booklet we received was great too so now I can make the products at home as well. Thoroughly enjoyable and lovely to meet so many nice people on the day, can’t wait to do another course!!"

Kate Nash reviewed: Beginner's tapestry weaving workshops

"Lovely venue and great that there was only 6 of us on the course which meant that Lin had time to help us all individually if and when we needed it. Would have been nice to learn how to set up the warp threads but other than this it was a great day which inspired me to carry on at home."

Katie Hartley reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"I spent a very pleasant and enjoyable afternoon with Joan getting an introduction into a new craft I’ve never explored before. Joan was welcoming and friendly and very passionate about her art. She was patient and took the time to explain everything to me. No question I asked was silly. I loved how once the technique was explained to you Joan was happy to step back and let you take the lead, pottering around close by and on hand if you needed help but not hovering over you making you feel uncomfortable. The conversation was light and easy. I really enjoyed exploring all the different materials and tools you could use on the clay, Joan is more than happy to let you root around and see what you can find and I've made some lovely pieces that I’m sure I’ll treasure for a very long time. I was really nervous about using the potters wheel but once again Joan was calm and patient, explained everything in detail but not in a way to confuse you. Again I was left to get on with the wheel. I found this very relaxing and therapeutic. Joan was in no hurry to get rid of me and I ended up staying slightly longer than my 3 hours. Overall a very lovely afternoon. I would highly recommend Joan and her introduction course to anyone interested in pottery or looking for a new hobby to explore. I can’t wait to go back and finish my pieces. Joan, thank you once again for an amazing afternoon."

Hilary Vernon reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"Painted Furniture & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners I attended this course with Ollie after having never done anything like this before. You are taught, then left to carry on, then guided again and helped all through the day in a really kind way so that you are actually learning skills that you can easily take away with you. The day was friendly, fun, very interesting and achievable and I came away with my own piece of furniture that I had painted myself, that ended up exactly how I had hoped it would look. My only add in would be I think Ollie should sell the products that you use so I could have come away with most of the things I need to paint my other bedside cupboard. Hilary"

Edith Fotheringham reviewed: Fissures I - Cracked Mud Vessels / Panel

"This was such a good workshop! Step by step notes and hands on support from Emma in a lovely friendly group. I'm inspired!"

Padddy reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"What a great way to spend a weekend. I never thought I’d say that about being stuck in a workshop for two whole days, one of which was spent planing the side of a piece of ash to within a 0.1mm tolerance. As a completely novice woodworker I must say I absolutely loved it. The teaching and guidance was spot on and the pupils likeminded and enthusiastic. Wood (sic) recommend wholeheartedly."

Keith Jones reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"I spent a most enjoyable day with my daughter learning how to “throw a pot” when we attended a recent pottery course expertly delivered by Lorraine Bates. We both thoroughly enjoyed our experience and was guided through each step in a most friendly and informative way. I can highly recommend a visit to Woodsetton Art Pottery. And . . . cannot wait to see (& collect) the fruits of our labours. Thank you Lorraine."

Anthony David Sinnott reviewed: Small woodland management and hand felling

"The course was very much a practical hands on introduction to hand felling small trees in a lovely deciduous woodland. The day started with an overview of the tools we would use, preceded by valuable health and safety advice. The four course participants were soon at work in the woods learning the practical application of techniques for felling small trees using bow saw and axe, not forgetting 'snedding' with billhook. The day included welcome beverages, packed lunch or food from the excellent kiosk. The tutors were obviously very able at their crafts and shared their knowledge with good humour and enthusiasm. I was particularly grateful for the time we spent on learning sharpening techniques for the tools we were using, having missed the specific course Dave runs on this subject. I would definitely recommend the course as an introduction to the subject and it would likely repay annual attendance for brushing up of woodland skills. I look forward to attending future courses."

Kathy reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"A fun and informative course where you get to make your own piece of stained glass to take home. Whilst you have a choice of designs to follow, you can bring through your own creativity and uniqueness with a choice of different glass types and a range of colours to make your design. I didn’t have any knowledge of the processes beforehand but Ian explains everything and shares some interesting history of the origins of stained glass."

Karen reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"An excellent course and thoroughly enjoyable. Despite being a complete novice, with Peter's patient, careful tuition, I managed to produce a lovely piece of furniture which I'm really pleased with. An added bonus was the relaxed setting, beautiful location in the South Hams and a great group of fellow students. I highly recommend this course and would love to do more! Thank you Peter (and helper Toby)."

Lesley Thornton reviewed: One day beginners mosaic workshop

"I so enjoyed this workshop. Judy is an excellent teacher, explaining really clearly everything that we needed to know. As it was only a three hour workshop we had to do the final grouting at home, but Judy provided all that was needed, with straightforward written instructions. Everyone left with a mosaic they could be proud of. Thank you Judy."

Ludmila reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"Great course."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Ludmila, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop"

Jane Turland reviewed: Textured Jewellery Making

"A very enjoyable afternoon - with Katherine for her Textured Jewellery Workshop. As promised tea and homemade cake. Katherine is a very patient, clear and knowledgeable tutor. She gave us space to experiment, whilst guiding us to create our own individual pieces. Katherine's workshop is cosy and well equipped - I caught myself feeling like a true artist! Will definitely be back for more!"

Marie and Jon Spurr reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"A really enjoyable experience. Bought for my husband as a gift and decided to go along too! We both had a fabulous time learning new skills and being stretched and challenged by David. David is a patient and encouraging teacher who is knowledgeable about his craft. We had lunch with David and his partner Sue, which added to the enjoyment of the day as they were so welcoming and interesting to talk to. You must visit Sue’s studio and admire her impressive art! You make some lovely pieces to take away which are both useable and aesthetically pleasing. I would recommended this day to anyone. Thank you David!"

Daisy reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Talton Mill with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"This was the first time I’d done fused glass making and it was wonderful. Helen is a kind and patient teacher and she lets you run with whatever style you like. I learned so much in the day and was totally absorbed by the creative process. Whenever I wear my handmade fused glass jewelry I get tons of people commenting and asking how I made them. I’ll be doing it again as soon as I can!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Dear Daisy, so kind of you to leave a review of the glass workshop and I’m delighted you continue to enjoy wearing your uniquely stylish jewellery. Your enthusiastic approach to the whole day was so infectious , you were indeed in the zone and it was great to have your company."

kathy reviewed: Beginners introduction to modern calligraphy at Rudding Park

"Excellent day, very welcoming and learnt so much. Went home with calligraphy I'm proud of."

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"Thank you so much, Kathy. We’re delighted you enjoyed yourself, learned a wonderful new skill, and met some other lovely people too! Enjoy practising your beautiful calligraphy and we’ll hopefully see you again soon."