Latest reviews

Dave reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"Great workshop, learnt a lot"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Dave, thanks for taking the time to leave a quick review, it is very much appreciated! Kate"

Dale Cherry reviewed: The basics of spoon carving alongside the River Pulham in Exmoor national Park.

"This course is a great introduction to the tools and skills required to produce artisan wooden spoons. Starting with selecting a wooden log Peter teaches the art of Cleaving and shaping the raw timber through to the more delicate art of carving and whittling to produce a beautiful wooden spoon to take home."

Caroline Jaycock reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"I really enjoyed this workshop as I learnt some basic tips and it has encouraged me to start painting again after a three year gap."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Caroline, so good to know you are encouraged to start painting again after a 3 year gap! You and the other artists were a joy to work with and it was one of the most enjoyable sessions with wonderful trees created - these will now be added to images advertising this course... I have taken on board the suggestions you all kindly made."

Marianne Saulsbury reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"I really enjoyed the course. Every step was explained and demonstrated well and I felt able to complete each task following this. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. I would definitely recommend the course and do another myself. Thank you"

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks! Much appreciated."

Mandy Benton reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Inspirational teacher! Great insight into historical bee keeping. The day went too quickly. Great to take home the knowledge and equipment to finish the skep. Lovely group of people and superb lunch! Many thanks to all involved."

Jan smith reviewed: Sew an individual rainbow picnic blanket in Derbyshire

"I’m not a sewer. I have had the best time. I cannot believe I have made this lovely picnic rug. Louise is a very good teacher, she has inspired me to carry on and hopefully make beautiful items, with her guidance of course."

Sew Need a Drink responded:

"Thank you Jan!"

Nigel Parratt reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"A thouroughly enjoyable day with Chris in his spacious, light, superbly equipped workshop. From the time that he offered me a warm welcome and a hot cup of tea, to the time I left, clutching the beautiful bowl that he had helped me create, I felt well supported as a learner and met like a friend. Chris has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he offers generously with a good balance of challenge and support. His passion for wood, his belief in the value of right technique and his focus on form and finish are all underpinned by a delightful intention for the day to be enjoyable as well as productive. Highly recommended. Many thanks."

Julia reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I did a half-day session with a friend and wished it could go on for a week! It was quite a meditative experience for me, wonderful to be able to focus on the task, yet with Sarah’s lovely supportive company and expertise on hand. Highly recommended."

holly brown reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Me & my new husband spent the day with Bridget making our wedding rings. She made the day one to remember for life for us, down to every last detail. We even had time to make our mother’s presents. The jewellery we have made with her is finished to a very high standard. I would highly recommend her."

Jitka reviewed: Indigo & Arashi Shibori workshop

"I enjoyed every single bit from Lisa’s indigo workshop: history of this method, trying different techniques, happiness from our “little masterpieces” after final unfolding, yummy cake and tea:-) You can feel the passion Lisa works with! She supports and encourages everyone in the group, shares her amazing knowledge and at the same time celebrates your own creativity! Can’t wait to wear my new cotton scarf."

Julia Smith reviewed: Sew an individual rainbow picnic blanket in Derbyshire

"What a fabulous course. I came away with something that I still can’t believe that I made. Louise is such an amazing teacher and her ideas and flair with fabric colours and fun projects is second to none. I am so proud of my picnic rug, although it will never be sat on on the dirty ground!!!! I love it too much."

Sew Need a Drink responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Julia! You should be proud - your mat was gorgeously made."

Berni Ashworth reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"A fabulous day practising skills learnt last time and plenty of encouragement to make pieces that I thought were above my skill level. Good clear instructions, reminders when needed, lots of pieces around for inspiration and lunch in the garden. A perfect day of crafting. Eagerly awaiting collection day and next course is already booked. Thanks Jean and Janice, I had a great day x"

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"It was lovely to see you again Berni. We’re pleased you were happy to give new techniques a go! Your leaf should be lovely. Good cutting. Thank you so much for your review. Kind regards Janice"

Andrea Boardman reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"What a great way to spend a Saturday! Derek has a wonderfully patient way of teaching the tools and techniques of painting on glass, skills he has in abundance judging by the beautiful examples displayed around the studio. All very inspirational to a complete novice! I’m really looking forward to being able to return later in the year."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Andrea Thank you so much for your very kind words; it’s really great to know you enjoyed the Taster Day and even nicer to know you want to come back again ! Hope you have lots of fun with your new found glass painting skills and I look forward to seeing you again ? With best wishes, Derek"

Kathryn Price reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I attended this course recently with a friend and had an amazing day, coming away with a hanging basket bracket I'd made - I never thought I'd be able to do that in a day! Tom was very encouraging, showing us what we needed to do and then giving us the space to try it, make the odd mistake and try again. With only two on the course you can get so much done. Tom's enthusiastic about his craft and passed that on to us as well as being enjoyable company. I'd strongly recommend this to anyone who fancies trying their hand at blacksmithing - you won't be disappointed and may be hooked. Next one for us is to go again and make a knife."

Maureen White reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"I absolutely loved this course and am thrilled with my footstool, it looks so professional! Jacqueline was a very hands on teacher and was very patient with me. I was a bit out of my comfort zone as this is not something I would usually do but Jacqueline really made me feel at ease. I would highly recommend this course to anyone and it is perfect for a beginner like me!"

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Thank you Maureen! I'm so glad you had a good time and love your new footstool! :-)"

Marie reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I really enjoyed Dawn's course. She was very welcoming and was always available to help, give advice without pushing you on before you felt ready and she gave you confidence to try things. It was great to be able to spend 5 hours just getting used to what my own machine would do. Dawn had a great range of materials and resources which she encouraged us to use. It was a lovely day with such a nice group of people. Thank you for a very enjoyable day."

Karen Taylor reviewed: Intro to 3D wet felting; make a small vessel using a resist with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"Really enjoyed my introduction into 3D wet felting and was super impressed with the little pot I came home with. I am now hooked on this craft and will also be booking on the 2D course. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing and Heather is super patient explaining everything really clearly. Oh and the home baked cakes and flavoured tea went down a treat. I would highly recommend this course."

Sue Facherty reviewed: Indigo & Arashi Shibori workshop

"Still in a happy bubble from my Beginners workshop in Shibori and Indigo dyeing on Saturday! Lisa showed us beautiful examples of the skills she taught us. She was encouraging as we tried different techniques and dipped our scarves in the 'magic' indigo vat. Lisa helped me make some moons for a sewing project, which gave me a great sense of achievement. I now feel confident to make some dye and put my new skills into practice."

Liz reviewed: Indigo & Arashi Shibori workshop

"I had a great workshop with Lisa, she is enthusiastic and very knowledgable on the subject,and I really enjoyed the process and seeing the alchemy :-) I would definitely be back for more workshops in the future!"

Paddy Punnett reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I have always wanted to try my hand at wood turning but have never had the opportunity on the small Caribbean island of St Vincent where I live, so was delighted when my wife offered to give me a two day beginners course with Andy Browne, at his well equipped workshop in Sandleheath, while we were on a recent trip to the UK. It turned out to be a wonderful experience for me. Andy is an excellent tutor, very patient, knowledgeable, and made me feel comfortable using tools and equipment which were all new to me. I came away with a good basic foundation in wood turning which I now intend to pursue as a hobby. I can certainly recommend Andy for his expertise and teaching ability in wood turning. Thank you Andy for two interesting and informative days in your workshop."

Sara reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Fabulous course. Dawn is a great teacher, very patient and nurturing. She is so creative and inspires others to find their own creativity."

Margaret Squires reviewed: Glass appliqué mosaic workshop at Cakebread Studios, Central Manchester

"I'm not a complete beginner in this field, I have attended a glass applique workshop before and really enjoyed it. Lots of help and support, plenty of materials to work with and a lively friendly atmosphere. I don't know where the time went and had not finished but was sent home with appropriate materials and tools to finish the job!"

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Margaret, Thank you for your wonderful review. It was a great pleasure to welcome you to the new studio at Cakebread Workshop and I'm glad that you found my directions so easy to follow. It really is a short walk from Piccadilly Station! It's already a great compliment that you chose to come along a second time to enjoy this workshop and your latest mosaic mandala is looking superb. We look forward to seeing the final result in due course. Thanks again for taking part in the workshop and for taking the time to write a review. Kind regards, Tracey"

Claire reviewed: Creative pottery decoration workshop

"I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and during the last 5 weeks have had the opportunity to create some beautiful pieces I never thought I would have had the ability to produce. I am not artistic in any way and was slightly nervous to start with but with the expertise and guidance of Gabriella I have ended up with some pieces I am chuffed to bits with. The best bit is I can carry on and produce some more wonderful things. An excellent opportunity to make presents or selfishly like me, keep them all for myself! Great value for money and great fun too."

Gillian reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"What a fabulous day! I've enjoyed every minute and have learned so much in one day. Raya is an inspirational Artist and experienced Tutor. She is so full of helpful advice and ideas. I can't believe how much stunning work was produced by the group today. I am so proud of what I achieved and looking forward to my next course with Raya at her studio . Thank you so much Raya Gillian ( Hereford)"

Sandy Telling reviewed: Introductory throwing course

"After handbuilding with clay for over a year elsewhere, I thought it was time to give throwing a try. I attended my first introductory throwing course in April and I am now on my third course. I have thoroughly enjoyed the courses. I was a complete beginner and even though there was much to learn, Sophie was attentive, encouraging and explained each step with patience and humour. Sophie is an excellent teacher. Her instructions, demonstrations and explanations are clear and informative. She is able to answer any questions and is on hand to rescue any mishaps with explanations and reasons for the mishaps. Sophie is keen for you to improve and experiment with different clays and glazes. The Clay Room is very well stocked with tools and equipment. It is organised and spacious. There is a relaxed atmosphere and everybody is made to feel welcome. I have grown in confidence, and the pots I have produced have certainly shown improvement. The course is fun, satisfying and the time just flies by."