Latest reviews

Nina reviewed: Wet Felt a vibrant wallhanging in fine merino wools with silk embellishments.

"I absolutely love the colours of this kit which comes with clear instructions yet a chance to be original. My first one is for my office wall to cheer me up. Great kit and good value."

Alan reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"What a great course! I have just learnt an amazing new technique of painting with wool fibres. This is going to become my new hobby as it is so therapeutic, enjoyable and addictive! I fell in love with this new way of painting with colourful strands of wool and creating amazing new textures and effects! Thank you to the wonderful tutor Raya Brown who posted the kit to me and carefully explained the the process of wool painting using clear step by step online demonstrations and inspirational ideas."

Jennifer Redman reviewed: Needlefelting landscape one day workshop

"Yesterday I spent a super day online with Catherine learning how to create a needle felt picture. The original plan to be in Orkney had to be postponed until next year. However I can thoroughly recommend an online course with a Catherine. She is an excellent teacher and also very good company. I have done some felting before which probably made the online experience easier but I have no doubt that Catherine would be able adapt to teach beginners as well. I was very proud of my end results. Thank you Catherine - I look forward to meeting you in Orkney next year."

Gail D reviewed: Wet Felt a vibrant wallhanging in fine merino wools with silk embellishments.

"Hi Judi, Thanks for all your help with your step by step guide. The rainbow turned out better than I expected and Fraser really enjoyed making it, especially the bit with the water. Will be attempting the felt soaps next, thanks for adding them in. Ruari is even going to give it a go. Take care and stay safe. Thanks Gail"

Julie Pickering reviewed: Recycle that saucer - making mosaics with china

"I knew of Anne Cardwell having done a one day course a few years ago which I thoroughly enjoyed but never going any further whilst working full time. When I realised Anne did online courses I didn't hesitate to join. I am so glad I did as the course has been brilliant, easy to understand, informative and seeing other people's projects, has been inspiring. There are so many things I want to make - I've always loved mosaics and I know now I've found a hobby I should have continued with 10 years ago. Thank you Anne, you are a brilliant teacher."

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thank you so much Julie - I thought teaching online would be impersonal but I've interacted with old friends/students and loved hearing how you are all getting along. I never tire of making mosaics, I had to make it into a job!!"

Simon Cowell reviewed: Basic electrical part 2 - practical

"From the moment I arrived, David made the course practical and meaningful. I had some prior knowledge (from 20 years ago!), which David picked up on and pitched the course at the right level. Having covered the theory in Part 1, we looked at more practical scenarios in Part 2. It won't make you an Electrician in a day (no surprise there), but it will help you to understand the subject. Safety is talked about a lot (thankfully), and this gives you the confidence to know what you should and should not be doing! It will also give you the practical know-how to perform some fault finding in your own home. I'd recommend this course to anyone who wants to take the next step in understanding Electrics in their own home."

Anne Fender reviewed: Wet Felt a vibrant wallhanging in fine merino wools with silk embellishments.

"What a wonderful surprise to open up this delightful package of colours! It came on a very dark day and I am keen to clear the decks and get started on my rainbow banner. Very good communication and patient advice from Judi - nothing was too much trouble."

Clarice Wahlich reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"If you’re looking for something different to try this is a great choice. Anne’s instructions are very clear and easy to follow. The project soon starts to take shape and it’s really satisfying to complete something within a short time frame. The balls are really pretty and look great in the garden. They have been much admired and prove a real talking point when people see them. I’ve loved this course."

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Clarice - good to hear!"

Sue Allpress reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"I think this is a brilliant course for anyone who wants to try their hand at mosaics. The balls are quick to make and with Anne’s clear Instructions and helpful tips you will soon get the hang of it. The balls are beautiful - you can make them in your favourite colours and dot them around your garden for a stunning effect. Perfect for all-year colour and interest and no watering required!"

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thanks sue, lovely review."

Emily C reviewed: Wet Felt a vibrant wallhanging in fine merino wools with silk embellishments.

"The rainbow kits arrived yesterday and the wool colours are amazing! I can't wait to get started with my daughter as we've been isolating and wanted to try something creative and new. The instructions look very easy to follow and Judi was quick to respond, answer all questions and dispatch the item. Excellent service."

Rita Boniface reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"I think Anne's courses either in the classroom or online are very inspiring. I started 5 years ago and have not looked back, Anne is so encouraging and has great patience. When lockdown started and Anne's online classes started I found it just as easy to follow as being in the classroom, the only thing I missed was her making the tea and the splendid banter of the classroom. Anne brings out the creativity in us all. Rita Boniface"

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Rita - I'll make you a cuppa one day when we get together again - I'm glad you are able to join in online!"

Stephanie reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"My partner and I completed a course with Alison back in February to gain a better understanding on how to make cosmetic products for launching our own business venture. From the moment of enquiry Alison was brilliant. We had a lot of communication prior the course as Alison wanted to get an understanding of what we wanted to gain from the course so she could tailor it more to our requirements. The course was fantastic, we first had a theory lesson to get a good understanding of formulas and essential oils. There is a lot to take in but Alison is extremely well prepared and her knowledge is second to none and she is excellent at passing on her knowledge while keeping the course both interesting and fun. The second part of the day we did the practical side of things and made many lotions and potions. The products that we made were excellent and became my only skin care as they were so good! The day flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't imagine a better teacher than Alison so if you're wondering whether or not to book this course, my advice is to stop thinking about it and book it! You will not regret it! Brilliant."

Reni Landor reviewed: Recycle that saucer - making mosaics with china

"Thank you Anne, for making your courses available online at this time. I first attended 2 of your courses in person many years ago and LOVED everything to the extent that I got my own tools and tiles and I was off, making my own designs and exploring different styles! However over time, I did less and less mosaicing and felt I had forgotten what I had learned, and lost confidence. Lockdown brought me back to your classes, this time online, and I am off again, with new skills, fresh ideas, and a renewed enthusiasm for this amazing and absorbing form of art. Your videos are SO clear and helpful (very skillful teaching) and you have responded to my queries so quickly. Thank you again."

Making Mosaics responded:

"Hi Reni, great to hear you are back in the fold... and I hope you are enjoying experimenting with my new tiles which you collected contact free from my front garden! Anne"

Jane hyde reviewed: Design for patchwork and quilting - online course - distance learning

"I did this course a couple of years ago - would definitely recommend, very comprehensive and yours to keep so you can revisit it."

Karen Platt responded:

"Thank you Jane"

Dianne Nunn reviewed: Photoshop for textiles, photographers and artists

"This course enhanced my basic knowledge of photoshop and gave me confidence to develop my own ideas and designs. Karen was always happy to help whenever I was unsure and the course notes continue to be of use."

Karen Platt responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the ecourse Dianne. Always love seeing your work."

Sherrie Charlton reviewed: Online Interactive Upcycling Furniture Workshop

"Sarah is an excellent tutor and I really enjoyed the course. I had booked to go on the 2 day course but Covid-19 put an end to this so when Sarah suggested trialing the online option I was delighted. The interactive online sessions were great and there was just the right amount of time between sessions to put everything into practice and be ready for the next session (everything dry and ready to go) without feeling pressurized. Obviously, you need to make sure you have the right materials but Sarah gave the list out in good time with plenty of suggested alternatives in case they weren’t available and it also meant I have everything ready to do my next piece. Sarah’s style is creative and supportive and I’m booked onto another workshop when we can meet in person and learn more techniques. I would thoroughly recommend the workshop."

Fohla reviewed: Combined Soap, Skincare and Business Workshop

"I was on this course last week. It was a great experience, and I'm really pleased with the end products. I'd never done anything like this before, but Rose took us through the process in very clear steps, making it fun and accessible for beginners! I received a package with the ingredients a few days beforehand, with a list of basic kitchen utensils that would be needed. All the packaging is sustainable, and Rose was really informative about the ingredients, and answered all our questions during the workshop. I'm really happy with the end products (bath melts and body butter). They're lovely to use, and it's great to know that they're cruelty free and organic. Would definitely recommend!"

Organik Orangutan responded:

"Hi Fohla thank you for your lovely review. So glad you enjoyed the workshop and your finished products. Hope to see you again on another workshop. Take care. Rosie x"

Madeleine Casey reviewed: Combined Soap, Skincare and Business Workshop

"Took this online course on Friday. It was such a diverting, practical and fun course. I learnt such a lot about different oils and butters. Rosie sent all the organic ingredients and some equipment several days before. You just need a few basic kitchen utensils to hand. It worked brilliantly on zoom. The participants could see each other and Rosie, who came across loud and clear, taking us through each step calmly and expertly. By the end of the two hours, that flew by, I had a jar of gorgeous Lemongrass and Bergamot body butter and 10 body/bath melts. I highly recommend this course. It's a lovely thing to do with family and friends that we can't see at the moment too. I felt really connected to them."

Organik Orangutan responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Madeleine, glad you enjoyed the workshop and the products you made. Hope to see you on another workshop. Take care Rosie x"

Angie reviewed: Online beginners candle making kit & LIVE workshop

"The kit was excellent and includes a nice variety - a pillar candle, a fragranced container candle and a rolled beeswax candle, so there are three different projects to learn. Dyes and fragrances are also included as well as a handy pan, for double boiling, and thermometer. Sarah is so generous with her knowledge. I've gone back to her to ask her many more questions since the class and she has always been very happy to help with where to get supplies and how to fix some of the problems I've encountered when experimenting with new candle ideas."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Angie, really pleased you enjoyed the kit."

Audrey biscotti reviewed: Recycle that saucer - making mosaics with china

"Loved this course. Was a real boon during lockdown. Clear concise guidance and with a lovely sense of calm. Really enjoyed the videos and everything was accessible and reasonable to find material wise. ?"

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Audrey!"

Alison Nixon reviewed: Recycle that saucer - making mosaics with china

"I am so glad I found this website - I am a complete beginner to the world of mosaic art and found the instructions clear & concise. Anne’s teaching method is excellent, she is very skilled and imparts her knowledge in a friendly and easy to understand format. The absolute best online mosaic site I have found - have recommended it to many. Thank you so much Anne!"

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thank you so much Alison. Kind words."

Liz reviewed: Developing Sketchbooks

"I’d never done an online workshop before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but a friend had recommended it and I needed a bit of a kick up the proverbial to get my creative mojo working again. In fact I found the online aspect really helpful – you can work at your own pace to fit in with other commitments and surrounded by your own materials, sources and inspiration. The Facebook group gives you interaction if you want it, and also provides helpful individual feedback from Dionne plus the motivation to try and keep pace with course-mates so you can share work at the relevant time. Having a bit of breathing space between tasks also helps as you can mull things over as you go about your day, and see inspiration everywhere which you can bring back into the sketchbook. I found Dionne’s approach really helpful, with the videos clear and to the point with helpful examples. The course was as inspirational as I had hoped it would be – encouraging you at all times to play, explore and follow your instincts, but within a really nicely structured framework which helped you to gradually develop your ideas. I’ll be using the techniques for years to come, I’m sure."

Caroline reviewed: Silk screen printing online course

"I have been inspired by you: your online workshops helped me overcome being locked in my house with depression. In one year I've built a workshop, printed with two old screens and sold my first thousand pounds worth of work. I can't thank you enough. Everyone who's finding it tough should try your online workshops."

Jackie reviewed: Silk screen printing online course

"The videos are brilliant - very clear and easy to follow. Just enough information to be able to get started without overwhelming my limited brainspace! I have to admit to feeling a bit pressured at first when the workshops came thick and fast, but once I started, I found it was good to have all the information at hand when I needed it, rather than having to wait for more to come, so I think getting it all upfront was great - I just needed to calm myself and do it at my own pace! Although I would have liked to be able to do a workshop with other people around (always great to share ideas and experiences), this has been an invaluable alternative - I have certainly been able to take more time perhaps to consider what I have done before I make the next move, without knowing I have to complete it all by the end of the day, so I have probably spent more time on it than I would have done on a workshop. However, I have tried to treat it like one of your studio workshops and learn the techniques without getting bogged down in developing ideas at this stage. The course has been fantastic for this and I have been inspired by what I have learned - I had never done breakdown printing or used flour paste before, and I am wowed by them both - can't wait to develop them further. It has been a great way to learn the techniques - I can't think of any constructive criticism to give - it has been a well planned and structured programme and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. Great value, great education and great inspiration!! Thank you very much for a wonderful time with stimulating ideas and a wealth of inspiration!"

Kerina Hawes reviewed: Online beginners candle making kit & LIVE workshop

"Done the online course due to isolation events and am so glad I did. My world has been opened up to candle making! I’m new to it and want to eventually sell wax tarts. The course covers many variety of candles and the live workshop was fantastic - I felt like I was in the actual workshop with Sarah! I ordered the online candle making which included the kit (which was very generous and everything you need to get started and more). Sarah is thorough and patient, and I thought it’s great that she has Q&A after every section of the course completed. Can’t wait to do the advance course. Thank you Sarah ?"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Kerina for your lovely review. Would be delighted to welcome you to our advance face-to-face workshop when life returns back to normal!"