Latest reviews

Melissa wareham reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"So enjoyed every moment at Laura’s studio, there was a warm welcome on arrival and her warmth and encouragement never wavered throughout the quickest day I have known, ending with a picture we were all proud to take home. Thank you so much you have made me love oils now I know where to go with them! Would love to do it all again and soon."

Peter Lowther reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"For many years I have wanted an insight into the skills and knowledge required for stone walling. This course was absolutely brilliant for this. The instruction was clear and concise, making absolutely sure we all understood the basic principles, the need for suitable caution when working in close proximity with others and the various calculations needed to ensure the wall was proportioned to make it strong enough to last for many years. Our instructors and the support team of experienced stone wallers were excellent; always available to guide, advise and encourage. Whilst the course was quite physically demanding everybody worked within their own capabilities. Very proud of the end result, slept extremely well both nights and hope to be involved in the future in supporting the ever increasing demand for stone wallers."

Mr Nicholas Boyes reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"How great to be able to spend a whole day indulging in my favourite hobby! Although I've been doing linocutting for a little while, I really appreciated Lee's willingness to share his techniques and experience - I came away with improved techniques and eager to do more! The venue is inspirational in itself - full of Lee's fantastic work, which he frequently referred to to illustrate learning points. The whole day was a good balance of tuition and hands on practice, and everyone came away with a handful of prints that exceeded their expectations. Great stuff - thanks Lee"

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Thanks a lot Nicholas. Glad you learnt some new things from the day; keep up the great prints...Lee"

Chris George reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Fantastic time. Siobhan is a brilliant tutor very enthusiastic. Would recommend highly."

Richard Gavens reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"This is a great course for relative newbie or more experienced woodworker. You set the ambition level with your own design and Peter will advise regarding the processes, timescales/workload needed and guide you through the stages. There is a big additional bonus from watching other projects progress alongside your own, so you have the opportunity to observe many more techniques and tools than you would use by yourself in the time period. There's a plethora of good tools available and an interesting mix of people besides. Thoroughly recommended."

Chas Walton reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"This was my second green woodworking course with Peter. It was extraordinarily hard work and all the more rewarding for that. From the moment you arrive, you're in the world of wood, immersed in grain and knots, and grappling with tricky 3-D visualisations of how your growing pile of shaved timber pieces could come together to create a chair. The chair you come home with is all yours. That's the good thing about this course: you have to work at it. Peter is always there with tips, advice, tea, and biscuits – and on Friday evenings, a barbecue – plus a helping hand if things really start to go awry. That's where his experience counts: when you think you've taken a wrong turn, he knows how to get your project back on track. I've learned loads about the tools you need for green woodworking, and my finished chair is really comfortable."

Iola Medi reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"I learnt so much on this course as I was very much a beginner as far as watercolour painting goes. Georgina gave us plenty of watercolour technique instruction but we were also given the invaluable experience of painting outdoors on both days. This gave us the opportunity to practise painting freely, quickly and expressively. The remaining time was spent in the studio finishing our work and working on specific exercises in our sketchbooks. I would highly recommend."

Verity reviewed: Beginners Shibori and indigo dyeing workshop

"What a fantastic course! Lisa has a wonderful zest for her Art, whether your a complete beginner or simply want to understand more and share in the utter fun that is Shibori and Indigo . Lisa has an in-depth knowledge of all things Indigo and will guide you through what could be a totally life changing experience. Big love from One happy customer♥️?♥️"

Jane Sherman reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I was given the course as a Christmas Present. After some discussion with Angelina I upgraded my course so I could make a design of my choosing - the extra cost was well worth it. The day and a half 1-2-1 tuition I had was absolutely brilliant. Angelina is expert, patient and a fantastic teacher. I was completely absorbed the whole time I was there. Nothing else in my life even entered the room, which is rare. And now I have a gorgeous bespoke piece of stained glass, beautifully framed and on display in my home. And now I also have the tools and glass to make some some more..."

Glass By Design responded:

"Many thanks. Your panel was great, and I am so glad that you got so much out of the 1 to 1 session."

victoria benedict reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I had a great experience on the glass fusion course. The tutor, Cathy was very good & informative. The studio was clean & light with great workspaces. The lunch was fab. I did the course with my sister, who lives away so it was nice to spend time together & do something creative. We are both art trained but you did not need previous experience. I can fully recommend the courses at Glass by Design. Angelina & Cathy are very kind & helpful. I am looking forward to doing a Stained Glass course next."

Glass By Design responded:

"Many thanks indeed. Hope we see you again soon."

Rebecca Hinton reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I recently attended the half day fused glass course and it was thoroughly enjoyable and totally absorbing. The class sizes are small so you feel like you can ask questions and get the most out of the class in a relaxed and friendly environment. Kathy was clear with her instructions and supportive with your ideas, helping you bring them from thought to action. I can’t wait to sign up for another course"

Glass By Design responded:

"So glad you had a good time. Hope we see you again soon."

Kay W reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Easy to contact for any questions I had before the course. Course was well thought out and I achieved so much, from never having done anything with stone to an amazing piece. Tuition was calm, supportive, enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I recommend this course to everyone."

Jay Price reviewed: Sheet copper sculpture workshops in London

"I went on a bronze course at London Sculpture Workshop first, then got so addicted I booked up this course in sheet copper sculpture, and my next one will probably be silicone mould-making. This course was incredible. I genuinely didn't want to leave on the final day, and the next morning was really disappointed I wouldn't be going back in. On the first day I learnt how to raise a bowl out of a small disc of copper (so happy about that), planishing (technique for smoothing the surface) and about and how to use patinas. On the next day I learnt soldering, brazing and riveting - and made a small saxon helmet. On the next days I learnt repousee and made a series of copper coins and artefacts using patinas to make then look ancient. Other people worked on one project all week. One person made a female bust, another woman made a copper water feature that looks like a dragon-fly, there was someone who made a huge abstract outdoor sculpture and a series of copper lilies for his garden when he had some time and copper left over at the end, another made an African mask.... so many amazing things. You get a mix of demonstrations and tons of one-to-one help. I couldn't believe how absorbed I got in it. When the tutor said it was time for lunch everyone would look shocked and sigh. Such a good sign. I can't rave about this course enough. I loved it. A few people I know are booking up places now after they saw my photos of my 4 days there. Also, some people on the course who lived in London signed up as members of LSW so they could continue making things in the workshops (which are really excellent - so large and so many amazing tools and machines). I always attend these courses on my own but there is always a warm, friendly environment. It's not daunting and it's always a mix of different abilities. I'm always a complete beginner so I really appreciate this as it stops it being daunting."

Jay Price reviewed: Bronze casting course

"This was the first craft course I ever booked. I have since done 2 more at London Sculpture Workshop. That's a recommendation in itself. This course was great, I couldn't believe how much I learnt! I was struggling to afford to have an artwork cast in bronze - with this course it was much more affordable to learn the skills and make it myself with excellent tuition from the hands-on teacher and all materials included. The tutor really went above and beyond for all of us. I dropped something at the last minute on one day so he stayed behind with me for an extra hour and half and we fixed it up and made it even better. That's so kind and generous. The whole atmosphere was warm and friendly (which was great as I was very anxious as I had no sculpture experience at all when I turned up). I went to LSW as a printmaker with a specific idea. Since then I have learnt sheet copper sculpture and mould-making. I warn you it's addictive. I've got my eye on more too. One woman on the course had almost done every single course they offered (even building furniture for her kid's room) and another man had flown over from Singapore to take 3 courses in 2 weeks then was flying back to open his own workshop."

Alistair Love reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"I have long admired Peter's furniture and it was really exciting to build a piece with him. I have done a number of woodworking courses before and this was one of the best. Peter is an excellent instructor and patiently helped everyone through their designs, suggesting small changes where he thought they could be improved. The location is wonderful and we spent most of the weekend working outside in the sunshine in a fabulously rural location (the workshop is on the coast between Plymouth and Salcombe). All of the tools were sharp and I didn't have to spend time sharpening once during the week, which made a big difference to the pace and enjoyment of the course. I would highly recommend this course for any woodworker from novice to experienced."

Mandy reviewed: Rag rug making

"Had a great day in the cabin and learnt new skill. Great lunch and great company! Julie made rag rug making very easy!!!!"

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

"A fantastic weekend! Working with Matt in the forge to craft my own Viking axe over 2 days (handle and all!) was a truly satisfying experience. Matt is a great teacher, able to convey his knowledge and keep you on course throughout the process. Ali made me feel very welcome and kept us fuelled for the gruelling days! Heartily recommended and will definitely return."

Val Nichol reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Charlotte was friendly and enthusiastic, and definitely knows her stuff. My earrings and pendants are lovely, and a triumph to Charlotte's help and advice over my cack-handedness!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review Val! It was our pleasure to teach you! The jewellery you made was fab. I especially loved the earrings!"

Rachel Knill reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"A thoroughly enjoyable day was had at the upholstery workshop with Lucy. Lucy has created a lovely venue and a friendly and relaxed environment to work in. She was enthusiastic about her craft and willingly shared her experience providing valuable advice and encouragement to everyone. We were allowed to work at our own pace on our individual pieces sustained by an ample supply of excellent cakes and tea or coffee during the day. A tasty lunch was also provided in her kitchen. The day flew by and I was sorry when it was time to leave. I would definitely recommend this workshop - I left feeling more confident and inspired to attempt more projects in the future I would definitely attend again given half the chance!"

Joanna reviewed: Beginners sewing workshop - Garden sewing party with afternoon tea!

"I've had a great time on this course. I've learned how to sew and can enjoy using the sewing machine that I've bought 5 years ago and never used before. I've had lovely chats with everyone as well."

Jenny Trott reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I've come away from the Business Candle Making workshop with all my questions answered and a clear idea of what I need to do to get started. The 1:1 attention is really valuable and it's reassuring to have the ongoing email support from Kerry as I start this exciting journey."

John Reece reviewed: Hawkmoth Wood - Woodland Venue, North Yorkshire

"Informal but very informative talk as we wandered around ancient woodland. David takes time to explain how ancient woodland developed, how modern need of wood has changed the landscape, and how careful management can restore balance. We learned how the flora and fauna is dependent upon a careful balance. David explained his vision for the future generations by thoughtful planned planting now. We listened and watched the birds of the wood and nearby fields. We even did a bit of foraging and learnt what not to eat while walking in the woods. We saw ancient dykes and furrows. We have no hesitation recommending this tree identification day if you care about the environment. We will be back in the Autumn when the colours will give a different aspect to the woods and we can examine the produce of the different trees."

Rachel Miles reviewed: Glass fusion workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"I attended the half day Glass Fusion Workshop run by Kathy. My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the time just flew by as we were so absorbed. It was interesting learning how to use the glass and Kathy was superb with both her teaching and her guidance as to what would work and what would not."

Glass By Design responded:

"Many thanks - Hope you are very proud of what you made."

Catherine reviewed: Love your loom tapestry weaving 1-day course for beginners - Devon

"Great fun! Alana is a warm and friendly tutor. Wonderful range of yarns and materials to choose from. Masses of lovely weaving examples and ideas. Highly recommended."

Johanna reviewed: Fascinator making workshop, Leeds

"Amazing workshop. Learnt great techniques and Rachel was very helpful and passionate about millinery and teaching. Thank you so much and I hope to see you again soon for another workshop."