Latest reviews

Victoria Stanton reviewed: Beginners candle making kit + online videos + live online workshop

"Myself and my mum had booked on to a candle course but due to the current pandemic it was obviously cancelled. We took the offer of transferring to this online course and we are so happy we did. We are officially hooked on candle making. The kit comes with all the bits you need and what isn’t in the kit is found around your home for example a measuring jug. A complete printed guide is accompanied by the online videos which gave clear instruction on what we had to do. I cannot wait to try more and play with my new found creative skill. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for an intro in to this craft. Thank you Sarah."

Candle by Events responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the online workshop and you have discovered a new hobby :)"

Janet reviewed: Copperplate for Improvers - Regular Classes

"I can thoroughly recommend this online workshop. Julie is an excellent teacher with a comfortable, friendly approach. She explains clearly how to form the letters, and with the camera focused on her writing, it is easy to follow her pen strokes. The session is quite informal and is well-paced, so there is a real sense of achievement at the end."

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thank you for this, Janet. Your thoughtful comments are very much appreciated. I think they may also help to relieve apprehensions anyone might have about taking live online classes. It is wonderful that the technology allows us to share your lettering onscreen and for you to view my demos all in real time. So pleased it's working well for you! Thanks again."

Charlotte Brown reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"Rosanna's full day leather workshop was a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Coming to the table with no experience of the leather craft whatsoever, I left with a selection of accomplished pieces and a level of confidence to be able to continue to enjoy this hobby in the future. Rosanna has created a comprehensive agenda for the day workshop which enables one to see and understand the core basics of the craft and yet, at the same time, if you were more experienced you could easily expand your skillset further under her guidance. I will definitely be booking another course with Rosanna!"

Tom reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"We had an excellent day at Peak Blacksmithing, Jess was a great tutor, showing us the whole process from lighting the forge, using the tools then through the different techniques to make a toasting fork. There was a relaxed atmosphere with Jess not far away to help if needed. With no previous experience of blacksmithing I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would recommend Peak Blacksmithing to anybody!??"

Helen reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"Jess is a highly talented tutor who adapts the teaching to your level of expertise, which in my case is zero! Even if you're not that practical you'll be carefully guided to make something to be proud of and if you are, the world's your oyster as to what she can have you making! The demonstrations are fascinating of what is an amazing craft. Had a great experience day and would highly recommend it to anyone!"

Alix G reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"Me and my partner attended the jewellery making workshop a couple of days ago. Sara is a fabulous teacher and is very patient and relaxed, the workshop is a lovely environment to be in. Having no experience whatsoever the one to one tuition really helped and we will definitely be coming back to learn more! We had such a great day and both came away with beautiful jewellery, plus is was amazing to meet Misty too!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Hi Alix - thank you so much for your lovely review, both of your pieces were great and I am so glad Rob went for the bigger ring ..... it worked out really well. Loved your cuff too, absolutely perfect - you are a natural and really do hope to see you again. Sara (and Misty)!"

Jessica Coetzee reviewed: Virtual Jewellery Making Workshops

"We attended private workshop with Jade over Zoom. The session was great. Jade was an amazing teacher who walked us through the process step-by-step, inserting her expertise and thoughts to support the creative process whilst still letting us experiment and learn this new skill. Would highly recommend the class if you're looking for a fun gathering with friends!"

Howard reviewed: How to create a bespoke signature fragrance for your candle business - online course

"I started this course as a complete novice but with loads of ideas of what I wanted to achieve. Zaga is a magnificent perfumer and teacher who I highly recommend. During my course she took me through the wonderful world of perfume and helped me with lots of practical advice to create my own. I split my online Skype course into two segments over two days and finished feeling confident and inspired to accomplish my goals. I also recommend buying the miniature perfumers organ, a great tool for small scale early experiments and learning."

Hilary Jaggard reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Wow what a brilliant two days spent in the open air with sheep grazing around us, absolute bliss. A wonderful atmosphere to learn a new skill, stonecarving. The space was perfect for social distancing, I felt very safe with our own tools and plenty of soap and water for hand washing. The stonecarving itself was so much better than I expected, I am not an artist, have no experience with stone, and yet came home with a fantastic sculpture. Sebastian is very good at encouraging and leads you into being confident. Go on give it a go. It really is a great two days, I am definitely going to do another course for sure."

Abdul Hafez reviewed: Creative Writing Course, one-to-one tuition, via Zoom.

"Deana leads a really great course. I've always been a bit reluctant to do these kinds of courses in the past as I've been worried that I would find them a bit intimidating and dry. But Deana's classes are engaging and fun. She has loads of anecdotes and it was a genuine pleasure to be in her company. Highly recommended!"

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you, Abdul! Really glad you enjoyed the course. Hope you're still writing. You had some great ideas."

Michael Lansdown reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"This was a most enjoyable course and I left with numerous tips and, of course, improved techniques. Simon and Louise were great hosts and the day started with a warm welcome from both. Simon was a very patient tutor and stepped in whenever necessary but also allowed us (a 2 person course) time to practice what we had been shown. Louise ensured we had enough drinks throughout the day, together with a lovely lunch which we ate in the very pleasant garden. When I am ready to go to the next level, I will be giving Simon a call and am happy to recommend this course to anyone who wants to start woodturning; but be warned - it is addictive!"

Blended Monkey responded:

"Hi Michael, We're so glad you and Timothy enjoyed your woodturning workshop. We're always amazed and really happy to see how much our students can achieve in just 1 day. We hope you continue to enjoy woodturning, and we'd love to see some of the pieces you make - so do stay in touch! Simon & Louise (Blended Monkey)"

Helen Speight reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I attended this course with my friend in March, we did the 2 day course and it was fantastic, I’ve attended quite a few courses over the last 12 months and this was my far the best. I have made bags before but never used leather so was keen to have a go. Jason was so knowledgeable, patient and made sure we both finished our bags in the 2 days (we both picked the most difficult but are dressmakers and used to working with fabric). I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in leather work and a desire to expand your skill level. I would definitely attend another one of Jason's workshops."

James Woodings reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I took a one day course with Nigel, as a complete beginner, the only experience I’d had prior was from watching his series of Vimeo tutorials (which I found extremely useful). I thoroughly enjoyed my day and will be returning to further my skills. If you are a beginner or already have experience and want to further your skills, I have every confidence you’ll benefit from a course. I’m pleased I went down this route rather than trying to work it out by myself. Highly recommend."

Lisa Skelton reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I attended this course in March 2020 and cannot praise it highly enough. I'm a dressmaker as a hobby and am always striving to learn something new. Jason is very passionate about what he does and shares his knowledge so well. You work at your own pace and individual instruction is given. Our time with him was fascinating, we learned so much about leather as well as how to make our bags. I am so critical now when i look at leather goods in the shops. Thank you Jason for opening my eyes and giving me a whole new skill to expore."

Magda reviewed: "Field with red poppies" wool painting interactive online course with live tuition.

"I have recently attended Raya's interactive online wool painting course. I always wanted to learn wool painting but never had a chance to come over to Raya's studio as I live far away. I am so glad that Raya offered me the chance to learn this exciting wool fibre art and craft over zoom. I experienced other techniques working with wool but this new way of using wool fibres became very interesting and enjoyable. I really liked the therapeutic experience of playing with different natural fibres creating some images and textures. Raya was very helpful and encouraging. She also sent me the wool painting kit with all the tools and materials so that I did not need to search for various things for the course. I love my finished wool picture very much. I can recommend this course to anyone!"

Chris R reviewed: Creative Writing Course, one-to-one tuition, via Zoom.

"Deana prepares meticulously. Inspirational!"

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you, Chris. So happy you found the course inspiring."

Paul Plumridge reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"Brilliant introduction into the art of woodturning in a beautiful setting. Simon is such a patient tutor, which he had to be when I took lumps out of my honey dipper and blunted his tools through misuse. Nonetheless he persevered and I came away very satisfied and feeling competent enough to have a go on my own."

Blended Monkey responded:

"Paul, thank you for your lovely review. We're so pleased that you and Ben enjoyed your woodturning workshop. We hope you continue to make many more wonderful pieces :-)."

Carole Burnett reviewed: Copperplate for Improvers - Regular Classes

"I have done both class and more recently online tutorials with Julie and would thoroughly recommend both. Julie makes her sessions relaxed, friendly and informative, I look forward to the online tutorials each week. Julie gives each of the participants support and positive feedback on their work and is very patient in answering any questions we have had. Thanks Julie for offering such enjoyable online tutorials, I have learnt so much."

Julie Chaney responded:

"That's lovely to hear, Carole, thank you. I appreciate your support and it's gratifying to know that you're getting so much out of the online sessions. For your part, the amount of effort you put in each week helps the others too. Thanks again."

Bridgette Stocks reviewed: Copperplate for Improvers - Regular Classes

"I’ve spent a few weeks doing Julie’s zoom workshops in copperplate and italic during lockdown. Really enjoyed the sessions which have been friendly and informative with lots of tips to improve your lettering journey. Would recommend Julie’s classes to beginners and improvers. Thanks Julie ❤️"

Julie Chaney responded:

"That's kind of you, Bridgette, and thank you for taking part. I'm so glad the workshops have been a help to you. In turn, you've made a valuable and creative contribution each session and it's been a pleasure having you in the group. Keep practising!"

Sally reviewed: Creative Writing Course, one-to-one tuition, via Zoom.

"I’ve been contemplating doing a course like this for ages and so glad I finally got around to it. Deana, you are very inspiring and have already helped me to get a lot of my ideas into order. I’m feeling very excited to learn more from you. Thanks so much!"

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you! I’m really happy you’re enjoying the course."

Virginia Kellam reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"As a birthday gift my husband booked 2 days of 1 to 1 tutoring from Sue. I really enjoyed my time with her, she was so patient and knowledgeable and I felt at ease with her right from the start. I had never used oils to paint with before but with Sue's guidance I produced 2 pieces of work both of which I am quite proud. I would recommend anyone to try the course and indeed I intend to enrol in the six week course in September. Thank you Sue for the lovely experience."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Virginia, it was a pleasure to have you at the Studio. I think you will soon be completing some complex pieces! Well done and thanks for being an excellent student!"

Suki Baynton reviewed: Creative Writing Course, one-to-one tuition, via Zoom.

"I have attended the first of 6 sessions with Deana and I am completely hooked. I was nervous about how well the zoom would work, nervous about telling someone my writing aspirations, nervous of writing and reading out-loud and receiving feedback and I really didn't need to be. Deana is super friendly and puts you at ease, but still completely professional. I found that I trusted her judgement straight away, I learnt things about my own writing style within half an hour and somehow I already feel more confident. I have yearned to write a novel for years and right now, I genuinely think that could be possible. If you are at all curious, take that leap, you won't regret it."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review. So happy you like the course. I hope by the end of it you feel equipped to tackle a novel. I’m sure you can do it."

Gill reviewed: Beginners candle making kit + online video

"Joined the on-line course 2 weeks ago which was great. Everything arrived perfectly packed prior to the class, and as a complete beginner to candle making I was very excited. Sarah was great, very friendly and she definitely knows her stuff and how to pass on her knowledge to her pupils. We made 3 different types of candles - container, pillar and rolled beeswax and I was so pleased that they all turned out so well. I have already bought more supplies and am experimenting with different wicks, colours, fragrances and containers. Sarah’s Facebook group has also been really helpful and I’m looking forward to joining more online sessions. Thanks to Sarah I am now hooked on making my own candles."

Angie reviewed: Beginners candle making kit + online video

"The kit was excellent and includes a nice variety - a pillar candle, a fragranced container candle and a rolled beeswax candle, so there are three different projects to learn. Dyes and fragrances are also included as well as a handy pan, for double boiling, and thermometer. Sarah is so generous with her knowledge. I've gone back to her to ask her many more questions since the class and she has always been very happy to help with where to get supplies and how to fix some of the problems I've encountered when experimenting with new candle ideas."

Kerina Hawes reviewed: Beginners candle making kit + online video

"Done the online course due to isolation events and am so glad I did. My world has been opened up to candle making! I’m new to it and want to eventually sell wax tarts. The course covers many variety of candles and the live workshop was fantastic - I felt like I was in the actual workshop with Sarah! I ordered the online candle making which included the kit (which was very generous and everything you need to get started and more). Sarah is thorough and patient, and I thought it’s great that she has Q&A after every section of the course completed. Can’t wait to do the advance course. Thank you Sarah ?"