Latest reviews

Dan Milner reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A beautiful environment and a superb tutorial from from Jonathan that will suit all abilities. I am leaving with a ring I would've happily paid more for, than the course cost. We all really enjoyed the experience."

Alison Blackburn reviewed: Free-Machine Embroidery 2 Day Workshops with Joanne Frankel Contemporary Textile Artist

"My friend and I treated ourselves to this course as a joint birthday present and we loved it. Joanne was a superb tutor and took us through all the stages of creating a design. We left with worked up samples and - more importantly - the confidence to use the techniques and inspirations in new pieces in ways we could not have imagined. A relaxed atmosphere, lots of materials to play with - and mid morning cake!"

Lynn Milner reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had a wonderful ring making experience with Jonathan, he was so welcoming and patient. I really enjoyed learning the techniques and my finished ring is just what I had hoped for. A brilliant day, thank you!"

Val Rosbrook reviewed: Letter and Relief Carving in stone with Pip Hall ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns north Lakes & Cumbria

"Thank you Pip for a wonderful 3 days. As well as the lettering techniques I really enjoyed the design element and it was great that you brought so many resources with you for us to take inspiration from. I thought, before I arrived, that I had an idea of what I might have worked on - an autumnal theme maybe, but it turns out that it can be the stone itself which helps decide. I loved working on the river stone and the challenges it gave. I've continued working on it at home and will send photos to Annie once complete. I've also been able to pick up 2 of the books from your list and have been working on my lettering on paper as well as practising serifs on the reverse of a piece of limestone. Tuition was great and it seemed that everyone took home something to be proud of. It's always nice to get to know the others on a course as it progresses and as usual Annie's hospitality and that of her helpers made us all feel welcome (and well fed). Thank you"

Greg Lloyd reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops one day

"I booked Connie's workshop as a birthday present for my fiancé. It turned out to be a really wonderful present and one which we both thoroughly enjoyed. Connie is such a lovely person and her welcoming, warm nature made for a day that was really fun and relaxed. She is very talented and guides you every step of the way. We couldn't believe the quality of the sculptures that we were able to make, both being complete novices. Would highly recommend this workshop to anyone!"

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Hi Greg and Claire thank you so much for your warm comment. It was a pleasure meeting you both and very impressed with your sculptures. Look forward to meeting you again when you return to glaze them."

Rosie Davies reviewed: Introduction to wet-felting: handbag, iPad case or something else!

"Lovely day with Cathy thanks very much. Very pleased with my felt bag and tuition. Cathy was really friendly and gave me delicious lunch too. Great workshop. Rosie"

Laura Potterton reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"This course was fantastic! I was a little nervous going on my own, but the course was just three of us and Jonathan made us feel really welcome and comfortable. The course itself was fun, and I came home with a lovely pair of earrings I crafted myself. Having never done silver jewellery before, I learned absolutely loads and had enough information to go home with so I could set up my own little workshop... Jonathan makes every effort for you to feel comfortable providing much tea, coffee, home made biscuits and a home-made lunch! It was a perfect day. I will definitely go on another of Jonathan's courses and recommend you do too!"

Jill Duncan reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"A wonderful day- great setting, company and teacher. All aspects a pleasure to be part of. Will be booking another course with Dawn. The time flew by but I left with a real sense of achievement and having learned a new skill I can now use with confidence."

Jacquine Lefebvre reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Bonds doing linocut printing with Alix. She’s very easy to talk to and fun. And she is a very supportive and interesting teacher. I found the process really exciting, and although I worried that I was a bit slow Alix assured me it would all be fine and it was! The people in the group were all lovely and we just chatted away while we worked and had a nice lunch. The actual printing was thrilling. My design just suddenly came to life before my eyes and it was just so satisfying doing a run of prints. All the other designs were beautiful in their own unique way. A lovely day!"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Hi Jacquine, thank you so much for your lovely review and kind words. I am so pleased you enjoyed your day and you should be really proud of your starling print; there is something magic about making your first prints (to be honest it never goes away and is always exciting!). Really looking forward to seeing what you create in the future. Thank you again, Alix."

Linda Logie reviewed: 2 day course to learn illuminated lettering at Swallows & Artisans, Lake District

"Very good instruction. Many techniques were explained clearly and carefully by Sarah, with all materials provided to try out a wide range of gold and metal illumination. The venue was excellent with Karen ensuring a pleasant lunch and delicious homemade cake and biscuits kept our concentration and energy levels intact!"

Marc McDonnell-Jenkins reviewed: Make your very own crossbody/messenger bag

"I have done quite a few craft courses over the years, but this was by far the best course I have ever done. Richard is a fabulous, patient teacher, and a wonderful person. We started off with a bit of leather making history, and a walk through the different types of leather, before we started to discuss our requirements with regard to bag design. And then the real fun began. Richard left us alone to do every stage of the process, keeping a careful, watchful eye over us in case we started to go 'wrong'. At no point did I feel that I was under pressure which added hugely to the experience. Each stage of the process was described very well, and we were given the opportunity to practice each stage on pieces of off cut leather before attacking our own bag. Everything you would need to complete the bags was available, as was a huge variety of leathers and threads so that each design is completely unique, which is a real bonus. The workroom was very cosy, and encouraged a real family atmosphere which made conversation with my fellow crafter very easy. At the end of the day we came away with a bag that could easily be seen on any high street selling for a very good price, and left us with a massive sense of pride and amazement at how well we had done. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone, of any ability, with Richard's help you will come away with a bag to be proud of and perhaps a desire to become a bag designer/maker just like I have. Thank you Richard for the best day I have had in many years."

Susan reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Wonderful way to spend a day, better than a spa weekend. Dawn has created a wonderful space for her classes, plenty of light and space with so much material and haberdashery, I don’t think anyone would find anything missing. Then there is the wonderful homemade cake, with coffee and tea in plenty. Dawn is very helpful with advice and help, can’t wait to go again."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Susan."

Margaret Winter reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Dawn provided a very warm welcome and plenty of encouragement throughout the day. There was a planned but flexible structure to the day and she was very responsive to individual needs as well as good at demonstrating skills and techniques to the whole group. The venue was well equiped and there were plenty of resources and examples of creative work to help us on our projects. She was well prepared and knowledgable and able to create a supportive learning environment."

Laura reviewed: Absolute beginners beaded jewellery workshop

"Scarlet was lovely, really welcoming. She explained what we needed to do and gave us time to choose the colours we wanted for our bracelets. We worked at our own pace and we found it a relaxing workshop. We were really pleased with our bracelets that we'll show off every occasion we can! Thanks."

Scarlets Fairy Folk responded:

"...Thank you for your lovely review Laura, it was a pleasure to meet you both, your bracelets you made were lovely. Hope to see you again."

Jo Bennett reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"Thank you Denise for an inspiring and relaxing day at your home studio. Would highly recommend this to anyone thinking of booking, whether a novice or experienced artist . Denise’s own work is amazing and she is great at teaching the various techniques and encouraging her students. She also prepares a delicious lunch! Fantastic value for money and a warm welcome, I will be back!"

Carolyn reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"I just had a wonderful day on a stained glass and driftwood workshop with Gigha. the room was full of inspiration and Gigha was an excellent and enthusiastic teacher. we all got stuck in straight away and Gigha was on hand for any help or support required. She laid on a super lunch but we were all so engrossed it was hard for her to tear us away! I would happily recommend her workshop and I will certainly be enrolling on another one."

Glen Mills reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Dave and team, Kay and Mel, were outstanding teachers. Very supportive and encouraging all the way, from sycamore log in the morning that we slowly morphed into a spoon in the afternoon. As a total rookie I learned an enormous amount about wood, techniques and tools, and enjoyed the informal atmosphere. Highly recommended."

Sharon reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I had a really enjoyable Sunday morning learning how to cut and make my very own tile designs! A completely new craft which I’d never done before and get the satisfaction of creating something completely original. I would thoroughly recommend, great for hen parties, birthday gift or just to try something new. Thanks Nadine!"

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to copper foiling workshop

"A really lovely course - warm, friendly and welcoming! Nice relaxed pace but packed with advice, useful info and guidance, Sharon is very supportive and knowledgable. I really liked the format of the day, starting with safety advice and a practice piece, before being able to be creative and make your own piece or use a myriad of design ideas. Very good value for money and a rewarding day, will definitely be visiting again! Thank you!"

Manchester Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Fiona, a lovely review, I'm very glad you found the studio friendly and welcoming and yet with enough support and advice to be able to have a go at home. You would be very welcome back. Sharon :)"

Jill Glover reviewed: Mixed media workshops in Staffordshire

"Great day at this mixed media workshop. Mandy made everything so easy. Really friendly and great workshop layout. She was really generous with tips, hints, experience, help, advice. Took home a fantastic box frame with my mixed media design inside. My husband thought it was so pretty and unusual. So so happy with all the things I learned today. Can’t wait until I’m free for another workshop. Thank you Mandy. X"

Karen Stevens reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I can only second all the positive comments on what Adrian,Debbie and Andy have to offer. A cracking experience even for a complete novice. The only thing which could be bettered was my hammering technique, and it did get better with guidance, and I came away with two pieces I’m proud of. Great way to spend a Saturday."

Rachel Thompson reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Two of us attended Kate's workshop today. Complete novices and we actually came home having completed a heron each! Kind instruction from Kate, a warm welcome and lovely lunch. This was gifted to us by a family member so its lovely to be able to say a huge thank you to Kate and to our family for the gift too. I highly recommend this to anyone as a beginning. One course may not be enough."

Damien reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Just finished the workshop with Alan. Great day, intensive, insightful and delightful. Alan is a well of knowledge (we got demonstrated a lot of carving and cutting techniques in particular), time flew during those 8 hours!!! We all ended up with a nice spoon carved by our non-expert hands. Alan was always there to give the right tip at the right time. Icing on the cake (no joke), we got amazingly fed with vegan food (great soup) and lots of homemade cakes and breads. Tea, coffee on the plenty. Can only recommend!!!"

Sam reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"I got this as a birthday gift for my girlfriend, which she thoroughly enjoyed. It was a fantastic morning. Learnt lots and had a great time. Marina was very patient with us and explained everything very clearly. Would highly recommend."

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Thank you so much for this positive review! It was lovely having you both too, one of slab-rolling and the other on the wheel throwing.You both worked so hard! I will keep my fingers crossed that the kiln goddess looks after your work while it fires Will keep you posted. Many thanks, Marina"

Pam Smith reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Great day bangle making. Smiled all the way home. Amazing, relaxing studio, a cabinet of curiosities in which to eat cake, be inspired by lots of examples and give it a go. Jolene was great tutor, a lot to take in but all made sense as you start your own project. Really pleased with my 3 bangles. Relaxed, chatty and great balance of help but also letting you develop your own skills. 15 mins easy walk from Walsall station. Thanks for a great day, already told 3 friends about it and sent photos before I got back!"