Latest reviews

Carole reviewed: Friendship Star On-Demand Digital Patchwork & Quilting Course

"Very clear instructions, both written and on video. Thoroughly enjoying the course. Recommend"

Kath Pyke reviewed: Easy peasy grow your own food - Tuesdays

"Excited to squeeze onto one of Kim’s last courses before lockdown, and so glad I did! Great to get Kim’s fresh ideas on year-round productive cropping in polytunnels. My favourites; chard & purple sprouting broccoli still cropping after 4 years! So much to learn whether you’re just starting out or have been growing for a while. A great course for curious minds. If you get a chance, go for it! Thank you Kim!"

Des reviewed: "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course with live tuition.

"I was a little unsure about doing interactive art online as I have never done this before. Raya was brilliant as she explained everything so simple to me as if I was at her workshop in her art and craft studio. I thought initially I wouldn't enjoy this online experience as I'm a very much a people person and love being with other people in a workshop environment where we can have a joke and get to know each other. Doing an online Zoom course was surprisingly a great experience as I have met new friends and with Raya's easy to follow instructions I can still do the art I love."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Hi Des, Thank you so much for your comments! I am happy that you enjoyed my interactive course on zoom and found some new like-minded friends through my course. Good luck with your art projects and I look forward to seeing you again on zoom at our interactive online art classes."

Dana Broad reviewed: "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course with live tuition.

"I cannot believe how far I have come in just a few weeks. Raya Brown not only is a brilliant tutor she is a talented Artist in her own right. I feel really lucky in coming across this fabulous studio!"

Alex reviewed: "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course with live tuition.

"This is such a great idea! Fantastic assistance course for Art and Craft enthusiasts! Raya is a very knowledgeable, patient and helpful Tutor. She gives clear step by step instructions and her teaching to tailored to individual student's needs. Her traditional approach to teaching is an asset to the Art Education System. I have enjoyed her courses very much and highly recommend this course to everyone who would like to study Art in-depth."

Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio responded:

"Dear Alex, Thank you very much for you review. I am glad you have enjoyed my courses and you are now producing some lovely Art work. I look forward to seeing you again at my next online course with you. Raya"

Akshy reviewed: Sculpture kit: the original 'stay home' kit for sculptors - with live tuition

"I purchased this kit and it arrived very speedily (just in a few days). I also bought the clay and tools which also came super fast. Overall the whole kit is such good quality, really well made and well planed. The manual which I received is so thorough, well put together and extremely easy to understand. You also get a video step by step and tutorials which for visual learners is a bonus. I don't think you'll find a course like this for this price elsewhere! I also love how 15% of the price is donated to the NHS, which is really needed in a time like this. But of course not matter how good the manual is if you are a beginner like me you'll have 1 million questions going through your head as you are sculpting so I am constantly emailing Lydia with pictures who replies super fast and and in a lot of details using diagrams explaining what to do. She usually replies very quickly (within a few hours if not sooner). The best thing about this kit is that because its at home and therefore fairly self led you can do it at your own speed taking as much time as you'd like and fit it around your life and other things you might be doing. You don't feel pressure to it done in a set amount of time which has been really great! It also forces you at have confidence in your own decisions as the teacher isn't in the room with you which for me is very beneficial as I tend to rely on teachers a bit too much! But of course Lydia is always there is you need her (I tend to check in with her every once in a while, just for peace of mind if nothing else!) I am also a returning student to Lydia Smith Sculpture Studio courses, I also did her 2 day ear sculpting course which was an in studio session with her so it interesting to compare the two ways of learning. And as you can see I have been so pleased with her course that I have come back and I will definitely be returning again after this course is finished. For anyone that likes being creative but maybe has no experience with clay, this is an amazing course and I would recommend it! You get to be hands on, practical and express your creativity. It's so fun and you don't need to be an expert. I am a complete beginner! But I can also see how this might be good for someone who is intermediate and is trying to brush up and improve on their skills, with Lydia's guidance and skills she can definitely help tailor this course for your level!"

Annie reviewed: Sculpture kit: the original 'stay home' kit for sculptors - with live tuition

"This is such a comprehensive and well planned out course for complete beginners and more advanced sculptors like myself just wanting a ‘personal sculptor trainer’ to keep me creatively motivated at home at times of my own choosing. Lydia’s teaching style is really clear and I love her ‘can do’ attitude and comprehensive instruction manual. This course would make a brilliant present for someone special!"

Sharon Henshall reviewed: Easy peasy grow your own food - Thursdays

"Kim makes her sessions so interesting and informative. She helped to install a sense of confidence in me as I've been slightly daunted by my garden. Lots of great tips & solid advice. Can't recommend her courses enough!!"

Stay home sculpting kit student reviewed: Sculpture kit: armature, clay, tools, 1-2-1 tuition and more!

"This is such a comprehensive and well planned out course for complete beginners and more advanced sculptors like myself just wanting a ‘personal sculptor trainer’ to keep me creatively motivated at home at times of my own choosing. Lydia’s teaching style is really clear and I love her ‘can do’ attitude and comprehensive instruction manual. This course would make a brilliant present for someone special!"

-Stay Home Sculpting Kit student reviewed: Sculpture kit: armature, clay, tools, 1-2-1 tuition and more!

"I purchased this kit and it arrived very speedily (just in a few days). Overall the whole kit is such good quality, really well made and well planned. The manual which I received is so thorough, well put together and extremely easy to understand. You also get a video step by step and tutorials which for visual learners is a bonus. I don't think you'll find a course like this for this price elsewhere! I also love how part of the price is donated to the NHS, which is really needed in a time like this. But of course know matter how good the manual is if you are a beginner like me you'll have 1 million questions going through your head as you are sculpting, so I am constantly emailing Lydia with pictures who replies super fast and and in a lot of details using diagrams explaining what to do. She usually replies very quickly (within a few hours if not sooner). The best thing about this kit is that because it's at home and therefore fairly self led you can do it at your own speed taking as much time as you'd like and fit it around your life and other things you might be doing. You don't feel pressure to get it done in a set amount of time which has been really great! It also forces you to have confidence in your own decisions as the teacher isn't in the room with you which for me is very beneficial as I tend to rely on teachers a bit too much! But of course Lydia is always there is you need her (I tend to check in with her every once in a while, just for peace of mind if nothing else!) I am also a returning student to Lydia Smith Sculpture Studio courses, I also did her 2 day ear sculpting course which was an in studio session with her so it interesting to compare the two ways of learning. And as you can see I have been so pleased with her course that I have come back and I will definitely be returning again after this course is finished. For anyone that likes being creative but maybe has no experience with clay, this is an amazing course and I would recommend it! You get to be hands on, practical and express your creativity. It's so fun and you don't need to be an expert. I am a complete beginner! But I can also see how this might be good for someone who is intermediate and is trying to brush up and improve on their skills, with Lydia's guidance and skills she can definitely help tailor this course for your level!"

Emma Leybourne reviewed: Sculpture kit: the original 'stay home' kit for sculptors - with live tuition

"I recently purchased the stay at home sculpture kit and so far have been really impressed. I ordered the kit with the clay and tools included and everything arrived really quickly. The armature was really easy to put together. Lydia has been able to make this kit suitable for all abilities. As someone who is a complete beginner I think the details she has given have been very thorough, with clear instructions and reference photos to help. The demo was really clear and easy to follow. As a complete amateur I had some other questions just to check I was on the right track, Lydia is very approachable and replied really quickly and gave precise feedback in helping me improve. Thank you Lydia!"

Akshy reviewed: Sculpture kit: the original stay home kit for sculptors

"I purchased this kit and it arrived very speedily (just in a few days). I also bought the clay and tools which also came super fast. Overall the whole kit is such good quality, really well made and well planed. The manual which I received is so thorough, well put together and extremely easy to understand. You also get a video step by step and tutorials which for visual learners is a bonus. I don't think you'll find a course like this for this price elsewhere! I also love how 15% of the price is donated to the NHS, which is really needed in a time like this. But of course not matter how good the manual is if you are a beginner like me you'll have 1 million questions going through your head as you are sculpting so I am constantly emailing Lydia with pictures who replies super fast and and in a lot of details using diagrams explaining what to do. She usually replies very quickly (within a few hours if not sooner). The best thing about this kit is that because its at home and therefore fairly self led you can do it at your own speed taking as much time as you'd like and fit it around your life and other things you might be doing. You don't feel pressure to it done in a set amount of time which has been really great! It also forces you at have confidence in your own decisions as the teacher isn't in the room with you which for me is very beneficial as I tend to rely on teachers a bit too much! But of course Lydia is always there is you need her (I tend to check in with her every once in a while, just for peace of mind if nothing else!) I am also a returning student to Lydia Smith Sculpture Studio courses, I also did her 2 day ear sculpting course which was an in studio session with her so it interesting to compare the two ways of learning. And as you can see I have been so pleased with her course that I have come back and I will definitely be returning again after this course is finished. For anyone that likes being creative but maybe has no experience with clay, this is an amazing course and I would recommend it! You get to be hands on, practical and express your creativity. It's so fun and you don't need to be an expert. I am a complete beginner! But I can also see how this might be good for someone who is intermediate and is trying to brush up and improve on their skills, with Lydia's guidance and skills she can definitely help tailor this course for your level!"

Lydia Smith Studio responded:

"Such a lovely review thank you so much! i thoroughly enjoy teaching you and glad you are enjoying the Kit so far!"

Weekend student reviewed: Figurative sculpture 2 day course: sculpt a plaster cast

"I can’t think of anything more fun then spending the weekend sculpting and getting creative with clay, even thought I don’t really have any sculpting experience! Attending Lydia’s 2 day workshop where I sculpted an ear was so fun thanks to Lydia’s excellent and patient teaching skills! She teaches in a way that makes it fun and accessible even if you don’t have a clue what your doing! I will definitely be attending more of her workshops!"

Workshop organiser reviewed: Figurative sculpture 2 day course: sculpt a plaster cast

"I have to say you were amazing Lydia, the students loved it! You certainly know your craft, very professional and encouraging."

Workshop student reviewed: Figurative sculpture 2 day course: sculpt a plaster cast

"Four evenings of highly enjoyable and intensive sculpting with Lydia surpassed all of my expectations. Previous pottery classes gave me the basics, but her teaching and considerate approach took my work to a much higher level. If I had the opportunity to work with Lydia again I would do so in the knowledge that I would continue to develop my potential!"

Anon reviewed: Figurative sculpture 2 day course: sculpt a plaster cast

"I completed work experience with Lydia, she was an amazing teacher and not only taught me moulding and sculpting skills but showed me what it was like in the art industry by taking me to studios such as Pinewood and Leavesden. She has also helped me with my university portfolio by suggesting what order my pieces should be in, what to add/remove and also tips for the actual interview."

Annie reviewed: Sculpture kit: the original stay home kit for sculptors

"This is such a comprehensive and well planned out course for complete beginners and more advanced sculptors like myself just wanting a ‘personal sculptor trainer’ to keep me creatively motivated at home at times of my own choosing. Lydias teaching style is really clear and I love her ‘can do’ attitude and comprehensive instruction manual. This course would make a brilliant present for someone special!"

Jackie Percivall reviewed: Online Class - Beginner Rag Rug Techniques - Including Tools worth £26

"I really enjoyed this workshop - it was a present from my daughter. Tools/material arrived prior to the day, emails and phone calls to check all ok. Zoom worked really well and Elspeth was brilliant explaining everything clearly. I finished my sunflower and feel very proud - planning my next project now. Thank you"

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you Jackie, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop, we can't wait to see what you create, keep in touch. Happy Rag Rugging, Elspeth"

Janice Brinley Codd reviewed: Online Class - Beginner Rag Rug Techniques - Including Tools worth £26

"Elspeth, very patiently, took us through the basic steps and enabled us all to feel confident that we could finish the sunflower project very easily on our own. I finished mine today and was very pleased with the outcome."

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thank you Janet, I'm so pleased you found the workshop useful and that you're pleased with your finished sunflower. Make sure you send us pictures of any future creations. Happy Rag Rugging, Elspeth x"

Sarah reviewed: Easy peasy grow your own food - Thursdays

"Kim is definitely one of the new breed of gardeners so needed at the moment. I came away feeling totally inspired and motivated by her knowledge and positive attitude. Having done a course with Kim before I found myself referring to her book and as a result found my confidence in the garden growing ( excuse the pun ) Nothing like having this expert advice online though."

Alex reviewed: Virtual Candle Making Masterclass and Kit - London Refinery Studio

"This was a wonderful experience - the course was conducted with live online tuition using a craft kit previously posted to us (which was gorgeous). Lucy was a fantastic teacher - warm, engaging, encouraging and knowledgable. She gave us loads of really helpful tips. This 'stay at home' course certainly ignited my passion for essential oils and candle making, not to mention the fact that I felt socially connected again. Thanks Lucy :-)"

The London Refinery responded:

"Thank you so much Alex."

John Williams reviewed: Easy peasy grow your own food - Thursdays

"This was my first online course. I found it engaging and insightful and will definitely be signing up to future courses with Kim. I definitely recommend giving it a go"

Di Featherstone reviewed: Upholstery for beginners

"I joined this upholstery course in September 2019 and have thoroughly enjoyed every session. I was surprised at how much I learned in such a short time, all due to Julian’s patience and great knowledge of the subject. I also enjoyed meeting other enthusiasts and watching their progress week by week. To date I have upholstered the seat of a stool and am currently working on quite a complicated button back Victorian chair. Julian has supported me through webbing and re-springing this chair from scratch and I am looking forward to the next stages in the process. I am so pleased to have discovered Julian and his upholstery sessions and can’t wait to resume work on my chair as soon as this Coronavirus crisis is over. I would recommend these classes to anyone who is looking to learn new skills (or update previous ones) and who are perhaps interested in meeting new people with similar interests. Three hours to look forward to each week!!! Thank you Julian. Hope to see you and the others very soon!"

Caroline Anderson reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"A friend recomended I take Roxana's online course because I wanted to learn to make soap and didn't know which course had all the correct information I need. I was not dissapointed! I have learned so much and I love the olive oil soap formula she included in the course."

Stephen Roebuck reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"I always had the desire to learn about natural soaps but was always too busy and didn’t find the time. With lockdown I had no excuse, so took the online course and was surprised how enjoyable, informative and easy it was. I love my lemon soap and will never go back to shop soap again. Thanks Roxi for educating me and helping me realise that I am not too old to learn. Get involved for those sitting on the fence."