Latest reviews

Judith Fulton reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Absolutely brilliant! I wasn't sure what to expect but I had a ball!!! Vicky is such fun and I learnt a lot as well as doing quite a few pieces. I can't wait to pick them up. I have been on a similar course elsewhere but this one was so much more fun. I highly recommend Vicky...... ( I think I might be going again !!!!) "

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Judith, thank you so much for your enthusiasm, it's always good to hear! You will be welcome back at any time, you can teach me how to paint.......... every day should be a school day! All the best Vicky"

Kate Flynn reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"This course was a 70th birthday present. I did 2 days 11th and 12th October. The course was something I have wanted to do for years and it did not disappoint. The tutors over the 2 days were so passionate about their craft. They were friendly, enthusiastic and easy to engage with. They were all able to explain processes and how to use equipment. They made sure that I was able to realise my design, with a few modifications due to available materials. They helped create a supportive and friendly environment to work in. I left with a piece that I am incredibly proud of. I hope to return in the future and I would definitely recommend- whatever your skill level and regardless of having an idea prior to attending you will definitely leave with a creation you will be proud of. Thank you all. "

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much for this lovely review Kate. We are so glad you enjoyed your weekend with us creating your unique masterpiece. We hope to see you again at some point in the future."

Denise W reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Fantastic full day of learning and producing items to be proud of. Amanda is an amazing tutor and delightful host. Lots of detailed help and instructions with lots of patience too. The facilities, refreshments and lunch were excellent. We’re already talking about booking again and what our next projects might be. Thank you, Amanda. Can’t wait to see you again."

Pink House Glass responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Denise. I am so pleased you enjoyed your day and I look forward to seeing you again and can't wait to see what you make next time! Amanda :)"

Rachel reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"I loved every minute of this taster session. It was relaxed and peaceful as well as inspiring. Nicola was a great teacher and enabled me to go at my own pace. I really enjoyed weaving and could quite possibly be hooked already. Highly recommend. "

Stef reviewed: Beginner's Willow basket weaving with Amy Cox

"We loved the basket weaving workshop! Amy is extremely knowledgeable and always happy to help with the right advise or demonstration. We finished the course with two beautiful baskets we are very proud of! Next time we'll try to book during summer, since it was cold in the open air hut where the course takes place (despite wearing warm clothes!)"

Tree to Treen responded:

"Thanks Stef! Glad you had a good day with Amy! I'm planning on avoiding October courses next year to try and avoid the cold situation. All the best, Geoff"

Trish Irvine reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"I have spent a wonderful two days with Gill, refreshing my skills and knowledge of stained glass, that I last did a few years ago. Gill was very inspiring and helped me to combine three elements of stained glass, foiling, lead and decorative wire work as an embellishment on top. She is a hands on tutor giving good examples of how to work and fix problems, if the design needs tweaking. She has lots of patience, gives lots of encouragement and is very helpful with everything . The studio is in a beautiful location with lots of parking, and plenty of tea throughout the day. What’s not to love. I will be doing more courses with Gill in the future."

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Trish for your lovely review and hope you enjoy displaying your beautiful stained glass panel. Look forward to seeing you again soon!😊 Best wishes, Gill x"

Carole Phillips reviewed: Introduction to Sourdough Bread Making class

"An absolutely wonderful day, Ian and Michael welcomed everyone to their lovely home with coffee or tea. Introductions, then into the kitchen to start learning how to bake with sour dough. Ian is an excellent tutor, very informative, humorous and patient. He took us through the process of preparing and baking focaccia, rye bread and a sour dough boule which we cooked at home. A gorgeous lunch was provided and we left equipped with baking goodies and excellent instructions. I would thoroughly recommend this course to people of any age, it is also excellent value for money. "

StagHill Bakes responded:

"Dear Carole, thank you so much for this great review. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the class 😀. Best wishes, Ian"

Mike reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"Thank you Stef for a wonderful day building my own automata. You coached me learning to use the machines to cut /finish the parts, paint, and assemble the machine with great patience and enthusiasm. I can see you love this process and enjoy sharing the experience. Thank you again. "

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Thank you Mike... you are right, I love automata making! But it's sharing my (limited) knowledge with enthusiastic students like yourself the really rewarding experience :) Thank you for your lovely review, please keep in touch to discuss your future projects. Best, Stef "

Ian Sherwood reviewed: Craft Your Own Shave Horse

"Had a very enjoyable day in some lovely peaceful woods. Thanks so much for your helpful instruction. I learnt a lot. My new shave horse is absolutely perfect. Used it this week on a couple of spoons. Highly recommend this days course. From a wellbeing perspective this was a great stress busting day out. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Ian, thanks for taking the time to review. So glad you enjoyed the day, a great shave horse was made! Hope to see you at Manor Wood again. Matt"

Diana Knight reviewed: Beautiful Batik on Paper and Fabric - Sunflowers and Seedbeds

"A thoroughly enjoyable day in a beautiful spacious venue which is Blooming Designs, set within beautiful, rural countryside. A day spent exploring and experimenting with the art of Batik. Alison and Liz are both welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable and approachable. This particular session was led by Alison who has many years experience in this art form. During the day Alison gave talks, demonstrations on the art of batik and then we were given plenty of time to explore and play and produce our own works with guidance and encouragement from both Alison and Liz. Plenty of materials and inspiration available from Blooming Designs as well as from other course participants. Although I attended this course on my own I was made to feel at ease in what is a very friendly environment. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Diana, Thank you for your kind feedback, it was great to meet you and I am so pleased you enjoyed your day with us. You made great progress with the technique throughout the day and produced some lovely work. We look forward to seeing you again. Best wishes Alison"

David Ferrarin reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Chillington Hall

"Very enjoyable two days. Tutor was very helpful and informative. "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review David, glad you enjoyed the course. Best wishes Miranda"

Stephen Cattell reviewed: Painting Restoration

"What a great course. Rachel was lovely and nothing was too much trouble. She has tons of knowledge and I loved her approach to training. It wasn't regimented but flowed where it needed to throughout both days. I'm super excited to get started practicing so that says something. "

Rachael Milligan at Little Leaf Studio responded:

"Thank you very much Stephen. A lovely couple of days. I hope you enjoy exploring the different techniques and practising! Best wishes, Rachael "

Ian Smith reviewed: Half-day Saori Weaving Experience

"A fantastic course! Really enjoyed it, so welcoming and we we're really happy with the pieces we produced. Great fun!"

Elisha Bowker reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Donna is a fabulous teacher, explains things so fluently and I can’t believe what I’ve managed to produce in three hours! From total sewing machine beginner to making actually neat scatter cushions! Super helpful hints and tips, looking forward to the next lesson!"

Smampy's Corner responded:

"You are a fantabulous lady and a pleasure to teach. You are honestly a quick learner and speedy on he machine. You are welcome back anytime Elisha. Starting confidence 4/10 finishing 8/10 Thanking you kindly for your wonderful review. "

S.White reviewed: Watercolour Workshop with Mixed Media

"I really enjoyed my multi media watercolour taster seasion today. The tuition was excellent, Cat was really friendly and I loved trying out all the techniques. Thank you"

CatKing Artwork responded:

"Hi Stuart Thanks for your kind review . I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop - It was a pleasure to teach you . Cat"

Linda Ramsay reviewed: Christmas crafts - Macrame Gnomes, Folded Fabric Star Ornaments, & Christmas Tree Wall Decorations

"A really excellent day, if a bit tiring. Would definitely do another course. It was a friendly and helpful group with lots of offers of tea, coffee, water and biscuits. Great to have some items which were completed on the day, as this is not always the way in some other classes. I came home tired, but very excited to show my handiwork. I will be looking forward to seeing you all again. By the way, I must thank you all for having the fabrics already cut for us."

Sarah reviewed: Crochet Worshop - All levels at Tandem Crafts, Stourbridge

"Myself and my daughter really enjoyed our crochet lessons with Ann. Very knowledgeable and also very patient with me. Ann catered for myself a complete novice and my daughter who understood it quicker and progressed faster. Thank you"

Tandem Crafts responded:

"Thank you for your kind review. We're so glad you enjoyed yourselves. Look forward to seeing you again soon "

Sinéad Loftus reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"We booked this course to do as a family for my Dad's 60th Birthday present and we couldn't recommend it more highly. We were of varying levels of skill, strength and knowledge and John made sure we all were able to complete each of the makes with the appropriate level of support whilst also having fun. John was so interesting and knowledgeable - a really brilliant instructor! We were all so proud of the things we managed to make and I'm particularly enjoying telling people I made the bottle opener they're using! Thanks again, great chance to do something different!"

Allyson Prolisko reviewed: Stitched Places - Free-motion Machine Embroidery YORK

"This course was very supportive and non-threatening for beginners. Holly clearly has a wealth of experience and imparts it in easily-understood nuggets. The course was well-structured and interesting with room for folks to follow their own direction. I totally enjoyed the course and have great respect for Holly, her knowledge, and her practice. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone interested in alternative forms of textile embellishment. "

Steve Ashurst reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Autumn- Vale of Glamorgan

"Cracking couple of days which exceeded expectation. Really interesting bunch on the course and 2 great instructors who built confidence and really encouraged us to have a go. Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of having a go. "

Paula Miskimmin reviewed: Beautiful Batik on Paper and Fabric - Sunflowers and Seedbeds

"A very enjoyable course which was delivered by Alison and Liz in the beautiful Long Barn surrounded by peaceful Hampshire countryside. The course was well taught, very interesting, well equipped, encouraging and friendly. What more could you ask of a craft day? "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Paula , It was lovely to meet you yesterday and thank you for taking the time to review the day . You produced some great work , impressively intricate work considering the technique, with some successful pieces . Well done 👏👏 I look forward to working with you again . Best wishes "

Gill  reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Four of us enjoyed a day with Lindsey learning a new skill. There were lots of colourful materials to tempt our creativity when designing our Mosaic Lindsey was always at hand to support our ideas and guide us through the process. We would all recommend this workshop to others. Thankyou Lindsey for such a great day."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review and so pleased that you all enjoyed your creative day. You were a great group to work with, and some fantastic results! Do book again if you would like to build on those initial mosaic skills. Thank you so much for coming along."

Sally W reviewed: Brushmaking

"I attended this course with an open mind. Travelling from London and staying locally, it made an exciting break. Our tutors gave us an informative introduction to the craft and then supported and advised us during our exploration of our newly acquired skills. I couldn’t wait to get home and continue. The enthusiasm shared is inspiring. I’m looking forward to the improvers course, all being well, next year. Our annual visit to Wales will be timed to coincide with the date."

Pamela Bell reviewed: Beautiful Batik on Paper and Fabric - Sunflowers and Seedbeds

"I really enjoyed all of today & will definitely pursue batik back at home when the tools needed become available. Thank you both so much 🙂"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Pamela , Thank you for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day and it has inspired you to continue with this process at home . You have made a great start with the technique and produced some lovely pieces with lots of scope to develop your work . If you need any advice please feel free to get in touch . All the best Alison "

Sarah Ackroyd reviewed: Mosaics in New Romney, Kent

"Brilliant course. Great tutors. Friendly and encouraging. Lots of choice of tiles and models to look at! Lovely lunch and tea and cake really nice. Nothing bad to say but could really get into this!"