Latest reviews

24 Jan 15'

Sian Blake reviewed: Wet Felting - Pockets and Purses (Beginners) Saturday 24th Jan

"6 of us started this workshop with no idea of what to expect. Lorraine must have waved a magic wand because suddenly we were layering wool ( all British) of rainbow colours , and with the addition of warm water, soap and gentle rubbing we gradually transformed it into sample squares and then a purse each. It was a joyful day, lots of sharing of ideas, laughing and admiration of what the others had done. We exchanged contact details and went home amazed by our achievements and knowing that next time we were going to make something even more special."

24 Jan 15'

Nadia reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Great fun. Puts me in good stead for starting my candle making hobby. Excellent teacher with easy to follow instructions."

23 Jan 15'

Angela Wilkes reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"I highly recommend this course and was amazed at what I went home with from the two weekends spent at Phoenix studios. James is an excellent teacher, who encourages and helps students to carry out their own ideas. The well equipped light studio looking onto the garden is a splendid place to work. I will definitely go again."

23 Jan 15'

Becky Lusby reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I really enjoyed this course. The Phoenix Studio is fabulous - lovely surroundings, inspirational art all around, fantastic friendly, supportive atmosphere, great facilities and plenty of tea breaks and biscuits. I went with three other members of my family, which was nice, but going on your own wouldn't be a problem as everyone gets involved with everyone elses efforts in a lovely, supportive way. I was amazed how much we got done in just one weekend. James has a talent for bringing out everyones creative side and encouraging them to acheive their best. As well as being pleased with my own efforts, it was a real pleasure seeing everyone elses, very varied creatures emerge. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone considering it."

23 Jan 15'

Jenny Simmons reviewed: Felt a landscape

"I attended the nuno felting course and it was a wonderful day. Sarah provided a wide selection of materials . At each stage of the process Sarah gave us a demonstration of the technique. The day provided just the right amount of tuition and free time to allow us to develop our projects. The results were a wonderful array of items in the most beautiful colourways. I left the course wanting to go on and explore this felting method further. I am definitely looking out for future courses taught by Sarah."

23 Jan 15'

Kevin McKeon reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I had a really excellent weekend making a great messenger bag and getting a great introduction to leatherwork. Gaynor is a highly skilled craftsperson and teacher who shares her knowledge freely, you get drawn in so quickly to working on your project and the results were very exciting. The workshop in a beautiful old chapel is very well organised space with plenty of room to work. The emphasis is on building skills and confidence quickly so that you can get working on your own project. There is a lot of one-to-one tuition from Gaynor and her excellent assistant Enya both ably helped by Elizabeth so you never have to struggle on your own. The team are really good about allowing people to work in a way they feel comfortable with and everyones work progressed very quickly. The atmosphere is very friendly and busy and I learnt so much about a material I'd never used before. I'm so pleased with my bag - can't quite believe I did it in two days! I would highly recommend the weekend to anyone who enjoys working with their hands, you'll learn a lot and make a really beautiful bag to take away and you'll have a lot of fun too."

22 Jan 15'

Rose Scarborough reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I came on the course as a birthday treat for a friend but it was a total treat for me. The teaching was excellent. The team were all so friendly and supportive. I love my bag. When I got home my friends couldn't believe I had hand stitched it and done it all in a weekend. I recommend it as a rewarding and enjoyable experience. thank you"

22 Jan 15'

Sue Dunckley reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"Enjoyed every moment of making my beautiful handbag. The course was extremely well run, was fun & a lovely atmosphere. Excellent tuition had an amazing 2 days & learnt so much."

22 Jan 15'

Michael Harrison reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"The four hour drive down to St David's for the course did nothing to dent our anticipation. As owners of an unused kiln we have been itching to put it to good use. The great thing is that with just five people per course we were given as much one to one help & direction as we could take in in one day. Prior to the course I bombarded Hannah with a range of questions regarding 'other materials' that we rather fancied adding into our creations-all these she answered patiently. We were amazed at the high quality of detail we achieved-aided by the ever attentive Steve who gently steered us when required towards our goal of creating something that we would feel proud to hang on our wall. Many thanks for a very enjoyable day!"

22 Jan 15'

Clare Pennells reviewed: Leatherwork weekend taster course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. They were really helpful. Would recommend it to anyone."

21 Jan 15'

Brenda Bennett reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"I started with this course then progressed to the 6 week evening course. Both courses were excellent Christian is a very inspiring teacher with plenty of patience and a sense of fun. The classes are small so you feel he has plenty of time to advise and encourage. If you are considering attending, don't hesitate you will enjoy every minute!"

20 Jan 15'

Claire Lynch reviewed: Screenprinting weekend with Liam Biswell

"Liam combines giving the freedom to use your own ideas with giving the confidence that solutions to problems can be resolved! His course has provided a great introduction to various techniques and instilled a desire to carry on and learn more. His classes are relaxed, informative and fun for everyone."

20 Jan 15'

Mike reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Excellent day, full of interest, Adrian was a very patient tutor with lots of knowledge on the subject, lovely food cooked by Debbie, will definitely recommend to friends and family."

20 Jan 15'

Terry reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Fascinating, Interesting, Amusing, Very Educational but most of all Great fun, Great food and Great Company, well worth a try !"

20 Jan 15'

Josephine reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill in Moseley, Birmingham

"Tea, biscuits and great company - the perfect weekend made even better by throwing in some mosaic and tile cutting. This course has shown me how hands on mosaic making really is. I never thought I would ever need to know how to make now apply cement, or even cut tiles, the course provider showed me clearly how to do what I needed to do to make the piece I wanted to make. I am 100% satisfied and happy with the course, and I really would love to come again if there is sufficient availability. Thank you Claire and hopefully see you soon."

20 Jan 15'

Grace reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill in Moseley, Birmingham

"Hi, I just wanted to take the time to say how much fun I had whilst making my mosaic piece. I was (am?) A complete beginner rand Claire made sure I knew exactly what to do and when, she even helped me to cut some pieces to the correct shape. Time for me to save up to come to the course again :)"

20 Jan 15'

Caroline Moraes reviewed: 1 day mosaic class with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

"The course was great and so were the group of people who attended it! The studio is bright, with beautiful natural light, and the choice of tesserae is amazing. Claire (the tutor) is lovely and I really enjoyed learning about how to use the indirect method."

20 Jan 15'

Helen Hitchcock reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, a lovely day spent in lovely surroundings. I learnt so much, gained practical experience, knowledge and a real desire to spin."

20 Jan 15'

Duncan reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Awesome. Fire, hammers, metal, noise, sparks. What's not to like."

19 Jan 15'

Anita reviewed: Free-motion Machine Embroidery Workshops

"My friend and I attended a free motion machine embroidery course with Chloe. We had a lovely day & I was really pleased with the panel I made of my horse & stable. There were only 4 of us, as the workshop is "cosy", this meant plenty of attention & help from Chloe. As an artist she offers great advice on layout & colours. It was very interesting to see how different everybody's work was at the end of the day! You do need to take your own sewing machine (at the time of our course) so it pays to make SURE that your machine is capable of this type of work, to get the most out of your day. I would certainly recommend a course with Chloe if you fancy having a go at this technique, she is very friendly and patient."

19 Jan 15'

Jane Goellnitz reviewed: Crochet for Beginners

"I can not recommend Kasturi highly enough for her kind and calm manner when teaching crochet. She always inspires confidence and creativity and is always so patient with everyone. I thoroughly enjoy her workshops and always have a fun filled day and come home so inspired and rearing to continue my crochet at home."

19 Jan 15'

Sue reviewed: Crochet for Beginners

"After just the one day course, and being a complete beginner, I've been making hats, other small items, and of course granny squares! Kasturi is so patient! I would highly recommend this course."

19 Jan 15'

Shani Jackson reviewed: Drawn to Paint Nature Workshops

"Loved the course, relaxed and informal but lots of direction and information especially about paints."

19 Jan 15'

Caroline Saunders reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a great day, learnt lots and enjoyed myself. Adrian was patient and helpful and very knowledgeable. The food and hospitality was fantastic, Debbie is a great cook. I will be recommending you to my friends and family. Thanks for a lovely day."

19 Jan 15'

Clare Cordingley reviewed: 1 day mosaic class with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

"Thank you Claire for a brilliant two days in your lovely bright/sunny workshop at the groovy Custard Factory. I was drawn to you through your stunning mosaics. Especially the chickens which are my favourites. I was delighted to try the indirect method even though it was very scary at first. I loved the atmosphere you created with your calm, friendly and very knowledgeable instruction. Nothing was too much for you. You let us be creative and individual yet solved every issue or question we asked. We had a lovely group of ladies and were allowed to plough on through lunch which I really appreciated. I will definitely come again."