Latest reviews

Hazel reviewed: Upholstery workshop afternoons - bring your own project

"The upholstery class I attended last weekend was excellent. I stripped down and made great progress covering a small chair (although there is still more to do) under expert guidance and in a friendly environment. This was my first attempt at upholstery and I am looking forward to my next class."

Jody Gray Upholstery School responded:

"Hi Hazel. Thanks so much for leaving a review and for your lovely comments. We shall see you in January Graham"

Heather Pinto reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"My husband and I did this course, thoroughly enjoyed it and very pleased with the things we made. Excellent tuition, would definitely recommend giving it a go."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Heather! Lovely mallets you and Paddy made. Good luck with your future projects"

Andrea Stephenson reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Wow! This was an amazing course! My daughter and I attended this workshop and I can’t rate it highly enough…Nina is an absolute gem, highly knowledgable and lots of fun. We came away with lots of news skills and 2 beautiful rings as gorgeous reminders of our workshop. We enjoyed it so much, Nina very kindly put together a box of tools for us to make more silver with so we can make our own items. We are very much looking forward to working with Nina again!"

Shona Clarke reviewed: Log to tumbler with Gedwood

"Loved taking part in the log to tumbler course. Ged is an enthusiastic teacher with an obvious passion for his craft. His attitude makes for a relaxed, fun and interesting day. Ged’s outdoor workshop is quite something, I really enjoyed using the shave horse! Thanks again Ged, I’ll raise a dram to you when my tumbler is ready!"

Gedwood responded:

"Ah thanks Shona! Yes have a dram for me!"

Mole Hogan reviewed: Willow Staghead Sculpture Haymoor Studio

"What a fantastic day, given to me as a birthday present by my best friend. A full day from 9am to 3pm, learning the basic skills but creating the most incredible deer, or should I say Doe. You needed full concentration so no time to think about anything else, but the satisfaction of slowly seeing your creation come together. Jo was a fantastic teacher, giving us support and help when needed and all the encouragement to develop our skills. Thank you for making my 50th Birthday one to remember with my best friend."

Joanna reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire was very welcoming to me even though I arrived on zoom 40 minutes late! Claire caught me up quickly and the was very good at explaining the Lino technique to a novice like me. Claires has a very clam and kind nature which is perfect for teaching a new skill especially over zoom! Thank you."

Emma Pryce reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"We had a lovely day. Tejal is such a good teacher. So knowledgeable and encouraging. My 14yo daughter was surprised how much she enjoyed it. Definitely recommend."

Kate Burnage reviewed: Woodland Beauty Taster- Wild Woodland Spa

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Wild Woodland Spa mini workshop at Eccleshall Woods. Rachel is an excellent tutor; engaging, interesting and most supportive. I felt as if I had achieved something by the end of the evening and came home with a number of lovely products that I had made under her watchful eye. I have used some these since: they are far superior to shop bought ones. I'm looking forward to taking this new interest much further."

Laura reviewed: Willow Angels

"Both the course and venue were great. Rachel made us all feel at ease and gave clear instructions whilst allowing us to work at our own pace. Make sure you’ve got room in the car to take your angel home afterwards!"

Kate reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"Thoroughly enjoyable morning making pendants and a candle holder. Helen was calm, cheerful and explained clearly. Had a lovely time choosing the coloured glass and nuggets - like being in a sweetie shop!"

Lee Cox reviewed: Saggar, barrel and raku firing weekend workshops

"I learnt loads on this enjoyable course about raku, barrel and saggar firing methods, not least because not everything was predictable. Thanks to Alison and Abi, I now feel confident to try these myself and experiment till I find my own preferences. I'm experienced in other forms of pottery and am very glad I've added to my knowledge through this course."

Homera Wood reviewed: Introduction to Silkscreen Printing in Cambridgeshire

"It was a wonderful day. Judith was a very good teacher. I learnt a lot and enjoyed the company of interesting people with a shared enthusiasm. The studio was bright and airy and our lesson was informative, practical and with a great deal of depth to what we were taught. I recommend this course to anyone who would like to learn a new hobby or to work with textile in a new way."

Jules reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"This weekend far exceeded my expectations. Bill has a wealth of knowledge that he happily shares and uses to encourage creativity. It was a delight to have the space, time and guidance to create and learn. Highly recommended."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"thanks Jules, i will keep you informed of new courses when i list them. best wishes Bill"

Karen reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"What a fabulous afternoon. Thoroughly enjoyed the session. Everything was well thought out and Pauline had such a lovely way of teaching and sharing her knowledge and skills. Shall definitely be returning."

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Karen. for your lovely feedback. I'm so glad you enjoyed your afternoon. We're looking forward to you coming back. xx"

Lydia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"This course was money well spent. Having a little previous experience working with copper and silver, I was amazed at the speed of learning when working with 1 to 1 tuition compared to previous courses elsewhere that were as part of a group. I have learned so many skills and improved my knowledge and technique over the course of 2 sessions with Lucy, that I feel confident in tackling similar projects at home. Lucy is very encouraging and gives clear easy to follow instruction. She is a fantastic tutor and is very patient! If I hadn't moved abroad I would have booked more sessions. I was also very impressed with Lucy's thorough safety measures, including those in place to eliminate risks of Covid. I felt very safe, and the workshop was spotless!"

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Lydia. Your project was very successful and well chosen to encompass new techniques, and produced a very attractive and wearable piece of jewellery. Stay safe. Lucy"

Carl Mantell reviewed: Photography Days

"Sarah and I are hugely grateful for all the help you gave us, Sue and Richard, in preparing to photograph our first wedding. That help was really important to us. As well as giving us lots of technical pointers, the day with you gave us the confidence to handle the occasion and, if we do say it ourselves, to give the couple a set of photographs which they can enjoy as an evocative reminder of a lovely day. They were very complimentary, too, so we regard it as a great success. We are particularly grateful because you put the day together specially to meet our needs, listening to and taking account of what we needed to achieve and of our level of ability. And you did it all in the warm, friendly and patient way which, reading other reviews, has encouraged students to learn well and leave your studio wanting to throw themselves enthusiastically into their photography - it certainly had that effect on us. And we're coming back for more! Again, thank you, Sue and Richard. We'll see you soon."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you Carl, we enjoyed the day. It's always great to know that students have made use of the skills they've learnt and tried ideas we have put forward."

Allyson Blake reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I learnt things I didn’t know even existed, met incredibly interesting fellow stained glass enthusiasts, but most importantly the whole day was so relaxed and inviting. (Your music taste matches mine spot on!!). It was wonderful to have such interesting chats in your beautiful home during the firing breaks."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Allyson, what a lovely review and it was a complete pleasure to spend time with you on the course. Great work by you too! Best wishes, Derek"

Miender reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"I had a lot of fun. Jo was excellent and very informative. I came away with knowledge that I would be able to use to start experimenting with different paints and techniques. Can’t wait to get stuck in at home!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you had fun, that's the most important thing. Thank you for your lovely review. I look forward to seeing your home creations. x"

Sarah F reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Wednesday

"I've been taking this course for eight weeks now and can thoroughly recommend it. I dabbled a little in painting/drawing before but never really got anywhere because I didn't really know where or how to start. The instruction in this course is second to none, and I love the fact that we are able to work with such a wide range of subjects and materials. I've tackled projects that I never would have dreamed of attempting before and have been encouraged all the way be Inge and Renee. I absolutely love my Wednesday mornings."

Susan Jane Howes reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Had a brilliant workshop with Sara today, I made a ring and earrings, she is such a brilliant patient teacher, very well equipped workshop in her beautiful garden."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Susan - thanks for your kind review and for taking the time to write. It was really nice to meet you and I love the ring & texture - great work and I hope to see you again! Sara"

Jane Scott reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"My daughter in law and myself recently attended this one day art course. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Sue is an amazing teacher and confidence booster! Everything about our day was first class from the techniques that were so clearly explained to our coming away with paintings that whilst the subject matter was the same, showed our quite different personalities! In addition the lunch was super and the home made biscuits with coffee went down a treat!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Jane, it was lovely to have you both for the day, such a lot of giggles! So glad you enjoyed the day. Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, Sue"

John Marson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A great day in a fantastic authentic environment. Alex was a patient and friendly teacher who could step in to fix things if they went awry but otherwise led through the processes step by step by example and gave me a real sense of achievement and an insight into how much skill blacksmithing must take. I really had fun and the day flew by, the poker I made and Alex's toasting fork with ram's heads are in pride of place each side of my fire!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi John, thanks for the great review. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and are happy with what you made. Alex"

Alex B reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Jon was incredibly knowledgeable and super helpful, explaining things in detail and helping us to make some lovely knives. I will definitely be back for an axe making course!"

Julia Valentine reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"Really super day which was thoroughly enjoyed, thank you. Am looking forward to booking the next one with you !"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Good morning Julia, Thank you so much for your lovely review! So fantastic to hear that you've had such a great time. It was a pleasure to meet you. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Karen and you, which made it all great fun. Looking forward to the next time we'll meet. Who knows, this may be at the next wreath-weaving course. Thank you again very much. Very best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Mike Szreider reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"I completed an 8 week course with Viv and enjoyed every minute of it. She is very knowledgeable and easy going. I learned a lot in the 8 sessions that I attended. My main aim was to learn how to silver solder well but learned a lot more than that. I ended up making a lovely small picturama from copper and brass that really surprised me. The finished product showed an art skill that I never knew I had. I obtained a good cutting skill with the jewellers saw as well. I also made some lovely items for my wife that she now treasures. A great course in a lovely atmosphere. I will attend more sessions to expand on the knowledge I have gained so that I can do more with this new skill. I would definitely recommend this course. Thank you Viv."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Mike, thank you so much for this - I am useless without a good student! Your commitment and effort, your desire to learn - you took everything on board! You challenged me with your own skills, were happy to request help, share knowledge and experience - you brought so much to the table! I am so pleased you are discovering these new facets to your creativity and look forward to sharing more of that journey with you."