Latest reviews

Lesley reviewed: Silver clay jewellery making taster workshop

"It was absolutely fantastic to be able to finally attend another course with Anna and Lynn - very relaxed, great course with enough time to craft the silver clay, it was a bit different with the COVID rules but felt completely safe at all times - loved making my charms and stone setting- highly recommend The Arienas Collective and my friend and I are already looking to book another course - there is something for everyone ???"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Lesley. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. We're so glad to hear you felt safe, since this is important for being able to relax and enjoy your workshop, and benefit from the wellbeing benefits of engaging in a creative activity. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! I wonder what you'll choose next??? With very best wishes Lynn :-)"

Henry reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Mike tailored the course to meet everyone's individual skill basis and carefully adjusted grips/found ways to improve technique. Very helpful and good fun."

Mark Ivens reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"What a great day. A very relaxed & friendly environment with lots of help & guidance. Learned much more about the process than expected & made a variety of pieces. Thoroughly recommended"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for the kind review Mark, so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Regards Angie, Steve & Chris"

Diane Donohue reviewed: Machine knitting beginners workshop with TheaRose - learning the basics

"I had a lovely day with Thea, being reminded of the procedures and equipment to use a Knitting machine after many years of non- use. Although The Sat-Nav could not find the address, Thea was kindly waiting outside for me after the friendly assistance of neighbours. The work room was well equipped with three machines, various coloured yarns, tools, ironing board and tools, instruction booklet to keep and illustrations of previous projects completed. The venue was also Covid safe too. I was even able to bring my little dog, who has anxiety issues. She was very quiet however, which was a great relief for her. We had lunch in an adjacent lovely glass room and coffee and cake outside in the garden (as it was warm) provide by her mum. I achieved making two small projects and shared information about common interests. It was a glorious and fulfilling day and would really recommend this to other people making their first launch into machine knitting."

Hannah reviewed: Stone set rings workshop

"Mum and I absolutely LOVED the class and we adore our rings. Jo was a fabulous, patient teacher, not admonishing us for our many errors and the results are so professional and beautiful. Thank you so much again Jo! I thoroughly recommend the course."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for coming to the workshop and for the lovely review! The rings you both made were beautiful - it still surprises me that you can get such different looks from the same technique by changing the stone and the texture!"

Maggie reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"I recently attended a weekend landscape painting workshop, run by Georgina. I have not painted in a quite a while and therefore was a little apprehensive about the course. I need not have worried; Georgina immediately makes you feel at ease. She has a way of gently getting you used to picking up your pencil and paintbrush again. We visited different places to do some live sketching and painting which was great to have that support around knowing how to begin to paint outside. Georgina's teaching style is very much centred around the individual and what I think is a particular strength of Georgina's is that you do not realise until after that you have been taught. She also very much lets you find your way but at the same time guides you through basic principles of using watercolours successfully. I had a lovely weekend in a spectacular setting and would recommend this course to anybody regardless of your experience or expertise."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you so much for your revue Maggie, it was a pleasure to meet you and work with you over the weekend. x"

Nicole Eyres reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Had the absolute best time doing this masterclass. I went with my mum for a birthday treat and it was just the best day. We learnt lots of things we didn’t know about candles as well as getting to make our own to take home. The whole class was very organised and Karen also really explained things well and answered any questions we had. She made us feel comfortable and have fun learning a new process. She also provided champagne to celebrate my birthday (and another guest who also was celebrating a birthday) with our delicious afternoon tea and I thought that was such a lovely touch. Really enjoyed the day and couldn’t recommend it enough."

Lesley Eyres reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"This course was bought as a gift for my daughter's birthday and as we arrived at Bilsington Priory we knew it was going to be special. The day started with Karen explaining the course content and the materials we were going to use ... and then the fun began. We chose fragrances from a large selection and were led step-by-step through the process of making a container candle, candle in a tin and botanical wax decorations, all the time learning about the different wax properties and appropriate wicks. While the candles were setting we were treated to a yummy afternoon tea and were even given doggy-bags to take some of the cakes home! Back to the classroom we labelled our candles and tied ribbons on the wax decorations. Karen is such a great tutor, she was friendly and explained everything clearly and professionally. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

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

"I would recommend this to anyone interested in forging a knife and gaining new skills. Jon is an excellent, attentive and patient tutor and all round great company. I felt very welcome and comfortable from the minute I arrived. He is a very knowledgeable smith and tutor, he explained all the processes clearly so I understood what to do, how to do it and why I was doing it so I learned a lot and really feel I have gained a new skill! Ultimately, all decisions are yours, and Jon is an excellent guide to offer advice and step in if need be. It’s a very fulfilling day experience and worth every penny to gain some insight into this beautiful craft. And even better, I came home with an awesome knife that I forged myself and I’ll use for years to come!"

Kerr Forge responded:

"Hi Mike, Thanks so much for the kind words. It was an absolute pleasure working with you all day, and you should be really proud of your awesome knife. Hope to see you again on a future course, Jon"

Rachel Luke reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"What a fantastic "Mother & Daughter's" day! Jonathan was so patient and helpful, and the piece of jewellery surpassed my expectations, and the cake was delish! Thank you."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"It was my pleasure - and yes, the cake is pretty good! I'm glad that you are happy with your silver jewellery. Well done! Jonathan"

Ruth Hawkins reviewed: Silver jewellery class for beginners

"Thoroughly enjoyable day! Jonathan is an excellent, patient tutor. Will be back!!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Ruth - I'm glad you enjoyed your day out with your daughter - well done with your bangles! Jonathan"

Sally Williams reviewed: Learn to sew - Frome

"The 6 week beginners course was exactly what I was looking for. I hadn't done any real sewing since school and thought my machine didn't work. My sewing machine did work, it just needed a different needle! I loved that we made a different item each week ( a purse, a bag etc.) and all of the items were useful. Aliss is a knowledgeable and patient tutor. A great beginner's class"

The Stitchery Frome responded:

"Thank you Sally, I'm so happy we got your lovely sewing machine working again and you enjoyed making your different items. Hope to see you on the Clothes Making!"

Mrs Pat fojlger reviewed: Candlemaking for FUN! Making candles to gift

"Had a delightful morning making beautiful fragrant candles to take home , so much time and care taken to keep you safe both from COVID and equipment, jo was so friendly and made it a really fun time, tea and cake provided , course was a gift for a friends 60 th and she was thrilled especially as we went home with our lovely candles. 10/10 thankyou jo"

Jenni Gregory reviewed: Large Outdoor Plaster Hare sculpture kit

"I haven't enjoyed a craft project so much in years. I only wish I didn't live so far away so that I could do a workshop with Jo. Her demonstration video was brilliant at every stage and I can't say how delighted I am with my finished hare. He's a stunner !! I'm hoping to contact Jo to find out what else she does"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jenni! I'm so pleased you enjoyed making your large hare at home. It looks a bit daunting at first, but broken down into stages the process usually flows without hitches! I do make bespoke kits, for instance I created a standing horse kit for someone who had already made the large hare. If you have an idea, just send me a message! Jo x"

Karen Doyle reviewed: Machine Made Roman Blinds

"I really enjoyed the roman blind course and the step by step approach was perfect. Janet was really lovely and helpful. I can't wait to have a go at my first one."

Charlotte Jeffery reviewed: Landscapes and seascapes at the Cheshire School of Glass

"After taking an introductory glass fusing glass with Jen, I immediately booked this class for me and my partner. We both really enjoyed our day and learnt such a lot. I based my landscape on one of my Dad’s paintings of a landmark near my Mum’s hometown. My partner made a seascape of one of our favourite places. Jen helped us both - suggesting techniques and materials to turn our ideas into glass reality. It was such an inspiring day and my Mum loves the panel I gifted her."

Cheshire School of Glass responded:

"Awww, thank you so much Charlotte for the lovely review. I hope you are both well and busy quilting . xx"

Charlotte Jeffery reviewed: Introduction to glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"After a busy period at work, I decided to take a day off to attend a glass fusing class. It was the perfect antidote. Her studio is a creative haven and Jen is a generous and enthusiastic teacher. She helped me settle on a design and gave clear guidance on how that idea could be translated into glass. I created two panels that I am immensely happy with and I left with an enormous smile on my face. An absolutely brilliant day."

Cheshire School of Glass responded:

"Thank you so much. Great spending the day with you. x"

Charlotte reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"I really enjoyed my rainy day in Liz’s light and airy studio. Liz is an enthusiastic and encouraging teacher who provided plenty of tuition, inspiration and quality materials as well as numerous cups of tea. Both my sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the chance to stretch our creative muscles. Thank you!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Charlotte, Thank you for taking the time to review your day at The Slipper Studio. It was lovely working with you both and I hope you have time to continue developing your printmaking skills in the near future. Best wishes and happy cutting. Liz Wellby"

DIANA HORROCKS reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Great course with a very professional tutor. Lots of lovely yarns to choose from"

Jan Minter reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I did the course with a friend. I had not done lino cutting before. Judith made us feel comfortable and confident with our chosen design ideas. She helped when needed but let us experiment and offered help as required. We were both very pleased with our prints and will continue to make more at home."

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you for your review Jan. I really enjoyed meeting and working with you and Kate and I look forward to seeing if you find a way to incorporate lino prints into your digital art practice."

Vicky Spence reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop Part Two - Resin Finishing

"We did part 1 and then re-booked for part 2. I attended with my son, we both enjoyed the course and would book something else."

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

"Had a really enjoyable day in the shed and Jo was excellent - good level of information given and then we were let loose to work on our projects with Jo on hand to help and make suggestions along the way. I had a brilliant day and was delighted with the results of my project - the outcome was better than I had dared to hope for. Would have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone starting out on furniture painting - it gives a really good base of knowledge and understanding. The homemade bakes were a bonus too! Many thanks Jo for a brilliant day."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Wow! Thank you so much for your lovely words Jane. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day. You did a lovely job of your furniture. Happy painting at home! :-)"

Elaine Varnam reviewed: Mosaic/Chat/Create! with professional mosaicist Emma Abel

"I felt informed about how to make my design. Emma you were very clear and your balance between allowing me to work alone and helping me when I needed it was right. I enjoyed the whole experience learning a new skill and meeting interesting people."

abelmosaics responded:

"It was great to meet you Elaine and your Nazar design worked perfectly in the mosaic medium. Thanks so much for the review."

catherine mellersh reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought this as a gift for my father and brother. They had this to say ~ Andy is a very patient, kind and informative instructor that always seems to be able to find a positive comment about your efforts, even when you are struggling to do the same! The course on a whole is very informative for a complete beginner, such that I left feeling confident that I could repeat the process at home. I do feel that one day was not enough as there are things we didn't have time to cover. However the fact that I was told that if I ever have any questions or queries I am encouraged to contact Andy for answers leaves me with faith that I can fill in the gaps when I come across them. All in all I had a wonderful experience and would encourage anyone looking to learn more about wood turning to strongly consider signing up for a few days tuition. They both had a fantastic time and Andy was a brilliant teacher. Thank you!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments It was a pleasure having you two in the workshop It was a full on busy day but I really enjoyed your company Both of you have so much potential to take your Woodturning to the next level Very well done"

Ian reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had been looking forward to my day in the forge for nearly a year and upon finally getting there I had a great day. Graham and family were absolutely brilliant being extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and I cannot recommend this course enough if this is something you're interested in. Thank-you to all the Clarke family."