Latest reviews

Wendy Cutts reviewed: Chinese Brush Painting - Lotus Flower & Fish in Meticulous Style on Silk: Intermediate & Advanced

"I learnt a lot from these two days. The tutor was very accomplished and inspiring. I will definitely be continuing to practice the technique The setting was picturesque and the food excellent. Sadly some of the joining instructions had suggested the buying the wrong paper and brushes which meant we had to share our equipment amongst us. This wasn't easy at the beginning when we didn’t know one another but got easier as the camaraderie grew. The room was spacious but as we had the door open the noise from an adjoining room with a very loud tutor was drowning out ours. The accomodation was poor as the lights in our twin room kept flickering and the table lamp fused. The bathroom light only went on as you walked back out so we had to leave the strip light over the sink on. This course was a birthday present from my partner and I'm glad I went on it."

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Hi Wendy, Thanks so much for sharing your experience at Dillington House on the Chinese Brush Painting course. We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the course and that you learnt so much from the tutor. We’re sorry to hear that your joining instructions weren’t accurate in terms of the correct brushes to bring along. It appears that this slight change on materials/tools required from a previous course to this one did not get updated on our system. We have implemented additional processes now to ensure this doesn’t happen in the future. The noise from a nearby room coming from an open door is unfortunately due to the additional ventilation that some of our guests request in order to reduce the risk of COVID transmission. We will endeavour to brief all tutors further on the need to manage volume when teaching in spaces with open doors/windows for ventilation. In regards to the issues experienced with your accommodation, these have now all been identified and rectified. Please accept our sincere apologies for the issues which took the shine off what was otherwise a positive experience for you at Dillington House. We do hope that we can welcome you back soon and would be glad of the opportunity to show you that these were without doubt isolated incidents and that you will have a universally positive visit upon your return. We always welcome feedback and once again thank you for taking the time to get in touch. Kind regards, The Dillington Bookings Team "

Luke Griffin reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"I've been a fan of Peter's work for some time, and been trying to get on one of his courses for about 3 years. It was worth the wait and I learnt so much in the short space of time. Concise guidance with an abundance of patience made for a very memorable weekend, and a lovely piece of useable furniture. Thanks to Peter and Toby for your support and excellent flapjack."

Saidul Hoque reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"The event was very successful. It was a gift I bought for my husband and for the fussy man that he is, to say that this was his best ever gift, I think puts his experience in a nutshell. He was welcomed by the teacher and the other lovely ladies that joined him in that course. Said couldn't stop talking about all the things he learnt and how knowledgeable and experienced Paula, his teacher was. I was not taking the class but was very much welcomed by the team and it felt so comfortable and relaxed. Thank you for a lovely day. I would without hesitation recommend this course to anyone."

Jasprit reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I was interested in doing this course for a while, and I am glad I did it. Paula explained the whole thing with a lot of interest and information. She was extremely happy to answer any questions we had. Thank you greatly and I appreciate all the others attending who were so friendly and helpful."

James G reviewed: Beginners Stained Glass Course, Copper foil work

"Loved it, loved the location, loved the lunch, loved what we have been trained to do and practised doing."

Sean reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Can't recommend Mort enough. So much more than an intro to blacksmithing!"

Firebird Forge responded:

"Cheers Sean. It’s always nice to be appreciated, so thank you and I’m glad you enjoyed your day. All the best, Mort."

Brenda Ann Walsh reviewed: Felt Making Paintings

"The wet felting course was great fun. Jo explained the materials used and the method in detail. She also inspired us with examples of what could be achieved and books we could buy. Her studio was comfortable and inspired creativity. All the materials we needed and more were readily available and the company was good. Thanks for a great day Jo."

Richard Scott reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Great course , bought for me as a retirement gift by my wife. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. Would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for something a little bit different."

Highfield forge responded:

"Thank you ? "

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

"Really good well structured course . Very good fun"

Simon and Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Bought this course for my son as a Xmas present and decided to go along to keep him company. So glad that I did, we both had an excellent day. Bob was extremely patient and gave us a great insight into 'hammer skills' in a short space of time. Bob makes everything look very easy, well I suppose 57 years of experience helps! He managed to tread a fine line between letting us have a go ourselves and giving enough input to make sure we came away with some recognisable objects at the end of the day. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in blacksmithing, a very worthwhile day."

Estelle reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a fabulous time we had on the pottery throwing and ceramics workshop course. Matthew and Rachel are both expert and passionate about their ‘trade’ as well as being excellent teachers. Their enthusiasm was infectious and we were throwing pots and bowls in no time at all under their superb guidance. Ours was a family group celebrating a milestone birthday and this was an activity that easily held the attention of three generations. I cannot recommend this course highly enough – in fact I’m already thinking about booking again to go to the next level. It was an absolute joy – thank you Matthew and Rachel."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Estelle, it was a pleasure to have you and all your family on the course. I can honestly say that Rachel and I had a fantastic day teaching you all and seeing the progress made, especially all the creativity in the work that was produced. It will be great to see you again. Best wishes Mathew & Rachel"

Patricia reviewed: Learn Book Binding

"Everything was so well organised. The instructor had a lovely manner and made everything so easy to follow. A totally engrossing and enjoyable activity and by the end of the session I had made a book I was proud of. I will definitely be trying my hand at making more at home,"

Sew Me Something responded:

"HI Patricia, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop, MJ our tutor is lovely! I hope you will come back and try some of our other workshops soon. Thanks Jules "

Eva Stacey reviewed: Introduction to Ecoprinting

"Such an enjoyable day full of activities and new learning. Fiona was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and extremely patient with all of us! Thank you so much, very much recommended."

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Eva. It was so nice to meet you and I was so thrilled that you felt it worth such a long journey. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching and seeing all the wonderful prints that were created. Fiona x"

Sue Evans reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"Brilliant day! Sarah is a first class teacher and we learned so much. She guided and advised us so that we were able to produce some very presentable pieces. Thank you."

Simon Hayes reviewed: 1 to 1 Bladesmithing or Blacksmithing

"Wonderful day and a great 50th birthday present!. We had a great teacher who took us through every step of the knife making process in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Starting with a flat bar of steel and ending up with a beautiful hand forged knife was extremely enjoyable and satisfying. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with even a remote interest in learning blacksmithing skills."

Workshops in the Woods responded:

"Glad you enjoyed yourself Simon good to see you hard at work very impressed you got mistaken for Ian! Thank you for the review"

Carol reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Booked this as a birthday present for my best friend. Wanted to do something a bit different. We had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed listening to Sarah explain all the different processes. She is so knowledgeable. We made pillar colour candle, floating candles, perfumed tin candle and rolled beeswax candles all to take home for presents or to enjoy yourself. The 3 hours went very quickly and would love to do another one. You will have a lovely time!"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Carol, glad you enjoyed your candle making experience :)"

Nichola reviewed: Powertex Mixed Media Seashell Moments or Flow Picture Workshop - by Inky Escapades

"The powertex course was amazing. Karen was wonderful at explaining it all step by step. Her studio is stunning, and full of her work, I can't wait to do another course. The piece I made is beautiful, I fall in love with it a bit more every time I look at it!"

Inky Escapades responded:

"Dear Nichola Thank you so very much for your kind words. I am so thrilled that you enjoyed your day and that you love your Art Work so much. I know you were not convinced you would be able to product a piece to these standards. I am really glad you surprised yourself! I look forward to seeing you again in the future Kind Regards Karen Hewitt Inky Escapades"

Yaran Liang reviewed: Punch needle embroidery

"Very interesting class located in a lovely boutique and garden centre. Vicky is a very fun teacher, sharing the skills of punch needle. The course includes the material (with extra) and tools, cake and drink. You can actually complete a project after this, which is quite an achievement. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it!"

Julie Hicks Textiles responded:

"Hi Yaran, Thank for the lovely review it's much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it . "

John T reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration - Cambridgeshire

"A great day of learning - Bill is very clearly an expert and a very good tutor. We covered many of the important aspects of restoration and by suggesting I took a small item to discuss, it helped to make the learning very real and the whole day very encouraging. So much more to learn but a great introduction, thank you!"

Janet Maclean reviewed: Introduction to Ecoprinting

"It was a great course that was well structured and gave us the opportunity to try out printing on a range of materials. We were kept busy and I came away with a lot of samples that I will be able to use in future projects. Also thanks for the homemade cookies and lemon drizzle cake."

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Janet and well done to your husband for buying you a fabulous gift! So pleased you enjoyed the day. I was so pleased with all the fabulous prints that were created but such a brilliant group. Fiona x"

Jayne Dickson reviewed: Free machine embroidery with Sarah Sewell

"This was my second workshop. Sarah was very patient and guided me through the process of catching the thread from under the fabric. Again I came away with a lovely piece of textile art in a frame. It is nice to decide on your own design and Sarah guides you through how to put it together step by step. The free machinery embroidery is a great course for beginners and experts."

Created By Hand responded:

"Hi Jayne Thanks for the comments Sarah has a wonderful way of making students of all abilities feel at ease and I am always impressed by the variety and quality of work that comes out of her taster classes. Dave"

Alison reviewed: Mosaic garden plaque workshop pm

"Lovely little mosaic course very local to me. Chrissy was really helpful and it was all laid out ready for us to get started. Plenty of materials so lots to choose from and if you couldn't find exactly what you needed Chrissy would bring out even more stuff! I didn't think I'd get the hang of it at first but in the end I was pleased with what I made (a garden tile) and I will definitely be displaying it in my back garden."

Sue Wilcox reviewed: Punch needle embroidery

"What a lovely morning. Julie is a brilliant teacher and Bonds was such a good venue. I had tried to teach myself Punch Needle using a kit but it makes a big a difference having someone show you the techniques. There were five of us on the course and it was just like a chatty morning crafting with a group of friends. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn this craft."

Julie Hicks Textiles responded:

"Hi Sue, Thank you for the lovely review ! I do appreciate it. Many thanks and see you on the next one !"

Laura B reviewed: Pottery and decorating day for two

"I had booked this day as a birthday treat for my 11 year old daughter (and a treat for me!) We had covered some pottery basics previously but we were both very keen to have a go at throwing pots on the wheel and felt some 1:1 guidance and support with this would be a good plan. We had a wonderful day with Marina (and Poppy the dog!) Marina is an excellent teacher - with endless patience and so much knowledge and experience. She was always there to help (and rescue any disasters) and this ensured we managed to each produce 3 reasonable looking bowls by the end of the morning. After a picnic in the nearby bluebell woods we returned to trim and decorate our bowls which was great fun. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the day, as did I and I can't wait to see the finished results in a few weeks. Thank you so much Marina."

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Laura thanks so much for your wonderful review! It was lovely having you and Holly too and now your results are up to the kiln gods, but I’m sure they’ll do a splendid job. I will keep you posted! Best wishes Marina"

David Little reviewed: Hand percussion drums workshop with David Insua Cao

"A great introductory session to different types of hand percussion given by a professional percussionist. We got to learn different techniques across a range of percussion and put this in to practice with an improvisation session. David was a great workshop leader and explained things very clearly and in a fun way."

Artsmill Charity (Ltd) responded:

"Thank you for your review, David! It was great to meet you and glad you enjoyed the workshop. Best, Harriet"