Latest reviews

Hilary Thomson reviewed: Make a Christmas wreath with Nikki Brown

"Fun and relaxed workshop with vast choice of materials for making Christmas wreaths. I was really pleased with the finished result. Lovely lunch in the cafe and good mooch around gift shop afterwards. Excellent day out."

Be A Garden Maker responded:

"thank you Hilary"

brenda moss reviewed: Surface Techniques in Glass with the Cheshire School of Glass

"This course was outstanding. It was both well executed and inspiring. I was taught some vital skills to set up my own workshop. The quality of the pieces we made were beyond my expectations. I was delighted with the results. Jenny is very welcoming and gives her all to the people who come on the class."

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

"A lovely setting to hold a course. A course designed for beginners demonstrating techniques rather than accomplishing a finished piece. Andrew Denman was an excellent tutor who not only made the course interesting and informative but gave so much of himself rather than just demonstrating. I felt I learned a lot and this has course has started me on my journey with acrylics. The food in the cafe is excellent. Unfortunately bad weather stopped us being able to visit the gardens but in good weather this would certainly have been another attraction. However, we were able to visit the gallery where Andrew and Simon were holding an exhibition. Entrance was free. Overall an excellent course and I will certainly be interested in visiting again."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Kim - thank you so much for your very kind comments and so glad you enjoyed Andrew's course and the exhibition in the new Barn Gallery. I know Andrew will be back to teach another course, hopefully next year, but we will keep you up to date on any new dates as they come up. Sorry about the weather, it was rather wet!"

Ian Murray reviewed: Photography Days

"I wanted to express my sincere thanks to Sue and Richard at Art by Camera for the thoroughly enjoyable two days I had. It was a privilege to have the insight of two passionate photographers - all to myself! Their approach ensures that learning and working with the camera doesn't have to be intimidating and their style made me feel comfortable and at ease which made my learning experience both informative and FUN! I still can't believe that within an hour I had been able to produce an image that I had only seen in books until that point, and it didn't stop there, even though the weather didn't play nicely - the days were very flexible and personalised to meet my interests. I learnt so much over two days and that was undoubtedly down to a clear and interesting style of delivery, which allows every opportunity to ask questions and seek advice. The Craft Courses voucher was a gift which in turn has given me memories and skills for life. Anyone thinking about attending a course with Art By Camera shouldn't hesitate in booking. Sue and Richard are most highly recommended! Many thanks!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you, Ian, for that very nice review, for your enthusiasm about learning, and obvious joy from the images you were achieving. It will be nice to see you again if you come north on holiday. We'd love to hear how you get on!"

Denise Lowth reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"An absolutely brilliant day. Excellent concise and friendly tuition with Rachel Russell. A very warm welcome and a small group of students. Very pleased with my first stained glass result. Lots of inspiration for work with an abundance of materials to choose, with plenty of encouragement. Highly recommended."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you Denise You're very kind & very welcome. Absolutely stunning tree you made :-)"

Tina Miller reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"This was such a wonderful class, taught at an appropriate and enjoyable pace by a very talented artist. I will be going back. Thank you. Tina"

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

"It was clear what the course entailed although 6 subjects in 10 hours was a little ambitious. Andrew was the perfect teacher and was knowledgeable, generous and very approachable. The whole class were beginners so that made this style of class workable. It concentrated on techniques rather than a finished piece. The Studio was warm and bright with good lighting and comfy chairs. It was a little small for the number of people using it though and the proximity of the metals shelves on the wall caused one or two problems for the artists. Also the lack of a sink was a problem as we had to walk across to another building in the pouring rain to wash out brushes and get water. There was one piece of confusion. It said that lunch, teas and coffees were included and they weren’t, we had to pay. One or two small changes would make the difference in making this course excellent. Andrew Denman was superb and I would highly recommend him as a teacher. Sculpture by the Lakes is a magical place too, I just wish I had more time to see more of it."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jill - Thank you for your kind comments about Andrew's course and so glad you enjoyed it. We will make sure future classes with that many people are held in one of our bigger spaces next time and with individual lighting, but thank you for letting us know."

Colleen Porter reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Farrington's Farmshop, Bristol

"Thank you so much for a very informative and pleasant day. I very much enjoyed myself. I learned a lot of useful techniques. Once again thank you."

Julie Smith reviewed: Monday Stained Glass (Daytime)

"Great course. Have just finished my first piece of stained glass. Can't fault Yolandas tuition. Friendly class who make you feel welcome. Great tea and biscuits and cake provided by John. Thanks guys xx"

Amanda Forrest reviewed: Silver clay Warwickshire

"I had an amazing time on this course. Kate is such a patient teacher and has so much knowledge. I went on another silver clay course with someone else but didn't feel I learnt very much. I learnt sooo much more on this one. I know I'm going to be able to make my own silver jewellery now!"

Beverley Bruce reviewed: Monday Stained Glass (Daytime)

"I can’t recommend this copper foil course highly enough.Not only do you get excellent tuition but all materials are included in the price and I knowYolanda won’t let me leave with a disappointing piece of work. Everyone is really friendly and welcoming and so it is really quite motivating. I am so pleased I found this course andI am looking forward to trying stained and fused glass in the future. And more cake!"

Ian Little reviewed: Landscapes and seascapes at the Cheshire School of Glass

"As a teacher myself I felt compelled to write a review and say what an exceptional tutor Jenny is. She is a University Lecturer in Art and clearly knows what she is talking about. She created a warm and friendly atmosphere, whilst talking all students through how to create the varying depths of field in glass. Two other people admittedto having limited artistic ability. I must say each of us created incredible results through the guidance of an excellent teacher. We made both a Seascape and Landscape Piece. This is a wonderful course. The results really were astounding."

Karin reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - 2 days

"Just completed a two day course with Gary. Amazing. I'd lost confidence on the lathe and wanted to refresh my skills. Gary took me through the basics, explaining every step and letting me practice and then took me on to the more developed stuff. Since doing the course with him I have been back at the lathe and turning bowls with confidence and improving skills. Gary is a fab teacher - he is patient and very clear in his explanations and allows loads of time for practicing."

Katharine Rutherford reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"I have been to several of Brenda's clay sculpture workshops now and enjoyed each one of them immensely. I had not done any pottery or clay sculpture when I first went, but was soon hooked. Brenda has a knack of making even the most challenging projects possible to tackle with her calm manner and clear explanations of each step. At every workshop I attended I found a friendly atmosphere and came away with another creative object to liven up my home. My sons, aged 11 and 13, also did some clay sculpture with Brenda at a Walmer Castle event and were very proud of the results."

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Thank you for the really kind review Katherine. It is always lovely to see you and your family and I look forward to seeing at our next session. Brenda"

Julie Cole reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I enjoyed a previous course with Julie so much that I wanted to do it all again!! It’s hard work, but so satisfying to take home a basket made (almost) entirely by your own hand!! Julie is patient and expert at showing all stages of English basket weaving, you will not be disappointed with a day spent in her excellent company! And she makes lovely tea-break cakes too!!! A great day!!"

Duncan reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had an absolutely fantastic day and left with a great sense of satisfaction, and two functional items that we had made throughout the day. Andy and Adrian are great teachers, and the balance between guided work and time spent on your own is perfect. Debbie provided wonderful food and drink, and couldn't have been a better host. Will definitely be back."

Roger Lear reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"I came to the course with some basic woodworking skills, but during the week these improved significantly. Peter’s calm patience meant that everyone could use the basic introduction to the tools to develop their own designs. Make no mistake, it is a full on course, so be prepared to work hard. However I found the week to be mentally relaxing and fun. I can thoroughly recommend the course in a delightful part of the Devon countryside. I can assure anyone thinking about it - just do it. You will come away refreshed with a chair you will de delighted and proud to have made."

Theresa George reviewed: Make a Christmas Wreath

"Spent a lovely afternoon making my Christmas wreath with great guidance from Marie. I now have it hanging on my door and it looks far more beautiful than I imagined anything I could make would be! Mince pies and mulled wine, along with Christmassy music playing in the background, just added to the festive feeling."

Toby James Crutchley reviewed: Improvers Rigid Heddle weaving at All in a spin

"It was great to be back for another day of learning with Dunja at her studio. It’s such a great atmosphere to learn in and Dunja explains things really well. It was great to understand the basics of using a pickup stick and be led through the various patterns that can be made. I’m really pleased with the sampler I made and it is already making me think about my next project using pick up sticks. I have come away from the day with renewed confidence in my weaving."

Sara reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Spent a brilliant morning learning all about different techniques and materials for making candles in Rob's wonderful workshop. We poured, sniffed, scented, coloured, moulded and dipped, coming away with a selection of very smart candles. Rob answered all the design, technical and marketing questions we fired at him, and has inspired my teenage son to get making in order to fundraise for a school trip. The perfect introduction to a new craft. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality, Rob, we had a fantastic time."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Sara - thank you for your kind review. It was great to have you both on the course. I hope Max is able to use his new skills to raise some money for his challenge. Best wishes Rob"

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

"Spent a wonderful day at Raya's Magic Wool Studio creating the 'Robin in Snow Drops' wool painting. This was a new technique for me which I thoroughly enjoyed. Raya is a patient teacher who is generous with her knowledge of this creative craft I would recommend anyone attending Raya's workshops as you will have a lovely day and a take home a piece of art you can be proud of!"

John reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is what I can only describe as a true craftsman - upholding all that is true to his craft and art. He has a breadth of knowledge spanning decades drawn from a lifetimes work of creating and problem solving. He not only knows how to creat wonderful work but also how it should be made - what materials are best suited to a particular application. He's also a tool maker - while I was on one of his extremely popular and I might add very entertaining courses he showed me many custom made jigs, tools and processes he has developed over the years. He takes a real delight in show and explaining how things are done and why different types of steel work in different ways. If your looking for an introduction or something more advanced don’t hesitate to book a day. His workshop is an Aladdin’s cave of light and heavy machines where anything is possible."

Jane reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"Although I've completed quite a number of greenwood projects in the past, I've done very little carving and was a little unsure how I'd get on. It proved to be the perfect way to learn the techniques of carving and how to make use of the different gouges and come away with something useful and to be proud of at the end of the two days. Most of all I enjoyed creating my Kuksa right from square one; from log form and using super-sharp hand tools in the peaceful woodland surroundings that Sallerton Wood offers, which made carving far easier and more enjoyable than I imagined!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you, Jane, for posting that review, and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the Kuksa carving. We look forward to seeing you again at Sallerton Wood in the future."

Daniel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had an excellent day learning throwing from Mathew. His relaxed hands-on style really helped me to pick up the techniques involved in throwing. This was my first experience on a potter's wheel. Mathew taught me how to throw bowls & jugs. He gave me leeway and choices to impact the design of the final pieces as well, which gives a much more personal feel to the output. I'd recommend Mathew's course to anyone who wants to learn how to throw. I'd do it again tomorrow!"