Latest reviews

Susan Harrington reviewed: Life Drawing - Worthing West Sussex

"Beautiful model and plenty of instructions from Tricia. Made unpleasant by the necessity of having to wear masks all day. Shame the November session has been cancelled, but looking forward to February 2021!"

Art with Tricia responded:

"Thanks for your feedback. Fingers crossed our 2021 courses won't have such strict COVID restrictions and we may be able to dispense with masks. I'm glad you enjoyed the session otherwise."

Jilly Shired reviewed: Seasonal wreath workshop

"I really enjoyed meeting Mary and going to her beautiful workshop. I did the dried flower wreath course and made a gorgeous wreath , I was not expecting to actually make the twig wreath itself. So was pleasantly surprised that you could make it with branches easily under Mary’s tuition. There was a lovely selection of flowers to use and I would certainly recommend a few hrs with Mary I learned so much and will be making many more wreaths . I also think that I would like to attend the Xmas wreath making course with a friend as I know my Christmas door wreath will be extra special this year if I make it myself ."

Sandra D reviewed: Intro to Glass fusing : a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Fused Glass workshop with Marilyn, I am really looking forward to collecting my pieces and seeing how they turned out. Please pass my thanks to Marilyn for her patience, knowledge and exceptional skill. Also thanks to you for all your hard work not just for setting up the course but for making sure that the venue is 'Covid' safe, it can't have been easy. The barn is a special place to work with a lovely relaxed atmosphere. The food and drinks you provided were most welcome, the scones were particularly delicious"

Marian reviewed: Mosaic/Chat/Create! with professional mosaicist Emma Abel

"I really enjoyed creating something pretty out of nothing but broken china - each piece had a story and the mosaic preserves that unknown tale, just as your mosaics tell a story and inform. It was great to see all the colours of tiles you have - it gets the imagination going! I also loved all your beautiful mosaics and learning about your decision to focus on extremely endangered species in order to increase awareness of their plight. This takes mosaicing to another level. There was nothing I didn't enjoy!"

abelmosaics responded:

"Thank you for the positive feedback Marian. It was a pleasure to help you make something special out of your broken china pieces, your hare is beautiful. Emma"

Becky Tasker reviewed: Wooden spoon carving course (beginners) with expert Steve Tomlin

"Amazing course organised in the idyllic setting that is Kith Homestead. Steve's teaching was fun, friendly and easy to follow whilst learning a new skill, taking a log and transforming it into a wooden spoon, learning about the many techniques the achieve the end result. The homemade lunch provided by Lorna, as well as the much enjoyed homemade pie were delicious and kept us warm and fuelled for the rest of the day. This course would make for the perfect Christmas present as the experience is second to none. Highly recommend!"

Marilyn Torrance reviewed: Exploring Styles

"Julie introduced pastel drawing to us, giving a bit of background and then hands-on experimentation with the different types of pastels and papers. She then preceded to teach us how to draw a beautiful seascape (or two). She was amazing. All 6 of us produced art that we were happy to hang on our wall’s, even the couple of Ladies who didn’t think they had an ounce of creative flair! Julie’s class was informative and very enjoyable. I highly recommend."

Julie Ford Art responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review. I thoroughly enjoyed running it. Thank you for asking me. :-)"

Brian reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed our full day with Rosanna. It ticked every box ? Rosanna is very friendly, very patient and knowledgeable. She taught us about leather, the tools and the basic skills needed to get started on this new hobby. We enjoyed it so much, we immediately signed up for another class to learn more"

Sarah Jermyn reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"Although my initial workshop was cancelled due to Covid-19, Richard kept me informed about the situation and when things started up again, it was easy to rearrange. I have to say I had the BEST day. I did a leatherwoods course at college some 34 years ago, and to say I was rusty was an understatement, but this course has ignited my passion once again and I will have a new hobby! Richard was really easy to deal with, everything was really clearly explained and I absolutely love the bag I made. It was a fabulous day and much needed. Absolutely buzzing!"

Richard reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"A great day and full of learning and fun. The guys supported everyone irrespective of baseline skills and were happy to help and give as much knowledge and insight as requested. Thoroughly enjoyable and cannot recommend highly enough!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Richard, It's gratifying to know the day met your expectations, Regards Graham"

Su Bristow reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"Had a great 2 days with Jacqueline in September making a bespoke footstool for my husband to match up with his new leather chair. Jacqueline is a great tutor. She will not let you take home a footstool that is not perfect. She was very thorough and went over the more difficult aspects of making the footstool several times. Do not be afraid to attend this course because of Covid 19. All our tools were cleaned before we used them and the venue was spotless and safe. Highly Recommended. Jacqueline is a very talented young lady."

Nick Mason reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent an exhausting but brilliant day with Mark earlier this summer. He managed to cram so much in - unlocking the magic of this hobby, but always with an eye to the importance of safety. And all done with great humour and enthusiasm. Wholeheartedly recommend."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Nick. Receiving such feedback is the real incentive for what I do. All the best Mark"

Liz Coulson reviewed: Folded Log Cabin Patchwork Block

"I am new to this work and Bev led us through a very full but relaxed day. I feel I fully got what was being taught and am looking forward to completing my piece. Zoom was a great way to do this course - real close ups of the samples and what was being taught - much better than in a class in a room - and allowed us to talk with the Tutor and other students. I completed two blocks and started a third - which I am delighted at being a novice to this work. Bev had put in a lot of thought and preparation for this day and it paid off - the It all worked wonderfully. She is a really good teacher of quilting and put things over in a way even I could get! Thank you Bev - I look forward to another course!"

Bev Mayo responded:

"Thank you Liz. I enjoyed teaching the lesson and seeing your lovely patchwork blocks. Bev"

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

"Booked this for me and my mum for her birthday. Neither of us really knew what to expect but Chris was so welcoming and friendly, and above all patient while teaching us how to use the pottery wheel. Communication was excellent throughout the booking process, and it all felt incredibly safe and mindful of COVID guidelines during the lesson. Really enjoyed the experience - actually coming home with several lovely, useable pots was a bonus! Would thoroughly recommend to anyone looking for a bit of an unusual afternoon treat."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Natalia, Many thanks for such a lovely review - I thought the pots your and Della made were great - particularly as you were both so unsure that you'd actually make anything! They were great! I'm particularly pleased and grateful that you also felt safe in these strange times. It's nice to know that the additional efforts on both my and those attending are working. Best wishes, Chris."

Charlotte McGee reviewed: Upholstery full day class - strip, pad and cover a dining chair

"Really enjoyed my day, especially as I turned out to be the only student so was really able to get one to one tuition. David is a fabulous, patient teacher even with my very challenging chair! Great day"

Donna Deeks reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"I've been working with Gaynor via correspondence for 2 1/2 years, both with her 4-lesson courses and on my own special projects, and it has been an excellent experience. The exercises and examples she has provided in the courses have been clear and detailed, and her spot-on feedback on the individual projects has enabled me to start developing my eye for design and layout. Gaynor provides a solid foundation for beginning students, and teaches more advanced students how to refine and realise their calligraphic ideas. Calligraphy by correspondence really does work, and I highly recommend Gaynor's courses."

Alice Clough reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"I had a wonderful time on the 2-day Lino printing workshop with Olivia. She was an excellent tutor, offering lots of information and advice, but also giving us enough space to learn and experiment. She encouraged me to really explore my abilities, and as a result I came away having made a whole set of prints using two different techniques that I was really pleased with. I was able to achieve far more than I imagined, and felt I had really challenged myself and learnt a lot. Olivia's workshop was suitable for complete beginners, as well as artists and printers who are interested in trying something different or experimenting under expert guidance. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Jane reviewed: 5 Week Jewellery Making Beading Course (Merseyside)

"I loved the Beading course and have learned loads of new techniques which will aid me taking my jewellery Making to the next level ?"

La Jade responded:

"Hi Jane, I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the course. Good luck with your future jewellery making ?"

Nicola reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"Feeling excited after a fantastic day with Paula making beautiful soap (who I can’t recommend enough). Paula was patient, professional & truly inspiring. A lovely vegan lunch too. Watch this space in 2021, amazing things to come ❤️"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Nicola. I can't wait to see you succeed in your soap making business, go for it, you will do great!. Paula"

Karen Adams reviewed: Exploring Styles

"I hadn’t painted since I left school 36yrs previously! Julie spent time explaining perspectives and horizons before going on to use of colour and tools. The practice hour was invaluable before getting stuck into the ‘real’ picture. The reaction from family and friends when I showed them my artwork was worth the 36yr wait! I’m very excited to get on to the next course when I’m able to. Thank you Julie. Xxxx"

Julie Ford Art responded:

"Thanks so much Karen. Delighted you enjoyed and and look forward to seeing you again. x"

Katie reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"great class, really useful and great teacher!"

Peter MacDonald reviewed: Cleft ash gate making with Gedwood

"Despite the rain, the workshop was fantastic, the workshop area was well set out and we had plenty of space to work. All the tools were clean and sharp and the instruction from Ged was good. There were 4 on the course and the space was fine. The setting for the workshop is great ,the location is easy to get to. with the aid of Geds information he sends out. Look forward to returning for another workshop and to invite Ged to the opening of the gate."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks for that Peter. Look forward to the gate launch?"

Claire Carley reviewed: Enamel Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Such a great morning with Rachel learning how to enamel. Every stage was well demonstrated and Rachel was on hand to offer help and advice throughout. I am thrilled with what I managed to produce in 3 hours (which flew by!) Will definitely be trying some other avtivities in the future, thank you Rachel. A brief mention of the dreaded Covid19...we both wore masks, the window was open and we maintained social distance, it felt a very safe activity, well managed."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Claire. It was a really lovely morning. Thank you! And your enamel pieces were so beautiful. Well done. Look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Louise Fraser reviewed: Exploring Styles

"I absolutely loved the session! Julie was a fantastic host and is a wonderful teacher; patient, inspirational and truly passionate about her craft. I will be proudly framing my little pastel piece and will also look out for similar classes in the future. Would definitely recommend to anyone at any skill level!"

Julie Ford Art responded:

"Thank you so much. I look forward to seeing you next time. x"

Julia reviewed: Exploring Styles

"I had never used pastels before and wasn’t convinced I’d be able to do anything worth mounting. But I was so surprised and impressed with the result, which is now hanging on my wall! Thoroughly enjoyable experience that has wet my appetite for more. Thank you Julie for your patience and expertise ?"

Julie Ford Art responded:

"How lovely, thanks so much. I look forward to seeing you at another one :-)"

Alessandra reviewed: Dotted Mandala Workshop

"Loved the course, Kavita is a very nice and genuine person and she is a very passionate artist. I enjoyed doing the course and can't wait to make more mandalas!"