Latest reviews

Gosia reviewed: Life sculpture in clay: 1 day course

"It was so good I actually kept recommending it to random people at my work (who had nothing to do with art at all)! But seriously, overall experience was amazing. Poppy made us feel comfortable at her lovely studio, she was very well prepared with a choice of armature to model on, and with well equipped work space for everyone. The amount of knowledge she shared with us was just right, enough to make sure that our sculptures resemble human being but not overwhelming. Her teaching style is also positive and constructive. She is also very easily approachable and in general nice person to chat to. Thanks Poppy!"

Judith Powers reviewed: Torso / Figure Sculpture in clay: 1 day course from life

"Really enjoyed this course and can thoroughly recommend it. Poppy is a great teacher and all three of us came away delighted with what we had achieved. The day is well organised, the lunch is delicious and it was a relaxing environment to work in."

Sasha reviewed: Torso / Figure Sculpture in clay: 1 day course from life

"Spent a wonderful day at Warren Park Heritage and Craft Centre in Poppy’s studio. Poppy’s passion for sculpting is reflected in her ease of teaching. My friends and I felt relaxed and well informed. The COVID procedures were very good. We had a delicious lunch prepared by Pippa who was also our delightful life model. It was a bonus to leave with a recognisable armature! I would highly recommend this course. Thank you Poppy and Pippa!!"

Learn to sew reviewed: Learn to sew - Frome

"I really enjoyed this course and found it so satisfying to make items within the time frame that looked good and could be used. Aliss gave clear instructions and guidance and helped me to understand and use my rather basic sewing machine with a lot more confidence. I'm really looking forward to doing more courses and expanding my skills and would recommend highly following a course lead by Aliss"

Joe reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"This was my first experience at throwing pots and Rowena was brilliant at teaching me the process from start to finish. She guided me through all of the basic techniques and I was thrilled that I managed to produce a good range of pots during the day. Rowena is an excellent teacher, her depth and breadth of knowledge gave me a superb insight into the pottery world. Needless to say, I am now hooked and will be continuing on my pottery journey of discovery. If you are looking for an idea for a ‘Staycation’ (or should that be ‘Claycation’) activity then I can highly recommend booking one of Rowena’s courses."

Rachael reviewed: Star Mosaic Kit - White Iridescent and Pink Dots

"This is a great kit! I have never done mosaics before but everything you need is supplied and I was delighted with the finished result."

Montet Designs responded:

"Thank you! I'm so pleased to hear that you enjoyed your kit. Many thanks for your feedback. Audrey."

Georgina reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing & glass fusing 1-day course

"My husband and I attended this course in October. A fantastic way to try some new crafts, lose ourselves in creativity and effectively escape for the day. Both the glass fusing and pottery tuition was excellent. We both made some pieces we feel really proud of and they have just arrived safely at our home having been posted after being fired etc... Must not forget to mention delicious lunch and wonderful hospitality from this creative pair."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Great to spend the day with you both! So pleased you love your finished pieces. Stay safe, Sarah & Chris"

Anonymous reviewed: Make a silver ring: one-to-one workshop

"Having had no experience in making jewelry ever, and wanting to do an idea of my own I found Ange very accommodating and very knowledgeable about why and what we were doing. Ended up with a really lovely ring, and had a great time making it! Would recommend to anyone who wants to try it."

AngeB Designs responded:

"Was a pleasure meeting you! The ring you made was fantastic and I’m sure your girlfriend will love it!"

Colleen Pearson reviewed: Embroidered jewellery

"A very enjoyable workshop and I learned new techniques. The choice of materials was excellent and ideas and templates were provided but it was also possible to produce our own designs. I was delighted with the end result. I feel inspired to use the techniques to produce more pieces. Also, the Covid - 19 procedures were thorough and the environment felt safe without affecting the running of the workshop. I have booked on more of Judith’s workshops."

Judith Brown Jewellery responded:

"It was great that you came with your own ideas and have been inspired to make more! Look forward to seeing you at your next workshop, and to seeing what you make then too."

Harriet reviewed: Driftwood Harbour workshops with Harbour Wood Design at Walford Mill in Dorset

"A fab-u-lous course! Michelle is great and really helps to support and aid your ideas and designs. Lots of materials to choose from to get creative with. The day is really well paced, no feeling of being rushed towards the end to get everything finished. I love my little harbour and can not wait to find some drift wood on my next coastal walk."

Brenda frisby reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I bought this day's metal-working as an 18th birthday present for my grandson. I could not have found a better gift - he absolutely loved every moment. Jake is really keen on his work and extremely skilled in his craft and, what is rarer, is able to convey this to those doing the course. The finished poker and hooks really are works of art and top quality. Thank you, Jake."

J Greengrass reviewed: Tonal Sketching Kit

"Excellent value and fast delivery. I look forward to getting back to sketching."

Heddfan From Narberth responded:

"Have a wonderful and creative time. ❤️❤️"

Charmaine reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I had a wonderful experience learning about candle making. The session was informative and fun. Now ready to start experimenting based on the knowledge and tips provided by Charlie."

sarah faulkner reviewed: 5 Week Jewellery Making Beading Course (Merseyside)

"Fabulous course, learnt so much and really enjoyed my time on the course. And plenty of tea and amazing biscuits"

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Sarah, it was an absolute pleasure to meet you. Wishing you every success with your future jewellery business. ??? Kindest regards, always Carol..?"

Elen Wade-Martins reviewed: Family carving and whittling - morning

"I took my two sons (10 and 13) to this workshop for a half term treat. We were all new to woodworking and wanted to learn some basic safety and techniques. David and Caroline made it relaxed, accessible and fun; we had a lovely morning and are now hooked. We hope to attend more of David's courses in future. Many thanks."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Elen, thanks so much for your review. I’m so glad you and your sons enjoyed the course. It is so helpful to get feedback. I’ll send out some post course materials in a day or two to help keep those knives sharp and with follow-up project ideas. Keep making shavings!"

Yvonne reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"Great course, lots of techniques packed into the day. Brilliant venue"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Yvonne, Really pleased you had a good day. Hope you get time to explore this technique further. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Helen & Steve Ford reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"My wife and I had a wonderful day with Rachel learning a new craft. We much admired her work that was on display and she was an excellent teacher - knowledgable, friendly and supportive. We were both so pleased with the stained glass panels that Rachel taught us how to make, and now have another little project in mind for which we will be returning to Rachel for her guidance. Would recommend anyone to do this stained glass course with Rachel, you will not be disappointed."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Oh thank you Steve & Helen, what lovely kind words. You made it a very enjoyable day too. Very much appreciate you taking the time to review :-)"

Heather Mahany reviewed: Learn to sew - Frome

"Having owned a machine for 5 years and never used it I was excited to start but unsure of how I’d manage to complete each task in the two hour window. Aliss is patient and knowledgeable, introducing us to new skills and tools each week. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and can use everything I made which is definitely a bonus. Excellent course, definitely recommended."

The Stitchery Frome responded:

"Thanks for your feedback Heather, I'm so happy you're confident using your sewing machine! You'll be making all your Christmas presents now!"

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

"Such a wonderfully joyful weekend! I attended the 2 day course and from the moment I emailed Jo with the idea of my curved female form, Jo was amazing, encouraging and downright excited for what we would make. Andy her husband created a brilliant metal armature for me to use as a base, even though it was a tricky one for him, he smashed it! Jo is an incredible teacher, creating such a relaxed, enjoyable and natural learning environment. I've worked with clay before but never with plaster. Jo's got a great teaching style and is incredibly inclusive. I loved watching what the other students were making and you get invested in each others works. We had tunes on the radio and had a lovely giggle in the studio. It has relit my passion for making sculptures. I will certainly be back very soon! I cannot recommend Jo's courses enough - go go go!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Nat - the photos of your lady sculpture in the setting autumn sunshine are amazing. I agree that Andy smashed the brief for the armature; it was a sculpture by itself! So pleased to introduce you to the plaster work ;-) See you soon! Jo x"

Michelle Duffin reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Booked an afternoon course with Sara, my daughter who is very artistic was in her element!! Me not so much...both came away with beautiful rings, it doesn’t matter on your capability as Sara is so helpful & attentive. Sara & her friendly dog Misty were the most warming & welcoming company ever & we are very thankful for them as we had an incredible afternoon in her beautiful workshop."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Michelle - Wow .... thanks you so much for your lovely words, it was an absolute pleasure to work with you both and I really did love the design and ring your created. Sara"

Bee Fox reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"This course with Jay was an excellent way to spend a weekend with a wonderful outcome. Jay is a brilliant tutor, taking things calmly and clearly, yet with fun and positive help. Great tips along the way should we want to go and make more stools. Everything provided other than the top material. During these Covid times, it felt very safe as Jay had gone to great lengths to ensure as much cleaning and sanitisising was achieved both before and during the course and visors and hand sanitiser provided individualy. You won't regret taking part in the course."

The Bespoke Home - Furniture Maker responded:

"Aww, thank you so much Bee! That's so lovely to read. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Let me know if you need tips or materials when making more footstools! :-) Jay"

Marianna reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I cannot recommend this course enough. Even before attending the Pottery full day course , I received informative emails from the course organisers with all the information I needed in preparation for the day. The last time I did any pottery was in school approximately 3 decades ago and even then it was the basics. I loved every minute of my day with Louise - she was very welcoming , supportive and I learned a great deal from her - from making a pinch pot, to coiling and decorating slab work and most fun of all experiencing throwing on the wheel. The studio environment is bright, clean and houses some lovely pieces of completed works. Louise has created a lovely balance between structuring the day and organising the sessions to learn about processes involved in making pieces of pottery, whilst still encouraging creativity and freedom to explore clay . There were refreshments throughout the day and a lovely lunch . Although it can be daunting having a one-to-one session , I felt very relaxed in Louise's company and it was very rewarding having such an opportunity to have a tutor's full attention- it felt very natural and we had plenty to talk about . I look forward to returning again in future and look forward to any other classes that may develop over time. Thank you again for such an unforgettable and exceptional day."

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

"Marianna, thank you so much for the really lovely review! I enjoyed every minute of the workshop too, so that's always a plus from my perspective ;-). I really appreciate hearing students' opinions about their workshop with me. I also totally understand that the thought of a 1-2-1 session with a complete stranger could be a daunting prospect at first, but I'm so pleased that all my students have felt comfortable in my company and in the studio. The aim of the workshop is obviously to impart some pottery info and give students a grounding in the basic methods we can use to make some lovely things out of clay, but also for them to have a creative, fun and relaxed day. You made some really beautiful pieces and I can't wait to see them glazed. Thanks again for the fab review and see you soon!"

Ben reviewed: Making a Handmade Leather Wallet with Nigel Armitage

"Perfect introduction to leathercraft. Met with Nigel who delivered a well paced step-by-step walk-through of the thought processes, tools and skills required to take a project from concept through to final product. Left with a wallet to be proud of, and a new hobby for life."

Jenny reviewed: Longbow making in the south lakes

"We had a wonderful time learning how to make ash longbows from Tony at Ynot Coppice. It was great, over the two days, to be able to make a working bow from a piece of wood, using traditional tools, learning about the history of the longbow and all about the surrounding woodland from Tony. Tony is an excellent instructor, especially in teaching us how to do the vast majority by ourselves and guiding us both through the process of using the tools and understanding the theory of how to make the bows. It was incredibly satisfying shooting them at the end of the two days. It was a physical course but felt very rewarding. As an added benefit, we camped on site and were lucky enough to have it to ourselves, an added bonus given extra precautions in place across the UK (Tony had also thoroughly prepared for this and we felt safe throughout). We’re very much hoping to do another course with Tony soon - thank you very much! Jenny (September 2020)"

Ynot coppice responded:

"Thank you very much for this and it was lovely to meet you both and hope to see you again, all the best,T"

Sandra King reviewed: Private Tuition in Sculpture, Stone or Marble Carving, Letter Carving and Relief with Simon Burns-Cox

"Really enjoyed the stone relief course which was great fun and I was so pleased with my final project. Simon is friendly, highly skilled and demonstrated great patience with my chisel work. I’d certainly recommend the course and hope to do another workshop sometime. Thanks for the recommendation!"

Simon Burns-Cox Sculptor and Letter Carver responded:

"Hi Sandra, Thank you very much for your kind review. It was a pleasure to meet you both and very glad you enjoyed the course and look forward to meeting you again soon. Best wishes Simon"