Latest reviews

Geraldine Williams reviewed: Stained Glass Mosaics Course

"Geraldine Williams Yesterday at 22:24 Had a fantastic time on Ann's two day course, could have spent a whole week there! Ann is such a wonderful teacher, in the most relaxing, welcoming and chilled out surroundings. It was honestly brilliant. The course caters for the beginner like me to the most gifted, Ann is fantastic and so encouraging (and Will too). Highly recommend Blue Sky Mosaics and definitely plan for a return visit."

Blue Sky Mosaics responded:

"Thank-you so much for your lovely review Geraldine, it was a pleasure having you on this course."

Jenny K reviewed: Mini photoshoot with frame or card craft activity

"Excellent photographer and event for both adults and children. We absolutely loved the concept and you get a lot out of it for the price, would definitely book again!"

RN Events Photography responded:

"Thank you so much, we hope to see you at our next session!"

barry reviewed: Denim jeans - be the designer!

"I just wanted to say what a fantastic time I had with Angela , the jeans that Angela helped me with are just so much better than anything you can buy , Angela was such a good teacher , the equipment second to none, the jeans of my dreams, I had a fab time , thank you Angela all the best Barry"

Gianna I. reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"We had such a good time! It was a present for my boyfriend and we did the course together. Alan was very patient, showed us all the techniques, we also had regular breaks with coffee - and an outstanding lunch cooked by his partner. And we did indeed create something that resembles a spoon! Such lovely people and a fantastic course we would recommend to anyone."

Sue Evans reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"I had such a lovely day with Dionne. She taught me the techniques I needed to use as this was my first attempt at mosaic. She gave me just the right balance of independence and guidance so that I felt enabled and supported. I was able to complete the project I had wanted to create and take the finished article home. Dionne is very professional and friendly so the whole experience was relaxing and absorbing and I felt I had accomplished something new. I would highly recommend her."

Sally Guild reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I was gifted a place on John's one day beginners course at Sculpture by the Lakes as a complete novice. What a great experience in a magnificent setting. John is a patient and experienced teacher who brought the best out of all of our small and friendly group. We produced completely different compositions and outcomes under his excellent tutorage. We were so lucky to be able to work outside in the sunshine with all tools provided at individual work stations. An added bonus was lunch al fresco chosen from a very comprehensive menu provided by the on site restaurant. Thank you John for a brilliant and successful day and Monique for being such a good facilitator ! Sally Guild"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Sally - thank you for a lovely review and so glad you enjoyed your day with John at Sculpture by the Lakes and I will pass on your kind comments to the cafe staff. You all completed excellent work and I think you should all be very proud of yourselves!"

Jean Martin reviewed: The spirit of Shetland knitting holiday

"Everything was very well organized and ran smoothly. Lynn was delightful and attentive to all necessary details. Great experience! Kathleen, Annie and Hazel we're fantastic instructors. They were very helpful and lots of fun. Non-knitting excursions were interesting and well planned. I'm ready to go back to Shetland again."

Stephen reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"The reviews already posted sum up what this spoon carving course is about - a lovely setting, good company, relaxed, great tuition - you'll find this out soon enough when you sign up. Simon and Nigel were running the course when I went in July. Nigel was our main mentor for the day and he was, quite frankly, a 100% good chap. Simon, what a legend. There may be some people out there who haven't chopped anything beyond your ham and cheese sandwiches. I was in the same boat before starting the course. As such, you may feel a bit apprehensive about wielding an axe or using a carving knife...but you won't feel this way for long... Nigel really shows you step by step what to do, how to do things safely, and will do demonstrations throughout the day. It's a patient and calm setting - the best way to get started on learning wood working. It didn't take long before I was really enthralled in what I was slowly creating! A great day out, and a lot learned that I can now build upon - thank you Nigel and Simon!"

Dominic O'Riordan reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"We did the three day beginners' course. This is a fantastic course with an expert craftsman, team and equipment. They were fun, challenging, intensive full days at the forge. We managed to do a lot more than I thought would be feasible. It is really well organised, great teacher and worth the cost. Thanks Peat and team. Hoping to do the tool making or leaf course next."

Paul McLintic reviewed: Stained glass panel

"Margery not only really knows the arts and crafts of beautiful stained-glass, she knows how to share them and guide you through making your own art. From an absolute beginner, I learned about design, including choosing among the various combinations of colours and tones of glass, about cutting the glass and the lead, assembly, soldering and then completing the piece. I have since mounted my stained glass panel on a resin base and am very pleased with the finished product. This course was a great revelation to me and I look forward to doing more stained-glass work with Margery."

Spencer Hanley reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Fantastic Day! Started off just about knowing where wood came from and preceded to learn about the many different tools and what they are used for, applied the learning by using Tenon Saw, general saw, plane, chisel, bandsaw, rotary sander, made wooden plugs, drilled and sanded to ultimately produce a really nice shelf out 1 plank and one length of 0.4x0.4. Bill was excellent; patient, engaging and not in anyway intimidating while I applied my ham-fisted talents. Brilliant."

Lyn Pearson reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"I really enjoyed the silver clay workshop it was brilliant to be able to come away with some beautiful pieces of jewellery the same day. It was lovely having 'one-to-one' instruction which made the workshop very personal. I would recommend doing this workshop to anyone and in fact have done already! Thank you again Charlotte for sharing your knowledge, I'm very keen to buy a starter kit now and start making lovely jewellery at home. Would like to learn how to make rings so will definitely be back when that course is available, Thank you again."

Jeni reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I had a lovely afternoon trying the different techniques and was so pleased with the results once they came out of the kiln. Julie was a very good teacher and a lovely hostess and made me feel very welcome. I had been wanting to try glass fusing for a long time and Julie really explained things clearly and gave me the right foundation to take this further if I want to in the future. Already booked to go back, this time bringing my Mum with me to do some Christmas decorations!"

Penny Brinn reviewed: Spoon Carving in the Woods (an introduction)

"Beautiful woodland venue, really informative and fun day with a lovely lunch cooked on the fire. Highly recommend"

Jasmine reviewed: Have a Go Pottery: throwing

"Absolutely fantastic evening with Mary. Me and my friend went for her birthday treat and both thoroughly enjoyed it. I posted a photo of our pots and so many people have asked where we went and i couldn't recommend Mary enough. I didn't know what to expect but it was very hands on and we managed to do four pots and sarah 5!! The lesson was perfect as we had one to one attention and Mary tried to up our confidence. Very relaxed atmosphere and we had such a laugh."

Oliver reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I went on the one day course and had an excellent time. I turned up with no idea what I was going to make and ended up making 3 pieces of fused glass which I am very happy with. Nicky has plenty of examples to give you inspiration. She is a patient teacher and encourages your thought process giving advise when it is needed. Ultimately she wants everyone to have a great time and be proud of their creations. I will definitely be returning in the future."

Margaret Starr reviewed: Stained glass panel

"I had a lovely day with Margery and, although I had never done this before, not even cut a piece of glass, I went home with a delightful finished panel which is now hanging in my kitchen window. I learnt so much that day and can't wait to start on a course of workshops with her in the Autumn."

Sue Palmer reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Course, Copper foil work

"Spent a rewarding 2 days in beautiful countryside, with a brilliant (and patient!) tutor, lovely surroundings and the opportunity to try something new. I achieved far more than I expected and came away with a stained glass panel I'm really proud of! Thanks Brenda!"

Amy & Aaron reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Aaron and I had a fantastic day at the workshop, and came out with two very different bowls that we are particularly proud of! Andy is extremely skilled, very patient, and easy to talk to, the day flew by. Not to mention the amazing lunch served by his lovely wife! After our session, we’ve learnt so much and are thoroughly hooked!"

Joy Roberts reviewed: Wet Felting - Jewellery and Beads

"I attended the felt bead class today. Excellent value for money. I learnt a completely new skill and took home a beautiful necklace, very impressive. Wendy's tuition is first rate and her Craftery is definitely an inspiring place to learn new crafts and buy materials."

Rachael Tomlinson reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"I had so much fun and also relaxed for the first time in ages! Josie brings so much experience, but is also the loveliest, most patient, kind person and teacher; she's great company! Having tried other pottery courses this is by far the best, a very small group in her personal studio. Additionally she is very helpful if, like me you wish to continue hand-building at home, I have dropped new pieces back to her for firing, and Josie always gives you her time and help. Can't recommend more!"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Rachael. I look forward to spending more time with you when you come to my evening class on Thursdays. I feel you have caught the making with clay bug! Josie"

Claire reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"It was a really wonderful day. A great atmosphere, Anne has lots of patience and a lovely sense of humour. Not only is she a great tutor but also a great host (lunch was lovely and catered to some fairly specific dietary requirements without any fuss). Lots of choice around what to make and different things to make it with and the day was so good I'm thinking about repeating it to try out a different project"

Christy Jones reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"We really enjoyed our day very informative and will definitely return for further tuition. The homemade soup for lunch was delicious."

Lesley reviewed: Felted flowers workshop

"I'd been wanting to learn how to eco print for a very long time but hadn't been able to find any courses locally. Luckily I found Lena's Botanical/Eco Printing Course (which ran in June) a couple of days before it was due to start and it was the best thing I ever did. Lena is a great teacher and very knowledgeable and I learnt so much. The other ladies on the course were all very friendly and helpful and we all produced many beautiful eco printed fabrics and other items such as scarves, bags and T-shirts. I've found it very addictive and continue to experiment with eco printing at home at every opportunity. I would thoroughly recommend the course."

Sandra Purser reviewed: Silver clay 2 day course for beginners - Lori Ridgway

"I had two very good productive days with Lori in her workshop and am extremely pleased with the pieces I made. Lori patiently took me through each stage and taught me lots of new skills. The first day was quite intense (when all the groundwork was done) but the second day was when all the magic happened! I was made to feel at home in Lori's well equipped workshop and look forward to returning again for another course in the future."