Latest reviews

John Burrows reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"As a total beginner, my lead work class with Cheryl was not nearly as daunting as I had anticipated... Cheryl is a great teacher, and there was lots of individual tuition. Better still, the class was great fun and Cheryl was hugely hospitable. Like the others in the class, I came home proudly carrying my handiwork from the day. But also couldn't resist coming home with one of her own beautiful pieces (they are hanging from everywhere in her workshop) - despite the fact it puts my beginner's effort to shame!"

eric fidell reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Thank you Cheryl for a very enjoyable class. Bob and I appreciated your careful instruction and patience with us. Thanks also for your friendly hospitality on the day. I would recommend any interested person to have a go at lead work with you at your home. Eric Fidell"

Anita Kelsey reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Loved the day glass and Cheryl is an amazing teacher; kind and considerate and patient ;-)... Highly recommended."

RACHEL COOK reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"I had an utterly brilliant day learning how to put together a stained glass panel. Cheryl was an amazing teacher and so friendly and welcoming and really looked after us. Thank you so much!! Xx"

Rob Farr reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I had a great time on the course, Rosanna was very welcoming and patient. I learnt a lot more than I thought possible in only 1 day. I'd recommend this course to anybody!"

Rob Anderson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Amazing day at the forge. To be guided through all the process needed to make, in my case, a draw knife was quite something. So much to learn and understand but at least I have some appreciation of what a skill this is. Thoroughly enjoyed the day and highly recommend this course. Thank you Dave."

alix mercer-Rees reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I have attended two courses with Lynne and would highly recommend them, both the journal making and mount cutting. Lynne is a experienced and calm teacher and willing to share her vast knowledgeable on the subjects she is teaching. Working in a small group setting meant no one was left out and understood clearly what was going on. Lynne bakes a lovely cake as well!"

Caroline Keyton reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"What a fantastic course. I just loved it. Karin was a brilliant teacher, very helpful and patient! Never having done anything like this before, I was rather apprehensive but what a wonderful 2 days it turned out to be. It has inspired me to try more sculpting. I met some lovely people on the course too. I would not hesitate to recommend this course, and the Phoenix Studio in general. What a fabulous place - just wish I lived closer so I could attend more of their courses."

Caroline Keyton reviewed: Mosaic art day course at Ruby Button Studio Norfolk

"I spent a lovely day with a friend on this course, along with two other ladies. Sophie and Lynn were excellent teachers and I came home with a lovely mosaic. Fantastic, patient teachers and a wonderful lunch. Thank you for a superb day."

Emily reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"The teacher was enthusiastic, setting was lovely, and lunch the same. I have taken on board her advice and start a project when my tiles get here Thank you x"

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

"Tejal is friendly and welcoming and I truly enjoyed this two day Stained Glass beginners course. I loved her enthusiasm and obvious love for this craft and her willingness to share her knowledge. Knowing nothing at the start, I now feel so much more inspired, knowledgeable and enthusiastic to do and learn more. Thank you Tejal, you are a great advocate. Sally"

laura barnes reviewed: Leather apron workshop with Catherine Edwards at Creative with Nature Todmorden West Yorkshire

"I did the apron course and completely impressed myself even with some hand stitching. Cathy was brilliant and very helpful - has a lot of experience and patience. I have signed up to the leather satchel weekend in July."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Thank you Laura for a lovely review! I'm really happy with Cathy Edwards leather courses here. What a lovely and talented teacher she is: ) Joe. xx"

Sarah Jane Lappin reviewed: Pallet upcycling - make a chair to take away

"I booked an upcycling course with David to explore building simple structures at home and to gain confidence using power tools to make the job easier and faster. David works in a very organic way creating the workshop content depending on who is attending. I found all his many tips and comments really helpful and the opportunity to ask questions as we went along was great. David takes time to explain thoroughly, demonstrates techniques and then ensures you have it mastered before moving on. The workshop is a very relaxed environment and David's 'no fuss', 'down to earth' attitude creates an enjoyable easy atmosphere. Thanks so much David, you will see us again soon."

Anne reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Received a day course as a birthday present. It has long been on my bucket-list, and it did not disappoint. Ricky was a great teacher, very informative and demonstrating/explaining very well. Thoroughly enjoyed the day, and absolutely delighted with the four pieces I made. I will certainly be back again! Anne"

Penny reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I attended a free machine embroidery course with Dawn Ireland on Saturday, 25th May. I was apprehensive about going (and nearly cancelled the day before!) because I am not an expert with my machine but I am so glad I went. I needn't have worried - it was a fabulous day which I really enjoyed. Gained more confidence with my sewing machine and learnt how to use it for making machine embroidery pictures, even translating one of my own drawings into a picture to hang at home. So delighted with the day. The workshop was held in Dawn's lovely home, full of light, inspiration and resources. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Penny."

Susan Francis reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"Thank you Anne I had a lovely 1:2:1 training day. Your instructions were patient and clear, I really enjoyed hearing about the history of the machines and how you got started. The machine I used was running beautifully. Great choice of lovely wool and the result is a perfect pair of socks, thanks to Anne’s instructions and ability to pick up my dropped stitches. They have been claimed by my husband. Thanks again for the warm welcome, excellent instruction and delicious food. I would highly recommend signing up for this course."

Susan Lim reviewed: 2 day - Chicken wire sculpture - make a 3D hare at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"This was truly an amazing experience. I stayed at Swallow and Artisans which hosted the course event 3d Chicken Wire taught by Chris, a renowned artist and teacher in her craft. The location was superb.. nature, Lake Coniston, fabulous modern accommodations provided by Karen who hosted together with Chris, our gifted and inspiring teacher .. it was magic ... The studio, property, and views were gorgeous, away and in nature, but easily a walk into the lovely town of Coniston for dinner. I came away with a stag head and a hare. Under Chris’ attentive manner and love of nature she helped me create a realistic piece of art I will treasure forever... Planning to return first chance I get.."

Juliet reviewed: Make an 8” crushed glass tree with glass artist Matt Sorrell

"Loved the glass fusing with Matt, can highly recommend it."

Chris Fox reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"Such a great course. I learned so much and Ben’s laid back approach makes it a really enjoyable experience. I can’t wait for the next course!"

Karen curry reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"The workshop was very well structured and Julie was excellent at explaining the process and friendly and welcoming I was very impressed with the set up of the room where the workshop was held and there was a massive amount of choice of glass, moulds, colours and textures. I feel it was well worth going and learning a new skill. Brilliant :)"

Susan McGahan reviewed: 2 day course to learn illuminated lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"I attended this course earlier this year, it is very good venue, drinks available at any time, with cake and nice lunch. It was a good course for beginners and improvers, Sarah explained things well and everybody seemed very pleased with what they had achieved. All materials were provided."

Rosie McLaughlin reviewed: Spoon carving with Bobby Spooner at Cambridge Art Makers

"I had a great time on this course, it was such a fun day! Olly was a great teacher, very patient and encouraging. I would definitely recommend it!"

Leah Brompton reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"I had previously purchased an on-line course and several books in the hope of learning how to make Roman blinds, but it seemed impossible to follow the instructions correctly. Last week, I travelled a round trip of 120 miles to attend Janet's course, but it was so worth it. I have since made 2 beautiful interlined blinds that would have cost me hundreds of pounds if I had had them made. I'm not very experienced at sewing but it was easy to learn from Janet, who patiently demonstrated every step and supplied me with informative easy to follow instructions and access to a spreadsheet that makes it so easy to calculate pleating the blind. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and cannot recommend this course enough. I have booked to attend the interlined curtain course already. Thank you Janet, you are a fabulous teacher, looking forward to seeing you again soon."

Evelyn Risner reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Really enjoyed the day and practised my skills on my own machine which was good. The cake was delicious as well."

Graham Phillips reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended the one day Beginners French Polishing Course and I loved every minute of it. Ollie is a first class instructor with a great blend of instruction, demonstration and practical experience. The location and the studio is excellent too and containing the class to a relatively small number of participants helps to ensure great levels of tuition. I worked on a coffee table and it was astounding to see it come back to life in such a relatively small period of time. It has given me great help and confidence to work on some further items at home but I am also equally sure I may return for further tuition and help in the future. Thanks again Ollie for a great course!"