Latest reviews

Gillian Ely reviewed: Charcoal making and drawing at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"A cathartic, restorative and informative day. Prior to the course Mark’s email with clear instructions set a friendly, professional and minimal hassle tone which was great. A cheery greeting from Mark, Christina, Kim and the woofers before meeting other attendees, having a cuppa and listening to essential, clear safety instructions by the charcoal burning place and undercover area set up for drawing began the course. Simple pleasure of camaraderie whilst whittling bark off what was to become artists’ charcoal and benefitting from Mark’s explanation of the process, techniques and troubleshooting advice for making charcoal at home after the class was very relaxing. Kim demonstrated the mark making potential of a batch they’d got going earlier so, without any rushing, there was a harmonious flow to the morning completely in tune with the verdant quiet of the woodland. Our prepared sticks were put on to cook -Mark keeping us informed about the signs of progress - as Kim started us off with some warm up drawing exercises. These were brilliant, surprisingly meditative, informative and insightful as we drew with our eyes shut responding to the sounds, smells and sensations of the environment. Definitely an exercise to repeat in my own time as it unlocked the drawing muscles literally and as a considered beginning to looking/ sketching/ looking/ thinking/ drawing/ looking which brought out aspects of practice I hadn’t been aware of when in my studio. Fascinating and enriching to see the work, hear the thoughts of course mates - important when so much of the artistic process is solo. Glad of the forethought of Mark and Kim having a sheltered space for us as the rain threw down a challenge! The majority of the day was outside in the magic of the trees, what a privilege to enjoy that space - would happily pay to be able to draw there with Kim’s input and the outstanding hospitality of Mark and Christina. Christina deserves a category of her own in this review - she’s a talented maker in her own right (basketry) but oh my she is an alchemist in her kitchen! Lunch was divine. Dining together at the long table in the company of happy, inquisitive artists, surrounded by beautiful vegetarian food had most of us wondering how we’d focus on the afternoon- not a problem (nothing was) as Kim and Mark had us back out in the woods, seeing, drawing, really looking through new eyes. This was my first foray into a social group outside my house for any reason since a brain injury 4 years ago, I can’t put into words what this meant to be included, accepted, involved and to feel ABLE as well as unconditionally welcome. An enormous thanks to my course mates for being unfazed by my brain freezing later in the afternoon and heartfelt gratitude to Mark, Christina and Kim for their knowledge, willingness to share, encouragement and making what read as a good course description on paper into a superb experience. Looking forward to seeing what courses this trio of fine people come up with next. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Wow, what a review! Thank you. Was a pleasure to meet you and am bowled over by how you felt about your day with us. Until the next time All the best Mark, Cristina and Kim "

Andrew reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"An excellent course, with plenty of instruction and support from the trainers but also a full hands-on experience, with minimum time spent on 'classroom' learning. This was exactly what I wanted - a practical and active day learning a new skill and in the fresh air and space of a spectacular location. I'd recommend this course to anyone who has a dry stone walling project they want to tackle at home, who wants to get involved with an organisation and longer term projects, or anyone who just wants to get outside, get some exercise and have a tangible product to admire at the end of the weekend."

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

"This was an absolutely wonderful workshop and I loved it. The day was well structured with all tools and equipment to hand on individual work benches. Martin is a fantastic teacher who explained and demonstrated the techniques very clearly, and was on hand to give one-to-one help (which I needed a lot of). He was very encouraging and patient, and made us all feel we were doing well on our projects. As I’d never done anything like this before, I was very pleased to finish the day with a beautiful piece of stained glass. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Pat reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I very much enjoyed the course with Mark on carving wooden spoons. His instructions on how to use axes and very sharp knives were essential and very useful. My very first wooden spoon wasn’t too bad. The venue in the woods was magical and the lunch was delicious. Thank you for a lovely day."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Pat Thank you for the review. So glad to hear the day was good for you. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Cathy Kenyon reviewed: Fused glass landscape workshop

"I had a lovely experience at the Glass fusion class. Diana is a great teacher with so much knowledge and ideas. I look forward to attending another class."

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks Cathy. I look forward to you joining another class x"

Les reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A fantastic course, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would highly recommend to anyone wishing to try out some skills in woodcarving. I didn't imagine we would be turning out a spoon from a log of wood in the time that we had, amazing. Robert was a great instructor and made the course enjoyable with his enthusiasm, in-depth knowledge and good humour throughout the day. Oh, my spoon looked superb, all others did also."

Stuart Hillston reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"This was a wonderful weekend of stone-carving, with lots of learning from the marvellous tutor, Helen. I came home with a piece to be proud of, met some lovely people, and thoroughly enjoyed myself over the whole weekend."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you for taking time out and sending a review. Much appreciated. "

Leise Lewis reviewed: Dragonfly The Swannery, Abbotsbury

"Hi Jo, thank you for a great day. So enjoyed making the willow dragonfly. Will definitely be back to do another workshop. "

Jo Sadler Willow responded:

"Thanks Leise You made such a lovely dragonfly sculpture, really fantastic. Glad you enjoyed the day. You were all great company!! "

Carl Bennett reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Abergavenny

""Length is strength" & "Harting is height" with "Lift the line " are several of many sayings that made the weekend. Good team members, all characters in their own right and especially the two "ambassador's of stone" Jamie and Dave. What can be said of these two. Made our weekend more enjoyable (plus the weather helped a bit!!). Almost thinking of going again Mmm! Honestly really good !!"

Chris wiggins reviewed: Mosaic garden plaque workshop pm

"Thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing informative mornings tuition."

Chrissy Webster Mosaic & Craft responded:

"Thank you so much. It was a please to see you and share the love of art"

Juliet reviewed: Beginners Basketry - An Introduction to Willow Weaving

"Emma was a delight to learn from, the environment was a pleasure to work in and the finished products are beyond my wildest dreams that I might be able to create."

Elizabeth reviewed: One Day Anodised Aluminium Jewellery Workshop

"Delighted with the course. Very well run, everything well explained and made some beautiful jewellery. Thank you."

Holly Caddy reviewed: Make Sea Glass Jewellery In Silver (South Wales) - Ring/Pendant or Earrings

"Had a great time with joelle, great teacher using easy steps to go from one part to the next. Very relaxed environment. Was really happy with the results!"

Joelle Poulos responded:

"Thanks Holly, was such a pleasure teaching you on the start of your silversmithing journey!"

Julia Ruxton reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"An absolutely lovely morning in beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Clare's studio. The session was really well structured and we learned a lot without it feeling rushed. Clare is an excellent teacher and had obviously planned the morning carefully. There was just a small group so we all got plenty of help and suggestions from Clare - all 3 of us left with some lovely prints we were pleased with. I felt really refreshed and eager to try again at home - and that was after an 8.5 hour bus ride to get there due to a train strike. I couldn't recommend this course more highly and you will leave with something beautiful whatever level you start at."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Julia. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. It was lovely to meet you and look forward to seeing you again for the mixed media workshop in January."

Elaine reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A really enjoyable experience. Robert is very knowledgeable in this medium, and was keen to inspire us to create our own bespoke carved spoon. As an absolute beginner who had not used these tools before (Robert is very patient!) I learned the basics of a new skill, and created a beautiful (and functional) spoon. The day was great and left me keen to learn more about wood carving."

Jenny reviewed: Fused Glass - Landscapes

"I really enjoyed the course, Karen was an excellent teacher for the day, helpful and patient to help me create my ideas on the glass. Karen provided great refreshments and drinks. Would definitely recommend. Cheers Karen"

Debbie Ansell reviewed: Slate mosaic workshop at Jo Garden Art

"Attended the slate art course this weekend. Would highly recommend. It was such a lovely day and I am really pleased with the outcome, two pieces to be hung in my house. Jo is wonderful and gives excellent advice throughout the day. Hoping to book a sculpture course next!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Debbie! I hope your two lovely pieces are now displayed in your home. I look forward to seeing you in the New Year! Jo xx"

Steve Violette reviewed: 1-2-1 digital photography for beginners in Oxfordshire

"Very informative, a good introductory course delivered in a professional and friendly manner. Very enjoyable."

Tracy Carter reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Very enjoyable course. Beautiful location and friendly, knowledgeable Instructors. Was feeling a bit awkward initially but soon got over this with some good support. Came away dirty and tired but with the pleasure of having completed a task and learnt some new skills. "

Kerry reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"What a fabulous course! I attended this two day workshop with my 13 year old and it was perfect for absolute beginners - we were put at ease immediately by Helen’s warmth and wit and the atmosphere in the workshop was relaxed and welcoming. Helen is very clear and straightforward and instructed in the same manner. She was generous with her time and expertise, and under her professional guidance and with genuine care and encouragement we were able to produce pieces way beyond our expectations! Thanks so much Helen - we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will be back!"

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

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

Paula reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"What a lovely day I spent with Vicky. I adore stained glass windows, so it was a thrill to make my very own panel with expert guidance in a very relaxed & highly informative way. Vicky is patient, supportive, provides a great lunch & is good company. I feel that I now have a good basic knowledge to enable me to buy some tools in order to design, score cut lines, break glass in different ways, grind glass edges, cutting lead & solder (although my soldering definitely needs practise but I do know where I'm going wrong). Many thanks for a fab day, Vicky."

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Paula, thank you for your kind words, it is appreciated. As with most things, a bit of practice goes a long way, just remember not to smoosh or stroke the dog and you've got the soldering sorted! Any questions just ask. All the best Vicky "

David reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"We had a great two days making the green man. We learnt a lot about stone carving. Helen is a superb teacher, highly skilled and a pleasure to be in her class. The workshop is excellent. We all had a great time as a group and can highly recommend doing this course."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you David. It was my pleasure. Carry on Carving !"

Florence Tester reviewed: Cyanotype Prints - the fundamentals and more ...

"A lovely day learning cyanotype techniques in Judy's house and garden. A great introduction to the basics and how the process works, as well as trying out some more complex techniques to inspire us with ideas to try again and experiment at home. Slightly rushed towards the end but that was because we had lots to fit in - which was a good thing as have taken away a lot of techniques that I can't wait to try again at home!"

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thank you Florence, it was a very full day wasn't it. And so much work produced. Glad you enjoyed it. I would love to see your work as you start producing at home. Judy "

Jodi reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"My mum, sister and I had such a lovely wholesome day with Sheila making 3 silver rings. This was a 40th birthday present and something totally different for us all resulting in a beautiful keepsake. Sheila was very informative throughout and also had a good laugh. I recommend this to anyone, it was great fun and we are discussing our next visit already to add another piece of jewellery to our collection, thank you so much Sheila ☺️"

Gareth Taylor reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Bannau Brycheiniog

"Really enjoyed this course. The instructors are excellent communicators. They're hands off enough to let you practice away at the wall, while remaining close enough to give advice and and tips throughout. Being able to really get into the construction of the wall in smaller teams also helped. Came away with a real motivation to do more, and have since signed up as a member. Look forward to more weekends doing similar. Diolch"