Latest reviews

Aaron Saunders reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"Just done the Dragon making course and can highly recommend this course. John and his crew are fantastic. Their knowledge and expertise is second to none. Started the course by making a fire poker to learn the basic technics which is excellent. Completing the dragons over 2 days gives a really good insight into blacksmithing. The afternoon of day 2 is where all your pieces come together in a a great one off dragon."

Caroline Blundell reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"I was a bit daunted - as creating in wire felt out of my comfort zone - but, as ever, James encourages confidence and creativity, and everyone on our course - all novice to wire - produced splendid artwork to enjoy. I couldn't believe the results. It was an absorbing, fun way to spend 2 days with lovely people in a beautiful setting. This is my third course at the studio and I like it more and more. I would encourage anyone with a curious nature and creative soul to go and enjoy themselves there."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks Caroline! You made a lovely 'cooo' and it was great to see you take to wire so well! As ever, thanks for your loyalty! x"

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

"A great day learning new skills in a friendly, safe and supportive environment. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who thinks it might be for them - don't doubt it - book a course and find out."

Sarah Foxley reviewed: Craft Retreat at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I was unlucky enough to arrive a day later than the other guests owing to a spot of freak September weather but Rosie went above and beyond the call of duty, helping me sort alternative trains and then kindly driving into Inverness late on the Sunday evening to meet me at the station. The remainder of the week unfolded effortlessly into a pattern of stunning scenic walks interspersed with craft activities such as eco dyeing, silk printing and felt making. Everything was beautifully organised yet in such a comfortingly informal manner that it felt more like a relaxed family holiday than a rigid course. Food was freshly prepared and delicious and there was a seemingly endless variety of hot drinks and homemade cake for all those in-between times! But what will probably stay with me the longest was the warmth of both Rosie and Joannie who took the time to get to know each and every guest, instinctively knowing when to listen, encourage and allow space if needed. Equally welcoming were Rosie's friends, Ally and Ele, who kindly shared their spinning and traditional singing skills with us on a couple of evenings. All in all it was a very special week and one which will stay with me for a long time to come."

Jocelyn reviewed: Cyanotype workshop (half day)

"Just had the BEST time on this course. It was so interesting to hear all about the history of the process and then we had so much time to experiment with all the amazing props that Lucy provided. There were so many options from feathers and leaves to wooded shapes and glitter and we were provided with so many pieces of paper to work with so we ended up taking away a lot of special pictures. It was a beautiful space to really be creative - really can't recommend it enough - especially if you find it hard to make time in your life to tap in to your creativity. Such a beautiful process and a really happy day!"

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

"A very good day , tutors very skilled and fun to work with , lunch was very good with a very frendly atmosphere Would recommend the course"

Hana Foltynova reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"I have done a first half of silver clay workshop with Tuuli at a different venue and I must say I absolutely loved it. I’m not very creative but I really wanted to learn new skill. Tuuli explains everything clearly and provides all the resources. We were spoiled for choice when it came to stamps, shape cutters or natural resources to make our very own mould. Tuuli also had plenty of her own already made moulds which were ideal for beginners like me as the effect was just a fool proof. I’m already looking forward to the second half. Bring on the hand made Xmas this year! ?"

Teresa Trangmar reviewed: Lino Printing for Christmas in Cambridgeshire

"Fantastic day yesterday at Judiths home studio surrounded by her creative ideas and lovely garden! I was delighted to create a linocut in the morning and then print a range of different colours and effects ready to make a Christmas frieze when the ink drys. There was also time to experiment with printing using different materials and inks and colour. Judith is such a good guide and teacher and makes suggestions that enhance your work and yet still retaining your own ideas and individuality. I came away feeling I had really created work that I was proud of and happy to share with others! This was my second course with Judith and I thoroughly recommend her courses"

James Gardener reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"I have now completed all three of Ciarán's public courses in woodworking and wood turning and each one builds seamlessly on the other. The ability to be a dazzling master craftsman at one end of the workshop and a patient, sharp-eyed tutor at the other, is a breath taking and winning combination of talent and humility. I would happily enrol for all three courses again in a year's time simply as refreshers. The tuition, the workshop, the setting, the dogs, the biscuits, the outputs, the company and the craic are all grand! The White Lion, Alvanley do a splendid working lunch. Many thanks to the whole O'B family for sharing Ciarán with his students."

Lucy Holmes reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Love my glass days, I get so much done with so much help and support. Always a new tutorial in the morning so you continue to build extra skills and lots of time for own projects. Never feel rushed and the material supplies seem endless. As for the food a very tasty bonus."

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"It was really good to see you again Lucy. We hope you learned new things and are excited about picking up your finished work."

Cathy reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Before going, I felt a bit nervous that I might not be creative enough. I shouldn’t have worried. I had a great time and went away with something wonderful I could not believe I produced. Thank you Teresa. I will be back for another go."

Paulina reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Had a great day. Achieved much more than l thought. Thank you for your patience."

Debs Vaughan reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"What an amazing creative day. Wish I could have returned again tomorrow. From the friendly tuition to the amazing lunch it really has been inspiring. Booked on 2 more days already."

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you so much. It was lovely to meet you and your enthusiasm! We’re looking forward to seeing your work fused and slumped."

Mandy Godfrey reviewed: Lampshade Making Workshop with Clare Cosens

"I recently did the lampshade making workshop wuth 8 friends. A fabulous course! We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and with Clare’s professional but friendly help all produced lovely lampshades which we are all proud of! I bought a kit from Clare to make another at home- I could get hooked! Thoroughly recommend the course!"

Laura Morgan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Fantastic day, beautiful scenery with excellent instruction. I've never made any type of jewellery before but I was able to make my fiance's wedding ring in one day! Laura"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Laura Thank you for your glowing review. It was a great day and lovely to meet you. Good luck with the big day and I hope the silver ring works as planned Jonathan"

Claudia Maher reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Thank you Jonathan. What an absolutely fantastic day. Your teaching skill and patience are perfect! Would recommend to anyone Claudia"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Claudia. You did well to complete your silver spinner ring on the day - and we had a good giggle too! The lunch time picnic was a real treat as well. Jonathan"

Emma reviewed: Stylish personalised keyring

"I really enjoyed my afternoon class of making cufflinks with Charlie, and I got to take away a lovely handmade gift. Charlie is extremely knowledgeable and gives you lots of tips along the way :-)"

Ed Jones reviewed: Beginners Spoon Carving Workshop - Afternoon

"Superb introduction to this craft, the instructor was an excellentcommunicator who quickly understood my skills and needs. I came away with a hunger to do much more and develop my skills further. I would strongly recommend this course as an introduction to this craft."

Jessica Harwood sheppard reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Had a fabulous time learning enamelling and creating my own beautiful piece of jewellery . Fun creative, made simple with excellent resources and guidance from Theresa."

Sue Littlefair reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"I have just attended a fantastic enamelling course with a lady called Teresa . I am not very artistic but she was so patient and made sure I was able to produce a fabulous pair of ear rings. I lost one of the pieces and it was not a problem as Teresa was able to help make another one . The people on the course were very friendly and we were able to support each other in a very friendly and supportive environment . I will definitely come back for more"

Anon reviewed: Summer dyes from the countryside - one day course

"The background information (history etc) was very interesting"

Anon reviewed: Summer dyes from the countryside - one day course

"I have loved everything from collecting the bits and pieces to seeing the wonderful results. Also love being with like minded people - great pea and potato soup."

Anon reviewed: Poultry keeping - half day course

"The best part was the practical aspects e.g. the correct way to hold a chicken and mite identification and diease/health"

Anon reviewed: Poultry keeping - half day course

"very hands on and lots of opportunity practice handling of poultry. Lots of very useful information"

Helen Jones reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Had a fantastic time at the session. Teresa was incredibly patient and very knowledgeable. Extremely pleased with the work I produced considering I have no artistic flair. Would definitely recommend this course and will be booking a future session. Thank you for the inspiration."