Latest reviews

Dave Clarke reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I thoroughly enjoyed my two days private tuition with Colin. I left with far more than the three pieces turned whilst in his company! As I'm self-taught, Colin was able to expand my knowledge and confidence - tool use and finishing techniques particularly - correcting errors as necessary, all in a very relaxed manner. As others have noted, he is an excellent teacher and I have no hesitation recommending him to others."

Maxine Walburn reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Brilliant course. I have enjoyed learning new medias. Every week we touch on a different media to broaden our knowledge. All materials are supplied for us to use. We have used: Pencils, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, pastels both soft and oil, ink to paint with and to mark make with pens, acrylics, watercolour paints. We have covered a wide range of subjects: landscapes, portraits, life drawings, still life, nature and street scenes to mention only a few. I have improved my technique while among fun friendly people. the teaching is superb. its been worth every penny."

Jan R reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"What a fabulous way to spend a day. I have made bags before but lacked the confidence to work in leather. When I found this course I knew I needed to book a place. Rosanna is a great teacher and friendly person. She is able to work and adjust to your level of speed and ability. Her knowledge of working with leather shines through as she gently guides you through the process and choices to be made along the way. I have come away with a beautiful two tone, fully lined bag which is soo me and already has received a number of complements. Added to that is all the practical knowledge i picked up along the way and a list of suppliers to allow me to continue with my own projects. Refreshments were on hand and the cafe serves a great lunch. Thank you Rosanna for a bagtastic day."

Anna Campbell reviewed: Introduction to speed-sketching workshop in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"I really like Mark’s sketching style so I thought I would give this taster class a go. The Arienas Collective is a very relaxed, creative environment. From the moment I arrived I felt welcome. I had the chance to chat with the other members of the group over a cup of tea, a half and half mix of locals and tourists, before a brief introduction from Mark along with a look at his example sketchbooks. We then took our clipboards and pens out for sketching in the local New Town area. Each short sketch gave us the opportunity to try out a different technique including perspective, shape and shading. We then walked to the nearby Portrait Gallery and did two sketches in there. Back at the Arienas Collective we were treated to soup and cheese for lunch. We then learnt how to use watercolour to add colour washes to our sketches. I really enjoyed adding the layers of colour to my black and white drawings. All too quickly the course was over and we were choosing which of our sketches to put into a frame. The Arienas Collective is a great place to come as a creative break from day-to-day life whether you come on your own or with a friend. This sketching course was an excellent taster class to learn the basics. Thanks to Mark and Lynn for a very productive morning! I am now looking at the full day class so I have more time to develop my skills and I’m off to buy some watercolours!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your lovely and detailed feedback Anna. Mark has a knack for releasing the sketcher in everyone, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your morning with him capturing the beautiful Georgian New Town of Edinburgh. Your sketches were amazing! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Tameeka reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"I would highly recommend this course to anyone. Richard is a phenomenal teacher, he is very knowledgeable, kind and patient. He shows you each step as you go along and then you practice each step before you perform it on your actual clutch. Not only did I learn how to make a clutch bag, I learnt a lot about the different types of leather and where to buy leather and tools in London. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a fun and informative day out."

Cath reviewed: Needle felting - half day - feather felts

"Thank you I had a lovely relaxed morning making Lola the Hare. Nothing is too much trouble and I was made to feel so very welcome. I would definately like to return for another workshop."

Jane Slade reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I absolutely love Rene and Inga's classes, I have learn't so much and it's lovely to be introduced to so many different techniques & mediums, something I would never have done without their encouragement. Lovely friendly class where you can lose yourself for 3 hours and just paint and draw. Absolute bliss."

Sue reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"My son and I had a very enjoyable day at Soapology,the morning is spent learning about the history and theory behind cold process soap making,followed by lunch. The afternoon session begins with Emma’s demonstration,then you get to be creative making your own soap,there were plenty of choices to add colour and fragrance to the soap,we made 3 batches of soap to take home. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere and a great day Thankyou Emma Sue and Adam"

Christine Thomas reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"What a way to spend the day! I don’t know where the time went, the whole day was such an absorbing and enjoyable experience. Lindsey was an excellent tutor , explaining the techniques, the materials used and offering hints and tips on what works well - and not so well. I have lived in Shrewsbury for the majority of my life and had walked passed the blue doors thousands of times without realising that this beautiful courtyard existed behind them. I’m so glad I booked this course, I came away with two of my own mosaic creations and have now have gained the basic skills to go on and create more. Thank you Lindsey for a great day, and fab coffee cake!"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review. It was a pleasure having you on the one-day course. Good luck with your future projects!"

Vivienne Abbott reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Great art classes - I have done 3 terms in Windsor, and have now moved over to Maidenhead. These classes are really inspiring, and I have made so much progress. It is my 'me time' and I love it! In fact I loved the classes so much that I have recently taken on the franchise for ColourWheel in Reading and I am now running my own classes there. I have continued to attend ColourWeel classes in Maidenhead as a student because I enjoy them so much."

Stevie CAMPBELL reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I began as a true beginner & am now on my 5th course with Colourwheel. I am enjoying every second! We have a lovely tutor, organiser & group of people. I am learning so much from all of them. The quality of teaching is excellent & the range of projects are challenging, interesting & fun. The classes are in a beautiful setting & everything you need is provided & more!! I highly recommend this course. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!"

Elaine Ward reviewed: Fascinator hat making - gorgeous spirals millinery workshop

"Well, what can I say?! I really had the loveliest day with Rachel. I have been really fed up and uninspired and I left absolutely buzzing. I can't wait to make more fascinators! Rachel has such a wonderful energy and was so patient and lovely, so generous and taught so many skills very clearly. Instruction was at just the right pace, and Rachel really built my confidence. Learning was such a pleasure! Everybody loves my fascinator, I think I may even have my first order for a wedding in October, so I'd better get practising!! I would definitely take another workshop with Rachel. Highly recommended"

Jeff Taylor reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I'm now in my 8th term at ColourWheel, which tells you how I view the class. Rene is a great organiser & lovely person. Everything we need is available for all the different types of lesson & sometimes things we don't e.g. biscuits, cakes, sweets, taco's etc but which make classes so much more than just a lesson. The teachers are great, totally understanding of different peoples’ needs. Currently at Maidenhead Inge du Plessis is our teacher & she gives clear instructions on technique etc. but lets you go your own way if that's what you want, helping if required. The classes are fun and relaxed and after 7+ terms I'm still learning and still having fun. Come along & give it a go I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Jeff"

Susan Buick reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I attended these classes from 2015 till the beginning of this year when I started working again. I loved the time for myself, the people I met and the lovely venues the classes are held in. You are shown how to use all the different types of paints and pencils, so now I can use theses at home. Every class is different over my time no subject was ever repeated. The teachers are talented artists and want to share they talents with you, always encouraging. I learnt a lot and it gave me confidence. Always well organized with everything you could need, I loved it and miss it. I highly recommend it to anyone."

Oliver bogle reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork – Belt making workshop

"Very enjoyable, learnt loads, nice group of people and Wendy and Clive made me feel very welcome, both very good instructors. Would recommend to anyone ."

Mary Parsonage reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"I had a great day on this course and would definitely recommend! Lyndsey made us feel so welcome and was really supportive every step of the process- giving lots of helpful hints and tips. The location is excellent with car parking, restaurants and cafes nearby. The day flew by- I’m amazed I came home with two of my own mosaics. Thank you Lyndsey, I can’t wait to have a go at making some more!"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"I am so glad that you really enjoyed your day and I look forward to seeing photos of your future mosaic projects!"

Chris Evans reviewed: Millinery working with sinamay design and make a fascinator workshop.

"What a wonderful day spent with Yolande, a very knowledgeable lady, explains things really well and is very helpful and likes to share her knowledge. I made a beautiful fascinator and was so pleased I have done the course a few times and I am sure I will do it again soon."

Embellish Millinery responded:

"Thank you Chris, its something i love doing x"

Helen Hyland reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Today I completed my third felting course with Barbara. I just about had time to make 2 shoulder bags! I really enjoyed the day and, although I've done a felting course before, it was good to have Barbara's guidance and advice on techniques. I can highly recommend Feltworld courses - there's always a relaxed and friendly atmosphere - and you get to make something original to take home!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for writing the lovely, encouraging review Helen. You bags look wonderful, but you can still put pockets in and on the front without any sewing :-). I really enjoyed our day to and the Sunday was also successful as Janis and Joan made a scarf and a bag. Barbara"

Karen Fewell reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I had a lovely day with Suzanne. It was a really hands-on course and I was making things all day. I loved that I got to try so many techniques and styles in one day and can't wait to see the finished beads once they have been finished in the kiln."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. I am so pleased you enjoyed your day. Kind Regards Suzanne"

Adam Burch reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel was an excellant tutor, enthusiastic and showed all the processes in detail before allowing you to have a go and offering assistance when needed. The amount we managed to get done during the day was impressive. Highly reccomended"

Janis McMahon reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"So very happy that I came and did this course. I've come all the way from America and it's well worth it. So much fun and learned a lot. Highly recommend it."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for writing the lovely, encouraging review Janis. You picture and bag look wonderful, but you can still push the bag making up a level and put pockets in and on the front without any sewing :-)....maybe for a future course somewhere hot :-), or before you leave! I really enjoyed our day two days. Bubble wrap and towels on the line now, ready for this saturdays class, where they will be making nuno felted scarves. Barbara"

Anna reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Fantastic course, with lots of options for what you make. We made felt slippers which look amazing and it was really interesting to see how you built them up. Great instruction and a lovely way to spend a day."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for writing the lovely, encouraging review Anna. Your slippers and mums bag look amazing. Well done for jumping in at the deep end lol. I really enjoyed our day and maybe see you again to make another wonderful creation now you know what can be achieved with the fibres. Well bubble wrap and towels on the line now, ready for this saturdays class, where they will be making nuno felted scarves. Best Barbara Facebook : Feltworld -Creative Art Courses"

Louise Barattini reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris is an engaging, inspiring and patient tutor who is full of enthusiasm for his craft and teaching. We had a really fantastic day in Chris’s company and didn’t want to leave at the end of it. We brought home two beautifully crafted bowls and a passion for wood turning. Thank you so much Chris, it was a pleasure to meet you and we can’t recommend your course highly enough! We hope to stop by when passing again or sign up to a future course. All the best, Louise & Jonathan"

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

"Fabulous introduction into fused glass! I would highly recommend Siobhan's day course to anyone who wishes to create a unique gift, start a fused glass course project or have a fun day out crafting! The day was expertly guided in the workshop and we were given all the equipment, training and knowledge required to produce at least 3 beautiful pieces of art (of which I was VERY impressed how they turned out.) The skills are not hard to obtain and within the first 2 hours many of us had produced our first piece of glass art and letting our imaginations guide us (with the help of Siobhan) to create other pieces! The workshop is really friendly and the staff are really lovely. The day is an excellent way to get into glass art projects and as there are many other courses available I will be sure to return. Well worth the cost which covers the training in a small private group, all the materials, lunch (which was lovely) and three (or more!) pieces of your individual creations."

Peter O'Brien reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Excellent day for novice grandad and granddaughter. Richard showed such patience with a 6year old and enabled her to enjoy and learn over the whole day. She and I both felt successful and managed to create something by the end of the day. My granddaughter especially enjoyed the wheel."