Latest reviews

Dave reviewed: Alcohol Ink Painting

"Alcohol inks is a fascinating art medium - quite different to watercolour or oil painting. It is great fun to use. The workshop included lots of techniques which Barbara demonstrated. She also gave us lots of time and material for us to experiment with for ourselves as well as offering encouragement and advice on our individual pieces. An excellent workshop. Thank you."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you , It was great to teach you Dave. Loved your use of colour mixing using the alcohol inks."

Christopher Ashcroft reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Having tried unsuccessfully to work with wood and resin through video tutorials I decided to attend this face-to-face course for beginners. Definitely the right choice! Richard is a very knowledgeable and friendly "tutor" who clearly has a passion for working with resins. From constructing a mould, sealing wood, calculating resin volumes, mixing resins and even the use of liquid and powder colours, this easy to understand course has it all. Already looking forward to my next course - how to achieve a high quality finish - using the piece I created today. I wish I'd done this a couple of years ago - it would have saved £'s in wasted resin! Thoroughly recommended."

Kelly Docherty reviewed: Beginners Watercolours & Cream Tea Experience (minimum booking is for 2 people)

"What a perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday morning. Amina was friendly helpful and we enjoyed painting in her peaceful studio. All topped off with some lovely scones and a cuddle with Murphy the dog. Fab."

A.S.K Art & Pottery Gallery & Studio responded:

"Kelly and Amelia were an absolute pleasure to meet and spend time with. They completed some lovely watercolour paintings and enjoyed the cream tea and a cuddle with Murphy. I hope to see them again soon."

Gwyneth Wright reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"I really loved my day spent with Jane in her riverside studio and brought home three amazing samples created under her supervision. Jane is a great teacher, friendly and answering all sorts of questions about wool, felting, her travels - she also makes a very tasty light lunch!! Will definitely be going back again to learn additional techniques and to have more laughs."

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you Gwyneth - you are such a keen and enthusiatic 'learner' that teaching you was no trouble at all! You soaked up the instructions with ease and your samplers - especailly cobweb felting - were divine. I hope to see you again soon - there will always be a warm welcome and another tasty lunch."

Chris Brookes reviewed: Ecodyeing with Natural Dyes and Indigo. An Intermediate Course.

"An action packed day full of useful techniques. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. Judy is well prepared and knowledgeable. A lovely lunch was provided as a bonus. Please note that to get the best from the day you will need to have a basic knowledge of the subject before doing an intermediate course."

Jan hancock reviewed: Alcohol Ink Painting

"Fabulous, really interesting. I have had a wonderful day. Barbara is an excellent tutor. I have learnt alot today. I will definitely be attending another one of Barbaras courses. Cant wait."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you. I loved your pictures and I am excited to see what you do next with your alcohol inks. :-)"

Natalie reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I am so glad I found Clare and her workshops. It made the perfect gift for my mum and we had a lovely morning experimenting and getting creative! Clare is a fantastic teacher, her demonstrations were integral to learning the process and really informative. You don’t need any prior skills just some enthusiasm and the ability to play! We are already planning when we can return for the lampshade workshop. I’m so excited to share this printing technique with my A Level students :) leaving feeling very inspired thanks to Clare and her wonderful work!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Hi Natalie, Many thanks for kind words. I’m really glad you both enjoyed the workshop. I hope to see you both again soon. Many thanks, Clare x"

Steph B reviewed: Hand-Rolled Beeswax Candles

"Very enjoyable, good atmosphere. Clear explanation of how to use the beeswax sheets, and then plenty of time to play around and make our own candles."

Simon Bennett reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Brilliant 2 days with Peter and his team - highly recommended and as much a mindfulness break away as a wonderful introduction to green woodworking. Thanks very much!"

Lee Iggulden reviewed: Garment construction techniques - A beginners guide to sewing

"I absolutely loved this course. I started this course at the same time as the Pattern Cutting Sessions (Skirt / Bodice / Sleeve ) and it was instrumental in providing me with the confidence (and courage) to take this new found hobby further. Paula was welcoming and friendly, always with a coffee and a smile, waiting for you to arrive at her wonderful workshop/studio and Val was informative, helpful and nothing was too much trouble and if I got stuck, or couldn't work something out she was patient and understanding. I can recommend to anyone thinking about taking up sewing as a hobby (or wanting to make clothes) to do this course and it really is a good grounding in the basics of just about every sewing technique you will ever need. Lee Iggulden"

Lee Iggulden reviewed: Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop - The Dress or Shirt Block

"Doing this workshop with Paula and Peter has helped me in so many ways. As a small business owner I was looking for a hobby that would help me to make some time for me as well help me to learn a new skill, something I have wanted to do for a long time. Well, what can I say - I booked onto the pattern cutting course and loved it so much I booked on the whole series of sessions and it has been such a wonderful. fun, creative and insightful experience. I have not only found a new hobby but now I am making my own clothes. Paula's workshop at the Cambria Costume House is clean, tidy and professional and you are welcomed with a smile and a coffee (teas are available too) and the sewing packs were a lovely touch. Peter, who is the course leader for this session, just loves to teach and it shines through - he really wants you to leave the session having learnt a thing or three and makes sure you can understand all the necessary steps you need to take to get your pattern created. I would 100% recommend this session to everyone, whether a beginner or a more advanced sewer. Lee Iggulden"

Tina Trowell reviewed: Creative Drawing Workshop for beginners in lovely Lawrenny

"This was my first experience of art classes and I can't wait to go again. Louise does the artwork at the same time as you which is a real help. She gives you space to find your own rhythm with periods of instruction. I had a very warm welcome and she immediately put me at ease. I'm looking forward to starting my second course with her next week. Thank you Louise."

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"It was great to meet you Tina. You were a delight to teach, created some fabulous drawings, and I'm looking forward to seeing you for the life-drawing course this week. Louise x"

Jake Rowland reviewed: Ash splint basket workshop - 2 day

"I had a fantastic time on the two day ash splint basketry course! The course was really chilled and relaxed, and nothing was too much trouble. It was amazing to go through the whole basket making process; from log at the start of day 1 to basket at the end of day 2. Michelle is a natural teacher and it was great being able to understand the why as well as how of the different steps in the basket making process. Jack has a real wealth of knowledge of wood, its properties, management and uses at it was awesome to be able to tap into that for the weekend. We all had a great laugh and I came away with a basket I’m really proud of."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Jake!"

Edna Leys reviewed: Beginners Pattern Cutting Workshop - The Dress or Shirt Block

"Peter and Paula are very welcoming and attentive. Peter took us step by step through the process of pattern making and using a calico practice piece we were able to check out whether our pattern had worked. Like me the participants were a bit uncertain that they were able to see the process through but we all achieved it successfully and as a bonus Peter showed us ways of adapting the basic pattern. I can’t recommend this course more highly"

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

"As a complete beginner to the art of mosaics, I found this was a perfect course. Emma's knowledge and teaching skills gave me confidence and turned a new challenge into a very enjoyable experience. I am looking forward to attending some more of Emma's courses in the future. Thank you Emma."

abelmosaics responded:

"Thank you for this Sue, your turtle mosaic looks wonderful. You created a very neat and tidy mosaic and I loved your choice of subtle browns and greens against the water. I look forward to seeing you again on another workshop. Emma"

Sarah Tullett reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A brilliant 1 day course with dedicated 1-1 tuition. Alex was an excellent and positive mentor and enabled me to realise my paper weight idea within the time. A very traditional forge located in a beautiful rural museum. Absolutely loved it and would thoroughly recommend."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thanks so much for the great review, it means a lot and am glad you enjoyed the blacksmith experience. All the best Alex"

Philippa Davies reviewed: Creative Drawing Workshop for beginners in lovely Lawrenny

"This is the third course I've taken at Louise's lovely studio - and I may have enjoyed this one most of all! Louise is very action focussed as a teacher, so you start drawing early on in the session, and this means you get three pieces to take home...which is so gratifying. But she doesn't hurry you at all, just motivates and encourages with comments, tips and demonstration. So you're able to totally immerse yourself in your creative process and focus, which is both deeply relaxing and restorative. Highly recommend Louise's courses and will be back for more."

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"Thank you for your great review Pippa. It was a delight to see you again and I enjoyed working with you. See you again soon I hope. Louise x"

Angela Powell reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"What a fabulous way to switch off for a few hours! I did the 3hr course and was amazed at how much we were all able to make! Especially as we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Oscos within that time. Helen made glass fusing so accessible to all and her enthusiasm was infectious. Once our creative juices kicked in, there was no stopping us! I was over the moon with the results of my pendant necklace, coaster and soap dish. I'd love to do a full day's course to truly immerse myself."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Angela, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, I do appreciate it. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the workshop, it was a lively group that day, plenty of fun and giggles but lots of creativity too. Your pieces were really fabulous, great colour palette. And I agree, OSCO’s is a great venue too. I look forward to seeing you at one of my full day workshops in the future."

Victoria Morris reviewed: Coptic bookbinding kits in puffin design

"Excellent product."

Nant Designs responded:

"Thankyou for your feedback Victoria. Much appreciated Carole"

Libby reviewed: Landscape art 10-week interactive online course with live tuition

"I would like to thank you for a really interesting and a course full of colour magic. You certainly have made me start looking at things with colour in mind instead of just ‘black and white’ so to speak. Libby"

Stephen Penfold reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The day spent with Alex was great and well worth the long wait due to covid etc! My goal was to make a set of house numbers and Alex patiently guided me through each new step but was happy to let me get on with repetitive tasks once mastered! The project took all day, which flew by and I went home a happy camper with my new numbers. Alex is a great teacher with his forge in a fab location, would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in traditional crafts."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Stephen. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thought it was worth the wait. All the best with the volunteering. Alex"

Steve Gubbins reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I've attended many various courses over the years, and it's rare to find somebody like Siobhan who's palpable passion for her art is linked with the ability to impart her vast knowledge in such a professional, fun and friendly way. Very inclusive, hot on Covid measures, approachable, GSH, oh, and the lunch was delicious, even for a dedicated carnivore!! Well worth giving it a go. You'll learn more than anticipated. Highly recommend!!"

Julie Turnbull reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A great afternoon learning about linocut printmaking. An online workshop, Claire provided a really informative, creative and fun learning experience using two cameras including a close up of her working bench and hands so we could visually see very clearly the techniques she was using. The pace of the session was just right, with Claire offering support and advice throughout. A very relaxed environment, engaging and inspiring which, even as beginners, allowed us all to create some great work. I highly recommend!"

Pamela Collins reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I went to one of Helen's 5-hour workshops and I'm so glad I did. I am a complete novice, but we were provided with a great array of materials and all the tools we needed to complete several items. Helen's a great teacher; helpful and encouraging. After quite a brief introduction on the main things to remember, we were off. We created what we wanted, to our own design, but she knew just when to step in with invaluable guidance. If you're thinking of doing one of Helen's workshops - go for it. Not only will you have an enjoyable afternoon, you'll have a lovely sense of achievement when you see your finished items."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hello Pamela, this was so thoughtful of you to submit the review, I do appreciate it. I was pleased you enjoyed the day and what beautiful pieces you created, especially the tea light holders, I remember these were going to be gifts and I’m sure the recipients were delighted. It would be great to see you again at one of the workshops, I’ll keep you posted of any new dates."

Anne Duncan reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Helen is a skilled tutor and happy to share her extensive knowledge of glass and design to help you create some amazing items. The care and attention given throughout the day and afterwards gives you the best feeling. I made Christmas decorations in September and I can’t wait to see them hanging on my tree! Thank you for a great day Helen."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hello Anne, this is so kind of you to take the time to write a review. It was great to meet you and Keith and I was impressed that you both worked so studiously, producing such beautiful pieces. I hear you are continuing your fused glass adventure and I’m more than happy to help/ advise anyway I can. Hope to see you both soon."