Latest reviews

Duncan Wise reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"I’ve had such a good day and learnt so much from Wendy and Clive, who were great hosts and excellent instructors. The atmosphere was very relaxed and everyone was given one to one instruction when required and plenty of time to complete their belt. I can’t believe what we achieved and now have the bug to do another course. Thank you again"

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Thank you for this excellent review. Great to hear you enjoyed it."

Philippa reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"Soap makes water wetter and wool is glue are just two of the things I learned today from Judi. I also learned that she has a wonderful studio overlooking rolling hills, which is warm, welcoming and full of color. Judi made us feel like friends who came for a morning of fun, rather than a serious stiff craft course. Judi made us so at home with fresh coffee, cookies and presse to keep us going. I was so impressed with what we created in only 3 hours. We learned so many techniques and subtle details which created such unique pieces. Judi is so knowledgeable and made us feel so clever and capable. We are both delighted with the results. As an aside, should you join Judi for the morning, I highly recommend the Ring of Bells for Lunch. Thank you Judi."

Felting in Devon responded:

"Thank you-you're a star! I got so much from being with you and watching how you created with evident joy. I'm planning a seascape painting soon - so should be plenty of wet water there, too! So pleased you enjoyed the Ring o Bells. Judi"

Sue Lawson reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"One of the best workshops I’ve attended. Professional teaching, delivered in a very relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. No pressure, just lots of advice and encouragement. I feel inspired to try my hand at something more challenging. Thanks to Clive & Wendy for a very enjoyable day."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Sue, Thank you for this excellent review. We are really pleased to hear how much you enjoyed the workshop."

Sue Scott reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Tresillian House

"Had a fabulous day. With Kate (tutor) willow craft. Great location and limited to 6 which gives everyone time for Kate to have 1-1 sessions throughout the day. Lovely lunch provided by Alison. Totally recommended"

Tresillian House responded:

"Thank you Sue for your excellent review and delighted that you had such an enjoyable day - and the chicken was wonderful! best wishes, Alison at Tresillian House"

Marijke reviewed: Wet Felt a beautiful neck warmer for Spring- in fine Merino wools and silks

"I loved making this so cosy and so colourful little scarf! It was a very clear lesson to learn from start to finish in one morning. For me, the colours are very beautiful and its very funny making the fringes and adding curly locks and silk thread to accentuate the cross-over. Many years ago, I did felting as child in Holland so it is interesting to find more techniques. Plenty of good coffee and conversation with Judi also. Excellent."

Felting in Devon responded:

"It was lovely to meet you and so glad you liked the session. Your painting was lovely. Thank you for your kind comments and I'll see you again in March. Tot ziens! Judi"

Mikaela Sheppard reviewed: Machine knit a scarf - 1 day workshop

"I had a very productive machine knit a scarf course with Rachel Driver. She is an excellent teacher with years of experience behind her. I did so well on the course that I now have a knitting machine and love making all sorts of wool gifts for friends and family. Mikaela Sheppard"

Studio Tamanè responded:

"Thank you Mikaela, not just a student you have become a good friend since your first scarf workshop ❤️ Such a joy to see you developing your skills week by week. See you soon"

Perusha Moodley reviewed: An Introduction to Weaving with a Table Loom, Oxford

"I wanted an idea of how easy it was to get started with weaving, what quality of fabric could be produced by a novice and whether it was something I would enjoy at all. This taster day was perfect for that. Everything was set up for us (in a lovely setting) so we could just weave. We first learnt the mechanisms behind the patterns which we were then able to see in action immediately. Jeremy welcomed us into his home, plied us with a constant stream of tea and biscuits and answered all our questions about weaving, both as an activity and as an art form. He showed us lots of demonstration pieces and explained how they were created. I found it quite therapeutic with a lot of scope for creativity and can easily see it turning into a long term hobby. We would both recommend Jeremy's course either as a one off taster or an introduction into the world of weaving!"

Jennifer Hudson reviewed: Upholster a hand-made footstool with Meticulous

"Probably the most effective course for anyone interested in beginning upholstery, or like me, dabbled a little over the years, but the finished results were never very good. This course ironed out all those issues, learning how important the correct tools were and how to use them, and getting a more professional finish. Katie is an understated gifted lady and she spends time allowing you to work at your own pace. I enjoyed it so much I’m booking on a further course to do ‘my own project’. Happy lady …"

Jenny reviewed: Weekly upholstery workshops with Cherry Dobson

"This course is supported by expertise, a wealth of experience and individual attention delivered with good humour and patience. The environment works well, the materials and tools needed are all available to buy/use (though many have their own tools) and advice is offered for continuing projects at home as well as throughout the course. Refreshments are frequent, tasty, homemade and generous. But take care - this course is addictive!"

Jane Slattery reviewed: Woven pod tapestry workshop

"An inspiring day. Never having made a three dimensional tapestry before it was both liberating and challenging. Margaret Jones who led the course was a generous teacher sharing her knowledge and skill. The course was well backed up with charts and instructions & it was lovely having use of the full range of Weavers Bazaar yarns."

teresa harris reviewed: Woven pod tapestry workshop

"I am not an experienced tapestry maker, in fact, very new to it! However, I enjoyed the course and learnt something new and challenging! The room was rather cold and very cramped but otherwise a good experience. Many thanks"

Matthew Hickman reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"Slightly apprehensive attending this course as never attempted lino cutting or printing before, but keen to do something creative. Needn't have worried as Laura is an excellent teacher, and has a beautiful studio which inspires the creative spirit. Lino carving was great fun and completely relaxing and just a lovely thing to do, I will certainly be doing more of this. Produced some nice prints on a range of materials which I was pleased with, and my wife who kindly gifted me the course would like to hang one on the kitchen wall, high praise indeed! Thoroughly recommend Laura and this course to you, a wonderful day."

RONA RIMES reviewed: Needle felt fairies and mermaids

"A most enjoyable and instructive day. We were made to feel welcome from the start and were supplied with hot drinks (and cake). The room we used was comfortable and light and our tutor, Maxine explained the craft very well and helped us individually . The day was well planned and all the materials were supplied. Maxine and Cath are tremendously talented and creative and I felt privileged to be taught by them."

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"HI Rona, Thanks for the review It was lovely to have you with us. Your fairy and mermaid were both beautiful. best wishes Cath"

Caroline Frodsham reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Had a lovely day on the weave a scarf workshop. Anne was very helpful and always on hand if you needed help shared her knowledge and skills. Would recommend this workshop."

Beverley Heard reviewed: Woven pod tapestry workshop

"A thoroughly good day. After getting settled and started, Margaret looked after us extremely well all day, patiently answering our questions and explaining all we needed to know. She was so generous showing us her samples and providing us with charts and information so we can continue to explore pods. We had a great selection of Weaversbazaar yarns to choose from and plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits to keep us going. A great day. Thank you."

Suzy Johnson reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"I went with two friends and had a lovely time. We were all beginners, but each of us had a professional-looking piece of work to take home at the end of the day. I'm no artist, but mine's on the wall and guests have actually asked where I bought it!! It's a very friendly, relaxed workshop, but at the same time Denny obviously knows her stuff when it comes to mosaics - AND baking; the cake was absolutely yummy and it'd be worth going for that alone :). She helps and advises without taking over, and you just feel really well looked-after in every way. There's also a huge range of materials available, from tiles, stained glass, mirrors and beads to pebbles and seashells from the local beach, plus all the tools and safety equipment you could need. You can even bring broken crockery that means something to you, and turn it into art. I can't recommend this course highly enough. It's a really lovely way to spend a day."

Shel Gray reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"I love Jill’s pottery courses. I have made a chicken, penguin and hare. Jill is an excellent teacher always happy to explain and give a demonstration of how to make your clay animal. I really enjoy being part of a group in a relaxed setting. It is very rewarding to start the day with a square lump of clay and by the end of the day you have a sculpture that you have painted, ready to be dried out and fired in the kiln. I would recommend this course to everyone."

Chloe Jacout reviewed: Millinery Classes - Learn Hat Making like a Professional

"Silvia was an absolute delight to work with! Not only is she a lovely human and ensures everyone feels as comfortable as humanly possible (a cup of tea is never far away), but she is also an incredibly patient and knowledgeable teacher. She has a true passion for millinery, which shines through and is absolutely infectious! Be prepared for a marvellous time with her, and to also say goodbye to the sensation in the tips of your fingers. (There’s a lot of hand sewing)."

Sadia reviewed: Make a silver bangle: one-to-one workshop

"Huge thank you to Angie who is an excellent teacher and super friendly with years of experience which is clear to see. The workshop is in a cosy shed in the garden, and the process of making a bangle is intense and satisfying as I learnt a lot of intricate details that you otherwise don't think about or notice when buying jewellery. I flattened my bangle and added texture to create a beautiful piece of jewellery that I won't find anywhere else. A brilliant experience with a very happy customer and I would highly recommend!"

Lisa Arman reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"Really enjoyable day, learning something new with plenty of support. Really happy with my 4 charms. Thanks very much."

Nicola Mason reviewed: Painting and drawing course at Castle Park Arts Centre, Cheshire: Abstract Architecture

"A marvelous day. We joined a mixed group of all levels to enjoy drawing and observational skills. Everyone really enjoyed learning something new and some have mentioned booking in for another course already. The teaching methods and demonstrations provided were excellent. Everyone felt Pam was very helpful and encouraging, taking time to discuss everyone's progress and suggesting how to improve. The quality of art materials was superb. The natural light in the studio was wonderful, we will all be recommending your art courses. Relaxing, practical and fun. The tuition, lunch and venue was above and beyond all expectations. Delighted!"

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Nicola Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I am very appreciative of your kind comments. I’m delighted that you and your friends had such an enjoyable day and I hope to see you again. Best wishes Pam Smart"

Pauline Galliers reviewed: Denim jeans - be the designer!

"Very practical & informative. I won't have any difficulty making my own jeans & black work trousers from the pattern we've made. I know how I can customise future pairs now to make them unique. Bonus! I have a brand new pair of jeans that actually fit me & not some made up figure."

Can Do Crafts . Shop responded:

"Thank you Pauline keep me updated with those sewing projects. Glad to help."

Gillian Jones reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"I wholeheartedly recommend Pam’s course on Expressive Landscapes. The course was well run, the studio was lovely and light and the lunch delicious. Add to this Pam’s encouraging and confidence building approach to teaching - it was a treat to attend. Her easy going nature helped me to enjoy a different way of painting landscapes and gave me much needed confidence. I look forward to attending more."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Gillian Thank you for taking the time to review the workshop and for your positive comments - I look forward to working with you again in the future. Best wishes Pam Smart"

Louise Payne reviewed: Machine knit a scarf - 1 day workshop

"I was given a knitting machine but had no idea how to set it up and use it but after one lesson with Rachael yesterday I now feel confident enough to have a go on my own. I cannot recommend Rachael enough as she was very patient, allowed time for me to make notes and was meticulous and thorough at every stage. At the end of the day I could not believe how much I had learnt and I am so looking forward to the next workshop. Thank you Rachael."

Studio Tamanè responded:

"Thank you so much Louise! Had a great day with you. Lovely to have such an enthusiastic student. See you next Thursday ?"

Barbara reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 Rings in a Day

"I have been attending group workshops with Rachel for several years now and I hope to continue doing so. Her knowledge, enthusiasm and patience make her courses a joy to attend. Rachel makes sure that all members of her classes get individual, as well as group, attention and she is able to cover all skill levels in an easy to follow and relaxed style."

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Barbara you are a pleasure to teach. Your continual progression is so exciting to witness and design challenges you have set for yourself are beautiful. I I’m looking forward to what 2020 will bring."