Latest reviews

Rob S reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a fantastic day and learnt a lot of new skills, a highly recommended experience. Alex is a great teacher, has a lot of patience and is keen to share his skills and knowledge. I was really impressed with his portfolio. I made an obelisk for the garden that ended up being around 1.5m high with swirls at the top of each leg. The circles use to create the shape we’re also hand made and hot riveted into place. Alex took me through each step showing me how to do it and then expertly guiding me as I replicated his work (or at least tried to ?) As we finished ahead of time Alex suggested filling it by making some additional small ‘shepherds crooks’ which can be used for bird feeders or hanging garden lights, so you definitely get your money’s worth. Many thanks Alex and I’m looking forward to returning for another great day, maybe even two"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Rob, glad you went home happy. I hope the obelisk and t-light holders are looking good in your garden. Look forward to seeing you next time around. Alex"

Nick Treble reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"As birthday presents my cousin and I were treated to the training day by our wives as we are both interested in woodwork but had no previous carving experience. No really knowing exactly what to expect we were both delighted with the day's training provided. Gareth is clearly in a league of his own as and sculptor, artist and trainer. As a retired surgeon I was particularly impressed to find Gareth's house strewn with anatomy books which, as did the old masters, he used to understand the underlying structures before producing the most amazing anatomically accurate pieces of art. The training we received was thorough as well as clearly and patiently conveyed. We were both proud to present really quite acceptable works to our wives which we had, to a large extent, carved ourselves. I would without hesitation recommend this day to anyone who wishes to take up, or indeed improve their, wood carving"

Sharon Morris reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I attended a wet felting course. It was really enjoyable, informative and relaxed. Barbara was a great teacher and made it feel easy. I learnt a lot and produced a lovely picture that I am going to get framed. Thanks Barbara. I will be back!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Sharon, It was a pleasure to teach you. Loved your design and use of merino and incorporating silks and hemp into your beautiful picture. Looking forward to seeing what else you create next time :-) .Best regards Barbara"

Heather and John reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Very enjoyable class. Learned loads!! Highly recommend as great tuition and value for money. Excellent venue too!"

Joan Mealing reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"Really enjoyed the glass class, good value. Helen was good at assisting with ideas - would love to do another class."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Good morning Joan, thank you for taking the time to submit your review. I’m delighted you enjoyed the workshop and really impressed with the pieces you made. It was a lovely group on that particular day and as well as beautiful glass creations I gather friendships were made too. I hope to see you at future workshops so that you can further develop your skills."

John reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Absolutely brilliant day! Jo is an expert facilitator and a wonderful host. Great location. A really enjoyable and relaxing day - highly recommended!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you John! So glad you and Sam had a great day - I do believe your hare had record breaking length of ears ;-)"

Kathryn Filsell reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"My self and 3 others attended one of Helens fused glass courses of which all of us enjoyed the experience, the day spent with Helen was enlightening, creative, friendly and calm. I can highly recommend her course."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Kathryn, thanks for taking the time to submit this review, I appreciate it. It was lovely meeting you and I was impressed with your fabulous tea light , it had a tranquil seaside feel. It would be great to see you at another workshop once birthdays, holidays etc are finished."

Fran Smith reviewed: Eco-Printing and Indigo Dyeing - Weekend 2 night retreat

"WOW! What a sensational trip and incredible course. The accommodation was simply exquisite, the service of the Gartmore House team was exemplary and the workshop was the most inspirational I have ever been on. The course tutor Liz was encouraging, informative and truly inspiring. I came away with a love for a craft I had never tried before and an eagerness to try many more times again. I would strongly recommend this retreat to anyone looking for an idyllic staycation with super inspiring creativity included! Thank you Liz and thank you Gartmore House! x"

Tristan MacDougall reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"A great couple of days, lots of fun and learnt a huge amount about raku firing. Looking forward to our next visit in few weeks. Many thanks Richard, from Tristan, Kate and Shaun."

Potterydayz responded:

"Pleased you all enjoyed your pottery experience here, I look forward to seeing you for pottery wheel throwing soon. Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review."

Anthony reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"I did this course over the summer, and have only just discovered how to leave a review! Sorry for the delay Lorna! This was a fantastic morning - the act of creating your own book is so relaxing and rewarding. Lorna was a fantastic guide - I can't really believe she managed to do that all over Zoom. And the book you end up with feels so special, and of such high quality you feel like you'll never buy your own (premade) notebook again! Highly recommended"

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Wonderful to hear you had such a nice time, thank you! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Anthony reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"I had such a great time on this course on 19th Sept. It was excellently run, with a seemingly limitless supply of tea, coffee and cake. Nick and Debbie were excellent, encouraging and knowledgable guides. We got to try out a range of tools, and best of all - I carved a spoon! We're going to hang it as an ornament above our kitchen door, as a marker. The first of many, now I've got the bug!"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Anthony for your kind words. It was a pleasure having you on the course. Happy spoon carving :)"

Claire Edwards reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Fused Glass One Day Workshop: Loved every minute of it!! Had previously attended a one day workshop and produced a beautiful piece with the lovely Kate. It was nice to meet Martin this time who was just as lovely. Both very welcoming and very quickly made me feel at ease. I was thrilled with the pieces I made and can't wait to see how they look once they have been fired. Excited :-) !!! Thank you for such an enjoyable day, can't wait to do another *****"

Lucy Malcolm reviewed: A day on the tiles: one-day mosaic workshop

"My mother and I spent a lovely day learning how to make mosaics. Fiona is a patient and encouraging teacher and gave us lots of great tips which really helped us to make the most of the day. Nothing was too much trouble and refreshments were delicious and appreciated."

Trevor Evans Lindsay reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"What a great day, Martin made us all feel very welcome. He gave us all great instruction and with his guidance we were able to produce some lovely pieces of work. The day was full on and good value. Can't wait to collect my work. This is the second workshop I have attended with Martin McAssey Glass, the first was the Traditional Leaded Stained Glass workshop, which was equally great. I'm hoping to book the Tiffney Glass next year. Highly recommended."

Kelly reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"What a day!!!! Honestly can’t recommend it enough. Richard was a fantastic and patient teacher, we had some good giggles and are so happy with our end results. Will definitely return for another session next time we’re up north!!! Just trying to work out logistics to get a forge set up in a in a 6x3ft shed now… Hmmm!!!"

Emma L Taylor reviewed: Woodwork Beginners workshop

"Such a great day if you are looking to try your hand at basic woodworking skills. Sue and her team are extremely patient and helpful."

Tuffett responded:

"Thanks very much Emma. You did a great job on your big planter. I hope you’ll send a photo of it planted up. Best wishes, Sue"

Vikki Hobbs reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"Such a great day. Beautiful setting, inspiring teacher, interesting little dog and delicious lunch. And of course therapeutic wood carving. What else could you ask for? Book now!"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Vikki, Thank you for joining us and for your feedback. Glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark, Cristina and Alfred"

Catherine reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My second spoon carving day with Alan. Thoroughly enjoyed it and a smaller group meant more time to focus on technique. It was great to go over things like using the axe and amazing to start the day with a piece of tree branch and end it with a spoon even if not quite perfect. Spoon carving is quite addictive and I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a day than working with the wood in the garden being fed delicious food by Alan’s lovely partner. Totally recommend this."

Penny Roberts reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild flower meadow kit

"This is a fun piece to make and I really enjoyed it. The kit is wonderfully packaged and the instructions were super clear which I was relieved to see as for my level of experience it was the most detailed piece I had worked on. I was thrilled when it was returned after firing as it looked so good and Natalie at #northnorfolkstainedglass kindly included a note in the package to say that it looked lovely. I would highly recommend ordering a kit from #northnorfolkstainedglass as it contains everything you need to make a beautiful piece that you will treasure."

Natalie Bullock Art responded:

"Hello Penny, Thank you for such a lovely review! :) So pleased to read that you are happy with your finished piece too! Best wishes Natalie x"

Michael Harding reviewed: Pole lathe bowl turning day one to one

"I had wanted to try my hand at bowl turning for many years and this was a perfect introduction. Amy is a great teacher, very patient and totally enthusiastic about what she does. Everything was ready when I arrived and we went right through from shaping the wood with an Axe to finished bowl in the day. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn to turn a bowl using a traditional pole lathe."

Julie reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"Highly recommend. Had a great day learning to create wonderful pictures."

Phil Madley responded:

"Ah thanks Julie glad you enjoyed it. Cheers Phil"

Kamila reviewed: 2 day jewellery/silversmithing course - all materials provided

"The course was amazing, I had a great time with Sue and learned so much in the 2 days. I was able to make a couple of pieces that I’m very proud of. Would recommend greatly."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Kamila, I love what you made! Look forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, Sue"

Shirley Warrington reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"This is an absolutely brilliant day! Helen is so friendly, patient and knowledgeable. I was surprised at how many items I was able to make on the day and how much fun it was. The day flew by. Would definitely go back again and have no hesitation recommending this to anyone."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hello Shirley, thank you so much for this positive review, I appreciate you taking the time to submit it. It was lovely to meet you at the workshop, I always enjoy spending time with like-minded people. You were an enthusiastic student and the pieces you created were amazing , thanks for sending a photo of them displayed in your home once they were fired & finished, they look perfect. Hope to see you at future workshops."

Silvana Monson reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"Me and Lily had a great day with Helen. The class was better than I thought. She is a very good teacher and make sure everyone has her attention all the time. I really recommends her classes. Can’t wait to do again."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Silvana, I’m delighted you and Lily enjoyed your day. You both made some beautiful animal/ insect inspired pieces and were keen to experiment with different techniques. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review and hope to see you both at another workshop in the future."

Josie Carn reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I booking a glass fusion workshop ,which was sorted through great communication. What a delight to meet you Helen. Instructions were given with enthusiasm and encouragement. Your teaching skills were second to non. We couldn't wait to get started. Throughout the workshop you Recognised very quickly when individual help was needed and therefore the results of our items were fabulous. Even the not so arty of us. Your enthusiasm was infectious. Myself and my friend were hooked. We all thoroughly enjoyed the day. So much so ,we are all so looking forward to our next workshop with you! Totally recommend you to everyone. Thank you so much. ???"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Josie, I’m touched by your kind review, thank you so much for taking the time. It was so lovely to meet you and your friends in such a beautiful setting and I enjoyed how positively you all responded to the demonstrations/ advice. Each one of you had your own style, this was very satisfying for me to see and I was so pleased ( but not surprised) that you were all thrilled with your creations they were stunning! Thank you for getting your group together and I hope to see you at future workshops."