Latest reviews

Deborah Martell reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"I attended a weeklong fleece to felt course in May 2019, which included room and board, a sheep shearing demonstration, foraging for natural dyes, fleece washing, picking, carding and spinning. Hand dyeing fleece, silk, and cotton with natural dyes, botanical printing, wet felting, and needle felting. Anyone interested in these topics, whether a beginner or experienced will benefit from the knowledge of the instructors and the interplay with other class members. The instruction was very hands on and easy to understand and follow. Interesting historical context was included when appropriate. Instructors were very open to questions and to sharing time saving techniques. Our accommodations were very comfortable. Meals were well prepared with a focus on health, flavour, variety, and aesthetics. Our lessons on washing, carding, and dyeing were at an off-the-grid croft; an interesting setting to learn about and experience. Sustainablity practices were evident at the farm, at our accommodations, and in our course instruction. Access to outdoor walking was available all week. I thoroughly enjoyed the structured class time and the hours in between. As a visitor from America, this was a wonderful immersion opportunity for learning about Scottish history, customs, and current culture --in addition to all the class topics that I mentioned above. If you are interested in fibre arts, you won't regret taking a course with Rosie!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Thank-you for your review Deb, and i'm so glad you enjoyed your week with us. I hope you enjoy the next part of your travels. Many thanks Rosie"

Rose Choules reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"The week with Jessie and Jane was one I'll never forget. It delivered far more than I expected, as the process of learning how to naturally tan a hide was one thing, but working within an interesting group of people, camping in such beauty (the bluebells were out), and conversing with everyone while we worked created some real magic and connections. Jessie and Jane are easy, friendly and giving teachers who I can't wait to see on the next course I'll attend (oak bark tanning rabbit skins). I am already recommending this course to anyone I think will be interested, and look forward to making something special with the hide. Thank you so so much, I feel entirely enriched. It is what I was searching for, for many years; this understanding and appreciation of how our ancestors made items of clothing for themselves in the wild. You two are my heroes!!!"

Mike Todd reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I very much enjoyed my taster session with Louise. I've never worked with clay before but Louise was very patient and helpful and made me feel at ease very quickly. I will definitely be back!"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your review Mike, your mug is fabulous! A excellent first pot! Best wishes, Louise"

Narendra reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Wonderful studio space and venue - very inspiring place to work and study. Loved the range of materials amd techniques and having the opportunity to create lino, plaster and gilded labyrinths ... the bringing in of all the connections and references is a wonderful part of these workshops and courses ... nicely paced - covered a lot of things. Thanks very much for openess and hospitality!"

Nadeshda reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Loved the variety of techniques that were introduced. It was very inspiring to experience the different labyrinths and art of constructing. I found the information on the sacred numbers and their connection to labyrinths fascinating ... Amazing to be able to gild and take so much from the course home ... it was an incredible atmosphere of the place and the Studio with so many amazing drawings, books and materials. Delicious cookies and cakes! Thank you. I feel inspired ... incredible opportunity to walk the labyrinth to complete the workshop ... Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom and warm heartedness with us."

Karen reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Thank you so much for this inspiring and contemplative time. As someone who hasn't picked up a compass, a paintbrush or a linocutter for over 30 years I spent a lot of time comfortably out of my comfort zone! And what a revelation it is to work with gold leaf! The geometry was fascinating and the skeleton of the labyrinth is as beautiful as the finished article. As a words person I could have spent a lot longer discussing the symbology and significance of the geometry and the labyrinth but immersing myself in the construction and embellishment was a wonderful way to learn. I am very much looking forward to sharing a new depth of the labyrinth with my clients as we explore their rites of passage. Thank you, thank you!"

Maynard Haverly reviewed: Box or tub making

"Nigel's mastery of his craft, I would dare say, is second to none, and his passion for what does transfers to his instruction. In his classes, there are no questions left unanswered. If verbal explanation does not solve the issue, then he will take your spot and physically demonstrate what is to be done. What more can one ask for? The character of his personality is such that it allows him to teach with patience and without intimidation, and his sense of humor at times neutralizes those moments when one is letting their seriousness overtake them. If you want the " meat and bones" of leather work married to structure, a class with Nigel will be much to your appreciation."

Harry MacLean reviewed: All day intensive jewellery class for beginners, St Andrews

"Relaxed atmosphere making really nice gifts for yourself or family members."

Sandra burley reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"I was quite apprehensive before going on the course as I had never done any wire sculptures before. I needn't have worried as the day was really enjoyable. It was a small group with a very relaxed friendly atmosphere, good tuition and help and encouragement where needed (plus cake, always helps). My hands are a little arthritic but it wasn’t as hard as I thought, a bit tiring towards the end but we all managed to achieve what we set out to do. I made a curlew which has received many compliments already. I will be back to create more wildlife. Thank you Sue"

Lynn reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I attended a taster session and loved the experience and what I made so I joined the weekly classes. I have been attending 7 months now and have made some lovely unique pieces for myself and gifts that have been very well received. Louise is a great tutor and with her help, ideas, inspiration and expert guidance has helped me turn my ideas into pieces of art. I would highly recommend her classes"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Lynn! It is a pleasure to have you in the class and your pots are always fabulous! You have a definite flair for pottery. Thanks, Louise"

Ben Monk reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Such a good day trying something new and really being able to get your teeth into it. Great hospitality and food as well. Highly recommended."

Amy Lou reviewed: Art classes for children and adults in Broadstairs

"Both my children did two of Lana’s workshops this week, both happy and eager to learn more. Such a lovely and talented lady. X"

Kent Talents Art studio responded:

"Dear Amy, Thank you so much. They are very talented and hard working. I enjoyed teaching them. Hope to see them again in our summer workshops. All the best, Lana."

Eman Sorour reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I really enjoyed the course. I felt I could do it and master it. The demonstration was very clear and simple to understand. I am planning to attend more courses with Jamal."

Andy South reviewed: Green Woodworking: rural spoon carving workshop

"I highly recommend this course. My partner booked me on as a birthday present, a nice surprise. The location at Alderfen Marshes is beautiful, they are doing great stuff there to use the resources provided by the marsh. We got to have a little walk around at the start. I went in early spring, there was a nice warm cabin with a log stove for the breaks but we could work outside under a cover for when it was raining. The owners provided delicious cheese scones. Monica is a great teacher with a light touch, giving demonstrations and hints but also giving you the freedom to find your own way. She has also given support after the course helping me to get an axe sharpened in the right way. A warning that I'm now hooked on spoon carving, have bought various books and tools and have piles of wood shavings dotted around the garden. Don't go on this course unless you are prepared to be similarly affected."

Julie reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"A huge thank you to Kate and Dave for our lovely day with you. We were a group of 7 adults, including my brother and brother-in-law, who were a little reticent at the outset. By the end of the day, we had enjoyed a very nice lunch in the garden, (served by Dave) and with Kate's patient, gentle assistance, we had produced 3 mallards, 2 herons and 2 running ducks - all of them looking splendid. The men had taken to the task very well and secretly enjoyed every minute, as did the rest of us. I am especially grateful to Kate and Dave for all the extra thoughtful touches you provided in celebration of my big round number birthday- including decorations, serviettes and the most fabulous cake. You really are a very special talented lady. We all had a wonderful full day and I would not hesitate to recommend Kate's courses to anyone. Thank you so much."

Jane Houghton reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"What a lovely day. Really enjoyable and I came away with items that I am using every day. Rosanna is a wonderful teacher and offers a lovely studio to learn in. I learned a lot more than I thought I would and it was so nice to do something so different from what my Wednesdays usually offer. Highly recommended."

Tracey reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"Raya created a course which was pitched perfectly! There are always going to be students at different levels whatever the subject and setting the course to ensure they all get the tutoring, encouragement and help they need is a balancing act. Our class was a mixture of absolute beginners, some who had dabbled like myself but not had formal teaching, and some who had attended courses elsewhere previously. I think the pace was adapted with care to allow for more/less teaching on subjects dependent upon the understanding of each student, but without having a detrimental effect on any one student's progress. I believe Raya achieved the course she had planned so carefully. She ensured everyone obtained the foundation of drawing, seeing and looking and from the groundwork we can all continue. Thank you Raya!"

Susan reviewed: Whittling Birds in Wood ... the Woodpecker - with Dave Harter, a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District

"Hello Annie, My sisters and I would just like to thank you, and Dave, for the wonderful day we had whittling our birds. Everything was fantastic, from your amazing food to us completing our birds with brilliant instruction from the very patient Dave. We are still reeling from what we achieved and some of us are still whittling and improving our birds further. Please will you pass on our thanks to Dave, we hope to come back to your lovely home to learn something new soon. Regards Susan, Christine, Liz and Linda"

Isabelle Sporidis reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"You guys! I nearly cried. Not because I was sad but because you actually helped me get over my fear of very sharp pointy knives. So if you think you are too weedy to handle a whacking great axe or deal with sharp tools - think again. I have a genuine phobia and the patience and care I was shown was worth 3 years of therapy! I also made a pretty nifty spoon and enjoyed a hilarious lunch with fellow spooners. You only get nice people doing this course. You will make a spoon. You will have fun. What's not to like?"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Isobelle, now you have got a 'handle' on the blades there will be no stopping you! Great to have have you here and glad you got so much out of the day. ATB Mark"

Sally Tovey reviewed: A night in the woods

"My son and I spent a night in the woods, we loved it, built our own dens to sleep in, had our own fire to boil our kettle on, we were right next the stream, it was lovely and relaxing, the only noise was the sound of wildlife. It was an amazing experience to sleep out in the woods, looking up through the trees at the stars. Phil made an amazing beef stew on the campfire, and cooked breakfast. We also did some knife craft. Perfect to get away from it all. Thanks Phil."

Andrew Thomas reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"I really liked the workshop experience. I had a couple of ideas of what to print on my t-shirt and with Lara's help I really enjoyed the process and I was very pleased with the result! Definitely recommended."

Sarah reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"The course was the perfect mix of fun, sociable, and informative and the instruction from Vicky and Beth was great. The hotel was lovely with really nice food and helpful staff. I learnt loads and came away with a few paintings to be proud of!"

Christine Robins reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Myself and two friends went to the painting weekend recently. I can only say I give it 10 out if 10 on everything. Hotel lovely, food and staff excellent. Vicky is a great teacher, patient and taught us so many different ways to paint. The class atmosphere is fun and we all got to know each other over meals etc. I’m not a natural artist but now have the confidence to paint my way, as Vicky and Beth encouraged us to just paint and enjoy ourselves. I cannot fault the course at all, I just wish it was for longer. We will definitely go back."

Clive freeman reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I very much enjoyed my one-day woodturning course with George Foweraker. The day was well structured, and by the end of it I had a beautiful finished wooden bowl to show for it, all my own work - under George's watchful eye and guiding hand. George started with a little introduction to wood itself, which showed where the different possible "blanks" for a bowl might come from in a tree trunk, and the challenges and possibilities with each position. Then I was introduced to my selected piece of wood, and we started setting it up on the lathe. As we worked together through the various different tools, George introduced each one, and showed me how to use it. His years of experience and patience came through, and I felt very comfortable taking up the tools. Once I'd started using each of them myself, he was on hand to guide and instruct as appropriate. All in all, I finished the day with a full day of hands-on experience, and a beautiful bowl. A great day's work! Thanks again - and to your lovely wife for the lunch."

AnnieMeatyard reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"A fun day spent in lovely serene surroundings. Sophie is an excellent teacher and nothing is too much trouble. I have never done anything like this before and despite not being particularly artistically inclined found it very satisfying. I can highly recommend Sophie's courses even if you carry it no further. It was lovely to meet different people and see how we all progressed over the day! Thank you Sophie???!"