Latest reviews

Julia Barclay reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Anne is an excellent teacher and her enthusiasm and expert guidance enabled me to achieve a mosaic far better than I could have hoped for. Her workshop is very well equipped and we were amply supplied with refreshments including a delicious lunch."

Nicky Spence reviewed: Learn to papercut at Wattle and Daub, Godalming in Surrey

"A very enjoyable morning, a great group and the time passed extremely quickly as we were all concentrating so much!"

Mandy Dootson reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I had a great time on the course, I felt a bit out of my depth at times but Kate was brilliant - really patient and helpful, and I'm still amazed that I managed to finish a picture over the course of the day (the time went very quickly)! There was a lot to take in but it was really interesting and enjoyable."

Liz R reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"Laura offered a safe, supportive space in her studio to explore the basics of Lino printing. Clear, step by step instructions intertwined with plenty of time to 'explore to learn’; sympathetically balanced across the whole day. Highly recommend. I feel excited about now stepping forth as a beginner printer!"

Elke Treherbert reviewed: Introductory course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"A truly inspirational course. It was my second course with Christine and I am glad I did it. Again we enjoyed the private atmosphere in Christine's workshop and a nice round of similar-minded people. We got lots of options to try and everyone produced a unique felting object, or even two. I gave it a go with nuno-felting and concentrated more on trying different techniques simply because Christine's experience of working with the different materials to produce a good quality fabric is massive. It was again an amazing day and I am looking forward to practice now on my own."

Elke Treherbert reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"It was my first felting experience and it was great. Christine is an amazing, inspiring, knowledgeable teacher. As first-time felter I benefited massively from Christine's experience. We not only made our hats, beyond that is was a real eye-opener what you can do with felt in terms of patterns, material-mix, shapes, and uses. It is a very intimate learning environment giving each of us time to try and get help. There is no rush or pressure, just a wonderful day of hand-crafting in a beautiful setting with people sharing the same interest. I enjoyed it a lot and will come back for another of the courses. Elke, Treherbert"

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you Elke! It's been great having you on my courses. I hope I'll see you again."

Christine reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"Had a great day turning an old, damaged table hidden by a tablecloth, into something I can now have out on display. Learnt lots and would definitely recommend Charlotte’s course."

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Thank you Christine for your lovely review. You worked so hard on Saturday to bring your old table back to life, it looked wonderful in the end, and we had a good giggle too! :)"

Kristen reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"This was a wonderful 3-day course, which was exhilarating and fascinating by turns. Lucy is an experienced stone carver and a brilliant teacher; her tuition was very hands-on, and while she taught us all we needed to know about different tools and carving methods, she was also keen to help us develop our own sense of independence when it came to believing in, and following through on our ideas. The small class size meant that we received guidance when needed, and that we developed a lovely rapport over the weekend: chat and moral support was in abundance as we worked our way through our respective blocks! Lucy was very flexible in her hours and let us work for an extra hour or two at the end of the day if we wanted to, and - most importantly - she knew exactly when tea and sustenance was needed. As many people have mentioned, the lunches and sweet treats Lucy provides are delectable - and a real pick-me-up during intensive carving sessions. I have begun to source tools and stone at home, and look forward to experimenting with carving in my own time. Lucy's course certainly gave me the confidence to move things forward on my own."

Nicki Hamilton reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two afternoons that I attended Anne's classes. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. Some of the people are so incredibly talented and they really gave me an idea of what I could achieve with a lot of practice. Anne took time to show me different methods and techniques as well as tutoring me from scratch with the basics so that I felt I really achieved something in the two afternoons. If only I lived closer I would be there every week!"

Dave Strange reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A great introduction to woodturning. Mark has an infectious enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge which he shared with patience. This amazing day was bought for me as a present by my son, who was fed up with me saying how much I enjoyed woodturning at school some 50 years ago and wanted to take it up again in my retirement. He cleared out the junk from my cabin at the end of the garden, bought me some woodturning tools, two books and now the course with Mark. After the course I was sent a shopping list that included lathes. No excuses now!!"

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

"We enjoyed a relaxing day, as a group of friends, making unique and beautiful jewellery from egg boxes. Eleanor and her partner were both hospitable and inspirational. Their knowledge of their respective crafts is second to none. Thank you!"

Katy Munn reviewed: Felt Pod Vessels

"Emma was a great teacher - patient, encouraging and informative - and I really enjoyed the morning. I am delighted with my pot!"

Blacksmithing Day reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a wonderfully enjoyable day! Learning more about the art of being a blacksmith (and it is most definitely 'an art'!) and having a go yourself. Warm welcome on arrival sets you up for a great day under the guidance of Adrian and Andy - there were 10 in the group on the day, plenty of space to work, good craic and always on hand to offer great advice (and put it right when you went off track..'Well that looks a bit different to when Adrian did it..'). Clear instruction and nicely paced you sensed you were clearly learning as you go. The whole experience was topped off wonderfully by the food on hand - tea/coffee on tap, great lunch and a double portion of crumble (always a winner in my book) - Debbie will be appearing in the Yorkshire 'Good Food Guide' soon in her own right. Great value and highly addictive ( - the Blacksmithing that is....)Very welcoming and relaxed. Thanks again for a great day. My 80 yr old Father in Law loved it - as did I. Thanks again - and we look forward to coming back again later in the year. Cheers!"

denise reviewed: A complete introduction to wet felting

"I took a course with Olga 3 weeks ago and spent a fascinating day with 4 others learning how to 'make felt'. I LOVED it and we had such fun. Olga is an excellent teacher and her work is inspirational... I have my felt place mat in pride of place and look forward to the next session. I was nervous as I have never done anything like this before however it was easy and fun and I had a great day out."

Michele reviewed: Silver Jewellery - Ring Making

"Silver ring making course was brilliant! Jenny made it very relaxed and easy to follow. Came home with a lovely hand made silver stunner. Very happy ? Would go on another course, definitely. Maybe come home with some earrings to match next time. Thanks Jenny and thanks Jacquie for finding it and coming with me."

Wendy reviewed: Silver Jewellery - Ring Making

"Thanks for a fantastic course, Jenny is a great teacher, calm, patient and encouraging. I am delighted with my finished ring. Can’t wait to do another course. ?"

Sue Winter reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"Booked the 2.5 hour beginners pottery course for my husband and two daughters who really enjoyed the whole experience. They could not have enjoyed it more, making 3 pots each under the excellent supervision of Jack in beautiful surroundings. Highly recommended!"

David reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian welcomed us to his lovely site and introduced me to my fellow pupils who soon became friends as we shared coffee and lunch. I was advised and helped when needed and left to work alone when able. We interacted as a group and discussed our work as we progressed. I choose a simple piece and came away with a nearly finished piece. However I have been inspired to tackle a more complicated work and Sebastian sold me a block on stone to bring home ( at a very reasonable price). I am in my mid 70s and feel that this course can be undertaken by all ages."

Michelle Shields reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Ed Bentley is a relaxed & patient teacher, his expertise & methodical approach made the weekend at Ed's studio at Spode, Stoke-on Trent, the most invaluable making/learning experience. I studied metals at the RCA a number of years ago & have since returned to the materiality of clay & now i'm developing slip mould designs. I spent a weekend, under Ed's tutoring, to develop a lathe turned shape which was then taken through the process of creating a one piece dropout mould to a three piece mould - Ed's practical intelligence is hugely inspiring, full of top tips & tricks - i've now got myself a RAD gauge set for the lathe. Ed is supportive, inspiring & a highly skilled craftsman. Thanks again for a wonderful making weekend & imparting your knowledge so generously. See you soon for Jigger Jolly training. Thanks again, Ed."

Anne Leadbetter reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I have attended four of Beatrice Hoffman's Clay Sculpture workshops and have enjoyed every minute of each one. I have been to weekend workshops and one-day ones, and in those few sessions I have learnt a massive amount about working with this fabulous material. This is mainly because Beatrice is an inspiring teacher, who allows her students to develop their own creative ideas whilst working alongside them to teach relevant skills and techniques. It is also a very relaxing and therapeutic pastime - the time just flies! She is painstaking in her advice and instruction and makes the sessions fun and enjoyable. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I have become very keen myself to produce more clay sculptures and improve my skills. I am looking forward to the next one, and would recommend her workshops to anyone, beginner or the more experienced student - you will enjoy it!"

Marty reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Got the course as Christmas present from the wife and my dad came along as a present from my mam. All we could say all day was best Christmas present ever! We had an absolute blast all day and it’s so nice to get an insight into a true art. We enjoyed it so much we are booking onto the rams head poker course in September!"

Hazel Young reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"The Slate mosaic class was excellent. Rachel was a great tutor and the set up was super with a good range of materials to work with help on hand and inspiration from many of Rachels pieces."

M. S. reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I first came to Beatrice with my husband and daughter (all total beginners) for two private sessions. We all got completely absorbed and produced pieces that we were proud of. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed handling the clay and how calming it was. The studio and garden environment is very inspiring and I found Beatrice’s teaching style really effective, with gentle guidance and support that puts you in control of the process but with lots of support when needed; her eye and advice is invaluable to help point you in the right direction. I have now got hooked and have been coming to a regular fortnightly class for the past term. I am gaining so much from these sessions, both about shape and form but also about myself and the way that I work. Sculpting helps me to slow down and pay attention to detail in a way that I am finding very therapeutic."

Sculpture Workshops Oxford responded:

"Thank you , Anne! that is very encouraging!"

Diane reviewed: Bird sculpture - clay, paper, mixed media craft workshop

"A fantastic day. Went with my two children and my daughter was so delighted to have made something herself just like she might have seen for sale in art gallery."

NIKKI SZABO responded:

"Hi Diane, Thank you for coming onto the workshop, it was so lovely meeting you all. You and your children did a fantastic job and created some gorgeous pieces of art work. Well done! Because of your interest in the lantern workshops. I shall be adding it onto the website, sooner rather than later. So keep your eyes peeled and hopefully see you all again very soon! Best wishes, Nikki x"

Natalie Rowe reviewed: Have a Go Pottery: throwing

"I bought a 1-1 with Mary for my partner who has always had an interest in pottery but never tried it. Mary was so lovely, she had a real way of explaining things (and making it look amazingly easy with her demonstrations). She has great attention to detail and plenty of patience. As a complete beginner Mary was fabulous, but looking at some of her beautiful pieces, I don't doubt that she'd be a great inspiration and teacher to those just looking for the next step or a refresher course."