Latest reviews

Yvonne reviewed: Make a snowdrop 8" x 4" fused glass light catcher with glass artist Matt Sorrell

"Sarah and I thoroughly enjoyed our Fused Glass class this week. Waiting in anticipation for the results of our labours!!"

Steph reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"What an amazing course, Beverley was an excellent teacher and host. Thoroughly enjoyed learning the basics and very happy with what I managed to achieve in one day. Would certainly recommend this course to anyone interested in glass or learning a new skill. Will be looking to book another course with Beverley in the future."

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"So glad you had a good time - thanks for your lovely review! You are welcome back any time! Oh and I just found your notebook here lol I will keep it safe for next time x"

Philip Jarman reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I took a two day one-to-one course with Alex as a complete beginner and loved every moment. He's patient, funny, skilled and great at communicating his (extensive) blacksmithing skills to others. The work is physical and hot, but so enjoyable and it's great to be able to take home an armload of useful things you've made. Can't recommend it highly enough: as a present for someone or a a treat for yourself."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Philip, Thanks for the great review, much appreciated. Really glad you enjoyed it! Alex"

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

"I treated myself and my husband Jeff to this one day course for our 19th anniversary (which is bronze, well only painted bronze but looks so good). Jo really is a brilliant, clear and friendly tutor who guided a completely non creative Jeff into a great hare artist ! We had a fantastic day, the dogs are so friendly and the studio is modern and bright. I recommend this day to everyone and I will send a few friends and family on it for unique Christmas and birthday gifts. Can’t wait to return and have started saving for a 2 day course."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Lynn! It was a pleasure having you and Jeff here on Saturday ;-) And didn't Jeff do well! I love it when someone say's they are not creative - then go on to pull a hidden talent out of the hat!"

Sevane reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"We had a blast! I absolutely recommend this half-day course to any beginner! I am a woman, with not a lot of strength in my arms and moderately fit, and we came together with a guy friend. We both found it challenging in the arms (don't hesitate to ask for a lighter hammer sooner - 2.5kg was too much for me, but a lighter one was much better!) but oh so satisfying and fun. You get to do each step of the process yourself (except the differential tempering which requires experience). Andy and Dave were super friendly and warm. They explained anything that needed explaining, gave proper demonstrations, answered all our questions; they corrected us and helped us out when necessary. This is a working forge, so most of the time we were left on our own to do our thing (which I really appreciated) but they kept an eye on us and checked in regularly. Sometimes they would rectify whatever needed rectifying, to make sure that, for example, no cracks were going to develop later, ruining our work. I loved the forging bit. Using the belt grinder was a bit more challenging for me because I never used any power tools before, but given time to focus it actually got fun. Overall we ended up super happy and physically tired (in a good way!) and we have a beautiful custom knife that we can show off and use. Also, we had a bit of choice and liberty in the shape of it so our knives don't exactly look the same and that's satisfying. The forge is a fun place to be in, with all the stuff and gear and the music around, and Andy and Dave working on their own projects. The price is very reasonable for the experience and result you get. I recommend this experience to all and especially to women who wonder if they'd like it or if they can do it. For me it was very new and exciting, and I'm sure you'll love it too!"

Gareth Cook reviewed: One day stained glass course

"A fantastic day on the 'foiling' course, set in an inspiring workshop. Hands on skill building from the start, with great advice and professional artistic direction from Cheryl when needed. As a first timer, so impressed with my day's work. Highly recommended."

Christopher Hadley reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Absolutely wonderful course. This is the third course I have done with Ben, having done his stool and chair courses in London. Taking a week out of the city to work intensively on a chair was, however, a totally different experience. The location of the workshop is beautiful, and it really feels like you are away from everything. The workshop offers protection from the inevitable Welsh rain from time to time, while being mostly exposed, allowing you to enjoy the woodland flowers while working! The course is well structured, and the workshop has plenty of good quality tools for everyone to crack on in parallel. Ben is a great tutor - he has a lot of patience and always manages to rescue novice errors! He is a thoroughly nice chap too, and our group got on really well. I did this back in May/June of this year but have only just got around to writing this review. Looking back, this was one of the most fun, peaceful and rewarding weeks of recent years. I'm absolutely delighted with my chair, which will look great in my new flat. I hope to be back one day!"

Bethan Vaughan reviewed: Jewellery workshop for beginners (ring, earrings, pendant or bangle)

"Marion's course was of a very high quality indeed. We were fascinated by her clear modelling of many intricate jewellery-making skills and then found that we were very quickly replicating her techniques ourselves! Marion's close guidance throughout the process was excellent - she was extremely patient and was able to tailor the experience to the individual depending on our preferences. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and were very pleased with the beautiful and unique silver rings we made! What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday!"

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

"Without doubt one of the best courses I have ever been on and highly recommended. Jo's home and studio is beautiful and she is warm, welcoming and friendly - plus a great tutor too! She is brilliant at explaining what will happen, showing you what to do in bite size chunks and then encouraging you to do the work with the bare minimum of help. I never thought I would turn a basic wire skeleton into such a lovely piece of art which has a memento of my late mum enclosed inside. It will forever have a special place in my garden. All six of us were total beginners and we all did incredibly well. Would definitely be happy to go back and make something else another time. Thanks Jo (and Andy, Tula and Mia)."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Annette. Your moon gazing hare is beautiful and I am so pleased it will have a special place in your garden xx"

Lesley reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Thoroughly enjoyable course. Claire is an excellent teacher/host. This is the 2nd course I have attended and will not be the last"

Aunty Kay reviewed: Pottery Christmas decorations/ornaments workshop

"Harriet did an early session of this course for us recently so that we could make some gifts to send to friends and relatives abroad. Harriet was a great teacher and we really enjoyed ourselves. She let us make whatever we wanted but gave us excellent guidance and tuition. It’s amazing what you can make with clay! I can’t recommend Harriet’s courses enough, she’s a great teacher, very patient and quite entertaining too. A very enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Loved it."

Emma Smith reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"What a fabulous day learning natural dyeing with Claudia. I echo all the positive points made by others, and would say that Claudia is an excellent teacher. Everything was prepared meticulously and the day’s lessons were prepared to maximise our learning in the time available. Fabulous resources to take home and enable some alchemy to get going at home straight away! Loved it and a big thank you!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the great review Emma. We're so happy you enjoyed the workshop and feel you can now get going at home! Very best wishes, Claudia"

Aileen Rowe reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I purchased this as a gift for myself, and could not have made a better choice. The venue is is beautiful and very relaxing. Mark and Jill are very friendly, welcoming and generous with their instruction and advice. The whole day was one to remember. I have learnt a set of new skills, and have the confidence now to continue independently. I highly recommend this course."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Aileen, Thank you for taking the time to review the class. We're glad you got so much out of the day. Looking forward to seeing your next spoons. Have fun. ATB Mark, Cristina and Jill"

Kerry Hartigan reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"What a fantastic soap making course. From start to finish, in a beautiful setting, Paula delivers the course in a knowledgeable and friendly manner. You learn the science and art of making soaps and come away with at least 8 bars of your own soap. Adding in afternoon tea makes it a very special session and you don’t go home hungry. Thank you for your hospitality and having me! x"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Kerry!"

Anonymous reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I had a lovely day in Liz's beautiful studio. Liz gave clear instructions and encouragement, I particularly enjoyed exploring colours I wouldn't normally have chosen. I can definitely recommend Liz as a tutor. Jo"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jo, Thanks for taking the time to review your day at The Slipper Studio. Really pleased you enjoyed your day and I feel that exploring 2D work will benefit your felt work in lots of ways. Lovely meeting and working with you. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Melanie K reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"I attended Janet's Roman Blind course (machine sewn). Janet is full of knowledge, and very happy to share it. She has notes and a spreadsheet to take away, so you are able to focus on watching, practising and learning. When I returned home, Janet also emailed additional information to me. During the workshop she knew when I needed a little extra time on some areas, and adapted the workshop to suit. I came away with a blind, and the confidence and skills to have do this myself now. Her work is of a high quality, and exactly what I was looking for. She is patient, friendly and I'm looking forward to the next courses, which I have already booked. Highly recommended, and thank you:)"

Nicola reviewed: Fascinator making Birmingham millinery workshop

"Yes, I absolutely would recommend! Rachel is a brilliant teacher who is generous with her time, is patient and clearly has a great deal of knowledge and skill to offer to students in these workshops. My friend and I attended yesterday and had a wonderful day. It was relaxing and fun, we were made to feel very welcome and were very surprised at what we were able to achieve. I highly recommend these workshops, if you want something fun and different to do, I loved it! ? Thank you Rachel x"

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

"An absolutely wonderful day in a beautiful environment and led by Jo who is such a clever tutor. Jo made sure we all had the help we needed and 6 amazing sculptures were created by 6 people who had not a clue what we were doing at the start. A wonderful day with a special output."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Sally! Everyone has an art genie just waiting to be tickled ;-) I'm sure your Mum will be thrilled with your stunning leaping hare. I'm looking forward to working with you on your full sized standing hare for your own garden."

Debbie reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"My sister, my mum and I had a fantastic time at our jewellery making workshop with Mark yesterday. He was an excellent tutor and we have come away with some lovely pieces of jewellery."

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed your day, you all did fantastic making some tricky pieces of jewellery. Hope to see you again for the intermediate advanced class. Mark"

Tracy Krueger reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Myself and 4 art friends were on holiday from the USA and wanted to participate in some sort of art experience, Jane did not disappoint. Her class, her teaching, her hospitality, her studio and the scenery were top notch! We even saw a double rainbow from her studio. It was pure magic!"

Katherine Cropper reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"What a wonderful day- Phil was a brilliant tutor, he kept it fun and encouraging whist managing to get us all to make curlews - all slightly different, but all looking great. Ideal lunch and lots of tempting cake etc."

Eileen Wykes reviewed: Fascinator making in Wellsborough nr Nuneaton

"A most enjoyable day. The professionalism and overall support given to making the most of the basic techniques to create a fascinator from scratch were excellent. What myself and granddaughter Charlotte thought what was going to be a lot of sewing and time consuming was made easy. The perspective of design and creativity was made endless by the expertise given freely and made simple by Rachel. Would recommend anyone to have a go. Looking forward to the advance course in the new year."

Fay Birtwistle reviewed: Wire wrapped ring workshop

"Wendy and Clive are a lovely couple who greeted us with a warm welcome. The venue, their beautiful house, was just as warm and welcoming and I cannot express just how fantastic the course was. Wendy models techniques so clearly that you feel like you could master anything by the end of it. I loved it and can’t wait to sign up to the next Christmas course. Thank-you for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon!"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Fay, Thank you for your review! We are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop."

Sam Davies reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark ran a short course especially on sharpening gouges. This is the third time I have attended one of Mark's courses. Each one has been superb. As a beginner I have been on a couple of other courses and Mark's beat those hands down. Practical, pragmatic and well paced. As a retired teacher I'm only too well aware of the need to match material to the pupil. In OFSTED parlance he is "Outstanding". I will be back for more."

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

"I attended the beginners course on on Saturday 28th September. I found the course to be really engaging as we got excellent hands on experience making a coat hook and a key ring, the guys are very helpful and friendly. The food was delicious with ample tea and coffee throughout the day. I would definitely recommend this course."