Latest reviews

Chris Matchett reviewed: Line and wash

"Liz is a very knowledgeable, kind and generous teacher. The facilities were perfect light and spacious and in a beautiful setting. Everything had been organised to provide a perfect day in an excellent learning environment. Liz is very generous in terms of her knowledge which she has built over many years. She is also a skilled teacher who can bring out the best in all individuals. The day was a joy in its entirety I have come away filled with enthusiasm for more line and wash experimentation and have some projects already planned. Thank you Liz."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Chris - thank you for such a thoughtful and kind review. I am delighted you enjoyed the day and even happier to hear you’ve got projects planned. I look forward to seeing them! Hope to see you back at Micklems in the future, Lizx"

Dr. Steve Taylor reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Myself, my wife and our friend (all of us in our sixties) attended the class and had a fantastic day. I made a nail, a knife and a key fob, and the ladies each made a nail, a hook and a pendant/key fob. Rudi is very personable, experienced and knowledgeable and we had a great time. Rico, the friendly and well behaved dog was an added bonus. Rudi provides refreshments throughout the day. Amenities are basic but sufficient for soon-to-be mucky students. The course is held in an old farm building tucked away at the back of Aaron's Campsite. When you arrive in the morning, you park up at the campsite and then call Rudi who will come and find you."

Nick Harper reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Wow, where do I start? I did the two day course, with the first day being mostly led by David and Deklan and the second by Graham. The atmosphere was relaxed with good banter and the instruction clear and obviously given from huge experience. They were always giving praise and encouragement as we progressed through their well thought out and practiced program. Everyone on the course, men, women young and old produced a knife of which they and the instructors were rightly proud. I'm already working on my wife to let me do the axe course next year! I can't recommend these guys enough. Thank you, also, to the other students as we all had an amazing time."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Nick, we all look forward to seeing you again."

Sharon Kesterton reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Charlotte was very patient and helpful, she is very knowledgeable, really pleased with my finished piece of jewellery. Thank you Charlotte!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Sharon, Thank you for leaving a review. I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and are pleased with the jewellery you made! Well done on making such lovely pieces! Regards Charlotte "

Nolwenn reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Robert is a great teacher, passing on his knowledge and expertise while making sure that you are the one deciding what your spoon will be. He provides a nice space with a good selection of tools to use in a super friendly atmosphere."

David reviewed: Axe Making Class

"11/6/22 Couldnt have asked for a better experience. Will is a great instructor that allows you to work freely when you want and is always at hand when you need him. From a professional safety demo, clear and simple instructions, stages of progress and free hot drinks, what is not to like. Would 100% go back for another session and have already recommened it to others. Eye protection is provided, id recommend long sleeves and hearing protection, some gloves available but best to bring your own to ensure they fit. Tescos is 5 mins down the road, so get a packed lunch. Beautiful area, great parking and plenty of space. Have fun, and pay attention to the instructions."

Judith reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I had the best of times. Made to feel very welcome and Kate was so patient and supportive. I would recommend the course to both crafters and those that don’t feel they are crafters, like me. Kate ensures you leave with a sculpture. Great day!"

Jan Jolley reviewed: Wild flower and copper foiling workshop

"I attended the class in May, it was great, Ffion is a lovely tutor very friendly and helpful . would go again."

Helen reviewed: Corset making with Lisa Keating-Best

"FANTASTIC course. Many years since I used a sewing machine but Lisa looked after me so well. Lots of fun and inspiration making a beautiful aubergine silk dupion corset. Would recommend this course highly. We travelled from Manchester and combined the course with a mini-break. Give it a go, you will enjoy it."

La muse corsetry responded:

"Thankyou so much for coming. I was thrilled to resume classes post pandemic.A pleasure to spend the weekend with you ?"

Sue M reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"A very enjoyable course, excellent instruction by Liz would recommend anyone to do this course, think I have come away addicted to gelli plate printing and have been thinking of different things to use. Will definitely be looking at doing other courses."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sue, Thank you for letting me know about your day at The Slipper Studio. It was lovely working with you seeing your delight at what you were creating. It’s a great process, with so many options to pursue, so you won’t be bored with gel plate printing. Just think about all the types of flowers that you’ll be able to use for masking, as the summer progresses. Which workshops will lure you back? Best wishes and happy printing Liz Wellby"

Maria reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I received a taster glass fusion course as a present. My daughter and I enjoyed spending an afternoon doing the glass fusion. Sarah was very knowledgeable and helpful. We loved our creations which were posted to us very promptly. We look forward to doing another class in the future."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to help you both make your marvellous pieces! Thanks so much for leaving a review, Sarah "

Issy Clarke reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"The woodcarving course was wonderful! Peter is an terrific tutor - so experienced but also incredibly approachable, kind and supportive. He made us all feel welcome and encouraged us in our efforts with great patience and generosity. The Training Room is a lovely space and the equipment available was excellent. I am considering signing up for the next one to finish my project and try something a little less ambitious than I opted for in the afternoon! Thanks to Peter for ensuring I came home with a lovely flower and a good start on my crow!"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for your review. We are really pleased you had such a good day and we hope you manage to finish your crow!"

Jane irvine reviewed: Line and wash

"Wonderful day. Liz is a excellent tutor giving helpful tips and advice and making the day very relaxed. I enjoyed pen and wash and loved trying all the different pens that Liz had bought along. The Micklems Farm barn studio and gardens are just the place to get away from it all and just sit and paint. Certainly will book another of Liz’s workshops."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Jane, Thank you so much for the lovely review and for coming along on the workshop. I agree that Micklems is just such an inspiring place! Hope to see you back there soon. Lx"

Gary G reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Julian is very knowledgeable & informative. On the one day introduction to welding course I learnt about tig, mig & gas welding and had the opportunity to try mig welding, including all different joint types. I found Julian to be patient, helpful & he gave me plenty of advice on what to look out for when buying equipment. A very enjoyable day."

Julian Wadsworth - Artist Blacksmith responded:

"Hi Gary, Thankyou for your review. One bit of kit I did mention but may have got the name wrong is the Arc Tech, made in Britain. Look at the 180 amp , am told its around £500. I have seen one and they look really well made. Let me know how you get on, Julian"

Patricia Jane reviewed: Line and wash

"A very enjoyable and productive day in beautiful surroundings with a light and spacious workroom. Liz is extremely skilled and knowledgeable and shared her wealth of experience in such a way that allowed me to participate without feeling under pressure. The day was very well planned with useful exercises to complete and I came away feeling that I could build on what I had learnt. The follow up notes are also a very useful reference."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Lovely to meet you Jane and thank you for such a nice review. I really hope you can build on all the skills and knowledge from yesterday. Lx"

Di palmer reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"My husband and myself had a fabulous day, we both hadn’t done anything like this before and have taken 4 things home brilliant ?"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"That's great to hear! We're so pleased you had a good day and went home with your hand carved items."

Graham Bearman reviewed: Axe Making Class

"Great day at the Phoenix Forge for their Axe Making day. William (Will) is friendly and helpful (and a bit of a character) and obviously extremely talented at what he does. Good instruction and whilst it was hard work at times, it was also extremely good fun, resulting with an axe (of sorts ?) that I was proud to take home. Highly recommended day out…so what’s next? Swords….."

Cath McLaughlin reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"What can I say other than absolutely amazing. Angelina was so welcoming and the studio is set in a wonderful gallery. My husband and I attended a full day course suitable for beginners and by the end of th day we were proudly displaying our finished product......the day flew by and the learning through demonstration worked really well. I would highly recommend this course, but be warned, you'll get the stained glass bug! Thanks to Glass by Design in Penarth for an amazing experience."

Glass By Design responded:

"So glad you had such a good time. Your panels were lovely and I hope they give you much joy."

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

"An absolutely brilliant course, thank you Jo (and Andy), my Mum and I did a one-day hare course, as my 40th birthday present. From the beginning we were made to feel very welcome, and the day went so fast. Jo is fun and patient, and has a wealth of knowledge which she is happy to share. The course is very enjoyable, no previous experience is needed as Jo guides you through all the steps. I came away with a lovely sculpture and memories to treasure. Thank you Jo, we will be back! :)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Wendy - I so enjoy having family groups ?. Really happy you love your hare sculpture. Jo x"

Kristina reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"We absolutely loved this jewellery making class. My mum and sister surprised me with this as a pre-wedding present, to make some jewellery to wear the day after my wedding, and the earrings I made are perfect. Jonathan was great, really helpful, patient and helped us to make exactly what we wanted. Thank you so much, it is something I can keep to remember a special day."

Heena reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"A fantastic day! Had such a great experience today. Made some lovely pieces out of copper and then some beautiful earrings. Learnt some super techniques. Jonathan was really patient and took time to help understand and practise. So pleased with my final piece."

Sharda reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"We had a very good jewellery making experience at Salt Way Silver jewellery class. Jonathan was very patient and knowledgeable. Made a copper stacking ring and a silver bangle. Very pleased. Great way to spend a special time with daughters before the wedding!"

Susan Middleton-Lowes reviewed: 3 day textile printing masterclass including a beginner's guide to starting a craft business

"What a fabulous 3 days. Moji's generosity of spirit in sharing her knowledge and love of her art is incredible. I have found such a core of happiness to build on. Thank you."

Moji Designs responded:

"Dear Susan, Thank you for your kind words! It was a great pleasure meeting and working with you. So looking forward to seeing you again soon! Moji x"

Sue Shepherd reviewed: A one day introduction to good beekeeping practice

"We spent a brilliant day on this bee keeping course. Incredibly informative with lots of hands on experience pitched at just the right level. Took you through the lifecycle of bees and how to manage them and your hive from start to finish. All equipment and a delicious lunch provided. Would thoroughly recommend for anyone considering taking up keeping bees."

The Barnyard Apiaries responded:

"Thank you for your review. We are very pleased you found the course useful. Good luck with your own beekeeping."

Alistair reviewed: Full Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner in Dorset, South West

"This was my first time turning, and I was in excellent hands. Joe is a great teacher, and made it a thoroughly enjoyable day for me. I came away with two fantastic pieces that I'll be proud to show off. Thanks Joe!"

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Thanks Alistair for the nice review, enjoy the pieces!"