Latest reviews

C Green reviewed: Relief carving & sculpture in hardwood with Alister Neville: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Fantastic course not only for beginners in wood carving, but also for those with more experience. Alister talks you through all the basics, and is on hand to provide guidance, advice and assistance whenever needed. All the required tools were provided, and we even got a lesson on tool sharpening techniques thrown in. I was delighted with what I produced on the day. Catering at the venue was also excellent with tea, coffee, water and homemade lemonade available throughout the day, a tasty, filling 2 course lunch, plus afternoon scones! Highly recommend both this course and the Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns."

Fi Horseman reviewed: Introduction to Natural Dyeing, Mere, Wiltshire

"What a great day and fab venue. Ellie and Claudia made us feel very relaxed and welcome. Nothing was too much trouble. The day was informative and fun. Learning about the amazing colours nature has given us was completely amazing. The day was well balanced with information and hands on experience of natural dyes. I'll definitely be signing up for the weaving course and would highly recommend the natural dyes course as an informative and inspirational day."

Elka responded:

"Hi Fi, thank you so much for the lovely review. Its was great to have you on the workshop and we're so glad you enjoyed the day. Really look forward to seeing you again sometime in the future!"

Sharan reviewed: Silver clay workshop at Hitchin Lavender

"I found this course so interesting. I would highly recommend attending. I enjoyed every aspect and being able to design and create your own piece and take it home that day was amazing. Thank you so much."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review - it is greatly appreciated!"

Claire reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I’ve had such a wonderful day today with you both and have thoroughly enjoyed myself! You were so welcoming and accommodating. You shared your wealth of knowledge and expertise and were able to help me gain (or begin to gain should I say...) the skills and techniques of stained glass and glass fusing. I will definitely be booking onto more of your courses in the near future! Thanks again for a brilliant day!"

Glass By Design responded:

"The taster day you were on with 2 techniques in 1 day is a really great way to introduce you stained & fused glass. We look forward to you coming back!"

Joanne reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"Fantastic, I just love this Dot Art, Milly is lovely and you come away with two pieces, plus lot's of ideas to put into practice when you get home. The Venue is super we even got a tour of the onsite museum from Milly's husband, I would highly recommend going on one of these workshops."

Shirley Rawlings reviewed: Inspired to stitch - a two day fabric collage and handstitch course

"I signed up for this course after joining the Embroiderys Guild and seeing all the lovely, interesting 'modern' embroidery, and wanting to get away from the traditional restrictive embroidery I had done in the past. The description of the course was very clear and encouraging. The welcome I received when attending the first day was warm and very welcoming. It was easy to meet my fellow participants and to feel part of the group (not something I find easy). The resources available were many and inspiring, the notes sent afterwards were extremely thorough and provide a good reference for future work - much appreciated! The guidance given, for all aspects of the course, couldn't be better. Thorough preparation by Amanda meant that the work proceeded at a good pace without feeling rushed or pushed. We could all work at our speed, but felt encouraged to be adventurous in what we were doing. It was a very happy group, we were encouraged to share ideas and talk about what we were doing and wanted to achieve. I can't think of any improvements that could be made in the venue, subject or tutor and have already booked my place on one of Amanda's future courses and will certainly follow happenings at The Prairie Gardens with much interest and anticipation. We need more of this!!!"

Amanda Duke Artist responded:

"Thankyou Shirley. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the course and very much look forward to working with you again. Your flexible approach in interpreting the aims of the course means that you are already on your journey to freeing up in the future. You are a pleasure to work with."

Fiona reviewed: Lakeland Landscape - gouache & mixed media at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park

"I enjoyed my day! The tuition was informative, relaxed and we all received individual help and advice. The venue was comfortable and spacious. The lunch was excellent. I recommend both the course that I attended and the venue"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Fiona. Lovely to meet you and hope to see you again."

Dan Beinart reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"Thanks to Dave and Kaye for a great weekend course. I was so absorbed in what I was doing that it really did take food of the quality Kaye provided to convince me to down tools and take a break. Dave got the balance just right - imparting encouragement and wisdom where needed while also allowing me to explore my own ideas. He also offered helpful advice on the tools and supplies should I want to carry things on at home which needless to say I went straight out and bought."

Rosie Green reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I bought a voucher for my dad so he could throw a pot (I had to keep him company of course!) we had such a great time we booked a second trip to decorate our many pieces, and managed to throw another two large pieces as well! Really lovely space to work in and lovely guy to teach us! Mathew is really easy going and patient, but also makes sure you get the most out of the time you have with him and shows you a range of techniques. So happy with our creations, can't wait to see them fired! 100% recommended :)"

ken russell reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"Good workspace and nicely paced introduction to slate mosaic techniques. I thought the amount of information was spot on and also the unobtrusive help without forcing any ideas, so we were able to progress in our own way. I'm pleased with what I learned and actually made and I am keen to now tackle a larger piece on my own."

Chris Sowden reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"This was a superb day. I thoroughly enjoyed myself across the whole day. Suzanne calmly and patiently took me through the basics which included health and safety. I very quickly began to work with the actual glass, heating it, stretching it and soon produced my first bead. Across the day I was introduced to a number of techniques that helped me to decorate and shape the glass. I had a head full of questions and Suzanne was very willing and able to answer them all. After the day I feel ready to have a go at setting up my own flame working area. This is a great course and I can thoroughly recommend it. Chris Sowden"

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

"I booked this course as a surprise for someone & because it was something different to do. It was an absolutely great day out! we both loved it and were proud of ourselves for what we made. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful throughout the day. Things were explained exceptionally well and it was so much fun to do. Easy to find, lovely food for lunch and relaxed atmosphere. Couldn't ask for anything else!"

Dan reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Really enjoyed our leading workshop from start to finish. Jamal was extremely patient, particularly as we were both novices. We started with an informative and fascinating introduction to stained glass making before embarking on our own designs from the given templates. Very proud of our work and has pride of place in our house! We now have a new-found respect for any stained glass artists! Thanks Jamal - Dan & Sarah"

Maggie Lund reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"What a great day! Linda was very welcoming and showed me some examples of her own work before we stepped out into her workshop, and what a delight that was. It was a treasure trove of colourful tiles, beads, shells, plates, stones and lovely shiny things. Luckily Linda had a folder of mosaic pictures to give me some inspiration and once I had some idea of what to do, she guided me through the process with a relaxed yet informative approach. Making the mosaic was such fun, and it was most enjoyable being creative with Linda to help me. As the end of the session approached, it was apparent that I had to get a move on in order to complete the mosaic. Linda was very encouraging and helped me to be decisive without telling me what to do. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone. Linda has such a wide range of resources and experience. I learnt so much and feel inspired to do more. And yes I did finish it!"

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Maggie for your great review. Your mosaic piece was lovely, you must be proud. I do hope you send me a photo of your mosaic when you have grouted it. No rush though :) Do come again x."

Bob Hornby reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Had a fabulous two days and came away with a proven working longbow! Tony is an excellent tutor, very knowledgeable and offering practical skills where required. The venue is just perfect and even the second days rain didn't dampen anyone's enthusiasm. The group were great and gelled really well, so if you're looking for something different this workshop comes highly recommended. Many thanks to all concerned"

Anita Bugge reviewed: Beaded flower fairy workshops

"I'm from Germany and had the opportunity to attend this course. I knew the fairies from a friend in England. It was really fun to put a fairy together with the help of Scarlett! It took her 6 months to figure out the perfect system how to assemble everything in the perfect way. The workshop was very well sorted, you could pick your favourite colours and beads and everything from little containers. Scarlett was so good and patient at helping and I actually brought home a self made perfect little fairy. I wished I could go there more often. We had a lot of fun."

Scarlets Fairy Folk responded:

"..Oh Anita, Thank you so much for that lovely review. It was a great day and a very special day all round, I remember it well. Germany is not so far from UK. You are welcome back anytime. x"

Jessica reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"I booked a Pottery afternoon for a team of colleagues as a celebration for completing a project. The afternoon was great fun and suitable for all the team. Richard was very accommodating with us all and very enthusiastic and informative teaching us the basics of throwing and hand building. We all learnt a great deal from the session and were all able to make something to take away with us. Would recommend as a great fun team activity!"

Anya reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"This was a wonderful morning learning how to turn wool into a new fabric. Emma is an approachable and friendly teacher who made us feel very welcome and helped guide me through the process with patience and care. I left with a new skill, confident of my knowledge and wanting to do more. Thoroughly recommend this course and tutor."

Rosie reviewed: Silver clay workshop at Hitchin Lavender

"Really well organised, and all the necessary equipment was provided. Pitched at an appropriate level - perfect for beginners and with room to experiment for those who are more confident at using the material. Tuuli was friendly and encouraging. It was lovely to be able to take wearable jewellery home."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much Rosie. I'm so glad to hear this and really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review."

Tazreen Kassim-Lowe reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"I have never been so proud of a product I have made. I really enjoyed the process ; every step was extremely intentional and meant that a very meaningful piece was created in the end. Tuuli was kind, calm and patient as a teacher. I hope to take part in more of her courses in the future."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop and look forward to welcoming you to future ones!"

Jacky Elliott reviewed: Silver clay workshop at Hitchin Lavender

"An interesting, well run workshop. It was fascinating to see the variety of pieces that the group made. Tuuli is an enthusiastic and inspirational tutor with clear instruction. A very enjoyable evening."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for your lovely review."

Victor Spence reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"After a warm welcome with a cup of tea in Kerry’s homely and very productive kitchen, a deeply enjoyable morning of learning unfolded with a very good teacher. Kerry’s knowledge and expertise is truly outstanding. She definitely knows her stuff and has wonderfully chosen to share it. Kerry learnt the world and business of candle making the hard way, that many people are greatly benefiting from now. Her learning was through trial and error and through testing, testing and more testing. Kerry also has significant gift and homeware retail business experience that informs her own candle business. The Can to Candle business course is thorough and you’ll receive all you need to know to get going with confidence. The course notes and Kerry’s sharing is so good that I can hardly believe what I received for the money. I highly recommend this fantastic course! It’s unbelievable value for money so book immediately."

Marian Abdilla reviewed: Glass mosaic with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"I attended several of Pauline workshops. I found that all of them were delivered in a logical and professional manner. Pauline did give the small group (all her workshops were limited to 6 places) some historical and technical information prior to the commencement of the practical element of the courses. Pauline created a friendly environment and was always on hand to offer help and advice. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and I came away feeling that I had gained valuable knowledge and the inspiration to commence some projects on my own and I highly recommended any of Pauline courses"

Marian Abdilla reviewed: Stained glass with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"I attended several of Pauline workshops. I found that all of them were delivered in a logical and professional manner. Pauline did give the small group (all her workshops were limited to 6 places) some historical and technical information prior to the commencement of the practical element of the courses. Pauline created a friendly environment and was always on hand to offer help and advice. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and I came away feeling that I had gained valuable knowledge and the inspiration to commence some projects on my own and I highly recommended any of Pauline courses"

Marian Abdilla reviewed: Christmas Fused Glass Gifts and Decorations

"I attended several of Pauline workshops. I found that all of them were delivered in a logical and professional manner. Pauline did give the small group (all her workshops were limited to 6 places) some historical and technical information prior to the commencement of the practical element of the courses. Pauline created a friendly environment and was always on hand to offer help and advice. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and I came away feeling that I had gained valuable knowledge and the inspiration to commence some projects on my own and I highly recommended any of Pauline courses"