Latest reviews

Tony Thatcher reviewed: Creative Writing Workshops

"I had been thinking about writing for a long time but didn't know how to move it forward. Joining Jo's evening writing sessions a couple of years ago I found myself spending time with a lovely group discovering how much fun creative writing can be. This led to the monthly Saturdays in The Salthouse. It's a lovely calm space where like minded people take time out from their usual lives to write, discuss writing and exchange ideas and inspiration. Jo is a very experienced teacher, leader and facilitator who is sensitive and responsive to individuals and takes great care to ensure that everyone benefits from attending. With Jo's guidance and encouragement I am now starting to make headway with my writing and now have the confidence to consider myself a writer."

Josephine Dawn Munroe responded:

"Thanks very much Tony, so glad you are getting lots out of the workshops, always great to have you on board with your fabulous ideas, writing and input. Jo"

Gill swinbourne reviewed: Make a soft leather handbag in a choice of style and colour, fully lined.

"Great day out and Lizzie is a fantastic teacher and host,I would highly recommend"

Trudi walsh reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"After alot of searching for courses I finally found Janet's Make for Home range of courses. I am a complete beginner, I have made a few simple curtains but wanted to try making Roman blinds. I really enjoyed the course, found the time went too quickly and Janet is very patient and explains the process in simple terms. Detailed course notes were provided which will come in very handy when I make my first blind. Janet is a lovely lady and looks after you very well with home made lunch, tea and biscuits throughout the day. I travelled from Liverpool to attend and wouldn't hesitate to book another course, best one I have been on."

Lily-Rose reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"I have been attending Lucky's art classes for over three years now, and not once have I had a doubt about returning next weekend. Her lessons are an amazing experience, and I feel sorry for anyone who does not come. We learn how to sculpt In pottery, draw in detail, and many other amazing skills through projects (such as paper mache sea creatures on boards, and for paintings on tiles). Lucky's studio is amazing!"

Sam and Nikki reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"A wonderful day thanks Julie to you and your team! Your course was fun and friendly and we learned some new skills too! The tea was a nice touch and extremely good value. This course was a Christmas pressie from my daughter and I would highly recommend it for all. Thanks again, we will be keeping in touch through the business."

Julie Barrow reviewed: Introduction to free motion machine embroidery

"What an amazing inspirational course! Alison is very clear, patient and encouraging in her teaching and made this introduction course a complete pleasure to attend. Fun, relaxed and informative and I learned loads including those hard to find tips and secrets gained only through experience and which Alison was so happy to share. She is an attentive teacher and is flexible and creative in her teaching style. I will be back for more and TOTALLY recommend!"

Jane reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Our candle making session was a fun, informative and really enjoyable afternoon and I made 8 candles to take home!"

Elaine Moore reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Dave was a great teacher, informative, helpful and patient. He made sure everyone knew what they were doing and gave advice when needed. Being a complete novice when it comes to spoon carving, I now feel confident I could carve a variety of spoons on my own. I had an amazing time, and the flapjacks were extremely yummy!"

Helen Collinson reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"This course was the first time I had blocked a hat. I was so pleased with the results I wore my button to a friends wedding. No one would have known I made my head peice myself -except I could not help but advertise the fact to everyone who admired it."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Helen, for your review of the summer millinery workshop series. I really enjoy helping my students to choose their colours and encouraging them to believe that with help and guidance not only can they only design their own piece but also make it to a very satisfactory standard, and finally wear it with pride. In fact this I find is one of the most fulfilling aspects of leading this workshop series. It was wonderful to receive the images from the wedding you attended, and to see your wearing you headpiece with justifiable pride! Very many thanks again Helen for the lovely review"

Fiona Markham reviewed: CHALK PAINT MEGA DAY Furniture Painting - one-to-one.

"Had a brilliant day with Michelle and was soo knowledgeable of the Annie Sloan range... her encouragement has made me a lot more confident to do this alone."

Judith Stafford reviewed: Gelli Printmaking with No5workshops Group Booking

"Well organised course in a bright, inspirational setting. The teacher gave a well informed introduction with some simple warm up exercises to put everyone at ease. There was a range of experience and ability in the studio, but with Armi’s encouragement everybody went home clutching several prints, with which they were all thrilled. A fresh coffee a slice of homemade chocolate cake was a bonus. A lovely morning."

no5workshops responded:

"Thanks Judy! x"

Jenny King reviewed: 10- week Introduction to Soft Pastels online zoom art course with live tuition. Suitable for complete beginners and people with some experience in Art.

"Mum and I enjoyed a lovely day with Raya making poppies and daffodils. She made us feel very welcome at her home and is very good at explaining and demonstrating the techniques. Lots of tea and biscuits were offered through out the day! We had a fantastic day and have learnt a new skill set. Can't wait to carry on making flowers and would definitely book on to another course. I would highly recommend felting with Raya. Jenny and Mary"

Gail Hughes reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a lovely day on this course. Very useful and informative information provided. Jo was on hand to help and answer any questions along the way. Very pleased with my finished items too. Highly recommend going!"

Val Edge reviewed: Oil painting for the scared - 8 week course

"Great course, wonderful relaxing atmosphere to learn in and surrounded by wonderful artwork. l enjoyed my painting experience with Ian very much. Great for complete beginners or if you want to advance your skills, Ian works with you at any level and pace that you are at."

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

"Wonderful course, Alana is a very patient tutor. Everything was demonstrated and explained very well. I thoroughly recommend this course."

Laura Garnham reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I absolutely loved my day with The white candle company. It was really good value for money and really informative. Thanks again for such a lovely day. X"

Tracy Harding reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Really enjoyed my day, Catherine was brilliant. Thanks Tracy"

Laura Crichton reviewed: Interior design masterclass & lunch

"I so enjoyed Alek’s workshop and was really inspired to get started on my project! I already want to attend another one as just felt so fortunate to spend the day focused on design and with the added element of Alek’s knowledge and advice. I felt that she catered for each of us and really helped us all develop. Would really recommend for anyone no matter what prior experience they have."

Skela Studio responded:

"Thank you Laura for your kind words! I was delighted to have you at the workshop and see your work on Social media afterwards. I love seeing your updates and I can't wait to see the finished room."

Helen Walker reviewed: An Introduction to Spoon Carving

"A totally captivating day, ending with a great sense of satisfaction and a spoon I will treasure. Adrian is an excellent and patient teacher who made sure everyone on the course received his attention and encouragement. The setting is beautiful and the food delicious - I would recommend the course to everyone, simply for the pleasure of doing it."

Maureen Brown reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a great weekend , Mark and Richard were very good teachers very patient explaining everything clearly as we went along. I liked the fact that Mark and Richard showed us what to do and then left us to do it but still there if we needed them. The end result was a great box that my friends did not believe that I had really made and were very impressed. Thank you very much Mark and Richard ."

Lynda yeomans reviewed: Batik painting in North Devon

"Fantastic relaxing and happy day. Bridget in her quiet way gave us a very comprehensive lesson on the art of Batik. Everyone enjoyed the day. It would make an ideal present for someone. I may do it again with my daughter. Lovely views from Bridget studio. We were all pleased with our art work at the end of day. Thank you Bridget"

Andrew Bennett reviewed: Three day blacksmithing course

"I spent a hugely enjoyable three days on the blacksmith course at Bluefoot Ironworks. I left with several items I had made, the skills I had learned, and the enthusiasm to carry on making things on a forge. Pete Smith has the gift of passing on knowledge, seemingly effortlessly. Heather Smith provides delicious home-cooked food. I cannot recommend this experience highly enough."

Sandie Taylor reviewed: Oil painting for the scared - 8 week course

"Didnt know what to expect from this course, because i had never even tried oil painting in my life. But by the end of 2hrs i was well and truely hooked. I was amazed that after a few weeks i had an original painting of mine hung on my wall. Relaxed studio lots of great instructions. All materials supplied. Coffee great and chocolate biscuits too. Ian walton is the best teacher to have. Well recommended!"

Shelly Norman reviewed: Pal Tiya 'Green Man' Outdoor planter sculpture workshop

"My son Charlie had a fantastic afternoon being creative with clay. There was a real buzz in the studio and all the children looked so engrossed in what they were making. A clay workshop for children is a brilliant concept and such good value for money. Charlie would definitely love to attend another studio session and was planning on the way home what he would make next time."

Sugi Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Shelly! Charlie's sign was awesome. He's welcome back any time to make a sign for his dad's workshop!"

Helen Pridmore reviewed: Batik your initial in Ripley, Derbyshire

"I signed up for this workshop on the spur of the moment, wanting to try something completely different. I’m not an artist but have creative leanings and thought this may be a new outlet. Sue was a great teacher with a balance between teaching the skills and letting creativity flow. The day just whizzed by - it was so absorbing and relaxing. It’s a beautiful studio that inspires creativity. Everything is to hand and of a high quality. I was so pleased with my finished piece and has won the admiration of family and friends."

Attic Batik responded:

"It's great to hear your were so relaxed in what you were doing Helen. You did seem to be and yes, time did fly! Well done for daring to try something a bit different. In taking the chance you were well rewarded with your beautiful batik!! Thank you for your kind words."