Latest reviews

26 Aug 17'

Sally reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"An absolutely fantastic day with the very lovely Kate. I am now the proud owner of a beautiful squirrel! Kate is a great teacher, not only in the 'how to' of willow weaving but also in getting the proportions right. A wonderful day that went by really fast! A lovely lunch and refreshments throughout the day (thanks Dave!) and of course the company of Boris! Thanks so much Kate xxx"

26 Aug 17'

Debbie Bent reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Amazing experience for my two boys in their twenties and me their mum. Jon was inspiring, calm and encouraging and we got to make marbles, baubles and a glass each. A very hands on few hours but with Jon's gentle support guiding us each step of the way. We loved it. The peaceful location next to the river was a bonus as we walked along and saw pigs next to the swans. We all want to come but this time with my daughter too."

26 Aug 17'

Jane Newson reviewed: One to one photographic tuition London - Online

"Fantastic course. So good to be able to relax and get creative. Richard was very supportive and encouraging and it was definitely something I needed to improve my picture taking. Would highly recommend it to anyone floundering with their photography."

26 Aug 17'

Thomas Pickering reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"excellent few days, Nigel was is an excellent tutor and an expert in his field. a real and true craftsman in every sense of the word. i was given free reign to produce whatever i could conceive, (within reason) with nigels help i was able to produce 2 damascus steel knifes. ten out of ten across the board."

26 Aug 17'

Sally Rowney reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A really good 'fun woodturning' day of tuition. I was really surprised by how late Mark was prepapred to run the day in order to get the project (a bowl) finished. Mark also offers a 'technical woodturning day', for those wanting to take it up as a hobby and set themselves up with equipment. Mark is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. No question was to 'simple' or 'unaskable'. Depending on the fun/technical day Mark would give his answers with differing levels of depth. Bring lunch & snacks. Tea & coffee provided. Clean toilets are available, but if you book for a rainy day - take a coat as you have to leave Mark's workshop and walk across the yard to the toilet building. Mark gave good tuition in a helpful manner, allowing a degree of independence dependent on student confidence and ability. I completed a wooden bowl with a 'step/notch' purposely taken out from the rim to give the finished bowl a more hand crafted feel as it's not your run of the mill, bog standard churned out 'lathe-turned' bowl. I would recomment this course if you want to make something in a day. I can't comment on the technical course as I didn't do it, but Mark's depth of knowledge, teaching experience in colleges and own experience I'm sure would make the technical day course good too."

26 Aug 17'

David Thomson reviewed: Introduction to Precious Metal Clay Day Course

"Thank you so much for what can only be described as 'an incredible day'. From start to finish this course ( and staff ) totally exceeded my expectations. From arrival to departure there was an atmosphere that was 'genuinely' welcoming, and more importantly a learning experience that was second to none. I can 'highly' recommend this course to anyone without hesitation and if you are 'thinking' of enrolling, then do yourself a favour and take the plunge, you won't regret it. (even at my age!!) Good Luck in the future."

26 Aug 17'

Angela MacRae reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I have just attended a 2 day course with Maggie and had a wonderful time. Maggie is an excellent teacher, extremely passionate and full of ideas and I am now definately hooked and she has given me the confidence to make more mosaics on my own. Thank you Maggie for a lovely 2 days and I can't wait to return again next year."

26 Aug 17'

Victoria Briggs reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had an excellent day with Colin learning the basics of wood turning. Being a D&T teacher I wanted to get our school lathe back up and running and Colin gave lots of helpful advice about how I could apply things in a school situation. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and not only got lots of information relating to D&T but came away feeling very proud of my finished products. 5"

26 Aug 17'

Frances P reviewed: Private contemporary encaustic wax workshop with Lyn

"I had a wonderful day with Lyn and came away inspired to continue with the technique. Lyn is very giving with ideas to try whilst at the same time being sensitive to each person's individual approach and their desires for the type of work they would like to achieve. She gave lots of tips about equipment and how to use everyday objects to minimise costs as well as supplying a comprehensive hand out of suppliers. Focused work in a relaxed atmosphere. Great."

25 Aug 17'

Kirk Mayer reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"A very enjoyable day, with plenty of helpful advice and coaching, along with answers to all my questions. Left with a poker and a bottle opener, both forged into shape through the day. Rob and Daren were good company to boot. Highly recommended."

25 Aug 17'

Tina skinner reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"My son and I did this course. It was a wonderful introduction that also allowed us to develop our own style and thoughts within the projects Gerry set us. Gerry is a great teacher and lovely person to spend time with, she listened to our ideas and helped us make them happen. I could not recommend Fired Thoughts more highly.... We both want to do more and more with them in the future."

25 Aug 17'

Aaron Ebling reviewed: Piano Lessons

"An amazingly helpful and friendly teacher! Learning Piano was something that I really struggled to grasp growing up, but Laura has the ability to work around difficulties and incorporate them into my practice enabling me to improve. Laura's drive and passion for music helps to create a fun and inspiring environment to learn, and I cannot recommend her more!"

25 Aug 17'

Henrietta reviewed: Singing / Vocal Lessons

"Laura is passionate about singing but very empathetic to your needs, and is very happy for you to sing any style and pick your own songs. Laura always has a welcoming smile which gives you confidence even when you are full of nerves.! I love my lessons and have learned a lot, feel so much more relaxed and always look forward to the next one."

25 Aug 17'

Oliver Murphy reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"What a joy! Peter's Introduction to Greenwood course has to be the best weekend i've had all year. Peter is diligent and extremely experienced in his craft and has a lovely approach to teaching the various skills you learn throughout the two days. He guides and advises at a steady step by step pace to both the group and as individuals, helping you realise your own design. I'm certainly looking at dates for the chair making course. A charming location, weekend and tutor. Well recommended!!"

25 Aug 17'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"Again... Another great couple of days at The Phoenix Studio. Great tuition and support throughout the course. A beautiful setting and a great mix of people. You won't be dissapointed ! Thanks James:)"

25 Aug 17'

Fiona reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I had a great experience at Maggie's recently and, although I don't think I'm artistic, I surprised myself. Maggie is so enthusiastic and encouraging so I felt able to experiment with different pieces and styles. I totally went for it and really enjoyed myself. A tour of Maggie's wonderful garden has me thinking already about my next project. A great workshop which I would thoroughly recommend."

25 Aug 17'

Sonja & Lenny Black reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"My husband paid for us to go together as a present. We both had an absolutely brilliant day. Neither of us had any idea what to expect. Siobhan is an amazing character who explains the process so well, but also lets you have a free run on what you want to do. I honestly thought it wouldn't be for my husband at all, but, he loved it. I never realised he could be so patient and artistic !!! I wouldn't describe it as a course, as courses are normally boring, this day is most definitely not boring. This is a great day out where you can create your own master pieces and it also makes you realise just how skilled Siobhan really is. We will both be going back again as our xmas prezzie to each other. Many thanks to Siobhan for giving us a great day."

25 Aug 17'

Matt reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"My partner and I spent a really enjoyable day with Chris. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learing how to turn wood as Chris is extremely patient and attentive to your level of ability. Despite neither of us ever having done anything like this before we both came away with a beautiful bowl each. It was nice to know we could do it. Thanks Chris!"

25 Aug 17'

Emily Bott reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The one day saddle bag workshop with Sarah was amazing! It was such a full day of learning new skills. I am extremely pleased with the end product and it is definitely something I would like to have another go at. Sarah's teaching was clear and she has genuine expertise to share. Thank you Sarah."

24 Aug 17'

John reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"A great day this was. Enjoyable, inspirational, educational and good humoured. Robin and Daren were very helpful towards my making of a useful and decorative letter opener and a knife. I learned a great deal, about tools used and practical details, whilst they helped out where necessary. Lunch was ably provided by Susan, and was very nutritious. Many thanks for the experience."

24 Aug 17'

Kerry Thomson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a great way to spend a Saturday morning! Kerry is a natural host; warm, friendly and extremely knowledgeable about her craft. Kerry's beautiful home was the perfect location for the workshop and she made us all feel so welcome even providing the most delicious homemade scones and fresh coffee. I learnt so much about candles that I never knew before. The course made me realise that they are require a lot more care than perhaps most of us give them. It was great to share the morning with a lovely bunch of people and really interesting to see all the different amazing5 scents everyone chose for their very own hand poured candle. I can't wait to light mine - currently following the candle making rules and letting it 'cure' for seven days! I would wholeheartedly recommend this course and wish Kerry every success."

24 Aug 17'

Jane reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY VERY Special Offer for 2 people

"Thank you Kim for a great afternoon. Excellent tuition and lots of encouragment. Delighted with the outcome. Picture of bead spiders to come!"

24 Aug 17'

Chris Chadwick reviewed: Free Taster Intuitive Art for Healing & Well Being art class/free group

"This is an activity that encourages even the least confident person to explore and create in a Mindful way. Kas suggests a simple process that people can use with no 'rights' or 'wrongs' and which will evolve into something unique for each participant. She is then available to explore that process, which enhances the whole experience. Kas is a skilled creative therapist who opens the door to new ways of self-expression in the gentlest way."

24 Aug 17'

Nathalia Flanagan reviewed: Introduction to Precious Metal Clay Day Course

"Absolutely loved doing this course! Andrew and Creusa are a fantastic team in making this workshop absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed it so much I've booked on to do the Make Your Own Wedding Ring course with my husband to be. This is absolute must do course to anyone who's interested in crafts and jewellery."

24 Aug 17'

Sharon reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We spent a very enjoyable day in July making a bangle. The boat is well set up and Jonathan is a teacher by profession which shows. Usually reasonably good with crafts, I proved to be very ham-fisted on this day but Jonathan was patient and encouraging. Ended up with a lovely bangle which has been much admired and which I still find myself looking at with some amazement. Would recommend this course for anyone wanting to try working with silver for the first time."