Latest reviews

Luke reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I wanted to learn more about ancient Roman stone carving methods in the Cotswolds area and what better way to do it than getting hands on and actually carving some stone in the Cotswolds! Sebastian listened to why all attendees were there and what they hoped to get out of the course. He provided pointers and refinement tips, as well as carving technique for our ideas. He provided excellent individual and group direction to everyone and distributed confidence amongst us when it was needed. The course is run in a fantastic and accessible location, just off the M5. Sebastian's studio is amazing (be sure to check out his hand carved sink) and set in a lovely location with cover from rain. There are tea/coffee and toilet facilities as well as parking. Sebastian has implemented covid measures well and you can hang on to your tools all weekend so that nobody else touches them. I came away with a deeper understanding of Roman carving and now even have one of my own. Absolutely 10/10."

Sheila Gillies reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"I made a small bucket bag in a day!! It was such fun. I went with my sister and a friend a couple of weeks before lockdown. Georgie was brilliant at explaining and demonstrating all the processes and skills needed, step by step. She was consistently positive with both patience and understanding, even when I went beyond the end time. The biggest decide I had t make was which colour leather to choose! Georgie provided an excellent lunch , drinks and cake So there was no preparation needed for us. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone."

Hands of Tym responded:

"Thank you Sheila it was so lovely having you all! Georgie xxx"

Diane Allerston reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I highly recommend Lucy's sculpture/ stone carving workshops. Lucy is a talented, extremely skilled, knowledgeable and experiences stone carver and teacher. I had no experience working with stone and by day 3 I felt very confident using my tools and the techniques that Lucy taught me. I felt welcomed and relaxed. We had such a fun time and laughed a lot. I will definitely be booking again in the future. I have food allergies and Lucy went to great measures to provide me with wonderful and tasty meals, cakes and even drinks for the entire 3 days. PPE was provided, social distancing was taken into consideration, everything was very professional and extra safe due to covid. These workshops are suitable for absolute beginners and even very experienced stone carvers. I managed to finish my sculpture during the 3 day workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. The House and garden in York is such a beautiful place to work from too. Lucy has lots of inspiring sculptures around the garden and house and lots of Art books too for inspiration. She really does bring out the best in people end encourages creativity."

Jackie reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I travelled 65 miles to attend this workshop and it was worth every mile. I've dabbled with art on and off for a long time and am not really into abstract as such, but wanted to loosen my style. This was the perfect opportunity. Jo has a huge range of different products to test out and she encouraged us to experiment and showed lots of tips and tricks. I now know how to keep my acrylic paints from drying out! I ended up with three pieces of work (the little trial square and two long pieces) that coordinate with colours in my sofa. Jo had provided hangers so I managed to put them up the next day. I'm now hooked into a completely different style of painting which is laid back and extremely fun to do (there was lots of laughter during the day). Thanks Jo - my style has been loosened!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Jackie - lovely work - glad to have 'loosened' your style ;-) I do appreciate how odd it feels to use spatulas instead of paint brushes and not to follow precise detail. Jo x"

E. Beck reviewed: Garden Flower Stake - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"I really enjoyed this course. Instructions straight forward and clear, good to follow. It was helpful working at my own pace.many thanks"

John Swanborough reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"What a day, Graham and his Team were excellent from start to finish. Everything was explained at the beginning of what we wanted to achieve, you then go into the forge and Declan his Grandson (14) gives you a practical demonstration of Knife forging. It is then your turn to repeat, this happens at every stage of the experience. No question is stupid, if you do something wrong Graham or the team can fix it. I went from someone with a bit of knowledge to making a knife. It is a day I did with my son I will not forget. We are trying to work out when we can do the two day course. Thank you Graham and Team"

Margaret Cowell reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"I have wanted to do sculpting using metal for sometime and found this one day course in Bristol. It was a really enjoyable day and Annie and Felix were excellent tutors. They gave an overview of all the tools and equipment and then we were invited to choose from loads of different scrap metal to use in making our sculpture. Once we had chosen our 'metal' we were then given a brief one to one instruction on how to use whichever machine/technique we wanted to use first. They gave a quick demonstration, if needed, and then we were left to have a go. I am very much a 'hands on' person, l only learn by doing and invariably getting it wrong! They let me go through my process offering support or advice or further instruction where needed but not in an overbearing way and they never took over. The perfect balance for someone like me. I am really pleased with what l created, although l realise that it could be improved. I am going to go back to do the 'Kiss My Glass' 2 day workshop, where l hope to make a lamp."

WTF Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much Margaret It was a pleasure having you on the course and we absolutely loved your dragonfly sculpture. Looking forward to seeing you again soon at 'Kiss my Glass'."

Sara Stanley reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"Had a absolutely brilliant day in a well equipped workshop making jewellery with Mark. He is very knowledgeable, patient and a excellent tutor, who taught me lots of different techniques when making the ring, bangle and earrings. Such a fun day which I would recommend to anyone. Can't wait to have another go and learn more. Thanks again Mark"

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Great to meet you Sara and thank you so much for you kind comments. You definitely have a talent for working with silver and should definitely buy a few tools and keep practicing. You can always drop me a line should you need any further advice. Mark"

Mary-Ann reviewed: Stacking ring making workshop (daytime) with Beccy Gillatt at Yardley Arts Northamptonshire

"Really enjoyed this course. Social distancing and hygiene measures in place were great and didn't stop Beccy from giving accurate instruction. Never thought I'd end up with gorgeous stacking rings after my first go. Recommend this class!"

Beccy Gillatt Jewellery responded:

"It was great to teach you yesterday Mary-Ann and I’m so pleased you are happy with your three rings. Thank you for your feedback about the social distancing as it’s all new to everyone but great to hear it’s working ok. Everyone did so well!"

Dawn Humphreys reviewed: Sea glass jewellery making workshop with Beccy Gillatt at Yardley Arts in Northamptonshire NN7

"My friends and I had a group sea glass session with Becky in March. I am not a beginner but I was a bit rusty. I made a beautiful pair of green glass drop earrings which I’ve had many comments on since. Materials and equipment were all provided plus new and exciting techniques and tools that I’d never used or seen before! Over all this was a great experience. Getting together with good friends, be productive, learn new things and leave with a sense of achievement and a beautiful piece of jewellery. Perfect! Thank you Becky.X"

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

"I booked this course as a surprise for my husbands birthday, we both had an absolutely fantastic day! Jake is a brilliant tutor, very friendly & patient! We will definitely be back next year, and we would highly recommend “give it a bash” with Jake!"

Yvonne Martin reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"This is the second art workshop I’ve attended, the first was the Hare Sculpture workshop and now Abstract Art. Jo has done it again! What a great day with and so much learnt. With Jo’s instruction I experienced how to use different types of mediums and techniques to create my first masterpiece, which is proudly displayed in my hallway. The whole day was fun and very relaxed, and the time just flew by."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Lovely to see you again Yvonne and thank you for your review ;-) So glad you enjoyed the day - your work in shades of pinks was beautiful. Jo x"

Hannah Wratten reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Can't recommend going and learning weaving from Rebecca enough! Her passion shines through and she is brilliant teacher explaining everything clearly and patiently going through all the processes of the different yarns and setting up the loom and the different patterns you can make until you are ready to start your own piece . The workshop is a beautiful space and the looms were set up really well it felt like you could really relax in the space and time flew by I wanted to keep going! But did come away with a gorgeous sample piece and brought a mini loom so I can carry on at home."

Diane reviewed: Polymer Clay Sparkle: jewellery making at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I joined Jo for a course pre-covid and now this one. Jo has spent a lot of time and effort to make us feel comfortable and safe, without losing the personal touch. She is very patient, kind and a good teacher, and she really pays attention to detail, ensuring that the finish is very professional. I created a lovely necklace and earring set, in fact I can't quite believe how nice it is, so I'm really chuffed. In fact the 3 other participants creations were equally lovely. I love the range of colours and and also the range of things Jo can teach you. (I'm booked on two more workshops, so guess I'm hooked!) Thank you Jo, so very much."

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Hi Diane, thank you for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed your day - it was good to see you again. It's great to be back up and running!"

Keri reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Really enjoyed my day at the art and craft workshop. Beautiful surroundings, hope to do another course there."

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much. It was lovely to meet you Keri. And I'm so pleased you are continuing your silver clay at home. It would be lovely to see you again. All the very best. Rachel"

Joanne reviewed: Polymer Clay Sparkle: jewellery making at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"A lovely way to spend the day with two friends. Beautiful calm surroundings and light and airy workshop with all social distancing and health and safety in place. I prefer smaller jewellery and Jo was happy for me to make pendants and earrings instead of a larger necklace. The experience was so relaxing and Jo has a wealth of knowledge and a calm and encouraging nature. Thank you so much we will be back when we can all agree on which workshop to do next!"

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day. Thanks again for coming."

Caroline reviewed: Bring your own project furniture painting

"I had a wonderful day with Claire who is very patient and very likeable. We worked with chalk and mineral paint along with some wax techniques which I have since put to good use. I would highly recommend her class as I came away with the confidence to upscale my own projects. The class I attended was exactly as described and I thought it was really good value as "it does exactly what it says on the tin" Thank you Claire."

Atelier Tutco responded:

"Thank you Caroline, it was an absolutely pleasure and I loved the two tone distressed pieces you produced using the techniques from the workshop, Lovely work!"

Jo Considine reviewed: Bring your own project furniture painting

"I brought along a mirror I had fallen out of love with. I learnt some great techniques and transformed it into something I now love again. Claire has given me the confidence to give other projects a go. It’s a great course & I definitely recommend it if you want to give upcycling a try but not quite sure how!"

Atelier Tutco responded:

"Thanks for the fab review Jo! Fantastic job With the mirror, absolutely stunning!"

Chloe Tristram reviewed: Bring your own project furniture painting

"A great workshop for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of upcycling! Claire really knows her stuff ?"

Atelier Tutco responded:

"Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I'm so pleased you enjoyed it!"

pam dixon reviewed: Garden Flower Stake - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"I did this course on line and it was great that I could keep going back to it the instructions were clear and well thought out materials provided all good quality and when I needed more of the materials I was able to purchase them easily and they were good quality"

Kim reviewed: Enchanted Forest Journal - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"Thoroughly recommend buying a course. Abigail explains things clearly, I had never tried this before but it’s great fun! Will be buying more in the future! Thank you so much Abigail ?"

pam dixon reviewed: Enchanted Forest Journal - Online Fabric Sculpting Workshop by Curiously Contrary

"I really enjoyed this course instructions clear and well thought out I have done a number of these successfully on my own the resources that I purchased were of the top quality and any queries I may have had were quickly and efficiently answered"

David Ffrench reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"What a wonderful day! We were well look after and everything was clear explained both before and during. We’ve been together 14 year and married for 9 but never did the ring bit. We wanted to find something that had meaning for us both. With 3 kids at grandmas for the day (and overnight) The whole experience was really special and a wonderful way to spend time together and now we have beautiful rings which we made for each other together. We will treasure the rings and the experience for the rest of our lives. The workshop is beautiful and very well equipment and Lucy is a superb craftsperson and excellent an teacher. Thank you so much for everything."

Lizzy reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I could not recommend this workshop highly enough. As someone who doesn’t feel naturally creative or confident with colour, I was apprehensive about being bold and abstract. However, Jo was fantastic and made me feel enthusiastic and comfortable – it is a beautiful space to work in and the setting is really inspiring. The workshop taught me how to layer up an abstract painting using various techniques, tools, colour and of course a touch of gold and silver! It was a really fun and well organised day, and great fun to paint with a group and share ideas. I look forward to going again!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Lizzy ;-) I'm glad you overcame your initial apprehension - having a pallet knife instead of a paint brush works wonders! Would love to see you back again, Jo x"

Sushma Shah reviewed: Week-day (Three Day) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"I have been making Idrija Lace for sometime but was having difficulty understanding how to work the corners. I booked a one-to-one day session yesterday with Tina to learn how to work the various corners. And I finally understand how to work them. Tina is a great teacher and very knowledgeable about Lace. I had a really great day and will definitely attend more workshops."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Sushma It was really good to meet you, along with helping you to understand the technique of working the corner in Idrija lace. I am looking forward to seeing the finished piece of lace. Lets hope the next time we meet it will be with other students so there is more interaction and hopefully more information for you too pick up. Regards Tina"