Latest reviews

Ajit reviewed: Green wood stool making weekend

"I had absolutely no experience with green wood working and George and Ivan did a great job of guiding me all the way to getting a stool made. They were relaxed, knowledgable, and great instructors. The setting for the course couldn't have been better and the combination of learning about British woodland, to staying in a yurt, to working in a wood was fantastic. Couldn't have asked for a better time! Also, very very tasty food for all the meals!"

Charles Atkinson reviewed: Wood turning courses

"One Day Wood Turning Course for Beginners – with George Foweraker Saturday 25/1/20 A Christmas present from my wife: a fabulous day laid on by George and Sue. George takes a maximum of two on the course at any one time, so the level of personal attention is high which is just what I needed, not having used a lathe since school woodwork classes back in the 70’s - which showed! We received a warm welcome and a cup of tea and then the day began. Many thanks to Sue for feeding us and providing teas and coffees through the day. George is an excellent tutor, splitting the session into discrete and logical sections with a clear explanation and demonstration for each step. He then leaves you to get on with the job and although never intrusive appears like magic when you need some help – he is friendly, approachable and patient. The whole day flew past and was never less than fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable. At the end of the day I had produced a bowl that I take an enormous amount of satisfaction (and not a little pride) in - three days later I’m still gawping at it in amazement. Thank you, George, you are inspiring."

Sara reviewed: Silver earrings workshop

"I loved this workshop, I made 8 beautiful pairs of silver earrings which were well received as Christmas presents. As ever great instruction from Jo who is always happy to share her skills. Lovely relaxed enjoyable workshop."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"I'm very pleased to hear that the recipents liked their Christmas earrings - I hope you managed to keep at least one pair for yourself though! Thank you for your kind words."

Shari reviewed: Leather sandal making workshop

"Brilliant course, Nia was very knowledgeable about her craft and to pass on information on how to get started at home, where to get leather supplies from, and pattern adjustment. I came home with a unique beautiful pair of sandals. Thanks again Nia!"

The Smug Soles Co. responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Sharon! I shared a picture of your sandals online and they had such a great response! A really lovely and unique pair of shoes. So glad you enjoyed the workshop :)"

Sara reviewed: Sea-glass pendant workshop

"I’m addicted to Jo’s workshops, I really enjoy them and always learn something new. Jo is supportive and always happy to share her knowledge and skills with the group and ensures you go home with a lovely piece of jewellery. I’m always keen to book my next workshop."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"It is always great to have you in the studio Sara! Thank you for coming along to another workshop. I'm looking forward to the next time!"

Richard Hawker reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My son and I had a fantastic day with Chris in his workshop. This was our first blacksmith experience and we would absolutely recommend this to others. Chris guided us through the creation of our work pieces which involved a number of blacksmith techniques. Chris explained and demonstrated the steps clearly, our creations were our own work, at no point was Chris overbearing and was patient throughout. Chris has a real passion for his profession and really enjoyed sharing this with us. A wonderful day and will look to book again."

Gill Nolan reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"I travelled from Lincoln for this workshop. Karen is a great instructor, achieving just the right balance between teaching techniques, whilst also encouraging creativity. She also bakes amazing orange cake! I was very pleased with what I achieved in the time and am looking forward to adding some embroidery at a later date. This course would suit both those who have never felted before and those who are experienced in this craft. I feel that this half day has given me enough confidence and knowledge to continue to develop felting projects independently at home. A fun, creative workshop with an end product you will be pleased to take home. Go.... give it a try!"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thanks for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Gill! Good luck with your felt making kit and look forward to seeing you again, will keep you posted on future dates."

Paula Holter reviewed: Spinner rings and bangles workshop

"This was an amazing day, so much skill, enthusiasm and creativity shared amongst the small group of people. Thank you so much Joanne and I came away with just what I wanted. The workshop was paced perfectly and no one was made to feel silly for asking questions or needing extra help. If you are thinking about it stop thinking and just do it! I certainly intend to treat myself to another fantastic day."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind review Paula! It was great to have you in the studio, and I hope your new ring has been much admired!"

Carys Wilkinson reviewed: 27th November 2021 All things with water and acrylics, beginners and intermediates painting & drawing day age 13 upwards

"I bought a day workshop for my granddaughter Carys as a Christmas present to encourage her with her painting. She thoroughly enjoyed the day and with Shirley’s help and guidance brought home a wonderful piece of work."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Hello Ann I was so pleased with the way Carys tried everything that I showed her, she was a pleasure to teach. She is obviously going to continue with her art, she is so enthusiastic. I am pleased she wants to come along on the next Landscape workshop in February. I look forward to seeing her again. Shirley"

Tracy De Boorder reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"Really enjoyed the day creating a wet felted pot and picture. Sally gave good instructions and as it was a small group was able to give advise through the production of each piece. It was a very friendly environment with tea, coffee, biscuits all provided by Sally. I will be back for more classes."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Tracy ~ we did have a very enjoyable, creative day! Look forward to seeing you again soon, Sally"

Donna reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Had a really great couple of days learning the basic principles of wood turning and Mark has inspired in me the confidence to have a go and keep practicing. Thanks!"

Clint milton reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"These guys absolutely know their craft inside out. Fantastic atmosphere and suitable for any level. You will learn a new skill and have a great time doing it. Stop reading the reviews and just book it. You won't be disappointed! You'll also come home with a knife that will make all your friends jealous!"

Julie reviewed: Castles!- full day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya

"Awesome. Bob and Joe were very knowledgeable and most of all very patient. I had a fabulous day and met some great people."

Marie reviewed: Spinner rings and bangles workshop

"I attended Jo’s spinner ring workshop and had a fantastic time. Jo works through each step with everyone as a group and then offers individual help as and if required which is just the right balance. I came away with my very own spinner ring, something I have wanted for a long time and so happy to have made it myself instead of buying one. Thanks Jo xx"

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for coming along on another workshop Marie, it is always lovely to have you in the studio!"

Susanne Kelly reviewed: Spinner rings and bangles workshop

"I have attended Jo's spinner ring workshop and loved very minute. If you’ve never tried any form of soldering or, in fact, any kind of jewellery making before, it doesn’t matter. Jo is very patient and will guide you through every step of making your own silver ring. As each class size is fairly small, there’s plenty of time for some one-on-one tuition, and you’ll find that you can quickly get to grips with some basic silversmithing techniques such as sawing accurately, filing, polishing, and annealing your pieces."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for coming on the workshop last weekend Susanne! It was lovely to spend the day with you all, and to see the different designs you chose for your rings. Thank you for your kind review!"

Lucy Foweather reviewed: Candle making with afternoon tea

"Tracy is such a fantastic and inspiring lady. Exceptionally knowledgeable and extremely generous and kind in sharing expertise. Highly recommend this course, albeit for fun or the start of planning a new business! Thank you again. I'll be back :)"

Catherine Walker reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Lovely day making a mosaic number. Could choose what we wanted to create. I would go again."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the review catherine. joe. xx"

Mary Watson reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Really friendly and relaxed course with excellent, clear tuition and a lovely setting- easy to find. Highly recommended. The six of us all produced a lovely Hare, all different but all attractive. Thank you Jo very inspiring."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Mary - as you say, every hare is different but always lovely! Jo x"

Spencer Robbins reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I had a fantastic weekend blade smithing. The guys have so much knowledge of their craft you can’t help but learn. They make you feel very welcome and supply you with food, snacks and drinks. It’s the second time that I have visited the forge and I don’t think it’ll be my last. Many thanks guys, hope to see you all again."

Judy Powell reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"Karen’s Felting with Flowers course, at Garden Gate Rugby’s new beautiful studio, was extremely enjoyable, well-organised and inspiring. It was a very cheerful group, most of whom had not felted before, and everyone made a splendid, pleasing finished felt picture. I thoroughly recommend this course as it is like painting with colours but without any messy paints, and no previous artistic skills are needed necessarily! Thank you Karen!"

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Judy! Look forward to seeing you again soon to continue the felting journey!"

Angie reviewed: Silver earrings workshop

"I only wear silver jewellery so I wanted to make some earrings for myself. An enjoyable day. Great instruction from Jo and the class was small enough so everyone got enough time with Jo. Plenty of time to do what was needed and lots of choice too - of styles and patterns. I still get compliments on my earrings."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"I'm very pleased to hear that your earrings have been admired! Your chose some lovely designs. Thank you for coming, and for your kind words!"

Marie sedgwick reviewed: Outdoor mosaic workshops - 1 day with Rachel Hyde at Creative with Nature studio Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Very good flow, teaching style, very enjoyable. Laura is very helpful, responsive and approachable. Only thing is, I arrived second to last, and then the last person and we didn’t know anyone’s names. Not sure if we’d missed introductions. Thank you"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks so much marie! glad you had a good day. joe. xx"

Paulette Strong reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"This was a brilliant course, my little knowledge of linocut did not hinder me in any way. Lots of information and personal guidance provided. Olivia is a very enthusiastic and supportive tutor; her energy for the subject is infectious. I would love to come back for the next stages when I have a little more practice. Thank you"

Sue reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - Buy 3 days and save.

"I have just completed a 5 day upholstery course with Sarah. I was apprehensive as my skill level was non existent. However Sarah is an excellent teacher and soon builds up your skills and gives you the confidence to work on your chair. Sarah is great at keeping you fuelled with biscuits, drinks and lunch. Her groups are friendly and small enough to learn and watch others completing many different projects. A great experience - thank you."

Jane Ferrett reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"I have now attended 5 of Liz Chaderton's courses. Liz is always so well prepared in the classroom. A lot of prep' goes into these workshops: materials, time & thought of what we will paint. Fab lunch too. Providing a comfortable & relaxed environment with everything we may need. I am very happy with the final painting I produced & the other pieces we practiced in class went well too. In fact, everyone produced something they should be pleased with due to the individual feedback & support given by Liz throughout the day. I always find Liz very approachable & when I am stuck, Liz is more than happy to help. So overall a fab day."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Jane, that's a lovely review. Thank you. I am so pleased you enjoyed the day. You are always full of energy and add lots to the workshop with your enthusiasm and positive attitude! See you soon! How's your seahorse??"