Latest reviews

Alison Dancey reviewed: Candle & diffuser course

"John and Sue were very welcoming their course was extremely informative. The course covered all aspects of candle making, creating your own candles and diffuser. Lovely location, would thoroughly recommend for anyone who is interested in candle making. Will definitely return for the soap making course early next year."

Sarah Preston-Hall reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"Elaine was a superb teacher, full of knowledge and advice on fibre preparation. She made us very welcome in her home and studio, taking us through the whole prep process from skirting to picking and carding to drafting. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and came away with the knowledge and enthusiasm to continue the processes at home. Elaine also let me have a go on her spinning wheel which was a fabulous treat! A very generous and inspiring teacher."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thanks Sarah. So glad you enjoyed your course and got so much out of it."

Julia Raymond reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had such a fabulous day, I did not look at the time once, the hours just flew by. I was totally immersed in the moment. Great tuition, very knowledgeable and patient. We went over time, my fault entirely, I chose something a little more complex but Jonathan was kind enough to see it through to completion. I would so recommend this course to anyone of any ability. The boat just added to the course uniqueness and ambience. A perfect day, I’m thrilled with the items I produced. I would love to do another course. Also shared what books I may like and would help as I’m super keen to learn more about it. Thank you so much."

Lynne Horner reviewed: 8 week jewellery beginners course

"Brilliant course. Karen is extremely patient and I can’t believe how many items I have made. Definitely going to do the next stage course. Would thoroughly recommend."

Carolyn Morris reviewed: Introduction to Off-Loom Weaving Workshop, Crawley, Hampshire

"Ellie was amazing at making everything easy from start to finish. She was patient and very good at explaining what to do. A great way to spend 3 hours."

Elka responded:

"Hi Carolyn, i’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop and thank you for the lovey review! Very best wishes, Ellie"

Margret Thompson reviewed: Tree Stump Planter Workshop - Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"A really lovely day was had by all. Joe and Bob couldn't have been more helpful and great company. Lovely people. Both have great creative ideas and know the material you are working with so are able to guide you. I would definitely recommend this course to all. Thank you both very much."

louise pope reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"What a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend a day. Anne was great at building our confidence over the course of the day, so much so that everyone left the course with a beautiful wearable scarf and a real sense of what might be possible if we wanted to pursue this type of weaving as a pastime. I particularly valued the selection of yarns available to choose and Anne's great input on colour and texture combinations that will work together to give you the style of scarf you are hoping to achieve. She's a great tutor!"

Mavis Opperan reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"This course is definitely good value for money. I was a complete novice when I started this course but I learned so much as Paul is an excellent instructor, he explained each step of the process in making my stained glass panel and was so patient and encouraging. He also taught us a lot about stained glass which I have always admired but didn’t realise what went in to making it. Thank you to Natalie for the lovely lunches we had and to Gracie for sharing her mum and dad with us and being such a good girl. I came away with a panel that I really love and which now hangs in my kitchen window and looks lovely especially when the sun shines through it and with all the information on how to carry on with this new skill."

Carla Watkins reviewed: 8 week jewellery beginners course

"Proper jewellery making has been on my daydreams list for years, so when I saw BENCH Space had moved to Brightlingsea, near my hometown, I leaped on the first beginner course which had space. And it has been the best experience! I knew I'd enjoy it, but it's been one of the highlights of my year! I was a bit nervous to start with, but Karen is so kind and patient, explains everything so well along with demonstrations, and learning alongside others meant we all learned from each other too. Because you're making things from your own designs, no two pieces are alike, and by the end of the 8 weeks you suddenly realise you have actual skills! There's an amazing sense of achievement to have made things with your hands, and it's also a wonderful break from the real world - a few times during my course I rocked up in a terrible mood, and making, filing, piercing, soldering and polishing restored me to good temper - a wonderful side effect. I've come away with two rings, a pair of earrings and the leaping hare pendant of my dreams - and I'm already booked onto the next improver course. I've never been prouder of anything I've made and have worn them all constantly since... can't wait for the next course. Highly, highly recommended - and I'm planning to bring some friends on the ring making taster next year!"

BENCH space responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and I’m so glad you have enjoyed the course. I’m so looking forward to seeing you in the new year for more adventures in making!"

Jen Horsley reviewed: Throwing taster session

"Really enjoyed the morning. Deiniol took the time to show us what we would need to do to create and decorate a bowl, then talked us through step by step actually creating a bowl and then allowed us to see what we had learnt by creating another bowl. Excellent couple of hours"

Deiniol Williams Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Jen!"

Jill Carver reviewed: Make a star! Stained glass half day workshop

"Meeting Jo Snowdon for the first time last week felt like bumping into an old friend, Jo is warm and friendly and an excellent tutor. Jo's small groups allow her to give all the individual attention and guidance that anyone could ask for. It was a joy and very satisfying to complete a piece of art to take home at the end of the evening."

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you for the fab review Jill, it was a pleasure to have you all over for the class. You created a lovely star! Best wishes and have a lovely Christmas, Kind regards, Jo"

Pauline Hooper reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"did the day course in December to make an outdoor mosaic. Had a great time. Frances was very supportive, offering help and advice where needed and stepping back when she was not needed. All equipment and tools were provided. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to give mosaic making a go."

Mosaic Mania responded:

"Thank you Pauline! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Your mosaic looks fabulous! Frances"

Matt de Moraes reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Jon was a tremendous and attentive coach in the entry level world of glassblowing. This was an immense experience that I will remember forever. I already have a long list of friends wanting to take part, so no surprise his gentle demeanor and tutoring style has created such demand for his lessons!"

Sharon Lee reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"My friend & I have done both this leaded stained glass day & the Christmas decorations with copper foiled stained glass. The days were both great fun. We learnt a lot, had a gorgeous lunch & really enjoyed ourselves. The workshops are well taught & made more fun by Gill's lovely bubbly personality."

Gill Rogers responded:

"Hi Sharon Many thanks for your lovely comments, so kind of you and thrilled to hear you enjoyed the course. I had such a fun day with you both and hope to see you again sometime in the New Year! Have a great Christmas! All my very best wishes Gill x"

Neil Jones reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"Alison teaches Batik very well, small steps at first and then tailoring the class to the individual needs. My partner created an amazing piece which hangs today in our living room, a reminder of a fun day out! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting an intro to Batik or even to further develop their skills"

Louisa Nahas reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"“Beatrice’s sculpture workshops have been very inspiring. I have enjoyed every minute, learnt a lot and spent quality time with like minded people. Highly recommended!”"

Copper Foiling One Day Workshop reviewed: Introduction to copper foiling workshop

"I had an amazing day at the Copper Foiling workshop. It was Christmas themed so we made some wonderful glass Christmas decorations. Sharon was a brilliant teacher and the space is just perfect for the small class size. Thank you Sharon!"

Jo & Joe Walker reviewed: 3 hour Silver jewellery course

"This course totally exceeded our expectations. Richard is fabulous at what he does. There are lots of choices available and you are encouraged to create your own designs. This is a fabulous way to spend a day and you will leave with some unique pieces. We have just had our second visit and are completely hooked!"

Dave Mountain reviewed: Green wood tables workshop at Lambside Farm - Week 1 (6 Days) Week 2 (3days)

"I attended Peter's Introduction to Green Woodworking prior to attending the table course. No real knowledge of green woodworking prior to this. The table course was a great challenge, but with Peter's knowledge and guidance I now have a gorgeous new kitchen table that I'm so proud of. When I first flipped the assembled table over onto it's legs it brought a tear to my eyes and a tingle down my spine at what I'd achieved. Cannot recommend this course and Peter's skills and mentoring highly enough. I'll be back..."

Mr Peter Savage reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"A truly excellent day creating a mountain of wood shavings, whilst having a brew. Ian is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also very patient. The day flew by and to top it off I have an oak stool which is undoubtedly less wonky than anything I would have made without supervision. Cracking fun I highly recommend it!"

David Slater reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"If you're interested in starting out in stained glass I can really recommend the ten week course. The course itself is well structured with three separate projects (the third being your own design), the studio is modern and well equipped, and Martin is an excellent teacher. I loved it, and will be going back for more in the future."

Emma reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"Had a really lovely morning with Clare and my friend making lampshades. Clare was really patient and very informative. Plus we got to bring our bespoke lampshade home. Well worth the mone,y loved it, thanks so much ?"

Kate Robinson reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"I had a fab day making a driftwood sea scene. Relaxed atmosphere with great music and very good tuition. Gigha is calm, precise with instructions and has a good sense of humour. She managed a fairly large group all doing different projects, with varying levels of ability very well. I will definitely be doing another course."

Sharon reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"Just finished an excellent jewellery making workshop with Tuuli today. Tuuli ran the course in a really friendly manner and I personally really appreciated the advice and the easy calm way she taught us, making us all feel relaxed and helped if something didn't always go according to plan! It was a really enjoyable and informative workshop and I've never had 3 hours go so quickly. I would have never have thought I could have produced something so good on a first attempt. I will definitely be back for another workshop."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much Sharon! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and am so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Hopefully see you again in 2020!"

Iain reviewed: Chocolate and Prosecco - chocolate indulgence day!

"Well run course where we made a huge amount of chocolate gifts. Key skills were truffle making, tempering chocolate to make a chocolate box, bars and baubles! All then packaged ready for gift presentation. Lovely lunch and plenty of tea etc during the day and an afternoon tea at the end. We would highly recommend this course and it is excellent value for money."