Latest reviews

Catherine Smith reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What a perfect way to spend a rainy day! My sister and I really enjoyed learning new skills and techniques in such a comfortable and welcoming environment. The course was a well balanced combination of tuition & guidance and opportunities to practise & be creative. It was lovely to go away with a finished piece and I’m really looking forward to trying these techniques out at home over the coming weeks. Thank you Julie for a very enjoyable day - and for your delicious cake! "

Tigley Textiles responded:

"Hi Catherine, Thank you for such a lovely review. I'm so pleased you and Elaine had a good day and were pleased with your work. You're obviously both talented stitchers! Please come again soon, Julie x"

Cathi reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Hi Derek, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my day with you last weekend on the painted glass workshop. There was a good group of people and the atmosphere was nicely relaxed. The coffee was good too! I had done a short course previously, but never followed up on it. I think I might have found it all a bit daunting. You made it all seem a lot simpler and straightforward and the notes that you have sent are nice and clear too. I have bought some dipping pens, clove and lavender oil. Yes, I want to try working with them. I didn’t get the opportunity with you so could you clarify how to mix up the paint. You say about the oils and powder in a jar, what sort of proportion of oils to powder? Do you grind them? Do you add water? Thanks for giving me a bit of confidence to do this, and for a lovely day."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Cathi, Thanks so much for your kind remarks about the course, and so glad you enjoyed it. Regarding dipping pens, the first thing to do is to watch my YouTube Dipping Pen tutorial all about how to mix the medium, the correct proportions etc. Link here https://youtu.be/m7dtCi-KAPg If you have any questions after that, don't hesitate to ask, Let me know how you get on, Best wishes as always, Derek"

Annie reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I did the Gelli print class today with Clare and loved it! Clare is excellent at explaining the process and gave just the right amount of information and confidence for us to enjoy experimenting with our first attempts at the process. I’m delighted with the results and can’t wait to do more! "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Annie. I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your prints looked fantastic - well done!"

Susanne reviewed: Sterling Silver Sea Glass Ring Workshop

"Dear Sarah, You’re a lovely, crazy and (very, very!) patient teacher. My friend Christa and I had a wonderful day and the both of us created a beautiful seaglass ring. Thank you very much for all the fun, tea and ‘beschuitjes met kaas’! I would love to do another workshop, together with my two daughters, when we’re in England again next summer. "

Linda reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I attended the Gelli Printing workshop with Clare today and loved it! It is obvious Clare has a wealth of knowledge and experience and has a warm approach to her teaching, which instantly makes you feel relaxed. Clare shared the techniques, as well as her tips and tricks...We each produced 4 beautiful unique prints to use for whatever we choose ...such a lovely informative creative time...will definitely be doing more courses with Clare...already looking forward to the May workshop...thanks Clare xxx"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Linda. Your prints looked amazing! I’m glad you enjoyed the workshop."

Steph Lonsdale reviewed: Woodworking Machinery Techniques and use.

"I've had a fantastic day on the machinery course! I booked it because I've recently bought a table saw and router, but I wanted lessons on how to use them safely and effectively before trying on my own. Even though I had used other kit listed on the course before (such as the compound mitre saw), I was able to learn new tips and techniques, and I feel far more prepared for tackling my kitchen in the future. Lots of great conversation and fun playing with various power tools. I also took a hinge jig and a couple of other bits of kit I'd bought so I could again test how to use them under Ted's expert eye. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone. Being a middle aged woman, I might have found myself feeling somewhat out of place in a large class of younger blokes, who may be more experienced at using the power tools than me; but, by having a smaller class i.e. 1:1 training, the lessons felt very comfortable and aimed at the pace I needed. I hope to do further courses in the future"

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Thanks Stephanie for the kind words and I hope that you will be able to tackle your kitchen work with confidence. As your practical skills improve and match your excellent knowledge you will be at another level completely. Enjoyed your company and our chatt about the world in general. See you soon 👍👍👍 kind regards Ted 😎"

Dave reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"I have just finished a course with Andy, he is a fountain of knowledge which he is more than happy to share. His passion for woodturning is infectious and his teaching style is relaxed which suited me perfectly. We started off with the fundamentals of the lathe and chisels then moved onto techniques for spindle work. After we covered sharpening in a lot of detail and moved onto turning an oak bowl. At break time we went in for some fantastic Yorkshire hospitality from Andy’s wife Mary with tea and flapjack and to give Angus lots of fussing. I would thoroughly recommend this course but don’t forget your notebook for all the information Andy gives you and a few doggy treats for Angus :)"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Dave , glad you enjoyed the day and looking forward to seeing you later on for the second day Andy mary angus "

Sanya Sanderson reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I took part in a 2 hour introduction to Gelli printing workshop with Clare at Concept Corner, New Brighton. I agree with previous comments that everything was very well organised, there was plenty of equipment, paint and all the creative elements/tools etc and all we needed was ourselves and nothing more. Clare is a very good tutor, nice and clear, taking us step-by step. We were also treated to tea and biscuits which was a nice surprise. Two hours was just about right if, like me, you haven't tried this technique before, but I can imagine that on a whole-day course, you can really get some fantastic results at the end of it."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop Sanya. Your prints looked amazing, such beautiful colour combinations. Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review. "

Catherine reviewed: Pen Making Course (1/2 day)

"This was a brilliant course. Derek was fun and a very good teacher. My pen is gorgeous (too gorgeous to use). 😆"

Assynt Pens responded:

"Thank you Catherine. Delighted you & Racheal had a good time. And well done to you both! "

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

"Had a fantastic day with Emma in her garden studio. Learnt how to make three different seed heads and how to glaze them. I can't wait to see how they turn out after firing."

Emma Godden Ceramics responded:

"Hi Tricia, I’m so glad you had a fantastic day! It was a pleasure teaching you. Your creations are still drying and I will let you know as soon as they are fired and ready to collect!"

Grahame jones reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop. I had a wonderful experience doing this. Filled in for my son so I wasn’t supposed to go. Not something I would have done, but it was excellent , very good tuition he made time for everyone, and if you were unsure he would go over it again. No pressure very enjoyable would recommend this to anyone even if like me you are not that interested in doing it, I must say I really enjoyed the course thanks. Parking was easy. "

Val Lawson reviewed: Gel Plate printing with Jane Fellows : luminous leaves

"This was a fun course made especially enjoyable by the tutor and the other students. Jane clearly knows how to teach and was able to give extra help as needed to those with less confidence or experience. The pace of the day was perfect and everyone took home some beautiful prints and the knowledge of how to create similar work in the future."

Haddenham Arts Centre C.I.C. responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review. Hope to see you again soon. "

Naomi reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"We had an absolutely amazing time on the glass blowing taster course. We made vases, paperweights, a bowl and a jug. Our instructor was incredibly patient and really made the experience. Definitely recommend!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review Naomi, always pleased to hear when people enjoy their time spent with us. Lovely to meet you. Regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Amy C reviewed: Introduction To Screen Printing: A One Day Workshop

"We had a fabulous day with Simon, he was so welcoming and very knowledgeable. We came away with professional looking prints that we will happily hang on our walls. It was fun and informative and day flew by. I would advise anyone to have a go."

Simon Tozer responded:

"Many thanks for the kind review Amy! Best wishes, Simon"

Kate reviewed: Ceramic Planters using the slab building technique.

"Nicola was really helpful and knowledgeable. The course was great fun"

Ceramics By Nicola Rose responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely feedback, I'm very glad you enjoyed it! "

Heather Webster reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel was aware of what I wanted to achieve by the end of the day and ensured that this happened. I have come away with full confidence to create. Thank you Nigel"

Sophie Hammond reviewed: 'Bring Your Own Project' Day - Upholstery

"Fab!"

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Sophie! It was lovely hosting you in the studio. "

Jon reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"The course was really very good. The tutor, Paul, is clearly extremely experienced and was a terrific teacher (which is probably even more important than knowledge and skill). Health and safety issues were prioritised at the outset, and the group (of four people) were able to work safely throughout. Paul gave lots of encouragement and support, and helped out whenever anyone was faced with a problem. We would 100% recommend this course. At the beginning of the day we had never done any work with glass before, and by the end we had each produced a piece that we were very happy with. The day was also enjoyable and the group had fun working together. We are already planning to book a further course with Paul."

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Dear John and Honia, just to say many thanks for coming on the class, I really enjoyed your company and your review is most kind. Your projects are fired and have turned out beautifully and I will be sending them on to you today. Hope to see you again sometime in the future:) Best wishes Paul "

Tina Thornton reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Yet another fabulous course by Paul. He has an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge and his teaching style gives you the confidence to complete your piece More courses please Paul"

North Norfolk Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Tina, thank you for that, I enjoyed our day! Another course? working on it! Hope Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Paul :)"

Jenny Britton reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I have used fused glass classes for many years now. It is incredible value for money and a great support group as well as fused glass crafts. Ann is a volunteer instructor with huge experience. She is always there to support and spends ages using the kiln to fuse our efforts. I have made lots of fused glass art, from coasters to bowls, tea light holders and decorations especially at Christmas. We are always learning and sharing ideas. "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Jenny for you kind words. Ann works tirelessly for the workshop and is always there to lend a hand. I know how busy we are and she always has time for all wishing to learn. We try to encourage everyone to try a craft. Regards Alan "

Nadya James reviewed: Stained glass weekly course - Wednesday afternoons at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Always great fun and with a vibrant mix of people, the stained glass class benefits from Elaine's humour and patience in helping students learn to make impressive designs even if they have never cut a piece of glass before. There is a huge selection of glass and you are supported to master cutting your creation, grinding your glass, flicking your flux, smoothing your solder and perfecting your patina. Each piece is one of a kind and something to be proud of."

Nadya James reviewed: Regular kiln fused glass classes Thursdays AM/Fridays PM - Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Fantastic value and Ann has huge amounts of skill in this technique. She will guide you through the many options and ideas and you would be amazed at what you can create - from flat to 3D, coasters to bowls, subtle to spectacular. It is always exciting to see what comes out of the kiln and the different effects you can create, and she has all the bits and pieces you need as well as good advice and ideas to help you get the best results."

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

"Huge range of equipment and lots of people with expertise to help you - whether you are wanting to make your first ever project since school woodworking days or are an experienced craftsperson looking to restore a classic dining chair. More tools and machines than you could believe, and the supervisers (who are all volunteers) have a wide range of skills and knowledge. "

Nadya James reviewed: Regular wood carving classes Mondays 9am to 3pm at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Excellent sessions led by Bill that cater for everyone from people who create works of art, to people like me who had never held a chisel in their life. Patient and relaxed tuition where it is truly 'your' creation that is brought to life, using a variety of tools and techniques. From spoons to sculptures, it is amazing how fast you learn and what you can make. You only need to bring yourself, as everything is there, but you may want to invest in your own gloves (the tools are sharp!) and plastic goggles (DIY glasses). "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Nadya for your kind words. We try to cater for all and our volunteer tutors will share their knowledge to help create a piece of work that you can be proud o,f no matter what your skill level or experience may be. I will pass onto Bill as I know he appreciates all reviews. He is also very proud of our first gold star award. Alan"

Mark Benson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"My son and I attended this course last week and really enjoyed it. Both of us had welded many times before but it was great to be shown how to do so properly. Nigel is very talented and friendly. I will have a go at the blacksmith course sometime in the future."