Latest reviews

Alex reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Intermediate - four days

"Absolutely fantastic course, highly recommended. The course is well designed, and paced perfectly over the 4 days to cover everything in detail. Steve is a great teacher - he enthusiastically answered all my questions, offered useful advice on tools to buy, how much to spend, where to buy wood, and even sharpened and set up my new hand plane! He also took pictures throughout the course which left me with some excellent action shots"

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Alex, Thanks very much for your comments. So glad you enjoyed the course, your finished table looked great. Good luck with your future woodworking. Steve"

Steve Brown reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"This is the second course that I’ve been on with Mike. His knowledge and enthusiasm is obvious and as a result you want to make the best spatula and spreader that you can. Mike, another great day in the beautiful setting of Otley Chevin. I thoroughly enjoyed my day as well as the extra tips that you gave me regarding finishing my spoon from my previous course. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Steve."

Pearse Mc Mahon reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a fantastic experience learning a little about glass blowing and had the opportunity to create 4 individual pieces. Richie, the instructor was very patient and clearly explained each step we would take on the various processes. I have no hesitation in recommending this course and venue for any one interested in glass or glass blowing"

Nikki reviewed: Three day luxury felt picture making retreat

"Loved every minute of it. Bridgette is very patient and very generous with her knowledge and the rationale behind things. Felt very safe with the Covid restrictions. Excellent value for money. Totally recommend. ?"

Bridget Bernadette Karn Studio/Shop responded:

"Thank you Nikki, very pleased you enjoyed my course and felt safe at The Hawkhills."

Jillian Deans reviewed: Three day luxury felt picture making retreat

"Excellent course and excellent tutor - learnt lots of new tips and techniques and I'd definitely like to do more. Just bought some curved nail scissors so I can carry on with the snipping! Good venue too. Great to see how the venue and tutor managed the whole thing despite the current situation. Was a very much welocme break from the current routine."

Bridget Bernadette Karn Studio/Shop responded:

"Thank you Jillian, so pleased you enjoyed the course! I’m looking forward to seeing your hare and any future creations you make on the forum."

Tash Salaman reviewed: Driftwood Harbour workshops with Harbour Wood Design at Walford Mill in Dorset

"Absolutely brilliant day. Michelle is an excellent teacher; patient and fun. Really enjoyed the day and have gone on to make more! Thank you Michelle."

Harbour Wood Design responded:

"Thank you so much Tash for taking the time to leave a review , it was wonderful to see you again and I look forward to seeing your future creations ."

Ben reviewed: Forge your own axe head in the blacksmith's forge (full day)

"Brilliant course, lots of smiths available for help, axe will hang proudly in my workshop ready for use. I forged the axe yesterday and am really feeling it today, you will be swinging heavy hammers for most of the day so be aware to warm up your muscles beforehand, these guys are strong as ox’s and will make it look very easy. Recommend going for a smaller axe head which will be easier to forge as the larger heads need a larger piece of steel and therefore more forging and more heavy hammer blows. A fantastic course and a great experience! Highly recommended"

Sheila reviewed: 'Field with Red Poppies' wool fibre painting art kit

"I received the poppy field wool painting kit with all the beautiful merino wool and silk colours. The illustrations and photographs were easy to follow in a sequence of stages. I attended Raya's online interactive Zoom course where Raya supported me by using her techniques creating a lovely colourful picture. I found it really easy as Raya took me through step by step instructions and guidance how to create a poppy field wool painting. I was amazed how much detail and colour you can get using different fibres. I completed the picture on the same day and I was delighted I was going home with a picture that I had created. I will give this picture to my sister for her birthday as she has recently had a new large kitchen fitted with loads of light shinning through showing off the colours of the poppy field wool painting."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Sheila, Thank you very much for your comments. It was lovely meeting you virtually via zoom and teaching you. I am delighted that you liked my online Poppy Field wool painting course and the kit. I hope your sister will enjoy your beautiful wool painting of the poppy field. Regards, Raya"

Jane S reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"I really enjoyed this day with Dawn. She is so knowledgeable and creative and the workshop was bursting with information, ideas, tips, innovation and creativity. It was relaxed and great fun too, and Dawn tailored it to our needs. I would highly recommend this."

Jessica P reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"I attended this course as I wished to learn about room design and colour. It was such a fun course and Dawn made us feel all at ease, and was extremely hospitable. Having a room and theme in mind helped me choose colours and textures. The way that Dawn explained about light and colour was so interesting and sparked my imagination. I would recommend this course to anyone who is unsure about designing rooms in their houses, you will leave being confident in choosing the right theme and colours."

Lisa M reviewed: Interior design workshop in historical Norwich

"Had a really lovely day looking at interior design ideas and would highly recommend this course. We had great tuition from the friendly and knowledgeable Dawn and it was good to build on some of the ideas we had previously discussed before the course. We were treated to some lovely cake and fruit and then a trip into the city to look at samples and to have lunch. A great day. I feel really inspired. Thank you Dawn."

Nancy reviewed: Art + Wine Evening

"In the midst of all the current chaos, this was a lovely sanctuary of calm! Suzanne and Lynn create a friendly, open atmosphere where you feel encouraged and supported throughout, and as other reviewers have mentioned, you will be amazed at what you create! I'd highly recommend this, and it would make a lovely gift."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this lovely review Nancy. We're so glad you found some sanctuary while you were here, and really happy to hear that you were amazed at what you created within just 3 hours. You should be rightly proud! Hope to welcome you back soon. With best wishes Lynn"

James Fellows reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"I have wanted to learn blacksmithing for years and my wife bought me this experience day for my birthday. It was one of the best days I've had, I loved every minute of it. The venue was beautiful, the food was lovely and the tutors were fantastic. I enjoyed it so much that it inspired me to set up my own little forge at home. Thank you for an amazing day! James Fellows"

Ann Johnson reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"A really enjoyable day in great surroundings. The environment felt safe and all Covid precautions were in place. Lyndsey was an excellent tutor and we all came away with great pieces of work. Thank you"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you Ann for the great review, it is much appreciated. It was lovely to meet you and I was really impressed with the artwork created in just one day. Don't forget to send me photos of any more mosaics you create in the future!"

Sarah reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course - thank you Teresa for being such a good instructor! I have been showing off my skein of handspun very proudly to everyone I've seen (mostly on Zoom). I'm so glad you have found a way of running the course within Covid guidelines. I am now inspired to practice practice practice my technique and will be sure to show you my next results!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Hello Sarah and thank you so much for your review. It was a pleasure to meet you and help you to spin. You had already made a brilliant start and I just know that you will progress so quickly and learn to love it. I do hope that your friends and family were suitably impressed! Best wishes, Theresa"

Olivia reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"My 11yo daughter and I had a lovely day with Sarah and Chris. Relaxed, informative and productive, we can’t wait to see how our items turn out. Lunch was delicious too! As our day was during Covid times, Sarah and Chris took care to wear appropriate ppe as did we, the workshops were well ventilated and we maintained a social distance throughout. We’re already looking forward to doing another one! ☀️"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Thanks very much Olivia! Great to have such enthusiastic learners - hope Sophie enjoys her new hobby!"

Harriet reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Brilliant course- Hannah was so knowledgable and approachable. Would recommend it to anyone- in fact, I’m thinking about booking one for my mum for a Christmas present!"

Tread Softly responded:

"Thanks Harriet, it was lovely teaching you. Thanks for the great review. I loved your bold design! You know where I am if you need any tips on future upcycles :)"

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."