Latest reviews

Gillian Chamberlain reviewed: Botanical Contact [“Eco”] Printing: An Introduction

"This was a fabulous day with Maggie. All the processes were clearly explained and questions expertly answered. The workshop was delivered in a relaxed and encouraging way and was an ideal introduction to “Eco” printing. The results given by the onion skins on the silk scarves were lovely. Would like to book another to develop my knowledge of the subject. Highly recommended"

By Maggie .. Naturally responded:

"Thank you, Gillian, for your very positive review. I'm really glad that you got so much out of the day. I hope that you'll book onto one of my follow-up courses.. I'll keep you updated about them as promised. Enjoy experimenting.. I'm sure you will! Best wishes, Maggie"

Carol Davis reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Sue is an excellent teacher, very passionate and knowledgeable on her subject. The course was well organised, had the relevant material, and I went home with a finished item.... Result The day had humour, was relaxing and I would highly recommend Sue's pyography course"

Holly and Will reviewed: Jewellery School North, Ring Making With Luxury Afternoon Tea & Fizz-

"What else can I say but Wow! My fiancee and I had so much fun making our wedding rings with Rachel's guidance. My partner doesn't have the longest attention span and we were concerned he might lose interest but he was engrossed in the whole process from start to finish! I was quite ambitious and I didn't have enough time to finish my design so Rachel offered to tidy it up for me. An intimate class in a beautiful setting. I would love to return in future and make more beautiful rings."

Christine Mulligan reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Godalming

"I haven't painted since school and it took me a while to enjoy the sessions feeling very critical of my efforts. Emily and Shivani were supportive and constructive so that halfway through the first term I was enjoying it and much happier with my artwork. I'm now in term 2 and really learning new skills in an enjoyable way. They have varied the format and subjects so this doesn't feel at all repetitive"

Angela J Smith reviewed: Raise your own copper bowl, two day course

"Fantastic weekend, Charlotte was so patient and encouraging throughout both days. Have a wonderful copper bowl and lots of new skills."

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had great day last Saturday on the course, bashing hot steel...it is very hands on and with a lot of very knowledgable help available all day. Very sociable and lots of fun..and lots of food / cake and biccies. Recommended!!"

Hilary Dennis reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"I enjoyed a splendid 2 days learning how to paint water colour paint onto canvas.Liz our Tutor was excellent and made the process seem logical, possible, and pleasurable. I am a convert. Liz was supportive at every stage and gave very detailed instruction plus very useful tips she had gained from personal experience. The studio was well lit, warm and spacious. I would definitely recommend the course and venue to friends."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thanks Hilary - really appreciate you doing the review and also delighted to know you enjoyed the weekend. It is a super venue, isn't it? Glad to know I have another convert!!"

Camilla & Jack reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"We booked a day pottery course with Rowena as our Christmas present to each other and couldn’t recommend it more! We loved how we got straight into throwing bowls as soon as we arrived and Rowena is a fantastic (and patient!) teacher. We spent the last few hours of the day making tiles and platters which is something that I have always wanted to do, and it was so interesting learning about all the coloured slips! We live locally so decided to come back and glaze our items which was so much fun, I’m so excited to see how they all turn out! Thanks so much Rowena!"

Louise reviewed: Pottery experience throwing on the potters wheel

"The pottery course was just wonderful. I thought that the 10-1 timing would be too short and I’d never achieve anything but I was encouraged and shown so well that I made a good few pots that Jacky will glaze and I can pick up in a few weeks. I’d recommend the pottery course for anyone. Jacky is an excellent teacher and we all had a good laugh. Thé 3 of us on the morning course were so pleased with our creations we have all signed up to a longer course already !"

Fiona Ducker reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day was brilliant, both Adrian and Andy were a great help whenever needed and have easy to follow instructions. On top of that the food was great. A thoroughly enjoyable day"

Janet Pugh reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"This was a fact-filled course with lots of hands-on time. Starting with learning a bit about different sheep breeds in relation to the type of yarn they produce through to skeining and washing the finished two-plied yarn we went through cleaning the raw fleece to carding, spinning on a drop spindle and on a wheel. There is so much to learn with lots of unfamiliar and seemingly humorously-named tools and processes. Lunch was wholesome and very tasty. Constructive feedback: I would have liked to have been able to take some written material away. Maybe a summary of what was covered, or even just a glossary of common the terms used. Thanks, Elaine."

Stafford Jordaan reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gavin and Tom at Nailsworth Community Workshop with their skill, enthusiasm, patience, humour and knowledge, passed on the practice of the bowyer skills in making the English Longbow to the group who had joined the course, and showed how the making of the English Long Bow should be done. The workshop facilities and tools and equipment are excellent, all you need is there. Gavin and Tom were calm under pressure with varying stages of making the Longbow. They found the time to help all those who needed it most to finish the English Longbow, thank you Gavin and Tom. The music from Gavin's old gramophone is a treat so go along and listen. I highly recommend doing an English Long Bow course at Nailsworth Community Workshops. When you walk out of the Nailsworth Community Workshops with your English Longbow you are guaranteed to have a smile on your face. Thank you to all at Nailsworth Community Workshops, what a rewarding experience it was doing the English Longbow Course. Stafford Jordaan"

Caralyn Moore reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Steve is so helpful and exceptionally patient. It was a fabulous day and Steve encouraged us to make as many things in the time that we had. I had a very special project which Steve helped me to create and I am absolutely thrilled with the result. I would recommend this course for anybody who is interested in doing something a little bit different from the usual craft courses. I did the evening taster class before Christmas which left me wanting to do more. Thank you Steve, my Mum was thrilled with her ‘special’ panel."

Calligraphy Beginners reviewed: Introduction to traditional Calligraphy - foundational hand

"It was a most enjoyable day and I was delighted with the knowledge I came away with. Passionate, patient and encouraging teaching. Thank you."

Barbara Douglas reviewed: A Practical Introduction to Woodland Restoration and Management

"We spent a great day with Phil on Saturday 8th February. If you want to really get away from everything and think only about what is going on around you in the woods, then try this. We were lucky with the weather which meant we could cook our sausages and burgers on the open fire which could have been the highlight of the day, until we realised at the end that for the entire day we thought about nothing except the coppicing and getting it right for Phil. All other daily problems just faded away. Phil is so knowledgeable and his passion for woodland is very infectious. Try it, you won’t regret it."

Greenwood Music CIC responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the nice review"

savva christofides reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"This weekend I went on a 3 day course with Lucy Churchill, a stone carver in York . It’s all down to the quality of the instruction.. Lucy is the best!! A superb sculptor, a superb host, and a total joy to know. This course is fun from the start to the finish and as a total beginner I was amazed at what I could produce. Lucy deserves more than 5 stars and a higher rating than excellent. 10 gold stars and outstanding would be nearer to the mark . I would highly recommend this course to anyone .. just do it .. you won’t ever regret it ?. Simply the best!!!!"

Clare reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Lovely venue, personalised approach to work. Would have liked some advice as I was going along, - I should have asked more questions!"

Lesley reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Lots of materials available & session explained clearly & simply"

Caitlin Harnett reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Before this class I was quite apprehensive as it’d been a while since I’d last used a sewing machine, but Donna was very patient, encouraging and made me feel at ease. By the end of the class I was feeling much more confident and came away with lots of lovely items. I would definitely recommend this class as Donna is a great teacher and you’re sure to enjoy yourself."

Kit Day reviewed: Saturday silver clay wrapped ring workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 1.30pm - 5pm

"I highly recommend attending one of Tuuli’s silver clay workshops. It was amazing to make a ring, fire it, burnish and polish, then take it home finished and ready to wear all in a couple of hours. Tuuli is hands-on and encouraging throughout the whole of the workshop. Practising with play doh was a great idea before being let loose on the silver clay. All tools, moulds and texture mats + clay are provided. My finished ring is exquisite, I chose the seaside mould with tiny shells and sandy texture. As soon as the ring was completed, it was on my finger and hasn’t been removed. One of my colleagues has already commented on how beautiful it is. I’m already checking dates for another workshop with Tuuli!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"I'm so pleased to hear this Kat! Your ring came out beautifully so it's no wonder you have recieved compliments already. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such lovely feedback, it means a lot to me. Tuuli"

Paula reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"This course was bought for me as a present and it was such a brilliant idea. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day (and Jonathan's home made cake). Jonathan was an excellent tutor explaining things step by stop and being very patient when I forgot what I was supposed to be doing :). I can really recommend this course and will very probably book another one."

Jas Sharma reviewed: How to make chocolate & candy bar bouquets online master class

"I run a cake shop and sweet shop and I was looking to offer new products to my customers. I came across Neelam's chocolate & candy bouquet workshops and called her. She gave me all the information I needed and I knew this course was perfect for me. I enjoyed the course so much, she is a very willing and caring teacher. I loved the fact that she is always happy to share all her secrets and tips with her clients. She has a very good eye for design and I am very grateful for her business tips as well as her excellent designs for chocolate bouquets. I would recommend this course for anyone who is looking to have a wonderful creative day or if you want to learn and sell your chocolate bouquets in your business or from home. I will be attending more courses for sure. Thank you Neelam Jas xxxx"

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

"Hi Jas Thank you so much for your review, I appreciate your kind words. Always a pleasure to work with you and I am looking forward to seeing you in our next master class. Thank you again and have a great day Warmest regards Neelam"

Rob reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really enjoyable and valuable introduction to blacksmithing, with the opportunity to have lots of practice throughout the day. The attitude is very much "get stuck in" and ask if you need help, which I very much appreciated. Lunch provided is delicious (and huge!) which is a real bonus. Highly recommended."

Babs reviewed: Brush lettering workshop with Becki Clark

"Absolutely loved this workshop! Becki is incredibly talented and was such a fab teacher. She’s taught me something I never thought I’d be able to do and I use this skill all the time now in cards, on gift tags or wherever my heart desires. Would highly recommend this workshop if you’d like to add another string to your creative bow :)"

Tilly reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"A super day with Ria, who is friendly, patient and knowledgeable . Only 6 class members who were all very supportive. Lovely location. We all came home with a completed project which is great, rather than have a number of 'practice pieces' which just get stuffed in a drawer. The only thing I would advise future course members is 'wrap up warm' . Ria had heaters going and the sun shone but it is an old building so difficult to heat."