Latest reviews

Tony reviewed: Work of Iron | The Forge on the Firth of Forth | Edinburgh | 1-Day Blacksmiths Knife Making

"Was bought this as a birthday present, fuelled by ideas gained from watching far too much "Forged In Fire". Had a few ideas of what I wanted to make, but well aware I had no idea what was realistic in the time available and with a beginner's skillset. Jack was very open and friendly, tailoring his tutoring to my mechanical background and once the basics were gone through, helping quickly decide on a bigger piece to work on for the day (an axe head in this case). He also makes a mean cup of tea! Very happy with what I achieved for the day coupled with an increased knowledge of the techniques and processes involved in metalwork, and made a few family members and friends quite jealous in the process. I'd highly recommend this for any skill level, if you have even a passing level of interest in hammering chunks of metal into useful and interesting shapes. It's a pretty decent bicep workout, too..."

Sarah reviewed: Make a paper lampshade from a your own paper collage design

"Fantastic day making our lampshades. I got this as a gift to my friend and she is over the moon. Wonderful access to what feels like all the paper in the work and room to create something truly unique. Rosalind is inspirational! (And makes delicious cake!)"

Papershades responded:

"Oh, Sarah, thank you so much. I really enjoyed meeting you and Amy and you both made such amazing designs. Lovely to see how you alighted upon paper with colour and texture which really spoke to you and used collage to make something so special. Really appreciate your kind words. x"

Michelle, Troon Ayrshire reviewed: Beginner's Traditional Stained Glass 2 Day Course

"This course is outstanding and I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm delighted with my two finished pieces from being a complete novice at the start of my 2-day workshop. Both traditional lead and copper foiling techniques covered admirably in the 2 days. Gill was so skilled and enthusiastic and it was infectious. The pace was relaxed yet productive and tuition excellent throughout. A fab lunch and cakes too, all top notch. Don't delay, book today. I'm off to buy supplies to take up a new crafty addiction courtesy of Gill. "

Gill Rogers responded:

"Many thanks Michelle for your wonderful review and lovely comments, so thrilled to hear you enjoyed the course. It was so great to meet you and I had such a fun time too! Enjoy your beautiful stained glass panel and star and well done you, they looked absolutely stunning! Hope to see you again sometime in the near future. All my very best wishes Gill x"

Carolyn reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Snowshill Manor

"The nicest weekend I've had in a long time! I'd recommend it to anyone."

Matthew reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"A thoroughly enjoyable experience - Ged is clearly passionate about his work and the opportunity to practice these traditional crafts alongside him was a delight."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Matthew. Hope to see you again on one of my courses"

Sophie Cook reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"This was a birthday present from my husband who was fed up with hearing me saying I'd like to have a go at dry stone walling and not doing anything about it. We took down the remains of a wall, prepared foundations and rebuilt it in two days. It looks great and I had such a good time doing it. We had expert instruction with good banter so the time flew. I can't say that I wasn't stiff after day one but there is no pressure to do more than you feel safe doing and the safety of the participants is always uppermost. Thank you so much for a really enjoyable and informative taster that has left me with a great sense of achievement."

Marilyn Weitzel reviewed: 2024 Calligraphy Workshops in North Essex

"Really enjoyed the class learnt a lot from Julie hopefully going her classes again soon. Found the class really friendly would recommend to anyone."

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thank you very much, Marilyn. It was lovely to meet you and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day. I was impressed how hard you worked on your lettering and I look forward to helping you progress further with your Copperplate. Hope to see you again before too long. "

Anna Halliday reviewed: Traditional soft lampshade making at ShedLight

"Loved my day learning to make a lampshade. The scallop-edged shade that I created, through Vanessa's skilled instruction, is simply gorgeous. It was a wonderfully positive experience to make something beautiful, practical and very bespoke. The choice of fabrics and trims was extensive and Vanessa was an excellent tutor. The course brightened my day as my lamp will brighten my home. Highly recommend it! "

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Anna - it was a delight to teach you and I really enjoyed your lively company for the day! "

Glynne Morgan reviewed: Spoon carving course (1 day)

"The course exceeded my expectations & was superbly delivered by David. Having not performed anything anything like this before we were guided through the carving process in a supportive manner. It catered for all experiences of those attending. David evidently is a mine of experience & I could have listened to him for hours! The food was exceptional matching that of some top restaurants! I hope to continue with some carving but not sure what yet! Will need a link to some tools. Thank you David. "

The Coppice Plot responded:

"Thank you so much Glynne. Really pleased you enjoyed yourself, it was great to meet you. Happy carving!"

Elaine reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"I have so enjoyed Emma's workshops over the course of the last year. No mosaic request ever fazes her, and she uses her knowledge and experience so skilfully to ensure that everyone is delighted, and sometimes surprised, with what they are able to achieve. Emma ensures that every workshop is a good day with a lovely atmosphere. I can't wait for my next one."

abelmosaics responded:

"Your comments are much appreciated Elaine and your attention to detail always creates a lovely mosaic. I look forward to seeing how your next mosaic evolves."

Sharon Christopher reviewed: Faux Calligraphy Workshop

"I attended this workshop last month, and it was fantastic. The class was well organised, the course materials were extremely useful, and Steph went out of her way to ensure everyone was satisfied with their own work. I plan to return and have recommended this workshop to my friends. "

South West Art Courses Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Sharon, I am so pleased you enjoyed the workshop and look forward to seeing you again :)"

Gill Grout reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"I had a very enjoyable day with Isobel learning some new techniques. We focused on a tree landscape. All materials supplied I just needed a basic sewing machine. Lovely spacious workroom with a cosy wood burner for those chilly days. I was well supplied with tea, scrummy biscuits and a slice of wonderful cake. It’s worth coming just for the cake?"

kb reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"great course, full on weekend using tools and able to develop own project piece. fabulous experience. really pleased with result. great atmosphere and coaching."

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

"I was given a one-to-one session lasting most of the day and Tejal was a model of patience and skill. I did everything hands-on under her guidance and she stayed in the background the whole time helping me. She is a super teacher and it was an excellent, productive day which gave me huge confidence to make a start independently. Five stars!"

Ellen reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"My daughter and I did this course at the weekend. Fantastic and very full day. Everything was explained and questions both on the topic and around it were welcomed. Emma is a very talented artist who shares her love for colour and flair. We plan to return for further days and developing our new skills"

abelmosaics responded:

"Ellen, it was lovely to meet you and Claire, your mandala and leaf mosaics were excellent. Thank you very much for this review and I look forward to seeing you soon!"

Anne Springett reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Snowshill Manor

"Great location with excellent teacher who gave everyone individual assistance. Struggled a bit on first day but was happy enough with the end result. An enjoyable experience."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review Anne."

Katy reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Chris is an absolutely brilliant teacher. The whole day was fun and engaging. I am a complete novice but really felt I could get to grips with what I was being taught. His studio is fantastic with lots of great pottery for sale. Both him and his wife are very welcoming into their home and all in all I had a lovely day. I came away with a couple of my own made pieces!! I would definitely go again!"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"What a lovely review Katy - many thanks. Some really excellent pots created which reflects your existing expertise in woodwork translated into a meticulous approach to the work created. A really nice day working with clay. Best wishes, Chris. "

Jo reviewed: All day Joanna

"Alana was a fantastic teacher and this course was really enjoyable. Great demonstrations and then the freedom to get creative in the afternoon. Would highly recommend!"

East Nook Studio responded:

"Thanks Jo! I always forget that people can leave reviews to ask anyone- so thanks for taking the time out to share your kind words. Your earrings were fab, please send on any images! I look forward to seeing you again :)"

Alex & Manu reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. The instructor was great and the work was very engaging so much so that the 3 hours flew by! The work was also very doable even with little prior woodworking experience but was also applicable to all levels (additional detail was given for anyone looking to develop their skills further). Would definitely sign up to another course with The River Shop!"

Keith George reviewed: Stained glass craft

"Excellent course We booked onto this course for something to do on our holiday to the area, it was well worth it. A very friendly and inviting atmosphere with a fun group of people. The instructor, stainedglassologist? Was extremely welcoming and helpful. We learnt a lot and made some beautiful things to take home. Highly recommended "

Claire Sanchez reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Another excellent glass blowing class! Ricky is a fantastic teacher, giving clear instructions that are easy to follow, and helps create a very calm atmosphere. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and very rewarding when you see your completed pieces! Thanks again Ricky"

Graham reviewed: Cleft Oak Stools in the Yorkshire Dales with Phil Bradley

"I really enjoyed this course. Phil is a good teacher. His explanations are clear and he demonstrates each step in an accessible way. There is no pressure. Phil is always on hand. It's satisfying to leave with a stool that you have made and can use and enjoy. Facilities at Broadrake are excellent with a delicious lunch and then there is the amazing location with far reaching views from its situation at the foot of Whernside. It's beautiful."

Broadrake responded:

"Thanks Graham - your stool was fabulous so I hope you continue to make more! Good to have you back again at Broadrake! Rachel"

Rachel reviewed: Mixed Media Painting - Autumn Landscapes (Morning)

"I had a great morning doing this course! Catherine is so good at explaining the processes involved. She is enthusiastic and inspiring and has made me realise that I CAN paint!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Good afternoon. Many thanks for such a lovely review, we are really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and your comments will be passed to Catherine. Best wishes, Nicky"

Su reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"I had a lovely day creating various pieces under Denny’s expert guidance and tuition. It was a very enjoyable day, with plenty of cake, tea or coffee throughout the day. Thank you Denny"

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you, Su, for your kind review. So glad you enjoyed the day and were happy with your mosaics. Hopefully you’re now inspired to do more and I’ll see you again! Denny x"

Kate reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"My husband bought me this course as a Birthday present and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a fun, hands-on experience and I produced several pots that I am very happy with. Richard is a great teacher, and I came away with a significantly increased knowledge of the techniques we used. I would happily recommend this course to my friends. "

Potterydayz responded:

"Many thanks for coming along Kate, I am delighted that you enjoyed the day. Thank you for recommending the course, I hope to see you again sometime soon."