Latest reviews

Paul Murray reviewed: Green wood chair making in Suffolk

"Had a fabulous five days last week with Stewart learning and making my very own chair. Went with the other half Sarah, and our dog Delilah and stayed nearby, the course was really friendly and we all enjoyed ourselves with the two other students. Fin made us very welcome and we got a lovely lunch each day courtesy of Belle. I honestly did not believe I was capable of producing a piece of functional furniture that I am very proud of. All four students produced their own wonderful chair. The course allows you to work with all the tools and materials that are needed to produce a chair that is unique and beautiful. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anybody interested in furniture making."

Jan walker reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"Laura was totally inspiring and gave so much information and knowledge on the day. As she only has a very small group of four this enabled us all to have as much of her time with each of us as necessary. She also provided the most excellent afternoon tea to enhance the wonderful day of watercolour painting. Thank you so much Laura."

Lesley Doyle reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"As a photographer, there is the creative flow of taking, processing, cropping and printing a photograph, but attending Lynne's excellent course reinforced emphatically for me that mounting is another essential part of that creative flow, and one not to be neglected or handed over to a framing shop! Lynne is an excellent teacher, attentive and responsive to the needs of her students, and I was very pleased indeed to take home my mounted work at the end of the day to show off. The day was well structured, with good notes and demonstrations moving quickly on to preparing and cutting mounts ourselves, we were so engrossed and caught up in it we lost track of time! An excellent day, and very pleased indeed that I attended."

Marianne Browning reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I loved every minute of this 2 day weekend course. Philip is an excellent teacher with endless patience and enthusiasm and he helped me every step of the way. I managed to complete my project in the two days, and am so pleased with the result. I was looking for a course where I could work on my own project rather than everyone working on the same footstool or drop in chair seat, and this definitely fitted the bill. I thoroughly recommend this course - so much so that I have booked another one. I met some lovely new like-minded people working on completely different projects, with different levels of experience and I found that this added an extra dimension to the weekend. Tip: choose something very simple for a first project. I was amazed at how many steps were involved even for my simple chair seat."

Kathryn Rawlinson reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Jo is such a great instructor with an obvious super passion for the craft which comes across in her teaching. This was my second course and again I loved it. The atmosphere in the studio is just lovely, I always feel very welcome. I have learnt so much and look forward to my next course. I would recommend without hesitation to anyone looking to book a course with Jo. Kathryn"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thank you Katheryn! a lovely review: ) and a gorgeous basket you wove too!! Joe. xxx"

Gill Harrison reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Relaxed friendly atmosphere. Adela offered just the right balance of guidance and freedom to explore. The day flew by and the three of us in my group all loved the experience."

Louise James reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"I spend such an enjoyable day with Liz learning about experimental printing techniques. I was a little worried at first that I might not be able to create design that I liked or execute the printing well enough but I needn't have worried as Liz soon put me at ease and her excellent preparation meant that there was plenty of inspiration to start me off. Liz took me gently through mark making and various printing techniques in logical and achievable steps interspersed with lovely coffee and biscuits in airy and inspirational surroundings...and Bert the cat is simply adorable! By the end of the day I left the Slipper Studio with an arm full of beautiful prints, a smile on my face and a mind full of ideas for future projects at home. Thank you Liz!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to review your day. Really pleased that you enjoyed your workshop and felt supported throughout the day. I loved your choice of colours. Hope you have time to plan some new ideas. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Rachael Fairbrother reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"I really enjoyed my day brushing up on the techniques I already have and then moving onto learning new techniques. Nigel is very knowledgeable and teaches with great enthusiasm, I came away feeling I had achieved so much and am already booked for next date!"

Robin Felton reviewed: Spoon carving - a one day course in North Cornwall

"The most enjoyable and rewarding day I have had for a long time. The instruction was excellent from knowledgeable and skilled trainers who were patient and supportive throughout the day. I would recommend this day to anyone interested in learning this fantastic skill."

Maria reviewed: Felted handbag / handwarmers workshop at the Heron Corn Mill in Beetham

"Excellent course. Very pleased with my lampshade. Erika is an excellent teacher. I’d recommend this course, I hadn’t done any felting before, thoroughly enjoyed it."

Ian reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"Great value for money and nice to come away with a cushion cover that was finished and ready to use in one day. Ria is lovely. Lots of help, lots of encouragement and lots of tea!"

Helen reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I really enjoyed my asymmetrical basket course with Joe at Creative with Nature. I'm thrilled with my basket. Joe is really friendly, helpful and enthusiastic. She's an excellent teacher and patient too. Thoroughly recommended."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Lovely review! Thank you Helen. Joe. xxx"

EMMA COTTRILL reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"A thoroughly enjoyable workshop. Emma was a fantastic, engaging teacher and her passion for the craft was infectious. I'm so glad I went and would highly recommend."

Nancy Archer reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Enjoyed my first Batik course so much...I came back for a 2nd...enjoyed so much..I’m thinking of doing a 3rd ?"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you. It was lovely to teach you again Nancy. You have a natural talent and colour sense, I will look forward to teaching you in the future :-). Maybe try the crackle glaze!"

Amie reviewed: 'Accelerate' 1 day course- Complete candlemaking business development and creation

"Well, where do I start.....? From booking right through to the course day, Zaga’s communication was perfect! I couldn’t wait to meet her and start my new adventure. Having arrived at her Studio in the fabulous Chelsea, first impressions of Zaga did not disappoint. Warm, welcoming but completely professional and not to mention inspiring. The course itself is very well structured with plenty of time to be creative. I had time to discuss my business ideas and seek advice also. Zaga is so knowledgeable and really gets you to immerse yourself in the scent/perfume element of the course. It gave me all of the tools I needed to go home and kickstart my candle business. I left there feeling empowered, excited and very supported. And the support doesn’t stop at 5pm on the course day, Zaga is very invested in you/me as her pupil and I have had many dealings with her since, seeking advice and knowledge as my business moves closer to launch. I will always remain in touch now. I feel very lucky to have met her and to have attended this amazing, one of a kind course. Thank you Zaga, I will be forever grateful for your expertise and guidance."

Melanie Louise reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Great course! So pleased with my asymmetrical basket. Joe is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable, calm and she has such a passion for her craft. Her love of weaving is really inspiring and she explains the complexities of willow weaving and basketry in a really accessible way. Highly recommended."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"Really glad you enjoyed the weekend Melanie and a great basket you wove! Thanks so much for sharing the pictures with me: ) Joe. xxx"

Janis Tait reviewed: Table making course - Scottish Highlands

"I can’t recommend this course highly enough. From start to finish it is well run and Aaron is calm and patient and demonstrates his enthusiasm for all things wood in his work and in his words. Working with green wood is one of the most satisfying things I have done. It’s relaxing almost meditative work and to end the course with a beautiful table is more than I could have hoped for. I think Aaron’s courses should be considered as an essential antidote to all the negativity pervading life today. I have enrolled on another already."

Linda Hardingham reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"I thoroughly enjoyed the screen printing day, it was definitely worth the hour and a half journey both ways. Ria is a very patient teacher and I learnt a lot, and I have a lovely cushion cover sitting on my sofa now! I now have lots of ideas for future printing projects thanks to Ria."

Claire Goldby reviewed: Pottery for beginners in Norfolk

"What a great day,the venue was just perfect, plenty of space to do the class, and the content was easy to follow and take part in. Facilities were great, tea and coffee on tap and a super home made lunch, the host made everyone feel very welcome. A great way to de-stress and learn something new, a real treat. CJ"

Mark Barnes reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I should have completed this course in the winter but was unable to due to a minor virus. I was therefore very pleased that Jo allowed me to re- book on this spring one day course making a bread basket. It was my first attempt at willow weaving, after many years ago making cane baskets with wooden bases, with children. I wanted to experience the process of making a willow basket from scratch, with just the willow. I found the whole process very varied, interesting and mind consuming. Once can see why it was used as an early form of therapy and why Jo emphasised that it was a piece of technology. I found it a difficult process but Jo was always there to calmly guide me through my problems. My basket isn't perfect but it sits proudly on my kitchen table full of fruit. I now look at all the many and varied baskets in my house with an increased respect for their makers."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review mark glad you enjoyed the day. joe. xx"

Bex Silvester reviewed: Burnt Fen Alpacas - Amazing Alpacas Spinning and Weaving Workshop

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough! My friend and I attended, completely new to both spinning and weaving. We had the best time. The location on the first day is just lovely...relaxed, beautiful and really up close and personal with the stunning alpacas. The second day is spent in central Norwich in a wonderfully calming and very happy studio. Annie and Julia are kind, patient, and fun hosts with excellent knowledge and really good teaching skills. The course takes you from spinning your own alpaca wool (you will know exactly which darling one loaned you the fleece ;)) to making your very own woven book cover. The meals provided were delicious too. Go...don't hesitate. ;)"

Elaine Hayes reviewed: Crochet for Beginners and Improvers

"Kathy was incredibly patient with me and helped me develop my technique at my own pace. At the end of the session I was able to read a basic pattern and crochet blanket squares so really pleased - thanks Kathy!"

Kath's Crafts responded:

"Thanks Elaine. You were a great pupil! Thanks for your hospitality."

angus reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I arrived with a fair amount of pole-lathe turning experience but new to bowls. The intention was to learn enough to be able to build a new lathe or adapt my lathe and turn bowls myself. Ade was brilliant at getting concepts and processes across, demonstrating at logical stages, and then monitoring our efforts and providing guidance where necessary. The day which ran from 09.30 to 17.00 was hard work but great fun. Ade is very relaxed and sympathetic, generous with advice, sharing information and ready to answer questions however biff they might be.... I was able to use one of Ade's lathes a couple of days later to turn another bowl which provided timely and most valuable reinforcement of the key elements taught on the course - elements that might have disappeared with time. All round a cracking day."

Lizzie Dyer reviewed: Grow climate change savvy, low-cost edibles

"I went to this course with my mum last year and we had an absolutely fantastic day. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Kim treated us to a lovely lunch and refreshments throughout the day and I came away from the course with practical skills and knowledge that I could use at home. Everything Kim showed us could be used in any size garden regardless of your knowledge/skill."

Casey Mills reviewed: Half day kiln glass workshop

"What a fantastic course. I have been wanting to start making my own glass pieces at home in my ceramic kiln for a long time but never had the know how to start. Having been on a full day course with Alex I now feel confident and ready to start out on my own. I made a great selection of pieces and tested a huge variety of techniques throughout the day. Alex was able to advise me on materials suppliers, kiln schedules, set up and how to make the most out of what I already have. She even offered me advice over the phone once I was home when I got stuck. It was great to have one to one support and the space was perfect for what I needed, however anyone in a wheelchair may struggle with access due to the steps between the house and workshop. Alex was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout and I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn fused glass."