Latest reviews

Jenny Holland reviewed: The natural health chest: assemble your own herbal medicine chest for health and wellbeing

"I have thoroughly enjoyed Rowan’s herbal courses and have continued to recommend them to everyone! There is something rather magical about walking into Rowan’s home, being greeted like a friend and sitting down to a fresh mug of delicious herbal tea. It’s a feast for the senses with all kinds of smells and lots of herbs in various bottles and bags on the kitchen table waiting to be chatted about, measured, simmered and stirred. Rowan has a wealth of knowledge and shares this informally and professionally, ready to answer questions as they arise. The courses are well structured with lots of practical work. Everything from identifying plants in her beautiful garden, collecting leaves, roots and berries to making concoctions. Having a seasonal lunch with yummy homemade cake adds to the whole experience. I have come away feeling empowered and energised and still use many of the recipes that Rowan shared. Rowan’s medicine course has completely changed my approach to dealing with the inevitable family sicknesses and I now have a stash of herbs that I use frequently for coughs, colds, temperatures and tummy bugs. Thank you Rowan for passing on your knowledge, it’s vital!"

Rowan Mconegal responded:

"Thanks Jenny, really pleased that you found the course so useful and empowering, and are going to carry on using this precious knowledge."

Amanda Drury reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"I had a blissful day carving away at the lino and creating a series of prints. Laura is an excellent teacher, really patient and attentive, inspiring us with her artworks and the possibilities of what can be done. Lunch was also nice. I would highly recommend"

Robert Nancy reviewed: Stacking rings Warwickshire

"Booked this for my wife as a Birthday present and to say she was delighted is an understatement. The day did not disappoint, her rings are really impressive and she said it was a great experience."

Carol Huie reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I wondered what could I possibly make and at the end had made cufflinks, pendants, beads, earrings and broaches. The sparkling vibrancy of the pieces that I’ve made has made me keenly look for another course with the tutor, Eleanor. The studio is a treasure in just the right location. The content, findings and the duration of the course was spot on. Well worth doing."

Eleanor Designs responded:

"Thank you Carol! It was great to have you on my course and see you explore glass as a new medium for your jewellery making. Well done, you should be proud of your beautiful pieces! I hope to see you again soon!"

Kim Metcalf reviewed: Needle felt your Dog or Cat

"This is a great course if you want to have a go at this craft for the first time, or even if you have done some before. With Jo's expert guidence you can leave after the single day with a finished animal - made to a high standard. Jo's method is very sculptural so you gain confidence in building your model from the ground up - no cheating wires or frames that you would find in starter kits ! Its a great way to spend a day, very good value, a great teacher and a lovely venue. Highly recommended."

Chris reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"I am currently attending the Fundamental Art Course with Raya Brown. She is so encouraging and has a great deal of patience! She explains techniques in an easily understood manner and makes each lesson a pleasure...you leave feeling a sense of achievement and looking forward to the next one! Practice at home is now addictive for me! I have also been to several Wool Painting workshops with Raya Brown and these have been fantastic also....a new hobby! Continue doing what you are doing Raya Brown!"

Abbie-Louise Harmer reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Great 2 hours spent learning a new skill. Alice is friendly and a great teacher, I would highly recommend!"

Marion Campbell reviewed: Japanese woodblock printing - two day course

"It was a delight to experience a new form of printmaking using organic materials and media. Rowan prepared good notes for the course in advance and supported the practical work with her enthusiasm for the art form and for her time spent developing her skill in Japan."

Rowan Mconegal responded:

"Thanks for your feedback Marion, much appreciated. I'm so pleased that you have enjoyed the courses that you have come on."

Craig Evans reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I would highly recommend this course. I completed the intermediate course early in 2018, after the beginners course in 2017. Both courses were great. Really informative and fun, but hard work! It was amazing to take home the end result along with new skills. Ciarán is a fantastic teacher, and a lovely bloke. Organised, patient and unassuming, which makes the course great for complete newbies, or hobbyists with a bit of experience already. The workshop is a welcoming environment (although make sure to wrap up in the colder months), and the tools he has for students to work with are great."

Julie reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I thoroughly enjoyed the owl workshop. The atmosphere was friendly and supportive. Following Żenia’s excellent and patient tuition we all went home with a felted owl that we could be proud of. I highly recommend the workshops and will be booking another one."

Tor reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I really enjoyed my day with Lee creating a winter landscape lino print. I had a little bit of experience with print making but I still learnt so much from Lee – especially about colours, simplifying a landscape to suit a lino print and the reduction technique – and was amazed that I managed to create a three layer lino print in one day. And, more importantly, it looked like the River Wye landscape I was trying to emulate! Lee's calm and confident manner was infectious and he effortlessly moved around the group supporting each person either with a positive comment or some hands-on assistance. It was lovely spending time learning, creating and chatting with a friendly and supportive group of people. From seeing everyone's seemingly not too impressive first printed layer it was amazing to watch each individual lino print landscape come to life as the next two layers were added. A hugely inspiring day."

Barney reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Went on the course having never held a chisel and came home with two items I manged to make over the two days. Very relaxed cousre and Gerald had plenty of time for all the students. It might even be worth going just for the food."

Martin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I did a workshop mid-June in Weymouth and really enjoyed it. The workstation was laid out well for easy usage. John was inspirational and very helpful as this was my first time. I brought home a piece of work that I’m very proud of and my wife loves. This course is definitely worth doing and is worthwhile”."

Andrea Hobbs/Robert Thompson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a really enjoyable day making our dragons and spirals! Great fun, the right level of tutoring and guidance from the guys, lovely lunch and cake from Debbie, sense of achievement for us both and lots to think about afterwards! Thank you so much Andrea & Rob ...and Rob may be back!"

Brenda reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"I recently did a workshop with John, it was an amazing experience, John was so patient, and explained things in laymen terms. After two hours of chipping and Johns expert help I walked away with a beautiful yacht set in Portland stone. I can honestly say it’s probably one of the things I am most proud of. I defiantly will be going to another of Johns workshops."

Pipa reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"Having never done anything like this before, I was full of trepidation but Jonh was great. I learned so much, I went from beginner to smug in just a few hours. John gave me the tools to crest a satisfying carving. I would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you."

Wendy Treble reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"Rosanna remained unphased by my daughter and me as we changed our minds over the leather we wanted to use for our bags! We had a lovely , memorable day and both managed to complete a beautiful bag, fully lined with zip pockets..we were both proud of our achievements. Rosanna was very skilled at demonstrating and then standing back to allow us to get on with the various processes ...and then stepping in to help when we needed rescuing! We would both recommend the one day course to others. The workshop is charming, the cafe close by and most welcome for lunch but above all, Rosanna is a skilled teacher. Thank you."

Diane Woodward reviewed: Annie Sloan Method with Chalk Paint for Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - The Basics

"I have no previous experience of upcycling, but Steph was very knowledgable and gave and group lots of useful information. I didn’t realise how much you could do with the Annie Sloan paint. I really enjoyed the pace of the course and the time that was taken in explaining every stage of a painting project. Tea and cake was excellent to."

Debbie Mills reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"What an amazing and fun day . Bev taught us so much on this day course . I came away inspired and proud of my achievements. I would recommend everyone give it a go !"

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thanks so much Debbie! You know you can always come for a refresher if you want to start making your glass at home again - just get in touch x"

Bronwen Archer reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I absolutely loved this workshop. It was such a relaxing and creative atmosphere with Melanie who is an excellent teacher as well as a very lovely person. I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone who is looking to start learning a new skill or simply want a day of creativity making some lovely glass pieces."

Hope Best reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day with Bev. I’ll definitely be booking another course."

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thanks so much for the great review Hope - what a lovely day we had! It was lovely to meet your mum and your son too!"

Sally Swindell reviewed: One day introduction to glass fusing in Medway, Kent

"I loved my day doing this course. Bev is a wonderful tutor; friendly and informative. I still love my creations that I came away with and considering the pieces you come away with, and the personal tutoring you get, I think it's well worth the money. A great day."

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Sally! It was so nice having you and your family in the studio for a day."

Matt Addinell reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"I had a fantastic time learning to spoon carve with Jeffrey. I had no experience of spoon carving, or woodwork in general, before this but that caused no issue. All of the tools were provided and the pace of the teaching was excellent. Jeffery really took the time to explain and demonstrate each stage and technique so i never felt out of my depth. I found spoon carving with Jeffery to be incredibly satisfying and surprisingly relaxing and recommend it to everyone. Be warned, you may find it addictive."

Alison Mansfield reviewed: Needle felt landscapes workshop on Orkney, including lunch

"Just didn't know what to expect as my husband bought me Catherine's felting workshop as a Christmas gift but it was a superb day. I had wondered how on earth I would spend 6 hours sticking needles in a bit of fabric...but I was totally engrossed for the whole time. Catherine allowed creativity to flow and interjected with expert advice whenever necessary. She was great company. I was so proud of the landscape I created and still can't quite believe how easy I found it. I would highly recommend Catherine's felting workshop to anyone including total beginner like me."

Adrian Whybrew reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Thank you Mark for a great introduction to woodturning. Your enthusiasm and the tuition I received were second to none. I intend to contact one of the local groups and begin to equip my workshop to enable me to begin turning in earnest."