Latest reviews

Janet Thomas reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I have just spent two days with Jo in her studio, thank you so much for your patience and passing your wealth of knowledge and skills to a complete beginner! I walked away through York with my completed chair and was delighted and exhausted all in one! I hope to return with another project before too long. Thank you for a wonderful experience."

What Jo did next responded:

"Your welcome Janet! Thanks for a great review x"

Kate reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"As a stone mason, this completely different world could have felt completely out of my comfort zone, but not with Imogen at hand! Imogen is the best sort of teacher: available,flexible, encouraging but knowing when to stand back and leave you enough to explore on your own. I absolutely loved it! It was a brilliant, inspiring day, surrounded by Imogen's stunning work, with tea and cake a plenty. I feel confident and excited now, to explore and develop my newly learned techniques, and make my next piece alone. This is a skill and art form which you can do without spending huge amounts on materials and tools, using mostly recycled fabric, easily purchased in charity shops. It was a really rewarding and satisfying experience and I completely recommend it and will be back to do her still life course soon!"

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"It was wonderful to work with such a positive and talented person, willing to experiment and try new techniques. I am sure you will go on to produce and develop your work and I really look forward to seeing how your own strong individual style translates into textiles in the future, both in landscape and hopefully, still life!"

Josh reviewed: Introduction to ceramics - 8 week course

"Great course and it is great to learn new skills and come away with something you have created. Bob and Joe are excellent tutors with lots of patience for those in need of an extra bit of help. I really enjoyed it, thank you."

Andy C reviewed: Introduction to ceramics - 8 week course

"Very friendly and enjoyable course. I’ve signed on for the next one and I’m really enjoying learning new skills in brilliant environment."

Emily Salisbury reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"My sister and I had a wonderful day with Rowena. She is a brilliant teacher, patient, precise and with a good sense of humour. We never felt lost in the process, which must be very easy. We felt supported at each stage. As we progressed she gave us space to remember what to do. We got to throw several bowls and could see our improvement. We then had access to lots of options to decorate a mould made bowl and again she was sensitive in giving more or less instruction as needed. I do not hesitate in recommending this course to anyone. You will have a fantastic satisfying time, learn lots and have beautiful items to collect once they are fired."

Sylvia Shepley reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Jo was so supportive & helpful. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn a new skill ( or attempt to !). I didn’t manage to finish my chair but feel confident enough to do this at home. Jo is happy to give any further tips, if I get stuck - what more could you want ?"

What Jo did next responded:

"You did really well with a huge fully sprung seat from scratch and the back too! Keep in touch :) x"

Steven reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Really good experience. We were able to create something unique and had a lot of support to make it."

Carolyn & Sally reviewed: Bookbinding Workshop: Multi-section Case Binding

"Went on this Book binding course with my sister yesterday. It was brilliant, Lina was very informative and knowledgeable and patient. Great to learn all the techniques and have a finished book to take home. The course went by quickly, relaxing and very enjoyable. Will definitely be making more books and looking at other courses that Lina does."

Susan reviewed: Glass fusing workshop: 1/2 day

"I had a lovely time with Cass at the glass fusion workshop. I was the only person there so I had Cass’s full attention which was great since I had never done anything like this before. I’m really looking forward to receiving my finished piece, and would love to do something similar in the future,"

Julie reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Janet is a fantastic teacher and the 1-2-1 blind making class is brilliant. She is very patient and also provides handy tips along the way. Highly recommended."

Jeanette reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"This course was excellent and was run at just the right pace. Charlotte gave us lots of guidance whilst still leaving us to our own creativity. Instructions were clear and concise throughout and all done in a fun, encouraging and entertaining way. I have two pieces of jewellery that I am very proud of. Thank you!!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Jeanette, thank you for your lovely review of our workshop! We're so glad you enjoyed the day! Well done on making such lovely pieces of jewellery."

Claire Elliott & Nic Pryke reviewed: Explore 1 & 2 colour lino cutting and printing in Derbyshire

"We had a fantastic day out with Liz. Having done a little lino cutting in the past but wanting to push it so much further now, Liz taught us some tricks of the trade, made printing and colour mixing non onerous and fun and loosened us up to try new things and techniques from what we had been taught previously. The setting was fabulous, the small group meant we learnt so much from Liz and even with bad weather the views were amazing. Thanks Liz, you have reinspired us on lino cutting and already Nic has sold a piece :-)"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Claire & Nic, Thanks for letting me know about your day - it’s much appreciated. It’s lovely working with such enthusiastic folks and it was great to see your skills and understanding develop throughout the day. I hope you’ll have time to complete your second stage printing in the next few days. Great to hear that Nic has already sold a piece; perhaps he should run a how to sell your art work workshop! Happy printing Liz Wellby"

Barbara reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Clare was very welcoming and personable. She organised the workshop very well with clear instructions delivered with a sense of humour. Clare gave us lots of helpful tips that wouldn’t have been picked up through online videos. She was also supportive and positive in her approach and I thoroughly recommend this workshop."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review my workshop. I’m glad you enjoyed the workshop and picked up some helpful tips along the way."

Lorraine A reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"I immediately felt calm in your presence and found your mosaics in your workshop and home not only beautiful to look at but stimulating and helpful. I learnt a lot from your tuition and was reassured that what I was doing was okay. I was very touched that you offered to let me stay longer because I started later than expected and that you sorted out the left bag so quickly. It was very much appreciated. All in all, a wonderful day!"

abelmosaics responded:

"Thank you Lorraine, it was a pleasure to meet you and Shona."

Jen reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"I loved this workshop! Sheila is a wonderful teacher and I had a really great afternoon. And I love my ring, I’ve not taken it off since I made it! I’d recommend this to anyone."

Sophie reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Great day and the time flew by. I will definitely be back for another session."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Sophie - I'm pleased that you enjoyed the day and you are very welcome to return : ) Jonathan"

Sarah reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Wonderful creative day with my daughter, I was amazed at how many skills we learned. Jonathan was really helpful and I made a lovely pendant. Definitely like to do more."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done with your pendant and thank you for your lovely review! Jonathan"

Emily Stroud reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"Had the most wonderful time! The ring we made was beautiful and just what i hoped for. Bridget is so knowledgable and a patient friendly teacher. She is a delight to be around! I will be going back to do more. she has rekindled my passion and curiosity for jewellery making. Highly recommend!"

Bridget Bradshaw Designs responded:

"Hi Emily, Thankyou so much for your kind words. I had the most enjoyable day in the Workshop with you. You have the passion and enthusiasm to carry forward your dream of making jewellery. You were a delight to teach and soaked up every bit of information i gave you. I can certainly see you go from strength to strength as you progress on your silversmithing journey. Bridget"

Diane reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Fabulous day. I've learnt some great new skills and left with some wonderful rings, and keenness to have another go."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Diane, and well done with your new skills. You are always welcome back! Jonathan"

Elaine reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"Booked as a gift for my mum. Lovely way to spend a day and made something special to take away. Thank you!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Elaine. I'm glad that you enjoyed the day out with your mum. Jonathan"

Janet Lamb reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"A brilliant morning. I was nervous but Charlotte was excellent. Very clear instruction and patient guidance throughout. I would most definitely return."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for attending our workshop Janet. I'm so glad you had a brilliant time! Regards Charlotte"

Jo Polmear reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"Liz's Gelli plate workshop was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it. Held at her beautiful Slipper Studio in the Peak District on a grey blustery day, warmed up with a snug log fire an and handsome Bert, the Studio cat. Only three in the group, Liz had organised us all an individual goodie bag full of information and tools. Liz demonstrated the processes and encouraged us to experiment and explore the technics. The day flew by, I left with a small pile of printed papers and full of ideas how to continue working with gelli plate printing in my own practice. Many thanks to Liz for an enjoyable creative workshop."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jo, I really appreciate hearing about your day at The Slipper Studio - thank you. It was lovely working with you and I think you’ll find that gel plates have lots of potential and connections to your painting practice; it’s always good to explore something new and see where it takes you. There will be lots more hedgerow plants available over the next few weeks, which will provide lots of interesting shapes for masking and layering. I’ll keep my eyes peeled on social media, as I look forward to seeing how your print work develops. Very best wishes Liz"

Joerg Niehoegen reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"This was my first time of woodcarving after a little bit as a youngster. Geraint gave a very good introduction and had carefully selected projects that were doable. The tools available were phantastic and his support made it possible for me to get a project done much better than I thought I could. The venue was excellent with a really nice athmospheric room with a beautiful view and courtyard for lunch. Nice company too. Excellent value for money. I wish Geraint would offer regular workshops to move on with his support. The only negative side is that I probably will spend a fortune on new toys to play with. Throughly recommend this, even if you think you have no talent for this sort of thing. Give it a go."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"It is lovely to know you enjoyed the course!!"

Rhona reviewed: Silver Metal Clay Beginners Class

"Lovely day spent with Ana in her workshop. Absolutely loved learning how to work with silver clay and so pleased with the results. Ana is incredibly generous with her time and knowledge......all in all a great way to spend a day....and start a new hobby!"

A CAT Jewellery responded:

"Thank Rhona for your lovely review. It was wonderful to teach someone so enthusiastic and artistic. It was really nice to meet you. Good luck with your new hobby."

Mark Kennedy reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"The course was brilliant. Fi lead the course with skill, patience and excellent communication. The objectives were clearly explained and the days flew by. The venue was perfect for creating our automata, with space, and a comprehensive selection of tools and materials, which friendly support from the Subscription Rooms team. We all produced working models and gained knowledge to take with us. I can’t wait for another course."