Latest reviews

Steve G reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Fantastic way to spend a Saturday morning. It was great to have a try at something that was made to look so easy. It wasn't, but with the expert knowledge and guidance on hand I came away with renewed respect for skilled craftsman and something to proudly display on the mantle piece....Priceless.."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us Steve. We are so pleased you enjoyed your time with us. It was lovely to meet you. Regards Steve & Angie "

Jonny reviewed: Three days traditional wood carving

"Seb was a good tutor and in my view got the balance right between allowing me to get on with carving and being available to offer advice/guidance and encouragement when needed. He has a nice easy manner and I appreciated his hospitality by being regularly offered drinks and biscuits. He clearly knows his craft well and I came away inspired to do more carving in the future. I recommend anyone who's thinking of trying woodcarving or developing their skills to go on one of his courses."

SBCW responded:

"Thank you so much Jonny. It was a pleasure to work with you. You did really well and I'm glad you enjoyed. Take care and keep carving. Seb"

Belinda Collingwood reviewed: Mixed Media Painting - Snowy Landscapes

"Such a lovely morning and amazing pictures under Cathy’s guidance and encouragement- we’ll be back! "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a lovely review. We shall let Cathy know you enjoyed the workshop and we do hope to see you here again soon at Stanwick Lakes. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Elinor reviewed: Creative Mosaic Workshop

"I had a lovely morning with Ali Soper, making my mosaic heart. Ali is very easy to get on with and I didn't feel under pressure to get things right (or not get anything wrong!). Her summerhouse is a relaxing place and the atmosphere was positive and peaceful. I learned how to cut tiles, design my shapes and glue everything in place. I am really pleased with the final result, especially as I was a total beginner."

Mosaic Workshops in the Garden Room responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words. I enjoyed your company as well. Thank you for supporting my small enterprise, and I hope to maybe see you again one day. 👍"

Andrew reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"Fantastic day, we'll be returning for another experience soon. Jules is a fab instructor, friendly and patient. Can't recommend enough."

J Clark reviewed: Archive, DO NOT LIST

"Great experience day. Christmas gift for my son and went with him and what a great day we both had. Alex is a great host and excellent instructor. Friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and keen to share his passion and skills. Awesome! We'll be back again, suspect for the axe making. "

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you James!"

Penny reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Denny's one day beginners' mosaic course was a really valuable experience. Denny herself was very welcoming, helpful and encouraging. Cutting tiles is tricky so don't be over-ambitious as practising this single skill is very useful. Denny generously offers the use of a wide variety of mosaic material, doesn't impose ideas but gently guides. It was, for me, an ideal day for a complete novice. "

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you Penny - your comments are much appreciated. It’s very gratifying to know the day was ideal for a beginner. Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes - Denny. "

Ann Blackett reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers in Derbyshire

"I thought I wasn't going to get to this course, but the snow receded enough and I reached Liz's studio in steady drizzle - though not enough to hide the stunning view! I had done a little linocut before, but not for years, so this was a gentle and rewarding re-connection. There was a good mix of explanation and hands-on, with a range of tools and materials; it was also very relaxing, focusing on the design, trying to imagine how it would appear in print, concentrating and creating. A good feeling. I could have carried on cutting for hours, but Liz very rightly marshalled (nicely but firmly!) us into the print room, where we produced our prints using very simple equipment, but wonderfully! I came away with a variety of prints in different colours, plus a block I can can develop with more detail at home, where I am even now planning some greetings cards... A really good day. Also, ample tea and biscuits. Thank you, Liz!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Ann, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for letting me know about your workshop at The Slipper Studio. It was great to meet and work with you. Lino cutting and printing are such satisfying and interesting processes, that will keep you engaged, interested and inspired for some time. There’s so much to learn, even when you feel pretty confident with what you are doing, there’s always something new to try out. Happy cutting and printing. Liz Wellby "

Paul reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"We had a fantastic day. Both Vic’s were absolutely fantastic and very knowledgeable. We learnt so much and were given help when needed but also given the chance to go at it alone learning by our mistakes. A very wide range of glass to choose from too. Lunch was very tasty. We would highly recommend and will definitely be going back again. We love the pieces we made "

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Paul, thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated. It was good to see the progress made and even better that the pieces were personal to you. I trust you enjoyed your time in the area and it would be good to see you again! All the best Vicky"

Anne & James Edwards reviewed: A whole day beginningers woodturning for 2 people

"Put simply, a fantastic day with a superb tutor. It exceeded the expectations of my wife and I and it was a pleasure to meet Chris who is an outstanding expert of woodturning. The full day course is a great introduction to the art of woodturning and we would highly recommend it. "

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"James, Anne. I'm absolutely blown away by your words. You both were a joy to teach in my workshop . It won't be long before James buys that lathe Anne. Bw Chris "

Sharon reviewed: A one day felt making course designing and making your own pair of cosy slippers. in the Forest of Dean

"We had a fun and interesting day with Chris. What a fascinating process it was to make a pair of slippers, with a great selection of colours to choose from. A really different workshop. Plenty of coffee or tea, and a lovely home made soup for lunch."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you Sharon. I'm glad you both enjoyed your day. I would love you to send me photos of your completed slippers, and hope to see you again in the future. "

Ron Scott reviewed: Lampwork glass bead tuition

"Thanks Jo for giving us such a great afternoon making glass beads with my daughter. We had a great time and would thoroughly recommend it to any interested in doing lampwork."

Turner Rowe Art Centre & Gallery responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your time with us! It was my pleasure to instruct you both. You made a fabulous haul of beads!"

Hilary reviewed: Woodwork Beginners workshop

"I really enjoyed the day, learning some core woodworking skills and putting them into practice making a shelf unit. The tuition, well appointed workshop, lunch and views were all excellent. I was particularly impressed with the organisation and forethought that had gone into planning the day. "

Tuffett responded:

"Hello Hilary Thank you for your lovely review. I am so glad you enjoyed the day. Kind regards, Sue"

Jake R reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Bought this as a joint birthday present and both really enjoyed it! Day was well paced to keep you ticking along a manageable speed but with enough time for re-dos and help from Martin if needed, which he was always on hand to do. Final result looks great and I'd be happy to try more in the future."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, I hope to see you both again."

Pete Smith reviewed: Colourful Linocut Printmaking Workshop

"Aprille was a very calm and clear instructor. The session was well planned and allowed for the participants to go at their own pace, to ask questions, and to celebrate what went well- and the fun things that didn't! The space was very well set up and the facilities excellent. I came away with new things to try and increased confidence."

Aprille McShane Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. "

Julia Gerrard reviewed: Learn traditional upholstery

"An excellent course. Would recommend it to anyone. Experienced and patient tutor. Expectations exceeded and looking forward to the next class."

Peter White Furniture responded:

"You progressed well in your first session. Keep up the good work."

Linda reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I had a fantastic day at this community workshop, where the expertise of the three volunteers was invaluable. I was able to progress greatly with my novice-project, learning new skills with a lot of equipment that was new to me (not having had access to woodwork through my schooling, from a bygone era). It was also great seeing other participants working on their own very diverse projects. They were really helpful with their impressive skills too. It was a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and well worth the long journey for the day. Thank you, but beware - I'll be back!"

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Linda, it was a pleasure to meet you. We wish you every success with your project and hope to see you again Regards Alan "

Miles Miller reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"Arian is a fantastic teacher and he runs a great course. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great wealth of experience across metalworking and the industry. He is also very amenable and friendly, and his good lady wife provided a very tasty mushroom soup for lunch! I would rate this day 11/10, I've done a few different blacksmithing days and this is possibly the best I've done. Thank you for your time Arian, you're a fascinating chap! "

Alison Cooper reviewed: Needlefelted Puffins Workshop

"A fantastic day all round! Jackie is a very talented textile artist and excellent teacher. She provided gentle encouragement to a group with mixed needle felting experience from new comers to those wanting to further develop their skills. Great facilities, abundant tea & coffee and home made cakes as well. Thank you again."

Where Inspiration Blooms responded:

"Dear Alison, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Jackie is one of the most lovely and crazily talented needlefelt artists we have ever come across... Did she show you some of her other pieces of work? One day I am hoping to buy one of her avocets... or a curlew..so beautiful. Really do hope we will see you again, with our warmest wishes Jules & Caroline x "

Jan Redhead reviewed: Willow Hare Workshop

"What a beautiful day we had creating a 4foot willow hare. Our tutor Rachel was amazing we were all beginners at weaving, however Rachel took us step by step for us all to create our hares in a patient and encouraging way. We all learnt so much about this fascinating craft as Rachel was so knowledgeable. Will definitely recommend this course and will book on the next one to make a deer."

Claire and Andy reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course for two people

"I bought this for my husband’s Christmas present. Neither of us had tried woodturning before. Bill was a fantastic tutor and took us through every step, a thoroughly enjoyable day which I would definitely recommend. "

June reviewed: Recycled silver stacking rings making with Mat

"Really great course. Mat was a very good tutor, explained the process well, gave lots of encouragement and help when needed. Nice small group in an ideal studio and location. Definitely recommend as you will go home very proud of the rings you have made."

Hove Jewellery Works responded:

"Thank you June. It was lovely to meet you all. Glad you enjoyed it."

Justine reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"Myself and my daughter had a lovely morning with Sarah who is a very patient and encouraging teacher. Sarah made us feel really welcome in her delightful studio and at the end of the 3 hours we came away with two lovely stacking rings that fit perfectly and we are proud to wear. I would recommend this course to anyone who is new to jewellery making."

Ross Patrick reviewed: Sewing Essentials

"Wonderful, interesting and informative morning. Very friendly instructor and group of ladies, I was made to feel very welcome even though I was the only man. Home made cakes were a bonus and delicious. "

The Oast Studio responded:

"Thank you Ross, we loved having you here at The Oast Studio - raising the bar for the boys. Best of luck with hemming all those curtains! Annabelle"

Marie Taylor reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"Fantastic day. Course leader made me feel at ease and provided really supportive instruction."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thanks Marie, it's so lovely to hear you both had a great day - you both did a great job:-)"