Latest reviews

Julie reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"I can highly recommend this 2 day screen printing course. In was made to feel so welcome in Caroline's beautiful home and workshop full of her designs. If you don't have any ideas, it's not a problem as there are books to inspire you. It was such a great feeling seeing my print from my first sketch to adding the final screen of colour. I came away with so many ideas and very inspired to carry on printing. I will definitely book another course."

Kay Coe reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, excellent tutor and excellent venue for doing the course. Would recommend to anyone wanting to try a course at The Discovery Centre. Would agree with comment above about a handout at the end as there was so much to take in. Would also suggest the instructor has a folder with suggestions/ideas as to what to make as I had no idea what I wanted to make and also the dimensions of possible structures."

Sally Goldsmith reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Lovely day with patient and inspiring tutor. I'm fired up now to do more! Only improvement would have been a handout as my memory not so great!"

Martine d'Hotman de Villiers reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I attended both the soap making, and skin care workshops. Both were excellent, and I had a great time. I loved using the products when I got home. I also made soaps to give as gifts, which were gratefully received by family and friends."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Martine for your lovely review! Glad to hear you enjoyed using your products, Nic"

Neville Sanderson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I'm 73 and the last time I did woodwork was at the Grammar School in the 1950/60's so to say I was a bit nervous was an understatement. I thought there's no way I could make a box remotely the same as the ones on show in the workshop..... but how wrong I was !!!!! I made a very professional box of which I am so proud. The mitred corners were 95% perfect and the fitted lid with its hidden hinges looked very impressive. Our tutor Mark was the reason I did so well. He was good at explaining each step and showed us how to safely use all the various tools and machinery. I have booked another weekend course for next year.To anyone who is interested I would say "Have a go like I did". You will enjoy it. Thank you Mark for all your help and guidance."

Sue Bardwell reviewed: Small leather goods workshop

"This was an excellent experience. Richard's relaxed approach to teaching made the day seem like a friendly chat with someone who loves what he does and is full of knowledge which he is very good at sharing without becoming a bore. The time sped by, the class was inspirational and I love my belt. Can't recommend this course enough. Sue"

Lynda Riding reviewed: Intermediate glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I wanted to know how to use a kiln safely and fire the work. I have been on several courses before doing glass fusion. This course was incredible. Jenny gave us all so much information and handouts and made the whole daunting experience of buying a kiln and using it in your own home easier. Jenny's technical knowledge and support is wonderful. She is the lovliest lady and really goes out of her way to create extremely high quality courses. I have since booked Images in glass course because Jenny offers a discount for people who have been on previous courses."

Doug reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"What an amazing setting for a wood carving course. Tom is brilliant with plenty patience and full of advice and guidance. Would highly recommend his courses. Amazing day learning loads, left with new skills and new confidence in what I was doing."

Marguerite Wiewel reviewed: Art classes for children and adults in Broadstairs

"Today we had a lovely session with this wonderful artist Lana Arkhi. Not only is she a very talented artist herself, she also has the gift to pass her great knowledge onto others and share her vast experience. Her sessions are a delight to be in. I was very dubious about trying to paint... i can absolutely not draw ! However with hints and tips and a lot of encouragement from Lana, I now am the proud owner of my first painting ever ! So whether you can draw or not, just go along. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. Highly recommended! Thank you Lana!!!"

Kent Talents Art studio responded:

"Thank you very much, Marguerite. Looking forward to seeing you again at Kent Talents."

Richard reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Thanks for the course today. It was superb. Amazing to see the way you handled the metal and great to try my hand at trying some of the blacksmith basics and thrilled to be able to take away a few self made items too!! I'll definitely recommend you and Colin to anyone who asks. It was a pleasure to meet you and a great way to try something new. Many thanks"

Carolyn reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Joan was an excellent teacher. She gave us clear and patient guidance whilst allowing us freedom to be creative. The introductory class was a good taster of many techniques with plenty of time to make a few peices. A thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing afternoon."

Stephie mizzi reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Attended a day course making soaps and other beauty products at Boo cottage. I couldn’trecommend this workshop more! Had such a great time and went home with some many lovely goodies that have lasted months! Can’t wait to come back again for another workshop!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Stephie for your lovely review! Glad to hear you enjoyed using the workshop and using your products, Nic"

Julia Randall reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I had a fantastic time learning about and making my own soap. It was fascinating to learn about blending scents and to see the alchemy of turning the base ingredients into deliciously scented soap. Nic explained both the science and the history of soap making and then supported and guided us all in making our soap. It was great to bring home and then use my very own soap. I would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in learning a new skill that's a bit different."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Julia, Thank you so much for your lovely review! Glad to hear you are enjoying using your soaps. Nic x"

Nicky reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Attended a 1 day course as a Xmas pressie & if I’m honest I didn’t know what to expect. I needn’t have worried as the day was brilliant. Nigel is a great story teller & unique character who kept us entertained all day. His skills in his craft are second to none & he has the patience of a saint! A great teacher & all round good guy. We started at 8.30 & left at 5.30 having made bbq burger flippers, leaf key rings & two bespoke structures for the garden. Highly recommended!"

Hannah reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Friendly atmosphere Good range of ingredients Supportive environment"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks for your review Hannah!"

Helena Ayre reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I decided to get some friends and family together to do this course for my birthday. It was such a perfect choice! Great relaxed atmosphere, Ben and Nic were the perfect teachers and to go home with some amazing treats was a real bonus. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to others and can’t wait for new courses next year!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Helena, Many thanks for your lovely review! We really enjoyed having you and glad to hear you enjoyed using your goodies, Nic x"

Mary Strutt reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"Thoroughly enjoyed finding out the method of beading, always been intrigued, your clear instructions and experience helped a great deal. looking forward to some more projects in 2019."

Liz Pow reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"I would like to add my recommendation to the many that have already been posted I enjoyed a fantastic weekend arriving as a novice but leaving on a huge high having actually managed to.create a masterpiece (!) under James’ patient guidance! I was extremely impressed by his creativity and humour and the very efficient way he runs the studio and the speed he managed to start us all off. I can’t wait to make a return visit and am now inspired to greater achievements. How lucky I was to have found such a venue and cannot thank James enough."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Wow, thanks for the amazing review Liz, what lovely words! I am so glad that you enjoyed your time here! Send me a pic of the swallow in situ!"

Stephanie Mee reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"This was a birthday present for my husband, Trevor, and it was a big hit! Richard's patience and excellent guidance has spurred Trevor on to sign up for a course. Although I was there mainly to accompany Trevor, I really enjoyed the experience. Richard is so knowledgeable and interesting and he is an expert teacher so we both managed to make some pots. We can't wait to come back and glaze them and we will want to sign up to the Raku day in May. In addition, there was plenty of tea and coffee on hand and the soup at lunchtime was delicious. All in all it was a great day and we shall definitely recommend the experience to our friends."

Jo Elliott reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"I had a fantastic time during Jonathan's two-day course! I enjoyed every second of it - the weekend was fun, informative and practical. I love jewellery making and I will definitely continue silver-smithing now I have begun. I have had so many compliments on the three pieces I made and this was because Jonathan was only too happy to share his skills and techniques. You will not regret booking this course!"

Egle reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"The great experience. I definitely recommend the course as the real experience is much more helpful than theory in the book. In one day I was able to make my own tote bag without any previous leather craft knowledge. Richard was a great mentor and I was inspired to move on with my idea of designing and making the entire collection of leather accessories myself."

Jane Starr reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"Wendy was very patient and calm, excellent tuition, easy to understand instructions. Taught in a small group, help always at hand if needed. Came away with a lovely snowflake and making another at home with the instruction sheet provided ?"

Sue reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"Had a lovely afternoon making a beaded snowflake. Well explained, plus a useful leaflet of instructions, so definitely do-able at home. Lovely atmosphere, calm and patient teacher, hope to come to more classes."

Yvonne Freeman reviewed: Beaded Snowflakes

"A very enjoyable course expertly and patiently taught. I’ve made several since."

Georgina reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I had the most fantastic day with Lyn a couple of weeks ago learning as a complete art beginner. Lyn is not only incredibly talented but a wonderfully fun teacher. We explored many different techniques whilst focusing on my core interest of the sea. The tips & tricks and money saving hacks that Lyn provided has made this an exciting but also realistic medium to continue. I would highly recommend this to all. Thank you so much!!!"

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop responded:

"Georgina it was lovely meeting you. I do hope that you continue with encaustic wax, it is so exciting to work with. Keep in touch. All the best Lyn x"