Latest reviews

Cat Holme reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"This is not simply a pottery day. It is a day to shed your everyday stresses and strains and relax with clay. I highly recommend going with some friends and letting the warmth of Trisha's company wrap you up in good conversation and companionship."

Aileen reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Fantastic course. Great instruction, super products to take home with you and even if you are not crafty or artistic, like me, then you will still make lovely things and have a great fun day. Lovely lunch too."

Stephanie Smith reviewed: A lino cut workshop with Linda Farquharson

"I've just completed the 2 day course with Linda, which was a special birthday gift from my brother. It was a wonderful experience - relaxed and yet highly productive. Linda is a great teacher - she shows you a technique but then You practice it on your work .This is in contrast to other courses where tutors actually work on Your pieces! The Studio is amazing as are the lunches / coffee!! I travelled over 200 miles to attend this course - it was worth it. Excellent - thanks Linda, I'll be back!!!"

Caroline & Ian reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"This workshop was absolutely fantastic. We had no previous experience of any sort of pottery and so were a little apprehensive about what to expect. We had both wanted to try to throw pots for some time. Mathew immediately put us at ease. He paid close attention to what we were doing and so could show us when we were doing things right and wrong. We learned a lot of the basics and through the course gained a bit more of a feel for the clay and how to throw different forms. Mathew is a very genuine person and a great teacher. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in gaining a new skill. Thanks so much for an amazing day in so many different ways. It was very relaxing and very informative."

Emma Crarer reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Was looking for a birthday treat for my friend, who I don't see as often as I should, and suggested a day blacksmithing might be something a bit different. We had a fantastic day, got totally immersed in the activity, and came away with some great memories and a fabulous momento made by our own hands (with a little bit of 'fixing' from David!) The historic setting of the museum was really special, and it was great fun to chat with some of the visitors during the day. David really knows his stuff, and has put a lot of thought into the techniques he tries to teach over the course of the day to give you a really good first taste of blacksmithing. He was very kind and patient with us, and we had some good laughs too."

charlie clarke reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"I just got back from this course, here are my thoughts: Jon is an extremely patient teacher, as well as a master craftsman, and he showed us how [in a small group setting] and then helped us to make things like christmas tree baubles and a vase. Twenty minutes into the day and you are getting busy with red-hot molten glass - it's a very packed six hours. The location of the course is stunning - this amazing mill which has been converted into an arts complex, by the canal. Jon makes a good lunch of it too - cooking pizzas in the kiln which is pretty special. I was given this course as a birthday present - learning to do glassblowing is something i've always wanted to try - my advice to anyone reading this is DO IT!"

Damienne Clarke reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"I loved everything about this course! Charlotte was a brilliant instructor who took time to ensure I was confident working with the materials and gave me plenty of time to experiment until I had the designs I wanted. The whole process was fascinating and I am delighted with the two pendants I made. They are really beautiful and unique and I wouldn't have dreamed I could have made something as lovely! Being able to take away my jewellery on the day was great too. I'm wearing one of the pendants and my daughter is wearing the other. We both love them. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and I'd recommend Charlotte's workshop to anyone. I will definitely be doing another one soon! Thank you Charlotte :)"

Louise Barker reviewed: Making a stained glass art hanging

"Caryl uses her stained glass work talent and mixes this with her superb teaching skill to provide a wonderful workshop. Her lesson plan is relaxed, yet ensures you have learnt a a large number of skills to be able to produce a finished product at the end of the day. The workshop is a wonderfully creative environment to begin to learn the wonders of glass and appreciate the talents of those who produce copper foiling, leaded stained glass or fused glass. Her enthusiasm is contagious and I left after one day of copper foiling, feeling proud of what I had produced, relaxed and rejuvenated and knowing I want to learn a lot more. I will be booking for another course next year."

Thomas/ Daryl Linwood reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"My Dad and I had an amazing weekend which allowed us to fulfil our Forged in Fire dream. Ali and Matt were amazing hosts very knowledgeable and easy to talk to throughout the course. The lengths which Matt was willing to go to to insure we were happy was amazing and he allowed us to create the knives in our own styles which was shown in the difference between our blades. Looking forwards to forging our axes!!!"

Eldrum and Redwolf responded:

"Thank you so much for such great feedback! Matt thoroughly enjoyed teaching you both, and we are so glad you had such a good time!"

Dave Evers reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"This course was held at the Bowl Gathering 2018. A great lesson from Adrian has helped me improve my turning skills and I'm excited to do more now I feel more confident in the process. Very knowledgeable tutor - beautiful setting! Thanks Adrian"

Carol Bader reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire is a lovely person with a knowledgeable, gentle and encouraging teaching style. Beautiful location & inspiring workspace with excellent tools to create your own masterpiece (plus great catering with continous tea coffee & drinks available). I am definitely looking forward to attending another workshop. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in trying a new art form or finding out more about linocut whatever your artistic or creative ability. From simple to incredibly intricate designs, everyone can create a fabulous piece of individual art."

Philippa Snellgrove reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"What a totally absorbing and satisfying afternoon! Claire has created a wonderfully calm, creative environment for the lino cutting and printing course, and she walked us through the processes clearly with no pressure at any point. I really appreciated her advice throughout and also the fact that she allowed us to all create our lino blocks and prints 100% ourselves. The variety of end results that the 5 of us on the course created showed how wonderfully individual this is as a craft, and it has certainly inspired me to have a go making more creations at home. I’ll certainly be back for another course with Claire."

Rebecca Heller reviewed: Painting on Glass

"I thoroughly enjoyed David's class. He is knowledgeable, patient, and encouraging. And I was surprised by how much we got accomplished in just a weekend!"

Jan Cook reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Twice Fired Studio, Leeds 2hr

"My daughter and I attended this workshop which was fantastic. Kate was so welcoming and encouraging. The studio is so homely and the atmosphere is so relaxed. We both throughly enjoyed the session which flew by. Can't wait to see the finished articles. Would definitely recommend this workshop. Will definitely visit again. Thank you for a lovely day."

Sharon Munsey reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"Ive now attended 2 workshops (bunting & suncatchers and terrariums) and I enjoyed both very much. Gigha is an excellent tutor, patient and enthusiastic and I was delighted with my glassy makes. I look forward to doing more courses with her (Id like to do a leaded workshop, mosaic and to have a go at some fused glasswork). I highly recommend her fun and friendly small classes."

Lorna from Cornwall reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I had a really lovely day and met some cheerful, like minded ladies. Presentation was excellent and I'm eager to come again, thank you Julie"

Sheila from Berkshire reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Fab Day!! A whole new world of creation. Thank you SO much Julie."

Nicky from Bristol reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Wonderful! I really didn't think I would produce a sampler in a few hours. Julie was patient and inspirational. I will be back for the lampshade workshop, thank you!"

Ian Grey reviewed: Painting on Glass

"David ran a really good course. The only thing missing was course notes to go with it. I know we will get something by email but it would have been good to have them at the time."

Julie pooley reviewed: Mosaic workshop - Merseyside

"Pleasant and warm welcome. Course was interesting and very informative. Explained very well and Bernadette knows all about mosaic art . can teach anybody the craft and skill needed too do an amazing piece off work. Thank you for a wonderful day a great day out and money well spend . good value .great for presents and a eye opening into this fantastic craft. Booked course 21st September 2018. Julie"

Rainford Design Studio responded:

"Hi Julie, so glad you enjoyed the course. It was so lovely to meet you and your mosaic dragon looks fantastic! Hope to see you again on another course x"

Jayne Towndrow reviewed: Leather journal workshop in Stockbridge, Hampshire

"I do quite a few workshops and this one is one of the very best I have ever done. I have come home with two books made - and of sufficient quality that I can give them as gifts. I was so impressed with my books, I felt as though I was brilliant. What more could one ask? A lovely, relaxed workshop with tea and cake. Both Lynne and Alison were there and both helped me to utilise a piece of enamelware I had made on a workshop elsewhere. I am so grateful that neither minded what a fusspot I was being. (I didn't mean to be, it just turned out that way.) I will be taking forward the things I have learned in this workshop and will try making some books at home. But, for today, the books - fabulous!"

SIMON DURANT reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"A great stone caving course, thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Lucy's creative tuition bought the best out in everyone. The lunches were excellent and completed a perfect long weekend. I will definitely re book again soon."

Vicky Emery reviewed: Papercraft - learn to make beautiful cards and boxes using the latest techniques

"A fun evening every month where we learn how to make beautiful cards from a very talented teacher who takes the time to help you if you are struggling. All the materials you need for the evening are provided for you.. Would recommend giving this class a go."

Brock & Abbie reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"We had the most amazing day with Lucy making our wedding rings! The idea of making our wedding rings was something that really appealed to us and, despite never having done anything like this before, we both left having made each other rings what we love and are excited about wearing forever (phew!) - but it was honestly all down to Lucy being such a wonderful, patient and kind teacher. She made us feel very welcome and helped us to design and make rings that were perfect for each of us. Thank you Lucy."

David Bradley reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just completed the weekend box making course with Mark and it was everything I wanted it to be. As you would expect, the workshop was very well equipped and Mark’s instructions and guidance on the safe and correct use of each tool or piece of equipment was spot on. I picked up lots of useful tips and tricks over the course of the weekend and I had a lovely dovetailed oak box with walnut lid to show for my efforts. A really enjoyable weekend in lovely surrounding spend with a great bunch of fellow students and a very passionate and knowledgeable craftsman. I’m off to start saving for a Wood Rat !"