Latest reviews

Barbara Pearman reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"What a fantastic day! Relaxing, inspiring and exciting. Thank you so much for a brilliant day."

Patricia Lynch reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"Just a little note to say thanks for organising such a wonderful drawing day yesterday - I know how much work it is to organise these things so everything goes smoothly for everyone and you did a great job - the wonderful models, the sets, the live music and Jake's short tutorials all added up to a very inspiring day."

Adriana reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for organising and hosting the drawing circus this weekend. It was absolutely fantastic and my daughter loved it. A very special experience."

Carol Harris reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"I really enjoyed my Saturday at the Circus. What a fantastic set up with such lovely models in a beautiful setting. Thank you to the Drawing Circus team, and James for making it happen. I loved it!"

Fiona reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"Me and my mum had an absolutely lovely day with Denise - she was incredibly patient and helpful and I learnt a lot. Would definitely recommend and go again."

lesley nason reviewed: Animal sculpture (The Hare) with Jeremy James

"Learnt some very interesting sculpture techniques and tips. Felt the last afternoon was very rushed though and didn’t manage to complete my piece."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thanks Lesley, sorry to hear time ran out towards the end of the course. We'll feed back to Jeremy. See you again soon."

Julian Gallehawk reviewed: Animal sculpture (The Hare) with Jeremy James

"Great course run by Jeremy James and would recommend to all! He guided us through making a beautiful hare, he is a great teacher and very inspiring! And Potclays was a fantastic place! Great tour! I will be back! Julian P.s. See you at art in clay!!"

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thanks for your review, Julian! Very glad to hear you enjoyed the course and your time here at Potclays. See you in August!"

Angie Needs reviewed: Gelli Printmaking with No5workshops Group Booking

"I attended the mono-printing course with my two best friends, What a fantastic, inspiring workshop with Armi who is such a great teacher. She made things very easy to follow, fun and exciting to do and we all wished we could have carried the rest of the day. We had a wonderful morning in her amazing studio, stopping for tea and delicious homemade cake. Looking to come back and do another course, it was so inspiring. Highly recommended."

no5workshops responded:

"Angie thank you so much for taking the time to write your review. I look forward to meeting you all again! Armi :))"

Liz Jennings reviewed: Introduction to jewellery making with Rooks & Roses at the Sculpture Lounge Holmfirth

"My friend and I have just spent a very informative and productive whilst relaxed and inspiring weekend with the very talented Karl Smith (Rooks and Roses) at his fully equipped, organized workshop in the glorious, scenic Holme Valley. Karl generously imparted knowledge, under a watchful eye not just on how to construct a piece but also delved into the fascinating science behind the ‘alchemy’ of metal into personally handcrafted ‘treasures’. We thoroughly enjoyed our time spent with Karl, departed with some lovely pieces and would highly recommend this workshop."

Yvonne reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Highly recommend this workshop - Rebecca has that magic combination of knowing the subject inside out, whilst also able to get it over well to complete beginners with enthusiasm and can-do. The workshop is well thought out to make best use of the three hours, so you come away with a piece of fabric you made yourself in several weave patterns. I enjoyed it hugely. Even better, Churt is a very very pretty part of the country, so an added extra."

Abigail Reilly reviewed: Traditional upholstery courses @ The Woodworks Project, Bath, Somerset

"This course was exactly what I was looking for and really enjoyable too. We went through a range of traditional techniques in the process of upholstering the footstool which means I now feel confident to apply them to other projects - and already have! The overall atmosphere was also great and made me feel very welcome. I miss my Tuesday sessions now it’s over. Of course I’ve got a beautiful footstool as a permanent reminder. Thanks Carla"

Alison reviewed: 1 to 1 Beginners Crochet and beyond - East Grinstead

"I've never crocheted before but Nicole has explained the basics clearly and patiently and after a few lessons I now know a variety of techniques and stitches. The classes take place in Nicole's lovely conservatory around a large dining table with comfy seats. The hot drinks and biscuits are most welcome. The printed notes with step by step pictures are very useful to recap the lesson when back home and Nicole is happy to answer any questions if we get stuck finishing our project."

Curt reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I booked this for myself and my new fiancée. When we arrived we didn't quite know what to expect but once we saw the boat and met Jonathan we knew it was going to be a good day. His knowledge and patience really gave us confidence in what we were doing. The setting was stunning, the workshop was properly kitted out and we even had tea and homemade cake as an early afternoon treat. It was a really nice day out and would definitely recommend this everyone."

Susan Warren reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"Another amazing course offered by Jessie and Jane. I cannot tell you how much the four days creating buckskin out in the Welsh hills nourishes me. I have been wanting to learn how to use deer hides and create a brain tanned skin for years and finally feel I have the knowledge base to do start exploring on my own. (Which is just a little bit exciting!!) Jessie and Jane exude enthusiasm and inspiration, ever helpful and encouraging as they share their knowledge of this incredible craft. They also facilitate (and invite everyone who attends to hold) a beautiful, supportive village for their workshops; we ate together and worked together as a tribe and it only made the experience all the more delightful."

Susan Warren reviewed: Bark tanning rabbit fur and fish skins

"What an amazing course! I had bark tanned a few fish skins at home, but wanted an opportunity to get hands-on with fur on skins and discuss how to bark tan larger things, like deer hides. (This said, this course is entirely appropriate for anyone just exploring and beginning bark tanning.) Jessie and Jane exude enthusiasm and inspiration, ever helpful and encouraging as they share their knowledge of this incredible craft. They also facilitate (and invite everyone who attends to hold) a beautiful, supportive village for their workshops; we ate together and worked together as a tribe and it only made the experience all the more delightful."

Sally Thomas reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Follow the theme of all the reviews. Yes it is an inspiring, active, calming and fulfilling weekend. We went as a family of four to mark our 30th wedding anniversary. Time together, as stayed locally, and four very different sculptures as a permenant reminder. Thank you Sebastian."

Simon Oswald reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I'm renovating a Victorian house and have a glass panelled vestibule door frame and door with glass that was replaced in the 60's with single pane slabs of opaque glass that looks flat and uninspiring. It's 18 panels in total and I can't afford to pay for the panels to be professionally made so I decided to take a punt at having a go myself. Having never done anything like this before looked for a course online and found this which was reasonably local to me. The workshop is bright, spacious and in a lovely countryside location. I took a basic line drawing design with me for one of the mid-sized panels and Matt talked me through the options and design possibilities. I enjoyed Matt's tuition style, explaining the core principles at the start then leaving you to have a go and working with you through your mistakes and the relevant processes for your idea during the day. I was really delighted to have completed my first panel by the end of the day. People I've showed it to are really impressed too! I'm ready to have a go myself now, although I'll likely book another session for help with some of the bigger, more complex panels. It was a great day and I've learned the foundation of a craft that I'll probably use for years to come. Highly recommended!"

Adele Winsey reviewed: Mosaic wall hangings using vintage and retro china

"Wendy was an excellent tutor, she helped the children achieve stunning pieces and kept them engaged all day"

Richard Embling reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I’ve been wood carving for a number of years but never tried green woodworking or spoon carving. After being gifted a Gransfors wildlife hatchet recently I got in contact with Dave. This is such a fantastic course. Dave clearly knows his stuff from his many years experience. His teaching style is relaxed and clear. Demonstrating safe use with both axe work and knives. I learned a huge amount and felt inspired at the end of the session. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in learning spoon carving."

Tamahine Boyd reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Great weekend away, large table to spread out, great people really helpful, plenty of food. I have a great time every time with lovely (and funny) people. If crafting is your thing then I can highly recommend this weekend."

Zoe reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"I wasn't sure what to expect from this course, but I absolutely loved it. I had no experience in millinery or sewing but by the end of the day I had made my own unique fascinator which I love and all I need now is an occasion to wear it. I have already ordered materials in order to make some more fascinators at home. I am waiting to see what other courses Rachel might run next year."

Jeff reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"A great day all round with a good group of people and came away with a nice stick too. Would highly recommend. Thankyou."

Heather Mather reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere and Kendal

"A wonderful day. Jo is an excellent teacher who guided us all through the use of silver clay with plenty of detail and useful tips. She has endless patience and supported everyone to develop their own ideas. I was delighted with the pieces I made and would recommend every aspect of both the workshop and venue. We had a lovely lunch sitting in the beautiful sunshine, I will certainly go again."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Heather for lovely comments. I will pass them on to Jo. Look forward to seeing you again."

Joan reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere and Kendal

"What a lovely day we had. Wonderful views! Excellent lunch. And a very good teacher. We all came home with beautiful pieces of silver jewellery. Jo had time and patience with everyone. Joan"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Lovely to meet you Joan and thanks for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you again."

Make a fan bird reviewed: Make you own fan bird

"As an absolute beginner with no knowledge or experience of carving or using tools of the trade, I attended a half-day course to make a fan bird. Steve is a great teacher who demonstrated, explained and inspired. Everyone in the group created their own carved fan birds and I never thought I'd be able to make something so lovely on my first attempt. I have a beautiful fan bird! It was a relaxing environment and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of learning how to make something very special with wood. Thank you!"