Latest reviews

Susan from Worcester reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Another delightful day stitching at Tigley! Julie is such an inspiration and her gentle patience is so calming. Tea, coffee and home made cake is a welcome bonus!"

Ruth from Worcester reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"I don't know what to say that I haven't said before......I'd really like to explore this medium further."

Andy Hopkinson reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Bought this as a generous birthday present by my lovely family. Having been interested in knife-making for a while after watching tv shows like "Forged in Fire" I was very excited at the prospect of having a go myself. Have no doubt, this course delivers that and then some. All the other reviews are entirely right; this is a brilliant day, working through the many steps with clear guidance and help when needed. Just the right number of people and access to equipment. The tuition and coaching is truly expert, and (on the course I attended) everyone had great fun and came away with a handsome knife they felt proud of. I'm hugely proud of mine, and so enjoyed spending a day with Graham and David. I can't wait to go back."

Andy Hopkinson reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Bought this as a generous birthday present by my lovely family. Having been interested in knife-making for a while after watching tv shows like "Forged in Fire" I was very excited at the prospect of having a go myself. Have no doubt, this course delivers that and then some. All the other reviews are entirely right; this is a brilliant day, working through the many steps with clear guidance and help when needed. Just the right number of people and access to equipment. The tuition and coaching is truly expert, and (on the course I attended) everyone had great fun and came away with a handsome knife they felt proud of. I'm hugely proud of mine, and so enjoyed spending a day with Graham and David. I can't wait to go back."

Hannah reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"We have just finished a morning course making beautiful enamelled pictures with Teresa. Fantastic course and fantastic host. Will definitely be returning!"

Claire Howe reviewed: Stained Glass Leaded Panel in New Romney, Kent

"I thoroughly enjoyed this one day course. A small group of us, who were made to feel very welcome by both Yolanda and John. Although a bit daunting to begin with (as with anything new), Yolanda soon put us at ease with her very relaxed manner and was a very good & thorough teacher. The room, where we were working, was very light and airy. As all materials and equipment that we required to create our piece of stained glass were provided, the cost of the course was extremely good value. A very impressive lunch, afternoon tea and cake plus hot/cold drinks throughout the day, was exceptional. I am certainly looking forward to my next course! See you both in December."

Mary Oswald reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I traveled from Pennsylvania to attend the 3 day intensive with Nigel in Los Angeles. It was worth every penny. In addition to being a fantastic teacher and selflessly sharing his vast wealth of leather crafting knowledge, he created a relaxing and fun classroom atmosphere. I had such a wonderful experience and came away with new skills and techniques that I can apply to my leather business. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to study under him and hope to do it again in the future."

Della Pascoe reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"What an absolutely fabulous workshop. The morning was fun and informative. We made lovely pieces and I would definitely do it again."

Jess Wickins reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Went to Jake for a blacksmithing experience with my other half to celebrate my birthday. The day was just brilliant. Warm welcome, clear demonstration and support throughout. Jake provided a relaxed environment and was phazed by nothing (including an epic tool malfuntion caused by some over enthusiastic cleaning!). Would recommend this day to anyone with an interest in hitting hot metal with hammers."

Peter Thomas reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had an amazing day at the forge with Mort. Learnt so much about techniques used in basic forge work. Mort is an excellent tutor and very patient with complete novices such as I! I would definitely recommend spending a day at Firebird Forge learning this ancient art. I hope to come back!"

Gordon MacGregor reviewed: Table making course - Scottish Highlands

"I really enjoyed the course, and Aaron was a very good teacher. Had 3 great days and came home with a lovely coffe table at the end of it. I stayed in ACE Adventures which was v nice too."

Jo Murphy reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I had a great time learning crochet with my friend Linda. I wasn't expecting to be able to do so much after just two hours. I made another granny square when I got home, which is now well on the way to being a blanket, something I've wanted to do for a very long time. Ann is a great teacher and the notes we received mean I can try other things and have something to refer back to. Thank you Ann for passing on such a great skill."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Jo for your review. I'm glad you and your friend enjoyed your workshop and found it useful and helpful in providing you with a new skill. Hope you manage to complete your blanket. Do send me a picture - I love seeing the work people craft after their session. Kind regards, Ann"

Jordan Richards reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"Great 2 days in the forge, shown the techniqes and let get one with it. Any point I was having some difficulty or making life harder than it needed to be he was there to help me get back on track. Really impressed with the work I was able to do under his guidance."

Jordan Richards reviewed: Making a Handmade Leather Wallet with Nigel Armitage

"Excellent course takes you through the basics of pattern making to turning it into a finished wallet. Good teacher on how to use the tools so that you end with a good finished peice. I had a brilliant day learning the start of a new craft"

Lydia Clark reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"We had a lovely day creating jewellery on the narrow boat. It was the perfect 21st birthday present, I created a sentimental piece of jewellery and made memories with my family to! Great experience and fab to be able to say I made my birthday present! Highly recommend!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lydia - lovely to meet you and your family. I'm hoping I might have inspired with more future crafting experiences. Jonathan"

Becky reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Took my 7 year old to a class yesterday, which had been shortened to an hour and a half (in keeping with the attention span of a younger person). My son loved it. May, the instructor, was so good with him and kept him busy while I was able to concentrate on my own creation. He made 2 items in that time and I can't wait to see them when they've been fired. I've already recommended this workshop to a number of friends."

Panna reviewed: Learn how to screen print using paper stencils

"Great introduction to screen printing in a lovely setting with lovely people. Nice and relaxed day and extremely grateful for all the advice and teaching me a new skill ! I found it very relaxing and enjoyable. Great day which i highly recommend!!!"

Ruth reviewed: Take raw fleece to finished fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"I really enjoyed the 2 day course. It was instructive, in pleasant surroundings and pleasant company. I learnt a great deal and it spurred me on to continuing with fleece and spinning. The first day was particularly intense and exhausting! Maybe we're no longer used to concentrating for long periods........a printed hand-out would be useful with basic details of each process."

Maurice Rutherford reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"A very relaxed and informative intoduction to spoon carving in a great venue. Looking forward to more of the same!"

Adrian Watts reviewed: Beginners’ Dry Stone Walling Course

"Well organised course. Advised prior to course date items of clothing etc needed. Full instructions on meeting place together with a map and contact details. The instructors were very knowlageable and provided excellent coaching. We worked together in teams of four with one instructor per team. I would highly recommend this course. There is a real sence of acheivement at the end of the 2nd day when you see your handy work."

Jackie reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"Really lovely course. Beautiful location and very relaxed, but informative course. Catherine is very knowledgeable and good at sharing that knowledge. Highly recommend."

Bryony reviewed: Spoon carving, 2 days with Steve Tomlin in the Yorkshire Dales

"Just finished the two-day October 2018 course with Steve. On the train home as I write and already I want to come back. Steve was so willing to share his spoon carving skills (and he's pretty good at it) it made learning a pleasure. Rachel and Mike have a beautiful place and are the most welcoming hosts. The weather was cold and rainy and we were warm and well-fed and completely absorbed in our spoons. When the cloud lifted the views were stunning.... It was a wonderful way to spend two days. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning a woodcraft."

Julian Stacey reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I had a very interesting and productive day with Mort at Firebird Forge. Excellent day, I highly recommend this course! Thank you Mort."

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

"I can 100% recommend Melanie's fused glass course held at Creative with Nature in Todmorden. As a novice on the subject, I found her tutoring easy to follow and relaxed. All materials are provided for the pieces you make and with lunch and refreshments thrown in, this is a very reasonably priced, fun day. The booking process was straight forward and Melanie is a good communicator throughout. Please go and do the workshop.. You will LOVE it!"

Beth reviewed: Art + Wine Evening

"I have to say that I was pretty amazed with how my painting turned out. I had previously done a wine & painting class where it was much more prescriptive and everyone paints the same picture. This class gives you the option to choose your painting and learn a bit more in the process. Also, I can confirm that it's great for all levels - I have very little artistic talent but still managed to make something worth framing."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Beth. Thanks for your lovely feedback about the art and wine evening! We're so glad you found it just right in terms of the mix between instruction, and leaving you to develop your own style of painting. We think Suzanne has got the balance just right so that the class works for those who have never picked up a paint brush before, as well as those who would like to develop their skills, or give acrylic paint a try for the first time. Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective again soon. Lynn x"