Latest reviews

Dorothy Lilico reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Excellent tuition in a lovely setting. Clive and Wendy are tireless in their support, making sure you are comfortable with your work- very positive. I had no experience at all, but came away with something I feel proud of. I recommend this course wholeheartedly."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Dorothy, Thank you for your review! It was great to see your new bag take shape over the weekend. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop."

Margaret Everley reviewed: Scrap glass mosaic workshop (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"An inspiring full day which introduced me to another aspect of working with glass which I fully intend to pursue. Kate brought lots of ideas to the session and gave full explanations as we went along, was flexible and showed awareness of everyone's problems on an individual basis, I would thoroughly recommend this workshop."

Liz Williamson reviewed: Introduction to silver clay jewellery making

"A well run enthusiastic workshop that taught me new skills that I hope to develop further. The welcome and hospitality was generous, a convivial lunch was well presented and the break fitted well into the day. I went on a Sunday when we were told the time was more limited, but we did get everything done within the time allocated so perhaps we needn't have been told this! I will certainly look at other courses at The Arenas Collective."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Liz. Thanks for your lovely feedback. We're so glad you enjoyed the course and working with the amazing material that is silver clay. You're right about the timing: I had actually got the finish time mixed up with another Sunday workshop which you might have noticed when Anna corrected me! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective soon. With best wishes, Lynn"

Sarah Holt reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"I have been to the glass studio before. I enjoyed it so much I brought my Mum and 2 sisters back. Wendy is very patient. She listens to what you want to achieve and offers you ideas of how to achieve this. A thoroughly enjoyable day - would highly recommend."

W Scott reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Awesome day. Learnt so much, thank you Wendy. Feel really inspired to become involved with my art once again."

Teresa Horden reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"A great morning / afternoon making soap with the very lovely Paula. Small group size giving us all enough attention and a wonderful afternoon tea too. Fabulous day and i will be coming back to make candles."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Teresa, see you soon."

Irene Gasana reviewed: Leather craft for beginners and improvers

"I met Slim's wife at first arrival and she was so welcoming, made me feel welcome and at home. Thanks Mr Slim, the course was hard but thanks to your support and attentiveness, I was able to craft a beautiful sunglasses case. I look forward to working with you again! Kind regards, Irene."

Ross Leather and Wood responded:

"Hi Irene Thanks for your lovely review, I really enjoyed working with you. I look forward to seeing you again soon. All the best Slim"

Ryan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Such a fantastic course and you'll certainly come away with the knowledge to keep crafting other things (starting by adding the finishing touches to your spoon at home like me!) using the fundamentals you learn here. It's an intensive day but there's a lot to cover, and Alan does a good job of running through it in stages whilst keeping us fed and watered with coffee and homemade treats: his wife should be doing a craft course on baking! It is tricky at first, but listen to his advice and tips and you'll be carving easily in no time. He even offered a second piece of wood for us to start something new at home ourselves, which I've put the in the freezer to keep fresh (great advice!) whilst I finish my first spoon. So for anyone who wants to pick up a but of whittling but needs some guided lessons to build confidence, and who enjoys vegan bakes and soups, this course is certainly up your street. I hope I keep it up!"

Sarah Quince reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"I had a great time doing this two day course in learning all the techniques needed to make a stained glass window. Paul was very knowledgeable and great at guiding me through the processes. I found a new hobby that I enjoy because of him :) It was lovely to do this course and also meet his lovely family. This course is well worth it!"

Sue Bloxham reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"I ended up having this course on a one to one basis which was excellent as I was able to go at exactly the right pace and take into account what I already knew. Mark helped me use and assess my own router and the bits I had been given. We covered and practised all the various techniques and he shared lots of useful tips, waiting for me to make copious notes for later reference. I highly recommend it."

Pete Hopkins reviewed: Leather craft for beginners and improvers

"What an excellent course. Everything is provided and I walked away with my own, handmade passport case (to be cherished.) Slim makes the work enjoyable and has so much patience (he needed it with me!) Coffee and biscuits were good too Thanks Slim......"

Ross Leather and Wood responded:

"Thanks Pete for you lovely comments. It was a pleasure working with you. You did an excellent job. Looking forward to working with you again soon. All the best Slim."

Karl reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife surprised me with this course and it’s probably the best present I’ve ever had. Alex is a great teacher, very skilled and takes time to explain not only how to blacksmith but also theory behind metal working. On the one day course I made a fantastic garden lily sculpture which I will treasure in my garden. Fantastic experience and something really unique to take home. I hope to do another day soon!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Karl, Thanks for the great review. Hope your Lily birdfeeder looks good in the garden. Alex"

Jo Woodley reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"What a fabulous day! A treat to be in a creative environment with an awesome experienced and patient teacher. And to come home with 2 pieces finished that I don't mind giving house room to at all is a total bonus - brilliant value for money, interesting, stimulating, thoroughly enjoyable all round. Thanks Gigha!"

Robert Spinks reviewed: Everlasting pumpkins- 1 day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"A very informative and fun workshop. As a complete beginner when it comes to sculpting Joe and Bob were very helpful and friendly. I felt like I left the venue having made 2 new friends. I would definitely consider doing some more workshops with these 2. Can not recommend enough!"

Stuart Hughes reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"What a fantastic day! From the minute I arrived Steve was on hand to make me feel very welcome and enthused for the day ahead. With safety always at the forefront of his mind he was able to expertly guide me through the entire blade making process from picking the style of blade I wanted through to the finished article. At each stage I was provided with every opportunity to impress my own ideas on the design of the blade. Throughout, Steve was on hand with expert guidance to ensure that the end result would be something I was going to be extremely happy with. The day was also made all the more enjoyable with some engaging chat along the way, in fact I am already looking at when I can book my next course. A really enjoyable day and highly recommended. Thanks Steve."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Stuart I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day so much. It was full on, but we tried some different techniques and a couple of design tweaks that really put your mark on the blade that you created. I'm glad that you're as happy with your finished man blade as I was. I'm sure when you present this to your son that he'll be honoured to call this custom blade his own. I look forward to our next excursion in the workshop. ATB Steve"

Nickey reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Had a fantastic time on the upcycle course. Hannah is friendly, welcoming and a great teacher. She taught us thoroughly one stage at a time which I thought was great! Loved it, would definitely recommend ?☑️"

Tread Softly responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it Nickelle! Your bedside was so cute ? and very creative. Thanks for coming X"

Mark Sanders reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"My son and I have just finished this wonderful course. We were both complete novices to knife making and we started off with a certain degree of apprehension as to whether we would achieve anything vaguely resembling a knife! However this was soon put to rest by the very relaxed.and informal atmosphere in the workshop. Arian is an excellent (and very patient) tutor with a wealth of knowledge and skill which he used to guide us through all the stages of producing our knives. Our confidence soon rose and we became completely immersed in the whole process and enjoyed the plentiful supply of tea and biscuits! Special thanks to Arian for helping my son to incorporate a lambs horn from one of our own sheep into the handle of his knife- a real personal touch. Would have no hesitation in completely recommending this course to anyone no matter what your ability level. You will not be disappointed!!! Many thanks."

Sarah preston reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Had a brilliant day, comfortable and relaxed with a great teacher. Great taster day , I think I have the bug. Hope to attend soon again as Lucy managed the impossible and kept my attention all day!!!!!"

Julie reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"This was a Birthday treat from my children and it was the best fun. With Simon's great sense of humour and 5 happy participants, we all had a fun filled morning combined with learning from a true craftsman. 5 gold starts from me."

Nina reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Family with 3 kids (13,13,10) did a taster course. We were taught how to make a pot on the electric and hand wheel, Louise made it look very easy! She was great with the kids letting them try things and helping try to create what they wanted without taking over. Great experience. Thanks Louise."

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so pleased you all enjoyed your sessions, your pots look great. Well done. Best Wishes, Louise"

Lara reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Attended a two hour Saturday workshop in Clare’s lovely studio, Clare made us welcome straight away and we got stuck into making our own prints. The two hours went by very quickly and the time was well structured with lots of chance to practice and ask questions. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone who enjoys trying out a new activity and Clare was a great teacher."

Kirsti Leljak reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Thank you for today. Really enjoyable experience. Relaxed, fun and great cake! Loved making a ring and having the freedom to be creative. Thank you"

Gill Thomas reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I was nervous initially as I didn't know what to make. Jonathan gave us plenty of time and ideas to help, and I feel really pleased with my creation!"

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!"