Latest reviews

Steve Tapp reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Thanks Matt for a great day learning the basic skills for stained glass. A class size of 5 was ideal to enable you to develop your skills on your own but also to know that any assistance was not far away. Will definitely do a follow up course as it is a craft that you could do at home with great reward in seeing your completed pieces. Steve"

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

"I spent a day with Amanda on this course and found her experience invaluable. She was patient, informative and understanding. I completed a sample quilt which I thoroughly enjoyed making. I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in quilting."

Amanda Jane Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review Tracy. I hope this will be just the start of your quiltmaking! Looking forward to seeing the photo of your finished item. Amanda"

Ali Yenidunya reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"It is no wonder why this course is in the 'Platinum Award' category. I spent 2 great days with Sebastian and other lovely people who took the same course. In a pleasant and peaceful setting, you forget your problems and focus only on your own project. I guarantee that you will never understand how time will have passed by the end of the second day. Sebastian is an easygoing and helpful person. His approach is not based on imposing a set of instructions on you, rather he listens to you, and understands what you want to achieve. He is very supportive. Whenever you need help, he is right next to you. He is also a very kind person. I am so very thankful to him. I learned so much in these 2 days and I am definitely going to be back. If you are new to stone masonry and want to give it a go, please do not think about it, just book it!"

Chris B reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"Having taken this course (2 day Axe Making) over the past weekend, I can say it was worth every second and every penny. Matt is an excellent instructor and host, patient and informative (he even put up with my 1 billion questions and answered every one of them). Both days flew by with how fun they where and you really do make something you will be proud of. He even kept me brewed up with nice tea and coffee. Ali was a wonderful hostess and very friendly, The provided food was wonderful both days and they are just great people. Will be taking another course in the future."

Deby Young reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Wow, what a great day. Andy is so knowledgeable and patient. I had so much fun. Martine is lovely, very friendly and a great host. I would thoroughly recommend them both."

Andy Browne Woodturning responded:

"Hi Deby - the pleasure was all ours! Hope to see you back someday, if you need any help just drop me a line or give me a ring! Andy & Martine"

Jocelyn reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"Lovely morning learning about mosaic. Joss was really helpful and I have come away inspired to try other mosaic projects."

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Good to know! Have fun!"

Louise cranton reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"Lovely morning with a Joss learning mosaic, I will be doing more ! Very enjoyable, would highly recommend xx"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Louise"

Bonnie reviewed: Creative Writing Course, one-to-one tuition, via Zoom.

"I had all but given up on my dreams of becoming a writer, but doing this course inspired me to pick up a pen (well, keyboard) and start trying again. Deana is a skilled and experienced teacher, who offers a positive and comfortable environment for you to explore your creative ideas. Beforehand, I thought that one-to-one zoom sessions might be awkward, but it was relaxed and fun. As with any creative writing course, you will get out what you put in, and there is enough structure and practical guidance to help develop your work, but lots of practical opportunities to explore your own style. I would highly recommend this course for writers at any level of experience - I'm certainly glad I did it."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Bonnie, thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed the course."

Kate Smith reviewed: 'Sunset' wool fibre painting kit

"My husband bought the Sunset In Wool Painting Kit which I did online over the weekend. What a fantastic present creating this picture online with Raya's. It was so therapeutic, relaxing and having a great time with people I haven't met before. I lacked confidence in the very beginning but as the day went on I became confident using Raya's unique teaching methods. I would recommend this course to anyone and I have mentioned this to my sister as she is a keen on Arts and Crafts."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Kate, Thank you very much for leaving the review. I am so glad that you found the kit really useful and enjoyed my therapeutic online wool painting course. Look forward to seeing you again soon at the next wool painting course with live tuition. Raya Brown"

Ana Rubio reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"What a great workshop! It was so nice to just switch off from everything and focus on one thing and being in the moment. A great way to learn something new and practice mindfulness. I loved it! Alice is lovely and so patient. And I'm chuffed with my pot hanger. I would definitely recommend this workshop."

Lydia reviewed: Jewellery School 4 day intensive course at The Cheshire School of Jewellery

"10/10, 5*, fantastic! This is a must-do course for anyone looking for a new skill or hobby or even to brush up their knowledge from any previous workshops/online tutorials. Lisa’s experience was obvious from the off-set - she is extremely knowledgable, creative and patient! I cannot stop looking at my creations - a sea glass bezel set sterling silver ring and 2 additional stacking sterling silver rings (as well as numerous amounts of pretty copper practice pieces). I thoroughly enjoyed the 4 day course, set in the new and fully equipped workshop. I would recommend Lisa and her courses to anyone!"

Cheshire School of Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Lydia! so glad you enjoyed the course and have fun creating more sea glass pieces! I look forward to seeing them."

Kate Smith reviewed: ‘Sunset in wool painting' interactive online course with live tuition

"My husband bought the Sunset In Wool Painting Kit which I did online over the weekend. What a fantastic present creating this picture online with Raya's support. It was so therapeutic, relaxing and having a great time with people I haven't met before. I lacked confidence in the very beginning but as the day went on I became confident using Raya's unique teaching methods. I would recommend this course to anyone and I have mentioned this to my sister as she is a keen on Arts and Crafts."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Kate, Thank you so much for your lovely review. I really enjoyed teaching you and I am so glad that you liked the therapeutic wool painting course. Look forward to seeing you again at one of my wool painting or felt making courses. Regards Raya"

June reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I had a lovely day on the jewellery course with Jonathan, he is a good teacher, very helpful and patient. I made a lovely bangle for my daughter's 50th Birthday. I also enjoyed the cups of tea and cake! Hope to do another course soon!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you June. Lovely to meet you and well done with the bangle. Jonathan"

Anil J reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"I recently attended Richard's 2 day workshop and in summary I can say it is truly excellent! I attended post covid and he has gone to great lengths to ensure the workspace is safe and socially distanced so there is nothing to worry about on that front. The course itself is very good, as Richard goes through all the important points of working with leather. You are provided with all the information you need to get started. There are also lots of tips and pointers as you start making your first items. Most importantly Richard is genuinely enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his craft and it shows in the way he runs this course. By the end of the course, to my amazement (even as a left hander) I had made several items which looked very professional! I enjoyed it so much I'm tempted to do another workshop..."

paula harrison reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I signed up right from the start in January 2019 with some trepidation, having never even studied the subject to O Level standard (showing my age) but had always had the desire and that feeling of what if... Jayne's fabulous teaching, positivity and encouragement together with Michael's wonderful support and hard work have fulfilled my hopes and more. As other students have already mentioned the feel good factor derived from producing a pleasing piece of work coupled with the ability to switch off from life's pressures and troubles has been an absolute bonus, not to mention the wonderful social aspect. I love it and just keep on signing up to the next course, would thoroughly recommend it."

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thanks Paula"

Kim reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Great course- we got hands on very quickly and Simon was an excellent tutor. Gave very good explanations to all questions without throwing too much information at us. We made some beautiful bowls and had a memorable day. Absolutely loved it."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Really pleased you had a good day Kim, and thank you for your fab review. You just need to convince Annie to to buy a lathe now ;-). Well done making some beautiful pieces!"

Annie reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"As a total novice at wood turning (and all other crafts!) I had an amazing day. Simon pitched the day perfectly so we could get the most out of it. We learnt a lot and felt that we really achieved something. It was also great fun! We had a lovely lunch and felt utterly welcome with Simon and Louise."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Annie, thank you for your lovely review. We're so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. You made some beautiful pieces and you should be very proud of your efforts :-). Thanks again!"

Alex Keating reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I brought the half day beginner pottery workshop for my mum for Christmas. We had a wonderful time with Louise. The instruction was clear and easy to follow. We really enjoyed the morning & can't wait to see our finished pots!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Alex. So pleased that you and your mum enjoyed the pottery workshop! I'm sure your glazed pots will look wonderful. Thanks again!"

Brett Jones reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"What a terrific day! Me and my Mother decided to attend this course after watching a show about bladesmithing. With the help of Jake we were able to make our very own knives! I would like to say a big thank you to Jake for such a wonderful experience and a chance to ignite our passion on a whole new level! His level of experience and warm personality made it a day we will never forget! Thank you again."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you so much Brett for your kind words. It was a pleasure having you both at the workshop!"

Damian Pinel reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"An excellent course. Tutor very knowledgable, engaging and enthusiastic. The venue, Yew Tree Inn, was first class and this contributed to a really enjoyable day. The booking process is simple and the Bees for Development staff most helpful. Highly recommended."

Belinda Dent reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Fantastic two days of food for my soul in wonderful surroundings and friendly, approachable and helpful teaching. Really loved it."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks Belinda! It was a lovely course and nice respite from all the covid madness! x"

Adrian Vanderplank reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"A really good day learning the history and how to make skeps, it's made me appreciate the time and skill that goes into making them. Great venue and the lunch was excellent. Thanks again to Giacomo and Chris."

Rebecca Hewston reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"I had so much fun and learnt a lot with expert tips for my first time. Joss was really attentive, helpful and friendly. It was a lovely environment to work in with inspiration galore. When I got home, I was eager to get on with another piece and have definitely found a new enjoyable hobby.x"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"That’s great to hear Becky, good luck!"

John reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Absolutely fantastic course. The explanations and tutoring given is brilliant. If you are thinking about going into leather working whether as a hobby or change in job. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. I finished the day with a professional looking made pencil case, which I had made. Completely pleased & delighted to of done the course."

Conrad Nelson reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"A great course with a talented and dedicated professional artist. Do it for fun or to get an insight in tackling your own restoration project- either way by taking part you’re helping to promote the craft and support the artists who practice it."