Latest reviews

Peter Bowman reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"As a non potter I attended as the unglamorous assistant of a ceramicist thinking I might not get much out of it - but I was wrong as the 2 days were excellent and enjoyed with a great group of people. Abi and Alison were great and must have been exhausted with all the setting up and continuous questions being fired at them. There hospitality was great with homemade lunch both days and plenty of tea and coffee. Thank you"

Joy reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"I would highly recommend this course for anyone with even a passing interest in learning to do this craft. Jo is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and inspiring to her students. Amongst other things she shared the fascinating history and the technical details of the materials which are surprisingly varied. Not requiring the manual dexterity of many fibre crafts, this makes it very accessible so it is possible to complete a rewarding project within the day. I had a lot of fun and a great opportunity to unleash my latent creativity. Thanks Jo!"

Phinefibre responded:

"Thank you Joy, for writing such a lovely and detailed review which is very much appreciated."

AlisonG reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"My trusty hand Singer sewing machine has died and I’d not used an electric machine since my school days (a long time ago!) so this course was perfect. It was a fun, friendly day and I left full of new found enthusiasm for sewing. Plus there was cake!"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Alison, it was lovely to spend time with you in the studio. I look forward to seeing you again on the Redwork Workshop ? Happy sewing in the meantime."

Robin Lawrence reviewed: Pottery wheel & glass fusing private half-day

"Always fancied trying pottery & glass fusion, so was delighted when I spotted Chris & Sarah's courses. So far have only had one half day course, but would like to book more. They both took time & were very patient with me. Would recommend any one to give it a go. Also would make great presents for birthdays or Christmas."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Thanks so much Robin! And thanks for suggesting the course as a Christmas or birthday gift - an activity is a memorable gift for someone and they get to make something to be proud of too! Many thanks"

Sue Edmunds reviewed: Three day luxury felt picture making retreat

"This is possibly one of the most in-depth art courses that I have been on. The wealth of information and guidance given was beyond expectations. Bridget has the most wonderful teaching approach, with bags of patience. I will certainly be going back for another course. The Hawkshill, where the course was held was also excellent. I could not fault the venue, staff, food or accommodation. Thank you. Sue Edmunds"

Bridget Bernadette Karn Studio/Shop responded:

"Thank you Sue, so pleased you enjoyed my course and the venue. I look forward to seeing your finished picture and any future creations on my forum."

Andrew King reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Had a great day and learnt a lot about how to cut and shape green wood which I had never done before. The instructions are easy to follow and Ged was around to help and guide as needed. A beautiful location to have the workshop too, so a bonus on the surroundings. Will definitely look out for other courses from Ged and will practice the skills I learnt on the day."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Andrew. Glad you enjoyed the course and hope to see you again on another course?"

Sue reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"Just finished a week with Polly upholstering a Parson's chair. I didn't think it would be too hard but little did I realise that there is a lot more to upholstery than you see in a book or on Youtube; obviously there are specific skills you need to learn but also the 'feel and eye' which you don't get from books but from a teacher. Polly was always on hand to guide me through the steps and ever so patient when I needed things re-explained. With only 4 people on the course Polly could keep us all busy although she was kept super busy flitting between us. There was a lovely atmosphere in the group and also we had the pleasure of Barney, a very 'chilled' golden retriever being with us (the pet of a course member). I did not quite finish my project (did not expect to do so in 1 week) but Polly explained the final steps which I could at home. A great week and thank you Polly; am aiming to be back in the very near future. I just loved using the staple gun with the compressor!!"

David Oliver reviewed: Photography Days

"I took this course as a complete beginner and really did take a lot away from it. Sue and Richard take the time to explain things fully with useful demonstrations that helped me understand. They’re very enthusiastic and keen to make sure the course is tailored around the things that you’re most interested in learning. I now feel much more confident with the different settings on my camera and am looking forward to experimenting and improving the photographs I’m taking. It was also great to see what can be achieved by using software to manipulate images in different ways."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, David. It was nice meeting you and I really hope you will find the extra little bit we did on photographing buildings useful."

Sybille reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"Really enjoyed my one day course where I learnt so much. Jack was a great teacher, very clear and patient. A delicious lunch from the local deli was included. I can't wait to pick up my bowls when they have been fired and glazed. Highly recommend."

Angela Eales reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"A fabulous day! Siobhan is so talented and inspiring she strikes the perfect balance between guiding you but allowing you to create pieces that are all your own work. There has clearly been a lot of thought around making the course as Covid secure as it can be and I felt very comfortable. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would love to go back again."

Rita reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Fantastic course! Spent a lovely Saturday learning about cold process soap making. Emma went through the basic chemistry, measuring and methods involved and then in the afternoon we had a go making two batches ourselves. Emma is a patient teacher who explained everything simply yet comprehensively and the notes provided are well written and easy to follow. I thoroughly enjoyed it, Emma is clearly a passionate and talented soap maker and I would recommend this course. I purchased a kit to take home and look forward to creating my own soaps for gifts and for personal use."

Helen reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"Hadn't picked up my sewing machine for years and could barely remember how to thread it. Jennifer was really patient and so lovely. The day covered all you need to know to get back in the saddle and was thoroughly enjoyable. Couldn't recommend it enough. Lovely cake as well. ?"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Helen, you did a great job with your machine and I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and the cake. Good luck with all your sewing projects ?"

Linda Cope reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I had a super day with Lyn, who is great at sharing her considerable knowledge and skills. Workshop was ideal, being in a quaint courtyard setting with plenty of fresh air and `Covid safe. I will definitely go back for a follow up course once had chance to practice what I’ve learnt. Cannot recommend this lady highly enough! Just wish my strict diet didn't prevent me from sampling the home made cake on offer!"

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Linda, and share the delights of Encaustic wax. I feel sure that you will enjoy exploring this wonderful medium further, and of course are welcome back for a refresher day anytime. The cake went down very well with my family, who are always thrilled when my students are on diets!!!? Enjoy the rest of your holiday"

Howard Jones reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"Really enjoyed this course with Kate. Learnt a huge amount in just the three days."

Gwen Beadle reviewed: Expressive painting in oils or acrylics

"Have now completed two of Liz’s “expressive Landscapes” workshops. Liz holds a small, very relaxed and friendly workshop providing instruction, help and support suitable for both beginners and more experienced painters or, like me, people who are trying to find a more loose and expressive style. Liz is a brilliant teacher and will help you to find your own style; I thoroughly enjoyed the day and come away looking forward to the next time."

Katherine reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I really enjoyed the day. Emma made the theory really interesting and easy to understand. After having a couple of goes at making soap on the day I feel confident enough to have a go at home myself. I would highly recommended this course."

Angela Haynes reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Such a lovely setting and Alice, a fabulous teacher. It was my first try at loom weaving and she gave her time generously at each stage of the process. Alice made each step easy to follow. I enjoyed using a variety of the resources she provided. I would suggest to any one who had thought about joining her workshops to do so. Excellent. Thank you Alice."

Alison Simms reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Not a complete beginner but it was a 40 year gap since I last turned. Mark gave excellent communications beforehand even through Covid, deferring the course for a few months with no problem. Mark was very friendly, obviously highly talented and a very capable teacher, very patient even with my million questions. I emerged with a very respectable fruit bowl of which I did a large percentage of the work under his watchful eye. Highly recommended and he has given me a large amount of helpful blurb and has offered his knowledge on whatever I need him for in the future, thank you. An excellent day, hard work and enjoyable, 5 stars."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Hi Ross Bit confused at first by the name on the feedback response but soon realised it was you :-) Thank for taking the time to write your feedback and the comments made. All the best Mark"

Richard Brockman reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"Friendly and relaxed weekend amongst interesting people. Lots of different techniques explained and demonstrated. Lovely al fresco catering. We all went home happy ??"

Nicky Klein reviewed: One to One Ceramic Workshops - half day

"I really enjoyed the 1 to 1 session with Kate and was thrilled by what I created with Kate's help. Kate took time to understand what I wanted to get out of it and helpfully suggested a number of different options, which was great as I don't have much experience to draw on. Kate helped me to bring my ideas to life and made suggestions to try things that I wouldn't normally have attempted - such as drawing on one piece which turned out wonderfully. Kate is great to learn from and a pleasure to spend time with - relaxed productivity! I'd love to do it again and would highly recommend a one to one course to anyone who wants to learn and explore their creativity."

Kate Schuricht Ceramics responded:

"Hi Nicky. Thanks for taking the time to review your two days with me. It was great fun and really productive, with some beautiful pieces coming out of the kiln. Congratulations! I was very impressed with what you made and I hope you don't mind me using the photos of your lovely work to show other students."

Ayumi Palmer reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"I had a lovely afternoon with Aimee and the other ladies on the course with me. Aimee constantly makes sure everyone is comfortable and safe in their cutting. This was my first time paper cutting and I had no worries under Aimee’s tuition. There were many templates to work from. I would highly recommend to all and will definitely book again in the future."

Julia reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"I highly recommend the Soapology courses. I have done both the group soap-making course and the Business Legislation Module course with Emma. Emma is very friendly, welcoming and has a lovely workshop in a fantastic setting. The courses themselves are easy to follow, fun and informative with both practical and theory parts, along with Emma's additional hints and tips, it is a thoroughly enjoyable day. You are provided with extensive and detailed course notes to take away which are invaluable to refer back to once you have returned home. The 100% natural soaps I made smell and look amazing, thank you Emma! I will have no hesitation in returning to do another course with Emma from Soapology and no hesitation in recommending any of Emma's courses."

Nicki reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"The 'Learn to love your sewing machine' workshop is brilliant. Before the workshop I had a very basic knowledge of how to stitch a straight line, but no idea about any other functions. Jen's knowledge and patience knows no boundaries, and I learnt how to maintain the machine, how to fix the problems I was having with tension, as well as learning how (and why) you use all of my machines accessories. All of that and Jen showed us how to make a zip bag. I came away feeling inspired to use my machine, and with the confidence of knowing how to!! Jen is a brilliant teacher, and her workshop is a lovely place to learn. Oh, and there was homemade cake !!!! Fantastic value for money and fun too."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you Nicki, that's really kind of you. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and you went away inspired. That's my main aim in life, to inspire people to sew and show them all the tips and tricks to sew with pleasure and accuracy! You did a great job, I'm glad you enjoyed the cake ? Good luck with all your sewing projects."

Hilary Laidler reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"Really enjoyed the day I arrived with some ideas and, although the course leader shared lots of ideas and techniques, the class was small enough for us to each develop our ideas. Our hands were held throughout the day in producing what we wanted and I left with 2 really stunning pieces of jewellery. Thank you so much x"

Perfectcharm responded:

"Thank you Hilary! Would just like to point out that no physical hand holding took place"

Floss reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"The day flew by and I came away feeling confident in my new skills to be able to up upcycle any furniture in the future! I’m really happy with what I produced but a word of warning - you don’t only need to be able to carry your item, you need to be able to carry it quite a way through an old mill and surrounding car park!"

Tread Softly responded:

"Hi Floss, thanks so much for coming. Your piece was beautiful <3 I'm sorry you knocked it trying to get it back in the car. You're right, it is a large mill. I'd have suggested leaving it in the loading area and driving the car around. Sorry, if I hadn't still been teaching I would have helped you carry it down. It always gets a little hectic towards the end. It was so lovely having you along and I do hope you go on to do more upcycling!"