Latest reviews

Yvonne Innes reviewed: A Creative Day Workshop (max 6 people for one price) - discovering or recovering creativity for work, home and life. Art in Suffolk

"One of Jane’s Collage and Cream Tea sessions was my birthday present to myself. I was already a fan of Jane’s work but I had been personally stuck creatively for a long while, so I walked in under a bit of a cloud. Two and a half hours later I came out totally at ease and happy to have met such an inspiring person whose infectious warmth and enthusiasm plus a huge array of materials to use enabled me to start thinking creatively again. If her aim is to make you feel good about your work and about yourself she succeeds like nothing else could. "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"It was a joy to see how you embraced the whole experience Yvonne and let yourself fall in to your natural creativity. "

Deborah Gilbody reviewed: Introduction to crocheting

"Tutor spent far too much time teaching one woman and left the rest of the group, pretty much, to their own devices. Some were really struggling and should have had more one-to-one time. Also, the 'easy methods' she was teaching really weren't the easy methods. I was lucky that I was only taking the course as a refresher, hoping I would learn some tips. I didn't! I spent most of my time trying to help those near me who were being ignored by the tutor. Overall, pretty poor. Won't be booking anything in the future."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Dear Deborah, I'm sorry to read this. We have run a course like this before and it was very successful but, given the feedback from our attendees, we will now be reducing the group size. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know your thoughts as we can't look to improve without this feedback. We have lots of other courses at Stanwick Lakes though so I do hope that we might welcome you to another course on another occasion. "

Fiona reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day for 2 students

"We had an excellent day woodturning. Les is a great, patient teacher and we made a beautiful bowl each and trees. I keep picking up my bowl to look at it. It is so smooth and looks very professional. It was a very enjoyable experience. "

Pren responded:

"Thank you Fiona. I really enjoyed working with you both and I'm delighted that you were happy with the bowls that you each made. "

Gillian Crossley-Holland reviewed: A Creative Day Workshop (max 6 people for one price) - discovering or recovering creativity for work, home and life. Art in Suffolk

"''If you've always wanted to be an artist but lack the courage to jump in and get started or if you've started and are always overcome by doubts, Jane is the perfect person to set you on your way. Not only can Jane sympathise, she possesses the utmost conviction that takes you beyond your doubts and enables you to create the images you want and, of most importance, to have fun while creating your own work.'' "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Thank you so much Gillian. It was wonderful having an experienced artist like yourself in the workshop. Your collaged sea scape inspired me "

Jenny Garner reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"Wendy is extremely generous with her time, knowledge and resources. I had a fabulous time making soap at The Little Craftery. I had wanted to try soap making for ages but never felt confident enough to start, lye sounded so scary, this course is fantastic to get you started. It's simple and friendly, using equipment from the home and a selection of recipes with great tuition. The resources available are extensive, essential oils, fragrances, additions for texture and colour...choosing is the hardest part of the course, it all looked and smelt so lovely! I have now 8 big bars of cut soap curing in my spare room which is making the room smell heavenly. I have used the online resource shop and got kitted out with all I need for home soap making...I feel confident enough now and I am planning to try all the recipes in the wonderful colour handbook before embarking on trying a "flavour" combination of my own. Thanks Wendy, you're a star!"

BSnell reviewed: Mixed Media – Spooky derelict buildings (Afternoon)

"This is my second class with Cathy. It is a joy. Her knowledge, advice and encouragement has so helped me. A total beginner in with various levels of fellow students but encouragement all the way. Can’t wait for the next classes. I did feel I was out of my depth but I’ve decided I’m going to stick with it and see how it goes. Thank you Stanwick from a recently retired lady for your great selection of some super classes."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Many thanks for such a great review. We are so pleased you are enjoying the course. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Holly reviewed: Book Paper Flowers (scheduled workshop at A Touch of Craft Yorkshire)

"I really enjoyed this course and made some beautiful paper flowers which are still on display on my mantelpiece! Laura is a really clear instructor and everything was very easy to follow. The course is flexible enough that you can work at your own pace and was a lot of fun. "

L & S Crafts responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. I'm really glad you like the flowers and enjoyed the course."

Helen Stacey reviewed: A Creative Day Workshop (max 6 people for one price) - discovering or recovering creativity for work, home and life. Art in Suffolk

"What a joy is is to work with Jane - such a talented, warm inspiring artist. Jane's enthusiasm for her craft is infectious. She puts her tutees at ease ever so quickly and comes alongside them to share her expertise and encouragement. This leads to tutees like me creating pieces that have been fun and surprising to produce, and very satisfying. She is an adventurer who leads others into explorations of new worlds, and sees you through moments of risk-taking in your creative life with passion and support. I can't wait to work with her again!"

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Hi Helen - Many thanks for your lovely feedback. To be honest, every session challenges me too....to keep taking risks and to trust my own inner creative journey. "

Sara Sarre reviewed: A Creative Day Workshop (max 6 people for one price) - discovering or recovering creativity for work, home and life. Art in Suffolk

"Jane's courses are a wonderful experience. I did a collage workshop with Jane after not painting for several years and I didn't know where to start. Jane encouraged me to be brave. She taught me to 'see' creatively again. Not only did I walk away with three pieces of work, I felt my confidence was restored. I'm definitely signing up for more next year – Jane is a natural teacher and a great painter. "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Hi Sara - this is such a wonderful heart-warming response... thank you. I hugely enjoyed the workshop too. Looking forward to seeing you again soon. "

Veronica Wilson reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden, Kent

"What a brilliant day this was! Marianne is an excellent teacher as well as being a master of her craft. It was a joy to learn from her - she was very supportive, inspiring, and patient. I was thrilled to have made a basket to come home with although the day seemed to fly by! The open barn and surroundings made for a really lovely work space too. I very much look forward to doing more basketry now!"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Thank you so much, Veronica! Your feedback means so much to me. Thank you also for the photo of your basket with the windfall apples. When a basket is used, it looks even more beautiful, especially with colourful apples. Will be great to see you again in a few weeks' time during the wreath-weaving course. I'll look forward to that! Thanks again! Marianne - Crafty Basketry"

Murillo Matos reviewed: Introduction to Arc or Stick Welding, with award winning metal artist, Roger Russell

"Roger is just the right person his knowledge of material and machinery is amazing he got all of tips of welding machine and equipment most brand new and his way to teach and explain about everything is incredible. I definitely really recommend him to teach any person from a kid to adult."

Anna reviewed: Learn to Crochet Workshop in The Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Thank you for a very enjoyable day re-learning crochet after a break. Karen was a very good teacher showing patience, knowledge of the subject and kind, genuine and friendly atmosphere in which to learn. Highly recommend Karen's workshops."

Lechlade Craft Barn responded:

"Hi Anna It was lovely to meet you and thank you for the review. I hope you are still enjoying crochet and that you have your first project underway. I always love to see pictures :) I look forward to seeing you at another workshop. Kind regards Karen"

Ann reviewed: Introduction to crocheting

"Tutor was very knowledgeable and friendly but I felt 9 beginners were too many. The instructor did not manage to support the real novices as it took a lot of time to get round. I only learnt to confidently make a chain which was very disappointing as I hoped to have been able to confidently learn some stitches. Left feeling frustrated and with a headache. Beautiful venue and relevant for this activity. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Dear Ann I'm so sorry to hear this feedback, it's not what we would want from our courses. We will take this feedback and reduce the class size. I would like to invite you to the next (smaller) crochet course free of charge, please contact us directly if you would like to attend. Kind regards Billie "

Mark reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"First things first, huge thank you Steve for an amazing 2 days and an experience that I will remember for a long time. This course is brilliant from start to finish, with the end product something that is equally beautiful and practical. Being able to leave after the second day with this is incredibly rewarding. Steve, delighted it's a knife and not a chisel. To quote a certain TV show, 'it will cut'. Thanks again for your hospitality and sharing your wealth of knowledge, cannot recommend this course enough."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Mark Thank you for your kind words, it really is a pleasure to know how much you enjoyed your two days locked in the workshop with me. Your knife did look rather lovely dressed in that Australian Jarra wood handle. It will give you faithful service in the kitchen and yes it certainly did cut. Kind regards Steve"

melanie brown reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"The course was great fun. Jamal explained everything really well & helped/guided as needed. Bought as a birthday present experience and can highly recommend it. "

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much Melanie!"

Nicola Patten reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"We had the best day with Di in her fantastic home studio. She was so lovely we felt like we were spending the day with a friend and had a really great time doing something different as a family. We were so impressed with what we all managed to achieve and we all had a finished sculpture to take home at the end of the day! I'd give a sixth star if I could for the sparkling company of Bojo the dog throughout :) (we were asked if we minded him joining us!) "

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh Nicolas that's so kind. I really enjoyed my day with you all. Hope the sculptures got home safe and sound. D x"

Sarah reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"My friend Jill and I did this course a couple of weeks ago. It was fantastic! Martin is an excellent tutor and very generous with both his time and materials. I would highly recommend it."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you :)"

Jane reviewed: Mosaics for Beginners - West Sussex

"Thank you Wendy for a great day making my mosaic seagull, he looks so cute. Really enjoyed the relaxed approach and straightforward instructions. I think I may need to do another course!"

Liz reviewed: Copperplate - Regular Classes - to 31 December 2023

"Julie is a great tutor with amazing, inspiring talent. The group are lovely, friendly and helpful, sharing tips and advice. I was concerned initially joining an established course as a beginner but I was made to feel incredibly welcome. There is no pressure as everyone is at different levels and goes at their own pace. Zoom is brilliant and Julie's set up means you get a bird's eye view when she demonstrates. The flexibility is really helpful as you don't have to commit to booking a block of classes. It's a beautiful skill to learn and completely absorbing. I love the simplicity that all you need is pen, ink and paper."

Julie Chaney responded:

"What an informative and helpful review, Liz, thank you! I very much appreciate you taking the time to write it and also for your generous comments. In return, may I say that it's a pleasure having you in the group and your participation greatly contributes to the success of the sessions. Again, thank you."

Mick Buckley reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Great day, friendly, course content adjusted to suit ability and knowledge. Workshop nice and warm, wood burner on when I arrived. Left with a beautiful bowl produced all in the day."

Brett Jackson reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I attended the one day course on the 29th October 22. Honestly had a brilliant time! All three of the Clarkes have a wealth of experience and made the day enjoyable. Felt especially at home with the link back to South Africa. Unfortunately I did get a crack in my blade during heat treating (this can happen sometimes) but still left with a beautiful and sharp blade that I'm proud of. Just means I have to go back and make another, or try the axe course ;) All in all an amazing day and experience! Thank you"

Claire reviewed: Coil Pots - Full Day

"What a wonderful course! Molly is a lovely teacher, she offers a fantastic range of materials to work with and the results are amazing !! Plus the food is healthy, homemade and delicious - all in all a really great day. I thoroughly recommend it. "

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"Thank you Claire - so glad you enjoyed both the workshop and the food and I enjoyed the too. It is always such a joy to see what comes out of a workshop, especially the coil pots."

Debbie Miller reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Thank you so much for such an informative day. I definitely came away feeling much more confident and with knowledge to be able to do more turning with better technique. I really appreciated you teaching style, a good mix of demonstration, hands on experience, and time to try and master what was being taught. I highly recommend Colin to anyone new to turning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Debbie. Enjoy your woodturning and if I can help in the future, please get back in touch. Regards, Colin"

Georgie W reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Extraordinary! Such a fantastic lesson… I spent the entire time fascinated, interested, amazed and delighted. And utterly baffled that I actually created some things… Highly recommended. What an insight into a magical skill."

Duncan reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Fantastic course. It was a really enjoyable day. Jamal was incredibly skilled and knowledgeable, and I would recommend this to anybody with an interest in stained glass."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks very much Duncan!"