Latest reviews

Carol Anson-Higgs reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day course with Sarah. It was the first upcycling course I have ever attended and was delighted to find that it was just Sarah, I and another delightful lady whom I am going to stay in touch with as an ‘upcycling buddy’ ?. Sarah is a very lovely person who is both encouraging and helpful. The pace of the course is fine and the venue was both convenient and appropriate. I didn’t think that I would be very taken with decoupage but having seen the examples of what is possible by Sarah, I am now a convert. I have decided that this is going to be my new post-retirement ‘career’. Thanks for inspiring me Sarah!"

Ade reviewed: Fascinator Hat millinery workshop

"The course exceeded my expectations and Elena was a wonderful host and a patient tutor. I love the hat that I made and still amazed at how steam can shape the trimmings. For me it was a good experience and recommend it for hat lovers."

Vicki Arnold reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"I spent a wonderful Saturday at Charlotte’s studio learning how to make pendants and earrings from silver clay. I came away with 4 pieces of jewellery as well as the confidence (and instructions!) to try making some more at home. Charlotte is a very patient teacher with a clear passion for her craft. I thoroughly recommend attending one of her workshops."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Vicki! It was a pleasure to teach you. I'm really glad you enjoyed the workshop!"

Deidre reviewed: Porcelain tea lights & incense burners workshop

"I spent the day with Jayne making tea lights and vases using Porcelain paper clay. I was so delighted with the results! That’s me in the photograph for this course. I had never touched clay in my life before and certainly have never made anything so accomplished. I gave all the pieces as gifts for Christmas and all of the recipients were thrilled. Jayne was a really good teacher, she coached me and encouraged me every step of the way to make sure I had great results. I enjoyed this so much I also did Jayne’s Garden Ornaments Workshop and the Raku Firing Day. I can’t recommend highly enough."

The Studio at Clapham responded:

"Thank you Deidre, I’m happy you enjoyed your day as much as I did. Thank you for taking time to write a review."

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Just back from four days here, my first longer stay. Had a wonderful time, relaxed, shared and learned skills& made friends. It’s a lovely place to stay, good food and pleasant grounds to wander in. I managed to complete a lot of scrapbooking, my favourite craft. Having room to spread everything out and interrupted time to work is great. Highly recommended. I have booked two weekends for next year and may try to squeeze in another."

Jane Tillier reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Although I love ceramics (especially stoneware), I had never worked on a wheel before. I had such a great day! Mathew was a patient and encouraging teacher. I learnt a great deal in 6 hours and was hugely pleased with what I managed to produce. Thanks, Mathew! An inspiring, challenging and relaxing 60th birthday treat!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Jane, It was a lovely to meet you and an enjoyable day teaching, seeing your skills develop on the wheel and chatting about our similar interests. I look forward to you seeing your finished glazed work. Best wishes Mathew"

Lynne reviewed: Make an embroidered pincushion with Sandy Loosley

"Great class - we ran out of time but Sandy was good enough to extend the class so we all got our pincushions finished!"

Lynne reviewed: Make a heart shaped sewing accessory holder with tutor Sandy Loosley

"Learnt a lot at this class - I've never embroidered before. Lovely tutor, class instructions and materials were excellent."

Helen Cooper reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Another fab weekend had by all. Super location, accommodation and food. Looking forward to the three booked for next year."

Beth reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"We were lucky enough to have a private lesson with just me and my friend, which meant that we could have a really intimate and supportive experience with Charlie. She treated us to brownies and walked us through the process. We ended up having a lovely chat and making some personalised nipple tassels. Really enjoyed the evening! Thanks Charlie! X"

Adrienne reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"Spent a lovely day on this course with Alix last week and came home with a quality piece of work which has inspired me to do more at home. Nice venue, great company with like minded people in a lovely relaxed and happy atmosphere. Many thanks, Adrienne"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Hello Adrienne, I am so happy that you are inspired to do more at home! That's what I hope everyone comes away with - the printmaking bug! I am really pleased you enjoyed your day, it is a lovely venue, and your squirrel card looked great. Thank you for your kind words. Alix."

Emma reviewed: 8 week silversmithing course: one-on-one

"This course is brilliant - I learnt so much. Charlotte is a great teacher - friendly and enthusiastic, she explains things really clearly, and is generous with her knowledge. The projects are a great mix of being challenging but fun to make. I really recommend this course!"

Daisy King reviewed: 2 day felt Fedora hat course

"I had a wicked 2 days with Elena learning how to make a fedora hat - she was really great at demonstrating how to do things and even went the extra to tell me about alternate ways to block/decorate the hats. She’s also really talented so you are in very very very good hands ?✨"

Lynn walshaw reviewed: Make a set of 3 silver stacking rings

"Had an amazing day with Rose's expert tuition in understanding the art of both design and crafting the rings in a relaxed environment. With group size allowing for expert guidance from Rose through all the stages of design and development of my 3 individual rings. I am thrilled with my unique stacking rings and have been recommending this course to friends and family as a lovely gift experience."

Alison reviewed: Silver clay jewellery course in Shaftesbury, Dorset

"I spent a wonderful morning with Fiona learning to use silver art clay. She covered all aspects of the process and I now feel confident to take this up as a new hobby. I am thrilled with the piece I made on the day. Fiona was friendly but professional and I would recommend her courses to others."

Lawrie reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Alan is a great teacher - showing us all the tools and techniques to safely start spoon carving. He made sure everyone was getting on well, understood everything and left with a spoon and the knowledge and confidence to carry on carving. Add to that the fantastic lunch and homemade cakes, and it was a brilliant day. Thanks!"

Janine Winfield reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for all abilities with Jude Karnon

"Wow! Anyone interested in making their own jewellery has to book this experience! Jude is a very warm and friendly person with a great sense of humour. We had a good laugh together. The working space was professional, she had everything available to make the items I requested and was very knowledgeable. I was kept topped up with brews and biscuits throughout the day and the lunch was delicious! I couldn’t stop eating. I made a beautiful wave ring that I thought would be quite difficult but the way Jude taught me made it very simple. I keep getting plenty of comments about how nice it looks. I also made a bangle and 2 pairs of earrings that I love. I will definitely return and make more items with Jude when I’m in the area."

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Hey Janine, Many many thanks for this wonderful review. It was an absolute pleasure working with you, and a lot of fun. I am glad you love your pieces and you were pretty talented at making jewellery. It would be awesome to see you again. Jude x"

Janet Beney reviewed: Lino cutting in Rye, East Sussex

"I really enjoyed this course. The venue is set in beautiful surroundings and Stephen is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutor. I learned a lot and have gained confidence to continue developing my skills at home. Thank you."

Mick Devlin reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had a great day learning about the heating process hot, but not too hot colour to look for. Hammering, grinding, shaping, honing, hardening. Walked away with a very sharp knife and new skills. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled people. Would recommend to anyone."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Mick thanks for review , dont forget to go to our website to see the pictures taken on the day. look at our listing if you cant remember. I think everybody went away with a pretty damn sharp blade , which makes all the hard work worthwhile. I cant remember if your local but we have discount vouchers for the pub we use which will give you 20% off your meal cost as athankyou for attending the course. best wishes John"

Dorothy Lilico reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"Excellent tuition in a lovely setting. Clive and Wendy are tireless in their support, making sure you are comfortable with your work- very positive. I had no experience at all, but came away with something I feel proud of. I recommend this course wholeheartedly."

Evancliffe Leathercraft responded:

"Dorothy, Thank you for your review! It was great to see your new bag take shape over the weekend. We are really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop."

Margaret Everley reviewed: Scrap glass mosaic workshop (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"An inspiring full day which introduced me to another aspect of working with glass which I fully intend to pursue. Kate brought lots of ideas to the session and gave full explanations as we went along, was flexible and showed awareness of everyone's problems on an individual basis, I would thoroughly recommend this workshop."

Liz Williamson reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"A well run enthusiastic workshop that taught me new skills that I hope to develop further. The welcome and hospitality was generous, a convivial lunch was well presented and the break fitted well into the day. I went on a Sunday when we were told the time was more limited, but we did get everything done within the time allocated so perhaps we needn't have been told this! I will certainly look at other courses at The Arenas Collective."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Liz. Thanks for your lovely feedback. We're so glad you enjoyed the course and working with the amazing material that is silver clay. You're right about the timing: I had actually got the finish time mixed up with another Sunday workshop which you might have noticed when Anna corrected me! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective soon. With best wishes, Lynn"

Sarah Holt reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"I have been to the glass studio before. I enjoyed it so much I brought my Mum and 2 sisters back. Wendy is very patient. She listens to what you want to achieve and offers you ideas of how to achieve this. A thoroughly enjoyable day - would highly recommend."

W Scott reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Awesome day. Learnt so much, thank you Wendy. Feel really inspired to become involved with my art once again."

Teresa Horden reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"A great morning / afternoon making soap with the very lovely Paula. Small group size giving us all enough attention and a wonderful afternoon tea too. Fabulous day and i will be coming back to make candles."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Teresa, see you soon."