Latest reviews

Matt rodney reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"A great patient teacher , who passed on his knowledge of the tools used and type of stone to be carved , anyone can easily carve under johns instructions, a great way to spend a morning , well recommended *****"

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Matt - thank you for your review of John's stone-carving course and so happy you had a good day. If you are ever thinking of joining another if his courses he will be here teaching on 2nd September."

Amal reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"It's been fabulous to explore my creative side and I've learnt so much. Martin has been very encouraging and supportive, pointing in the right direction when I needed it too. The others in the class have been inspiring with their wonderful creativity. Highly recommend these classes."

Valerie reviewed: Candle making course (advanced) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Great course! We got to learn so much about candle making and had lots of fun at the same time. Reccomend to those who want to learn everything there’s to know about candles whether as a fun thing to do, or business ideas in mind. Thank you very much to Simon and Robert."

Kay Heyworth reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"I had a lovely time with the other ladies and Jools. We learned such a lot. We had had a lovely lunch and as a coeliac I was catered for the same. I left with six soaps that we all made and am now waiting with slight impatience for them to cure. She went through all the different ingredients and their properties, and we left with a lot of handouts which I have found very useful I would definitely recommend this course."

Yvonne Kerry reviewed: Fabric printing & lampshade making workshop

"I had a lovely day doing this course. Ria has a great personality and explained everything very well. She made lots of useful suggestions to make our original ideas come to life. The group was small so there was lots of individual attention. Ria even made me feel confident about freehand drawing my own shapes and making the stencils for my fabric printing! I came away with a fun nature-themed lampshade for my bedroom. I'd really like to make a couple of smaller shades now for my wall lights! The course is well worth doing and was a very enjoyable day. As an aside, the on-site restaurant is very good too!"

Michaela Kenworthy reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I booked a course for 4 friends and I to celebrate my Birthday and we could not have imagined how good the day would be. Richard is so down to earth and friendly, he makes you feel really relaxed and at home. He goes out of his way to keep the day relaxed so you can enjoy it. When we arrived we were shown around the studio and offered tea and biscuits before being shown where we would be working for the day. We were given a piece of clay and Richard demonstrates each step to you so you can create your masterpiece at your own pace. The atmosphere was relaxed and very sociable. It was a beautiful day so we all ate lunch outside in his garden and chatted some more before returning to the workshop. You are asked to bring your own lunch as there weren’t any shops nearby to buy food. Richard works from a number of different venues so I guess it depends on which one you are booked at as to whether there are any food outlets nearby. On completion of our masterpieces (we chose to do highland cattle) we were given a date from which we can collect our cows to allow Richard to fire them for us. It was such a fabulous, fun filled day doing something really different that I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes ‘creating’ things. He said he did dinosaur workshop days for kids and even offers one-one days for those who want to take their new interest to the next level. It’s an affordable fun day that you should have a go at. We will definitely be back!"

Elisabetta reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Attended on a Saturday morning with my daughter. Didn't know what to expect. I was surprised at how much you can learn in a few hours. Kerry is very knowledgeable and willing to share her "secrets". I would really recommend this course to anyone looking for something fun to do. The village it is in is very pretty too. I was visiting from Ireland and I was able to return home with a lovely hand-made (by me) souvenir. Scents that Kerry has are so numerous, and fantastic."

Yvonne Matthews reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Very interesting and informative course and Adele is welcoming and inclusive and has so much knowledge to impart I thoroughly recommend this course"

Meera Fernandes reviewed: Saturday Mosaic Making - St Albans - Hertfordshire

"I had a wonderful day. Audrey and her Mum were very inspirational and helpful. Thank you so much, I think I’m hooked. I just want to create more mosaics."

Montet Designs responded:

"Thanks for your lovely feedback Meera! It was great to meet you and see your wonderful mosaic develop throughout the day. Your finished piece was fantastic!"

Pamela Carter -Morris reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I have just had the loveliest day at Pennys beautiful home and garden.Our small group spent the morning learning about drawing and sketching with the afternoon spent painting on canvas on easels in her lovely garden which attracts lots of butterlies,(not forgetting Pennys lovely cat Star who joined us in the garden) ,the scented candles were a lovely touch .Penny has so much knowledge to share,has a warm personality and is a great tutor.I have learnt so much in one day. The relaxing environment and the lovely food all added to a lovely relaxing day. Thoroughly enjoyable, i will definately be returning for more art days/workshop."

Beverley McGough reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"Had a brilliant time making lovely soaps. Relaxed and informative course, spent a very worthwhile four hours in a lovely location with a wonderful afternoon tea included. Would love to go back and learn how to make other things. Jules is a very friendly and knowledgeable teacher!"

Scully reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'O' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"An enjoyable and instructive course. Peat has a natural flair for teaching and was very ably assisted by Giles, both of whom have a good sense of humour and patience. I learnt a great deal, although I don't think I will be a "purist" as I'll be resorting to bandsaws and drills for cutting and putting in holes. Peat will shake his head in disgust. The setting alone is worth going to. A unique house and grounds both steeped in history. Lucy Quinnell very kindly took time out to give quick tour which was fascinating. It's worth reading her articles on the property and black smithing. Her father. Richard, is a raconteur par excellence and is worth spending time with for his history on modern black smithing and the odd tale of bloody local lore. If you have even just a tiny spark of interest in the art of blacksmithing then I would highly recommend this course. Even if you don't, then go and look at the superb gallery and truly unique property. Do I get free course now?"

Jez Harris reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"A fantastic week was had by all. Jane and Jessie's enthusiasm for their art and craft was infectious, and everyone was in high spirits. The breakfast and dinner really hit the spot and I was delighted when there were leftovers available for lunch! Even though you do have to put in a lot of work to tan the hide (spoiler alert - it really pays off and you feel super proud), there was still time to make a couple of trips down to a nearby river to cool off, have a wash and mess around. Music and chatting round the campfire really was quite special. Thank you Jessie and Jane for good laughs, lots of knowledge, and a really lovely week."

Jenny reviewed: Distressed painted furniture course with refreshments

"Loved this course, lots of great info and business tips. Looking forward to the next one."

Sam Cole reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I had a wonderful day making my 2 leather journals. Lynne is a great teacher and the setting is beautiful. She is very knowledgeable and has some brilliant ideas. I can highly recommend this course - excellent!"

Kathryn reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Today's course was wonderful. Inspiring, great teaching and hospitality. Thank you. Kathryn"

Marya Hemmings reviewed: Ceramic raku workshops at The Potting Shed

"I really enjoyed my first attempt at Raku. Joy was fantastic and you did not feel that you were being rushed or confined in anyway. I was able to fell relaxed and creative. The venue is really good and easy to get to from the south. The facilities were good and I would recommend first timers or expereinced potters to have a go. Definately would work with Joy again!"

Yvonne reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Thank you for a wonderful workshop on Saturday, Dawn. I really enjoyed it; you were very encouraging and inspiring."

Gillian reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"My second weekend with Bridget and it was brilliant. The other ladies in the class were really good company. Bridget is a very patient tutor and wants you to learn. She is generous with her knowledge and skills. I have come away with so many more techniques that have added to the ones I learnt last time and feel confident to try to paint a wool picture on my own. Thanks for your encouragement and support Bridget. We all came away with amazing pieces."

Anna Ricketts reviewed: Coiled Grass Baskets

"The weekend was fabulous, with wonderful food, gorgeous scenery, interesting people, and best of all, expert tuition and encouragement from Jeanette, who delivered an outstanding course, and made us all extremely welcome. We were based at holiday cottages at Bwlch Corog nature reserve, and I brought my tent and camped at a delightful spot beside a stream close by. An added bonus was the singing which emerged so gracefully as the gathered participants settled into weaving in the landscape, and Milly Jackdaw's storytelling by the camp fire on Saturday night made it all seam very timeless. I came home with a beautiful basket, as well as a very special, immersive experience of a magical landscape. Highly recommended. Sent from my iPad"

Sam Mcelwaine reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"Tutor was knowledgeable and experienced, good easy going atmosphere, set in a lovely country area, good food, good company, good times. Worth every penny"

Eldrum and Redwolf responded:

"Thank you for your review! We thoroughly enjoyed hosting you and your brother for the workshop last weekend, and you are welcome back any time! Very best wishes, Matt and Ali"

Nick Rees reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"I originally did a green wood turning course with Ben and loved it. I then signed up for the ten week chair making course. It was a small group of great people and Ben made us all welcome. He spent lots of time with us individually guiding us through each step of the process. The techniques were varied but all very achievable. The resulting chairs were all finished to a high standard and we were all left wanting more. Ben is flexible and really easy to work with and has even been known to give extra tuition for a packet of hobnobs."

Alastair reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"Such a good course...I have in fact now signed up to build a second chair in August on one of Ben's courses in Wales. You start with a couple of logs, and 10 weeks later you have a very smart-looking formal chair. You get to use loads of challenging hand tools, foot lathes, etc. All well explained and supported by Ben. A small class of 4 means you always get enough one-to-one tuition if you're stuck. I really recommend it."

Lis Spence reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I booked two places on this course as a birthday present for a 'crafty' friend. We both had a great day and went home with two journals which were completely different and individual and of which we were inordinately proud. Lynne is a wonderful teacher, so patient and accommodating. Let's you do everything yourself but is there keeping an eye out to guide you where needed. Oh and the homemade cherry cake was delicious."

Mari reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"I attended a two day stone carving course with Oliver Coe. I thought the course was excellent. We learnt so many new skills and techniques. The setting was exceptional and it's a good team effort with Oliver and Rosina co-ordinating the day like clockwork. I have already expressed an interest in attending another course."