Latest reviews

Lesley Galpjn reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"My husband Phil and I wanted a weekend workshop to build on skills we had earlier acquired on a course closer to home. I searched the country for a silversmith with the skills, sympathetic aesthetic and flexibility to work with our requirements. Jolene was so helpful and accommodating. It was simply a joy to work with her for the weekend. Her studio is a warm and welcoming cornucopia of curiosities, filled with found objects, art and her own fabulous pieces. It's a very inspiring space. With her considerable knowledge and experience, Jolene was able to guide us to successful completion of our projects. Her restraint meant that we can fully own the finished pieces - the mark of a very good teacher. So glad we made the journey all the way from Suffolk to work with her."

Mark Douglas reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"It was a fantastic day, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Neil was an excellent teacher and we got stuck straight in. By lunchtime, I had made an ornate coat hook from a plain piece of round steel, and by the end of the day, a fire poker from 10mm square steel. We progressed further than I expected in just one day. I will be going back for more advanced courses later in the year. There were only 3 of us in the class (the maximum Neil allows) and that allowed for a very personal experience."

Alison Hill reviewed: Padded Noticeboard Workshop

"Excellent instruction, wonderful choice of materials, very professional teacher, lots of fun. Loved the end product."

Gary Shepherd reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"Having owned DSLR cameras for over 15 years I figured it was time to get off Auto settings! This course was fantastic. Sally not only gave us the technical know how but more importantly the practical reasons to use the different settings on the cameras. I would highly recommend this course and Sally."

Lucy Hall reviewed: Padded Noticeboard Workshop

"Fab 2 hours. Clear instructions - really helpful."

Trudi reviewed: Three-Day (Week-days) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"I have just spent a very enjoyable day on one of Tina's workshops. She is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher and is incredibly keen for her pupils to enjoy their lace making and to progress their skills. This is my third workshop with her, they have all been good fun and I have learned a huge amount to give me the confidence to work on pieces by myself."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It was great to see you. I am very pleased that you enjoyed both this workshop and the others you have attended. It's nice to know that my students enjoy coming and are wishing to carry on with this very versatile craft, along with keeping the craft alive."

Joanna Bury reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"This was best ever wet felting course with lots of inspiration for designs and wide range of coloured wools and silks. With so many techniques shown it was possible to create a beautiful unique picture. Really really enjoyed it."

Felting in Devon responded:

"Thank you so much."

gordon russell reviewed: Leathercraft in Linwood - basic skills class

"My leather crafting course was great. Our instructor, Frances was very knowledgeable and patient. You will be shown all the basic skills to create your own projects when finished. A basic leather starter kit from Amazon should have all the tools for your first project. All in all a great course. Throughout the day you will get to make to make 2 projects..a leather belt and another of your choice which you will also stain to your desired colour. I posted my project pictures on Facebook and now have orders for similar projects from friends."

The Amayzing Workshop responded:

"Thank you Gordon, I enjoyed out session on Saturday - it was lovely to work with you all and to get such good results. I hope to see you again!"

Rosemary Radford reviewed: Fissures I - Cracked Mud Vessels / Panel

"Emma is excellent at teaching the process for felting and is very patient. Emma explained the different stages of the felting and was very willing to help the students. Full of inspiration and ideas how to improve your work. A lovely atmosphere in the studio - everyone willing to share their work and ideas."

Jason reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"I went on the spoon making course for beginners yesterday. It was excellent and I have no hesitation in recommending it. Nadine went through step by step, in a very patient, enthusiastic and understanding way. She worked with the different experience levels, including absolute beginners like me. She gave one to one feedback at every stage, answered all questions, and gave the answers to all the obvious questions we all had at the start. Nadine recommended tools, and there were tools from a variety of manufacturers to try, so we could all find the ones we liked (left and right handed). She demystified sharpening of tools, and kept it simple, ensuring we avoided expensive mistakes. There were 2 tables of spoons which she had made. Very thoughtfully, one table showed the spoons from early on in her career, and the other were the ones she makes now, managing our expectations, but showing where we could get to (if we have the talent which she evidently has). Because of a mistake one of the students partially broke their spoon, after working on it all day. The way Nadine handled it was excellent, explaining what had gone wrong, making suggestions on other things that could be made, showing some of the mistakes she had made, from the spoon table. Nadine offered the student the spoon she was making (as the example for the day) as an option so the student could finish off a spoon. I have booked on the bowl making course, and can't wait. Now off to find some wood!"

Sue Dinnage reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"My best friend and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time on the Belissima candle making course. Sharon makes it fun and easy going with both laughs and learning combined. I don't consider myself to be creative but I had a real sense of achievement at the end of the session. I would definitely do this again."

Belisama Candles responded:

"It certainely was fun, thank you Sue for a lovely review ?"

Anthony Radford reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Me and my lad had a great day blade smithing and came away with some nice pieces. Would definitely recommend as we learnt some interesting techniques moving the metal, and my lad had a knack of using the powerhammer."

Emma reviewed: Layer, bond, stitch and burn! With textile artist Karen Lane

"Really enjoyed myself!"

Alison reviewed: A sterling silver and gemstone ring class with Kate Snookes in a choice of colours

"Was fab!! Thank you x"

Kimberley reviewed: Taster sessions – throwing on the potter’s wheel

"Such a lovely place to visit. Had a pottery throwing session here and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Will certainly be booking more sessions in the future. Very friendly ladies and felt welcomed as soon as I walked in. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to try a new craft or prefect their skills."

Tracey reviewed: A sterling silver and gemstone ring class with Kate Snookes in a choice of colours

"Great class, thank you very much, loving my shining new rings."

Lucy Heath reviewed: Pottery experience day at The Ceramic Studio

"Faultless! We had an amazing day. It was really fun getting to try throwing which was much harder than I'd thought. The lunch was absolutely delicious and everyone was really friendly and helpful. I definitely want to sign up for a course now."

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

"I had thoroughly enjoyed taking the glass course. I was able to challenge myself to create a creative piece. I would recommend the course to my close friends and family."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Lynn, thanks for taking the time to review the workshop. I so enjoyed watching how you experimented with the different types of glass, you were able to create an effective colour palette and design. I remember you made several gorgeous pendants as gifts for friends and I’m sure they were all thrilled with your thoughtful gifts. Hope to see you again soon."

Jane Thomas reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"My daughter and I had such a memorable day making a rabbit. We were complete novices and our rabbits were amazing. Jill is such a lovely lady and great teacher. I loved the fact there were just 4 of us in the group nice and intimate. Looking forward to going back again."

Andy Southan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A very enjoyable one day course and a great experience. Nigel is a very talented and experienced craftsman, had plenty of stories to keep us amused throughout the day and provided lots of tuition and tips whilst allowing everyone to move at their own pace. Thanks."

W O'Dell reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Had a great afternoon with Chris, potting again after a 30 Yr gap! Surprised that I still had a feel for the clay, but needed Chris' expert guidance to get the best from it. Collecting pots soon, so looking forward to seeing the results. Good value, and a fun afternoon!"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Bill. It goes to show that muscle memory is a fabulous thing and you certainly got back into the swing of throwing some very nice pots very quickly! Best wishes, Chris."

Val Master reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"Went on this course yesterday to make a wet felted picture. Heather is a great teacher and takes you through step by step explaining the reasons behind things. Loads of colours to choose from and just the right amount of time to come away with a finished product. I feel I have learned a lot and could improve on what I made next time so I would like to go back. It is a very enjoyable way to spend a few hours and we even had tea and bakes to help us along the way. The flapjacks were lovely :-)"

Corrina Sampson reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Informative, enjoyable and very pleased with finished item."

Sabrina Marucci reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Excellent time, very well organised. Great expertise, excellent knowledge & guidance. Very addictive. I would highly recommend as thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Jude Green reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Really enjoyed this afternoon, even though I don't consider myself artistic. Lorraine is very experienced and passionate and patient and full of ideas and tips. Can't wait to come back again."