Latest reviews

Michael Adkinson reviewed: A Workshop in Acrylic Techniques

"This course was exactly what I was hoping for. Shirley provided expert guidance in a relaxed atmosphere. I arrived as a complete novice, having absolutely no experience of acrylics and left eager to carry on. It was a day well spent and with the bonus of taking place in a beautiful Wolds setting."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I thought you were very good with acrylics.You looked to have been using them for a while. I hope to see you again when you want to come to another workshop. Stay safe and positive. Shirley"

Hazel Fisher reviewed: Needle felt a blue tit (Midday on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays)

"What a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours- in the (zoom) company of a lovely group of people and a friendly, knowledgeable and supportive tutor. I shall be signing up to any future courses run by Gwen and recommending them to any willing to listen!"

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Hazel, thank you so much for your lovely review! It was such a pleasure meeting you and I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it. Hopefully see you again at some point :)."

Sanket reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"Gaynor is an excellent tutor, but she's also a wonderful human. She has a great eye for detail, she can point out and guide on your mistakes even in an online class. I enjoyed my calligraphy sessions with Gaynor. Thanks Gaynor & see you soon ?."

Gaynor Goffe responded:

"Many thanks Sanket, hope you can keep going with it all !!!!!!"

Clair Payne reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Did an afternoon taster session and made 3 pots. Loved it! Packed a lot in to the afternoon. Jack was incredibly patient and attentive with everyone and gave very clear instruction. Would definitely try and do another. Great fun and learned a lot considering I had never been on a wheel before. Nice coffee too!"

Kirsten Whiteley reviewed: 'Clay as a Canvas' glaze decoration workshop in Tenterden, Kent

"I always love Kate's workshop. They are well organised, and Kate's careful preparation means everything you need is readily available, so you can focus on creating with clay in a safe and relaxing environment. She is a thoughtful and inspiring teacher/potter, passionate about sharing her enthusiasm for ceramics. Clay as a canvas focused on using a variety of glazes and exploring a range of techniques that can be used on mainly unfired but also fired clay. I found it really useful to just experiment with the glazes with the added benefits of working with others doing the same!"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"H Kirsty. Thanks for the kind and helpful feedback. It was good to see all the students experimenting with the underglaze colours onto leather hard clay and really pushing the materials to see what could be achieved. It is a really versatile technique and helps to get colour onto the pieces at an early stage, so I am glad that you enjoyed the process."

Dan Hipkiss reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish, and the final product is way beyond anything I could have expected. Having seen what other people have made with different courses, I'm totally pleased that we made the right decision here. I cannot recommend this highly enough."

Margaret Stonham reviewed: Relief Texture and Colour on Clay

"I really enjoyed the relief textureand colour on clay workshop.It was just the tonic needed at this time and I've already made some blank items ,ready to explore the technique further.The Cowshed was a stunning venue,but Kate's organisation,encouraging teaching style and attention to Covid safety detail made it a brilliant morning.Thank you ,I hope to return ?"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Hi Margaret I am so pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. It's great that you have made some blank pieces so that you can continue experimenting with wax erosion. Feel free to email or call me if you want any tips or advice. Thanks for the lovely review and I hope to see you at another workshop soon."

Daniel Rimmer reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Had a brilliant 5 hour session forging a knife & bottle opener. Never done anything like this before but after watching forged in fire on repeat my wife booked me in as a surprise. Richard was a hands on instructor, very helpful and welcoming. I hope to be back down at the forge again in the future."

David reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Signed up for the two day course as I was in the area and to try something new.. .. not sure I had expectations of making something so professional looking With Bec’s support and guidance I created an amazingly professional bag that is certainly eye catching and doesn’t look hand crafted but yet is fully unique I would certainly recommend the course and finding time to attend a workshop.. .. but leave room for me to attend another couple yet!!!"

AMANDA TAYLOR reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Have just completed a weekend course with RJ Leather. Can absolutely recommend to anyone who already works with leather or just wants a fun weekend learning a new skill. Rebecca is lovely, very talented and very patient! Can't wait to do another one"

Ellie Sandall reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"My mum and I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours with Richard, learning how to use a potter's wheel- neither of us had used one for years so we were both complete novices. We both managed to create three pots- not perfect but with their own rustic charm! We're looking forward to glazing our pots in the near future and then they'll take pride of place in our houses. Thank you for a lovely morning!"

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks Ellie, I am glad you and your mum enjoyed the throwing session. I look forward to helping you finish your rustic pieces."

Louise reviewed: 2 day jewellery/silversmithing course - all materials provided

"Loved my two days on the jewellery course with Sue. As a complete beginner I learnt so much , and am really keen now to use the skills and carry on creating. Sue is super organised, patient and helpful and obviously extremely proficient in her field. There is a lovely atmosphere in the studio and we were made to feel so welcome. Thanks so much Sue, I will definitely be coming again ! L xx"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Louise, I loved your focus and it was really nice to have you in the Studio. You have made excellent progress on your silversmithing journey! It would be lovely to have you here again so you can work on a more complex piece. Take care, best wishes, Sue"

Penny Roberts reviewed: Mosaic Craft Kit - Roman Style Coaster Kit - Set of 4

"Really enjoyed making these mats. It was the first time I had worked on a mosaic and it was great fun. The kit arrived really quickly and was beautifully packaged. The instructions were easy to follow. Only difficulty was choosing the colour design. Would highly recommend for a complete beginner."

Montet Designs responded:

"Hi Penny I'm so pleased to hear you've enjoyed creating your first mosaics! :) Thanks for your lovely feedback. Audrey"

Sarah Pendred reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing taster

"A really enjoyable morning spent learning a new skill. Richard was very patient and spent plenty of time demonstrating techniques and giving help and advice individually. Enjoyable and absorbing."

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks for the review Sarah, a pleasure to see yo here. Glad you enjoyed your visit."

Rhiannon reviewed: Wax Melt Workshop Online

"Really fun and engaging session! It was well-presented and easy to understand, plus Sharon was happy to answer any questions we had. I also appreciated getting so much of the equipment and materials posted for the session, since now I can make more in the future :)"

Nigel Palmer reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I spent a most rewarding and educational day with Bill yesterday. I have been turning bowls for a short while and had reached the limit of my self taught skills. Bill was able to show me how to improve upon my technique and produce stunning results. This he did in a friendly and patient way, taking time to explain but not being pedantic. Bill also spent time showing me how to get the best edge on my gouges and chisels which also boosted my confidence. Bills intelligence and engineering background stand him in good stead and he is a natural teacher. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending one of Bill's courses for anyone at any level who wants to learn a new skill or develop existing skills. A thoroughly enjoyable day and excellent value for money."

Bruce Cottrill reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"An absolutely brilliant day! Mark is a highly skilled craftsman but he's obviously passionate about passing on his skills, and does so in a friendly, patient way! He has a well equipped workshop, and goes through all aspects of wood turning, including safety, tool selection and maintenance, types of wood and how to handle them. He followed up the day with lots of useful information, and I ended up with a beautiful wood bowl ... with which I'm well pleased! Thanks Mark for a great day and a great learning experience. I can't wait to get turning!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Bruce. Hope you get that lathe soon."

Sue Smith reviewed: Delayed course 5 week course: 28th April. Drawing and Painting in the Garden Watercolours Pen/Pencils. There are limited places left.

"Great morning painting with Shirley. She is professional and very knowledgeable, kind and patient. She took time to demonstrate, teach, encourage and praise throughout the morning. Covid aware and secure. Great classmates ensured a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended- can’t wait til my next class!"

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Wow! Thanks for the great review Sue. I'm sure you will make friends with the others as you fitted in so well. Shirley"

Angela reviewed: Quilt in a Day, one-to-one course with Amanda Jane Ogden

"What a great day! Very patient teacher with a novice and full of tips and tricks. Everything planned perfectly so I went home with a great mini quilt, having tried the techniques needed to make a full size one. One to one teaching means you have someone making suggestions and sharing expertise all day and so learn quickly. Aftercare great too- follow up email with more tips and a newsletter and advice re suppliers. Feel I’ve taken a leap forward and have the confidence to get started on my own!"

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Dear Angela, Thank you for your review. I am delighted that you are now launched on your quilting journey! Amanda"

Robin Mersh reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I spent a great day today on a Blacksmith experience run by Chris The Smith, at his new forge at Earlswood Garden centre. Chris is a natural teacher, he really knows his stuff, and breaks things down into manageable stages which are easy to follow – all backed up by physical examples of what he means, and what good looks like. I was really impressed about how well thought out everything was, allowing even a complete novice like me to start getting results immediately. Chris is very patient, but doesn’t miss a thing, (eye on the ball at all times). He makes sure that you get the best results you are capable of, and I’m proud of the knife and key-ring I made. It was a full day, and a bit tiring, but very very worth it! Both the course and the end products really exceeded my expectations, and I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. 10/10"

Jo Pappenheim reviewed: 'Clay as a Canvas' glaze decoration workshop in Tenterden, Kent

"Kate’s course was both relaxing and inspiring. She has a great way of teaching you without feeling like you need to remember. Everything feels very experiential and fluid. I always learn so much from Kate because her experience of working with clay is very extensive but also because she really wants to see each person grow as an artist. I can’t wait to see how my glazes have turned out once fired and hope to be able to attend another course very soon"

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Thanks for your feedback, Jo. It was so rewarding to see your designs and clay pieces develop over the course of just one day. It was a very productive session all round. I will be glazing the pieces next week and returning them to you soon. It would be great to see you at another workshop!"

Gemma Harrop reviewed: Enamel Jewellery Taster with Rachel

"Myself, my mum and my 5 year old daughter spent the morning doing an enamelling workshop with Rachel. We enjoyed every second of it. Rachel was able to adapt for my daughter and explained the process so well. We were all so pleased with the results and the surroundings were just beautiful. We will definitely be back. X"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Gemma. You are lovely and so kind. You all did so well and it was an absolute pleasure. Look forward to seeing you again. Rach x"

Sheran Van Der Merwe reviewed: Introductory course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"What a wonderful day I had earlier this week at Chris's one day felt making workshop. Made to feel very welcome and just loved her studio and that we could make something that I wanted. I can't wait to make lots more pieces and feel I now have the confidence to carry on. Fantastic hospitality, lovely lunch and a wonderful bed and breakfast recommended by Chris. Would love to come again and bring a friend."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you so much Sheran. I really enjoyed it too. I do hope I'll be seeing you again .Come and explore the Forest, and make sure you bring along any pieces that you've make!"

Dawn Hobbs reviewed: Wax Melt Workshop Online

"As a beginner it would have been useful to know where and what products to buy"

Beehive Wellbeing responded:

"Thank you for our 4 stars Dawn, I am glad you enjoyed the workshop. I am unsure if you lost internet connection when we discussed the products we were using and where to buy them. We discussed the weight and percentage of both the wax and the fragrance oil you were using, including the minimum and maximum load of fragrance. We discussed the benefits of different waxes and had demonstrations of the different waxes available and how they react differently. We discussed where you can buy them, including reading the reviews. We also chatted about moulds where I had bought mine including the site and the types of designs available as well as the downside of less solid designs. If you do have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to come back to us. We have a gold rating for our workshops with craft courses and always aim to provide a good service."

Namita reviewed: Fun creative workshop!- Stained Glass Express (Half- Day)

"It has been an amazing experience to create something with my childhood friend. She is an amazing teacher with so much creativity. I made the paw as a gift for a friend who just got a puppy. I am very happy with what I was able to make in just 4 hours. The half day workshop is perfect to get away from the usual routine and be able to complete something that I could take home. I was given all the materials, equipment and training. I was taught different techniques and I could choose which one I was most comfortable with."

GlassSeasons responded:

"thank-you, glad you enjoyed the workshop:)"