Latest reviews

Lee Scott reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Spent a fantastic day at the bearded pig forge with Spike. Decided to male a knife which went way better than i expected. Spike is a great teacher and extremely informative. If you looking for something a little different as a present or a day or so learning this amazing craft i couldnt recommend Spike highly enough."

Susie Horder reviewed: One day fused glass

"Brilliant one day starter course into the world of glass, I’m hooked already. Lots of information, nothing too much trouble and the opportunity to create something beautiful and lasting . Melissa is absolutely lovely and has a wealth of knowledge and experience , I felt very privileged tone shown into her amazing world. Will defiantly e going back for more"

Andy Blackburn reviewed: Photography Days

"We went on a portraiture course (my partner as the model) earlier in 2019. Sue and Richard explained everything in a clear and 'non jargon' manner and took me through the process of photographing a model in studio step by step without hurrying my ageing brain at all. They are friendly and welcoming people which, at least to ourselves, is as important as their technical knowledge which they have in abundance. I (we) learnt a great deal over the 2 days. Thanks Sue and Richard. Highly recommended!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks for that, Andy. Hope everything is working well for you with your choice of new camera."

Emma reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I would highly recommend this fantastic course to anyone interested in spoon carving. Martin’s tuition was clear, thorough and methodical, providing a comprehensive introduction to the craft with an emphasis on safety. After expertly demonstrating each technique, he described the required holds and movements in a way that was simple to understand. He was both patient and approachable, encouraging us to ask questions as we went along. The small group size of 4 students meant that we were closely supervised and Martin was on hand to offer extra help if and when it was needed. By the end of the weekend, we had covered lots of useful topics including sourcing, selection and storage of wood, tool options to suit a range of budgets, finishing techniques and tool maintenance, plus we were given detailed course notes to remind us of what we had learnt, so we came away well equipped to continue practising our newly acquired skills. Most importantly, the course was great fun. Martin made us all feel at home and his delicious homemade lunches definitely deserve a mention!"

Natalie reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"I booked this workshop for a friend and I. We had such a great day and learnt so much. Great facilities and excellent teacher. She was very knowledgeable, clear and patient. We hadn't done anything like this before, and now we're hooked. Would highly recommend."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"That's very kind of you to say so, Natalie - thank you - I am so pleased you both enjoyed the day! I found the group a real pleasure to work with xxx"

Steve Pearson reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Didn’t really know what to expect but it turned out a most enjoyable afternoon. Started by splitting a willow log, and whilst learning about the tools along the way, ended up with a spoon....of sorts...but I was a beginner. Recommend this course"

Chris Weekes reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Had a great day with Spike. Made a bracket for a hanging basket in the garden. Learnt lots about blacksmithing, both practical and theory. Great guy to learn from as he has a very wide knowledge and is happy to answer all your questions. Also a wood turner which I didn't know in advance and pleased me no end. If you are interested in something new and quite different I would recommend this course. As someone else said, he makes a lovely BLT sandwich!"

Meg Chater reviewed: Architectural homage freehand machine embroidery or drawing with thread workshop

"Stacey is a brilliant teacher, inspirational, full of encouragement with a great ability in believing you can achieve so much more than you thought possible."

Tommy Mason reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Our leather craft course with the magnificent Bill was absolutely brilliant. In no time at all, we had skills to saddle stitch and make a product on the first day. The second day, albeit somewhat ambitious on my part, was even better. With his help, Bill taught me how to expertly make a design for a product I'd seen on the internet. He then coached me into making it, and we even stayed later than planned to finish it the same day. I am so proud of my creation. Bill has a modest workshop and a vast array of specialist tools. However, this is nothing in comparison with his incredible knowledge and huge quantities of tea and biscuits. I'm now tooled up and ready to make some of my own creations, and will be considering an advanced session with Bill in the future. A highly recommended course and worth every penny."

Ruth reviewed: Architectural homage freehand machine embroidery or drawing with thread workshop

"I have attended a few of Stacey's courses and can thoroughly recommend them, whatever your level of craft is. Stacey is skilled at assessing your needs and challenging you gently to develop. She is inspiring, encouraging and supportive. Stacey is also generous with her fabrics and threads as well as her time, talent and skill. As well as this the courses take place in a lovely venue with views of Margate beach- watch the tide come In and go out during the day."

Zoe Matthews reviewed: Indigo & Arashi Shibori workshop

"A really enjoyable morning and well worth the cost as I came away with enough dyed squares to make 3 cushion covers as well as a scarf....well I actually forgot to take them home with me... but Lisa really Kindly posted them to me the following day. Highly recommended!"

Clare Donnelly reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Loved the course. Fabulous socks - they turned out completely different to what I'd imagined. Masterful colour choice Anne. I'd love to buy a machine to make more on but astronomically expensive. Lunch, tea, cake and biscuits all great. Best of all, though, Anne's tuition and guidance and all the help and support from her team. Not left for one minute without help."

Dorrie McCallum-Banks reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"I've attended this workshop a few times now, and always have a lovely time. Helen collects her dressing material locally, using only real evergreens - no plastics. The finished wreaths look amazing - so fresh and natural. I've given a few away as gifts, to universal acclaim. Highly recommended."

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thanks Dorrie. Always good to have you along when you can make it."

Rebecca Dean reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops

"We had a very enjoyable and informative Sunday afternoon course, which I would thoroughly recommend to anyone. Elaine had excellent ideas and examples to inspire us, a huge array of materials, and lovely relaxed surroundings. We are yet to see our creations, but fingers crossed they give us as much pleasure as the course did!"

Penelope Davies reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"Really enjoyed the day; Sunita is a skilled teacher and practical demonstrator. Will practice with the workbook and hope to join another course in the near future."

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

"Excellent experience, bought as a group gift for a 30th birthday and we had a fabulous time!"

Jill Bowler reviewed: Willow Obelisk Sculpture

"I would have rated this course as good but two things let it down. The group was too large (10) and it was difficult for Kate to get round everyone. The light lunch provided was of extremely poor quality."

Tresillian House responded:

"Dear Jill Thank you for taking the time to review the course. As I explained the normal number for a course is 8 but on this occasion I had taken a telephone booking direct and then received an online booking the same afternoon pre-paid and before I had time to register the course as full. The on-line payment system is new this autumn and perhaps I should review that again - although people tend to prefer to pay on line. I apologise that you felt the lunch was poor and not to your taste. Next time I will cook stew and dumplings and not experiment. Thank you for coming and I hope your sculpture has survived this week's rain!"

Hannah reviewed: Fabric printing & lampshade making workshop

"My sister and I took my mum to Ria's lampshade making course recently for her 60th birthday. What can I say, we had the loveliest day end to end and that was entirely down to the enthusiasm, loveliness and talent of Ria. She was so patient and really got our creative juices flowing, supporting our crazy ideas and providing lots of inspiration. The setting of Ria's studio really adds to the experience, a beautiful building alongside the canal in rural Northamptonshire. Definitely go down the canal to have lunch in the canal boat! I would definitely recommend Ria's lampshade making course, a really fun and interesting day with a lovely lampshade to take away at the end."

Joanne Tinley reviewed: Relief print Christmas card workshop

"I've always wanted to try lino printing so decided to treat myself when I saw this course advertised. I loved it! Rachel was very patient and explained everything we needed very clearly. She had lots of ideas for us to use but I took along a snowflake design - a little ambitious for a beginner but with Rachel's guidance I did it and made lots of lovely cards. A great course, highly recommended!"

Rachel Reynolds responded:

"And a lovely Snowflake print it was too! Thanks for joining us Jo, it was great to have you on the course."

Adam Clementson reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Intermediate - four days

"Steve is an excellent instructor, he knows so much and passes that knowledge on very well. Years in the carpentry trade have made him a perfectionist and he also passes on that level of perfection, and if there are two things I take away from this course it's patience and accuracy. I never thought I would make such a beautiful item as the oak table, but it came together and I have an item I can rightly be proud of. Thanks Steve."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Adam, thanks very much for your review, it is much appreciated and I'm glad you enjoyed your time at Dovetail. Steve"

Ruth Blackford reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I had a great day with Judith. I learnt a lot in a comfortable and well equipped environment and was amazed at how much work I produced. Judith's teaching is paced and structured very well with easy to follow instructions and explanations. Highly recommended."

Heather reviewed: Tailored pottery workshops: handbuilding and throwing

"I recently spent a day with Jayne with 3 other friends on a workshop. It was quite simply amazing! Having had very little knowledge about Working with clay , I have come away feeling entirely capable and empowered to start making my own work, the techniques of it all now exciting rather than off-putting! I couldn't recommend Jayne as a teacher more; she's super knowledgable and great at explaining stuff, plus she's a lot of fun to hang out with, which makes for a lovely experience! If you're thinking about taking one of her workshops, just do it, you won't regret it!"

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Heather x"

Catherine Stanley reviewed: Wheel throwing experience - half day course

"As a special treat for our Mum, my sister and I booked in for a wheel pottery session. Wow it was the most relaxing other worldly thing I have done in a long time. Under Jayne’s expert guidance we created 3 beautiful pots each which Jayne fired in her amazing kiln. Thank you Jayne!"

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Catherine. I’m so pleased that I could make Mum’s treat extra special!"

Monique Gordon reviewed: Weekend pottery throwing workshop

"Cannot recommend pottery school enough, I attended Nina's six week pottery classes over the summer and now I can't put the clay down! As one of the more affordable pottery courses I was pleasantly shocked at the amount of time we got to spend wheel throwing, the amount of pieces I made and that I'm now able to make my own dinnerware! The pottery classes were in the evening so fit around my work schedule, in a short time i've learnt new skills and even sold some of my pieces; it definitely beat staying at home watching netflix!"

Sarah Newth reviewed: Silver stacking ring/bangle/pendant workshop

"This was a fun evening. The tuition was excellent and Faith is patient and encouraging. We all ended up with 3 lovely silver rings to wear."