Latest reviews

Diane Brooks reviewed: Fine Silver Keepsake Business Course

"I have had a wonderful day learning how to make keepsake jewellery. Amanda is an excellent teacher and wonderfully patient. I can thoroughly recommend this course."

Everlasting Love responded:

"Thank you Diane, it was a pleasure meeting you. You should be proud of the pieces of jewellery that you made. All the best for your future venture."

Mary Molloy reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Everything was explained very well with lovely mosaics that Rachel had made in the room for inspiration. All the materials required were to hand and I thoroughly recommend it."

JoAnne Hughes reviewed: Box or tub making

"Having studied under several master saddlers over the years, a skilled craftsperson doesn't automatically translate to be a skilled teacher. Nigel is both a consummate craftsman and a generous and articulate teacher. His knowledge is extensive, from historical references to the relative merits of pricking irons - I can listen to him all day! I wish I could have spent longer at his well-equipped workshop as one day wasn't really enough. I would heartily recommend this course!"

Gaynor Eldon reviewed: Autumn block printing workshop

"I spent a wild, wet Saturday learning to Lino print with Rachel. Everything about the day was excellent from the venue, Rachel’s teaching style and enthusiasm for printing and the supportive nature of the group which was fostered by Rachel. There was a good mix of teaching technique and ‘having a go’ and Rachel was on hand to advise and encourage without being intrusive. I finished the day with 4 lovely napkins to use on Christmas Day and a new found hobby! I enjoyed the day so much I went out and bought cutting tools and Lino to print my own Christmas cards and wrapping paper! I would highly recommend a workshop with Rachel."

Jeff Halse reviewed: Carving Woodland Beasts

"Jason was very informative & willing to pass on his knowledge. He was very encouraging to everyone pitching his teaching to their ability being supportive to everyone."

Vivienne Hemingway reviewed: Woodcarving with sculptor Jason -handtools -gouging and whittling

"Attended the wood carving course a few weeks ago. Jason teaches with just the right mixture of instruction with the various tools, showing you how to achieve a particular effect, and just letting you get on with it. It was a lovely relaxed atmosphere in an inspiring workshop, and we all got help when we needed it. I was amazed at what I could achieve in a day from having had no prior experience. Thank you Jason - I will be back!"

Jason Thomson - Sculptor responded:

"Thanks for a lovely review Vivienne! A great day all due to your fellow course mates and yourself for working so hard. I look forward to seeing you again!"

Kat reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Having done the basic candle making workshop with Anne, I felt confident that the advanced candle making workshop would be just as interesting and I wasn't disappointed. Anne patiently showed us how to place wooden wicks and explained their burning tendencies, explained how to choose wicks for multi-wick candles and demonstrated the cooling time of beeswax. I now have several gorgeously scented candles and wax melts! Very happy!"

Liz Rowan reviewed: Monthly beginners sewing class - Weds evening

"I was a complete beginner- had never even turned a sewing machine on and was very nervous! By the end I was confident in setting up and using one and was happily making bags and cushion covers etc. Tansy is kind, patient and very knowledgeable. I loved all the tips she gave us about how to make things easier. Thank you so much!!"

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills, knowledge and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. You've come on in leaps and bounds with your sewing, you've definitely got the sewing bug. Happy Sewing!"

Laura Gilbert reviewed: Make a footstool workshop

"The whole session was fantastic. I wanted to do this course because they provided the chair which just made life easier. The process was fun, well taught and I love what I made. And I love a good fish and chips lunch - supporting a local business as well. Top marks. The shop is a delight and the course is structured in a way that gives you nice rests from various tasks to have a coffee or visit the shop. I'd highly recommend it. The teaching was top class and Steph was wonderful - perfectly pitched, helpful, constructive and just lovely frankly. If you're thinking of this, go for it. So much fun!"

La Di Da Interiors & Gifts responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and being a model student! Hope to see you again soon"

steve robinson fused glass taster course reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"I had a wonderful 2hrs. Steve was very informative and I was thrilled with my results!!!"

Jason Conway reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"I attended a Mosaic Workshop last year at White Stones, Portland and have to say that I loved the whole experience. David was extremely helpful and knowledgable and made me feel confident in what I was creating. The venue is a lovely space in a wonderful location and the event was topped off by me making something I was proud of. I learned a new skill and came away with a fabulous mosaic artwork. I would recommend David's Mosaic Workshops to anyone that is looking to try something different and artistic, not to mention the excellent venue!"

Jayne T reviewed: Unconventional Dying Day with Chris Yates Friday 6th March

"I did this unconventional dyeing workshop today and it was excellent. Chris is a natural teacher and the other participants absolutely lovely, lovely people. Such a pleasure to meet all I met. I came home with a fabulous number of samples of rust dyeing, rust dyeing with tea, procion-dyed samples and - fabulous of fabulous - my very first concertina book. (I was so envious of Amanda's book, tea stained, pencil markings and a strip of gold cord; the colours were unbelievably gorgeous. Jealousy isn't just green, then.) I do a lot of workshops and I can't rate this one highly enough. The premises are very ideal for a workshop and there is ample parking - when you come from miles away you need that. It's a bit of a journey for me but absolutely worth it. I'll be back."

Bee Crafty responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed your day (hope you didn't go home smelling of vinegar!). We look forward to seeing you again for further workshops. Polly"

Heather Smith reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"As a novice to yarn dyeing, I really enjoyed my afternoon with a friendly group of ladies and learnt a lot about yarns dyes in a short space of time. I’d recommend the course for a fun relaxed afternoon with Carrie and Lisa and it was also interesting to hear experiences with knitting and dyeing from the other ladies. I took home a lovely shades of green skein to use. The shop is set in the picturesque High Peak village of Tideswell and has many lovely skeins and items to tempt you. Definitely worth a visit!"

simon whale reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"This was my first time at wood turning. After a short but important safety brief we were turning. With Mark's guidance I was amazed that all the theory and advice Mark gave me I was turning and it felt so easy. Mark's constant advice and attention to detail gave me such satisfaction with my first attempts. I would strongly recommend the two days, as this give you the opportunity to get a basic feel on day one and then put your new found skill into action on day two. At the end of the course I was a proud man walking away with not only a beautiful bowl but a wealth of knowledge to start turning on my own lathe with confidence. Would happily go back for more with out hesitation. 10 out of 10. Thanks Mark"

Chris Hurley reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I had a great day with Steve and learnt a huge amount. Steve is a very friendly guy and a great teacher with a lot of patience and an easy way of explaining things. He explains each step of the process as you go through it and provides help and guidance as you create your own knife from a simple piece of steel. Although there is a pattern to guide you towards the type of knife capable of being made in the day, Steve is flexible and creative enough to allow variations and developments on the theme as the knife develops it's own characteristics. With Steve's expert assistance, I left after a very enjoyable day with with a bespoke custom knife that I love and am looking forward to putting to use. Be warned it's addictive !!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Chris I'm really pleased that you enjoyed your day with me so much, apologies now if you've been bitten by the knife making bug. You may become an official lost cause because once knife making gets under your skin it can become all consuming. ATB Steve"

Lorna Connolly reviewed: Paul Siggins mosaic masterclass Leigh-on-Sea

"Brilliant experience, wonderful support to your own ideas"

Linda Averill reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"This turned out to be one of my best days ever! I was full of trepidation because I am not artistic and I had received a voucher as a present. Jacky is a brilliant teacher, her workshop is spacious and well stocked with beautiful colourful mosaic tiles. She guided me expertly through the process and gave help as it was needed. She provided copious amounts of tea and one of the nicest cakes I have had in ages. Best of all I finished up with 2 lovely mosaic pieces that I shall treasure. I would recommend this as an excellent day for all ages. Thank you Jacky"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you Linda for your lovely review. It was an absolute pleasure working with you. Jackie"

Wendy Dashper reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"What a fantastic day, I learnt a new skill and have a picture to hang mounted and framed inclusive of the price. Lovely homemade cake and coffee to keep me going. I thoroughly enjoyed it all. Excellent tuition, easy to follow steps."

Dawn Dowding reviewed: Monthly beginners sewing class - Weds evening

"I learned how to sew at school but hadn’t used a machine for over 30 years. Tansy was great at explaining both the basics of a sewing machine and sewing techniques. I’ve gained in skills and confidence- managing to make my own curtains after the course finished!"

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills, knowledge and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. Well done on your curtains, and your dressmaking too, you've definitely got the sewing bug. Happy Sewing!"

Vix Snowdon reviewed: 6 Week Beginners Dressmaking Course

"Fantastic course building confidence in using, understanding and making small amendments to patterns (pockets anyone?) and translating into a wearable piece. Tansy’s classes are small and relaxed enough to ask all the silly questions you want to and you get a dress at the end too! Absolutely fantastic and a real bargain. Will be back for more"

cheeky sew and sew responded:

"Thank you for your review, building skills, knowledge and confidence is exactly what we aim to do. I'm always happy to answer questions, and none of them are too silly to be asked. I'm really pleased you enjoyed the course."

Rory Vereker reviewed: Make a solid wood picture frame – beginners woodworking course

"This is a great course. Jonty is a highly creative and sociable tutor, and makes the course fun as well as informative. Making the picture frame is surprisingly complex and does require precision, but achievable for beginners using his innovative methods. The tools and materials used are high quality, and he goes above and beyond to explain everything in detail and give students individual attention. We all came away with something we were proud of, and also had fun doing it. It's worth knowing the measurements of the aperture of the mount are about 12 x 17 cm, and the frame itself is about 24 x 19 cm, just in case you have a specific picture in mind. All in all, yes I would definitely recommend it to a friend!"

Paul reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I took part in a one day bladesmithing course, and what a day it was. Steve is a down to earth bloke with a great sense of humour. I had such a good day in the workshop, and to top it off came home with my new pride and joy. It is remarkable how with some expert tuition a scrap bit of spring steel can be transformed so positively. I really want to get back to forging some time soon. P.S. Be warned Steve, I may be after some scraps from your R&D bin so I can give it a go at home."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Paul I wondered why you kept diving into that bin. I thought it was to get away from my terrible jokes. Now I realise it was to rifle through my old steel scraps. Really chuffed you had such an enjoyable day in the shop with me. I hope the new love of your life is sitting close to hand. ATB Steve"

Paula de Simone reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I've had the perfect morning making my own silver cuff bangle with Sara. Her little wooden workshop is perfect for one on one or group visits, it's set in her beautiful quiet garden, alongside her very gorgeous picture postcard cottage. Sara was a brilliant teacher, very knowledgeable, really helpful and she has helped me create something I absolutely love! Thank you so much Sara, I had a brilliant time with you (and I love my bonus ring purchase!!) and i would recommend you again and again x"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Paula Thank you so much for your kind words ...... you made it super easy for me, you are a natural!! Looking forward to seeing you again to make some sea-glass work :-) Sara x"

Teresa Kent reviewed: Wire bird sculpture workshop using black iron

"I went to Sue for a morning to try out some new techniques, she was very welcoming, knowledgeable, and provided plenty of resource to choose from. I can recommend a visit to her workshop"

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

"So inspiring...very professional approach. Very talented tutor with so much to offer. I have attended fundamental art skills and 3 wool painting workshops. Raya is so encouraging..very patient and kind and you just want to keep attending more! I am continuing my artistic journey with watercolours next term. I can recommend these fantastic courses."