Latest reviews

Val Hearn reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"This is the first on line course I've joined. I thought it was very good. The teacher was excellent and I came away feeling pleased with what I had made. I also felt I had learned enough to begin felting on my own. I enjoyed chatting to the other people even though everyone was in a different part of the country. I would enroll on another course."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"I’m so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it Val! Thank you so much for your lovely review. I look forward to seeing some of your future makes :)."

Mary Elizabeth Curry reviewed: Resin Art Mistletoe Kit - the perfect Stocking Filler - Beautiful translucent bunch of mistletoe with shiny berries.(Code 123)

"The kit arrived promptly and was well packed. Instructions were excellent and I am very pleased with the finished result. A small amount of thinner would be great in the kit as resin started to thicken despite me closing lid and dipping all the leaves at one sitting. That said, I have made 20 sprigs and I am very happy with them and the great service I have received. Thank you."

Inion responded:

"Thank you Mary for such a positive review - we will definitely look into adding a small bottle of thinners to our kits. Always grateful for such feedback."

Hugh reviewed: Beginners pottery wheel throwing

"This course was just brilliant. I’d been thinking about throwing for ages - years - and when finally got round to it, it didn’t disappoint and now just want to do some more. Really visceral and cathartic. If you have any yearning to tap the wheely creative bit of your brain I’d heartily recommend you do this course with Charlie. He is the don!"

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Hugh. Much appreciated and it was a pleasure to meet you. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you can make it back to the art centre sometime soon to do some more. Did you want to glaze your own pots (have you already done it?) Regards Charlie"

Jenny reviewed: Learn to paper cut live

"I really enjoyed the online workshop. Aimee was a great teacher: checking our level of expertise (beginner!), taking us through the techniques and giving us tips for things to do after the workshop. Aimee made sure everyone felt included in the class and I now feel confident enough to give more paper cutting a go. Thanks Aimee!"

David Williams reviewed: You Will be Able to Draw by the End of this Book: INK

"I have marked Excellent but as it is a Christmas present I won't be able to send a proper review until after the holiday"

Draw Brighton responded:

"Many thanks David - I hope who ever receives it really enjoys it! Best wishes, Jake"

David Williams reviewed: Large Star Willow Craft Kit

"I have marked Excellent but as it is a Christmas present I won't be able to send a proper review until after the holiday"

Rosie Parmley reviewed: Absolute Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"Emily broke down the course into small chunks and demonstrated every step with lots of one to one support . Brilliant course with a lovely end product- fabulous silver ring. Thanks Emily"

The Metalsmith responded:

"Thank you for your kind words! I'm very glad you enjoyed yourself; it was a beautiful ring indeed! Well done!"

Yotty reviewed: Absolute Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"I went in with a desire to make a ring as a Christmas present for my mother and was overwhelmed, in the best way possible, by how much I learned and how much I enjoyed myself. Emily Smith is a fantastic teacher and helped me shape my ring into an even better design than I had imagined. I had no prior experience in regards to jewellery before but that proved to be no problem at all as it was easy to learn and found myself enjoying every aspect of the ring making process, and was given total freedom to create with expert and educational supervision. I will be recommending this experience to anyone with an interest in jewellery, or who wish for an enjoyable and educational experience with beautiful results!"

The Metalsmith responded:

"Such a lovely review, thank you very much! It was my pleasure; I hope your mum loves her gift!"

xanthe lynch reviewed: Learn to paper cut live

"Throughly enjoyed this course with Aimee never done a zoom call before but was all straight forward. Aimee was welcoming and warm would definitely recommend."

Samera Manzoor reviewed: Resin art course for beginners

"The perfect course for resin art beginners. Highly recommend Norman, he was friendly, welcoming and very informative throughout the class. I learnt all about health and safety when using resin, how to prepare, mix and explore with resin art. Norman created some stunning coasters, and went through the stages step by step so that I understood. I then used moulds of my choice to explore with resin. The class was very person centred to my interests and I felt comfortable asking any questions. Fun experience learning from someone so skilled and passionate about art, thank you :)"

M ward reviewed: 'Craft It Yourself' outdoor mosaic kit: Dragonfly Circle hanging garden ornament

"Arriving in a couple of days looks great can’t wait to get started with the grandchildren"

Primrose Mosaics responded:

"Thanks so much for the positive review, enjoy your creative time with the grandkids!"

Deborah reviewed: 10-week online watercolour for beginners course with live tuition via zoom

"I've just completed a 10 week online Portrait class ran via Zoom by Raya Brown. I've always wanted to be able to draw portraits, so I was very excited to join the class. The session via Zoom were very well prepared, we could see live demonstrations from Raya over Zoom and relate easily with other class members. It was a really good experience. The classes themselves were totally absorbing, we learnt skills and techniques in drawing portraits using pencils, chalks, charcoal and fine liner. It was great fun. Raya will be running an intermediate Portrait drawing class soon which I joined. I would fully recommend all of her classes, the online classes and the face to face classes in her studio."

Claudia reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"I would highly recommend Claire’s online beginners session. It was great fun, and really well organised. There was helpful advice in advance regarding materials and preparation. Claire is a really good clear, calm, encouraging, enthusiastic teacher."

Rhodri Nichols reviewed: Bristol Bronze Club - 2 day lost wax bronze casting workshop

"I took part in one of David's weekend bronze casting courses earlier this year, and thought it was massively inspiring. Having done a small amount of bronze casting in a university setting it was refreshing to have such a close 1 to 1 experience with the process, and with an instructor as knowledgeable as David. The process was explained and shown in full detail each day, all tools provided and techniques taught to us well, and David was happy to give any helpful tips and tricks to us along the way. The process was broken down into sections for each day in a way that made sense to the process, which gave a nice pace to the course, feeling constantly busy but also not rushed gave a great atmosphere in the foundry. The setting was lovely and was a great place for a foundry and David was also an exceptional host, offering hot beverages and cooking lunch for us on site (The food was delicious too). I had an excellent time and would recommend for any budding bronze casters that would like a closer craft casting experience with a small independent foundry."

Lynne Wilson reviewed: Silver Metal Clay –Stone setting techniques, Lancaster, Lancashire

"I attended the Rolling Mill and Stamping course. Rachel was a great teacher, very knowledgeable, patient and full of ideas and the course was well run. She made sure we all followed the COVID regulations to keep us safe. With her help, I was able to make a lovely pendant which I was very pleased with considering it was my first attempt at jewellery making. I will definitely do another of her courses, just trying to decide which one next!"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Lynne it was a pleasure teaching you and your pendant was a huge success. I’m so pleased you enjoyed it and felt safe. I’m looking forward to seeing you again."

Amanda Messham reviewed: Lino Print Kit - includes 18 items - choose 4 inks from 12 colours - FREE online video tutorials- includes UK postage

"First time I have ordered from this company. Had a few issues placing my order but help soon arrived and I was sorted out promptly. Every time I messaged I got a reply. My parcel arrived yesterday via Royal Mail. It’s a present I ordered for a friend to give to her husband so even though I have been very tempted I haven’t opened the box. Will most definitely use this company again."

Isabel Draper reviewed: Create a Gorgeous Macramé Wall Hanging

"Good preparation is crucial as the very long threads have a mind of their own - before the workshop starts make sure you have a clear table to work on, and be ready to fix the dowel down with sticky tape after you’ve placed the first knots on. Alternatively, suspend the dowel horizontally so the threads will hang from it. Time will be saved if you untie the knotted bundles of thread beforehand. And shoo the cat out or she’ll think it’s Christmas!"

Mandy reviewed: Live Online Class - Beginner Rag Rug Techniques - Including Tools worth £30

"Totally recommend this course. Great dynamic on zoom. Elspeth is friendly and professional. We learnt lots together; three different techniques and time to practise and ask questions.The pack of goodies we were sent included three specialised tools and fabric samples. I started the Sunflower during the class and finished it during the following days. My technique improved and I found it very relaxing. I feel well equipped to move on to rag rug independently."

Ragged Life responded:

"Thank you Mandy, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop - you were a perfect student :-)"

Cathy Bovill reviewed: Needle felt a robin - live online workshop

"This was a fun workshop. Gwen created a lovely relaxed atmosphere and it went at a good pace with flexibility if you were going more slowly or quickly than others. I really enjoyed it and I am delighted with my finished felted robin."

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Cathy, it really is hugely appreciated. It was lovely meeting you and I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the workshop :)"

savva christofides reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Omg . I'm a Lucy Churchill stonecarving addict . I would do these courses every month if I could ? I've recently returned from my second course which was of course PHENOMENAL ? Despite the covid restrictions Lucy kept it compliant but fun . As she was only able to have 2 people on the course there was plenty of room both indoors and outside to work comfortably whilst maintaining social distancing. Small numbers meant a superb one to one support was available st all times and I was overjoyed with my finished piece. Lucy is a brilliant host and feeds you well , even catering for my vegan needs without any concerns . If you want to learn how to carve stone, this is THE COURSE to go to ...,go on .. do it ..,you wont regret it ?"

Caroline Pitt reviewed: Mandala drawing - Beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable online lesson with Kathryn (during the gloom of lockdown). The step by step instruction was clear and there was no pressure to finish the mandala in a hurry. My first attempt at this skill was not bad at all and it was a joy. I will enjoy finishing the mandala and adding colour tomorrow but I learnt a great deal in 90 minutes. Highly recommended."

Mandala Meadow responded:

"Thank you, Caroline. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it. It was lovely to meet you. Such an interesting chat too. I'm really looking forward to seeing your completed work."

Paul reviewed: Online courses in sculpture

"I had a fantastic introductory lesson, which I did along with my mother. Danae was brilliant. Its amazing how much we learned in one hour! Due to Covid, we had to use Zoom - but it worked so well! Thanks Danae - I'm definitely hooked thanks to you! Very much recommended for anyone!"

Maria reviewed: Beginners Chunky knit throw - Arm knitting kit

"Such a great course - I definitely recommend! Sophie's instructions were so easy to follow and I'm so happy with the blanket I made! I was a bit hesitant at first as I've never tried my hand at arm knitting and wasn't sure how easy it would be to pick up "online" but Sophie's videos were so intuitive & easy to grasp!"

Forest and Dot responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Maria! Thanks Sophie"

Hannah Buckingham reviewed: Introduction to Macrame Wall Hangings

"I have really been enjoying exploring Vanderhume’s ‘Virtual Introduction to Macrame’ Workshop so far. As a beginner to macrame, I have found the written instructions and accompanying visual aids by Alice really easy to understand which has given me the confidence to start playing with a new technique. I love that this workshop gives you unlimited access to the all of the information you need as it means I have been able to take it at my own pace and I can revisit the guides at any time I wish. I haven’t felt pressured to complete a final piece really quickly, so I have been able to enjoy the process more and reserve it for time when I can sit quietly and relax whilst doing it. The community facebook group which you also get access to with this workshop is really sweet and I look forward to posting more of my progress pictures on it as I continue with my makes! I would definitely recommend this workshop if you are looking to explore macrame but have no idea where to start, and I am hoping to explore more of Vanderhume’s workshops in the future!"

Lucy Higgins reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"This was Claire’s first on line class and you would never have guessed. Her set up was really well organised so we could see her demonstrating activités as well as sharing our work with each other. It was highly enjoyable and productive and I would highly recommend it"