Latest reviews

Helen Trevitt Kelty reviewed: Boat making day using the technique of sgraffito on coloured glass

"I'd been interested in learning to glass paint for a while and found this course during lockdown. I attended the course as soon as the restrictions were lifted. Brian's keen attention to the social distancing protocols meant that I felt safe to spend the day in the chapel — a light, airy and well equipped space, perfect for the class. Brian has a relaxed, patient and informative teaching style and I would highly recommend a day in the chapel studio to create some amazing pieces of art. I now feel confident to have a go at scraffito glass painting myself and plan to go back to the chapel for another course soon."

Caroline Channing reviewed: Boat making day using the technique of sgraffito on coloured glass

"Brian is an excellent tutor and his studio is a beautiful and inspiring setting for learning. The course is ideal for anyone - Brian demonstrates the techniques very clearly so that you can produce your own pieces of work with confidence. I had no previous experience of sgraffito or glass painting and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day and was very pleased with the pieces I made. Thanks to Brian I now feel I can experiment with the techniques and make progress on my own. I would highly recommended this course to anyone interested in creating beautiful effects with glass."

Janet Staniland reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Booked this back in March as a birthday present for my husband. Lockdown meant we had to postpone it but it was well worth the wait. Jack is an excellent tutor, friendly and informative. There were five of us on the course, all spread out to meet social distancing guidelines. We each produced three pots during a very absorbing and enjoyable afternoon. We'd recommend it without hesitation!"

Andy Leon reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Well paced course with expert and friendly tuition. I highly recommend Greg’s wood turning course. I always learn a lot on his courses and I’ve been wood turning for several years now!"

Sue Boyes reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"What a wonderful weekend I have had! Elaine is a wonderful teacher and the course is so informative, I can’t quite believe how much I achieved in two days! I can highly recommend this course, I have come home with such enthusiasm to get started on my wheel. Although COVID 19 is ever present, Elaine had all measures in place to keep us safe. Thank you Elaine and one day soon I will show you my knitted masterpieces!!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Sue. It was a privilege to work with you and I'm so glad you enjoyed your time here. Looking forward to seeing the 'creation'."

Peter Smith reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"Just finished a thoroughly enjoyable 2 days of axe making at Friargate Forge with Gary, a man with a real mastery and love for his craft. The course struck just the right balance of hands on (sweat inducing!) experience with enough assistance and guidance to ensure that you leave with an axe to be proud of. Just got home and my hatchet made short work of splitting a partially seasoned cherry log. Would definitely recommend."

Friargate Forge Ltd responded:

"Thanks Peter was a pleasure having you at the forge and you did superb well done ?"

Jenny reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Quite outstanding, would recommend to anyone, Nadine is knowledgable and extremely helpful. The course was fun and the glassware is beautiful, would be great to repeat."

Lucia reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"This class was absolutely fantastic - I would recommend it 100% It was such good fun and Nadine was a fantastic teacher who put all of us at ease and was very supportive and encouraging. I really loved my time there and what I made. I use my coasters everyday. Thank you Nadine!"

Mia reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"My friend and I had a fantastic time at Nadine's fused glass workshop! We were total beginners to working with any kind of glass but she broke down each step in a very simple and fun way, and encouraged silly ideas and questions while still guiding you towards a wonderful finished product (that we get to keep!) She really knows her craft and is wonderful at keeping a relaxed and engaged vibe among all her students. Thanks Nadine!"

Mel Evans reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Having completed the French Polishing course this week at OP Woodcraft, I can say that it was a fantastic learning curve. Ollie is an incredibly patient and knowledgeable teacher and because of this I feel I achieved far more than I could ever have expected. I now feel confident to use the skills I have learned during this French Polishing course in the future and can’t wait to get cracking!!! Can’t recommend highly enough! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Mel Evans reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 2 Day Workshop

"If I could leave more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️‘S I would! An amazing course. With Ollie’s patient tuition I managed to learn so much, the outcome being I’ve more confidence in taking on more challenging projects in the future. Despite the 30+ degree heat the paint finish was beautiful and flat and even without brushstrokes (not something I’ve ever managed before). An all round great course, I would strongly recommend it to anyone!"

Elizabeth reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"Had a fantastic time with a very patient teacher learning the basics of bead making. We learned how to make a basic bead then added various decorations, building skills as we went along. The garden studio is lovely, well equipped and has a kettle (tea is essential for people like me). Suzanne took care to ensure we complied with guidelines relating to covid 19 and I felt safe and supported at all times. I’m already planning another trip because I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Highly recommended."

Louise O'Connor reviewed: Silver clay jewellery weekend / 2 day course at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I booked a last minute weekend workshop with Jo. I'd wanted to learn how to make silver jewellery for a long time and I was not disappointed. I learnt lots of techniques and was taught in stages of the process which helped. I came away with a ring, earrings and two pendants, one I'm using as a keyring, one as a necklace with other pendants. I thoroughly enjoyed the two days, especially as Jo is a patient and encouraging teacher. Her studio within the grounds of her garden is ideal with lots of light, space and tools. We enjoyed lunch outside in the garden (masks and social distancing of course during this time). In addition, I was able to stay in her B&B which made the experience much more relaxing. Jo's breakfasts are fabulous, very tasty. My room was very comfortable and peaceful. I enjoyed evening meals out at nearby locations. Thank you Jo for helping me enjoy being creative once again and inspiring me to continue. Much appreciated, Louise (Ely, UK)"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you for your review Louise - it was a pleasure!"

Rochelle Enticknap reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"Sue was a brilliant host. Knowledgable, personable and above all patient!!! The lunch was brilliant (as was the home made olive bread) and my partner and I felt relaxed and comfortable throughout the course. We would thoroughly recommend this course!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Rochelle, it was a pleasure to have you both here and well done on persevering! I will be in touch soon. Thanks, Sue"

Chris Horwood reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My husband booked 2 x 4 hour courses with Sarah on glass fusing as a Christmas present. I found that Sarah had a lot of knowledge and experience working with glass and was happy to share this with me. She helped and encouraged me to experiment with different kinds of glass and advised me on different techniques that can be used. It was a very interesting course and found that by taking it in two sessions with a few days between was very beneficial. It gave me time to think about my experience between the course days and to see on my return my finished items after firing. From this I could improve my technique and achieve a higher standard and quality of product. Thank you Sarah for your time and patience it was a very interesting and enjoyable course. I would like to recommend this course to all ages and I can imagine great for a family."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"A fabulous review - thank you very much! It is always interesting to be able to spend more time with learners in order to try out different techniques and give a more in-depth experience. Also lovely to chat to interesting 'students'! Thanks very much, Sarah"

Annabelle reviewed: Amazing Mosaic Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this course from beginning to end, in fact I was sad when it ended. But it taught me so much and more! It encouraged me to try more mosaics at home and I knew I could contact Anne the course leader for any advice I needed, she was so supportive. Also everything was supplied for the course so there was no need to go out and get all the materials and equipment. Everyone was so friendly and we've all kept in touch. I'll definitely be joining again."

Gigi reviewed: Amazing Mosaic Workshop

"Am so happy to give this course an Excellent rating. It was everything I wanted and more! If you want to try mosaics have no hesitation in booking."

Chris reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I have just had my second full day of training with Suzanne and it was fantastic. Suzanne is a super teacher, very patient and very observant. She carefully demonstrated each new technique before giving me ample opportunity to produce my own versions. I learned a lot and thoroughly recommend this course for anyone interested in making flame worked glass objects, beads and jewelery etc. For a full day this course is excellent value. Chris Sowden"

Lisa G reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"Thank you for the wonderful experience you gave in the woods. I was very moved by the day and I'm still carrying a great quietude and thoughtfulness with me."

Stephen Dobbison reviewed: Make a Welsh stick chair

"Thank you, Ben, for the course, your company and your patience in helping me produce a wonderful chair. I had an amazing week learning a new skill and really surprised myself in what I produced. This was entirely down to Ben’s skills and teaching techniques which were well thought out and delivered in a manner even a complete novice like me could understand. My family were speechless when I brought the chair in to show them and still think I bought the chair somewhere! Once again thank you Ben for a fabulous week in the woods."

Betty reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Well I was completely out of my comfort zone even thinking about doing an art class especially abstract art and thought I would end up with something that my friends would look at and smile politely - instead they have looked at my finished work with disbelief and I have even had a few "Wows" ! I had an entirely enjoyable day with Jo who guides you through the process calmly and recognises when it's time for you to have a little walk around the lovely garden when you get an "artist's block" . A coffee and some chocolate (provided by Jo !) will soon get you back on track.Would thoroughly recommend this course especially for sceptics like me ! Thank you Jo x"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Betty ;-) really glad you enjoyed stepping outside of your comfort zone! Your work will brighten up the hallway you were planning to hang it. Hope to see you again, Jo x"

Anita reviewed: Ultimate guide to gift wrapping & gift basket master class - as seen on TV

"I was given the course as a birthday gift. What a great idea! I loved! Instruction was brilliant and professional. The course covered everything I wanted to learn.  It opened my mind to being more creative in wrapping. Thank you, Neelam you were so helpful, kind and patient. Anita Sharma"

Neelam Meetcha Gift Wrapping Course & Paper Flower Training Academy responded:

"Hello Anita Thank you for your review, it was a pleasure to have you on the course, look forward to seeing you again soon Warmest regards Neelam"

Freddie reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"This course was great for me as I was just setting up my business. It’s obvious that Paula knows the candle making industry in depth and answered every question with great thought. Paula was very helpful with which wax I should use for my business, explaining the different types and talking about the newest waxes on the market. This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as people already making candles. Not only did I learn a lot from the day, it was also great fun! I’m very fond of the two great smelling candles I made and bought home with me! Lunch was lovely too! I would recommend this course to everyone!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much for this lovely feedback. I wish you all the best in your candle business!. Paula"

Yvonne Hartley reviewed: Mosaic jewellery workshop

"The whole course was fabulous. Enjoyed every minute & learnt new techniques. Adela is a fabulous teacher and her studio where we were was an amazing space to be in. Stayed for another class with Adela that day and again, superb ?? Can't recommend highly enough ?"

Julie reviewed: Nettle Fibre Workshop

"Excellent workshop which leads you gently through the process of making a workable fibre from the common nettle. Brigitte has a fabulous knowledge of fibres and has created the day in a very logical way. Patiently leading you from picking your own nettles through the various processing stages so you leave with samples from each stage. Brigitte is so inspirational with her passion. She also brings a collection of items and fibres both made by her or obtained during her research. All of which left me wanting to learn more"