Latest reviews

Jane Gale reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"What a brilliant day! Booked the one day pendant and Earring workshop for a special friend’s 50th birthday. We both wanted something that would occupy our heads as well as our hands. With no previous experience, to go home at the end of the day with a pendant and a set of earrings in both silver and copper, that I will feel proud to wear, was amazing. Jolene got the balance so right in terms of using her expertise to guide, support and encourage us to ‘have a go’. Her people skills are brilliant and this relaxed social atmosphere made the day both enjoyable and productive. Learning that she has had whole family's doing her bangle workshop and participants being as young as five; this will definitely be my Christmas present for my two grandchildren. I would like to do some of her afternoon course sessions to learn more. Thank you so much. Jane"

Ian reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"Gareth is “as mad as a box of frogs”! Like a box of frogs, he is fascinating, pleasing, natural, constantly in motion and bright green (well not that last one..). He is a unique individual with a true passion for teasing art, emotion and life-like movement out of wood and stone and other inanimate things like you and I. I had the privilege of spending several days with Gareth and tackling a more complex project which I have brought home to complete. It strikes me I have probably packed months of experience in what we christened “co-carving” where Gareth would demonstrate, I would try to repeat, he would adjust/fix and so on until I found I was actually producing results that were very (very) pleasing. I can thoroughly recommend Gareth, his amazing house, his very tasty cooking and even his choice of biscuits to you. Bring a Sat-Nav and enjoy your journey to middle-earth, once you are there you’ll realise it was worth the effort."

Lesley Shedden reviewed: Landscape photography workshop Dumfries & Galloway

"As an absolute beginner, this course was a perfect introduction to landscape photography. Derek was incredibly patient, very clear in his explanations and instructions and made sure that I had the opportunity to use my camera in a range of locations and therefore using a range of settings which I now understand. It was a very relaxed course, very much at my pace and Derek made sure I understood why my camera settings needed adjusting or if I’d managed to get them correct. The locations we visited were perfect and the lovely weather helped - though I will need to get out earlier if I want the perfect shot! I now need to practice and then sign up for my next course! Many thanks for a great introductory session - highly recommended for anyone in this position who wants to learn more but not in a classroom."

Anna McAlinden reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"We had heard great comments about the courses that Toni delivers and we were not disappointed with the outcome of the three and a half hours spent with her. Lucy - our daughter (and fifteen school friends) were guided through the entire process from initial design, colour selection, choice of gems and firing. At the end of the enamelling session all 16 eleven year olds had created a unique ‘memory’ to treasure when moving up to secondary school. I have to confess that myself and another adult could not resist joining in and are both delighted with our end results. Toni - we will definitely be coming back!"

Adrienne Rashford reviewed: Online textile surface pattern design workshop

"I did this course online, which was excellent. Doing a tutorial a week at a mutually agreed time meant I had time to practice techniques between lessons and produce a great body of work."

Cheese + Pickles Design Studio / Henry Hedgepodge Academy responded:

"Thank you so much! Please send me photos of the curtains when they're up. Stay in touch. Debs"

ANNETTE PURKIS reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"Had a lovely time learning modern calligraphy using nib and ink, which was a first for me. Sunita explained each step carefully so no previous experience was needed. Now it's just practice, practice, practice....."

Sarah reviewed: Tree stump planter workshop - sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"Bob and Joe are brilliant teachers and have designed a course that teaches you how to use this great medium, and come out of it with a pretty much completed piece. I would highly recommend this course, and in fact any of their courses"

Suzanne S reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"Hey Lyn, Had a fabulous time and loved working with you!!! Your enthusiasm for encaustic has rubbed off and I can’t wait to get my “studio” up and running. Thanks for sharing all your tips and tricks with me."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop responded:

"Great to meet you Suzanne, I hope you set up your Studio and get fusing soon!! Take care Lyn"

Tim Taylor reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a stimulating and creative day today with George Foweraker teaching me the essential theory and basic practice of woodturning. George is clearly a master craftsman and he instilled a lot of confidence in me as a complete rookie. His workshop is well equipped and safe and we had regular breaks for drinks and snacks and lunch at the halfway mark. Ending up with a bowl to bring home was a bonus and the offer of help with further advice and tuition most welcome. Highly recommended for anyone who is thinking about getting into the discipline of woodturning or who like me just wanted to try something new."

Kirsten reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended a two day dog workshop and had a fantastic time. She was so welcoming, a great teacher and attentive with drinks and refreshments offered from start to finish. I would recommend her courses to anyone who is starting out or even if you want to improve on certain elements which I wanted to. I came away with new skills and a dog which I am very proud of. I would love to come back in the future!"

All Things Felt & Beautiful responded:

"Thanks SO much Kirsten. You made such a great replica of lovely Blake - keep up the good work :)"

Paula Williamson reviewed: Introduction to silk painting - workshop at The Mulberry Shed

"Just received my silk scarf and sample created at Sheila's course last week at her delighful home and studio. I am a complete novice but was able to create an attractive scarf from the wonderful tuition and encouragement given by Sheila at the course. I now have a lovely memento of the day. It has also inspired me to try more courses in the future. Thank you again for a lovely day."

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

"Had a brilliant day on the introduction to glass fusing course. Beverley is a patient and excellent tutor, generous with both sharing her knowledge and hospitality. If you are considering learning about working with glass, creating some beautiful artwork and having fun at the same time, give her course a go. You won’t be disappointed."

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Milla! It was great to have you on the course and you made some beautiful glass - it's just on it's way to the couriers now!! Glad you had a great day :0)"

Anne Boyle reviewed: Raku pottery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"Received a friendly welcome to the beautiful and comfortable venue-great facilities. Hadn't done any pottery before and was a bit apprehensive but the course leader flexi-ed activities to allow more experienced participants to expand tasks as he supported the various ability levels. Glazing our pots on the second day then waiting to see how the firing affected the finished effect was exciting and absorbing. Lunch on both days was delicious (as was the range of cake!) Would highly recommend Cowshed Creative Raku pottery course."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Many thanks for such positive comments and hope to see you again soon."

Nic and Rose reviewed: Relaxed introduction to soft pastels. Includes £55 worth of unison pastels to take home

"We are a mum and daughter (12 years old) and we went for the day to Heather as an early Christmas present. We had a fantastic time. Heather was an excellent teacher. She explained things clearly, showed us different methods and gave us time to develop our skills. She was patient and encouraging. We chatted and had lots of laughs as well as some quiet times of deep concentration! Both my daughter and I produced a picture we were happy to hang on the wall even though we had never worked with pastels before (and I am not artistic by nature at all!). I would recommend Heather to anyone. She was also really helpful in recommending pastels and paper etc which I would never have found on my own. Family bought us pastels etc as Christmas presents which have led to many more happy hours. Don't allow fear of not being good enough stop you from doing this as I nearly did. Whatever your ability, Heather will make your day enjoyable and leave you feeling proud of your work."

Lesley Chalwin reviewed: 1 to 1 Beginners Crochet and beyond - East Grinstead

"I had not crocheted for many years and could remember the basics but that was about it. Nicole is a fantastic teacher. Patience of a saint! There were about 8 of us, all needing help along the way. Nicole is very knowledgeable and gives you back your confidence and understanding about the stitches. Nicole also sells a variety of wool too which is very helpful. This class is done in her home and there is a warm and friendly welcome of tea and biscuits ? I highly recommend her if like me you are in need of a brush up!"

Liz Hannam reviewed: Wet felting workshop: introduction to 3D construction for Bowls, Pods and Bags in Henstridge near Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"Earlier this year I attended one of Sally’s needle felting courses and loved it! Last Saturday a friend and I did the wet felting course and loved it equally as much! Sally is a wonderful teacher, very patient and encouraging, with a really good sense of humour! We all went home with a picture, a small pot and a bowl ( mine not really a bowl but a nice piece of felt!!) I would definitely recommend Sally’s courses and will be booking more in the future. Thank you Sally."

Vanessa Gordon reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"This class is a great start, I have felt encouraged and have learned a lot. Ideal for beginners as well as returners, lovely atmosphere, and you come away with a sense of achievement every time."

Jude Freeman reviewed: Tap into tapestry: 2 day course - suitable for beginners and experienced weavers alike

"This two day course was exciting and innovative whilst covering basic techniques for a beginner. Alana is a highly skilful and inspiring tutor who was sensitive to our individual learning styles and interests. She is generous with her knowledge and introduced us to the work of several practitioners that she realised would be of interest. The weaving studio is a pleasant environment and the atmosphere was focused but also informal. We were made to feel very welcome. Thoroughly recommended !"

Lesley Jean Wootton reviewed: Relaxed introduction to soft pastels. Includes £55 worth of unison pastels to take home

"What brilliant days these are with Heather. I love going and will be booking again soon. She is extremely patient and I have learnt so much. I didn't know I could do so much with pastels. I am really enjoying experimenting by myself as Heather really knows how to pass on her knowledge in ways that can be understood easily. It's a fun day from start to finish and in a beautiful location. Laughter and learning go very well together in Heather's workshop."

Judith Foster reviewed: Introduction to silk painting - workshop at The Mulberry Shed

"A lovely peaceful and stress free day in the quiet of Sheila’s lovely studio and home. Sheila is knowledgable about her subject and teaches the subject well. This is a relaxed class not necessarily needing any artistic skills to produce a lovely piece of work to be proud of and remember the day by. Classes are small so attention is plentiful should you need the help and guidance. Very enjoyable and unhesitatingly I would recommend. Thankyou Sheila."

Tracey Spivey reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"Phil is fantastic, he explains everything really well and demonstrates what you are going to do. He is full of inspiration and offers hands on help. Really enjoyed the taster session and am hooked now. Will most definitely book another course and would recommend everyone to have a go"

Phil Madley responded:

"Thank you Tracey, too kind. I am so glad you enjoyed yourselves. It means a lot to me. Cheers Phil."

Merilyn Taplin reviewed: Art & Spa painting retreat lessons at The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"I booked this course as I’d become dispirited with my painting. The course is run by two lovely people, in a comfortable hotel with good food and friendly, but efficient personnel. Vicki’s enthusiasm and teaching has reignited my enthusiasm for watercolour painting. It was fun, but very informative and I have no hesitation in recommending this course to all abilities, including beginners. I’ll be returning."

Manjari reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"I had a really good class with Charlie. She’s patient, friendly and such a positive person. She gave lots of pointers to make the craft enjoyable while creating it and directed me to make it as perfect as possible. I’d definitely recommend it if you want to spend an hour or two creating something simple and feeling relaxed while doing it. Her place is also a very short walk from the beach, so you can continue relaxing by the seaside after!"

Fiona Moosavi reviewed: Make a silver ring: one-to-one workshop

"I highly recommend this course it is fun, value for money, exciting and very creative. Ange's passion for silver smithing/jewellery making shines through. She is very knowledgeable and is keen to share her knowledge of the process. She gives you some guidance but allows you to express your artistic flair during the process of making the rings. Ange patiently and clearly explained each step and then it was over to me to have a go, which I loved. Where extra support and help was needed she gladly helped out and the help was gratefully received. I love the fact I made three silver rings and wear them with pride. The 'she cave' is an amazing and comfortable space and I was warmly welcomed into it. I hope Ange expands her offerings as I would love to do another course. Very inspirational, thanks so much for the course. Fiona x"

Jeanette Wright reviewed: Glove making workshop

"Had 3 tremendous days! So much concentration. I had not realised how many pieces go in to one glove. The venue was great, it just a pity it is so far from home. Vajira is very knowledgable about her craft. I could perhaps have done with one or two more days tuition."

Peiris Designs responded:

"Hi Jeanette, THanks you very much for coming a long way to do the workshop. I'm glad you enjoyed. Your gloves are beautiful. The intricate stitching is amazing. I'd love to see you make more and please send me some pictures. We can definitely do few more days if you like in X'mas gift workshop, in November. Looking forward to hear what Elise think about them. Many thanks!"