Latest reviews

Allison Strivens reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"Fantastic. Everything is well explained, questions answered knowledgeably. These ladies know their stuff. Thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Mill. Food was fantastic. Looking forward to seeing the results of our efforts. Highly recommend this course."

Sue Barton reviewed: ‘Seaside Cottage Sculpture’ workshop, using driftwood and recycled materials, North Yorkshire.

"Excellent workshop. Very enjoyable and in a lovely location. Melanie and Debbie couldn't have been more helpful or welcoming. I was especially grateful for the lift from the station. I was really pleased with the piece I made and very impressed by the pieces made by the others on the course."

The Seals Whiskers responded:

"Thank you Sue for taking the time to review our workshop , Debbie and I are so pleased you enjoyed the day. We were so impressed by all the sculptures created on today’s course."

Joanna Lewis reviewed: Introductory throwing course

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my course at the clay room and have already signed up to continue. I was a complete beginner and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. The teaching is excellent, with clear instruction that allows you to steadily grow in skills and confidence, while working at your own pace. Highly recommended!"

Linn Fellows reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I recently attended the 1 day course with my friend and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Tom is a great tutor, providing not only practical expertise but also a bit of theory and science too. His enthusiasm for his craft clearly shone through; and his patience and attention to detail enabled me to make a hand held garden fork using a myriad of techniques, whilst my friend made an intricate bracket to hold a hanging basket. A constant supply of tea, coffee and biscuits kept us going; along with a huge bowl of home made soup for lunch - all courtesy of Tom. A huge thank you to Tom for an engaging and absorbing day; and we're looking forward to spending another day at Longdog Smithy later on in the year to make kitchen knives."

Emily reviewed: Interior design masterclass & lunch

"I attending a 1-day course and had a fantastic time. Perfect coverage of theory and practical exercises, great environment to give it a go, even if it's not something you thought you would be going into it! Enjoyed it very much and looking forward to putting my learning into practice!"

Adinda reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"The workshop was excellent, right from the booking process all the way to delivery of the course. There were 4 of us on the course and we had a mixed level of craft skills, but each one of us were pleased with the result. If you have certain design you want to use make sure you have it with you on the day in electronic format."

Terry Porter reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"Very enjoyable and informative experience. Charlotte very friendly and helpful."

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Thank you Terry, glad you had a good day and enjoyed painting your nest of tables."

Eleanor Miller reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"This 2-day course was fantastic. Caroline was a great teacher and such an interesting person to learn from with a huge breadth of experience. I really enjoyed the course and it was a real treat to spend 2 full days immersed in art making while being fortified with delicious coffee and lunch every day. I left the course with a design and printed fabric that I'm really proud of as well as so much knowledge to take back to the school where I work. I can't recommend this course highly enough, and I am looking forward to next year when I hope to try Caroline's lino printing course and spend another 2 days in her beautiful studio."

Derek and Hazel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a great day we had! Mat and his wife were very welcoming. He outlined the day over a cup of coffee and then took us to his impressive studio at the bottom of his garden. We began hesitantly but quickly gained confidence from his enthusiastic, expert tuition. He has a very easygoing teaching style, is relaxed and chatty. With his encouragement we managed to complete several pieces ranging from a simple bowl, through cream jugs to attempting a chalice by the end of a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day. From walking in with a degree of apprehension, we walked out having completed so many pieces all thanks to Mat!"

Claire reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"I was lucky to have one-to-one tuition when I attended this workshop in Newcastle yesterday. Margaret was very welcoming and immediately relaxed me into the day. She explained things really well and has lots of patience. It was a full day with lots of coffee and biscuits to keep us going. I didn’t realise that every piece is handmade and found this amazing and now appreciate the work that actually goes into the work Margaret does. She had lots of pieces on display to give me an idea as to what to make. The workshop over ran but she wanted to make sure that I left with the fascinator completed. I haven’t sewn for some time but I think as long as the basics are known then it is suitable for a beginner. I loved the workshop so much I will definitely sign up to another in the future and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Margaret. I would say the half day fascinator Workshop would be brilliant for a hen-do! Thoroughly enjoyed the day! Thank you Margaret!"

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thanks very much Claire for the review and for signing up to come on the 1 day millinery course! We had a great day and I really enjoyed introducing you to some of the many techniques in wonderful world of millinery. I am really pleased that you enjoyed yourself so much and am already looking forward to welcoming you to another course in the future, meanwhile I have updated the timings on this particular course to reflect the amount of content. I’ll look forward to receiving the photos soon of you wearing your new outfit and headpiece at the summer wedding you are attending later in the summer. Very many thanks again - Margaret"

John Putley reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Fantastic hands-on course with extremely knowledgeable expert tutor, who not only demonstrated it to us en masse, but also came around individually as the day went on to see how we were getting along and helping correct any mistakes. No issue was too small and he was extremely patient. I came away with a skill that I didn’t have when I arrived and an eagerness to do more."

Ellie reviewed: Creative pottery decoration workshop

"I must admit I am not artistic at all, I have been totally blown away by this course. Every week I have come away with something beautiful, my family and friends have been so shocked. The atmosphere is great and very welcoming, it’s fantastic value for money and a great evening! Very relaxed and a great focus on what you want to do. I have already signed up to carry on!"

Christine reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"I loved the textile Landscape course. I learnt a lot of new skills and came away with an abundance of inspiration. Imogen guides you patiently through the techniques but allows you to develop your own style. The whole day was a treat and the lunch was delicious too. Christine"

lynn reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"The day course taken with Emma was a great day ,she is a good teacher ,fun ,and very patient. At the end of the day you get to take away 2 pieces of your own creation I would definitely go back and do another piece I rate her excellent And certainly recommend her to others Thanks you Lynn"

Lynn Rhoades reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"The day course taken with Emma was a great day, she is a good teacher, fun, and very patient. At the end of the day you get to take away 2 pieces of your own creation. I would definitely go back and do another piece. I rate her excellent and certainly recommend her to others. Thank you, Lynn."

Alice Carpenter reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I bought this course for my Dad's birthday in order to spend time together, learn a new skill and create memories. The course exceeded my expectations; the idyllic woodland setting, lovely tea throughout the day and a fresh lunch, together with like-minded attendees on the course and a highly knowledgeable and friendly tutor, Andy. I had no experience of woodwork prior to the course and certainly didn't expect to come away with 3 different items. I enjoyed the course so much that I have now booked onto a further woodworking course closer to home - I would certainly look to come back to Sallerton Wood for further courses in the future. I would recommend the course to anyone - memories to treasure!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Alice, for your review and recommendation. We're pleased that you enjoyed the course and the woodland environment in which it took place. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Janet Hubbard reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day on the traditional stained glass course and would highly recommend it. Martin gave clear instruction and encouragement which allowed everyone to practise each stage and produce a lovely piece of stained glass to take home. The course was well paced but didn't seem rushed. Many thanks."

john bracey reviewed: Wedding/Civil Partnership Ring making workshop - Sterling Silver

"It was great! Arrived with a few basic skills and left with a new confidence that I can design and make attractive jewellery. It's a really relaxed atmosphere, almost like chatting to a friend, working through some basic techniques and enhanced with good tips. Sarah is a good teacher, clear and patient, really felt like she wanted to help me progress (not just a job). Helped with guidance but always made sure that it was me doing the doing! Was really pleased (amazed) with the ring I made. Thanks again Sarah"

Lea Harris reviewed: Beaded flower fairy workshops

"Nice relaxed day making lovely silk flower fairies they look amazing. I will definitely book again soon for a group workshop with some friends. I recommend this workshop 100%."

Scarlets Fairy Folk responded:

"..Sincere thanks for your lovely review Lea, the fairies you made came out beautifully. Looking forward to seeing you at your group booking. Kind Regards.. Scarlets Fairy Folk"

Lesley ABDOLHOSSEINI reviewed: Design, Carve & Print - Lino Printing Tote Bags

"Had a fun night and never expected to come away with a finished printed bag. Debbie made it all achievable, many thanks."

Janet Raine reviewed: Sitges Patchwork Festival & Barcelona

"Lovely location and good hotel on sea front"

Jennifer Wright reviewed: Sitges Patchwork Festival & Barcelona

"This was my first trip with Arena and it was great. I will be recommending them to friends and family"

Rosemary Kohler reviewed: Knitting in the West of Ireland

"The tutor and Arena staff were top notch! The project was fun and relevant. We had a great group of stitchers; I hope to meet all of them again."

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

"Thank you Raya for an excellent workshop. I love the new art of wool fibre painting that I started learning with you at my very first wool painting workshop. It is so relaxing, fun and addictive! I have really enjoyed working with natural fibres and creating wonderful colours and textures. I will definitely come to Magic Wool Art and Craft studio again to continue exploring this wonderful Wool Painting Technique. Catherine"

Cansu Kurt-Green reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Catherine was brilliant, she is so enthusiastic about what she does and explains everything in such a nice detailed way. She is also very hands on and ready to help or answer any questions if you have them. She is ever so friendly and also the location is fantastic and shelves are full of soaps, so there is plenty to get inspiration from. There were only 5 people in the workshop, which was ideal. My and my friend made two batches of soap and we're looking forward to using them. Hoping to make more soaps in the future as well. Thanks a million Catherine, really enjoyed getting to know you and thank you for your patience."