Latest reviews

Julia Kline reviewed: Encaustic art (wax painting) workshop

"This is really fun. Karen supplies great materials. The wax can do all sorts of things and even if you have never done it before you can still produce a masterpiece. Give it a try, quite addictive."

Bobbie Cain reviewed: Encaustic art (wax painting) workshop

"These classes really are excellent, it’s amazing what you come away with having achieved. I am always so pleased with what I have created!! The tutor Karen is a really good teacher, she is very patient and thoroughly explains everything. She is also a good laugh, we always have fun at her classes! Well worth a go!"

Brad Pollard reviewed: Knife making Courses Forged Blacksmith Knife

"This class was everything we hoped for and more. To say Stuart was a great teacher is an understatement. This was a very hands-on class and Stuart provided great insight, demonstrated each step before expecting us to do it, and gave us a lot of encouragement. At all times, I felt like our safety was a priority to Stuart. If you are expecting a Hollywood-style blacksmith forge, this isn't it. But it is a working forge and you'll be proud of your efforts at the end of the day. Strongly recommend!"

William Beck reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"My wife and I had a lovely day with Amanda, the course, the food and the conversation were all quite wonderful. My 2 end products exceeded my limited artistic capability's expectations and the production process was both a great learning experience as well as good fun. We were recommended to the course by our son and his fiancé who had thoroughly enjoyed the same course just recently. As such we knew what to expect content-wise so were able to have had some creative thoughts before arrival. Amanda was very supportive in helping us translate these ideas into our finished pieces, and a pretty good match they were too. Great day all round, would absolutely recommend to anyone, no matter whether they think they are artistic or not."

Mary Cooper reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"A wonderful day spent learning a new skill. A very relaxed atmosphere, great food, clear guidance and practical demonstrations which enabled all participants to produce beautiful needle felt creations. The course provided me with sufficient instruction to continue felting at home. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn how to needle felt."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you so much Mary for the fantastic review, I thoroughly enjoyed the day too. You were so quick at picking it up, and I was so excited to see such creative results. Remember I'm here if you need any help, or maybe I'll see you on another workshop soon - either way I'm so pleased you loved it enough to continue needle felting at home."

Clare reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"My friend and I had a lovely time. Sarah was a fantastic host and instructor. She explained each stage carefully with a practical demonstration and was then very attentive as we each had a go. I was very pleased and proud of my three decorations which looked beautiful hanging up over Christmas. I would love to do another course with Sarah."

James Campbell reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Great tuition and very enjoyable."

Sally Rogers reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Had a fantastic day and made two very different glass creations which have been admired by all who see them. It was a long day but the whole experence took place in a very relaxed atmosphere. Amanda was very helpful and gave excellent advise and had a selection of examples to help the creative juives flow. Lunch was delicious and added a welcome chance to refuel and chat. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go at glass fusing as you will have a great day and create something unique and beautiful."

Karin & Rob reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"I booked the day as a surprise for my girlfriends birthday and had a quality time with Richard. It was like spending the day with a friend you’ve known for years. He’s a brilliant teacher with a lot of patience and is happy for you to make plenty of mistakes! The homemade food was excellent too. Thanks Richard!"

Potterydayz responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet both you Rob and your girlfriend and to help you get potting. Thank you for that great review-most generous. Your pots have been biscuit fired and ready to be glazed- see you soon I hope. Richard"

Nancy reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"I had a very pleasant day doing this workshop. Everything was very well explained and prepared for us. Eleanor gave clear easy instruction and I left feeling confident that I would be able to make these beautiful beads at home. Everything used is easy to get hold of and not expensive. Thoroughly recommend."

Paola reviewed: Beginners crochet course - in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

"I had one lesson with Lynn and not just I have learned the granny square the first lesson but I met wonderful people, learning with me. Lynn is great and I am planning to have more lessons. Thank you very much ! Xx"

Lawrence John reviewed: basics of photography workshop milton keynes

"I did this course in November. One of my main reasons for choosing this course is that delivery is by the named expert, unlike some courses that offer prepared material delivered by a generalist course lecturer without photography specialisation. The day was excellent, we went through all the key camera settings, the ISO, aperture and shutter speed. David explained the functions, what they do and the effect on your photography, then after each theory section, we went out into the beautiful gardens and practiced what we had learnt. At this time of year the light soon faded and we managed to capture very atmospheric views, far better than you could when your camera is left on 'Auto'. David is friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgable. Since completing the course I have put my knowledge to good use, experimenting with my phone, taking atmospheric photos and intentionally creating interesting effects. Special mention for the fantastic buffet breakfast and lunch and coffee throughout the day."

Lucie reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Excellent course and really great fun! Covers all the basics and also flexible enough so you can explore your own tastes and ideas. Really hospitable course leader makes you feel very welcome. Would highly recommend for both fun and serious silver making"

Rosie Scott-Taggart reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"What can I say that hasn't already been said. Had a great time with a patient and humorous teacher. Despite being a complete novice and not artistically gifted, I came away having done some great pictures. Really looking forward to returning for more. The only downside is that Phil doesn't live in my village. I'd have a lesson every week!"

Matthew Grant reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"I’ve done at least eight days of one-to-one glass courses with Jonathan as well as six four-hour small group classes and I cannot recommend him highly enough as a teacher. He’s patient and friendly and very good indeed at coaxing out the best in students – from beginners upwards. He is extremely generous with his knowledge and with his facilities – which are excellent. It’s also very reassuring to be taught by someone who has had such a thorough grounding in the craft himself and then gone on to achieve truly outstanding work of his own. I will most certainly be doing more courses with Jonathan in the near future."

Steph Woods reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"As a complete beginner, I had no idea whether I could do clay-modelling. I collected my piece of clay and thought, "what now?". But Karin patiently came to each of us, encouraging everyone and helping us really look from every angle. The course was in lovely surroundings and it was great chatting over teas and lunch. I was very pleased with what I achieved by the end of Sunday and look forward to collecting my (now fired) piece in the New Year. I will be back to do more!"

Julia reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"As first time mosaic makers my friend and I attended Audrey's workshop at St. Albans Verulamium Museum in November. Audrey couldn't have been more supportive and helpful before the workshop/planning my project, during the workshop itself and also after the event (providing materials and advice as I was a bit over ambitious about what I could achieve in the time). It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a great location. We can't wait to come again."

Montet Designs responded:

"Hi Julia Lovely to hear your feedback from my mosaic workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed the session and felt supported throughout. Your mosaic creation was fantastic! Be lovely to see you and Su at another one of my workshops."

Anne Williams reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"It’s only when you learn just how many different processes you need to understand to be an expert glassblower that you realise just how patient JONATHAN is as a teacher - and how proud you’ll be of the wobbly treasures you create and then even more so of your later creations. I learnt a lot, laughed a lot and am determined to go back to have another go. Great for anyone who wants to learn a new skill, find out lots about the art and the science of glassblowing and play safely outside their comfort zone with an expert teacher who doesn’t make you feel like an idiot."

Sherra Leung reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I would highly recommend Rosanna's full day leather workshop. I had a delightful day making items with different skills. Rosanna is a friendly and patient tutor who guided us in details. There are many resources on the Internet which acts like a "tutor". However, what valuable is experience, especially with the fact that different people have different difficulities in learning a thing. Rosanna is really a great tutor who is enthusiastic in telling us tips to make our handcrafts better."

Richard Darkin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having no other previous wood turning experience other than from a school D&T project 25 years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Mark. Mark covered a lot of ground during the day with a good balance of theory, technical advice, demonstrations and hands-on experience, and I came away from the day with a beautiful bowl that Mark helped me turn and a strong desire to take up wood turning as a hobby or potential business avenue. Mark is very friendly, calm and helpful, and he generously gave me a lot of tailored advice and knowledge. His workshop is very welcoming and orderly, with the wood burning stove going throughout a cold winter's day. Under Mark's guidance, my initial nervousness about using the lathe soon disappeared, and I felt my confidence and ability in handling the tools, materials and techniques build and build during the day. Mark has also very kindly sent me some very useful suggestions and links for equipment, tools, books and wood turning groups that are local to me. I would thoroughly recommend booking a day's course with Mark, and I hope to do so again in the future."

Liz Rowland reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My husband and I had an amazing time with Mort at the forge. From first email contact, Mort was nothing but lovely. His patience and knowledge as a tutor shone through and from the moment we arrived he was kind, instructive and extremely helpful. Although we were complete beginners he took the time to explain things as many times as we needed, no amount of beginner ineptitude was too much for him and he always was on hand to help correct anything that went wrong. We left the forge with a number of exceptionally beautiful items which had been made with his support and guidance, rather than him doing the work for us, which makes them extra special. He never once rushed us and his calm, friendly manner made us feel immediately at ease in the forge environment. We would thoroughly recommend him to anyone looking to have a wonderful day learning about blacksmithing and ending with some fantastic creations. Thank you very much Mort! From Ben and Liz."

Amy reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"I came to this course with a friend and we both had a lovely time. Sarah was patient, encouraging and experienced, which has meant we've each come away with three stained glass decorations of which we are proud. I would recommend this course to others."

Kim Ramessa reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"My 11 year old son has been attending the class for over a year and thoroughly enjoys learning all the different and creative art sessions. A good variety of Pottery, painting, paper mache and sketching techniques keeps him busy and interested each week. A very welcoming and all inclusive environment. Lucky is great at building confidence in his abilities by pushing him to try new techniques and materials. Highly recommended!!"

Dave Brearey reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I've been on a couple of Andy's courses now and have massively enjoyed every minute. Andy has the time, patience and knowledge to explain the techniques and process's of blacksmithing in a way that really allows you to learn and progress. Alongside this you will produce an individual knife you will always be proud of, I know I am. Highly recommend"

Scott reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Absolutely fantastic course from environment to skills, technics and advice given. Thanks Jason for a lifelong skill I've always wanted to learn."