Latest reviews

Paul Brook-Nolan reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"A very enjoyable and useful day. I was bought the day by my partner as a christmas present but due to popularity could only get a date in August. Well worth the wait ! Chris was very organised in his teaching technique and went at a pace to suit me. I made the standard piece by lunch time so then went on to make a part required for my horse plough. All in all excellent value. Thankyou Paul"

Maggie reviewed: Basic to advanced knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"My daughter and I attended the crochet workshop delivered by Ann. We both haqd an excellent time and learnt so much. Ann was absolutely lovely and very patient with both of us. Very relaxed and informal. The time passed so quickly, and we both left feeling we had learnt the basics of o new skill. Ann gave us excellent advice, and tips, she also provided us with information on good websites. Excellent! Value for money, I would highly recommend. Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon, we both enjoyed it so much."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Maggie, for your lovely review. I am glad you both enjoyed yourselves and feel you are able to carry on with what you learnt on the day. Kind regards Ann"

Steve reviewed: Metalwork Craft weekend with The Iron Lady - Bradwell Blacksmiths

"Fantastic two days. Natalie is really enthusiastic and welcoming and more than willing to share her knowledge and experience. H&S first then learning and practicing welding techniques coupled with plasma cutting and we were off. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to make an item of my own design which I am over the moon with especially using the three wheel roller... Huge recommendation for Natalie and this course, I for one will definitely be back."

Harriet reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I recently attended a pottery taster session. I had a great time. The time taken to show the various skills was really appreciated. I'm hoping that a spot will open up in an evening class as I'd love to try some other skills. Thoroughly recommended."

PoppyRose responded:

"Hi Harriet, Thank you for your kind review. It as lovely to have you on the taster and your pots are great. Many thanks, Louise"

Lisa reviewed: Leather Lined/Embellished Belt or Dog Collar Workshop

"I had a fabulous day making a rolled leather collar for Skye under the diligent eye of Karen at Karmarell. I would highly recommend this course whether you are crafty or not. Delighted with my collar. Thank you."

Jo Binks reviewed: Beginners Arm knitting workshop - make a chunky knit throw, Newbury

"Such a fun evening. Total relaxation on board while producing a gorgeous blanket that makes you want to snuggle! Sophie is a great teacher and arm knitting is easy to pick up."

Jackie Thompson reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Thanks very much Gill for a brilliant day! Loved every minute and I'm so thrilled with my stained glass panel, looks amazing in my kitchen window. I'll definitely be back later in the year to do the Xmas decorations course, sounds fabulous and can't wait!!! Thanks again for everything and the delicious lunch, such a beautiful place and I really enjoyed the 'Creatures' exhibition.............so many talented artists!!! Best wishes Jackie x"

Greg reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Having very little experience or indeed skill in any kind of crafting, I was delighted to find Alan's teaching style provided an easy route into the spoon carving art. Under his clearly experienced tuition, I felt that the craft really came alive across a fun and productive day. It's a great feeling to take a piece of wood and see the spoon emerge, and a genuinely fascinating experience discovering an art form from such a passionate and engaging instructor. A thoroughly enjoyable day and one I would highly recommend experiencing! Thanks Alan!"

pavani reviewed: Photography Lessons for Beginners

"Beautiful location and the course was good. I have learnt new techniques regarding landscape photography. Frank is a amazing teacher, teaches in practical relaxing way rather than sticking on more theoretical way. I feel like I walked away with great images and an even better knowledge of landscape photography. It was really a wonderful opportunity to learn and broaden my skills with his help and guidance. The editing techniques on Mac are so cooI. I really did not find any negatives. I only wished if the workshop is for long i.e few more days."

Vision Photography responded:

"thank you so much Pavani for your amazing review! Im so glad you like it and the work you produced over a very short period of time was truly amazing!!"

Penny Riley-Smith reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"I spent a lovely day learning all sorts of techniques for beadmaking. Julia demonstrated things I wanted to learn, and explained everything really clearly, then made sure I had understood."

Olivia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"By the fourth day I had made a number of enamelled pieces and the whole time spent with Lucy was fun and so inspiring. Lucy offers really focused tuition and also documents the processes for you so that you have reference after you leave which really helps when you are learning a technique for the first time. I have had a number of sessions with Lucy over the years and I will continue to travel from London to receive more of her expert tuition!"

Olivia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"By the third day we were exploring techniques to the full and Lucy always encourages you to create full pieces from start to finish, which is crucial to understanding how jewellery is made and how different elements take time to combine. Her guidance and experience is unparalleled and the focus and commitment she offers to every session is invaluable. Whether you are a beginner or more experienced, Lucy will always encourage you to explore ideas that inspire you, which keeps the sessions so fun and engaging. She can expertly guide you and help adapt ideas, from an initial concept to the creation, so it's always a very exploratory and really helps you to be comfortable and extra creative!"

Olivia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"On the second day we explored the enamelling technique further. Lucy offers a wealth of knowledge, experience and artistic flair. One-to-one tuition that Lucy offers is invaluable and she ensures that you have grasped every aspect of the technique or skill. I work in London and Lucy's tranquil studio offers respite from the city buzz and you find yourself opening up to the inspiration from nature and the breath-taking environment. The day was very focused and exploratory, and Lucy always ensures that you are developing and that there is an end goal to the session."

Olivia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I recently visited Lucy for a 4 day session at her beautiful workshop. We began by exploring ideas and techniques of interest - I've visited Lucy before on and off for a few years and we decided that enamelling would be an interesting technique to explore. Lucy is so inspiring and offers thorough and focused tuition throughout."

Jill reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"Had a brilliant day with excellent company. I learned about the history of pyrography and the modern equipment available to practice this engaging craft. The course was well paced, with Susan gently pushing us on. The opportunity to work on different surfaces was much appreciated. Susan has a collection of stimulating resources to work from, so no worries. I got everything I was hoping from the course, and feel set to go ahead and purchase my own kit. Wholeheartedly recommend this course."

Marie Kraus reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended Ollie’s one day furniture restoration course. It was a very enjoyable day, and completely transformed my piece of furniture. I now feel able to take on more projects at home, confident in the process I have been taught. Ollie is very informative, patient and supportive. He matches the pace you need, explained everything fully and demonstrated techniques clearly. A very educational and fun day."

Shirley Janes reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I loved every minute of my day with suzanne. Learning different tecniques and producing glass beads with different designs, something I had never experienced before. I got a very warm welcome on arrival and Suzannes style of teaching is relaxed and encouraging which made me feel extremely comfortable to learn the art of lampworking without any pressure at all. I’m looking forward to experiencing the next level course ?"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Lovely to hear you enjoyed your workshop Shirley, thank you for taking the time to review it."

Judith Harper reviewed: Watercolour Landscapes at the Phoenix Studio

"Excellent delivery on the techniques of water colour, especially on the stages of producing a water colour painting, the palette, the bead, equipment required, planning the composition, tonal values and mood. George used a good selection of visual resources to explain the stages and techniques of water colour painting along with demonstration. Well organised, prescriptive and good technical detail. Providing the equipment was useful, especially a set of prescribed colours to use in time available. The course reintroduced me to watercolours, how to use the "bead" and reinforced rules of composition. It was informative, interesting and I learnt a lot. George's knowledge of the medium is amazing, his teaching excellent and is very approachable, encouraging and helpful. My suggestions for improvement are personal to my own needs - as I found the course very carefully controlled and a little too prescriptive but that is probably what George wanted to deliver. I felt we spent more time watching his demonstrations and talk than hands on and I didn't enjoy the subject matter of the second painting as a landscape. ( dare I say a bit old fashioned and twee). But we did learn techniques from it. Personally, I would have liked something a little more contemporary and, from the notes, expected to have time outside to paint or use the photos we'd been asked to bring. To make the most of the 2 days - could lunch be less than an hour and I would have preferred if the artist had joined us for lunchtime as part of the weekend and for discussion. Always love the Phoenix Studios. Thank you ."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Thanks for the detailed feedback Judith and the constructive criticism. It's much appreciated and will be used in the future. Best wishes, James x"

Jane McCall reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Paul and Natalie were very experienced and made the learning process comfortable and most important achievable. After learning the technics of cutting and the tools required I then went on to learn the methods in making stained glass projects when sticking glass to glass, for me as a mosaic artist it was wonderful to see the result when putting some mosaic pieces into the frame. I will certainly return to learn more and highly recommend the course to anyone looking to learn this craft I can assure you it will be well worth it."

Rachael Chave reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I was given vouchers for this Mosaic workshop as a birthday present and I really enjoyed it! Very informative about designs and different patterns you can achieve. Lots of nice colours to choose from too!"

Gillian Hartley reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"My husband bought us a one to one session with Richard, we both had a fabulous day. We arrived to an array of biscuits and mugs of coffee and a chat about what we wanted to work on. Richard was very open to our ideas and guided us to make them look real. I would highly recommend either a workshop or a one to one. I have already booked in another session. Thank you Richard and Tilly for a fabulous day. Gill"

Chris Hartley reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"My wife and i have just spent the most fantastic day with Richard from Twisted Earth Ceramics. As complete beginners we had no expectation of producing anything worth keeping, i just thought it would be fun however, with Richards expert guidance, patience and humour both of us managed to produce something that we are more than happy to display. A fantastic way to spend the day, lots of tea and cake, and something tangible to bring home (once fired)."

Andy Durrant reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a wonderful day with Lucy. It was very enlightening to see and experience the amount of effort that needs to go into all jewellery. Lucy was very accommodating and clearly explained the processes to me for making a ring. I am looking forward to going back and making more."

Steve & Jo Churlish reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely brilliant day !! Colin is a great instructor, really easy to get on with and very clearly a well established Balcksmith. I attended the day's course with my wife (Jo) - we both had a fully interactive, creative and interesting day. This is an absolutely great event for anyone wanting a hands on practical course with no previous experience needed. I will definately be going again at some point. Thanks Colin for a great day !! Steve & Jo"

Jane Renfrew reviewed: Weekend Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop

"This was a fabulous course. Sarah was informative and an excellent teacher. She was also very patient and personable and made the 2 days really good fun. I have come away with a lovely skill and a fabulous lampshade!"