Latest reviews

Miles and Catherine Hitchcock reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day for 2 students

"We had a really fun day learning the basics of bowl turning. Les was very patient with us and was excellent at setting the pace as each new skill was explained, demonstrated and put into practice. Les was happy to answer any questions we had about equipment and techniques and showed us how to maintain the tools and just generally impart his own love of the skill. His good humour and clear explanations made for a very enjoyable experience with the added bonus of taking home two lovely bowls (and a fir tree) made by ourselves under Les’s supervision. Would recommend for anyone, either to learn a new and fun skill, or tap into a wealth of experience with an excellent tutor."

Pren responded:

"Thanks so much for that lovely review. I'll be catching up with emails etc tonight, so I'll send you the information sheets that we talked about. Regards, Les."

Helen reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"We enjoyed the whole day. From learning the techniques, mastering tool and materials to Frances' ability to create a relaxed atmosphere, in which we both made pieces we are delighted with. Photos to follow Frances! Thanks again. Recommended to beginner or someone with skills. Frances will adapt."

Mosaic Mania responded:

"Hi Helen, thanks so much. It was lovely to have you and I am so glad you enjoyed it. Your mosaics are great. Looking forward to the in situ, grouted photos!"

Sara from Liverpool reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"We attended the two day stained glass course this month, Aug 2023. Laura is a fantastic tutor. We both received really good one-to-one instruction & support. The pace of the course was just right, not too fast that we felt rushed, with Laura keeping us total beginners on track to complete our pieces on time. Totally recommend this course. Sara from Liverpool. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Sara, I was showing your work to new students today and they loved it, too! Really good choice of colour to suit the design. Thank you so much for your review, it means a lot to me. Laura "

Sarah Battams reviewed: Mosaic Making in the Cotswolds

"My daughter and I did the mosaics course with Jennie. She provided a huge range of mosaics for us to use and then guided us through the process, giving artistic advice too. We absolutely loved the day and our finished mosaics. Many thanks. X"

Jolly Super Things responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Sarah. It was pleasure to meet you both and your mosaics looked fantastic! Jennie"

Julia Bleakman reviewed: Bookbinding for Beginners and Improvers

"A very enjoyable five day bookbinding course. Mark Cockram is an excellent teacher - knowledgeable, patient and organised. We learned a good range of solid basic skills and also explored individual projects. A great combination of expert demonstrations and hands-on working, and the time flew by. The accommodation was simple but clean and quiet, at the beautiful Flatford Mill. The whole class intends to go back next year, which is a pretty good indication of how much we all enjoyed it!"

Field Studies Council responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind review. We're so glad you enjoyed the course and look forward to welcoming you back soon."

Shirley reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery Half day workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"An excellent course, thank you. Rosie made the session a lot of fun and was very encouraging. She was clear in her explanations and helped us make beautiful pieces of jewellery. "

The Brightsmiths Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Shirley it was a pleasure to teach you both such fantastic designs and you worked really hard to achieve amazing results. I hope you and Kate will wear your beautiful Silver Jewellery with Pride! "

Jenny reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"A lovely way to spend a Birthday morning! Wendy guided us through the essentials of making paper, step by step, in a relaxed and unhurried way. Delighted to leave with three pieces of my very own paper! And loads of ideas for trying this relatively inexpensive craft at home. The helpful booklet given at the end of the course is really useful for reminding you of the steps and useful tips. Would thoroughly recommend this course!"

Julia reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Booked for my husband as a Christmas present. Colin was very accommodating and responsive to questions and arrangements. Jason really enjoyed the experience and Colin was a great teacher. Colin suggested a number of options and my husband decided on a poker, which he has been showing off to anyone who will listen. Highly recommend Colin if you're thinking of trying Blacksmithing "

Sonia reviewed: Batik - hot wax full day workshop

"Jane is a very talented artist and her work is inspirational. She was warm and welcoming and very patient. It was good to learn lots of different techniques for batik and it has inspired me to purchase some tools."

Jane’s Celebration Services responded:

"Thank you Sonia for a good review. It was such a pity the A41 was shut and made your journey to me such a challenge. I enjoyed meeting you and your finished piece of batik was fabulous. I hope you take up batik at home now you know the basics of this wonderful art. "

Susan Dell reviewed: Needle felting for wellbeing - Mouse Party

"I had a fantastic day on my course with Carol. We had a lovely group, mixed abilities but everyone joined in and we had fun. I was a complete beginner so was a little apprehensive but I need not have worried. Carol made us all feel very welcome into her home and she shared her love of felting with us. We all went home with recognisable 'cheeky robins' My first creation but not my last I hope! Thank you Carol!"

Felted Friends responded:

"It was a real pleasure to meet and teach you Susan. I do love seeing people new to needle felting create their first 3D sculpture. Your cheeky robin was delightful and you should be proud of him. I hope he will be suitably admired by family & friends. I hope you will make much more now you know what you can achieve with the skills you learned. I hope to welcome you back for another workshop in the future. Very best wishes Carol "

Tony Byam reviewed: Axe Skills Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day learning about foraging, wood splitting and whittling, and various methods of fire building and lighting. Matt was very friendly and helpful "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Tony, thank you for your review. We're glad you enjoyed the day learning about bushcraft. We hope to see you again soon! Matt"

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

"One of the best craft courses to do. Perfect setting, excellent refreshment. Tina is a patient, knowledgeable tutor. Will definitely book another and recommend to friends and family . "

Karis reviewed: Young teen with adult, silver jewellery special - what will YOU make?

"Had a lovely day making stacking rings - nice to be able to get really hands on. We both enjoyed it! Viv is a really lovely lady and it was pleasure to have her teach us. Thanks Viv"

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you so much for this review Karis, I thought you were all amazing, the young people so calm and accomplished despite the unexpected torch activities - you older ones managed your own learning curve with the chunky silver rings you made - super stuff, you were amazing, thank you 😊"

Rebecca reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"Loved this workshop. Really relaxed atmosphere in a nice open space. Other people were doing some inspiring work. Helpful short tutorial at the start and then very positive, gentle support with creating your own work from Coralie, who is a delight. Quality materials, tea & cake included."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"I’m really glad you enjoyed it Rebecca, it’s an honour and a pleasure to teach such a varied skill. You handled it really well, your mosaic is looking great. Best wishes Coralie "

Sunny reviewed: 2-HR Birthday Jewellery Making Workshop for 5

"Lovely course with teenagers who enjoyed the experience and learning. Would have preferred a few more choices on shapes though."

Linda Sandeman Jewellery responded:

"Hi Sunny, Thank you so much for your review and feedback. The birthday girl and her friends were a joy, and brought so much creativity to the session. Thanks again for choosing my workshop as a birthday gift and providing me with some constructive advice on offering a bigger selection of shapes. "

Judy & Corrine reviewed: Wet Felted Landscape Workshop

"What a lovely day! We learned so much and had such a lovely time - the atmosphere was so friendly and relaxed and we were so proud of the pieces we created - everyone's felts looked so different and it was fantastic to see these take shape as the day went on. Inspiration was provided, the techniques explained, and then a variety of finishing techniques at the end. And all with tea and cake and good company. We have already tried out our new skills at home and already booked in for our next course! Thank you so much! "

Felix Tabitha responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both and see your beautiful landscapes take shape! Thank you so much for the lovely review😀"

Pauline Stott reviewed: Crochet - Intermediate - Wednesdays

"Brilliant, we both enjoyed the course and learnt a lot"

Helen reviewed: Tunisian Crochet for Beginners - Cheshire

"Very much enjoyed my beginners tunisian crochet course. Emma is very patient and relaxed. I would highly recommend the course and hope to join again in future"

Oh So Pretty And Clever responded:

"Hi Helen, thanks for your review. It was lovely to meet you and I’m so glad you picked up the basics of Tunisian crochet during our session. Hope to see you again soon. Emma "

Sarah Seymour reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I thoroughly enjoyed this excellent course. Lynne really knew her stuff and was a generous, well prepared, kind, thorough and attentive teacher. Great to learn such a practical skill and her enthusiasm for helping me get ready for my exhibition was much appreciated. A really good and useful day."

Lynne Friel responded:

"Hi Sarah Thank you for your kind review, It's always exciting when an artist brings the bare bones of an exhibition. I really enjoyed teaching you to cut mounts and helping you prepare for Hampshire Open Studios next week. Good luck with the rest of your preparations and here's hoping for many sales.. Best wishes, Lynne"

Sarah Athol reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had a lovely day with Jon. So helpful and calm, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend the couples day. Thanks Jon"

Ben Clay reviewed: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"After watching Blacksmiths on YouTube for years, I've always wanted to try, but never had the confidence to try it alone. We searched for a few weeks looking at reviews and pictures of students' finished knives and axes, and also looked at what was and wasn't included and finally found this course. I'm so happy I waited and found this place; I had a great time, stayed a couple of nights at a local golfing hotel and got to get my hands dirty. They made the process straightforward and helped me make a beautiful raindrop Damascus patterned knife, if you're looking for somewhere, I'd definitely recommend Friargate forge! Thanks again chaps for a great experience!"

Laura reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"Thank you for a lovely crafty day! The session was well organised, friendly, and there was a great selection of materials to pick from. Coralie was on hand to answer any questions and kept us topped up with tea and muffins! "

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you Laura, it was great to meet you! I loved your colour choices and determination which resulted in a lovely mosaic. Best wishes Coralie"

Alexandra reviewed: Beginner Watercolour Art Retreat Day

"I really really enjoyed this art workshop and would definitely go again! Lovely group of people all there to learn, take a break from day to day life and have fun! Also Joan is an incredible person and artist so booking this you’ll struggle to go wrong! "

Joan Kennedy Artist responded:

"Alexandra thank you sooo much. What a lovely review, I really appreciate it. Thank you also, for recommending me to your father-in-law. He said he really enjoyed it too and I’m glad it’s given him confidence to take up his new hobby. Thank you lovely lady, your super smile and bubbly personality certainly was wonderful to see. xx"

Colin J. reviewed: Leather Traveller's Bag

"Catherine is a good teacher, patient, calm and a very nice person. The workshop is a nice place to work/ learn and the course (Travellers bags) was successful! The two of us finished the product, one comfortably and one scampering to complete! But, Catherine was calm and reassuring that time was ok, which assuaged my uncomfortable feelings of needing to rush. The sewing together took longer than I, we and I suspect she, imagined. Overall, a great experience, good value for money and I soundly recommend it."

Jane Bower reviewed: Learn soft pastels in a relaxed beautiful environment

"Heather is very knowledgeable indeed about the medium and gave excellent advice about techniques. The setting is absolutely delightful and the materials we came away with, included in the course, were very generous. Lovely walk to the pub for lunch completed a very pleasant and fascinating day."

Serendipity Art studio responded:

"Thank you for your review. However I am sad that I couldn’t provide the perfect five star experience for you on the day. Hopefully you find that with your next adventure. "