Latest reviews

Pamela Carter -Morris reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I have just had the loveliest day at Pennys beautiful home and garden.Our small group spent the morning learning about drawing and sketching with the afternoon spent painting on canvas on easels in her lovely garden which attracts lots of butterlies,(not forgetting Pennys lovely cat Star who joined us in the garden) ,the scented candles were a lovely touch .Penny has so much knowledge to share,has a warm personality and is a great tutor.I have learnt so much in one day. The relaxing environment and the lovely food all added to a lovely relaxing day. Thoroughly enjoyable, i will definately be returning for more art days/workshop."

Beverley McGough reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"Had a brilliant time making lovely soaps. Relaxed and informative course, spent a very worthwhile four hours in a lovely location with a wonderful afternoon tea included. Would love to go back and learn how to make other things. Jules is a very friendly and knowledgeable teacher!"

Scully reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"An enjoyable and instructive course. Peat has a natural flair for teaching and was very ably assisted by Giles, both of whom have a good sense of humour and patience. I learnt a great deal, although I don't think I will be a "purist" as I'll be resorting to bandsaws and drills for cutting and putting in holes. Peat will shake his head in disgust. The setting alone is worth going to. A unique house and grounds both steeped in history. Lucy Quinnell very kindly took time out to give quick tour which was fascinating. It's worth reading her articles on the property and black smithing. Her father. Richard, is a raconteur par excellence and is worth spending time with for his history on modern black smithing and the odd tale of bloody local lore. If you have even just a tiny spark of interest in the art of blacksmithing then I would highly recommend this course. Even if you don't, then go and look at the superb gallery and truly unique property. Do I get free course now?"

Jez Harris reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"A fantastic week was had by all. Jane and Jessie's enthusiasm for their art and craft was infectious, and everyone was in high spirits. The breakfast and dinner really hit the spot and I was delighted when there were leftovers available for lunch! Even though you do have to put in a lot of work to tan the hide (spoiler alert - it really pays off and you feel super proud), there was still time to make a couple of trips down to a nearby river to cool off, have a wash and mess around. Music and chatting round the campfire really was quite special. Thank you Jessie and Jane for good laughs, lots of knowledge, and a really lovely week."

Jenny reviewed: Distressed painted furniture course with refreshments

"Loved this course, lots of great info and business tips. Looking forward to the next one."

Sam Cole reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I had a wonderful day making my 2 leather journals. Lynne is a great teacher and the setting is beautiful. She is very knowledgeable and has some brilliant ideas. I can highly recommend this course - excellent!"

Kathryn reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Today's course was wonderful. Inspiring, great teaching and hospitality. Thank you. Kathryn"

Marya Hemmings reviewed: Ceramic raku workshops - Joy Gibbs Price Ceramics

"I really enjoyed my first attempt at Raku. Joy was fantastic and you did not feel that you were being rushed or confined in anyway. I was able to fell relaxed and creative. The venue is really good and easy to get to from the south. The facilities were good and I would recommend first timers or expereinced potters to have a go. Definately would work with Joy again!"

Yvonne reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Thank you for a wonderful workshop on Saturday, Dawn. I really enjoyed it; you were very encouraging and inspiring."

Gillian reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"My second weekend with Bridget and it was brilliant. The other ladies in the class were really good company. Bridget is a very patient tutor and wants you to learn. She is generous with her knowledge and skills. I have come away with so many more techniques that have added to the ones I learnt last time and feel confident to try to paint a wool picture on my own. Thanks for your encouragement and support Bridget. We all came away with amazing pieces."

Anna Ricketts reviewed: Coiled Grass Baskets

"The weekend was fabulous, with wonderful food, gorgeous scenery, interesting people, and best of all, expert tuition and encouragement from Jeanette, who delivered an outstanding course, and made us all extremely welcome. We were based at holiday cottages at Bwlch Corog nature reserve, and I brought my tent and camped at a delightful spot beside a stream close by. An added bonus was the singing which emerged so gracefully as the gathered participants settled into weaving in the landscape, and Milly Jackdaw's storytelling by the camp fire on Saturday night made it all seam very timeless. I came home with a beautiful basket, as well as a very special, immersive experience of a magical landscape. Highly recommended. Sent from my iPad"

Sam Mcelwaine reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"Tutor was knowledgeable and experienced, good easy going atmosphere, set in a lovely country area, good food, good company, good times. Worth every penny"

Eldrum and Redwolf responded:

"Thank you for your review! We thoroughly enjoyed hosting you and your brother for the workshop last weekend, and you are welcome back any time! Very best wishes, Matt and Ali"

Nick Rees reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"I originally did a green wood turning course with Ben and loved it. I then signed up for the ten week chair making course. It was a small group of great people and Ben made us all welcome. He spent lots of time with us individually guiding us through each step of the process. The techniques were varied but all very achievable. The resulting chairs were all finished to a high standard and we were all left wanting more. Ben is flexible and really easy to work with and has even been known to give extra tuition for a packet of hobnobs."

Alastair reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"Such a good course...I have in fact now signed up to build a second chair in August on one of Ben's courses in Wales. You start with a couple of logs, and 10 weeks later you have a very smart-looking formal chair. You get to use loads of challenging hand tools, foot lathes, etc. All well explained and supported by Ben. A small class of 4 means you always get enough one-to-one tuition if you're stuck. I really recommend it."

Lis Spence reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I booked two places on this course as a birthday present for a 'crafty' friend. We both had a great day and went home with two journals which were completely different and individual and of which we were inordinately proud. Lynne is a wonderful teacher, so patient and accommodating. Let's you do everything yourself but is there keeping an eye out to guide you where needed. Oh and the homemade cherry cake was delicious."

Mari reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"I attended a two day stone carving course with Oliver Coe. I thought the course was excellent. We learnt so many new skills and techniques. The setting was exceptional and it's a good team effort with Oliver and Rosina co-ordinating the day like clockwork. I have already expressed an interest in attending another course."

Leslie Eames reviewed: Acrylic Painting

"What can I say except an exceptional day of tuition with a great teacher John. He and his wife made me so welcome and relaxed as I was nervous as I have never painted. This is a course that is well worth having a go and learning something new for me. Thank you for the wonderful coffee break, then a delightful lunch, Highly recommended"

Glenda Hall reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"As soon as I found out about Ben and his London courses I was super keen to make a chair. Over the last ten weeks I have had a great time, met some lovely people, learnt lots of new skills and made a really beautiful chair. Ben is an excellent teacher, giving you the freedom to work independently but always willing to help if you get in a pickle. His endless patience and positivity have made the course an absolute joy and I would really love to do another one soon."

Chris white reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Although I have been an enthusiastic sewer all my life I didn’t know how to do free machine embroidery. Within minutes Dawn explained how to set my sewing machine for embroidery. I would encourage any sewer to have a go. Many thanks Dawn."

Kim Chambers reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"We had the most amazing time with Simon, who was so knowledgeable and a great tutor - we all thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend it - super excited that we came away with lots of lovely candles :)"

Frances Black reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Loved this course. Rebecca is an excellent teacher, very inspirational and gave me lots of practical advice (I am planning to get some alpacas when I retire and process the wool myself). The day just flew by and I'm now completely hooked!"

Richard Boreham reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I attended this day course at the Forge Studio, what a fantastic friendly experience and really great fun, Siobhan Jones is a fantastic teacher, really enthusiastic she made the whole fused glass experience very interesting and understandable, to attend this course you require no experience and you finish the day with several completed pieces of work. I can't wait to book another days course"

Ian Cockburn reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I had a cracking day at the Firebird Forge. In the sweltering Summer heat, Mort the Smith taught, helped and guided us through the basics of blacksmithery. The six hours flew by in a flurry of planning, chatting, hitting, twisting, heating, more hitting, drawing, bending, correcting, chatting, and a little more hitting. To come out of the day with a passable item that passed the "allowed in the house" test was both a surprise and a pleasure. It was a joy to meet someone so passionate about his craft and chosen career. Go on, book a day."

Ann Goddard reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"My daughter Hannah and I booked onto the course for Hannah’s birthday and had such a great day. Jonathan is friendly, welcoming and a very patient tutor. The boat is well equipped and comfortable- and Jonathan even moved it to a shadier spot in view of the recent hot spell. We had great fun working with the copper wire and trying out new techniques ready to start on our rings after lunch. We at both really pleased with what we achieved and inspired to try more. A great find and one we would both recommend"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Annie, it was a good day. Well done to both of you. I hope you both enjoy further jewellery making adventures! Jonathan"

Bronwen Shepherd reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"My husband and I both had a fabulous day with Barbara, making Nuno felt scarves....! My husband hadn't planned to come along - long story! - but was pleased he did. Barbara is a superb tutor - she inspires with lots of samples and ideas, and explains the process very clearly; she's very professional and very welcoming. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this course/workshop - if you're on your own, with a friend of in a group, I'm sure you'd have fun...and you get to leave with a stunning Nuno felt scarf, too!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Hi Bron. Thank you for your lovely and very encouraging review. At times this business can be difficult but I like you love to teach and inspire. Best wishes Barbara"