Latest reviews

Chris Phillips reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I last used a forge at school over 55 years ago and every time we visited a forge, I said to my wife that I would love to have another go. The sound and feel of forging metal has to be experienced "in the flesh", Just watching someone or TV misses the point. The actual course was even better than I had hoped. The health and safety briefing was set just right. The instructor ratio was 3 Blacksmiths to 5 students and this meant that we could get help when we needed it, there was always somebody who could answer a question or help when needed. There were plenty of facilities; 3 forges, a dozen anvils and all the tools you could need. We started off with everyone making a proper forged poker to get started and then we all set out on our individual projects - a knife, fire baskets & my forged house name. Real projects & lots of fun. The pub lunch was excellent and provided a great opportunity to chat with John's team and the other attendees. A brilliant day! Thanks very much to John & his team who made a long time wish come true."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hello Chris sorry for the delay in responding , really pleased with the way everyone worked and their projects. we try to please and its great when we get reviews like yours nice to know we are getting it right best wishes John"

Debra Gould reviewed: Wheel throwing experience - half day course

"Just picked up my pots, I love them, thank you Jayne. Had a great time with Jayne very patient and helpful, really enjoyed my pottery session. I will be back for another session in the future."

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you ?"

Kerri Chin-Stockley reviewed: Porcelain tea lights & incense burners workshop

"Jayne is a fantastic teacher. Patient, funny & knowledgable. I learnt so much and had a really fun and relaxing day in the Studio and it’s beautiful setting. I received my finished pots back after their firing and am amazed how great they look. I exceeded my expectations by miles with help from a true expert. Thank you."

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you ?"

Sarah-Jane McGowen reviewed: Porcelain tea lights & incense burners workshop

"Well I took my 9 year old daughter to the studio for a homework project and she loved it. Jayne (owner) was amazing and so helpful. We had a one to one and Jayne gave my daughter quality time, resulting in Isla making a wonderful cat. She got top marks at school for this and was really chuffed. Thank you Jayne, we will be back. X"

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Sarah. I’m so pleased Isla got top marks, she deserved them ?"

Colette Freak reviewed: Porcelain tea lights & incense burners workshop

"Jayne is an incredible teacher. She is patient, humorous, generous and highly skilled. Her studio is a warm, welcoming sanctuary full of tools & gadgets to assist all levels of student create something magical from clay. My finished product is stunning too ?"

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Colette ?"

Rebecca Taylor reviewed: Wheel throwing experience - half day course

"Great experience, definitely recommend booking if you are interested, makes a perfect gift too!"

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Rebecca ?"

Claire Highton-Stevenson reviewed: Wheel throwing experience - half day course

"So much fun. Loved every minute of it. Jane is an awesome teacher and I hope to come back again."

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you ?"

Laurence reviewed: Wheel throwing experience - half day course

"We've done a couple of courses with Jayne and they've both been very enjoyable, interesting and rewarding days. Jayne is a great teacher, she helped me through the stages of throwing a pot so I didn't feel too daunted! My girlfriend had a lovely day on the handbuilding course in the lovely surroundings of the studio."

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Laurence"

Neil reviewed: Wheel throwing experience - half day course

"Very welcoming and really well set up to guide absolute beginners through to making a great creation! My 10 year old daughter and I had a wonderful time."

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you, I’m so pleased that you both enjoyed the experience. I’ve posted Abi’s video on the Studio at Clapham’s Facebook page. She was a natural!"

Anthony reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Dear Jason and Louise, First of all I would like to say a big thank you to you both for making my recent attendance at one of your Saturday one day workshops really enjoyable. Not only did I learn some new skills which I hope to put into practice again soon but I had a lovely day with you and the other course attendees."

Sheridan reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Hey Jason, I hope you are well. Thanks again for the past two weekends it has been amazing and really inspiring !"

Richard reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Hi Jason, after taking part of your 2 day course at the end of July I've been busy sourcing equipment and leather. Wife was very impressed with her bag especially your touch of her initials. Anyway I'm just writing to thank you and Louise for your help and knowledge in giving me a new craft. Yours Richard"

Carol Kiff reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you both for the last 2 days sharing your skills and knowledge. Jason must have been exhausted by the time he got home yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 days, including Jason’s chatter. I learnt a lot and know that I will find the tools, tips and techniques really useful for my future projects. Wendy & I FaceTime ‘d our Dad last night and showed him our finished handbags- he was most impressed."

Marlis Calvert reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Thank you for organising the workshop on Saturday, we all thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away with lots of ideas and a new skill to put into practise. The friendly atmosphere and the lovely cake at coffee breaktime added to the enjoyment of the day. Thanks again Marlis."

Kim Worthington reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Kate is friendly and enthusiastic. I was welcomed into her home along with 6 others. We could choose which animal we wanted to create and I chose a wren. Most of the others chose cranes and ducks. I think in hindsight I should have gone with the rest of the class, as they were taken through each step in the process. I could, of course, apply the techniques to my bird but there were differences in what I needed to do. Having said that, it was great fun and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Kate came round to each of us individually to coach and encourage. She was in no rush to finish the day, and gave clear instruction with patience and humour. We were treated to an excellent lunch which included an enormous slice of homemade carrot cake made to her Mum's recipe. Thank you Kate. I had a lovely day."

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

"I had a great Raku day with Richard and the group. It was really interesting and I came away with three attractive pots. We had plenty of tea coffee etc and a delicious lunch."

Fiona Dent reviewed: Introduction to silver clay in Monmouthshire

"Loved it!! A wonderful day. Anna is lovely and so talented. The workshop was very informative and great fun - I feel totally inspired and it's wonderful to go home with jewellery I'll wear. Thank you."

Sue Jones reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"24th and 25th September 2019. This was an enjoyable two days where learning a new skill was so much fun. Sarah is brilliant and so enthusiastic to share as much as possible with you. I was delighted with my final piece and am already planning to "up cycle" a couple of side tables. I love it."

Elaine Lorimer reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"What a fantastic course, Emma is such a great teacher and explains everything in a way you can understand. The studio was very well equipped and smelt amazing, lunch was included which was really nice. Making the soap in the afternoon was totally amazing and you get to take it home with you. Overall a really great experience, I would highly recommend anyone thinking about it to go for it, you certainly won't be sorry x"

Margaret J Barker reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"The day learning about and making soap last Friday was the best ever run course I have been on. The setting is glorious, the welcome warm and wonderfully perfumed; the delivery of so much interest and informative detail brilliantly presented with wonderful easy to follow handouts. Now I am really looking forward to cutting my large blocks of made soap - too delicious to use for washing at present - as drawer scents just for a while! I will always look at the ingredients on soap labels from now on - something I had not even noticed before. A huge appreciative thank you Catherine."

Laura Corrigan reviewed: One day Mosaic Workshop with Ruth Wilkinson

"This course was fantastic, lots of bases to choose from and great guidance and advice from Ruth when creating the design. Not to mention, the lovely lunch and refreshments provided... altogether a great day!"

Julia reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"I attended Charlie's workshop 6th October with a friend. It was superb! Highly recommend. Well paced with background info on preparing clay, demonstrations, explanations and of course hands on pot throwing. A very relaxed atmosphere. Lots of encouragement and lots of opportunities to start again with assistance at all stages to reinforce learning. I eventually made three pots that I am really proud of. I think I may have a talent! Can't wait to return to glaze them and collect after the final firing. I will definitely be taking this up. Well done Charlie. You have introduced me to a new interest."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Julia Many thanks for your review. You are very kind and I am glad you enjoyed the day. Your pots have now been fired and are ready to glaze, so I look forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you. Charlie"

Louise Parker reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Really had a great workshop in Broad Tower Worcestershire. Made a picture of a poppy field. Was very impressed with the end result as this was my first time doing it. Would highly recommend Raya. Can't wait to do some more workshops."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Louise and Dianne. It was lovely to meet you yesterday. I am glad that you enjoyed the workshop. It was a pleasure teaching you! I think your wool paintings look beautiful and you have a good ability in Art. I wish you good luck with your future Art and Craft projects and hope to see you soon at my workshops."

Sharon reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Great course and Jo was fab !! Learnt loads and would highly recommend this course .. excellent day .Thank you Jo ??"

Lorna Rimell reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"Thanks for a really excellent course Steve. Prior to the course, I had no experience of wood carving of any kind. I had an idea that it would be a more gentle activity than it was. There was quite a bit of axe work prior to the more delicate shaping. But it was so satisfying to see a spoon emerge from what looked like a chunk of firewood. I'm so pleased with my spoon. As a first attempt it's a bit chunky and rough around the edges but, now that I've sanded and oiled it, I can really use it. It's my little work of art. Thanks for an enjoyable day and a new set of skills."