Latest reviews

Chas Winder reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Spent a very enjoyable day with Graham as a novice in his workshop, and coming home with a pretty decent bowl that I made myself under Graham's gentle tutoring - very satisfying! Thanks Graham."

Richard M reviewed: Whittling course

"Spent an excellent day with Martin learning the basics of whittling and I can not recommend him enough. His courses are well structured, full of useful information and just at the right pace. I would certainly consider attending another course!"

Emma Fielding reviewed: Saturday jewellery tuition - choose your project!

"I have absolutely loved the two workshops I’ve attended so far. Sam is a fantastic teacher and his encouragement, patience and guidance is superb. I look forward to working with Sam again soon and can’t recommend the workshops highly enough to anyone wanting to start out making jewellery or looking to advance their creative and technical skills."

Jackie Bowie reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have just finished a twelve week stained glass course. As a complete beginner I found Martin to be very helpful and encouraging. I really enjoyed the whole experience and definitely recommend the course."

chris king reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I had two days with spike making a knife amd i have to say he is an excellent guy wiyh a vast knowledge of the trade. Explained each step along the way and to why it was done that way. A very friendly approachable guy making the course very enjoyable. Would highly recommend spikes courses to anyone thay wants to try blacksmithing anf i will be definitely taking more of his courses. Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing you again on the nwxt course i take."

Izzy Martin reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Class environment is relaxing and allows you to develop your skills without judgement. Some of the creative work being produced is astounding."

Terry Keatinge reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"Aaron is a first-class tutor with a very pleasant manner. Careful, patient and helpful he made the course a great experience."

Linda Wilson reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I enjoyed this course so much, Adela is a great teacher, I always thought mosaic was too complicated for me. After a blissful 4 hours of being engrossed in cutting and sticking, and with her clear instructions and encouragement, I left really amazed at what I'd achieved. She's inspired me to have a go at home and mosaics have been ordered! Thank you so much"

Geoff Andrew reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"As a beginner I found the course excellent with Martin taking us 3 beginners through the basic techniques via 2 projects. After these Martin guided us through our own projects. The class had a mixture of levels of skill which was good as I could chat to more advanced classmates about their projects. Martin was very good at sharing his time with everybody, plus he makes a good cup of tea! His classes are relaxed and friendly making learning easy"

Andrea & Darrall Wilson reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Both Andrea and I really enjoyed our course with Adela, after initially providing a good introduction and background into styles of mosaic along with plenty of ideas and inspiration we found ourselves fully immersed in a creative bubble for 4 hours. We proudly left clutching our mosaic masterpiece, together with grout and instructions to complete at home......only criticism, the time passed far too quickly."

David Wasser reviewed: 'Glass for the garden' with the Cheshire School of Glass

"My wife and I spent a fantastic morning with the lovely Jenny Barker at her studio in Frodsham. Not only did we have a really great time; the pieces that we made were beyond our expectations. We were given steel frames to put the glass art in that are exceptionally well made to go in the garden all year round. Anyone who goes on the course will agree it is great value for money."

Dee reviewed: Introduction to oil & acrylic painting with Laura Rich at Sculpture by the Lakes

"I was extremely anxious signing up to this course as I have no background in, or experience of art - I was/am a complete beginner to painting on canvas, but Monique and Guy both contacted me during my deliberations, and reassured me I would not be out on a limb, and that these courses were equally for experienced artists and beginners - so I decided to go ahead and book the course and I have not regretted it for an instant - I loved the course. I am local, so know the venue which is quite idyllic and even the appalling weather could not detract from the setting; there is a warm and welcoming cafe on site, and the other course participants were lovely - I never imagined it would be so much fun - and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Both Guy, our course leader, and his partner Andrew could not have been more charming and helpful. I feel I have made friends."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Dee - I'm so glad you enjoyed the course so much and that it gave you the impetus you needed to get started. Guy is indeed a great tutor, and artist, and I know all his students will be looking forward to his next course, which hopefully will be next August. We will keep you posted!"

Melanie Dewhurst reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"Brilliant course. Anne was an excellent teacher. Absolutely everyone on the course finished their scarf all individual and all fantastic. I am now feeling the NEED for a loom...?"

Vicky Ludbrook reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"This was a really great course. If I can afford to I will do it again. It was information overload! worth every penny. I came away with so much knowledge and ability after such a short space of time. I've just purchased my kiln , so I'm all set to go. I couldn't have done it without Jenny Barker's help at Cheshire school of Glass."

Helen Thomas reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I have learnt more than I ever expected. Jenny is one of the only tutors in glass who is willing to really tell you how to start up in glass. She is generous and open with knowledge. I have been to other glass schools around the country and found Cheshire School of Glass to be in a different league in every way."

Michael Fielding reviewed: Saturday jewellery tuition - choose your project!

"A wonderful teacher and a lovely guy. Such an interesting person and a such a fine jeweller. My thanks to my daughter and son for a birthday present I will remember and cherish for many years to come."

Mary reviewed: Christmas festive foodie workshop

"I have been to many courses over the years but this ranks as one of, if not the best, I have experienced. Yolanda and John were very welcoming and generous hosts. Yolanda was an excellent tutor and the day was packed with exciting Christmas themed food to make. The lunch was also delicious and had the choice of drinks all day. Definitely on my wish list to return and try another of Yolanda courses. The whole day was excellent from beginning to end."

Kate King reviewed: Introduction to oil & acrylic painting with Laura Rich at Sculpture by the Lakes

"Guy has developed me from a complete beginner to producing artwork my friends want to buy! Guy’s workshops attract fascinating creative people from all over including Kenya. He generously shared his painting techniques that he acquired from his father and new ones he has developed himself. His partner Andrew gave illuminating presentations on the science behind art. Both Guy and Andrew have a wonderful sense of humour which ensures that the painters remain positive even when painting each hair on a leopard’s spots! The Retreat was where we based ourselves for the painting. We warmed ourselves and dried our paintings around the toasty logfire. From our easels we could see deer in the water meadow and a kingfisher hunting. I am already looking forward to the next workshop."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Kate - thank you for your lovely review and so glad you enjoyed the course and the venue, and the food! I know Guy is planning another workshop towards the end of August next year so we will keep you up to date once we know for sure."

Rhona Hobson reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Absllutely brilliant. Lucy is super knowledgeable, creative and flexible. She listens to your ideas and gives you fantastic improvement ideas. Lucy is encouraging and easy to get along with. Cannot wait for another day because there will be another."

Jane Burgess reviewed: Stained glass for all at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I thoughly enjoyed my weekend creating a stain glass window. It was intensive but such fun and Steph is an excellent teacher and so knowledgeable. I am thrilled with my window and it looks fantastic hanging up. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn something different."

Natalie Walshe reviewed: Christmas festive foodie workshop

"This course was brilliant from beginning to end. We stayed in the hosts on site accommodation which was amazing and then started our course bright and early. We made a huge selection of Christmas foods led by Yolanda and couldn’t believe the vast amount of delicious bits we left with. If her attentive and friendly teaching wasn’t enough we were fed and watered with delicious food and beverages all day by her lovely partner. I couldn’t recommend these people or course enough and will definitely be returning to learn some more skills... and eat some more grub. Thank you again for a wonderful addition to our family Xmas tradition. Natalie"

Linda H reviewed: Exploring the beauty of butterflies: two day workshop with Mary Ellen Taylor at Sculpture by the Lakes

"Very difficult to find a local acrylic painting course, and was delighted with the quality of the two day course with Andrew. I agree that maybe either shorten the tasks to fit them in, but as we need all the essential elements maybe just add another day instead! :) The ease which Andrew teaches the elements of the course using his personal techniques, colour palette and finish gave us the confidence that we too can achieve a painting we can be proud of! Well done Sculpture by the Lakes, more of the same please!"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Linda - So glad that you enjoyed the course with Andrew here at Sculpture by the Lakes and you will pleased to know he is already talking about a return trip, hopefully next year, and this time a course run over three days!"

David Cooke reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"An excellent course with a wonderful , knowlegable tutor. Jenny gives 100 %. You come away with a vast amout of work and so many ideas. I have bought a kiln and Jenny has guided me through doing everything , including picking the right kiln and what to use. Jenny made sure I understood the firing of glass thoroughly, so I didn't feel daunted when I fired it on my own. A really worthwhile experience."

Robyn Domer reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"An excellent course with a wonderful , knowledable tutor. Jenny gives 100 %. You come away with a vast amout of work and so many ideas. I have bought a kiln and Jenny has guided me through doing everything , including picking the right kiln and what to use. Jenny made sure I understood the firing of glass thoroughly, so I didn't feel daunted when I fired it on my own. A really worthwhile experience."

Sue Greene reviewed: Landscapes and seascapes at the Cheshire School of Glass

"This was a really fabulous course. Lots of information given about how to create foreground and background of land and seascapes. Jenny made everything so lovely for us all. The finished pieces were really wonderful. I think we were all blown away with the results. Excellent course."