Latest reviews

Charlotte Walker reviewed: Metal jewellery and silversmithing, beginner to intermediate, 4 weeks.

"Wow!!! Amazing teacher and course content, I would highly recommend!!"

clare wainwright reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"Spent a lovely day learning new skills to produce a unique piece of jewellery. Judith was an excellent patient tutor giving lots of help and encouragement. The lunch, tea and cake was also delicious and I think the day was very good value for money. Highly recommend!"

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Clare!"

Nicola reviewed: Colour for ultimate well being: Retreat in Nature

"I found the colour retreat to be just what I needed after a difficult year – it was incredibly relaxing; I had the time and the space to forget about the stresses and strains of life, to take time out to replenish my depleted energy levels, and I found Lucy to be very warm and inspiring. Since the course I have found that I am noticing colour more, recognising the effect it has on me, and looking out for colourful clothes, food, and things for the home to brighten my family's time spent indoors, especially now winter is on its way. I loved the emphasis on autumn and connecting with nature, as Autumn is my favourite time of year, and I think we could all benefit from connecting with nature more. I really enjoyed the home-made cakes, herbal teas, and lunch, and the setting was beautiful – it really helped to create a sense of retreating from the everyday world."

Lucy Renshaw responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review. I’m so glad you were able to get the rest and rejuvenation you needed! Enjoy your journey of discovering more about the benefits of colour and hope to see you again x"

Sam Elliot reviewed: Gifts and Presents to Make with Herbs

"Lovely simple and clear instructions to make a nice variety of gifts. I am looking forward to making some for my family at Christmas."

Jane Hauck reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"Had a lovely day. A course that was really hands on with a great tutor. Learnt a lot and the day just flew by. Would highly recommend it."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Jane Thank you for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure to meet you and I am glad that you enjoyed the day. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. Please get in touch if you have any further questions about the glazing. Best wishes Charlie"

Kevin Patterson reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"A great 2 days trying something new, while being taught with a relaxed and patient approach by GED. As a complete novice, great to be able to walk away having completed a gate I am delighted with, met and enjoyed the company of some great people and learnt some skills I know will be helpful in the future. Well worth attending. Kev"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Kevin. It was a great group to teach and great banter too!"

T Simpson reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"Highly recommend the tutor, the setting, the tools provided and even some home baking. Inspired to do more green wood working as I now have more knowledge and confidence. Thanks Ged!!!"

Gedwood responded:

"..always a pleasure Thys. A fine gate you can proudly display! Ged"

John reviewed: Introduction to Tiffany stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Kate is a patient and kind teacher. There was a lot to do in one day but she got me through it. I will definitely come back for another course, I'm hooked."

Henry James reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I had a brilliant time on this course. Peter is clearly an expert in what he does and he and his apprentice Toby are both brilliant teachers. I was a complete novice before the course and I came away with an absolutely beautiful and unique stool. Thank you guys, I will be back for more."

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

"Invited by a friend to join one of Helen's workshops, I was initially apprehensive as I do not consider myself to be creative. I need not of worried as Helen explained clearly how to develop the basic effects of glass fusion and we soon started on our own pieces. Through the course of the day Helen was on hand, encouraging and introducing other techniques to use, a knowledgeable and inspirational teacher. I am delighted with the pieces I made, all originals!! Thank you Helen for a great day, maybe there is a little creativity in me."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Judi, thank you so much for this review, I appreciate you taking the time. I’m so pleased you all enjoyed the day, what a lovely group of friends. I know a couple of you were reticent about creating with the glass but because you were very attentive during my demo and you responded so enthusiastically- you couldn’t help but produce beautiful pieces!"

Vicky Wilmot reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I did the 2 day course with Diamondawl, from the moment we were welcomed to the course both Jason and Louise were warm and friendly, very helpful, nothing was too much trouble and they answered all our questions without making us feel inadequate. I was over the moon with the bag I made and am hoping to carry on with leather work, already thinking of another course for next year! The food was 1st class too with a good choice. I can highly recommend this course to anyone, I had no knowledge before but am feeling confident enough to make gifts for friends and family this Christmas!"

Kenneth Dummer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A brilliant day with Alex at a great old traditional forge located in the grounds of a lovely museum. Very quickly put at ease by Alex upon arrival and made to feel at home. I decided to make a Rams Head toasting fork and Alex very professionally set about showing me the processes. The day just zoomed by and I absolutely enjoyed every minute, including lunch with Alex in lovely surroundings. I am now the proud owner of a toasting fork (made by me) and poker (made by Alex) to match. I would thoroughly recommend this for pure self indulgence or as a great present for someone else! Cheers."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Ken, Thanks for the great review, it's much appreciated. Really glad to hear you enjoyed it. Alex"

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

"Great day spent with Tejal and another student. One-to-one training was very informative, easy to follow and I had a lot of fun. Tejal demonstrated each step carefully and with great care. I am delighted by the piece I created and cannot wait to put my new skill to the test in time for Christmas. The studio is comfortable, well lit and easily accessible. I will definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn a new art skill or just to have a fun day out."

Jade reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I bought this experience for my friend's birthday and we had such a fabulous time! Nicola was so great at making us feel welcome, explaining the history and basic science behind soap making and then guiding us through colour and fragrance choices (so much choice!). Such a great morning and a perfect course for beginners. Would definitely recommend!"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks so much for your review Jade! Really lovely to finally meet you properly and so pleased you both enjoyed the workshop. Nic x"

Maxine reviewed: Wire Jewellery

"A thoroughly enjoyable day with a very skilled and personable teacher in a lovely location. Judith shared several techniques and some beautiful beads, to enable us to create some stunning jewellery. What seemed impossible mid-morning became reality at the end of the day, with everyone leaving with a unique finished piece and the skills to continue to explore this craft at home. It was great to visit Judith’s own studio to admire her own work. Lovely lunch and cake, too!"

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Maxine! I'm so glad that you enjoyed it and it was great to see everyone conquer the technique, I had faith you all would! Some fabulous results."

Norman Emerson reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I did the 2 day course. It was a great experience right from the start. Jason knows his stuff alright, from his introduction through until the completion of my wonderful bag at the end he was inspiring, helpful and patient. His work shop to me in the old mill is an interesting setting. I would recommend to anyone who wants to learn how to make a quality leather item, give Dimond Awl a try."

Diamond Awl Leather Workshop responded:

"Cheers Norman hope you are keeping well."

Libby Graham reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Had a great experience with Tejal in her beautiful garden and studio on the beginner stained glass course. She gave really clear and helpful instruction to make the process easy to follow. She was very open for us to be creative and try our own designs if we wanted and gave lots of great additional info on where to get supplies for the future. Would highly recommend."

Ruth Bannister reviewed: Gem cutting, tuition for two students in cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"I bought this course as a birthday gift for my Dad. We drove down to Brighton for the day and we learned loads from James. He certainly knows his craft, and he walked us through the way he cuts stones into cabochons. We then learned how to create a facet on the reverse of the stone - and brought it all up to a high shine. Very interesting and informative. Be prepared to absorb a lot. James also has stones for sale - so I made the most and I brought a stash home with me. :)"

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you Roo, it was great meeting you and your Dad! Thank you for a lovely review too. Regards, James :)"

Tracy Rolls reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"As many of the other reviews state Charlie was a great teacher and very knowledgable. He was patient and focused on the areas each of us was finding difficult to get correct. Charlie encouraged us to persevere, which meant we all got at least one pot out. The time went so quickly for me because it was a very enjoyable experience. I would recommend this course to anyone who wishes to get a good grounding for stating a new hobby. Many thanks Charlie from both Steve and Tracy ??"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Tracy and Steve Many thanks for your kind review. It was a pleasure to meet you both and I am glad that you both enjoyed the day. Look forward to seeing you both again soon. Your pots have now been fired and are ready to glaze. Contact me if you need help booking a glaze session. Best wishes Charlie"

Johanna reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Had an amazing family weekend creating various forms from limestone- loved the venue-felt very comfortable very quickly after small intros- what I liked most was the ethos- Sebastian is there to provide experience, wisdom, top tips to try and avoid catastrophes but also reassure that mistakes can turn into unique happy accidents that make your piece individual and special! I liked the freedom we had to ‘have a go’ but also a quiet eye kept on us to provide advice as required. Chipping, adzing(?) rasping and riffling and the 2 days went too quickly as we got absorbed into what we were doing- weekend flew by but all three of us went home with something we felt really pleased with. Highly recommended. Will definitely attend again."

Semra ferhat reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Joined in the morning session 2/10/2021 I haven’t done anything like this before but I found it fun and informative, Richard is a good teacher. The only thing I found a bit confusing was working out the amount of resin for the amount of area. I think with practice and patience I would be able to work it out. Altogether a great morning. Thanks Richard"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After a long hiatus due to Covid restrictions I finally managed to book another session with Lucy. Like a familiar glove we soon had reviewed progress on my earrings project and moved on to the next stage. I recently attended another jewellery class and realised the skills that I have gained from Lucy put me in good stead to approach the lesson with complete confidence. On our one to one session I have gained so many tips and advice that I wouldn’t have received in a class with other students so for me it is of excellent value to come to Lucy on a regular basis."

Jackie reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Loved the gelli plate printing workshop. Good fun and I learned lots. Clare was an excellent teacher, gave clear instructions and was generous with her knowledge. The small group meant we got lots of individual attention, support and advice throughout the session. My group was of mixed abilities ranging from complete beginners (me) to an art professional and we all enjoyed it equally. The materials supplied were of good quality. I left the session able to do the basic techniques on my own. I enjoyed it so much I immediately booked onto another workshop with Clare to learn more plate printing ideas and techniques. Thank you Clare."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Hi, I’m really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop. Your prints looked fab, I particularly liked your negative prints with the Agapanthus. I look forward to meeting you again in the near future."

Suzanne Campbell reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery/ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I really, really enjoyed all aspects of the beginner's one-day pottery course and would not hesitate in recommending it to others. Louise is an excellent tutor. She was friendly, supportive and encouraging and explained everything very clearly and easily and her enthusiasm was infectious."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Suzy :-). It was a pleasure to meet you and I'm really pleased you enjoyed the day. You should feel very proud of what you achieved. I particularly like your slab vase! I'll let you know as soon as your pots have been glazed. I'm sure they'll look amazing!"

Lucy & Conor McGill reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"This was the most amazing craft course I have done in the last few years. My hubby enjoyed it immensely and I personally have been waiting to get my hands on a potters wheel to try this for 32 years since I was at school! It was definitely worth the wait. The tutor was lovely - really good at explaining everything during the day and I ended up with a mug, a double handled soup mug and 2 bowls for the days efforts, hubby 2 bowls and a mug) ready to fire before glazing at a later date! The course was even better than I was expecting and I'd recommend it to anyone who has even a vague interest in crafting! Charlie was a brilliant tutor! 5 stars all round :)"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Lucy and Conor Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am so glad you enjoyed the course and look forward to seeing you again soon for the glazing. Please get in touch if you have any further questions. Best wishes Charlie"