Latest reviews

Barbara Field reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"This course was a birthday present from my husband and I was a bit unsure and nervous about attending because of my beginners abilities. But I needn't have worried as this was an excellent course with an amazing, friendly and very patient tutor. The course was held in the Tregarth studio which was very spacious and comfortable to work in with excellent facilities. I liked the separate social area to ensure drinking & eating was not near glass cutting area. Health & Safety issues were taken very seriously by Amanda. All glass, tools etc were provided including an excellent lunch (I had forgotten just how much I enjoyed Eton Mess - very yummy) I was looked after very well by Amanda and it was a joy to spend time discussing projects and the samples, I brought down with me. This was a purely selfish day, as I was on a one to one course, but I learnt so much. Within15 minutes Amanda had sorted out my problem with cutting glass and then when on to improve my fusing techniques, use of different tools and glass. I was encouraged to be creative and to change my mind set for a more positive outlook - "there are no disasters in glass fusing just learning pieces". I now document all my work and learn from them and improve. The whole day when too quickly and my overriding feeling is that I spent most of the day laughing and having fun. Learning is not a hardship when a course is this enjoyable. It was a wrench to leave but I left with an amazing floral fused glass piece that I still cannot believe I made. Thank you Amanda for a brilliant day and encouraging me to progress on my journey. I would recommend Amanda's course to anyone interested in Glass fusing."

Pink House Glass responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Barbara. It was great to be part of your fused glass journey and I am absolutely sure with your enthusiasm, commitment and detailing your processes, you are set for some exciting and successful outcomes. There are no mistakes, just learning and design opportunities!"

nicky reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Fantastic weekend. Didn't matter about the weather - soon found myself so engrossed with carving a Buddha from a block of limestone. There was a brief introduction and explanation of tools but after that we all started our own projects and Sebastian was always on hand with suggestions and support when needed. Wonderful calming atmosphere, very relaxed throughout. So pleased with my Buddha. Would totally recommend this course."

Simone Emerson reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"A very enjoyable day! Imogen made us feel very welcome and it was wonderful to spend a day in her cosy house."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"It was a pleasure to work with you too Simone and I was very impressed with your landscape!"

Lorraine reviewed: Autumn Door Wreath Masterclass

"An outstanding session. The venue was spacious and facilities were Covid safe. We were made to feel welcome. Tutoring was relaxed and informative. We had plenty of materials to choose from and came away with a fabulous autumn wreath. Thank you Sarah"

Sarah & Ray reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"We did the 2-day stained glass window course & thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing from start to finish. Paul explained everything so well & imparted his knowledge to us so that we could really engage with the process & execute each step with confidence. Paul was patient & encouraging, only stepping in if we asked for assistance, apart from when he absolutely had to do the polishing! We were pleased to each be able to take home a finished panel which were immediately put on display. If you have been considering learning how to do stained glass we would highly recommend this course. Thank you Paul, & also thank you Natalie for the lunches."

Kim Lisa Kenny reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"I had both a very enjoyable and informative day, experimenting with copper and making a silver bangle. Jonathan was a patient and helpful teacher. I would highly recommend this course."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Kim. I'm glad that you enjoyed your day at Salt Way Silver. Jonathan"

Beccy Mirza reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Such a special experience! Jonathan is welcoming, patient and a fabulous teacher! The morning is spent learning the tricks of the trade, using copper and the afternoon is for creating your masterpiece using silver. I thoroughly recommend this experience and am thrilled with my unique piece of jewellery."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Beccy and well done with your silver jewellery making! Jonathan"

Rachel reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"My family gave me vouchers for my birthday for a second visit as I loved it so much the first time round. Second time was even better..Amanda is an amazing teacher..encouraging, fun, pushes you just enough, understanding and focuses with each students individuality. My friend and I had the best day. We felt as safe as possible during these wonky times and of course the food was fabulous..again."

Pink House Glass responded:

"Thank you Rachel, so pleased to hear you enjoyed your second visit, I had such a lovely day with you too, you both produced some gorgeous pieces!"

Emma Harris reviewed: Autumn Door Wreath Masterclass

"Loved it ! Lovely tutoring with plenty of time and materials to make a fabulous autumn wreath. Good sized hall with refreshments too . Great fun and so thrilled with result . Thank you !?"

Tony & Jack Fairhurst reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Great days knife making run in a relaxed environment by a true gent. We had a great day and have taken home a beautiful knife and a brilliant experience."

Justine Williams reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a fantastic day in the forge where I heated, bent and bashed metal rods to create a tree-like bird feeder! Alex is a patient and encouraging teacher whose blacksmith and artistic skills helped me create something I am proud of."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Justine, thanks very much for the great review. Glad you're proud of what you achieved. Well done! Alex"

Shirl Taylor reviewed: Woodland beauty- natural cosmetic making from woodland plants and trees

"Was wonderful so lovely informative relaxing exciting and I can't thank Rachel enough"

Ecclesall Woods Craft Courses responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Shirl- glad you had a good day and look forward to seeing you in the future I hope- Rachel"

Becky reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Such a great experience, the day completely exceeded our expectations. Jon was friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful, and immediately thought of ways to let us personalise our knife when we asked about engraving. We loved the day, it was so unique and we've come away with an amazing knife! Thankyou Jon! We'll definitely be back to add to the set!"

Craig Hutchinson reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I can honestly say.. the whole morning was better than I had thought it would be in everyway! The venue is set in a beautiful little farm shop, we got to make 5 pieces.. when I thought we would make 1 or 2.. and the staff were both very welcoming, helpful, patient and amazing ! The pieces we got to make were a small vase, a longer vase, a coloured vase and 2 coloured paperweights.. I use the term 'vase' loosely.. mine wasn't very good haha - however this didn't take away from how fun the event was ! I would 100% recommend this and wish the team at Chew Valley Handmade Glass the best for the future ! I will hopefully be back soon ! :D !"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Hi Craig, thank you so much for you kind review. It was a pleasure to meet you, and we are delighted you had such a great time with us. Look forward to seeing you in the future. From Angie, Steve & Chris the team at chew valley handmade glass"

Stew Art reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Had a wonderful day learning to carve a spoon with Mike (and Jack ??)..it was held in a beautiful setting on the edge of the chevin forest.. mike's relaxed and friendly way of teaching meant I was able to take a lot of information in without feeling overwhelmed..we were taught as a group but also had plenty of 1:1 help through out the day.. would definitely recommend to others.."

Tim Allen reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Overall very good, great fun and I learned a lot, loads of useful tips and advice. I was also very happy with the result. The only criticism I would make is that there were a lot of people on the workshop and it was fairly full on with a lot to cover - a break in the middle for tea and discussion would have been very welcome, rather than at the beginning."

Helen Allen reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Fun afternoon. Pleased with result.. can't wait to see finished set product. My particular class was a little too large to be truly 'fun' and may have benefited from a short tea break before the resin stage to give time for everyone to catch up and digest the process so far. However, had an enjoyable day out. Thanks Richard."

Muhammad & Sumbul reviewed: Beginners silversmithing workshop

"Thanks for giving us extra time to finish our jewellery pieces. It was a wonderful experience. Kami is so friendly, We really enjoyed her company while we were making jewellery. Totally recommended. Muhammad & Sumbul"

Mya Designs responded:

"Hi Muhammed and Sumbul, Thanks for a lovely review. It was great to see you both progress as beginners and I love the jewellery you made! I hope you will join me in the future for more silversmithing techniques or even a completely different craft :)"

Charlotte de Lacey reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"As a complete beginner this course was great for me, talking me through all of the steps, giving clear instructions and I thoroughly enjoyed it - I can't wait to see the finished result!"

Deborah Bullen reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"What a fabulous day. I left the day with a finished piece of textile art! Alice is a great tutor. Being in her studio in the hot walls was a real treat lots of beautiful work to inspire. However Alice does nurture your own creativity and ideas. Thank you Alice I loved it looking forward to weaving more in the future."

Jodie reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I had a great day basket weaving with Jon and Becky. Jon was really welcoming and the studio was well equipped with everything we needed. Every stage of the weaving was explained and demonstrated well and Jon and Becky were on hand to support as much as I needed. It was a lovely size group and we enjoyed a beautiful lunch outside as well as some lovely home made cake - thank you Becky! A wonderful day which I can’t recommend enough, I’ll be using my basket regularly! Thank you"

Dave reviewed: Alcohol Ink Painting

"Alcohol inks is a fascinating art medium - quite different to watercolour or oil painting. It is great fun to use. The workshop included lots of techniques which Barbara demonstrated. She also gave us lots of time and material for us to experiment with for ourselves as well as offering encouragement and advice on our individual pieces. An excellent workshop. Thank you."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you , It was great to teach you Dave. Loved your use of colour mixing using the alcohol inks."

Christopher Ashcroft reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Having tried unsuccessfully to work with wood and resin through video tutorials I decided to attend this face-to-face course for beginners. Definitely the right choice! Richard is a very knowledgeable and friendly "tutor" who clearly has a passion for working with resins. From constructing a mould, sealing wood, calculating resin volumes, mixing resins and even the use of liquid and powder colours, this easy to understand course has it all. Already looking forward to my next course - how to achieve a high quality finish - using the piece I created today. I wish I'd done this a couple of years ago - it would have saved £'s in wasted resin! Thoroughly recommended."

Kelly Docherty reviewed: Beginners Watercolours & Cream Tea Experience (minimum booking is for 2 people)

"What a perfect way to spend a rainy Saturday morning. Amina was friendly helpful and we enjoyed painting in her peaceful studio. All topped off with some lovely scones and a cuddle with Murphy the dog. Fab."

A.S.K Garden Art Gallery & Studio responded:

"Kelly and Amelia were an absolute pleasure to meet and spend time with. They completed some lovely watercolour paintings and enjoyed the cream tea and a cuddle with Murphy. I hope to see them again soon."

Gwyneth Wright reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"I really loved my day spent with Jane in her riverside studio and brought home three amazing samples created under her supervision. Jane is a great teacher, friendly and answering all sorts of questions about wool, felting, her travels - she also makes a very tasty light lunch!! Will definitely be going back again to learn additional techniques and to have more laughs."

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you Gwyneth - you are such a keen and enthusiatic 'learner' that teaching you was no trouble at all! You soaked up the instructions with ease and your samplers - especailly cobweb felting - were divine. I hope to see you again soon - there will always be a warm welcome and another tasty lunch."