Latest reviews

Janice reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and Pen

"Really enjoyable evening session. Melanie went out of her way to welcome, providing guidance and everything required to produce our notebooks. It was incredibly well organised, with everything needed ready to go.She had even anticipated we may be hungry or thirsty and provided lovely nibbles. She was very encouraging and supportive, and generously shared her knowledge and equipment. We all left pleased with our notebooks, having had a really enjoyable evening. We are all signing up to do more of her courses. Couldnt have been better. Thanks Mel"

Jayne reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"Thank you Denise for a wonderful day! I loved it, can't believe I made my Hare, he's amazing! My husband loved him too! Xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"How could anyone NOT love your hare Jayne?! Before he even got his head on we all adored him! You were such a hoot to spend the day with, I really hope you go on to do more needle felting - would love to see what you do next. Dx"

Helen reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"We thoroughly enjoyed spending the day at Bonds with Denise and the rest of the group of crafters! Everyone was so lovely and Denise was a fantastic teacher. The lunch was great and the afternoon cake and coffee was a treat. Thank you so much Denise for such a fab day! We are both absolutely thrilled with our hares, can't believe we've made them, feel super-proud! It was great seeing all of the needlefelt animals lined up at the end of the day; they all looked amazing but so different with their own personalities. I'd really recommend this course, Denise was lovely and really helpful and I'm really looking forward to starting needlfelt projects at home! Xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you for such a brilliant review Helen - so pleased you enjoyed your day and are ready to go on to your next needle felt project. Don't forget to send me some pics, I'd love to see where you take what you learnt with me. Dx"

Marjolein Wolverson reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing full weekday

"A fabulous one day workshop experience! Lorraine is a wonderful teacher and the class size was perfect too. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is new to the craft or has experience. My husband treated me to this workshop by buying a voucher and that as a great idea. Are you thinking about a creative friend or family member who has a birthday coming up? A perfect present for sure! And the cakes were wonderful too!"

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your kind words and see you in a few weeks when your pots are all finished. Lorraine at Woodsetton"

Marika reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"It really was everything I hoped, and much more. My room was really nice and slept very well. Rosie is excellent cook, got new ideas also on that area. Course itself is well planned, each day has something unique to offer. You really see and learn about the whole process of felting and dyeing. Recommend highly and the area has amazing nature and views."

Anne reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"Great course. Josie is an attentive, patient, and encouraging instructor. Great to make a bowl in just one session!"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your positive review Anne. Im so glad that you enjoyed the bowl making and its been a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to seeing you again soon for clay making on Thursday evenings. Regards for now Josie"

Johnnie Diallo reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I found the course AMAZING! I had so much fun and created something I never thought I could before. It was so exciting seeing how it gradually transformed into something quite spectacular. It really felt like i was going on an adventure with my own little friend. Thank you so much for guiding me every step of the way and I had a great time from Johnnie Age 10"

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Johnnie! You added even more fun to the day by keeping everyone on track, you were incredibly fast - I'm so happy you enjoyed it and got so much out of it. Looking forward to seeing what you go on to next! Dx"

Pat Mallett reviewed: Polymer Clay Sparkle: jewellery making at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I had a lovely day with Jo yesterday making a sparkle necklace and a LOT(!) of buttons. Jo was very flexible and adapted her workshop content because I wanted to make sparkle buttons as well. They will become haloes for musical angels at a couple of WI workshops later this year. I was so grateful to Jo for being so flexible and I loved the results. I also had time to make, with Jo's assistance with the fiddly bits, a bead necklace for myself. Thanks, Jo for a lovely day."

Shelley Phelan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I recently attended a silver jewellery workshop day that my husband bought for my birthday with my friend Betty. What a brilliant day we had. We were both complete beginners and were slightly nervous but with Jonathons' skilful tutoring we were confidently filing, using the blow torch and polishing our jewellery. I made the stacking rings and Betty made earrings. I can not recommend the workshop enough. The setting is beautiful and the calm and relaxing environment was just perfect for learning new skills and being creative. Thank you Jonathan for such a great day."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Shelley - Lovely to meet you and Betty. Well done with your jewellery making. Look forward to hearing how you get on with your own jewellery tools. Jonathan"

Lisa Empson reviewed: Letter carving in East Yorkshire at the Northern Sculpture Studios

"What an excellent course. Extremely well taught, amiable and professional tuition in a great venue! It was a total surprise for my partner. Both of us novices. Love our finished pieces and can’t wait to book our next course. Thanks guys!"

Susan koszak reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Spending a day learning how to throw a pot with Matthew was brilliant.I shared the day with my daughter and we were amazed how many different items we made.Matthew guided us through each stage of the process in his wonderful pottery workshop.Its definitely inspired us both to do more with clay. Many thanks?"

Virginie Daniau reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"My daughter attended a workshop with Nigel and was thrilled. She created a stunning carved fish that she is very pleased about. Nigel was very attentive and helpful guiding my daughter step by step. Both Christine and Nigel were extremely welcoming. I thoroughly recommend the workshop."

Jemma reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"I had a great day work in one to one with Jolene. She's very friendly and knowledgable. I had some ideas of what I wanted to make and she helped me work out the best way to make the earrings and bangle I made. Excellent workshop - do not hesitate to book on! The workshop is quirky with lots of things on display...including jolene's lovely jewellery! Thank you Jolene!"

Andrew reviewed: Beginning Your Beekeeping - Two Day Beginners Course

"After considering beekeeping for a few years I decided to take the leap and attend a beginners course. The information gained helped me greatly from general knowledge to understanding costs and time needed. Such a commitment needs someone like Mantel Farm to guide you through the process. The course itself was well run by an expert beekeeper, with useful notes, and we got to inspect a real live hive. Food provided was great, overall a wonderful experience."

Lynn Booth reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"This course exceeded expectations. The instruction and felting was well planned, with a good amount of learning and work with a nice amount of breaks. The setting is breathtaking so hiking and walking were superb. The food was fantastic! Rosie was a wonderful host who was super responsive to requests and suggestions. And she was knowledgable about the subject and the area, so I learned a great deal. I would return."

Chris Powell reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Part of my 60th birthday present was two excellent days with Mark. As a novice Mark gave me plenty of hands on guidance. A well balanced mix of instruction and actually doing some turning myself. Must have found the hardest piece of oak for my bowl which meant I got plenty of practise sharpening too. Mark has a very sensible approach which cuts through a lot of the jargon and demystifies the subject. Comprehensive set of notes and great guidance on what to buy and where. Fully intended to go back for a further day when I have advanced a bit."

Angela Mann reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"What a satisfying way to spend the weekend. Felt like I was doing something worthwhile and totally enjoyed the process. All I thought about whilst I was there was building that wall. I shall be joining the DSWA, buying my own hammer and spending a day a month absorbed in my new hobby. The team were great and the teaching excellent."

Louise reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"Learning from Nigel is a privilege. He passes on his extensive knowledge and skill with passion and patience and is very inspiring to spend time with. This is my second visit and I am already looking forward to my next one. Thank you."

Wendy Bell reviewed: Surface Techniques in Glass with the Cheshire School of Glass

"Thank you for a great two days. I enjoyed all of it. My only criticism would be that I think this course should have been 3 days long. By the time I had realised the potential of the techniques sandblasting and enamel layering, I was in to the next day. But I suppose that is the nature of the beast - using a kiln and waiting to see the results the next day. Very good course though."

Karen Turnball reviewed: Introduction to glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I have done this course. It was really good. I've got a10% off voucher for the next course, so I am doing the same one again as I just want to do more of the same."

Su Mose reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a brilliant day today with Jo. The course was everything and more than could be wished for! We enjoyed every moment, learnt so much, whilst having fun! Jo is fantastic...and I’d advise anyone to go to her workshops...you won’t be disappointed!"

Alan reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cumbria

"Such a great day learning new skills! I created pieces of glass that symbolised key things to me which made the day interesting and special! Highly recommend spending a day being creative and productive!"

Lakes Glass-Cumbria responded:

"Hi Alan, Thank you for your response. I also really enjoyed the day, everyone made such amazing pieces! Your finished dish was very impressive. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make next! Thanks Ali"

Cath Spencer reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"The best therapy for a stress head like me, ever! From the minute I arrived until the moment I left, Lindsay packed the day with information, techniques, tips and the most valuable part, insight. I was fortunate enough to be able to discuss my pending project with her from start to finish and Lindsay took the time to walk me through the whole prep. procedure which was the information I was missing. I learned how to nip tiles, about the difference between old pottery and new tile and how they cut, how to make something from even the 'waste' scraps. I made a coaster and developed an eye for a pattern I had no idea I had! For me, the most important thing I took away from my day on this course, was a quiet confidence that I could now tackle my 'go big or go home' project. I had a brilliant time, the whole day! Oh, and as a single footnote, Lindsay's Mum makes the absolute best Bara Brith cake! A fabulous day spent with an absolutely fabulously talented lady and teacher! Thank you, Lindsay!"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you Cath for the wonderful review. It was an absolute pleasure working with you on your ‘big’ project and getting just as excited! I’m really looking forward to hearing updates and seeing photos as it progresses. P.S. I’ll pass your comments regarding the cake to my Mum, thank you!"

Claire Nicoll reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Three day wire and mixed media course. I spent a couple of months trawling the internet to find a good course to do over the summer holiday, and came across the Phoenix Studios. I booked on to this course and almost immediately an email pinged back with homework! As a teacher this made me smile, as being prepared means a better final outcome, and also shows that it was a quality course. From the start I felt that it was important to James, who ran the workshop, that his students would have a productive and worthwhile experience. Two days before the course started James sent out an email reminding us about the homework! Although it was a three day course the effort and time James put in made it feel longer. I arrived at the Phoenix Studios and was enchanted by the setting, really tranquil and a perfect place for creative minds. When settled with a cup of tea James introduced himself, his work and demonstrated some of the basic skills we were going to use. His manner and gentle sense of humour made everyone relax and his passion for his subject was clear. We all had our own space to create our sculptures and James meandered around us all. As a teacher he was excellent in judging when to support and when to step back, I often heard his words of encouragement, nurturing his students to develop more confidence in their ability, as he pushed their skills further. The days were packed with creativity, cake and shared stories as everyone who attended the course was lovely and added to the whole experience. I have been on many creative courses around the country and would not hesitate in recommending this one as I came away with a lovely sculpture and lots of new skills. Claire (The Hare and the Tortoise)"

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Thanks for the lovely detailed review Claire! I enjoyed teaching you as much as you seemed to enjoy being taught. It was so inspirational seeing your pieces develop and how you put your own unique twist on them!"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My latest visit to Lucy was one of more inspiration. Whilst she guided me through the completion of my pendant chain we spent the day working through my ideas for my next project. This was time well spent and I have lots of homework for my next visit. Once again Lucy gave me the inspiration and guidance to look at what's achievable in metal and what isn't. Can't wait for our next session"