Latest reviews

Karen Russell reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"We had such a lovely time with Amanda who was patient and helpful with complete beginners. We came away with beautiful glass window catchers and inspired to do this again."

Adele Edgar reviewed: Needle felted Dogs and Cats in Hebden Bridge

"Lovely relaxed atmosphere, loved my felt dog, great to spend a day in Hebden too."

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"Two days of making jewellery - fab workshops. I though I had died and gone to heaven. Arts clays and cabochons, all really interesting. Christmas gifts in the bag! Thank you, Louise."

Louise Anne designs responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I certainly had fun teaching you and sharing the fun of creating. Louise"

Di Hinchley reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Dawn was an excellent teacher/host and having only a small group made it friendly. Learnt lots on the day as I was a complete beginner to free machine embroidery. All materials were provided-not forgetting none stop coffee and water (very welcomed as a hot day) plus lovely homemade cake. Took home 2 finished projects plus one that I will finish at home. So good was the seaside theme worksop, I've booked onto the Christmas theme worksop. A big thank you to Dawn."

Janet reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Absolutely loved this course - not only is Anne a wonderful host but is very knowledgeable, helpful and attentive during the full day. The day starts with croissants and nibbles, and the all important cuppa, then introduction to tools, choice of medium and instructions to help get started. A group of 6 on the course - a good number to work amongst as you have enough room but also the company to get to know and work with. Wonderful craft room filled to the brim with loads of options to create that masterpiece! Lunchtime and a superb setting overlooking fields, with a top 3 course meal. Back to work on the piece for the afternoon session and again Anne is the host with the most! Anne couldn't do enough to help during the day, and we actually created multiple pieces. Honestly can't fault Anne and the days course - absolutely loved it, and will definitely be looking at booking again in the future! Thanks so much for the experience Anne!!"

Ellen Bell reviewed: Photography Days

"We had a fantastic day in the studio with Sue and Richard, and the lovely model they arranged. They managed to fit us in and find the model all with less than 24 hours notice, and we had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and learnt a lot. We will definitely be back!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you so much, Ellen. We enjoyed having you both. Our model really enjoyed the day too, it was quite unlike and other shoot she had been invited to do! I will email you about a return visit. Our portrait sessions with camera clubs or small groups are very cost effective, giving informal tuition as and when needed during the session allowing more camera time."

Jo M.A. reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Simon was super knowledgeable. He also adapted the course as we progressed to be in line with our interests. Plenty of tea and biscuits, too! When we realised we’d left without our scented jar candles, the team were happy to post them. Fabulous customer care. Highlight of the day: hand dipping!"

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I was bought this taster day as a birthday present. It was an excellent experience. Many have commented already about the food on offer and that starts as soon as you arrive with the homemade biscuits and flapjacks, then continues with a tasty and large portioned lunch and even ends with cake. All of this is well earned in the rare uk heat wave spent at the forges. The sessions were pitched perfectly building confidence and slowly developing the skills to make the two items to take home. It was tiring but I really did leave wanting more. I really can’t recommend these folk highly enough both in patience, skills and relaxed personalities. Many thanks Simon"

Dax Hewitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is the 4th time I have been out to play with Adrian, Andy and Debbie. Once again what a fantastic day. This time was the flower course. We made 2 flute Lilley, one with more traditional petals, a fantastic rose and some curly bits as accent pices. As always Adrian does a demo of each step then he and Andy walk round the room pointing out hints and tips and helping where needed and partaking of a good bit of banter. I have done a lot of different "experience" days and these guys run the best of the lot. In fact I am going to go one further, you don't come here to experience what it would be like to be a blacksmith, you come here to be a blacksmith. Thank you very much guys, I am looking forward to my next visit."

Paul Robson reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Many thanks for a bril couple of days. Good tutor. Happy with the result."

Cory Reeves reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Had a blast. Good tutor and nice piece to see emerging from the metal. Many thanks."

Rory Lee reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Great couple of days. Hands on and nice to see the finished knife. Recommended."

Joe Morley reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Highly recommended. Had a really good time. Nice piece to take home."

Roger Harlow reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Great time. Really enjoyed myself. Amazing. Recommended."

Oscar Leeming reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Very good course. Everything needed supplied. Most enjoyable and nice product to take home."

John Roberts reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Had a fantastic time and nice to see the end product. Recommended."

Dale Grey reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Great couple of days. Attentive and patient tutor."

Rob Kennedy reviewed: forge a Rustic knife with a Hamon ( Temper Line) /antler handle or wooden handle knife making / Blade smithing

"Very enjoyable and pleased with the finished product. Good tutor."

Valerie Drew reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A great two days learning stone carving from scratch. Sebastian is an excellent tutor and everyone left with a great sculpture. The location is beautiful too."

Virginie Daniau reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My daughter attended the workshop this weekend and had a wonderful time. She has managed to carve a great spoon even if it was a beginner."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Many thanks for your review. We're glad Sara enjoyed the class. She did very well. We were particularly impressed with how quickly she took to the axe work. All the best Mark"

Andy Turner reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Just got back from this knife making course with Andy. Got to say I had a great time. Andy is very knowledgeable and a great instructor, he lets you get on with it while giving you pointers and guidance to keep you from making too much of a mistake. I've always wanted to have a go at forging a knife and I wasn't disappointed. Smacking a red hot piece of steel into shape is so much fun! Definitely recommend this to anyone. Amazingly, at the end of 4 hours or so I ended up with a really nice knife that both looks good and is razor sharp!"

Rosanna Blight reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My husband booked this course as a gift to me for our 5th wedding anniversary (it’s wood so hence the off the wall gift). Both of us were complete novices (I had to google what wood turning was before the actual day!). However I had the most wonderful day. Mark tailored the day completely to our level. He is obviously a very skilled wood turner however he was able to break down the components of the tasks very clearly so that even my husband and I could understand what to do!! We left with two brilliant bowls which we have been showing off to anyone who will look at them. I throughly recommend this course to everyone and I hope to have another go at woodturning in the near future!!"

Nicki reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Chris was patient, kind and hugely generous with his time and knowledge. He made the pottery course extra special. Pottery was a 'bucket list thing' for me and I am so glad that we chose Chris (and the lovely Sarah) cannot recommend the courses highly enough and have already booked to go back. Nicki x"

Nicki reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Sarah's course was like the alchemy of her glasswork; simple, brilliant and fun! Her attention to detail, kindness and generosity with her time and knowledge made the course such a wonderful experience. With Sarah's guidance it seems I'm quite creative. Who knew!! Cannot wait to see how everything else turns out and look forward to the next course in August! Thank you very much. Nicki x"

Jill Nicholas reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"I really enjoyed my 2 hour stone carving session with John in Weymouth during Dorset Arts Weeks. He was happy to let me stay on an extra half hour to finish my Celtic design. I am very proud of my first attempt and definitely want to do more."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jill - so glad you enjoyed your course and that you would like to do more! John is here teaching a one-day course at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September in case you are free... Thank you for your review."