Latest reviews

Janis Baggott reviewed: Watercolour for All 4 week Online Course Monday Morning Via Zoom

"I would rate my experience as excellent. The sessions are always interesting and I have learnt so much. Everyone is welcomed regardless of if you are a beginner or someone who just wants to improve. The sessions are friendly and so much fun. I would recommend these sessions to everyone."

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

"What a fantastic day! I absolutely loved the whole workshop, from start to finish. The setting is beautiful, Jo is a superb teacher, and I found the process totally absorbing and relaxing - and fun, too. I'm not particularly artistic, but I was delighted with the result and am more than happy to have 'Hercules' on display at home. I was even disappointed when we had finished, but I'm looking forward to getting the tin foil out to see if I can do anything vaguely successful with the kit I've brought home with me. Thanks also to Andy who played his part in making it a great day."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Liz ;-) Really pleased you have Hercules on display at home! Have fun with making your dog out of the kit you took home - please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any questions at all! Jo x"

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

"Am amazing day. I am rubbish at these sorts of things - but with Jo's help I made a leaping hare and really enjoyed the whole process. The day was very well organised, in a beautiful setting and run by a very patient, kind and skilled teacher."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sally! Really glad you enjoyed the day and I hope your leaping hare is settled at home . Lovely meeting you, Jo x"

Lillian denson reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Beautiful views, friendly instructor. Lovely course to go on as an introduction to stone carving or to develop your skills further"

Sonya reviewed: Mosaics Summer Course with Roz Wates

"Doing mosaics without Roz now would be almost inconceivable. The combination of the Studio, its surroundings, fellow mosaicists, and Roz, has an extraordinary dynamism. Attending a course at the Phoenix Studio is to have a somewhat Zen like experience; and what drives each individual is the subtle and often humorous way which Roz supports and enhances the desire to make interesting and beautiful mosaics. For its regulars and frequent attendees, the mosaic courses have become a family, with newcomers feeling instantly at home; where 'cake o'clock' and lunch are the focal points of the day, before the click of nippers at work resumes. If you're thinking to try a mosaic course, I'd say "don't hesitate"

Joanna Gent reviewed: Mosaics Summer Weekend with Roz Wates

"Mosaicing is a fascinating past-time and Roz provides not only an excellent introduction to the age-old skill but also encouragement and development for those who’ve been making mosaics for longer. Add to that the delightful and creative environment on offer at Phoenix Studios and a splendid weekend is guaranteed. Thoroughly recommended."

Andrew Nicholls reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"If hestitating please book onto this excellant class. I was a complete beginner to stone carving and without any real artistic experience but the host soon put me at ease with their calm manner. They were attentive when needed...which was quite a few times...with a great overall knowledge which they were happy to pass on. The setting was perfect which helped to inspire what creativity I had in me. Class size was ideal enabling everyone to engage with each other and who were all very supportive. I would have no hesitation in recommending this class and host."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thank you Andrew for your kind words. I had a really enjoyable day with you all. Great group dynamic and energy. So glad you had an inspiring day. Take care John."

Alison Redman reviewed: Shave horse, English style, making course

"We thoroughly enjoyed our two day course in a beautiful woodland setting. With a small number of participants, there was plenty of help to hand from Jaqui and Pete. There was also as much tea/coffee as we wanted. Shaping pieces of wood using a shave horse and pole lathe was totally absorbing and satisfying. We came home with two lovely traditional shave horses, new skills and a taste to do more."

Lucy Kirby reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I would definitely recommend this workshop on gel plate mono printing. The demonstrations & practice were well planned & there was enough time Tom carry out tasks & reflect on them + little extras about ways to continue with particular pieces. Liz sent clear instructions prior to the course about what to bring & I liked the fact I didn’t have to bring any art equipment or come with images of what I wanted to do. The venue & studio is beautiful & functional & provided plenty of working space."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Lucy, Thanks for taking the time to review your day and I’m really pleased that you would recommend a workshop at The Slipper Studio. Gel plate printing is a great process and I am sure that you will find it a really useful way to continue your creative work, with a particular focus on a mixed media approach. Happy printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Mary reviewed: Online Drawing Still Life Course 1

"I have just finished this course, and loved it! Ann was quick, constructive and positive with her feed back. She came across so friendly and put me at ease. I hadn’t touched on my drawing skills in years and wanted something to help me start again. This course is suitable for any level. Ann explains everything and was just an email away!"

The Studio @ Greenacres responded:

"Oh thank you Mary for this lovely review. So glad that you enjoyed the course - your work is fab. Happy drawing in the future ??⭐️"

Jacqui reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Booked the stool making workshop as a family group. Ged gave great instruction, and we made some lovely stools. Highly recommended, will definately book again."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Jacqui, hope to see you and the family again on a course Ged"

Judith Byrne reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"A fantastic workshop that I would highly recommend. From the point of booking the workshop all the way through to completing it I was impressed with the communication, the kit and Lorna's wonderful patient and easy to understand style of teaching. Lorna encouraged questions to be asked and set the pace of the workshop perfectly for all doing it so no one was ever left behind or struggled. I love the hand bound notebook I made and am already planning on making more."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you so much - it was such a lovely workshop, glad you enjoyed it too. Thank you for joining us ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Richard Fuggle reviewed: Owl Carving at Hanwell Wine Estate

"Really enjoyed the evening with Martin, very informative person with a good sense of humour. My owl may need a bit to be desired, as he has a crooked beak; just means we have to help him get on with life. Good venue Worth going to,"

Maureen Brown reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Unicorn

"Not started this yet but it looks great."

Jan Erskine-Power reviewed: 1-Day Taster Leaded Stained Glass Course with Karl Percival at Creative with Nature Todmorden West Yorkshire

"A thoroughly enjoyable day trying a new craft. Clear information and instructions. Very relaxed atmosphere and setting. Sandra was lovely, enthusiastic and helpful. I was so pleased with the result am already looking at the 2 day courses."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"hi jan, thanks so much for the review: ) i'll let sandra know she'll be very happy. warm regards, joe gregory. xx"

Daisy reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"got this as a present for me and my boyfriend as we both love jewellery and it was amazing! jolene was lovely and a very talented jeweller. looking forward for another excuse to come back! xx"

Geoffrey Williams reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"What an absolute joy the course was. My daughter and I have been to Wendy's a few times now and always come away happy. Our pieces are on display in our homes and looking at them is a reminder of enjoyable times. Wendy is so patient and provides ideas when 'brain freeze' occurs; we absolutely recommend spending time with Wendy at her lovely studio. Jane W and Sarah W"

Neil reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"Nice small group, The pace of the tuition was just right. Caryl’s knowledge and skill made for a great day would recommend to anyone who would like to try glasswork."

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

"Thank you so much Jo - this was by far one of the best workshops I’ve been on and the first time I have tried Scuplture in any form. Everything from start to finish was perfectly organised from your pre-workshop comms, your warm welcome, the stunning setting, and the amazing preparation and tuition to allow me to make the most amazing large sitting hare. The weather was completely on our side but I was blown away but how much I was able to achieve with your help in one day. This was a perfect antidote for a days escapism from a busy life and pandemic living. Thank you! I hope to be back!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jane ;-) I could not believe you managed to make one of the large hares through to completion in just 1 day! The hot weather did help with allowing super fast drying, but you kept up with each stage the remainder of the group completed making the smaller hares. Bravo ! Would be delighted to see you back here for a two day workshop - what would you achieve on that!! Jo xx"

Maureen reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Steve, Chris, and Angie are an amazing team - professional, talented, accomplished, and charming. And this taster course is an outstanding experience - hands'on, fun, safe, informative, and creative!! Gifted this course to my husband (I have a bit of experience already and was allowed to observe), who had a brilliant time. The instruction, care, and attention you get from Steve and Chris is world-class. So much information, so many techniques, and the many items that students get to create during this 1/2 day taster is simply awesome!! We highly recommend this experience and this team of highly creative professionals. Thank you, guys!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Maureen, it was a pleasure to meet you both. Steve and Chris said Rob was a pleasure to teach so really glad he enjoyed his time with us. Kind regards Angie Steve & Chris"

Sharon Halliday reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Fabulous one day stained glass leading course with Jamal. He started the workshop by giving us a fascinating brief insight into his background and stained glass. He then explained the various steps involved in creating a stained glass panel after which we chose a design to make for ourselves. Jamal demonstrated each step as we were ready to do it and was always close to hand if help was needed. He is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher and his skill is inspirational. Would love to go back and do some glass painting. I wholeheartedly recommend this course. Thanks so much for a great day Jamal."

Tonia reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"A great day, no nonsense expert tuition and so brilliant to have forged my own knife! Very satisfying!"

Roland Robinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very relaxed atmosphere.They make it look easier than it really is. Lots of hard work.An really interesting experience. Food was very nice provided by Debbie who looked after everyone. We definitely do it again."

Brett Halliday reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I had never worked with lead before. Jamal gave us a fascinating brief history of his experience (he does amazing stained glass work that is now on cruise ships, in cathedrals and in homes around the world), and then he demonstrated techniques step by step, so we were able to make our own bit of leaded glass. I now have the confidence to make a really big panel (I will aim for 39 inches by 52 inches) for our home."

Michael Panayi reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Jon was a fantastic tutor and guided me through each step. It was a very professional course whilst being friendly and relaxed. Jon took time to talk through traditional methods and I came away with a new appreciation of the forging process as well as a lovely knife."