Latest reviews

Pauline reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I had the most fabulous afternoon with Helen. I learnt liads about working with glass and made some wonderful glass pieces i would never dreamt of making before the class is"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Pauline, this is so kind of you to leave a review as I know you are busy. It was great meeting you and seeing your ideas be translated into glass. I particularly loved your kingfisher, lovely colours and shape and I’m really delighted you enjoyed the activity."

Laura reviewed: Beginners silversmithing workshop

"As Polly says above, Kami is a lovely person: she’s enthusiastic, caring and interested in her students. We had a great time, with Kami supporting us to turn our very vague ideas into beautiful reality. She was able to accommodate two people doing very different things and using two different sets of skills and stayed attentive to us the whole time. We’ve definitely got the jewellery making bug and that’s Kami’s doing! Thank you Kami!"

Mya Designs responded:

"Hey Laura, thanks so much for coming to the workshop and glad you had some ideas of what you wanted to make and happy to be guided through the stages. Both of your pieces are fabulous! Thanks for a lovely review too :)"

Jeanne Barber reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"What a fabulous day!! Lucy is a lovely lady with so much knowledge and so many ideas to refurbish your project item. So delighted with my newly upholstered chair and I’ve learned some new skills to help me with future projects. All set in Lucy’s super workshop with copious amounts of tea and homemade cakes and met some lovely ladies on the course too. I enjoyed every minute!!"

Sammie Lyons reviewed: Cuff Bangles: Silver Jewellery Making

"Thank you Nina for organising a private class for me and my family. It was a fabulous way to spend time together and we absolutely love our bangles. Looking forward to coming back soon. Sam x"

Pat Miller reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"This was an inspiring and creative workshop delivered by a skilled tutor. Our group had a lovely day, with an excellent balance of input and hands on experience. As a tutor myself, I would rate Helen very highly - calm, approachable and knowledgeable."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Pat, thank you for taking the time to review my workshop. I’m delighted you and your group enjoyed it, you were all such lovely company. The pieces you created were so delicately beautiful I’m sure you will continue to further develop these ideas and perhaps incorporate them into your other work. I really enjoyed the day too and it was a pleasure to meet you."

Hilary Mills-Baker reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"Helen runs an excellent workshop. There are plenty of materials and examples so you can fully express your ideas. She gives a good basic introduction then is alongside you whilst you make your project giving help and guidance but only when needed. An excellent teacher!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Hilary, it’s always a pleasure to have your company at the fused glass workshops and I’ve enjoyed seeing you grow in confidence. You have explored a wide variety of techniques and produced some exquisite pieces. I wish you luck with your new kiln and I’m always on hand if you need further advice/support."

Vicky Beal reviewed: Beginners Arm knitting workshop - make a chunky knit throw, Newbury

"What a thoroughly lovely way to spend a couple of hours. Sophie is a great tutor"

Mark Harrison reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"I would strongly recommend this course. Arian is a patient and knowledgeable tutor and the venue is excellently set up for it. For a project that requires so many different techniques and steps, it flowed through well. Whilst timing is key, we never felt rushed or panicked and Arian was able to support us all despite us making quite the variety of knives. I had never worked with steel or wood before, but this didn't stop me as a beginner being able to produce a unique and personal kitchen knife. Again, this was a great course and venue and my thanks to Arian for a great weekend."

Tina reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"My husband Nick visited a 1-2-1 session with Ricky in November 2021 & is still talking about it now, saying interesting, enjoyable and satisfying to learn about glass blowing & how quick the time went. Ricky had the patience to explain, demonstrate and guide Nick’s session resulting with in some beautiful glassware which Nick is very proud to show off. Thank you Ricky and hopefully Nick will see you soon. Tina -Tamworth"

Jasmin reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"I often want to redecorate a room but am paralysed by the fear of “getting it wrong”. This day course has made me feel so much more confident that I can create a lovely feel in my home, now I just need to put it into practise! Thank you Lucy."

Lucy Renshaw responded:

"Thank you Jasmin, so lovely to hear your confidence has grown- that’s what it’s all about! Hope to see you again x"

Neil Gow reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I came to this course having fond memories of wood turning in school. Stuart, from the start, was welcoming and instantly put me at ease. Stuart asked what I wanted out of the day and I had asked for a basic understanding of setup and a introduction to the basics. We spoke at length about his lathes and other kit in his workshop (which is worth the trip up alone to see). We done some basic turning techniques. I must say sturt is incredibly patient as my ability was no where near where I thought it would be! We then went on to make a pear, had lunch, then the afternoon was some more theory (which I really enjoyed, understanding the theory behind it) a walk through of various pieces of work dotted around his workshop and how they were made and what still had to be done to them. We then went on to produce a awesome oak donut bowl. In summary awesome day, friendly passionate and incredibly knowledgeable teacher. Great venue and worth every penny."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Neil, Thanks for your review. As the day went on I could see that you were progressing quickly. The school woodturning classes will give you some of the basics but with a very limited range of tools. I'm sure that you will do even better once you have your own lathe set up. All the best. Stuart."

Jodie Caller reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"Thank you for an amazing glass fused course. Me and my partner had the most amazing day. Helen is an amazing teacher. We had plenty of time to practise. We definitely got our monies worth, we could make as much or as little as we wanted and Helen had all the tools and glass that we needed, we were spoilt for choice. One of my pieces had a little problem in the kiln but the amazing Helen allowed me to come back and remake this item. We were both so happy with what we had made. Helen is amazing, we will definitely be back and will be recommending Helen to our family and friends."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Jodie, thank you for taking the time to review my fused glass workshop and for your kind words. You were both so enthusiastic during the day and the items you created were delightful. I appreciated your patience and I’m so pleased you were happy with the outcome- your penguin panel was a triumph! I hope you and Rob put your fused glass creations in pride of place once you move into your new home??"

Natasha Wildy reviewed: Evening illuminated felt bowl workshop

"Fantastic morning learning to wet felt, amazing teacher and a wonderful birthday present for my teenage daughter. Thank you so much."

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Thank you so much for your fabulous review. I really enjoyed my morning with you and you made some beautiful bowls which were delicate enough to really let the light shine through. I hope to see you again. Best wishes to you and your family, Claire"

Stuart Littledyke reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"One day taster course was absolutely brilliant. Really enjoyed the day, Adrian and Andy are a fantastic pair of lads, really helpful on the lead up to the day with information etc. On the day gave brilliant instructions on how to make our objects. Plenty of tools to go round and ample space around the forge for safety. Met by Debbie (who also made lunch) with a hot drink and biscuits. Lunch was to die for, beautiful food. Had a laugh with the others on the course and some joking with Adrian and Andy. Nothing was too much trouble for them all. I will be booking onto another course for next year. Already planning on making my own forge and have already purchased my air blower. Recommend this course to anyone. Brilliant day. Thank you to you all."

Sam reviewed: Laser Craft - Beginner - 1 Day - One to One

"Absolutely fantstic course ! Highly recommended. Rachel is lovely and has so much knowledge, it was a pleasure and one of the best courses I have been on. Be warned !!! You will come away addicted to lasering and the possibilities ? thanks again Rach."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thanks so much Sam. You did so well and it was lovely to meet you. Can’t wait to hear what you get up to! Sorry about the addiction! Rach ?"

Mollie Gilchrist reviewed: Fused glass robin craft kit

"I enjoyed an afternoon designing and creating my Robin fusing. I'm hoping to plan a break in Dorset next year and attend an in person workshop. Many thanks Wendy for a well-thought-out home craft experience."

Red Brick Glass responded:

"Thank you Mollie, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the kit. It would be fabulous too see you for a workshop soon. Wendy x"

Paul Jeffery reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A day to be enjoyed by novices and those with experience alike. Simon is an excellent tutor. He obviously has lots of experience and knowledge and a very good way of imparting it. The workshop, machinery, tools and hospitality first class."

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

"Hi Paul, Thank you so much for your review and so glad you found the day worthwhile. — Simon & Louise"

John reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"Many thanks for being such a great teacher and for your support, encouragement and constructive feedback; I enjoyed the course and think my work developed above my own expectations. I look forward to my next course with you. Kind regards, John"

Jane Burras reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"Helen is a wonderful teacher, she allowed us to settle in first (we were a group of seven friends, and there was a lot of chat to start with!) Then she introduced us to everything we needed to know and let us go our own creative ways. It was amazing how we all produced quite different work. Helen gave us plenty of advice and suggestions whenever we needed them so that we felt supported and able to get the best out of our work without being dictated to. Everyone really enjoyed the day and we were thrilled with our final pieces. I would highly recommend this course, we will be going again!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Jane, I’m touched by your kind words and appreciate you taking the time to review the workshop. It was such a lovely day spent with like-minded people, I imagine your other arty/crafty sessions are always good fun too. I’m pleased you enjoyed it and loved the items you created, your bird was so full of character! Hope to see you all again in the future."

Janet Martin reviewed: A complete introduction to felt-making

"Hilary was very flexible about structuring the day. I learnt a lot and had a thoroughly enjoyable day."

Liz Goodman reviewed: Silver Jewellery - Sea glass workshop

"This course was interesting. It was far more expensive than others I have seen but I thought it suited me better although it probably didn’t. I didn’t have any sea glass and thought there would be plenty available on the day and there wasn’t. I ended up with a Rose Quartz ring, not really what I wanted, looked up prices they are only a few pound to buy cabouchens and this was an extra. I’ve since sourced on eBay sea glass packs are very inexpensive to buy if you don't have time to go and find it. I also didn’t realise I would have to pay for materials, extra £20 requested in total! Lovely lady but other much more competitively priced courses available."

Jill Douglas reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"Emma was very patient and kind. She demonstrated really well the techniques needed for the course and helped when necessary. Fantastic ! ?"

Julie Turner reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"A truly fantastic day learning the basics of upholstery whilst engaged in a project to construct an attractive and useful storage crate - which you get to take home with you at the end of the day! Great support throughout the "build" with plenty of time to allow progress at your own pace. Booking the course was easy with great online comms, and I must say that Emma was particularly helpful when it came to re-booking as a result of the pandemic. If you will excuse the pun, the icing on the cake was a slice of Lemon Drizzle served at lunchtime - absolutely delicious! Top tip: the converted chapel can be a little cool, so do take warm clothes with you."

Tessa Lewis reviewed: Creative writing course, 5 hours, live online, one-to-one tuition. Beginners to advanced.

"Deana, Many thanks for the new knowledge, tips and confidence that your course has given me. You're a warm, friendly and supportive teacher and the flexibility with which you structured and scheduled each session around my needs made the course fun, useful and really relevant for me. I feel able to go on now with the novel that I'd given up on, and that's all thanks to you! Very best wishes to you and yours, Tessa."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you so much, Tessa. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the course and found it useful. I’d love to read your novel when it’s finished so keep going!"

Nick Morris reviewed: Deep Buttoned Stool - One Day Workshop

"I went for an upholstery workshop with Emma. The workshop space is super cool and even though it was very chilly (you could see your breath in the air!) we survived thanks to the fire. Emma demonstrated what to do really clearly which was good as I had never done any upholstering before. She also showed me what tools and equipment I would need to start doing it myself at home so I really feel I learnt something. Emma answered all my many questions in a friendly and supportive manner and I had a really good time. I would recommend this course to anybody interested in a new creative hobby, and also to anybody who is interested in making upholstery part of their work or business. I am proud of the footstool that I made on the course and have included a picture of it in its new home. Thanks Emma for a great day and thanks Ian for the cup of tea!"