Latest reviews

Marie Howard reviewed: Introduction to Woodturning - Full Day

"I cannot praise Rick enough. He is obviously excellent at his craft and a natural tutor. I was exceptionally nervous but his calm manner and professional approach to explaining helped me to have a thoroughly enjoyable day. His small, but well equipped, workshop means that you get plenty of supervision and help if you need it. I was amazed at what he helped me to achieve in 1 day. Relaxing over a delicious lunch was a lovely touch too. Thank you for a super day, to celebrate my birthday."

Rick Dobney Woodturning responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Marie, I'm delighted you enjoyed your birthday surprise. You should be proud of the projects you have to remind you of the day. All the best Rick "

Deborah Rigg reviewed: Willow Christmas Reindeer

"It was fantastic and had a lovely day"

Steve Fogerty reviewed: One day Wood Carving Experience

"What a great day with Pete and the other participants of the group. If you want to give carving a try, do this course. Pete is an excellent teacher, giving everybody time and encouragement. Just what you need as a beginner. You can produce a passable first piece of work in the day, learning about the tools and maintenance. as well as loads of other tips Pete drops in. You don't need masses of expensive equipment to start, you can add as your skill and ambition increases. The tea flowed as did the chat, very nice lunch, so all in all, a great day. A new hobby, very satisfying. Thank you PETE "

Andrew Deeley reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"A fantastic and pretty comprehensive introduction in to the art of traditional leaded stain glass. Paul, the tutor, was amazing. Small group of 4 wonderful 'apprentices'. He could not have been any better. On top of that you leave with a fantastic stained glass panel. A perfect present for a loved one, friend, or even for yourself! "

Liz Inchley reviewed: Festive Fusing - Christmas Curve and Decorations

"Really enjoyed this craft experience! Run by two lovely ladies who were very welcoming and offered excellent tutorial and advice throughout. Hot drinks and a mince pie gratefully received too. Can't wait to see how our pieces turned out!"

Zora reviewed: Stained Glass 3d Copper Foiling for Beginners - Wreath or Flower Cascade at Vitreus Art

"The course was great - lovely studio with all the tools, ample cups of tea for fuel, and Mike was a patient and instructive teacher. The explanations were easy to follow, and I felt very confident with this skill that I had never used before. Also enjoyed meeting and chatting with interesting people. Will definitely come again, and there are so many courses to choose from!"

Vitreus Art responded:

"Thanks for your review Zora - it was a pleasure having you in the studio! KR Mike"

Ana reviewed: Spoon Carving - Slojd Workshop

"I had an excellent experience with Max at the Spoon Carving Workshop. Max is friendly, very knowledgeable, and welcoming, creating an atmosphere where you feel comfortable asking questions and learning at your own pace. He was also flexible and accommodating when I needed to change my date, which was greatly appreciated. The space is warm and cozy, which made the whole day feel relaxed and enjoyable. Max provided all the tools and clearly explained how to use them. I left with a beautiful handmade spoon and a strong desire to learn more."

Laura reviewed: Enamelling on Copper for Jewellery (vitreous glass kiln enamelling)

"I was amazed at how many different pieces we managed to make and the quality of the pieces that we produced. Eleanor was such an encouraging, easy to ask questions of and patient teacher. I learnt so much about the processes and art/craft of enamelling. I had an amazing time and made two necklaces and a pair of earrings."

Nancy reviewed: For Linda - Glass Workshop - December - Christmas Decorations

"I really enjoyed this class, good instruction and plenty of choice of materials included. Totally relaxing. Highly recommend "

The Dart Centre responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Nancy, we are so pleased that you enjoyed the class and we hope to see you again next year! Best wishes, Laura"

Sharon reviewed: Woodturning Taster for two - Half Day

"Really great few hours getting stuck in straight away to Wood turning a bowl. Rick was a very good teacher. Thank you"

Rick Dobney Woodturning responded:

"Hi Sharon, I'm glad you and your sister enjoyed the Woodturning Taster half day, you both should be proud of the bowls you completed. All the best Rick "

Max reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"Me and my kids had a great time yesterday doing this. The staff are really fun, friendly and attentive. The activity itself was great and we're all super proud of what we achieved. Everything was prepared brilliantly, explained clearly, and everyone in the room was having a great time."

Mandy reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"Absolutely brilliant - loved it! Chris is the best tutor and leaves you to (almost) make your own mistakes which means you really learn and it's truly your creation rather than mostly his. Would thoroughly recommend. "

Mary Yates reviewed: Textile Pet Portraits - Applique and Free-motion Embroidery YORK

"This is a fabulous course. Attended on Friday feeling overwhelmed and met a lovely tutor and classmates. We were all new to this skill with two not ever using a sewing machine and we all went home with amazing picture of our pets. Will be definitely be doing further courses soon."

Liz reviewed: Textile Pet Portraits - Applique and Free-motion Embroidery YORK

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. I had never used a sewing machine before and her patience with me was commendable! A great deal of fabrics to choose from, lovely samples to look at of her work and if I had to describe the day in one word it would be Inspirational."

Sarah Parker reviewed: Silver ring making, half day course

"I booked the half day ring making workshop for a friend's birthday. Mark was an excellent tutor. He talked us through, and showed us, how to produce different designs and showed us each step of the process. We had a great morning making our rings under Mark's watchful eye. I'd definitely recommend this workshop. Excellent value for money, great tuition and a fab cuppa too!"

Vanessa reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Such a fantastic course! I've been wanting to try glassblowing for so long and I'm so glad I finally did it! It was a great hands-on experience, got to make four different pieces; so you really get a a chance to get the hang of it! Ricky was so lovely, he clearly explained every step, he also had model pieces we can follow. He's so knowledgeable and calm, it was just a great day, can't wait to try it again!"

Donovan Flintham reviewed: Kiln fired Enamelling with Katie Sanderson. Full day workshop

"A delightful day with a brilliant tutor, beautiful enamel pieces made by all four of us, skills and information passes on in a really kind environment. Thank you Katie"

Phil walker reviewed: Drum Lampshade Making Class at Unique Cottage Studios, Spalding, Lincolnshire

"Absolutely fantastic lady who shows you how to make lampshades is very patient and will answer any questions no rush. Superb course "

Finch and Toad responded:

"Hi Philip Thank you so much for your fab review. It was a pleasure to meet you both. Your shades looked fantastic. !"

Christine Myant reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I attended the Hare Sculpture workshop which can only be described as excellent. Jo is an amazing tutor. She prepares and delivers a well structured course, which results in everyone being able to produce an end piece which one can be proud of. In all honesty it is the best course I have ever attended. I am looking forward to booking another one of Jo’s courses in 2026. An amazingly enjoyable day. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Christine - very humbling when you say its the best course you have attended. Would love to see you back in the studio in 2026. Jo xx"

Michelle reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My dad and I had an amazing day with Jo, making our hare sculptures. I honestly didn’t think it was possible for me to achieve what I did, but Jo talked us through each stage of the process, and explained everything so clearly, we both ended up with a masterpiece! Jo made us feel so welcome in her home, and the workshop is in such beautiful surroundings too. It was a truly relaxing and wonderful day and we definitely want to do another workshop! Thank you Jo "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Michelle. It was lovely having you in the studio working alongside your Dad. Enjoy making the kits you took home (photos please!). Jo x"

Tony Lockwood reviewed: Introduction to Woodturning - Full Day

"Rick’s course is fantastic! Rick has masses of skills and experience, coupled with a clear, calm teaching style. You get a lot of hands on practice and one to one help. You also get to actually make something useful to take home. The workshop has everything you could possibly need and the hospitality was perfect for the occasion. I will definitely attend other courses and would thoroughly recommend Rick"

Rick Dobney Woodturning responded:

"Thank you very much Tony, I'm pleased that your day with me hit the mark. You'd be very welcome to return for further training as you progress with woodturning. Thanks again and have a great Christmas. All the best - Rick"

Abigail reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"Had an absolutely wonderful day with Liz learning how to do gel plate printing at the workshop last week! Although I was anxious about trying something new, Liz was a brilliant tutor and helped me feel at ease from the moment she greeted me at her beautiful studio. It was such fun to be able to play with colour and texture and I was amazed at how well my prints turned out. I would not hesitate to recommend Liz's workshops, she knows her stuff and made the day a really relaxing and restorative treat."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Abigail, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for letting me know about your time working at the studio - I have a broad smile across my face. It was a pleasure working with you, seeing your skills and understanding grow, as you relaxed into the process. It’s such a great ‘kitchen table process’ and whether you’ve an odd hour or a full day at your disposal, you can quickly settle to the process. Over the Winter months, I hope you’ll have time to explore and further develop your skills and ideas. Happy printmaking Liz Wellby "

Susan Morris reviewed: Traditional christmas wreath workshop

"The course was fantastic. The materials available were first class and plentiful. Would highly recommend."

Harry W reviewed: Blacksmiths knife forging course

"Fantastic day in a forge. Great fun and learned a lot in just one day! Patient instructors who are just as enthusiastic as the students! Felt awesome at every step and ended up with a lovely knife! Highly recommended."

Bill's Workshop responded:

"Hey Harry! Was great to have you at the forge for our knife making course, really glad to hear you loved the day, your welcome back anytime for some more hammer swinging and bad jokes! Cheers Bud Billy"

Guy Teasdale reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"Excellent course with Dave. He is a superb teacher with enthusiasm and giving the right level of support and advice."