Latest reviews

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!"

Carol reviewed: Mosaic Taster Session (half day) in the Peak District

"This was a great introduction to mosaic for me. The course is held in a fabulous location and the facilities are perfect. Peter and Ali are warm and welcoming. Peter has a lovely tuition style - not intrusive but always supportive with clear direction. Ali makes a mean apple cake which I understand is calorie-free (ha, ha). I wish there had been time to do the grouting - could this be a 4-hour course instead of 3 perhaps? I will definitely recommend this to friends and family. 5 stars from me !"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Carol, for your wonderful 5* review. So glad you enjoyed the mosaic course - cake and all! Studio time always goes quickly - for us too! This half day class is very much a taster session. We offer a range of longer workshops (1 day, 2-day or 5 day) if you'd like to continue with the craft. 'Grouting' is always taught as a demonstration on our shorter courses - as the tile adhesive needs time to dry before this final stage. Peter has sent you a reminder of this simple process by email."

Pam Pendleton reviewed: Silver jewellery course for beginners

"I really enjoyed this class. I made two rings and a pair of earrings, learning how to solder and work the Silver. The staff are very pleasant and knowledgeable. Will definitely consider use the work space in the future. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review. I will pass it on to our tutors "

Wendy reviewed: Box making for beginners

"I had a wonderful day box making under Andrew’s expert and patient tutelage. One to one instruction is a real luxury and I learned a huge amount in a day. Andrew answered all my questions patiently and clearly. I now feel far more comfortable about setting up a modest workshop and continuing to make boxes at home. Andrew is great company and we discussed all sorts of topics as we worked. I thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to develop their skills as a woodworker and to leave the course having made a beautiful oak box."

Joe reviewed: Introduction To Welding & Basic Fabrication

"From the first few minutes of the course you can tell Joe has a wealth of knowledge and information to pass along. Such a excellent experience and come away feeling very confident in the process of welding. Also a very relaxed way of training put me at ease straight away with tea breaks throughout. Would highly recommend! "

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

"We had a fab day with Jo, making our Hares, really enjoyed the day and everything went smoothly, Jo and Andy explained everything really well. I’m also really pleased with my hare, especially as I’m not really artistic!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jane. It was great having you and Jules here in the studio and we are so happy you are pleased with your hare. I believe everyone has an artistic streak in them! Jo xx"