Latest reviews

Carol Ward reviewed: Felt art -(wet felting )with Debra Esterhuizen, Appleby , Cumbria

"Debra’s enthusiasm is contagious; I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop! Seeing all the lovely completed works and array of yarns and threads in the studio is exciting and informative. Debra is encouraging and helpful, generously giving lots of ideas and materials in order to produce work to be proud of. Well worth a visit, this perfect venue has a wonderful cafe and handy car park(have £3.30 with you) ?"

Carly Atwill reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"Suzanne is extremely knowledgeable and takes the time to explain the finer details of the craft, in a way that was easily understood. She was extremely patient and guided us through the course with the upmost care, which was illustrated by the fabulous beads we produced. I couldn’t believe just how many we managed to make. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. So pleased you enjoyed your day. Suzanne"

Steve reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"I had an amazing time on a Blacksmith Experience Day at Underfall Yard with Joanna - she’s a fantastic teacher with a good balance of direction and freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, and I left with a surprising number of useful creations! Great birthday present :)"

Guy Tasker reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If you are thinking about attending a day or two with Nigel, stop thinking and book it! Just got back from a fabulous day at Fransham. Nigel is such a character; full of stories and experiences, along with an incredible talent for blacksmithing which he appears delighted to pass on in the most informative and entertaining way. Having never tried this before I went with some trepidation but this was quickly dispelled with Nigel's friendly and informal approach and I can't believe how much we made in the day, 5 beautiful forged articles from ornate pokers to lovely key rings.. Beautiful mementos of a wonderful day. I will be returning for another day when I have worked out what I want to make next. Thanks Nigel!"

lesley wills reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I attended the beginners course over a year ago and was hooked!!! Mathew's endless patience, skill and enthusiasm is infectious and I now have a class every month; what an amazing gift from my brother in 2018. Thank you Mathew, for so generously sharing your passion for pottery. Give it a go!!!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Lesley, It is an absolute pleasure seeing your creativity grow each month and understanding of each technique. The big kiln reveal after decorating and glazing all of your work was really exciting, with outstanding results. I look forward to seeing you again in May. Best wishes Mathew"

Deb reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Another great day with Janet. I learnt the tricks of the trade about hand stitched roman blinds earlier this year and returned yesterday for a lesson in hand stitched, interlined curtains. Again, Janet was able to share top tips to make a fantastic product as well as sharing ways in which she dealt with the large pieces of fabric which curtains inevitably are. I would recommend her courses to anyone who wants to make professional looking window dressings. You won’t be disappointed."

Liz Robinson reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"I have just attended this course with Margaret and loved it. Margaret taught in a small group and adapted the session to meet the needs of students. I was really proud of the hat I made. A great workshop thoroughly recommended."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Liz - thank you very much for your lovely review. I too, am delighted with the beautiful poppy red boater that you made in our class. I know you will wear it with great pride and pleasure when you are at the wedding. Well done & Happy Hatting!"

Linda Saunders reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"I have attended this workshop today and I have arrived home buzzing from the all round experience ...I’m totally hooked. Marianne’s class was so relaxing and informative. She has a wealth of experience in the craft to share and nothing was too much trouble. She showed how to rectify small hitches in our work as we experimented with different techniques. It was a completely lovely day and we all took away some silver pieces to be proud of. I have now arranged a one to one workshop to polish my skills and knowledge. I would highly recommend this beginners workshop."

Grey Clouds & Silver Linings responded:

"Thank you Linda, I'm glad you enjoyed your day and are now a Silver Clay convert. I look forward to seeing where your silver clay journey takes you and working with you in the future."

Paul Wood reviewed: Wood turning courses

"The day I had with George was very informative . George is a good teacher and made the day very enjoyable. I was very pleased with bowl I made and well looked after with lunch tea and coffee. Thanks again Paul Wood."

Cathryn Parton reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My third visit and my daughter’s second. Thoroughly enjoyed our time and can’t wait to collect our finished pieces. Lovely relaxing afternoon. Thank you Sarah x"

pam budd reviewed: Seedheads, grasses & flowers, 1 day free motion machine embroidery workshop

"I really enjoyed this informative day course run by the inspirational Alison Whateley. She was very generous in her encouragement and where to source the necessary materials, all given in a very relaxed atmosphere."

Roslyn Whiting reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"I recently had a course with Nigel. It is my second course with him and it was as good as the first, if not better. He perfectly pitched the course to the stage I am at now. He was able to build on the skills I already have, taught me new ones and shared his knowledge, so I can become a better leatherworker. He is so encouraging and has a great sense of humour. I can see a big difference in my leatherwork since coming back from the course. You also get to work with some amazing tools! I will definitely be booking another course with Nigel, he has made such a difference. I would highly recommend his course."

Jason Crawford reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great introductory day to blacksmithing. Easy going, knowledgeable guys in a working blacksmiths shop with good food thrown in. Highly recommended."

Alan Buckle reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Had a really enjoyable morning. I was a total beginner. Jack was patient and his instructions and advice were very calm and clear. He was always close by to help when things went wrong, which was not too often! Watching a pot rise before my eyes was a very satisfying experience. I am looking forward to seeing my pots glazed and finished. Will certainly do more as I enjoyed it so much. Thank you Jack and thank you Laura who gave me the course as a present."

Marion Thrower reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"My daughter, my granddaughter of 21, teenage grandsons, and I have been on various courses run by Brenda, and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Brenda's courses are for all ages and abilities. Between us, we have covered a wide range of subjects, including faces, Christmas and Autumn wreaths, pots, 3D heads and figures and, at this moment, two of us are looking forward to making The Green Man! Brenda is such a good teacher, so encouraging and positive. Her explanations and instructions are very detailed and clear so that even a beginner gains confidence under her tutelage. Her welcoming and lovely, calm manner makes everyone feel that they can succeed. But most of all, it is such fun!"

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Hello Marion, Thank you for such a kind review. It is always wonderful to see you and your family and I look forward to seeing you next week."

Ben reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course was set in beautiful peaceful surroundings and although we were lucky with the weather, it would have been a very calming meditative experience regardless. Sebastian has a very calm relaxed approach to leading the sessions and after an interesting introduction and background to the course with a quick practise on scrap stone, we were left to be as free and creative as we liked with any of the tools set out available to us. The area had lots of beautiful carvings and sculptures to draw on as inspiration made by Sebastian, but setting your aim low to start with is best. Its tiring work, but very meditative and I found myself losing track of time as I was so engrossed in removing little pieces of limestone here and there on the block provided. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone and everyone to have a break from work, feel good, calm your mind and have something to show at the end of it. Great course."

Hannah reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"‘This was a great beginners course. Diane’s teaching was relaxed which worked well with participants progressing at different rates. The added bonus of generous spinning wheel maintenance was brilliant, I left with my wheel working far more smoothly as well as an idea of how to use it! Blaze Farm is a lovely venue too."

Amanda Button reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"Brenda’s workshops are an excellent introduction to ceramics. Brenda provides friendly and knowledgeable instruction so that you can explore your creativity and learn at the same time. Brenda’s classes are small and friendly and she quickly puts everyone at ease. I would recommend her classes to anyone who wants an instructive and fulfilling introduction to ceramics."

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Thank you so much for your really kind review Mandy . i always look forward to seeing you and your sister and always love seeing what you make ... and talking chickens!"

Rohen reviewed: One to one pottery throwing class in Worksop

"Had a great time being shown the tricks to create a pair of lovely cylinders on the wheel by Harriet. Very relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the time just flew by. I'm not a complete beginner but I needed some tuition to correct my skills on the wheel and this was achieved very easily. I'd recommend the experience to anyone. I'll be going back to collect my pots which are going to be glazed and fired as they are just brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed the time. Will take another class at some point in the future , to expand my skills."

Laura reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"We had such a great morning. Beautiful, calm setting. Fantastic, clear guidance through the whole process by Jack. Excellent refreshments. Couldn’t ask for more. Many thanks"

Richard Brassington reviewed: Knife making tuition - Wiltshire

"I did the two day knife making course and enjoyed every minute of it. Graham's teaching style is excellent and because he makes a knife too you can physically see each step along the way. He was always on hand and aware if any steps weren't quite right, without feeling like he was watching over my shoulder. He also provides a decent lunch and good conversation! I'd recommend the course to anyone (and have done loads in the few days since I did it!)"

Catrin Hanks-Doyle reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils onto fabric

"Liz Ryan was a great teacher and the course was fab. Liz supported us via email in designing an image suitable for the screen printing process before we arrived. When we arrived in the inspirational space full of colour and ideas, she gave lots of support throughout the process; along with tips and suggestions for further experimenting. I have since bought my own screen printing kit to try some more at home. Thanks Liz! Lovely lunch too!"

Briony Pillman reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"I so enjoyed the day screen printing workshop I did with Ria. She is a brilliant teacher and I learnt a lot. Ria went above and beyond to make things work for me. It was a fun relaxing day and I came away with 2 cushions that I am very pleased with. I have already been recommending her to my friends. It’s a great day out!"

Amanda Steenkamp reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Steven is a likeable, engaging tutor and the session was most enjoyable, thank you. The method of carving a spoon and the explanation of how to use the tools was spot on. I definitely recommend the class if you’re looking for something different and relaxing."

ALEX EASTERBROOK reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Oliver was a brilliant teacher and I found the whole experience very rewarding, relaxing and satisfying. I’ve now signed up to the advanced course. Communication was great, we learnt the processes in depth and it was a great atmosphere. Would recommend!"