Latest reviews

Steve Tonkin reviewed: Dry stone walling at Cowshed Creative on our traditional Lakeland Farm, Lake District near Windermere

"Thank you Cowshed for a great Dry Stone Building course. The location is fantastic in the Kentmere Valley. Loads of walls to look at and discuss. The course itself was fantastically hands on. I learned so much and I have to thank Richard for his ability to allow you to learn whilst not stepping in too often. We worked on a real section of wall and all the tools and necessary safety gear was provided or made clear what we needed to bring and do. I've been inspired that I have already repaired one wall and now lining up a new long section to build. The food and drinks were delicious and right on time when we needed it. Thank you again. I thoroughly recommend this course for any one thinking of doing a course in dry stone walling!"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Steve for such a great review. Hope to see you again."

Hilary Rowley reviewed: Oil Painting Portraiture Skills with artist Cat MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative, Lake District

"We were blessed with a lovely sunny day for the course and the venue looked spectacular in its remote setting. The measures taken for COVID avoidance were very good and I felt that it was a safe setting for the course. Catherine is a very accomplished and knowledgable local artist. She provided some excellent stimulus materials and taught some good sketching techniques in the morning. George provides a great lunch of soup and a variety of breads followed by delicious deserts. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. In the afternoon Catherine discussed techniques for producing portraits and then we all worked on our own portrait. There were 5 on the course and every one chose a different method and medium to produce their work. A most enjoyable day."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Hilary for such a lovely review. Good luck with your portrait project and hope to see you again."

Charlotte Rose reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"A fantastic morning. I'd never done needle felting before, but under Pip's expert tutelage we quickly picked it up. Lovely chatter, a delicious pastry, and beautiful finished pieces. It was really good to take two framed pictures home. Highly recommend!"

Pippaluk Crafts responded:

"Thank you really had a good time."

Paula reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 Rings in a Day

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course we did making bracelets, Rachel gave us enough guidance to feel really confident and plenty of time and freedom for creativity. I’m just waiting to be able to do the stacking rings course in the future"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Paula it was so nice to meet you and watch your progression over such a short amount of time. You had such enthusiasm and energy its no wonder you made 2 perfectly sparkly bangles! I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes -R"

Maxine Taylor reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 Rings in a Day

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. We covered so much in a short space of time but never overwhelmed. Rachel's knowledge is extensive and her teaching style is so inclusive and very well paced. Her enthusiasm is infectious and at the end of the day I walked away with a beautiful bangle that I have not taken off yet. I would heartily recommend this to anyone who would like to treat themselves and come away with a very clear idea of silver jewellery making without making a commitment to a set time beginners course. I am hoping to sign up to another making day."

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Maxine for your lovely review. It was clear to me you really enjoyed the day and have a very creative spirit. You made such a gorgeous bangle I loved the texture you added and the long twist you added. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes -R"

Rhiannon Norfolk reviewed: Have a go at kiln fired enamelling

"I really enjoyed this course! Lesley is a supportive and encouraging tutor, and adapted her teaching to meet the varied levels of experience in the class. This was the second course that I have done with her. It was great to try three different enamelling techniques, all well explained and great fun. Lesley has worked hard to ensure that she can safely offer courses in her studio following social distancing rules and ensured that each participant had their own set of all the required equipment so nothing needed to be shared. The course has left me enthusiastic to do more enamelling! Highly recommended."

jonny bilton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an absolutely fantastic day trying out a totally new skill, it was great I will definitely be back for another course if not more. To be fair, better than the metalwork was the food, mmm delicious I would come back just for the bait. ?"

Olivia reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I came along to Paula's candle making class with my mum and sister for a nice day out, and we had just that! We came with no plans to start candle making at home afterwards, but just to have an enjoyable day and come away with a couple of lovely homemade candles (which we did!), but we are now thinking we could definitely give candle making a go at home, and make some Christmas presents for family and friends! Paula provided a wealth of information and shared so much experience with us all, but it did not feel at all like we were in a classroom being spoken to, which is a real art! Thanks so much Paula!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Olivia, it was so nice to see mum and daughters having a great time together, so pleased you enjoyed!. Paula"

steve reviewed: Bronzed Giacometti style Figurative sculpture workshop. Sculpt your Pet or Child or anything that inspires you.

"I am a big fan of Di's workshop. Her teaching is fun and simple to follow. She is patient and enthusiastic. I have done both courses and bought one for my wife. You will come away thrilled with your sculptue."

steve reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"Bought this as a gift for my wife after lockdown as it's such a therapeutic workshop. My wife and I did the course together although I made a figurative piece. Very enjoyable."

val matthews reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I chose to make a silver bangle on this course, which turned out beautifully and has been much admired by everyone. Jonathan was an excellent and patient teacher especially as this was also his first time in a new "Covid friendly" environment. I would definitely recommend this for a day out, or as a present for someone (buy two and go along yourself as well, you'll love it!)"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Val, for joining us on the day - and your very kind words! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed yourself. Well done with the jewellery making! Jonathan"

Rob Birchard reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"Just returned from a weekend landscape in watercolours course with Georgina. I’m a total beginner but thanks to Georgina’s talent and knowledge, I now have the confidence to put paint to paper and try different colours and techniques that I previously had no clue about. I can’t wait to go on the course again and would recommend the course to anyone whether they are a beginner or an experienced painter wanting to improve."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you for your review Rob. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the weekend and found the content useful, its always great for me to hear that learners feel more confident in their painting as a result. Painting and discovering our creativity is such an amazing gift to discover, it can be our best friend throughout our lives, particularly in times such as these! Thank you and I hope to see you again."

Diana Yates reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"An excellent and highly informative course. The course was well rounded and provided my husband and I, with all the knowledge and contacts needed to get started. I would highly recommend this course for anyone considering starting their own candle making business. Kerry is a wonderful teacher, we both thoroughly enjoyed the morning, and left with handouts, templates and email support should we need it. Thank you Kerry! x"

Kerri reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a fantastic day learning how to make candles with Jo, she’s so knowledgeable and friendly and I got to take home some beautiful products that she taught me to make. Her workshop smelt amazing too!"

Jackie Holley reviewed: Beginners watercolour taster day

"I really enjoyed the day. Liz is a fabulous tutor who I've met before and didn't fail to instruct and make sure I understood what I was doing!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it! Hope to see you back at Micklems soon!"

Charlotte reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Had an amazing morning at Feltworld learning the basics of felting with Barbara. She is extremely knowlegable and really supportive helping you to achieve your desired outcome. Can't believe the result I managed to achieve in a morning. I would 100% recommend this course to anyone thinking about it. Will definitely be back to try something different."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"You took to the technique like a duck to water :-) . Looking forward to teaching you in the future. Maybe at my new Studio in Stafford!"

Natalie reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Barbara was a wonderful host and teacher. We had an excellent morning and have been suprised with how good the outcomes were! Tea and cake was a fabulous addition too! We will definitely return for another session."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely reviews :-) . Looking forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with you again. Barbara"

Fiona Gruchy-Craven reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Richard was very patient and informative. The pace of the course was good and the information was relevant and useful. He gives you confidence in being able to use resin in any of your next projects. All and every questions answered, giving advice on a range of possible uses for resin. Would definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants to feel more confident about using resin."

The River Shop responded:

"Great to have you Fiona! Stay and touch and see you on the next course!"

Colette Peacock reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My daughter and I joined Alan for a day of spoon carving yesterday. We spent a full day that went by in a flash, both our first experiences with wood carving. From splitting the log to our finished spoon, Alan was the perfect teacher for taking us through the whole process. Alan is very knowledgeable and attentive and provided a relaxed environment for learning. Alan and Sim were so welcoming, Sim making sure we didn't go home with an empty stomach with her gorgeous and plentiful cooking and baking! I would highly recommend for everyone to spend a day here. Thanks again, we have learned so much!"

Shae Harmon reviewed: Lost wax carving jewellery workshop

"This was such an excellent course. Angela was super knowledgeable, helpful, very kind and really patient. I would take a course again with her in a heartbeat. Despite me actually accidentally ruining my work, she helped me start again and make something I really like. Also, her personal work is amazingly beautiful."

Stephen Dowling reviewed: Beginners watercolour taster day

"Having never used watercolours before and being very sporadic in my artistic endeavours I was a little apprehensive going into the class. I needn't have been, as Liz is an excellent teacher and swiftly put me (and the other students) at ease. Her instructions were clear and concise with a nice dash of humour. Liz demonstrated on a TV screen the techniques before giving us an opportunity to practise what we have just been over. I found the progression from the basic techniques, through tones, washes and eventually using a mask to get white into an image well judged. Throughout the day Liz would wander around and help us refine what we were doing, and in places where perhaps we hadn't been successful suggested options for what to do to improve the picture, or give an explanation as to why it happened and how to avoid pitfalls in the future. The venue was perfect with plenty of space, a gorgeous setting and very welcoming. I'm looking forwards to experimenting more in this medium."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Stephen - thank you for such a lovely review! I am delighted you enjoyed it and am well impressed with the koala and fish you and your family have already painted. Be less sporadic and you will make huge progress, I promise! Lizx"

Diane reviewed: Introduction to container candle making half day in Henstridge near Stalbridge Dorset Somerset

"Didnt realise how technical it was to achieve great and consistent candles. Going to a class reminds you there's always something new to learn. Thanks Sally. Great session. Lovely candles to take home. We will definitely give it a go."

Jill Glover reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"I did this batik course on 17 September 2020. It was just wonderful. All equipment was available and thanks to Barbara I was able to make a beautiful batik first time. It is gorgeous and I will be framing it. Barbara is so friendly and relaxed with you to make you feel comfortable with the process. I would definitely promote her classes. A lovely light place to create your art. I can only thank her for her friendly manner, tips, tricks, and information."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you Jill. Your picture looks fabulous, well worth the wait during the lock down and Covid! :-) I hope you continue and I will look forward to seeing your future creations. B"

Joanne Doherty reviewed: Beginners watercolour taster day

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and learnt so much. The set up worked very well, the explanations and demonstrations were clear and concise and the TV screen was very helpful to see the demonstrations in detail. Good range of practical tasks, well paced and nice resources to use. The venue was beautiful and hosts very welcoming. I feel much more confident in my skills now!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Joanne, thank you for a lovely review. So glad you enjoyed it. Please keep painting!"

Sophie Parsons reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Alice’s course is brilliant, was a great location in the round tower, enough space and lovely to hear the sea around us. Alice is a great teacher, I really enjoyed learning how to make a macrame hanger and have now got the skills and knowledge to make some more!"