Latest reviews

Oliver Perceval reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"“Thank you all round to Daniel and Annemarie O'Sullivan for weaving a most creative and productive Basket making weekend. Also, Daniel and Vija for Friday's Weaving the Cosmos: Sacred Geometry and Hexagonal Weave Basketry course. Relaxed and focused somehow, and in a studio that is such an authentic showcase of the traditional Arts.”"

Joanne Day reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"The felt making course was really brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon. Kat has so much patience and gave loads of invaluable advice throughout the afternoon and I walked out with a really lovely picture. It was a really relaxed atmosphere with a group of nice people who all enjoyed the afternoon and everyone left with a "masterpiece". I will definitely attend another of these courses."

Louisa Reynolds reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"What a fantastic day learning to carve a traditional nordic wooden cup with Tom. Positioned in an beautiful woodland setting the whole experience is magical, from carving outside in the woods to sitting around a fire drinking tea and chatting in his shelter, learning all sorts of interesting facts and having a laugh. Tom was a brilliant teacher and created a friendly and relaxed environment for us to learn and hone our skills, breaking down all the stages of making a cup into managable sections but giving us the freedom to create and experiment. Tom has fantastic knowledge of his craft and by showing us good technique he made it very easy for us to perform the carving actions safely and effectively. I would definitely reccommend this to anyone."

Steve Lewis reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"Attended this course at the beginning of November and I really enjoyed it. Dave is extremely knowledgable about his wood, his trees and the many woodworking skills and techniques to turn logs into useful items. Over the course of 3 days the four attendees made a large mallet from holly and ash; tea light holders; a spatula and a lovely rustic stool from oak, ash and hazel. We had tuition in the use of many different tools, including the shave horse, draw knife and pole lathe. Dave and his volunteer helpers, Pete, Kay and Rachel, were warm, friendly and informative people, who kept us supplied with an abundance of tea and biscuits."

Ashleigh Morton reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course with Kerrylyn! She’s very friendly & provides a full list of everything to get you going! Highly recommend!"

Rhiannon Williams reviewed: Various silver jewellery courses, from stacking rings, spinner rings and bead making

"I have thoroughly enjoyed attending jewellery mking workshops with Louise. They are very laid back and relaxing and Louise offers great advice and help just when you need it. I have produced some lovely pieces of jewellery of which I'm very proud and love to wear."

George Balanos reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a full day’s tuition on woodturing by Mark and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Mark’s passion for what he does is obvious in everything that happpens over the course of the day and he puts a lot of effort into transferring his skill to his students. His feedback is constructive and he managed to even get someone as poorly coordinated as me to give some shape to a piece of wood. He teaches excellence and he takes all the time that is need to achieve a good result. I was probably his most incapable student but I left the workshop late at night feeling satisfied that I knew what woodturing was all about. Thanks Mark!"

Ewa reviewed: Wet felting / needle felting workshop: Private session with Zenia from The Lady Moth

"I had such fun during my one to one session with Zenia. I have chosen to make a robin for a Christmas wreath and it was my first ever introduction to felting. Zenia has provided me with all sorts of inspiration and examples of how to do it, but not in any way restrictive to my creativity . It was great to have Zenia for myself as I could verify all ideas I had and learn how to make it happen as well as having help on hand with proportions, positioning of details and general quality of the felt creation. Needles to say I have discovered new hobby and my family is impressed with my skills none of which would happen if not for this session with Zenia."

Karen irwin reviewed: Beginner's spinning

"Had a very enjoyable day with Cathy and Jean. They were so patient and offered different learning techniques. Inspired by their enthusiasm. I highly recommend this course and am hoping to continue spinning in the future Many thanks Cathy and Jean"

Cathy B reviewed: Craft Bookbinding (1 day) in the Peak District

"The bookbinding course was superb, I couldn't have imagined that I would leave at the end of the day with a book that looked as if I had bought it in a shop!! Holly was an excellent tutor, really knowledgable but perfectly well-paced. And super organised too! The environment is lovely as well, with a very warm welcome from Alison and Peter, superb home-cooked food (the cake itself is worth the trip!) and a gorgeous studio to work in. I would so recommend this course to anyone, whether you do crafts or not."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thanks Cathy, Great to hear our course hit the spot! The books you made were really lovely. We are delighted to have Holly on board and looking forward to more dates for next year."

Jean Saggers reviewed: Monthly fused glass club

"I've been going to Glass Club for 2 years, I really look forward to it every month, there's always something new to try and learn."

Megan Eastaugh reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"A friendly and informative day in a relaxed atmosphere with other like-minded people. Olivia explained everything so well and had lots of source material to help with ideas. We were provided with everything we needed to produce several prints and experiment with different colours if we chose to. I will recommend to others. Great value too in comparison with other courses I have looked at."

Edna reviewed: Quilling for Mother's Day with Learn to be Crafty

"My friend and I attended on Saturday making various Christmas items. There was a good variety of activities and the hosting was excellent. It made a welcome change from the previous two days of intense crafting that we had attended. Helen and Fiona made it lighthearted and good fun"

Vivien p reviewed: Craft Bookbinding (1 day) in the Peak District

"Great course in great location. The course had a good pace and I was amazed at the quality of the finished book I produced. I'm hooked. Plenty of refreshments , great lunch with a bright spacious work room for the course. Would definitely recommend this course and location."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou for this positive feedback which I will certainly pass on to Holly Serjeant, your tutor. We, as hosts, were delighted with the course and hope to offer it again next year. Enjoy your book and your newfound skills."

Helen Haze reviewed: Introduction to glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"Thank you Jenny and Steph for the best course I have ever been on. You have made me believe I can do something well! The pieces that I made came out of the kiln really well. Even my family think they are fabulous. I have brought this course for my husband, daughter and myself (again ) to do together - in hope that my husband and daughter will see buying a kiln is a good idea. Cheshire school of glass is an excellent centre for all things glass ."

Mervyn Homer reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Having not turned wood since School ..more than 43 years ago this course was excellent . Many new and old skills revised and will definitely be booking some more courses. Andy and Martine made me very welcome and having a 2 day one to one course was brilliant. Andy was very patient and willing to pass on not only his knowledge but also contacts for Wood Turning supplies and tools. Great course anyone doing this will learn so much very highly recommended . Mervyn Homer November 2018"

Caz Brown reviewed: 2-Day Leather Bag Making Course

"I have been making leather bags and accessories for some time, although with no formal training. I wanted to learn how to tackle pattern making and design. I did my first workshop with Rebecca last year, I spent three days there and with Rebecca's guidance was able to design, make the pattern and return home with a replica of an old family heirloom bag that was long past its prime. I wouldn't have known where to start on my own. I returned earlier this year for a two day one to one with Rebecca where we once again we recreated two new bags, one of which was a very complex design, but Rebecca knew just where to start and how to go about the task at hand. Rebeccas knowledge and skill in making and design is second to none and I am now able to tackle things I would never have attempted previously. I cant wait until time allows me to return once again. Whether you are a beginner or have made bags before, you won't find anybody better to take you forward with your ideas and aspirations."

Helen reviewed: Monthly fused glass club

"I absolutely love the glass workshop with Elisa, I'm fairly new to the class but you soon learn the basics & Elisa is a brilliant & patient teacher. The class sizes are small which is so nice & I love getting our makes back the next time. Would definitely recommend Elisa's workshops."

Hannah Oxley reviewed: Felt making for beginners - learn how to make a beautiful piece of wet felted fabric

"Had a fantastic afternoon with Kat!!! She’s a great teacher and encouraged us all to be as messy and creative as we wanted!!! A great course for beginners or anyone who just wants a chill afternoon with lovely people!!"

Leon Barnes reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I took my grandson last weekend to Jake's introduction to blacksmithing course at Ludlow. The whole day was excellent, the teaching was well structured and delivered with a very friendly approach, and considering we had never done this before we both made good progress and left with some recognisable pieces of work !. My grandson Sam is considering going on to college to study Blacksmithing and this was just the positive experience he needed. I would thoroughly recommend Jake's course to anyone interested, and would like to wish you Jake every success in the future. best wishes Leon."

Susanna Baker reviewed: Stamping, embossing & wet-moulding leather

"I had a great time at the course arranged by my local craft group. I learnt lots and , as we given a choice of projects, learnt to stitch as well as embossing and dyeing. Clive and Wendy were great teachers, clear and supportive while always giving you the space to do it yourself. They have lots of equipment to give a professional finish. I would recommend this course and you certainly do not need to be particularly arty or crafty."

Amanda Sunter reviewed: Handmade canes, beads and jewellery from Polymer clay in Bedfordshire.

"We were looking for a surprise activity for a friend - it was a surprise for her and we needed to adapt times and content of course a little to fit it round everyone. Bernadette was amazingly helpful in working with us to create a fun, chatty day where we made some amazing colourful jewellery - I cannot believe i had it in me! She is encouraging and cajoling - perfect mix to make sure everyone ends up feeling that they have achieved something truly creative. Bravo and can whole hardheartedly recommend."

Treasunique responded:

"What a great day with you 3 lovely students, it was such fun as your friend thought it was archery related!! So to bring that surprise together well done Mandy!! Also for all your willingness to be adventurous in a totally unaccustomed medium!! Great results all round ladies! And hope to see you all again in your neck of the woods, sometime in the future!"

C Atkinson reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"An excellent workshop, far better than one I had attended previously elsewhere. Lovely location and workshop, very welcoming and a very friendly dog. We were provided with all the equipment we would need as well as lots of pictures as inspiration. Olivia was an excellent teacher and I now understand some methods I couldn't grasp on a previous workshop elsewhere, as well as learning new techniques such as masking and how to create repeat patterns. Olivia spent time with each person at the workshop, giving advice and hints and tips. The follow up email with links to suppliers is also extremely useful. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, a real tonic and I came away with a number of prints. I am now determined to do my design again, making changes. I feel confident enough to do more at home but as the workshop was so good I might treat myself to another to develop my skills further."

craig leanney reviewed: Various silver jewellery courses, from stacking rings, spinner rings and bead making

"I loved making jewellery with Louise. She takes the time to teach you how to make rings or bracelets to your personal size and design. I came away with a few unique artworks that would have cost twice as much as the price of the workshop to buy in a shop. I would recommend her to anyone wanting to make their own jewellery at a fraction of the cost of buying from a shop. AAA+++"

Glesni Ayres reviewed: Various silver jewellery courses, from stacking rings, spinner rings and bead making

"Loved the jewellery making course. Made some stunning rings as well as a bangle. Louise is a great teacher and very patient. Would definitely recommend, a very enjoyable, productive day out."