Latest reviews

Jason Ankers reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"My wife and I booked the course as a gift for Christmas. We thoroughly enjoyed the course on Saturday and were pleasantly surprised with the fruits of our labour! John was a great teacher and pitched it at just the right level for us complete beginners...gently persuading us to push beyond our comfort zone! To give you some context on this, the last time I created anything noteworthy was a fire poker at school 33 years ago! The whole experience was a wonderful day, the location perfect, the food delicious, and the company in our class was spot on. We have been inspired by the course and hope to do more in the future."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Jason - thank you for your lovely words and I am sure John will be as happy as we are that you and your wife had such a good time. It's always good to hear that our students and visitors have had a good day, and even better that they want to come back! John will be running more courses this coming autumn and winter so we hope to see you again before too long."

Dy Ruddock reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Basic still life drawing tecniques shown with a view to translating them into textiles but without the need of previous skills in this area. A really informative day where students work on individual themes at their own pace helped where necessary by Imogen who will also encourage you to maybe try things outside of your comfort zone. A pressure free day made even more enjoyable by unlimited coffee,cake and a delicious homemade lunch. I would recommend this course as a way to develop your use of colour and design skills."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"Dy's willingness to learn a new technique resulted in an exciting and unique piece of work and her friendly attitude contributed greatly to the relaxed atmosphere of the group."

Andy Stubbs reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"As a total novice, not just to Lino printing but all art since school, I was a little nervous but was soon out at ease by the friendly welcome from Lee and my co course members. The tuition was just at the right level, with my instruction being less complex than others but nonetheless I learnt so much in the day that I am enthused to continue! A really enjoyable course, with lovely people and a recognisable landscape at the end. Thoroughly recommended."

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the day Andy. Great to meet you and fabulous first print!"

Becky reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"My sister and I had a lovely morning with Sharon, learning to ‘throw’. It was great to have personal tutition. We both felt like we made progress within the two hour session and had a great time! The drive from SE london was super easy - so nice to “escape to the country” for the morning. Really recommend. ps. The carrot cake is delicious!"

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thanks so much Becky and Leah. I am glad you enjoyed your morning and you certainly progressed over the time. It was lovely to meet you both and share aspects of this absorbing craft. It was good to know that travelling from South East London was easy 35 mins!"

Jack Cook reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"absolutely amazing time, been a couple of times now, with both Colin and Bob and they are both patient and good teachers"

Sue Isaacson reviewed: Jewellery making experience day (weekdays)

"The course far exceeded my expectations. It was fun and very enjoyable and enabled me to try something that I have never done before and to understand and appreciate the jewellery making process. The 1:1 approach worked perfectly for me as Karen was expert in demonstrating the various pieces of equipment and the process to follow and then enabled me to do it for myself, so the end result was a beautiful piece of jewellery, in my case, a spinning ring, which was made using the skills and techniques shown to me on the day. I can highly recommend the experience to anyone."

KFD Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Heidi. I really enjoyed spending the day in my workshop with you and your lovely mum, Valerie. You were both a joy to teach and both of you produced beautiful pieces of jewellery. Karen"

Ann reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"I've done two 2-hour workshops with James, both times sharing a 'tray' with someone else, which is a great idea. I thoroughly enjoyed both workshops and James is a fantastic teacher, first giving you the basic techniques, then allowing you to 'freestyle' and create your own designs. At the second workshop he guided me through creating a piece of artwork which I was very pleased with. A class in Ebru is something anyone can try and it's great fun... and you don't need any particular artistic talent beforehand - try and be surprised at what you can do!"

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Ann, your progress was brilliant, your final piece was a real triumph!"

Annie Hay reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"An excellent day, informative and thoroughly relaxing in Alan's lovely conservatory, looking out over the garden, alive with birds and even a fox basking on a shed roof. We all enjoyed the day and in addition to the good company, much appreciated the wonderful food and calm ambience. Great to learn a new and useful craft. Having been taught how to use the equipment safely, I can now get on and practice at home."

kaye bridgewater reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I'm now TOTALLY hooked on weaving after completing this course, and can't wait to go back for the intermediate course. Rebecca's course has the balance between theory and practical just right -she is really informative whilst giving plenty of time for actual weaving and experimenting with different designs. Rebecca is very encouraging and supportive, and the workspace has a lovely feel to it. The class was over far too quickly, and I came away buzzing with ideas for next time."

Devin reviewed: Box or tub making

"I highly recommend this course! Nigel's approach to teaching is thoughtful, focused and efficient. Improvements were made in every aspect of my leatherworking skills. I'll be taking another course with Nigel as soon as I can."

Deborah Judd reviewed: Make Matryoshka (Russian Dolls) inspired Stamps, Paper Sculpture and Metal Decorations in Derbyshire

"A really excellent and most enjoyable workshop. Liz is a wonderful amiable hostess and superb teacher. The studio is light, warm and comfortable, this enables a Zen like mood where the creativity can flow. The materials and resources are top notch. Oh also you are regularly provided with drinks and delicious biscuits. Thank you for a great day that provided me with lots of ideas to take forward."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. Very happy that you left far more chilled than when you arrived and with lots of beautiful outcomes. Looking forward to welcoming you back to The Slipper Studio in March, for Experimental Printmaking. Best wishes Liz"

Matt Lodge reviewed: Pottery Tuition ~ Learn how to Throw on the Potter's Wheel, Slab-build and Coil in 1 Full Day's Attentive Teaching

"As soon as you arrive, Sonya's warm welcoming manner makes you feel instantly at home. You're then offered a wide selection of drinks as she sits down with you to discuss what you would like to achieve from the day. I had already been in contact with her on what aspects of pottery I would like to improve on. For me, that was throwing, but it could have easily been slab work or any other hand building technique. Sonya came up with a tailored plan of how she thought the day could unfold. It gave a good mixture of hands on experimentation as well as showing step by step tutorials. She was also very knowledgeable explaining not just how you do something, but why as well. What I liked most, is that even though we had a plan for the day, it could be completely adapted depending on how you took to each task. For example, If you found centring your clay on the wheel particularly challenging, (like I did) then you would spend more time going through that, exploring different methods for centring to find one that would work for your particular style. I would recommend the workshop to anyone from beginner to advanced. You will have a great day and come away with lots of pieces to take home. I look forward to going back to finish glazing them."

Sonya Ceramic Art responded:

"Thank you for your review Matt, I'm so pleased you found the day useful and the numerous pieces you produced are a testament to your improved throwing skills! I will look forward to helping you glaze them so you can start using your plates, bowls and vases!"

Kelly reviewed: Basic electrical course - part 1

"I attended the Basic Electrics Course on Friday 15th February. David was a great teacher, he explained the course objectives well, asked what my intentions were for the course and explained the information in a really easy manner. I was a complete newbie to Electrics and have come away from the course with a wealth of knowledge and confidence. I will definitely be putting my training into practise myself at my home. Additionally, I now have confidence in larger jobs and explaining to the experts what I need and knowing that i have a little of their language means I feel secure in requesting work by qualified persons without fear."

Dianne Simpson reviewed: Copper foil stained glass workshop

"Fabulous day, Samantha is a wonderful teacher. My friend and i thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon. Will be returning to take part in more craft days."

Sarah STUART reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Where did the time go? I was already spinning and getting a result but with gaps in my knowledge and lacking direction. Theresa is a thorough and thoughtful teacher and knows exactly what you need to get you spinning the right way for 'you'. All my questions were answered and I learnt a lot more about what I was doing and what to do next. Her positivity, patience and encouragement never faltered. Add to that the lovely setting with sound of her sheep nearby, wool of all sorts surrounding us and plenty of coffee and conversation, it all made for a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. I would recommend this day for both inexperienced spinners or spinners of any level. Thank you Theresa."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Sarah for your really lovely review. I am feeling very humbled. Your spinning was already so brilliant and I found your enthusiasm infectious too. I ended the day feeling inspired myself! I am really looking forward to seeing your progress in the future. Thank you x"

Rosie reviewed: Flower crown workshop & bubbly in Brighton

"Charlie’s Flower Crown workshop was a lovely experience. She had really paid attention to detail to make a warm and welcoming environment for us. Nibbles and bubbles were provided as well as all the equipment for the workshop. We made beautiful headdresses with fresh flowers, dried lavender and a ribbon. Charlie was really helpful and gave lots of tips to help us ensure our crowns were of top quality. It was a therapeutic and calming activity to do after a long week! I really enjoyed it - thanks Charlie! X"

Jo B reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Excellent candle making session with my daughter. We learnt loads and left with beautiful candles! X"

Sharon B reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Really fun, interesting and informative. Charlie is lovely and even provided us with tea, coffee , cakes and even a bottle of bubbles !! Thanks so much I really enjoyed it and can't wait to start making candles."

Neil Parker reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Just had a weekend at Anvil Forge on the chef's knife making course. I had the best time, John, Steve & Alex were brilliant. It was a really welcoming place with so much knowledge and a keenness to pass that on but with the freedom to make it your own. Throw in a couple of tasty pub lunches and you couldn't ask for any more! Thanks again"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Neil thanks for you comments , I am saying this on behalf of myself and the team that we enjoyed working together with all of you on the class. I must say that you all produced some great knives that you can be proud of. We hope to see you again soon , Alex has been refining his Damascus skills and watch this space for more info on Pattern welded knives and small axes! John"

Marni reviewed: Flower crown workshop & bubbly in Brighton

"Charlie's studio was really cosy and welcoming. My friend and I decided to make a silk flower head dress instead of using the fresh ones that the rest of the group were doing. Charlie's expertise about floristry and creative approaches was evident throughout and I'll definitely be booking again so I can try out the other activities she does. Really great value too, my daughter was delighted with her new flower crown:) Thanks Charlie!"

Neville Britton reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"I only have good things to say about this course. If you're in to metal working then I highly recommend attending. Andy was superb, making the day interesting and extremely fun. A completely genuine lad with a clear passion for his craft. I enjoyed it immensely and will for sure be heading back to Highfield Forge for another class. Cheers for the day Andy. I love my knife!"

Wilma Howat reviewed: Crochet With Crafty Sal

"Salena runs a class for all skill levels and makes everyone feel confident no matter their ability. Patterns are printed and explained/demonstrated as a class and one to one. Theres always laughter and learning in equal measure and it’s time for home before you know it! Great value and good for the soul what more can you ask for?"

Matt Agget reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I spent the day learning about wood turning with George, having not used a lathe since I was in school. George was a great teacher and had a good balance between him showing and us doing, and the end result was something we could be proud of. I'd definitely do it again to learn some different techniques or take someone along with me.""

Julie Briant reviewed: ZZZ Silver bangle making course in South Devon*FULL*

"Thoroughly enjoyed this bangle making workshop on Saturday with a group of friends. Such a lovely thing to do - and you don’t have to be particularly creative! With some guidance from the lovely Fi, I was able to produce two bespoke bangles - one copper and one silver. I’m going to keep the copper one for myself and give the silver one as a gift. Such a therapeutic activity and a sense of accomplishment at the end. I shall be returning to make some earrings and a ring and will be buying vouchers for gifts for friends because it’s such a lovely experience. Thank you!"

Bigbury Mint responded:

"Hi Julie, I'm really pleased you enjoyed the course! I think it's a great thing to do with your friends and your bangle is a permanent reminder of the day. Thanks for taking the time to leave a message. Matthew."

Lara Horner reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I have been on a few Candle by Event courses now and have loved them all. I went on the beginner course, intermediate course and the Christmas one. Sarah is a great teacher and always available for talking through all the mishaps I have tried after the course. She makes you feel at relaxed and comfortable during the courses (as I attend on my own), and always makes sure the information is relevant for those in the room and is a truly encouraging and supportive teacher. I would definitely recommend the array of courses on offer... I will keep attending them as I always learn something new."

Candle by Events responded:

"Hi Lara, thank you for your kind words."