Latest reviews

Sue reviewed: Silk Paper Making

"Fabulous relaxing morning, I really enjoyed the process and appreciated the gentle guidance and suggestions made by Wendy. Everything was prepared and organised so that we were involved in making for the full two hours. "

Sue Skilling reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Enjoyable course. Came away with several paintings. Would seriously consider doing another course."

Emma Turner reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"We had the most brilliant day with Matt. His knowledge, skills and pacing of the day was great. There were 3 generations enjoying the day and he pitched it just right for all of us, and really pleased with what we made. Thank you"

Monika reviewed: From the garden- still life with a mixed media approach

"A wonderful course covering many interesting styles of art. We even made our own ‘cola pens’ to use with colourful ink. I attended the course with my daughter and we both enjoyed looking at flowers in the garden and then making our art work using our flower patterns and other designs. A lovely day altogether. "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Monika, it was lovely to work with you again and your daughter. You both produced some great work using all the techniques you learnt during the day and I hope you will enjoy experimenting with what you have learned at home. Happy painting ! Best wishes Alison"

Bill Hopper reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"A wonderful introduction into the world of stone carving. A big thanks to Helen for providing excellent tuition. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole stone carving experience and I'm looking forward to trying the foundation course!"

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thanks for the great review Bill. You were a pleasure to teach."

Mai and Henry reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"Absolutely fantastic course, highly recommend!! Dave is a brilliant and patient teacher who is very easy to learn from. He really made our experience so much fun and we loved having nerdy and interesting discussions with him. Dave really is full of knowledge and I would recommend this course to anyone who is even the slightest bit interested in wood working. You will have a blast! Dave talked us through all of his tools and gave us advice on tools and materials to buy so we can go and do it ourselves, absolutely no gatekeeping at all which I thought was very kind of him. Thank you for such a wonderful time!"

Martin Chandler reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Really enjoyed my day at the Forge, learning a new skill and making something from scratch using my own hands. I would highly recommend this course, and I've already made good use of the knife in the kitchen!"

Pippa reviewed: Learn pyrography - The art of drawing with fire

"We organised this event for my mum's 85th birthday. She had got a pyrography pen but lacked confidence. My sisters and I along with my mum had a wonderful time with Lee. Mum is blind in one eye but with Lee’s patience, mum did follow instructions well and we all ended up with nice pieces to bring home. Whether you are a complete novice like we were you will have a fantastic experience. Highly recommended. Thanks for a lovely workshop. Also thank you for the wall hanging I purchased - it looks fab on my wall at home and a lovely memory of the day. Pippa"

Joan Smith reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"Had a wonderful time being introduced to the world of felt making. Emma was a very good teacher demonstrating and advising on the processes involved. Any disappointments were caused by my lack of expertise in anticipating results of my offerings but my mistakes were excellent learning curves for future developments. I came home with two pieces of work and a mind buzzing with future ideas and activities. Another new skill to explore and develop, thanks to Emma's enthusiasm for wool felting. Thank you Emma"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"You’re very welcome. Glad you enjoyed the workshop & feel enthused to continue developing your ideas in felt."

Liz reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"What a great 4 hours and it flew! The whole process seemed very daunting but I needn’t have worried. Everything was demonstrated step by step and explained in a way that was easily understood. Emma was very patient and offered a lot of advice. We were given written instructions which were very easy to follow along with the websites for different stockists of materials. As it turned out 4 hours wasn’t long enough to do a ‘sample’ piece and one on our own. However, Emma kindly extended the course by 30 mins which gave us enough time to finish our own work of art! Having completed a piece, it does give you the confidence to do other similar pieces on your own but also to try other forms of wet felting. You don’t need to be good at art, just an imagination and if you don’t feel confident enough, there are always photos etc. that you can use as inspiration. Will definitely be booking another course. 4 hours well spent. "

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great to hear you had an enjoyable day and feel you have developed the skills and confidence to explore feltmaking further! "

Karen Mullins reviewed: Indian wooden block printing in Leicestershire

"Really enjoyed this workshop today. Sue was a great tutor, full of inspiration. She made us feel really welcome. A wonderful’ Wendy house’ for a studio to work in too! I brought this experience for a birthday gift for a friend. It was great fun to share this experience together. We both would highly recommend this workshop. Thanks Sue. "

Sue Tildesley Craft & Design responded:

"Thank you Karen, I’m glad you both had a lovely time. I wish I’d photographed your table runners too as they were both so lovely. "

David H reviewed: maltese limestone carving at mount pleasant gardens

"Thoroughly enjoyable, informative, clear instructions and a very pleasant atmosphere. Would recommend it. "

Alli Griffiths reviewed: Pyrography Wood Art Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Lovely informative course. I learned about the technique, the equipment, costs for doing at home, where I can buy what I need & actually managed to create something i was pleased with. Great teacher & host. Will be looking forward to attending another course soon 🙂"

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Alli It was lovely to meet you yesterday and so pleased you enjoyed your day. Pyrography is a lovely mindful craft that doesn't require a lot of equipment so I hope you are inspired to do more at home. Everyone made beautiful pieces of art :) Karen Lechlade Craft Barn"

Sarah Jane reviewed: Ceramic Garden Seed Head and flower Ornaments - Emma Godden Ceramics

"I’d give Emma 6 stars if I could. Thoroughly enjoyed her seed head course. Emma’s garden studio was well equipped with clear guidance from her and fun company. Would highly recommend this course!"

Emma Godden Ceramics responded:

"That’s so kind of you Sarah! It was a pleasure having you, it’s always fun chatting to a fellow potter. I’m so glad you enjoyed the day and have inspired you to do a bit more hand building in your own studio!"

Hannah Smith reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"We had a lovely day making glass lanterns with Wendy. She was really helpful and helped us make some beautiful designs. Can’t wait to receive the finished pieces!"

Marysia reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"From being a complete novice when it comes to knitting to being able to do the basics felt like a great achievement. Ann's tutelage was relaxed and informative. Our casual chatting as I attempted to master the technique was a lovely way to spend 2 hours. Highly recommended."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Many thanks Marysia for your kind words. You were easy to teach as you picked everything up so quickly, leaving us time for chat in between! Hope you continue to enjoy your new hobby. Kind regards Ann"

Maxine Jaeger reviewed: Needle felted funky sheep for beginners

"The 3-hr session was the right length to obtain a taste of what needle-felting involves, learn the basic techniques and helpful dos and dont's. Jo is lovely, with a depth of knowledge and experience (very skilled herself, as beautiful examples of her work demonstrate), but very patient with beginners to this craft, no matter how ham-fisted. Despite my breaking three felting needles and producing a creature with a definite identity crisis, I really enjoyed myself and would love to try a different aspect of felting with Jo. Tea/coffee on tap in a lovely venue and very good value for money. "

John Middlemass reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Birthday treat, pleasant surprise and thoroughly enjoyable. Did this with my 19 year old son who has limited practical skills and he managed to achieve a good quality blade utilising the excellent tuition. Thought the price was a bit steep for the finished product and experience. A great experience."

Anne reviewed: Come Frame With Me - Making your own Picture Frame

"This is a truly excellent introduction to framing, in the care of a relaxed, patient, and highly knowledgeable tutor who made the day really enjoyable. I came away with a more professional-looking framed print than I could possibly have anticipated! Thank you so much. "

Studio 93 Framing responded:

"Thanks you for your kind words Anne. A real pleasure to meet you and to take you through the process of producing a very nice frame! All the very best in your future framing endeavours - keep me posted!"

Linda Graves reviewed: Making a Stained Glass Suncatcher (Santon Bridge)

"Loved the course. Very organised and well prepared before the class turned up. Very helpful teacher when I was struggling to get my glass pieces so they fitted neatly together. Very patient. Enjoyed it so much signed up for another course."

Simply Smallholding responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. So glad you enjoyed yourself and want to do it all again."

patricia irvine reviewed: 1 day mixed media mosaic playshop

"My husband and I had a lovely time on Emma’s course, we learnt a lot of new techniques on our mosaic journey. If only the day had lasted longer, the time went very quickly, and we are completing our designs at home. Emma is very encouraging and easy to talk to, the venue is in a lovely hall, in a very nice village. The materials provided were inspiring and helped in the design of our work."

Emma Cavell Art responded:

"Dear Patricia and John, Thank you. It was really good to meet and share with you both on this creative journey. Please let me know how you get on with finishing your mosaics? I look forward to seeing some images when you are ready. I hope to explore with you again soon. Much love and many blessings to you both, Emma "

Mix reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"My friend and I had an amazing time with Rudi. He’s such a pleasant and patient teacher. Really laid back and encouraging. The forge is a basic and functional workshop full, basic but full of character and charm, you must look around his collection of his own sculptures and metallic keepsakes. We had an excellent time with Rudi and highly recommend a trip. "

Alex reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I had a great time on this course, with the expert help and guidance of Dave I made a cracking knife that I have already put to good use in my kitchen. Dave was very friendly and made a really great tutor! It is clear he has a passion for high quality knife making as well as sharing his skills with others. I have already recommended several friends and family to give it a go. I aim to make knives again in the future and his advice will be invaluable. "

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Really appreciate your kind review Alex thank you very much. So glad you enjoyed the day and your knife has been serving you well. You did an absolutely belting job, really well done and best of luck with your future projects. Kindest regards Dave"

Elizabeth Hudson reviewed: Basketry workshop

"Had a wonderful day making my willow basket with Kate. Lovely, friendly environment, with lots of cups of tea! Will be back to have a go at the sculpture course "

Debbie Bailey reviewed: Get to know your sewing machine

"This was such a lovely afternoon and my confidence in using the sewing machine increased enormously! Judi’s quiet, calm manner was so reassuring. She is very knowledgeable and so patient. She also made it fun ! Thanks !"