Latest reviews

Helen-Jane Mason reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Had a brilliant day learning new skills which I can't wait to try out on other pieces of furniture that desperately need to be rejuvenated! The instructor was very informative, and with guidance and advice along the way, I finished up with a brand new contemporary paper rack. Thank you so much!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day Helen, you did a great job on your paper rack. I look forward to seeing your future creations. Thanks for your lovely words."

Richard & Tricia Marshall reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"What a great day! We had booked places on this course as a Christmas present for ourselves having seen a report on TV of similar green woodworking and thought it would be great to try it too. We originally booked on the May course but had to postpone to September because the date clashed with a family anniversary party. Andy was very helpful getting our booking postponed and made it so easy. We didn't quite know what to expect when we arrived but, despite the rain, the setting was beautiful and fortunately there was more than sufficient shelter. Our tutor Andy immediately made us feel at ease as he described the day ahead and even the H & S was presented gently without making it seem too restricting. Within 30 minutes we were starting to cut log blanks for making our mallets using traditional techniques. Andy explained the objectives and how to use the various tools very clearly, demonstrating their use with consummate skill. As we made our first attempts, he came round and guided each of us, praising and pointing out how to work the wood to get the best results. Andy has such depth of knowledge and great skill in selecting and working with timber. As things progressed through the day, we gradually learnt about how to select the wood for cutting, and how to use each tool to achieve the objective. Having not only the right tools but very sharp ones made things easier. It's clear that time is spent between courses making sure all the tools are fully sharpened, which requires a lot of skill. The spatulas we all made were beautiful and practical. We enjoyed the company of fellow students, who like us had little previous experience. Working in the open air, in woodland was new to us. Everyone got on well together and Andy was excellent, helping each of us but also allowing us to learn by doing, without breathing down our necks! We made mistakes, of course, but then he showed us how to make the most of it anyway. Towards the end of the afternoon we used pole lathes to make various items such as garden dibbers and rolling pins. Again, Andy showed us step by step how to prepare the timber, set it in the lathe and then turn it. Most of us found it quite hard to synchronise the back-and-forth turning of the lathe with apply and then relaxing the cutting tool at the right time. But again, Andy was there showing us how to get the best result. Overall, we can say it was a most excellent and enjoyable introduction to green woodworking, in a super environment with a really great teacher. We'd love to come back for another course; we thoroughly recommend this one to everyone and we're sure that the other courses are just as good."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"We are very pleased to hear that you both enjoyed the course so much, and thank you very much indeed for writing such a kind and thorough review. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood for another course, and please remember to ask for a Return Booking Discount which currently stands at 15%."

Dawn reviewed: Private jewellery tuition with Joanne Tinley Jewellery

"I'm a self taught silversmith, who has progressed from wirework into torch work. I did a simple evening class, and then tried to learn as much as I could from online classes and books. And of course trial and error - lots and lots of error. I found Joanne's classes online and then discovered she runs workshops, including bespoke individual tuition. I booked a couple of days, train tickets and a hotel and sent her a list of what I wanted to cover. It was a vast list. Joanne is incredibly patient and has the best teaching style I have ever come across my whole life, in any topic or medium. Every process was explained as we went through it, concisely, clearly and as though it were a perfect stream of consciousness - pre-empting all my questions (you have no idea how rare this is for me). My vast list was covered, fully throughout the course and at no point did I feel in the least stupid. I'm now able to tackle almost any task I want and more importantly, I have the confidence to try and not worry about failure because I know now how to learn meaningfully from these, much rarer errors. I can set stones like a pro, recycle my scrap, saw well, with fewer broken blades and I also got to test out a whole range of tools to help me choose my own. I cannot recommend Joanne's jewellery tuition highly enough. I only wish I lived within a commutable distance."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your very kind words Dawn! It was lovely to have you with me in the studio for a couple of days, and to teach someone so enthusiastic and keen to learn. It has been great to continue to see the jewellery you share online develop and your skills expand!"

Drawing Starter reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"Excellent introduction to drawing. Kate was an extremely good teacher - patient and kind. The afternoon was very well structured with instruction and mini exercises first and then time to put it all into practice by creating our own drawing. Plenty of supplies available to try different pencils etc. All in all a very enjoyable and instructive afternoon."

Kate West responded:

"Hello Gilly, Caroline, Jane and Pip, not sure which one of you lovely ladies has left such wonderful review but whoever it was thank you! Kate"

Sally Horsfield reviewed: Shaped and 3D tapestry weaving masterclass

"This course gave a very comprehensive overview to the technique of using pulled warp to create 3 dimensional shape. With Barbara’s guidance I made my own pattern and completed a sample piece of “shapes”. I now have the ability and confidence to use these learnt methods as part of my creative Journey. Thank you Barbara for your teaching and your support, thank you Jane Brunning for the wonderful ambience of your workshop and thank you Lin and Weavers Bazar for providing such an excellent selection of yarns for us to use and for the very tasty lunches. I was also able to buy additional yarns and materials from the Weavers Bazar shop at Jane Brunnings studio."

Tamara van Noort reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"I attended a one-day screen printing session with Kathryn in mid-October 2019 while on a short visit to the UK from Australia. I had previously done some fairly basic stencilling/ fabric printing at home and had a vague memory of doing some thermal screen printing 20+ years ago at school and wanted the opportunity to explore, experiment and learn from a professional textiles artist at my own pace… along with the exciting chance to spend some time in a working studio! I had an absolutely brilliant time… Kathryn taught me the basic process of screen printing while customising the session as we went along to suit what I wanted to learn and understand more about. She was wonderfully friendly, easy going, flexible, and knowledgable - and I was able to ask as many questions as I wanted (which is a privilege that one generally has to go without in larger class scenarios!). Kathryn communicated really thoroughly with me before the session to ensure that the session met my expectations, which included ensuring the availability of specific types of fabric for the class. Afterwards, she also provided some additional notes and recommendations to assist me to continue experimenting on my own at home. I was really proud of the work I produced under her expert guidance - her input gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and go with my gut. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in screen or fabric printing and textiles more broadly."

Kathryn Green Textiles responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you Tamara. We had an incredibly productive and enjoyable day and you achieved some lovely samples. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to make mistakes! I hope you are able to carry on experimenting now you are back home."

Helen Woolley reviewed: Silver earrings workshop

"I really enjoyed my first attempt at jewellery making. Jo is a patient and knowledgeable tutor, giving just the right amount of support and encouragement to participants. There is a good range of materials available and plenty of samples to spark design ideas. The studio is light and spacious and the atmosphere is relaxed making for an enjoyable and absorbing experience. I was able to make 7 pairs of earrings, of a standard that I was happy to give to friends as gifts. I would highly recommend the course."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind review Helen! It was lovely to have you in the workshop, and to hear that you gave some of the earrings as gifts!"

Hazel Stephens reviewed: Making Scrumptious Scatter Cushions - Small Group - 2 day Workshop - York

"I’m so proud of what I achieved on this course - two amazing cushions, new skills and a shed load of creative ideas! I thought I knew how to make scatter cushions but not like these ones! Zips, piping, beaded trims - loved it! A relaxed, friendly course with lots of help and tips - Jacqueline certainly knows what she’s talking about and is brimming with ideas and advice. Well worth it whether creating for personal use or something more ambitious - highly recommended"

JSInteriorsUK responded:

"Thank you Hazel for your lovely review, your cushions were beautiful and I was totally impressed with all your creative ideas."

Jane Low reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"As I already have some experience of mosaicing, I was keen to learn something new, in the form of a 3D mosaic sphere for the garden. Joss patiently showed me how to transfer a pattern on to the 2 halves of the sphere, and then how to apply the tesserae. She has an excellent range of tesserae to choose from in her studio, and guided me on how to choose complementary colours. A slight problem with lining up the pattern at the end came when joining the 2 halves of the sphere together, but she guided me on how to rectify this. She also demonstrated how to grout the sphere, a different method of grouting to what I have done before. I finished sticking the tesserae at home, successfully grouted the sphere, and am very pleased with the result. I'm now waiting for fine weather next summer to display it in the garden!"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Jane!"

Adam Clarke reviewed: Spoon Carving the Scandinavian Way - Beginners

"Fantastic day, lovely people, really knowledgeable and friendly instruction and simply perfect location. This was more than you could write to describe the course and how enjoyable the whole experience was. Much more practice needed to produce a great spoon but the instruction and what we took away from the day was such that we'll keep trying and have confidence that we will achieve something we're proud of! Thanks so much to Jacqui and Pete :)"

Kate Hardesty reviewed: Textured Jewellery Making

"What a lovely afternoon! I attended a Lonely Ape Textured Bangle workshop this afternoon with a friend and cannot recommend Katherine highly enough. She was extremely patient and is obviously very talented. I can't believe that I managed to make a beautiful bangle with her help and I will be proud to wear it. The workshop was really lovely, set in a beautiful garden and we were even given homemade cake to have with our cup of tea. I thought it was excellent value and a great way to spend an afternoon plus you come away with a gorgeous bracelet! Thank you so much! I look forward to doing another workshop :-)"

Joan reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Spent a wonderful weekend in one of the most beautiful places in the Country; reconnecting with art of spinning. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute - the atmosphere was relaxed & friendly & gosh we certainly learnt a lot about wool & spinning. Really enjoyed the lunches of delicious soup and about learning the art of keeping slugs off runner beans! Thank you I would highly recommend the course what ever your ability."

Sharon reviewed: Oil Painting Portraiture Skills with artist Cat MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative, Lake District

"Kat is a wonderful teacher and the course was brilliant from start to finish. I even have a new found love of charcoal after working with pencil for so long, thanks to techniques and methods that Kat has taught me. George and her husband were great hosts at cowshed providing a homely atmosphere alongside delicious food and friendly conversation. Thank you to all for a wonderful day."

Karen Flynn reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"I attended Dr Leo Sharashkin's 2day natural beekeeping course in Monmouth and am so happy I did. It was amazing, he really knows how to convey the importance of a natural approach to beekeeping. He is a very good speaker, interactive with the class and has a lot of scientific evidence to back up his own observations. I am certainly keen to try using a horizontal hive next year and this course gave me the confidence to go ahead and change my approach to beekeeping."

susan landon reviewed: Willow garden structures at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District near Windermere

"A brilliant course. Hazel is a great teacher, she explains things clearly and thoroughly and has wonderful examples. She could interest and cope with all abilities, knows so much about felt, gave lots of inspiration and had amazing books about felt. The Cowshed is a lovely space, the fire was lit, lots of homemade delicious food including gluten free yummies. In all I felt very looked after and thoroughly enjoyed the day, just ace, totally recommend."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Sue. I've passed all your lovely comments on to Hazel. So impressed by the stunning work everyone made. Hope to see you again."

Rosa reviewed: Felt Landscapes and Textured Panels at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park

"Wonderful, gentle & kind teacher who dedicated every moment to our enjoyment & learning. Complete creative freedom & support. Absolutely loved it & would do it over and over again! Amaaaazing food & beautiful setting & nice warm fire & cups of tea ! Very peaceful and lovely and just fab, thank you!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such lovely comments Rosa. Hope your enjoying wearing the amazing 3d sunflower you created! Look forward to seeing you again."

Hazel Adair reviewed: Two-day soap-making and skincare business course with The Scottish Soapworks at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh

"Lynn and Jenny could not have been more accommodating. They tailored the course to suit my business needs and more than fulfilled the brief. In addition the accommodation and breakfast were both excellent ( high praise from a well seasoned traveller) and the welcome warm. Thank you to all - I will be back - and have no hesitation in recommending you!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Hazel. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, and for your very kind feedback. I'm glad the course met your business needs, and we were both super impressed with your soap-making ideas, plans and creative ideas! We look forward to hearing how your business progresses. It was also a pleasure having you stay with us, and we look forward to welcoming you back. With very best wishes, Lynn, John & Jenny"

Sue White reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"The most enjoyable day with Alison, covering the basics of printing on paper and fabric with our own hand made prints. Alison made it so easy and was very encouraging at all stages. She gave us such a warm welcome and was attentive and informative. I wouldn't hesitate to attend another session at this beautiful venue. Thankyou."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sue, Thank you for your feedback, I am glad that you enjoyed the day. It was lovely to meet you both, you produced some great designs ! Best wishes Alison"

Katherine Miell reviewed: Saturday silver ring making workshop - Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin

"Had such a lovely time, making my creations. It was only a small class and Tuuli was able to give everyone plenty of time to talk through all the processes. Really enjoyed the class and can't wait to get started."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for your feedback Katherine. It is greatly appreciated. Welcome to the addictive world of silversmithing!"

Jess P reviewed: Textured Jewellery Making

"My sister in law and I recently did the textured jewellery workshop with Lonely Ape, and it was so much fun! Very authentic workshop, great tuition - it was only us two so it meant Katherine could really spend time showing us all the different techniques and tools. We both made rings, I made a hammered pinky ring and Lauren made a ring for her thumb. Tea and homemade cake was provided which was a nice touch!"

Gillian reviewed: 10- week Introduction to Soft Pastels online zoom art course with live tuition. Suitable for complete beginners and people with some experience in Art.

"Great course! I thoroughly enjoyed it! I am a complete beginner in art but I always wanted to learn how to draw. Raya has given me the confidence and strong knowledge of the basics of art, which I needed to realise my dream. Thank you so much Raya. I would recommend this course to absolute beginners!"

Wendy Clarke reviewed: Lino-printing onto fabric

"I found this lino printing workshop via the Craft Courses site. I thoroughly enjoyed it, delivered in the lovely surroundings of Lynn's home and with a wonderful lunch. Suzanne was a great teacher, leading us through each step and providing reassurance and guidance when needed. Although I was a bit nervous at the start of the day as I've never been particularly artistic, I finished the day with my own completed design printed on to a canvas tote bag! So I came away feeling pretty pleased. I would highly recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Wendy. Thank you so much for taking the time to send us a review. I'm glad you enjoyed your workshop and were pleased with your final printed design. I thought your bag looked fabulous! It's tricky learning to create and cut a design for the first time, and hopefully you can use the lino design you took home with you to print onto many more products. We love it when beginners surprise themselves with their own creativity. Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective one day. With best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Emma Norris reviewed: Paint a Lamp and make a Lamp Shade

"Loved the lamp and lampshade course - delighted with the result and had a real giggle of a day too. Highly recommended x"

Liz Southwell reviewed: Paint a Lamp and make a Lamp Shade

"Had a fantastic time at the lamp making course. New skills and lots of giggles. Highly recommended!"

Lesley Ali reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"This was a most fulfilling course that I would recommend to anyone who wants to show themselves a little love. Coralie is friendly and supportive, the space and tools provided are impeccable and just one session is enough to get you hooked. I’ve already booked myself on another day course. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to discover their inner creativity. The only danger is that you can get seriously hooked! Thank you Coralie for sharing your expertise, patience and creative wisdom. This was the best thing I’ve done for myself in a very long time."