Latest reviews

Rosanna Ferdinando reviewed: Pallet upcycling - make a chair to take away

"I attended an upcycling course with David this week. I had no experience whatsoever and David took the time to explain how to use each tool. We started off to dismantle a pallet. David explained how to do this in a quick and efficient way and I picked up many tips. We proceeded to make a garden chair. David explained in great detail how to design a project and work out the best method to put this together. David showed us how to use the equipment safely and gave me confidence in constructing the garden chair. He explained what equipment we needed to buy for our projects. It was very exciting to see how a pallet can be made into a garden chair. This was no ordinary chair this was a very stylish garden chair and I was thrilled to take home such a fantastic project. This course has inspired me to make more upcycling projects. Thank you David for all your time and help in making this chair."

Great British Woodshop responded:

"Thanks Rosanna, I'm happy you got to experience many different new ideas to help you on your way to more exciting projects. Hope we will see you again on another project soon. Best wishes David"

Gemma M reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"I absolutely loved this course - Eleanor is a fantastic teacher, and the scope of what we covered was just right. The workshop is a treasure trove of lots of different types of glass art, and it was lovely to be in a really creative working environment. No technique or tool seemed to be unavailable to us and the amount of glass we could use, and the specific styles and types of project we could undertake were limited by our imaginations only. I would thoroughly recommend Rainbow Glass Studios for the glass fusing course, and if I only lived nearer I would definitely make it a regular haunt of mine!"

Veronica Wilcox reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"I thoroughly enjoyed the modern calligraphy work shop at Hedge End with Sunita. Sunita was very clear in her instructions, and is most definitely an expert in her field! I'm just looking forward to plenty of more practising!!"

julia Drage reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"A wonderful course full of really useful skills taught by a very experienced teacher."

dawn catlin reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"A lovely and very informative day. Ria gave us a great introduction to screen printing whilst allowing us plenty of time to relax and socialise. Couldn't fault anything - even the teas and coffees were excellent! Thanks Ria."

Alison reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Fantastic day in well supported environment with a break for pub lunch. Came home with something I am happy to have on my kitchen wall"

Vasili reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Fantastic experience! Charlie is very knowledgable and friendly. Probably best to book this event as a group of 8 or more."

Malcolm Dallamore reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"We made some great, chunky pieces with Jon! A total surprise as we're complete beginners to glass blowing, and came home with some really nice thick glasses, vases and baubles. The location at Parndon Mill's really pretty, and Jon's a great teacher - as evidenced by us muppets coming home with some nice things! Highly recommended day out."

Hilary Stephenson reviewed: Introduction to welded metal sculpture

"When I started with the idea that I’d like to have a go a welding, not only did my better half jump on the bandwagon but other members of my family too. We all arrived with ideas, thinking that no way would it be possible to complete these creations in two days, however, the confidence Alan gave us and freedom to use as many of the tools available in the process to help us achieve our goals was inspirational. I was surprised how versatile and malleable metal can be, feeding it through the bending machine and ‘mangle’, but the plasma cutter was great fun (want one!) I’d certainly recommend the course, and it’s a great shared experience! Thanks again Alan, you may well be seeing us again!"

Sue Lilly reviewed: Mindful embroidery for beginners, sewing, button craft, East Riding of Yorkshire

"A happy afternoon with new friends. Learnt lots of new stitches and techniques that I've been practicing at home. Practice makes perfect. Haven't stopped sewing."

Beehive Wellbeing responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Sue, indeed practice does make perfect. I'm glad you are enjoying it. x"

Mandy Burgess reviewed: Upholstery 1 day workshop - make your own footstool

"Had a really enjoyable day and felt so proud to take home a professional looking footstool. Every step of the process was done under Sue's watchful eye and her supportive tips inspire confidence. Looking forward to my next upholstery project."

Tuffett responded:

"Thank you Mandy. You made a lovely job of your footstool and you should be very proud. Best wishes, Sue"

Freemotion Course reviewed: 1-day patchwork & quilting workshops in Watford with Green Man Quilts

"I really enjoyed the course, and found it very challenging. This had more to do with my skills and creative talent than anything. I think it made me realise that I need to do a lot more practice of the basics which I am getting more confident it. When life is a little less hectic I would like to join one of your classes as this would mean I got regular support and instruction. Thank you once again. Ginny"

Green Man Quilts responded:

"Hi Ginny You did really well. Please don't undervalue yourself! Free motion is something that really needs regular practice to come good and you will get there. You had some challenges with your machine and I am sure that a new stitch plate will resolve that. I am glad that my spare came in useful for you and enabled you to get the most out of your day. I would love to have you along on one of my regular classes, but until then, do keep an eye on my day and weekend workshops to keep you "boosted" Thank you for spending the day with me and allowing me to help with your quilting skills"

Pandora Craig reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping for beginners

"I really enjoyed this course. Adam is a great teacher and explains all the processes so well. He covered lots of techniques in the two days and supported me every step of the way with my glass work which is now pride of place in my kitchen. Would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to get creative and learn about glass in a relaxed, fun environment with a consummate professional as your tutor."

Christine Wood reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"I attended Kate's 'Pastel Starter Workshop' last week and would recommend this course to anyone, who is either thinking of using pastels, or is coming back to using them after a period of time. The session was a real hands-on, 'have a go' afternoon. We learned about different types and brands of pastels and also about a range of papers and techniques. It was a thoroughly enjoyable workshop with participants encouraged to give their thoughts and opinions about the various brands being used and also about their experiences of using pastels. Kate offers participants in her workshops the benefit of her huge experience and very obvious skills, but alongside this she is hugely encouraging and supportive. Thank you, Kate for another very enjoyable afternoon."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christine, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and found it useful and huge thanks for providing yet another thoughtful review that will help others decide whether or not the Pastel starter workshop will be useful to them. I think you are my ‘star reviewer’! Looking forward to seeing you again in March ? Kate"

Tony Duffy reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"I recently took a one day welding course with Julian and it was excellent. I went from being a total beginner to really gaining some good understanding and confidence with MIG welding. Even though this is a "one day" course Julian's enthusiasm and knowledge mean you take away a lot more in understanding and practical skill than you would expect. Julian seems to take great pride in ensuring you leave with the right skills and knowledge rather than just running through the material unlike some other courses I have been on. If you are considering gaining experience in welding I can really recommend this course. The price may seem higher than others but the topics and the amount of practical activity you will cover is definitely worth it."

Jennifer Davies reviewed: Photoshop or illustrator skills - group booking

"Mary and her team carry such a wealth of experience, their workshops really are invaluable. I came in from a graphic background but they were able to pinpoint my skills and help me work on areas that may need extra attention. They have that knack of being able to take your ideas and your talents and really push them so you can reach your full potential and your designs really can become the best they can be. And what is more, Mary and her team really are extremely welcoming and friendly and always such a laugh to be around. Couldn't recommend them more :)"

Mary Jones Design responded:

"Thank you Jen for your lovely words! :)"

Stevie Harman reviewed: Embossed letter and bookmark

"My friends and I had a brilliant time with Mel on her Embossed Letter course. We started quite nervous but Mel put us at our ease, explained everything repeatedly (!) and with great patience. Mel gave us a fantastic introduction to this craft both through her knowledge and teaching but also through the many and varied examples of her work to be seen in her studio. We all came away with a piece we could be proud of - what more could anyone want? A brilliant day!"

Dot Hubbard reviewed: Embossed letter and bookmark

"A very instructive and interesting course. Mel was very helpful and friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed it."

Sue Flynn reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"James is a very patient teacher, who demonstrates and explains each step. I enjoyed learning how to cut and polish a cabuchon amethyst. I am thinking about faceting lessons with James now.... Watch this space!"

Mark reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"A very relaxed and enjoyable course, Lynne is an excellent tutor and presented the course at a good pace and made it fun throughout. Can't recommended this enough. My wife bought this for me as a Christmas present, so seemed only fair to give her one of the two journals I made! Huge thanks to Lynne for such a great course."

wendy Burns reviewed: Photoshop or illustrator skills - group booking

"After working within the Fashion & textile industry for many years I needed a new direction. With the support of the fabulous Mary Jones design team they kindly looked through my portfolio, they were positive, directional and very inspiring. It's difficult changing direction after many years but with the wealth of knowledge and experience that they have I felt very supported. I can't thank them enough."

Mary Jones Design responded:

"Thank you so much Wendy!"

Vera reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"All day hands on, fantastic day. Neil has chosen two objects to make that perfectly cover the basic techniques of blacksmithing, like how and where to target the heat, where to hammer, what extra tools to use, how to undo a wrong bend, etc etc. Great fun! I can highly recommend this course, and you can be assured you'll go home with some amazing self-crafted metalwork."

Nicki Page reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I had a wonderful day learning how to work with leather. Rosanna made the process easy and was an excellent teacher. I made a lovely fold over clutch bag which I'm very proud of. I also purchased her book, which is full of useful tips and patterns. I can't wait to start making my own leather items at home."

Stuart Jackson reviewed: Leather Possibles Pouch Workshop

"I would like to thank Wendy and Clive for the pouch making course I attended recently, it was a great introduction as a beginner to leatherwork with a lot of processes and techniques covered, saddle stitching, dyeing, riveting etc , and good practice with a variety of tools. I learned a lot in a short space of time, and feel more confident to continue with my own leatherwork projects, and would recommend the course to anyone that's looking to get into working with leather"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for this excellent review. We are really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop."

Kate Andrews reviewed: Loose & Expressive Watercolour - Birds & Animals

"Great course. I do have some experience but I think he set it a good level for both beginners and people with some experience. Content was great and he was very clear and supportive. I would recommend the course and Tom to anyone. Great day."

Tom Shepherd Art responded:

"Thanks so much Kate. A pleasure to have you onboard and gald you enjoyed it!! T"