Latest reviews

Gillian Brayshaw reviewed: Private Tuition Upholstery

"I wanted to learn about the wood working aspect of furniture restoration. I have two cane chairs and wanted to understand how to renovate, prepare and finish them off before re caning. Katie was really accommodating with my request so booked a 1-2-1. I am pretty local but hadn’t been to Spode Works before. Katie is really enthusiastic about her craft and obviously knows her stuff. She made the session enjoyable and came away with everything I wanted to learn to start my creative journey. I really enjoyed meeting Katie and would highly recommend her as a teacher and therefore will be attending some more courses in the future. I will be keeping in touch as I feel I’ve met a kindred spirit I can learn from."

Meticulous Restoration responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was great hosting you in the studio and I'm very glad you got all you needed from the session in to work on your two beautiful, bent wood chairs. I had a lovely morning and it would be fab to see you again working on more pieces in the workshop. "

Nigel reviewed: Enter the world of Pyrography with Bob Neill

"I was one of two attendees on this course 10 days ago. As a novice in pyrography it was a wonderful introduction and very good value for money. You have your own "workstation" ,and apart from a coffee break ( with Welsh cakes) and a lovely lunch prepared by Del, you are actively doing pyrography under Bob's expert supervision. All materials are included in the cost of the day , which flew by. I had a go with several types of wood and leather ,and there was the option to try using paper as well. My Granddaughter loved the key fob I made for her. This was a present from my wife. I can highly recommend it. I've ordered some leather pieces for my first project. I've "got the bug"....go and have a wonderfully rewarding day."

Burnt Offerings responded:

"Hi Nigel Many thanks for taking the trouble to write a review of your day with Del and myself.We always try and make our guests comfortable ,first with the welsh cakes and then a busy day burning a variety of items in order to give students a good taste of the subject. It's good to know you have now got the bug. Any further assistance required just get in touch or come for another day sometime. All the best and keep on burning Bob and Del"

Sally reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Lovely session with Joan whose well-organised workshop gave myself and 8 yr old grand-daughter a good introduction to making clay pots. G’dau very pleased to be hands-on, and followed guidance to make something unique, useful and rewarding. Hope to be back. Highly recommend."

jccermaics responded:

"Thankyou Sally, I loved how Rosie went into production mode! The confidence and ability always is such a joy to see from someone so young 🙃, look forward to seeing you both in the future😊 Joan"

M Wickham reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Had a fabulous experience using a potters wheel for the first time. Pat was very knowledgeable, skilled and patient and her friendly manner put me at ease straight away. An excellent introduction to pottery and I would definitely recommend it. "

Pat Southwood responded:

"Many thanks! So glad you enjoyed yourself. I will be in touch as soon as your pots are ready for collection. "

Sarah Allsop reviewed: Life Casting for Beginners (Saturday) - Nottingham Trent University

"This is a fantastic course! We learnt so much during the day; all the various aspects of life casting. Richard was an excellent tutor; so engaging and knowledgeable. Andreea, his assistant for the day, was fantastic too, very helpful. I would recommend the course to anyone with an interest in life casting. There were 4 of us on the course, all with different backgrounds and aspirations, which was interesting too; gave you other ideas of what you might do with your new skills. I would point out 2 things for other potential students. 1) you're on your feet all day so bare that in mind and 2) you're best taking a packed lunch and maybe a flask of coffee, as the student cafe was closed when we were there and there wasn't much else nearby. "

Wendy Lewis reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I made a five foot crane in the two days. This is my second workshop, having also made the lady balancing on her hands. Jo and Andy are very welcoming, and the studio space is perfect for getting immersed with making your sculpture. It is very well equipped and organised. Jo is very knowledgable, supportive and encouraging, and I have had great results both times. I will be back! "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Wendy - your crane was large and lovely!!! I hope the colours are still developing and he/she will take pride of place in your garden. Still cannot believe we managed to get it into your car 😄. Looking forward to the next adventure! Jo x"

Heidi Turtill reviewed: Slate mosaic workshop at Jo Garden Art

"This was an interesting delve into something abstract and different in Jo's idyllic studio. I ended up completely absorbed in the freedom to create a very unique and individual piece of art. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the process, the outcome, the studio and Jo's guidance and hospitality is just the cherry on the icing on the cake! "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Heidi - and lovely to have you back the studio following last year's sculpture workshop. Both your pieces were quite different from each other, but you used the same colour tones, so they would still act as a pair. Fabulous work! Jo x"

Nicky S. reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Great candle making course from Paula. Informative, interesting and fun. Will definitely do another class with you Paula."

Jonathan Gay reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"The candle making course exceeded my expectations, it was fascinating, enjoyable, informative, and left my mind buzzing with ideas! Paula is an outstanding teacher; there were handouts, explanations, demonstrations, science, art and beautiful products to take home at the end. Included were beverages, delicious sandwiches, relaxing music, and cream teas. The facilities and venue were really nice too. I cannot wait to attend the next course!"

Carol Knott reviewed: Slate mosaic workshop at Jo Garden Art

"I started the day thinking I couldn’t do this but quickly & with Jo’s expert guidance I created two lovely wall hangings that my friends have admired. Jo creates a lovely atmosphere for the course. There is lots of laughter in the group & mutual support. Truly fab ! Thank you Jo x"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Carol - both your slate wall sculptures were gorgeous. Lovely colour spikes to tone with the beautiful slate, I know you were apprehensive at the start, but delighted the process quickly changed that and you loved the day and the final pieces of art you created. Jo xx"

Katherine reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"I had a lovely day on this course and learned so much about the art of lino printing. I was an absolute beginner but felt very well supported by Olivia, with a mixture of really clear and well illustrated whole group teaching, and plenty of one to one time. Olivia was really positive, encouraging and supportive. Taking place during a cold snap, it wasn't the warmest in the studio, despite the log burning stove but the welcome was warm, there was ongoing hot drinks available, blankets too! All the materials and equipment were laid out on the tables ready to go, and plenty of cards and pictures to inspire ideas. I loved the peace of the day, everyone busy working, and it was nice to have music on sometimes too. No pressure to leave on the dot, Olivia was very relaxed about giving us time to finish. Would definitely do the course again."

Kevin Beebe reviewed: Sword Making Class 3 Day

"Really enjoyed my experience making a sword. The tutor demonstrated each step so we could see how they are made. Wil be recommending to all my friends, and anyone else that reads this. "

Dareen Taylor reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"This was a fantastic experience day that my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed. John was a great host, friendly, flexible, supportive (even when I messed up) and in the end I felt like we had a real taste of blacksmithing and the joy of making something with fire and hammers! Would definately recommend to anyone with even a passing interest. John's passion for the subject is clear and will inspire you"

Howard Woods reviewed: French Polishing workshop full day with Rob Cain

"If you fancy a new hobby that doesn't cost the earth (I have since bought everything I need to get started for under £70) then this is the course for you. Rob is an excellent and very knowledgeable teacher and encourages a hands-on approach. You 'do' all the processes. He is also very interesting to talk to about 'the craft'. I had a wonderful time learning how to turn some pretty awful looking wooden table tops into things of beauty with a mirror-like finish. Only one warning - you'll be drawing horizontal figures of 8 in your sleep afterwards You'll have to go on the course to find out what I mean. Rob also supplies a very good cup of coffee."

The Old Polishing Shop responded:

"Haa, thanks for this great response to the workshop, and yes if your dreaming of 8's then your mind is definitely programming your for a good polishing session , keep in touch should you need any help Howard , never far, all the very best Rob ."

T.Ash reviewed: Powertex Seahorse, Mermaid, Turtle, Dragon or Owl Wall Hung Garden Sculpture - by Inky Escapades

"What an amazing experience. The day was made more special by Karen ,her enthusiasm for the craft and the relaxed atmosphere. She went through very detail at a pace you could easily follow and was already ready to offer suggestions to help with your project but not pushy in any. I would highly recommend the course. We are all really pleased with the end results. Thanks so much Karen."

Inky Escapades responded:

"Thanks so much Tracey for your very kind comments. It was lovely to meet you and your family & help you create your projects. I think all your pieces were fabulous & I am so glad you were pleased with your finished pieces. Kind Regards Karen"

Jenny reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"Sarah was lovely and friendly and explained the process really clearly step-by-step. Would definitely recommend this course."

Royston Hunt reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

" A very enjoyable and instructive workshop which has left me confident to continue lino cutting at home. Olivia is an inspiring teacher who Made it all so much fun to learn. Thank you so much."

Angie Downes reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"This was my first time wet felting and I loved every minute. I am now hooked! Jo was so welcoming and friendly, immediately putting me at ease and giving me the confidence to try a new skill. She is a brilliant teacher explaining how wet felting works, demonstrating each stage clearly and giving advice, handy tips and support throughout. I teach art to 7-11 year olds and Jo kindly shared her experience of wet felting with children, giving me lots of ideas on where to resource cheaper materials and equipment and how to make the process easier for younger children. I can't rate this course highly enough. Fantastic!"

Phinefibre responded:

"Aww thank you Angie, for writing such a lovely and kind review, it is very much appreciated. You were an excellent, enthusiastic student as well. Welcome to the amazing world of felt making, so much to explore. "

Jeremy Handley reviewed: Stained Glass for Home and Garden

"Excellent introductory course. Enjoyable and well done. "

Anna Conti Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks Jeremy, It was good to meet you. I hope you come back and try copper foil sometime. Best wishes, Anna."

Barry reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Brilliant experience!!! Having only tried woodturning at home- self taught from Youtube, this was a fantastic day. Simon was really helpful before the course allowing me to explain what i felt comfortable doing and what i wanted to learn. Simon was great at making each step understandable and helping if anything wasn't clear. He was great at giving advice and provided a relaxing and approachable environment. Simon was extremely patient, knowledgeable and an incredible teacher. I cannot recommend this course enough. Looking forward to booking another course with Simon. Great lunch also included! "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Barry, So glad you enjoyed it and looking forward to seeing you again. You'll have to collect your face shield at some point! -- Simon"

Tamsin Quin (Quin Woodcraft) reviewed: Improvers Spoon Carving Workshop

"This was such a great day! I really enjoyed this course and felt like I learned years of experience in a few short hours. Jack is a great teacher and recognises each individuals experience and pace of working so you didn't feel like you were getting left behind. I liked that the course wasn't completely focussed on the end product of a beautiful spoon, but rather it focused on technique and methods to improved your practice. Jack also took into consideration what each of us wished to learn and made sure we all achieved that. As a semi-experienced spoon carver, I felt like this course has really help propel my carving to the next level. Very good value for money in my opinion and I would highly recommend this for all spoon carvers looking to improve. Thanks for a brilliant day!"

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Tamsin! It's always pleasing to know the day worked out well for the students! Thanks for the lovely review and happy carving!"

Beverley Stearn reviewed: Glass fusing for Christmas - taster day

"Had a wonderful time at a Christmas glass fusing course which was a return visit following a previous experience with Mattt at Creative Retreats and Holidays. Matt has a wealth of knowledge about all things glass and is keen to share this with those who want to learn. The day was not only fun but gave the participants - just five of us - real hands on crafting with a wonderful array of glass and equipment available to us. We all came away feeling very proud of our creations and having had a wonderful day which included a lovely lunch of homemade soup & bread. Thank you Mattt for a wonderful day and one to certainly be repeated."

Creative Retreats and Holidays responded:

"Hi Beverley. Thanks for your review! It was a pleasure to welcome you for your day of festive fusing. I hope to welcome you back to the studio in the not too distant future!"

Marianne Chambers reviewed: 12-week Fair Isle Knitting Course

"Week 1. Very friendly group of crofters. Tutor Monica very helpful. I am new to Fairisle knitting hope to gain experience as the course progresses "

Jenny Johnson reviewed: Pottery Wheel Taster Private Session

"Brilliant lesson brilliant teacher. Enjoyed every minute and would recommend the course to everyone. "

Joe Harrison reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A brilliant day well worth the money. Colin was great and extremely knowledgeable. Would definitely do this again and recommend "