Latest reviews

Claire V reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"What a brilliant experience, thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill under expert guidance. Delighted with the finished panel which far exceeded my expectations."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Oh Claire, Thank you for your lovely review. Your panel colours were amazing & so happy you had an enjoyable experience :-) Makes me do a little happy dance :-)"

Caroline Kenny reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"A great course for beginners or experienced. Hannah is very informative & delivered the workshop in a very relaxed way, making everyone feel at ease. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Sheena Stockley reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Rosemary is a professional, knowledgeable teacher, with a lovely well-lit space for doing close work in. I probably chatted too much, but Rosemary is interesting to talk to- even so, she managed to steer me through all the stitches and techniques to give me a good grounding in the initial basics of embroidery!"

Rebecca Clarke reviewed: Blacksmithing experience workshop 3pm - 4.30pm

"I booked the introduction course for my husband as a Father's Day gift. He absolutely loved the experience! He was so proud of the hook he made and of the skills he learnt. He is already looking at booking the 1 day course."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for the great review. We were pleased that your husband enjoyed the experience and we shall look forward to seeing him here again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes Team."

Simon Gadd reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is a brilliant teacher, super knowledgeable about his art and the history behind it. The forge is fully equipped with lots of toys to learn how to use. We managed to make two knives in the one day course and learnt loads of new techniques. 100% I’ll be booking another day in the forge to make something else."

Heather Elvidge reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I have recently spent an absolutely brilliant couple of days making a 4 part mould for one of my designs with the exceptionally talented Ed at his Spode Studio. Ed was incredibly generous with both his time and his wealth of knowledge and he made the whole process, from advising small adjustments to my design (to make it more ‘mould friendly’!) to sharing his wealth of experience when making the mould itself. Ed was wonderful company with a very warm and supportive approach to teaching. I felt like I learned an enormous amount in a relatively short space of time. My mind is now buzzing with all the potential ceramic projects that could be aided with the use of moulds and I am very much hoping to return to Spode to get more help from the lovely Ed! I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn or experiment further with mould making, and there would be no better person to teach you. Thanks Ed ☺️"

Nicole Murphy reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"I really enjoyed the workshop. Hannah was so informative and patient and gave lots of great advice about getting the best results with the tape design. The time flew by."

Newcomer reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Everything and more than I expected it to be. Dawn was informative, creative and most of all patient. Though there were only 4 attendees, we ranged from experienced to complete novices like myself and Dawn coped more than admirably giving advice and help to all of us. Thank you, Dawn. I'll certainly be back."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Hope to see you again. "

Jo Morrison reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers in Derbyshire

"I joined Liz's course as a complete beginner and left with a lovely piece that I was really proud of. The studio is a beautiful and relaxing space to escape to and learn something new. Liz taught our small group with her expertise, talent and intuition and I felt like I had the tools, space and new skills to try something for myself. It was a great day and I definitely want to continue this new craft."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jo, Thanks for letting me know about your workshop at The Slipper Studio; it’s much appreciated. It was a great day working with the group and lovely that you all got on so well. You quickly understood the process and it’s no mean feat to create a 2 colour lino cut at your first attempt, so hats off to you. It’s a lovely process, so I hope you enjoy your new found passion. Happy printing Liz Wellby "

Ian reviewed: Carve a spoon from a freshly felled log

"The course taught by Ben was excellent, learnt many things that will improve my carving. The venue is idyllic, Melinda and Emma are very friendly and welcoming and certainly look after you, there seemed to be an endless supply of tea or coffee with cake and the lunch was superb."

Helen reviewed: Quilling fabulous flowers - Wakefield papercraft workshop

"Had a great evening learning quilling. I finished two flowers and got all the bits to complete a third at home. I believe i will do more in my own time at home."

Andrew Cole reviewed: Beginners bowl carving

"As a complete novice I was a little nervous as to how quick I’d be able to actually make something, but I needn’t have been. Nick very quickly got me into it, his knowledge and ability to teach is second to none, and it’s clearly something he is passionate about. The feeling when you’ve produced something is fantastic. The setting of the course is beautiful and the hospitality from Nick and Debbie is wonderful, with the constant flow of coffee and of course the home made scones. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to get away from things and immerse in something completely new. ?"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Andrew for your lovely comments and review, it’s much appreciated. If you have any questions about tools or need advice, etc, please don’t hesitate to ask :)"

Pia Saunders reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My daughter and I had a fantastic day at Jo's hare workshop. Expert tuition and friendly advice throughout from Jo who is an excellent tutor, and a lovely friendly group. The setting in Jo's studio was perfect. We were both very pleased with our hares."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Pia - you both made lovely hares and the group was great fun to work with! Thank you for your comment about our setting - we are very lucky to live here ?."

Paul Thomas reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Well worth travelling up from Bucks. A very well organised and presented course with Carl getting across a lot of information into the walling art in a manor which is easy going and friendly. Hats off to his ability to remember all the names in our group of eleven. Thoroughly enjoyable with great views, great weather and great people. Completed the repaired section of wall in easy stages over the two days and even managed to build in a stone to “hang your hat” ( group joke) 10/10 for the on course catering, beer at local pub and in my case a recommendation to get an evening meal at “The Navigation” where the Sunday roast even beat my appetite."

Julia reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"What an amazing day! Cheryl was a most knowledgeable and patient teacher and we all left with something that we were proud to have made. Thank youJulia"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Really delighted you had a good time here at the class .. x"

Oonagh reviewed: Recycle that saucer - making mosaics with china

"I've done some small mosaics before but I want to do some with china and thanks to Anne's clear instruction I don't feel so daunted by the cutting process. Great information on tools and materials and the prep needed before you start. Looking forward to taking more of Anne's classes - thank you."

Making Mosaics responded:

"Thank you I'm so glad you enjoyed and thank you for taking the time to write a review - it's so nice when people take the time. I love making mosaics with china and contrary to expectation they do often survive for a long time outside, even though I have to advise that they can degrade in very cold weather, they are usually quite robust. Happy making and I"d love to see what you make."

Sharon Dibsdall reviewed: Willow Border Edging Hurdles for beginners at Higher Barn

"This was a full day course, which I thoroughly enjoyed, as a complete novice. Richard was an enthusiastic tutor, happy to answer all questions and share his knowledge. He had infinite patience and made sure that you had whatever support you required to progress throughout the day. Everything was provided and the venue is delightful. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to dip a first tentative toe into the world of willow and it was very rewarding to go home with the fruits of your labour."

Julia Pilkington reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I really enjoyed the one day course. The tutors were helpful and very knowledgeable. It was a relaxed atmosphere. I was pleased with my outcome. Would definitely recommend doing a class."

Steff reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"What lovely day spent learning to lino print. Myself and my friend both attended the course having no prior experience. We both produced some wonderful prints, under the guidance of Judith. She was amazing, very informative and a great teacher and made us feel very welcome. By the end we both felt very confident and are both going to continue to print in our spare time. We are also going to book on the next course when it becomes available. Thank you so much!"

Jane Watkins reviewed: Make your own Sneakers

"I was lucky to be given a gift voucher so used it on the sneaker workshop day. I made a high rise pair of sneakers. They are so comfy, also greatly admired when I'm out. The most difficult part of the course was choosing the colours, so many to choose from. I opted for black and white hide with red uppers and mustard tabs. Such fun. Want to go again again to make another pair."

Fay reviewed: Green Wood Rustic Stick Chair

"Brilliant day … Jacqi was a patient and encouraging teacher … 2 pupils to 1 teacher … Everything made it possible for me to produce a great chair … very happy"

Explore The Great Outdoors. responded:

"Really pleased to hear you enjoyed your day. Thank you for your kind words."

Lizzie Baker reviewed: Beginners Canal Art Roses (Oct)

"I really enjoyed this course, and being a complete novice was delighted that Kerri Williams was so lovely and helpful. A great teacher, a great day, and although my place mat is a little wild looking, I am delighted with it, and will definitely book on future classes. I strongly recommend to all. Great fun, and as I say, a great teacher too. Thank you. ???‍♀️"

Robert D reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"We gave this one day course to our Grandson aged 16. He loved it, he made lots of things and learned so much. Colin was a very good teacher. Thank you so much for a brilliant day."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Robert. I am delighted that Thomas enjoyed the day. He was a pleasure to teach and will be welcomed back any time. Kind regards, Colin"

Barbara Payne reviewed: Resin Art Experience

"I have done 2 courses with Eunice. The Cheese board beginners class and the full day picture resin course. Both brilliant. Eunice explains it all really well and because of the small classes, Eunice is on hand to ensure that you don't forget any of the stages. She gives you the confidence to just do it and the pieces I have produced are amazing. I also feel I know enough, to have a go on my own. Thanks Eunice. Barbara"

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"You are so welcone Barbara. Have fun with you new skills Warmest regards Eunice "

Paul & Sue reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A truly wonderful experience .... highly recommended. Carl and Sharon are outstanding hosts and experts to guide you through an absorbing 2 days. A great example of teamwork with friends and new acquaintances in a setting of outstanding beauty (accepting the weather was very kind to us!). So much to enjoy - and transferrable skills for your own garden!"