Latest reviews

Heather reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Just enjoyed a lovely day with Wendy, my first time working with glass. Pre-course organisation was good, and attention to being Covid-safe was excellent. Wendy was a clear and patient tutor helping me to refine and realise my initial idea... I'm very much looking forward to seeing the final version once it's been fired."

Shona McDonough reviewed: Creative glass bead making 2 1/2 days

"Excellent. Really enjoyed the course. Made a lovely necklace with which I am really pleased. Very friendly and relaxed."

Penny Carter Glass responded:

"It was a pleasure Shona, I hope you'll be inspired to come back and make more glass next time you are in Devon !"

Tricia Marshall reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"My Sallerton Wood Experience. What a wonderful break it was to be absorbed totally with creating a stool from a log of ash and the bark of the elm. We simply followed the directions expertly explained by Andy in the most peaceful relaxing setting of Sallerton Wood. Surrounded by gently rustling trees, the sound of the stream, the bird song and the soft sounds of sharp tools working on wood and the occasional giggle from me as I succeeded to form round legs from square chunks, so satisfying. What better than to rest and chat whilst eating a tasty sandwich made from home-made bread, and fresh salad and to eat pizza straight from the pizza oven, what a treat? All in all we had a perfectly unique experience, to be repeated by us again one day I hope."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks, Tricia, for this account of your experience at Sallerton Wood. We're very pleased to hear how much you enjoyed it, and we look forward to welcoming you back at Sallerton Wood if you decide to return sometime in the future."

Alasdair Ross reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I had a fantastic time with Tom at Longdog Smithy making a Sgian-dubh. The course was completely hands-on and practical, and it was great to experience the end to end process from sketch to finished item. Tom was very patient and explained the process clearly. He's clearly very experienced and has a great eye for detail at all stages. An excellent day all round in which I learnt a huge amount and left with a beautiful knife. Thanks Tom!"

Anna reviewed: Stone set pendants & rings workshop

"I have attended a few workshops taught by Joanne, including the stone set pendant workshop, and like the other workshops I've attended I've never been disappointed. Joanne is very knowledgeable and is always happy to pass on her knowledge and tips, and is a very patient and approachable tutor. I always love attending these workshops, and I highly recommend them to anyone who is interested in silversmithing/jewellery making."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Anna! It is always lovely to have you in the studio - and especially lovely to show you my new studio this time! I hope your new pendant has been very much admired."

Janet reviewed: Drum Lampshade making at ShedLight

"Just a lovely relaxing way to spend a few hours learning something new. Vanessa is a very patient and skilful tutor and my daughter and I were very pleased with our new lampshades, Vanessa giving us the confidence to have a go on our own at home. Would definitely recommend this workshop and it was good to see all the Covid safety precautions in place too in these worrying times."

ShedLight responded:

"Thank you Janet - I am thrilled that you and Suzanne enjoyed the course and you both feel confident to make more unique lampshades .....happy lampshade making! ?"

Sara Lee reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"A brilliant day, a solid 11 out of 10 and I would hugely recommend giving it a go! I had the best time and the whole process is really well taught and supported by Di. It's fascinating to see your creation develop in front of you and enormously satisfying knowing it's you that's done it. Thank you Di!"

Art on the Edge responded:

"Thanks Sara. Really enjoyable day. I hope Denise approved... Lol... Excellent creation. X"

Steven Brown reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"From the start, Mike’s knowledge and love of his subject was apparent. Having had a previous, bad experience with another instructor on a similar course, this put me back in love with wanting to carve spoons. Mike takes the time to advise and suggest where necessary, without being overbearing. I’d recommend this course and can’t wait to go on my “green woodworking course in 2 weeks’ time."

SARAH ROBINSON reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"A lovely morning spent learning the basics of needle felting. Through Barbara‘s guidance, I managed to make a cute felt mouse and now feel inspired (and confident enough) to have a go on my own at another small creature. The session was very relaxed and enjoyable. Thank you :)"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Sarah, you are a natural :-). Hope to meet you again for the next level/s. Barbara"

Marilyn reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"The taster session was a gift and I had no idea what to expect but I was very pleasantly surprised. The evening was fun, relaxed and informative. Steve is a charming chap who is clearly a very talented artist. I collected my tea light after it had been fired in the kiln and was really pleased with the result."

Helen Harris reviewed: Powertex Stone Art Clay Hare (medium) Sculpture - by Inky Escapades

"We attended our first powertex workshop not really knowing what to expect. Karen was very welcoming and immediately put us at ease. The studio was set up to comply with Covid 19 regulations whilst still achieving an informal friendly space. Karen was an informative, patient teacher and guided us through the lesson allowing us to work at our own pace and explore our own creativity whilst keeping a close eye on us. Lunch was in her lovely garden with social distancing. We ended the course with items that we were very happy with and never thought we could actually achieve. We are already talking about what item we are going to make on our next visit. ?."

Niki reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I signed up for the one day silver jewellery making course, a brilliant day with Jonathan sharing his expertise and knowledge. Highly recommend attending a course with Jonathan, his teaching incorporates detailed explanations as well as demonstrations of all techniques. I had a great day, learnt lots and am keen to develop and practice the techniques he has taught me. I’ll certainly be booking a follow up course."

Kelly Fairbrother reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"What can I say...so so glad I attended this course! Firstly Jo is lovely, such a warm welcome and happy to share her experience and knowledge completely freely. Personally I had watched every YouTube video, Googled everything I could think candle making related and followed every possible social media group I came across. For me the result was a scrambled mess of ‘knowledge’ with conflicting advice not to mention different countries so different rules!! Spending the day with Jo gave me the correct knowledge and confidence to move forward with my ideas and start testing ready to finally start selling in the future. Thanks again Jo x"

The White Candle Company responded:

"This is such a lovely review Kelly. Thank you so much and best of luck moving forward, youll be fab xx"

David Cooke reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"I joined with 4 others, John, and his team of smiths on his two-day knife making course. Brilliant. Great fun and very rewarding being able to produce a ‘sharp’ thanks Aden. Making a chef's knife was a fantastic way to spend two days sweating away…true craftsmen all of them, great atmosphere, team giving plenty of one to one tuition. I thoroughly recommend this course. John, great idea with the ploughman’s lunch much better than the pub lunch! Thank you to you all. David."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi David thanks for the review , I can assure you we all had great time as well . I dont think I can add much except you are welcome back of course any time and dont forget to email me for the discount voucher for your next class. Ps Pleased about the ploughmans lunch , makes a great change from the pub! best wishes John"

Ed Robertson reviewed: Learn to sketch with the Edinburgh Sketcher

"Short taster course and really enjoyable. I don't consider myself to be very "Arty", but this brief intro got straight to the point, here is a pen and paper and get sketching. Mark has a relaxed manner and makes time for each person in the group. I've already got a place booked on one of the advanced courses, so I'd better get some practice in. Lynn had everything sorted out for Covid 19 precautions - information, screens, single use items, hand sanitizer etc."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Ed. Thanks for your lovely review! I’m so glad you enjoyed your workshop with Mark, and felt safe while you were with us for our first In-person workshop since lockdown. We love helping people release their inner artist, and look forward to welcoming you back for your advanced sketching workshop with Mark and to seeing how you’ve progressed. Meantime, keep sketching! Best wishes, Lynn"

Matthew Walker reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"My wife and I attended this course, as it's something we've wanted to have a go at for a while. Suzanne was absolutely superb and professional with everything. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. We would strongly recommend for anyone of any level!"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Hi Matthew, thank you for your lovely review. I am so pleased you both enjoyed your workshop. Suzanne"

Angie D reviewed: Private contemporary encaustic wax workshop with Lyn

"Dear Lyn It was so lovely meeting you and I absolutely loved the course. I am still on a high and my family could not believe the quality of my art work. You truly are an inspirational teacher and loved your laid back, calming nature, as you made learning a joy. I loved the way you made me feel I could accomplish the tasks, as you gave me confidence in myself, so thank you so much. You also made the most delicious sugar free fruit cake. Yummy! Thank you for a Fabulous, Fun, two days and will look at dates tomorrow for the next course."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop responded:

"Angie, it was a pleasure to meet you and spend the day exploring all the versatile properties of encaustic wax in a safe, and socially distanced space. The painting you have produced is very ‘you’ I feel. Balanced, calming and imbued with your spirituality. Would love to do more with you in the future. Take care"

Maria Bunker reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"I have followed Barbara for a couple of years and have wanted to do one of her workshop, which I finally got to do and wasn't disappointed. I took part in her wet felting bag workshop with two other ladies, who were also lovely. Barbara demonstrated each stage of the process and gave us individual attention as and when we needed it. This session was an all day one where lunch was included, and you definitely need the full day to complete the piece. I love my bag that I have made, and would thoroughly recommend this workshop. I travelled a distance to take part in this session and was not disappointed that I had. In fact I have no hesitation in attending another of Barbara's session and hope it isn't too long before I do so."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"It was a pleasure to finally meet you and teach you :-). Your bag looks fabulous and look forward to teaching you many more stages and techniques. I'm glad you enjoyed your stay visiting Penkridge and Cannock Chase."

Hannah reviewed: Make your own Personalised Leather Dog Collar

"What can I say, from the minute you walk into the delightful studio and inhale the delicious leathery smells you feel relaxed and right at home. Tracy is very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. The course is taught in a small group so you get as much help and support as you need. All the materials and equipment are provided so there are no hidden extras once you arrive. Top Tip: Take your purse and have a look at the discount rail whilst you’re there. Some real bargains can be found ?"

Helen Harris reviewed: Willow Angel/Fairy Christmas Sculpture Workshop

"A lovely day. Jo is a fantastic teacher, very friendly and approachable. Covid requirements all fulfilled which meant we were all happy and relaxed. We left the course with a deer that we were very pleased with. Thank you Jo. We will be back."

Jo Sadler at Forged n Willow responded:

"Thanks so much. You were an excellent group to work with. The sculptures were lovely and the new venue worked well. I look forward to hares soon!"

lesley franks reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass Course: group

"I attended this course during Covid. Firstly, I have to say that Ewa took every precaution to follow the guidelines. I always felt safe. Secondly, what a great day I had! Especially after quite a long time unable to do much. I made four fabulous dishes. Ewa is very helpful and I cant wait to attend another course."

Glenn reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"I’m a deerstalker, and I wanted to learn how to use the skins so that I could harvest more of the animal, and pay it more respect by using it fully. I’m really pleased I booked this course! Jessie and Jane know their stuff and have been following primitive life skills pathways for many years, perfecting and using their expertise. I was able to scrape a fresh skin, then work it over the next few days, watching it amazingly turn to soft buckskin before my eyes! I required a bit of work, but the environment and great teaching and company and food meant the time flew! I’d highly recommend this course!"

Victoria reviewed: Forge your own knife at Padgett Ironworks Blacksmiths

"Excellent day, Connor was patient and full of information on techniques both modern and historical. Great day had by both my brother in law and myself, plus we both made knives which are functional and unique."

tony mulhall reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Being a complete novice with no background in wood turning and certainly no equipment or tools getting the right training was always the top of my priorities. My two days with Mark was easily the best value for money, not just in terms of wood turning but also in buying the right kit for the right money and wasting nothing. As I start to put my workshop together based on Mark’s advice and guidance I am sure I have saved more than the cost of his training by not buying some of the things I had on my wish list. Mark’s approach to training on a one to one basis goes way beyond instruction, he coaches his students on all aspects of wood turning with instant feedback and advice as you work at the lathe. He patiently provided expert guidance in response to my many questions. At the end of the course I felt confident to safely handle my tools at the lathe, I am now raring to get on with loads of practice on the lathe. The training was easily the best thing I have done for quite a while and I can see me returning for further training as my skills develop. Many thanks Tony"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Tony. I really appreciate your taking the time to write the review and the comments you've made."

Chad Barnsley reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"An excellent day. Louise is so patient and helpful without being patronising. Loved every minute and the pieces I made are lovely."