Latest reviews

Lucy Nelson reviewed: Natural Christmas Wreaths at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Kendal

"A real treat. Best craft workshop I’ve been on - exceptional - 5* all round. Belinda and George gave us just the right amount of high quality teaching and support in a really friendly and focussed atmosphere so I think we surprised ourselves with what we made. The setting and studio barn are exceptionally beautiful. 5* for drinks and cakes too. I was given this workshop as a present and went home feeling as if I’d been given 3 presents - the workshop, the skill and the wreath! Thank you to George and Belinda."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Lucy. We feel quite overwhelmed by such amazing feedback!"

Sue Priddle reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a really exciting day. Lots to learn but support and encouragement all the way. Excellent teaching with all the equipment and materials provided - all with good humour which made it fun. Food nice too. I was very pleased with the pieces I made - not technically brilliant but for a first effort I was impressed!! Looking forward to having another go soon."

Michaela Greene reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

""I have never sculpted before and I undertook‎ the ambitious task of my dogs head. I can honestly say I have really enjoyed the classes, Beatrice has taught me so much about sculpting. The sessions are very relaxed, where you can go at your own pace. Beatrice's style of teaching is informal, which I much prefer, providing help as and when was needed. Her extensive experience gently instructed me at each stage of my sculpture, which helped me overcome problems and aided me to move my work along. I can highly recommend the classes.""

AJH reviewed: Pottery: term time 10 week course

"Sarah offers excellent courses, whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced hobby pottery, she tailors the tuition to meet your needs. Skills develop over the weeks. The classes are small and friendly. Stonehenge Pottery is nestled in a beautiful Wiltshire village. The pottery workshop is in the grounds of a small holding and animals are welcome and regular visitors. A plentiful supply of tea and homemade cake only adds to the overall experience."

Stella 44 reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"Really pleased with my felted picture. The tuition and range of material were all perfect. Great experience."

Karen Ryan reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I am a newly retired lady who is trying to tap into her creative side and I have really been able to let that flow in the sculpture classes run by Beatrice Hoffman. Beatrice is inspirational , charming and so knowledgable. Beatrice takes the time to work with you to find out your inner passions which she then develops with you. The classes are thought provoking and you are totally absorbed in your work. All the students are full of passion for their work, but it’s also fun and friendly. I feel I have started to find a passion for sculpture that will develop more and more with each class. Thank you Beatrice I love being part of the Daventry group."

Karen Ryan reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I am a newly retired lady who is trying to tap into her creative side and I have really been able to let that flow in the sculpture classes run by Beatrice Hoffman. Beatrice is inspirational , charming and so knowledgable. Beatrice takes the time to work with you to find out your inner passions which she then develops with you. The classes are thought provoking and you are totally absorbed in your work. All the students are full of passion for their work, but it’s also fun and friendly. I feel I have started to find a passion for sculpture that will develop more and more with each class. Thank you Beatrice I love being part of the Daventry group."

Sue B. reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I look forward to the weekly class with Beatrice from the moment it finishes when I return home exhilarated and exhausted. Beatrice is both a successful sculptor and an inspiring teacher. Our class embraces a variety of styles of sculpture and Beatrice both helps and extends our resulting achievements by her gentle but rigorous tuition. Our talk is not limited to our own efforts but Beatrice has references and examples from all ages to broaden our outlook. Her own work is assured and both wonderfully inventive and professional. We also have great fun and at 76 of age this is an elixir! _Sue B._ November 2019"

Sue B. reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I look forward to the weekly class with Beatrice from the moment it finishes when I return home exhilarated and exhausted. Beatrice is both a successful sculptor and an inspiring teacher. Our class embraces a variety of styles of sculpture and Beatrice both helps and extends our resulting achievements by her gentle but rigorous tuition. Our talk is not limited to our own efforts but Beatrice has references and examples from all ages to broaden our outlook. Her own work is assured and both wonderfully inventive and professional. We also have great fun and at 76 of age this is an elixir! _Sue B._ November 2019"

David Sarginson reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"As a person who has never been involved in Art Classes, it came as a pleasant surprise when I first went to Beatrice's sculpture class. Two lessons were bought for me as a present and what a surprise. The classes are a real pleasure to go to. The pupils have all gelled and there is always a lot of chat. One learns without realising it and Beatrice like the true professional makes the use of a tool look easy and yet she inspires. I would say to anyone give it a go! It's great fun and one begins to understand more clearly how brilliant the masters of the art were."

Sue Cleave reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I have been attending Beatrice’s sculpture sessions for nearly four years now, which speaks for itself. They are very addictive and often the high point of my week – something I do just for me and that is totally absorbing. The time flies by. Beatrice is very skilled at pitching her teaching at whatever level you are working. She very quickly sets beginners at their ease and helps them achieve satisfying results right from the start. The more you progress – and you do – the more she stretches you, encouraging you through the inevitable times of frustration and challenging you to attempt that extra 20% that makes the difference between an ok result and one that is more satisfying than you thought you could achieve. Alongside the practical skills you learn, you also find that your eye is constantly being trained. There aren’t many things that you can start late in life and get significantly better at when you are in your 70’s, but under Beatrice’s tutelage, I have. Beatrice is very kind, the groups are mutually supportive and the coffee is delicious! _Sue C._ December 2019"

Tom Malloy reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Fantastic class. Beatrice is a brilliant artist and a very warm host. Her knowledge of sculpture is fantastic and her eye for detail is great. She's never afraid to tell you or show you where a sculpture doesn't work and how to rectify it."

David Sarginson reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"As a person who has never been involved in Art Classes, it came as a pleasant surprise when I first went to Beatrice's sculpture class. Two lessons were bought for me as a present and what a surprise. The classes are a real pleasure to go to. The pupils have all gelled and there is always a lot of chat. One learns without realising it and Beatrice like the true professional makes the use of a tool look easy and yet she inspires. I would say to anyone give it a go! It's great fun and one begins to understand more clearly how brilliant the masters of the art were."

Alice Fuller reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I love these classes. I love the teacher, the group and the activity. I find myself totally absorbed in what I am doing, leaving my day to day worries completely behind. Beatrice is a very good teacher and gives encouragement and guidance whenever needed, and her mantra that mistakes are an important part of the creative process helps build confidence that there is no right or wrong way of doing things. I’m very pleased with the sculptures I have produced over the four terms that I have attended, in spite of much self-doubt along the way. If anyone says to me “I couldn’t do that”, I say “I’m sure you could”."

Lizzie Lorenzana reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"This workshop was so much fun! Richard has a great deal of knowledge of leather-crafts and is very open to sharing that with his students. I had made one small leather item before taking this class and Richard's workshop took me to the next level. I would highly recommend anyone interested in taking up leather-crafts to take one of Richard's workshops. And the added bonus that you leave with a wonderful handmade bag is such a wonderful feeling!"

Steve Johnson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is a course I can thoroughly recommend to individuals of all abilities who want to try their hand at box making and come away after two days with a box they can be proud of. There is no default box that everyone on the course makes, within reason (there are some superb boxes in the showroom) you are able to choose joining method for the sides, lid hingeing techniques, different woods for the lid, whether to line the box or not. There were four of us on the course and all the boxes had our own individual styles evident when we had finished. A ratio of pupil to teacher of 2:1 meant that Mark and Richard were always available to offer advice and demonstrate the next stage of your particular box and nothing was rushed. Even if you don't intend to take up woodworking you can spend two days having fun in great company, learn new skills and leave with a beautiful box."

Steve reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a fantastic day. Siobhan was so helpful and explained everything in a light hearted and friendly way. I even managed to create something artistic. Will be back for another course in the new year."

Debbie reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"What a fab studio for a crafty afternoon of learning the art of candle making. Charlie was a great host and teacher and made it such a lovely afternoon for myself and my two daughters. Would definitely recommend the candle making day and certainly will be trying the other crafts on offer in the new year."

Maria reviewed: Christmas candle making & mulled wine (Friday mornings)

"A festive, creative and fun candle making workshop! Charlie was brilliant!! I love the candles I made and have learnt a great new skill. Would highly recommend and I will be going back in the new year."

Claire M reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Studio space is fab! Well worth the 1.5hr drive I made. Trust google maps is sending you to the right place, I wandered around in the pouring rain thinking it must be wrong as it took me to a residential property. The studio is at the back of 14a Wilbury Road. I would love to go again and try out another of Charlie's workshops."

Debbie Willson reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"Wonderful course. Ellie made everything easy to understand. I would highly recommend any course run by Elka."

Elka responded:

"Hi Debbie, thank you so much for the review. Really great to see you again and I hope you enjoy weaving on your new loom! Very best wishes, Ellie"

Lorraine Walker reviewed: Mosaic workshop in Norwich

"A really enjoyable course learning different mosaic techniques. Fehmi gently guided us with colour combinations, hints about perspective and clever techniques to bring our ideas to life. Each week we learnt a new technique with a wide range of materials to choose from."

Andrew Holly reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"I had been give a two day course as a present and bought a day course for Andrew. Zoe is a gentle, thoughtful person who guides you through the different processes as you go along. She's always on hand for tips on how to achieve the best results and encourages you when you are doubtful in your ability. After the first day I had carved a hedgehog on an end grain piece of wood that I have since used to block print fabric. Andrew carved a 3 D hedgehog which is sat in our lounge. I would thoroughly recommend this course, ensure you go armed with an idea of what you'd like to achieve. Zoe also sells chisels which is really useful as you can see what type of shape suits you best before committing to a purchase. Great course"

Catherine reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"I hugely enjoyed this course and came away feeling really pleased with my linocut and both inspired and confident to have a go at home. The day was run in a very effective way, so that we had clear instruction and practice so we knew what we were doing, and then plenty of time to invent and work on our own designs with Claire's expert support. I'd recommend this course enthusiastically to anyone with the slightest interest in trying linocut printing."

MHS reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"I had a brilliant time at China petals mosaic workshop on Saturday (7th December 2019). Very friendly group with expert tuition from Diane. Really happy with the Christmas decorations I created - I will be displaying them again and again. Thank you Diane."