Latest reviews

Barbara Millar reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Booked for a girlie weekend and had a fab time. Jo welcomed us into her beautiful home and we had a great few hours playing at 'making candles', with lunch included (lovely soup - Jo). And if that wasnt enough, we visited the local Farmers' Market in Lavenham the following day and bought some more candles from her. Great market, great producers - great recommendation Jo. When are we all going on holiday together?!!!!!"

Claire Roberts reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I bought this for my daughter for Christmas after we both became hooked on the Great Pottery Throw Down. We both had a fantastic afternoon. It was much, much more difficult than it looks (of course!) but Nadia dealt with our many questions (and vast mess making!) with considerable patience and good humour. Lovely setting and modern equipment - highly recommended!"

Carola Martin-Smith reviewed: Batik for Beginners

"I would give this course 10 stars if I could! Jan is a brilliant teacher - and so inspiring. She makes you think you can achieve anything. As a complete beginner in all things to do with textiles, I found this SO reassuring. Jan's teaching style is lovely - relaxed and informal - lots of laughter and fun which encourages creativity. Whatever level of experience you go in with, she tailors her teaching to you as an individual. Jan works hard to use techniques that re-cycle and re-use all sorts of bits and pieces and so you don't have to buy expensive equipment when you want to carry on doing what you've learned at home - very refreshing. I've taken a few of Jan's courses now and I have loved every one of them. The surroundings are stunning, the studio is warm and welcoming and the catering is out of this world. I always feel like I've had a lovely long holiday after I've been there - don't know how else to describe it - it's magical! All I can say is, if you have the opportunity to go - grab it - you won't be disappointed - and you will probably get hooked!"

Jules Ruiter reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"What a fabulous course and wonderful 50th Birthday present for my best friend. We both took part as I simply couldn't resist being left out of the day and gaining an insight into such an intriguing artisan craft. Jonathan is an engaging and highly skilled teacher. Patience is definitely his middle name. His enthusiam and passion for creating beautiful, unique and perfect pieces of glass art is simply contagious - we want to fill our homes with his exquisite pieces! The techniques he showed us were inspiring and only being beginners we were so amazed at the number of pieces we made on the day. Couldn't recommend his classes more highly and can't wait to book our next lesson - if he will have us back of course!"

Natalie Roberts reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I booked this course as a Christmas present for my 11 year old and i to do together. The course exceeded expectation and we had the loveliest afternoon. We all had a wheel each so a full afternoon throwing and Nadia was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and nothing was to much to ask. She also makes a delicious chocolate cake! We will certainly be returning for another afternoon. Thanks so much Nadia."

Christine Andrews reviewed: Learn how to create classical and contemporary sculpture in clay

"I love this course! Dean has enabled me to understand sculpting techniques, encouraged me to experiment with form and finish effects and introduced me to the world of professional sculptors. Creating is a deeply satisfying and fulfilling experience which Dean is able to guide and enhance individually throughout the sessions. Tea, coffee and always cake in good supply, time flies and, I’ve made new friends!"

Steven Bews reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I would gladly recommend this course to anyone interested in arts and crafts. I booked the full day course as a birthday surprise to my wife who is an experienced seamstress but inexperienced in working with leather; nevertheless with our tutor's guidance she was able to make a beautiful bag. I myself have no experience in working with materials, but benefiting from Rosanna's experience and her excellent teaching skills, I was able to fashion a leather case for my tablet computer. I would like to thank Rosanna for her patience and expertise, the relaxed manner she has meant that we thoroughly enjoyed the day and have even talked about attending another of her courses in the future; we are both looking forward to the release of her book later in the year. Steven and Rudo"

Charles B reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"This was an excellent course. On the first day we dismantled our pallets and built our projects. On the second we experimented with different finishes, built a palette (not pallet!) of the results, and learnt some basics about incorporating wiring into our designs. Scott is an excellent tutor, engaging and supportive. We worked at our own pace and the days were very hands-on. The days were very full and we had our money's worth. This was a really valuable weekend's work and I am delighted I chose this course."

Maggie reviewed: Batik for Beginners

"I loved this course! I was delighted batiked fabrics I created and with the transferable skills and techniques I learned. Jan is an outstanding teacher. The course was well designed and no previous experience was needed. The class was small, we each had plenty of Jan’s attention. Jan facilitated a positive group experience with opportunities to share ideas and learn from each other. The variety of marks and designs we produced was impressive. I enjoyed two whole days of creativity and fun in the inspiring surroundings of Jan’s studio and stunning highland scenery; Jan’s delicious cooking was a bonus."

Karen Steel reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Have recently been lucky enough to attend a candle making course with Jo and 2 girlfriends of mine - we had such a lovely time - Jo was immediately so warm, welcoming and friendly - we felt we had known her for years. Candle making is very therapeutic, room is full of beautiful smells and while we ate Jo's home made soup you can look out over her garden and into the fields to watch the beautiful highland cattle in the next field - wonderful day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Debs reviewed: Mosaic day course decorating plant pots on Orkney

"I had a great day! Just the right balance of structure, inspiration, teaching, advice and freedom to be individual and creative. Excellent, thanks."

Arts a Flutter responded:

"It was a pleasure to have you both, you are very talented students and you created lovely pieces."

Dale reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Course was a gift from my wife last year, really impressed and very enjoyable day spent with Nick who is very knowledgeable and patient teacher. Would definitely recommend and the bowl I made was described as "Less rustic than I was expecting" by my wife which I took as a compliment!"

Chad Gowler reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"Really enjoyed the day, got to play with lots of different techniques and made something lovely to take away at the end!"

Steve Maund reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"This was a refresher course for me as I have carved a couple of spoons but not for a while. Lovely location and venue, Dave has really great relaxed teaching techniques. The course is run at a steady pace so everything one can keep up. All the tool handling and cuts are very well explained and lots of one to one help if you're have a problem with a certain area. I fully recommend this spoon course and would love to attend all over again."

Una St Tropez reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"Dear Lyn, thank you for inspirational moments at your Atelier! I enjoyed every second and have learned so much!! Highly recommended!!!"

Sue Cochrane reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"This was a fun course with instant results. We all produced about 5 prints in the 2 hours. It was interesting to see how different everyone's prints turned out. Clare was a great teacher, very encouraging helping us all to get the best out of this printing technique. I plan to do the mixed media course at some time in the future."

James Ort reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"My girlfriend and I had the pleasure of joining Roger for a day of private tuition! He introduced us to a range of exciting new mediums that we had not used before. Braising was a revelation! Seeing his work in the flesh was exciting. His precision is beyond impressive, even if I am a bit more haphazard! Overall it was fun sharing stories and learning new skills over plenty of cups of tea! We came away with nice creations too."

Marion reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"My first time trying needle felting and absolutely loved it. Zenia is an excellent teacher and made it seem so easy. Love the small group as everyone received the attention if needed. Looking forward to doing more courses."

The Lady Moth responded:

"Thank you:)"

Rachel reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"David was very knowledgable and approachable and i could ask all the questions i wanted. He made sure that the day covered topics that would be relevant to me and offered useful advice on items i might want to consider purchasing as basic essential tools for the tasks i plan to carry out. I feel a lot more confident to carry out basic DIY and woodwork jobs in our house. Thanks David."

Laura Scholey reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"Jules is a great teacher, very patient and encouraging. The day was well planned in terms of timings and refreshments and the class size was nice and small. I was really pleased with with the stacking rings I made as i’d never done any jewellery making before, but had always loved D&T at school. Would now love to go onto the weekly lessons to develop my skill!"

Kerry Hearn reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I had never made a candle before. Rob is an excellent tutor and a wealth of information. We covered so much during the morning from dipping, colouring, bees wax and scents and came away with some beautiful products. I would definitely recommend this course, what a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thank you for the kind review Kerry. It was great to have you on the course!"

Charlotte Brennan reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"This course is perfect for beginners! I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned so much. Rob is undoubtedly one of the best in the candle world! You will learn how to make different types of candles as well as a few tricks of the trade. Thoroughly enjoyable course and worth every penny!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thank you Charlotte - I'm pleased that you think I'm 'one of the best in the candle world!' Good luck with your own projects."

Charlotte Dick reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I attended one of the one day silversmith courses run by Diane, I really enjoyed it and learnt lots of useful tips and techniques. Diane is a brilliant teacher and I am looking forward to doing another of her courses."

Alexandra Z reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"Lovely class and lovely people! I learned a lot of different techniques and can't wait to go again :)"

Tina Townsend reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I had never used this medium before but really enjoyed the whole day. Matt was an excellent tutor, patient and helpful. I was really happy with my project. I would recommend this course highly."