Latest reviews

Sean Thorpe reviewed: Beginners Screenprint Workshop With Oli Fowler

"I had a really nice day with Oliver in his studio. I would recommend this course to anyone thinking of trying screen printing. I was guided through the process and patient help was at hand at every step. "

Dot reviewed: Wire Craft Kit

"This is a pretty little box with different wires and pliers, plus a few extras. I had been collecting such things myself, with a view to trying my hand at this craft. I bought the kit as a treat to myself, thinking it would take me, a total beginner, step by step through making something, showing me techniques to achieve different effects. It doesn’t really offer this. However , there are some suggestions and a very attractive design sheet for inspiration, so I’m hoping this will be enough to get me started. "

Debbie Bryan responded:

"Hello Dot, thankyou for taking the time to review your new craft kit, we take onboard your feedback, we can look at this for our future revisions. The kit instructions we hoped would be transferable to use with drawings on our design sheet over making one main idea. If you are ever nearby be Nottingham or Ruddington you are very welcome to visit with your kit, it would be our pleasure to support you in person with your new craft or over zoom / phone, do let us know :) bye for now Debbie "

Anne Pidgeon reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops

"A truly wonderful day; and I can't wait to go again! Elaine is the perfect tutor and so kind, patient and encouraging. Nothing is too much trouble and her skill-sets are first class - highly professional and so versitile too. I cannot recommend this course enough. It is faboulous. Do try it for yourself ......... Oh and the cake! Delicious."

Lady of Glass responded:

"Hi Ann. Thank you so much for the lovely review Ann. My main goal on any of the courses are to make sure a good time is had, and secondly, to make sure your are happy ! 😊"

Dan Price reviewed: Box making for beginners

"Does exactly as it says on the tin! A fabulous way to spend a day. Andrew patiently guides you through the process and techniques required, with plenty of clear demonstration and opportunity to have a go yourself. Looking forward to visiting again, once I've honed the skills I've taken away this time, to expand my understanding and knowledge further. Looking forward to it. "

WoodWorker responded:

"Thanks Dan, glad you had a good day. Look forward to seeing you again."

Kirsty reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle, Gr Manchester

"Had a wonderful day. Jo was an awesome teacher. Very patient and helpful to all in the class. I came away with some new skills and a beautiful footstool. Definitely recommend! "

The Boho Shed responded:

"Lovely Kirsty, thank you for your review of the course. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. 💕"

Harriet James reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Very good teaching and friendly atmosphere. Olivia is very organised and approachable. A thoroughly enjoyable day."

Clare & Rich Halligan-Hoad reviewed: Introduction to Indian Block Printing in East Yorkshire

"We attended the Block Printing workshop on 3rd March as total newbies & really enjoyed it. Sharon is a great facilitator; friendly, patient & knowledgeable about the subject. All materials were provided, inks, aprons & a good selection of stamps to experiment with. We were really happy with our finished tote bag & tea towel. "

Elaine Joy reviewed: The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops at The Arty Silkworm - Fabulously Creative

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day we had making our silk scarves. Ruth is lovely and a very good tutor and gave my friend and I a very warm welcome into her home where the workshop took place. We both left feeling very proud of our achievements and will definitely return to learn more from this very creative knowledgeable lady."

Janet reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A nice day all in and I left with total confidence. I could do this again on my own with the right tools. As others have said, it was cold cold cold so do take plenty of layers. Thanks for a lovely day "

Touchwood Glasgow responded:

"Thank you for my first 4-star review in almost 2.5yrs of passing on some of the techniques specific to carving spoons, I'm glad I was able to help instill the level of "total confidence" required to now practice the craft independently! Unfortunately I don't control the space (unheated) or the weather, and was caught out by the day being pretty cold during a typical spell of Scottish weather being all over the place, so never got the chance to send out a 'wrap up warm email message' prior. It's unclear in your review why the star was dropped, so I assume this was not a teaching gripe given the "total confidence" statement, but rather a climate related dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, I appreciate all and any reviews, and/or constructive feedback. Thanks again for joining the growing league of spooncarvers :))"

Karen reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs woodturning workshop

"Absolutely fabulous day with Simon learning woodturning. Simon was a very patient teacher and was able to teach my husband and I the basics of woodturning despite our very different levels of confidence and ability. Thoroughly recommend and we will definitely be attending an intermediate session once we have had a chance to practice our new skills."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Karen, Thank you for your (independent!) review - most kind. Look forward to seeing you both again soon. -- Simon"

Carole Longmire reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I've been to several of Martin and Kate's workshops and they have all been fantastic. I attended the Painting on Glass Workshop on Sunday 3rd March and once again had a brilliant time and learnt a new skill which I will be able to adapt to the stain glass pieces I make on the weekly workshop. Martin as usual was extremely patient, giving clear guidance and really boosts your confidence. I can't wait to collect the pieces I made."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

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

"We had a very enjoyable, inspirational experience with Paul on our two day course. He explained the reasons why you do things in a particular way and order. As there were only three of us on the course we had plenty of one to one tuition and help. The time went really quickly because we were so engaged with what we were doing, and we’re extremely pleased with the finished piece of work. Thank you Paul for the banter and plenty of cups of tea as well. John and Trish"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"You’re very welcome, thank you both for your company and kind review, much appreciated. Best wishes Paul"

Sarah Jupp reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"Lee is not only a lovely guy, patient and easy company, he is also an incredibly talented artist. Considering how short a time he has been doing lino printing, his work is accurate, clever and inspiring so I always felt in good hands. The workshop is beautiful - an old school house which has been filled with incredible paintings. The printing room at the back of the school had a log fire which Lee tended to to keep us cosy. It was a fantastic day, I think everyone should do it!"

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Thanks so much Sarah. I'm glad that you and your lovely father had such a good time with me. Looking forward to seeing your next prints! Lee"

Jeff reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"An excellent course, provided with professionalism and humour by Katie. The knowledge she imparted was exceptional. I would not hesitate to recommend attending a course with Katie if you need to gain experience and knowledge in upholstery."

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Jeff. It was a pleasure hosting you in the studio. It’s great to hear that you got what you needed from the day to tackle your projects. All best wishes, Katie "

Loz Willingham reviewed: Introduction to leaded stained glass

"My partner and I attended the Stained Glass course with Gen. I have to say it was excellent, very informative and Gen's knowledge is excellent. We both came away with our very own piece and an increased love of Stained glass together with the confidence to give it a go ourselves!"

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"Thank you for the lovely comments. I had a really fun day with you and can't wait to see some pics when you have independently made your own panels."

Laurence reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"I attended this course with my partner who sadly had to leave on the day due to poor health. Robert was very patient and accommodating in allowing me to come and go to take them home and check on them. Robert brought me back up to speed with the group upon my return. Robert has a very deep and well founded knowledge of all things woodcarving and was patient in explaining how to use the various tools. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and will definitely be spoon carving in the future. As a side note I would suggest anyone who is attending to wrap up warm, particularly if it's a cold day as the workshop is unheated. "

Chris Rogers reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I am in a dilemma as to where to direct my praise and appreciation first as I was fortunate enough to have been gifted this experience day by my beautiful partner Kelly for Christmas, but then the day itself was made special by Simon (although I think Louise may have made the lovely lunch). Instantly upon arrival I was made to feel welcome and at ease with a cuppa as the formalities were completed. The course itself consisted of two projects with an initial piece of work that helped you understand the basic fundamentals to complete the projects. The tuition was very well pitched and Simon is assured enough of his teaching ability to set you up on a task and leave you to work whilst he undertakes other activities around the workshop. I was very pleased with the outcome of both my projects and there was never any feeling of time pressure or personal inability. The workshop is nicely proportioned for 1-2-1 tuition and the equipment is in very good condition. Plenty of offers of drinks throughout the day, which seemed to fly by and a lovely lunch. Highly recommended course, excellent tuition from someone who genuinely makes you feel welcome and comfortable as well as giving the right amount of assistance without either neglecting you or being overbearing. As well as taking away your projects, there were course notes provided and even a certificate! Thanks for a great day! Chris"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Chris, I'm glad the day left an impression on you - it's what we do it for! I do hope you pursue the craft and do get in touch if you need more help or guidance. -- Simon"

Lin reviewed: Mindful embroidery for beginners, sewing, button craft, East Riding of Yorkshire

"I had a lovely day with Sharon and Laura. They were both very attentive and Laura was very patient when teaching me different embroidery techniques as I have not seen since school. There were lots of materials and pictures for inspiration. Nothing was too much trouble. It was such a friendly atmosphere that I stayed for the afternoon course on wooden houses. The delicious home baked cake and copious cups of tea were very well received. Thank you for a relaxing day. "

Sue Tomlinson reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Thank you Lucy for the most fantastic three days. It was such a joy to attend the three day workshop, small enough (3 participants) for lots of attention. Leaving with a carving I am very proud of and the knowledge to begin carving independently at home. Thank you for your company, your wonderful hospitality, our many and varied chats, laughter, your expert guidance and the confidence you had in us all. I very much hope I can return in the autumn!"

Louise Carter reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Preston, Lancashire

"I just wanted everyone to know, I had a wonderful day on Friday, on the BoHoShed Footstool Upholstery Workshop at Preston. Jo was a wonderful tutor. The other ladies on the course were fantastic to learn and work with. We all left the course, with delightful, beautiful foot stools. The day was so informative and easy to follow. Jo was attentive to each of us, showing and encouraging us all at every step of the way. The little tips and tricks, taught throughout the day were great and will be helpful in doing more projects at home. Jo is an endless source of information ,which she gave freely throughout the day, which will be very useful in the coming months. If you are thinking of booking onto the course, I encourage you to do so immediately, you will love it. Jo, thank you for making the day so productive and informative, allowing us to create such master pieces. PS. The cakes made by Jo's mum were delicious and an added bonus."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your amazing review Louise, that’s so kind of you. It was lovely of your daughter to buy the workshop for your birthday. You were a pleasure to teach. I’m delighted you enjoyed the day, me too! 🙏💕"

Jodie Pritchard reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"We had a great time on Saturday on the mosaics course with Anne. The studio was well equipped, warm and inviting with lots of inspirational pieces on display. Anne was really generous with her expertise and we were soon planning out our designs. All of Anne’s demonstrations were clear and easy to follow and we came away with pieces that we were really proud of. Thanks very much for making us so welcome, we will be back! "

Yvonne reviewed: Glass Artist's Studio Experience Day - Fusing (Open group)

"This course was a small and personal course of only four students which allowed a lot of time for each of us to have interaction time with Dawn and our co-students. A great day to learn about and experience handling glass, glass cutting and producing a number of pieces using different methods. It was very enjoyable and relaxing. It was an experience to be repeated. "

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Ah. Thank you so much, it was a pleasure to welcome you to the studio and it was very enjoyable to share my knowledge with you. Welcome back, any time for more glass fun! Dawn "

Wendy and Kate reviewed: Winter Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"My daughter bought me this course for my birthday so she joined me. What a brilliant creative experience. Enjoyed it very much and Melanie was patient and helpful. Obviously an expert in her craft and generous with her knowledge and supplies. Coffee and cake scrummy too. "

Gladys reviewed: Make a paper lampshade from a your own paper collage design

"This is a fabulous course which I would highly recommend. I had a great time and created an amazing lampshade which took my lamp base from zero to hero. Ros is very kind and friendly and has lots of material to stir up creative ideas. If like me you are not a creative and think you can’t produce original works of art, think again, you’ll amaze yourself and have fun. Thank you Ros for a great day."

Papershades responded:

"Thank you, Gladys, for your lovely review. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the workshop and delighted to see how cleverly you came up with a beautiful new design to go with the lamp base you brought along. We had such a fun workshop full of conversation and creativity. Perfect!! "

Gillian Thompson reviewed: Come Frame With Me - Making your own Picture Frame

"Excellent course, very informative, geared to the participants requirements. Just need to practice now! Many thanks Ady, for a great day and lovely soup! "

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"Thank you Gill, great to have you over. Have passed compliments to the chef! Best of luck with framing your lovely artwork and do let me know how you are getting on. "