Latest reviews

Beth reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"The three day retreat was amazing! a wonderful treat to spend the time with fellow felters whilst challenging my felting skills with the help of the hugely talented Sophie Wheatly. All quality equipment provided, drinks and food were amazing! Would recommend."

All Things Felt & Beautiful responded:

"Thanks Beth! It's always lovely to see you and what amazing model you are going to make. Sophie x"

Hillie Bett reviewed: 2 Day Complete Lampshade Making Masterclass

"This course was everything that I had hoped for and more. Moji is a fantastic teacher, who explains clearly and well what is needed to make the three types of shades covered in the course. She is patient and kind and answers all questions and doesn't mind if you ask more than once!! She is generous with her extensive knowledge in all things creative and really helpful and insightful about how a novice, (like myself), can set up a business. The two days flew by and I cannot thank Moji enough for all of her teachings. Not to mention the delicious lunches. I was in my element and now have the confidence to go and create. Thank you Moji!"

Julie Mills reviewed: Freestyle stitching with Harriet Riddell

"Harriet is a lovely person and a good teacher. She provides guidance but ensures participants develop their own ideas. And her technique is fascinating and highly original. I loved the whole weekend. Phoenix Studios is a great learning space in a serene and rural location. James Ort (and his Mum) have created a wonderful learning space and having him participate in the class was a pleasure as well. I highly recommend both this venue and Harriet as a teacher. What a wonderful weekend it was!"

Ruari reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"A great course for all experience of wood work. Ben is a great teacher and gives you the confidence to give everything a go unsupervised. You will surprise yourself with the end product achieved in a relatively small amount of time. Fantastic way to spend a weeknight!"

Rachel Smith reviewed: Freestyle stitching with Harriet Riddell

"I have been a fan of Harriet's since she embroidered my portrait as part of the affordable art fair in Bristol a few years back, and was fascinated by her technique. It was such a huge privilege to be able to learn from her at the Phoenix studio. Harriet's teaching method is fun and relaxed and I loved the way we began with drawing without looking and the free embroidery to music. James Ort the studio manager created a fabulous atmosphere of inclusivity, regardless of experience. This weekend has been my favourite of 2019 lovely people & a great learning experience ! Highly recommend this little Oxfordshire treasure."

Tracy reviewed: Lino cutting: beginners

"I found the workshop leader friendly and knowledgeable about the process she was teaching us. We left with a carving tool and a workshop pack with instructions and where we could purchase tools, lino and ink if we would like to carry on from home, found this a very useful idea."

Dan Bailey reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"I honestly cannot recommend this course highly enough. Even if you haven’t an interest in woodwork / green woodworking, you are basically dead inside if you don’t find this course engaging, fun, challenging and absorbing. Ben is a natural tutor and he sets an excellent pace - which is no easy feat when leading a disparate class. His course draws you in and it is the perfect way to empty your mind of the detritus of the working day. As you might expect there is ‘instruction’ at times - which is absolutely necessary, but Ben is never patronising (even when novices like me ask really obvious / stupid questions) - and he never holds back on giving gentle guidance after you’ve forgotten what he just taught you. Ben encourages you to make the piece your own, clearly explaining the available parameters, and he shares his experience in abundance, punctuated with titbits of interesting and relevant knowledge. All of this is delivered with good humour and in a relaxed atmosphere. You won’t regret doing this course.…and the results are pretty spectacular - people will want to buy what you made!"

Sue Evans reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"We had a really brilliant day - and learnt so much. A really inspirational tutor who gave me a totally new approach to plant painting and drawing. It was fun too!"

Tom Young reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"I’ve been looking at doing a furniture making course for a number of years, and I’m really happy I undertook it with Ben. He’s really helpful from the outset, and a very good teacher who allows you the space to learn yet always being on hand if you need a little extra guidance. I’ve taken home an incredible chair, which I will enjoy for many years to come. I’d definitely recommend the course to anyone, and I can’t wait to sign up to another."

Callum Patterson reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"A truly great course! Ben has designed a great course with the perfect mix of expert guidance and independance. The end product is so very satisfying because you'll know you did every step of the project. In a world where 5 stars is the norm for these sort of things I wish there was a 10 star option for Ben's course."

Luke Hagan reviewed: Make Your Own Wedding Bands

"The course was fantastic and Corinne was friendly, encouraging and an excellent host. Can't recommend enough."

Susan Gill reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Julie was an excellent host and teacher. We had a fun afternoon making our items and they all turned out great. A top tip would be to go with a bit of an idea of what you’d like to make. We dithered for too long, but Julie’s advice and support was a great help. We’ve booked the Christmas workshop, it was that much fun!"

Peter lane reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I spent a great day with my grandson at the forge with Mort. As novices we enjoyed his knowledgeable and friendly style and the wide variety of tools and techniques he demonstrated. We had a go at lots of different techniques and Mort was always encouraging about our efforts. We both left the forge with completed projects, mainly on my part thanks to Mort stepping in towards the end to help finish off the piece. We learnt a lot and my grandson gained new confidence at achieving something he made himself."

Andy Baguley reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Fantastic day with Ian who was a great instructor with patient advice, tips and a good sense of humour. Thoroughly recommend Ian and the courses he offers... and I have a great stool and mallet too!"

Anthony Tacon reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"I highly recommend Laura's course to anyone interested in taking up the art of lino cutting. I have read and absolutely endorse all the positive comments made in the previous reviews. As an absolute beginner I recently spent a most enjoyable day in her studio. Nice company, with an inspiring, patient and knowledgeable teacher. By the end of the day I had been shown and had followed all the processes and produced my own successful lino prints. All set to carry on with a most rewarding and relatively inexpensive hobby. What more can I add to convince anyone? Oh yes! Laura also provides excellent refreshments."

Katie Cheldon reviewed: Make Your Own Wedding Bands

"My partner and I had a lovely day. You won't be disappointed. Corrinne is lovely. Highly recommend!"

Daniel reviewed: Make a live-edge bench or table

"Such a great course with expert advice, tuition and expertise from Ben. We all produced wonderful benches and coffee tables...so satisfying. I’m looking forward to continuing in the very near future."

Jeremy Wyman reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Yet another excellent course from a Platinum Craft Course provider. We do lots of courses and this one is one of the best. We have the journals we made in pride of place in our hall for all to see and couldn’t have done it without Lynne’s careful help. Lots of interesting discussion, really good cake and excellent notes to take away if you want to continue. These notes have to be commended as they are clear complete and helpful. Downside is that we have now started looking at any leather item in a new light, wondering how many covers we could get out of a leather coat in the charity shop for example!"

Kate Allan reviewed: Shibori & indigo dye at Cowshed Creative, the Lake District National Park, near Windermere

"Fabulous day spent with great people at Cowshed Creative near Windermere. Excellent tuition from the wonderful Kate who taught us lots of different techniques. I'm thrilled with my final cushion. The day was thoroughly enjoyable with a lovely lunch and the roaring log burner warming us as we had tea and cake. Heaven!!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Many thanks for such lovely comments. We hope to see you again."

Magda reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, with a small group of interesting people and in such a beautiful setting. This was a completely new craft for me that I'd never tried before. We had great instruction and good company, washed down with lots of teas and coffees. We were shown precisely how to use the various hooking tools and given thorough guidance in the most efficient way of producing the rag strips for our pieces, then we were well on our way. Elspeth's book is full of inspiration with clear pictures and diagrams, and lovely photos of finished projects. While we worked we were given tips and hints, and our work was inspected which helped us make corrections in the way we worked. I enjoyed my afternoon so much, I look forward to attending another workshop and perhaps tackling a more ambitious project."

Susan Hylands reviewed: Fused Glass - Taster

"I purchased the taster workshop as a present for my friend, we went went along together and both had a great couple of hours ( and a little bit extra time as Julie didn't usher us out of the door as soon as our time was up!!! ). We were greeted by Julie and given lots of information and top tips from her whilst we both enjoyed a nice coffee and biscuits. The choice of glass colours, styles and quirky pieces were fantastic. The design of the coasters was ours to make. Julie did show us lots of samples that she had previously designed and fused in her kiln, to give us inspiration. Julie was so patient and encouraging. In such a short space of time I really feel as though I have learnt so much. We were very pleased with our two coasters each and left them in Julie's capable hands to fuse in her kiln, after only 2 days I received the message that our coaster were ready to collect. I would highly recommend this workshop, we both feel inspired to learn more..."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"This time: a three day visit continuing my bangle project. As it is inspired by the amazing irises in Lucy's garden, she brought one into the studio for me as a close-up reference. I was suffering with hay fever; fortunately Lucy has an air purifier in the studio that she turned up and it really helped! To round off three instructive and enjoyable days, Lucy showed me a wonderful new book on the history of jewellery: great inspiration for future projects! I have booked my next session in August. Can't wait to return. Thanks Lucy."

Lisa reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I attended the two day bag making course. I enjoyed every minute. Rosanna is a great teacher with outstanding skills. I left with a bag that was designed from scratch, which I haven't finished showing off yet, and a new hobby. If you are thinking about doing the course... do it! x"

Bobby reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A challenging and rewarding course that I recommend for anyone looking to get involved in green woodwork or for anyone after an alternative weekend in the woods. I've not only come away with lots of new skills and enthusiasm, I've also got a shave horse for my future greenwood endeavours. Andy is a great teacher and ensured that we used only greenwood techniques to make the shave horse. His hospitality is excellent- he provided us with everything from cups of tea and homemade cake (thanks Jane) to sound advice on how to develop our craft. Well worth the six hour drive across the country and I can't wait to return to Sallerton Wood in the near future!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for that kind review, Bobby. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course so much, and we look forward to your return visit to Sallerton Wood in the near future."

Chris Horwood reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I took a 3 day course learning to paint shade and leading of stained glass. It was a fantastic experience and I enjoyed every minute of this excellent course. I left feeling very confident with all the help and support given to continue developing my own designs in stained glass and leading work. I highly recommended this course to everybody."