Latest reviews

Caroline Pinder reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A wonderful course. Claire's organisation and delivery of the course was excellent in every way. It was an enjoyable day from beginning to end, and I came home with lots of ideas for how to take forward this new skill. Her own artwork is amazing and inspirational - and aspirational, though that's a long journey ahead! I would recommend Claire's course for anyone wanting to learn the basics of lino cutting. It was also helpful that the day following the course sends out a complete set of notes and details of suppliers and other tips on getting started. I'm looking forward to attending future courses with Claire - perhaps Level 2 lino cutting?"

Sharon Laidler reviewed: Willow Flower Craft Kit

"I loved the craft kit to make a willow flower. There is enough willow to make two and I really like the finished flower. Plan to make more"

Rev Rachael Dines reviewed: Introduction to Candle Making Workshop, Little Massingham, Norfolk

"Just got back from our candle making course. We all had a fantastic four hours of candles, scent, fun and laughter. What a joyful few hours to spend finding out more about candle making. Thoroughly enjoyable, informative and some gorgeous candles to light at home. I recommend these lovely ladies and their candle making course. Now I’m off to find some old church candles to see if I can make more beauties…"

Fiona Campbell reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I recently undertook course 1 as a complete novice. I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The tuition was excellent from start to finish. Richard and Mark were both so knowledgable and patient. They both have a gift for teaching and sharing their craft. The work book provided was useful and was excellent to continue to add notes to throughout the week. In addition to learning how to make a specific piece of furniture, teaching about specific tools and how to use them safely was invaluable. Also information about setting up a home workshop and buying tools (including second hand tools was really helpful). Everything was carefully thought out and well planned and executed. I have done many courses in my time but this was up there among one of the best. I felt it was excellent value for money and have no hesitation in recommending. Also great was the fact that Richard and Mark are both prepared to be contacted for advice if needed, after the course. Looking forward to consolidating what I've learned so far and to developing new skills on Course 2 in March."

Kim Morgan reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable on the subject. I really enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it. The only negative comment I have is that i would liked to have had another hour as this would have enabled me to choose and complete a more interesting design. Would definitely go again, thanks Claire"

Leonie reviewed: Two day Mosaic Stepping Stone Workshop

"Loved the course and learnt so much. Jackie is really lovely, enthusiastic and explains things well. I will definitely attend another mosaic day ?"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you Leonie for your lovely review. ?"

Sue Sheerin reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Absolutely loved my time learning to craft a usable spoon..mike was brilliant and jack (the dog) was a joy to have around, was a very enjoyable experience ?"

Steve Gammon reviewed: Tree Stump Planter Workshop - Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"Excellent Birthday present - really enjoyed my day with the guys, in a chilled out atmosphere . Will book another course in the near future! Thanks Steve"

Paul Blaikley reviewed: Woodwork Beginners workshop

"Good preparatory instructions and notes. Friendly instruction. Entrance to location needs to be identified by sign on road."

Tuffett responded:

"Thank you for your review Paul. You did a great job with your indoor planter and picked up the new skills very well. Good point about the signage and I will make sure this is in place for future workshops. Kind regards, Sue"

Roger reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"I had a full day spoon carving course with Mike and would thoroughly recommend it. Mike was very informative, supportive and great company. A great day learning new skills."

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

"I had a fantastic day sitting side by side with my best friend, making a leaping hare! Jo was a superb tutor - giving clear and simple instructions, happy to repeat them when I wasn't listening(!) and showing us step-by-step how to create our individual sculptures. It was a wonderful experience, being "allowed" to make art again and encouraged to do so! Jo is a fabulous facilitator, appearing from nowhere with fresh paper for the tables, and bowls of clean water, brewing as much tea and coffee as you wish and always at hand to help and assist if we needed her. Beautiful studio set in very tranquil gardens which were full of interesting sculptures made by Jo. I HIGHLY recommend you book a workshop with Jo - it is art for the soul. I'm delighted with my leaping hare!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Wow Ann - what a lovely review, thank you so much. I love being busy, so juggling the processes throughout the day is fun for me and hopefully nice for everyone attending. You are right - Art is for the soul and anyone can enjoy some zen time in the studio. Hope to see you again! Jo x"

Ruth Alecock reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire is an excellent teacher and made me feel calm and at ease right from the start. Everything was well set up in a beautiful setting and Claire went at a good pace, with well-timed breaks throughout. Claire has made me discover a new passion and I look forward to doing more linocut prints. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in discovering more about this wonderful craft. Very good value also."

Ralph Aarken reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Great 4 day course with Jamal. Many craft courses intend much and never achieve a finished article.... Jamal has simplified the process so you can take away a finished piece at the end of 4 days AND learn all the basics of how to cut, paint and lead-up stained glass. Thoroughly recommend his tuition and course."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much!!!"

Olivia reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go at something new! Spike was a brilliant instructor. Really helpful, friendly and extremely knowledgeable (I learnt some really interesting facts from him!) Couldn’t fault the day at all. 10/10 would recommend!"

Natalie reviewed: Origami Stars

"A relaxed, informal craft session. Wendy was friendly and welcoming."

Weronika reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"This was such an amazing experience, Mike was incredibly patient and helpful, and Jack was just adorable."

Rachael Dawson reviewed: 5 Day Professional Furniture Refinishing Workshop - Traditional & Contemporary

"I thoroughly enjoyed the French Polishing workshop with Ollie which I recently attended. Ollie is extremely patient and has a huge amounts of experience and knowledge of working with different types of furniture from various periods. His knowledge of wood and materials is vast and he is great at explaining different techniques. The course is really practical and it was great to be able to get hands on so quickly and develop the skills and confidence to be able to continue to do more restoration projects in the future. I look forward to going back, learning more techniques with even bigger and better projects..!"

Rachel Frost reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"Judy is warm and friendly and an excellent teacher. The day was well prepared and I had a great time experimenting under her watchful, expert eye. I took away two printed silk scarves which I will enjoy using and a couple of fabric samples which I know I can sew into something useful. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who wants to try something a bit different, learn a new skill and have a fun day out."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"I am really glad that you enjoyed the day Rachel and that you liked the results. Your choice of lengthwise fold for the silk scarves was great, and reminded me to use that design myself. I hope that you keep going with ecodyeing techniques."

Emma Rowsell reviewed: Tree Stump Planter Workshop - Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"An amazing workshop introducing the sculpting medium, Pal Tiya. Bob and Joe are wonderful teachers, very knowledgeable and easy-going. I highly recommend :)"

Janette Kirk-Willis reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"What a fabulous course, I learned how to make soap from the very knowledgable Nic who is a really great teacher, so well prepared, kind and patient. There's nothing she doesn't know about her subject. A really great morning. Also some wonderful Christmas presents made!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks so much Janette for a lovely review. I really enjoyed our morning together, chatting about all our crafty projects - thank you for being a fabulous student!"

Sarah T. reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"I can highly recommend Ollie at OP Woodcraft. Ollie is highly professional, friendly and an excellent teacher. Ollie is extremely approachable and generous with his all of his knowledge and experience. I recently attended the 2 day French Polishing course and came away feeling so much more confident and with 2 fabulous tables which had been stripped back, stained and French polished to a high standard over the duration of the 2 days. Thank you Ollie and I hope to be back again before too long! ?"

Harriet Coombs reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"I had SO much fun at this class! I saw Alice’s studio over a year ago and have been wanting to learn macrame for a long while. I didn’t want to do an online class and had a gift card for me birthday, Alice fitted me in quickly. The class was easy to follow and Alice was so helpful and supportive throughout. Absolutely recommend her for everything weaving and macrame based! She also has some beautiful pieces for sale. So proud of my work and thoroughly enjoyed my class! Absolutely recommend!!"

Delia Jackson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I cannot speak highly enough of the course. I arrived with no prior knowledge of woodworking and left with a fantastic step stool which I had made. Richard and Mark are so patient and no question is too trivial - they help you and explain every step. Thank you both - you have given me the enthusiasm and confidence to continue on my woodworking road and I look forward to seeing you again in March for Course 2!"

Jan Rogerson reviewed: Create Tiny Wire & Paper Bird Sculptures in Derbyshire

"Fantastic day with Liz doing the Tiny bird sculptures. We enjoyed every minute of our day in such a beautiful home and location. Liz was a perfect host and tutor. She inspired us from the moment we arrived with her enthusiasm and knowledge. We left with huge smiles on our faces and our tiny creations which I have proudly put on display in my flat. Thank you so much Liz for a wonderful day. Regards Jan"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jan, Thanks for taking the time to review your workshop. It was a lovely, fun day working with you both and you created some great pieces. Hope you have sometime to continue making over the next few weeks. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Helen Chambers reviewed: Tree Stump Planter Workshop - Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"We had a great day with Bob and Joe. It was great to discover a new medium to sculpt with, I'm dedinitely a pal tiya convert and have been plotting new projects to try out. Lovely workshop with lovely people playing with mud, what more does one need!"