Latest reviews

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 ?"

Anisha reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"I had a great time on this course. It is very informative and a must especially if you want to start your own business. Afternoon tea is all homemade and delicious. I would recommend this course for anyone interested in making cold process soap"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you so much Anisha, you were a great group and such a pleasure to see you all so happy!"

Sarah Brown reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"What a fabulous course! I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Incredibly informative on all aspects of soap making and starting up your own business, should you wish to. I’m now chomping at the bit to start making my own soap at home. The sandwiches and homemade scones were delicious and filling! Thank you so much for such a fabulous and interesting class... you certainly know your stuff!! :)"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Sarah, so happy to hear such good feedback. I’ll see you in the Candle making course! Paula"

Gracie reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"This was a lovely beginners class. Paula was friendly and knowledgeable. Her baking skills were also great as I enjoyed the scones. I would recommend this course for anyone looking to start a new hobby or meet new people. Thanks for a lovely day and I will definitely look at doing another course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely feedback. Paula"

Bill knapp reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"I thought the day and the tips given by Dave was excellent. I have made at least 11 sticks so far and I'm a bit of a stick nerd. Thanks for an informative day, very relaxed style. Would recommend it to anyone. Bill Knapp"

catherine ayling reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I had such a lovely time with Sara and came home with some pieces of jewellery I will treasure for a very long time. The space was calm and professional and I felt very encouraged to create a piece of jewellery that was unique to me. I would love to come back with friends or in a group as I can imagine the atmosphere would be just as fun and expressive as it was by myself. I couldn't recommend Sara or her course enough!"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Catherine, thank you so much for your thoughtful review, I loved your rings, you are a natural at soldering!! I shall look forward to seeing you again, maybe with a group of you - that will be fun :-) Sara"

Andrew Gordon reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Absolutely amazing man !! With a world of experience !! Great teacher with every detail covered. I have made a knife I am so proud of and there is not one like it in the world !!. Thanks Steve for your patience and kindness ."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Gordy Thank you very much for your review and I am very pleased that you had such a rewarding day. I do go over a lot of things during the course of the day, but as I say right at the beginning of every lesson, whoever attends has to go away with a completed knife, which is sharp and is completely functional, but most importantly has been hand crafted by them. That after all is what makes a custom knife so special, it is the uniqueness of each and every one. ATB Steve White Tiger Knives"

Michael Whiteley reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I had a superb day with Rosanna and would highly recommend a leather craft course to anyone thinking about it. I took home the items that I made on the day and was very pleased with the results, so I will now be buying all the necessary tools to start my new hobby. Rosanna is an excellent teacher, with lots of patience and exceptional knowledge of leather craft. Many thanks once again!"

Suki Baynton reviewed: DIY Leather Bag Kit - Cross Body Satchel to make at home

"I bought this kit from Georgie having had no experience at all of leather work and I wasn’t sure how good I would be but I needn’t have worried. Georgie was so helpful before I even bought it, helped me pick the colours, discussed what would fit in there (as I wanted to use it for my camera) and even sent me photos, she really goes above and beyond! When the kit arrived it was beautifully packaged, really high quality materials inside and lovely clear instructions and video links for all the tricky bits. I absolutely LOVED making this kit and my finished bag is beyond gorgeous and I never imagined I would be able to make something like this at home. I probably wouldn’t have been able to do one of Georgie’s classes due to distance so this has been the best option for me and I would recommend it to anyone!"

Hands of Tym responded:

"I am so pleased to read this :) thank you for your lovely kind words! The bag looked stunning and I hope it has sparked of a LOVE of bag making as it is wonderful G xxx"

Angela Rice reviewed: Friendship Star On-Demand Digital Patchwork & Quilting Course

"I have been having quilting lessons with Sheena for nearly three years. She has abundant knowledge, skills and patience. Sessions are always interesting and very enjoyable and with her guidance, my quilting continues to improve. At present I am undertaking an online course, making a small curvy flying geese wall hanging. Sheena's pattern and instructions are excellent and are supported with relevant short videos. Sheena is always available when support/guidance is needed. I recommend Sheena very highly."

Gill reviewed: Online beginners candle making kit & LIVE workshop

"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."

Candle by Events responded:

"Hi Gill, thank you for your lovely feedback. Really pleased to hear you are enjoying a new hobby - happy candle-making"

Michael Hawkins reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"Really enjoyed this course, and the bench looks great in our garden. We would definitely recommend this course!"

K. Parker reviewed: Forge your own knife at Padgett Ironworks Blacksmiths

"Got this for my boyfriend for his birthday and he could not be happier with the experience. Connor was super friendly and skilled and let me sit in and watch even though I wasn't partaking in the course. What we thought was excellent about this course is how "hands on" it is. Unlike a similar experience at a different forge some friends of ours went on where the instructor did most of the work (for safety reasons). Connor was very keen to just let my partner crack on and do the hard work on it, only stepping in to make sure nothing went wrong. There were different wood and handle options and a cute little design process at the beginning to get a fully custom knife. By the end of it my partner had a fully functional sharp knife that he now uses in every possible situation at home (even opening letters and cutting price tags off new clothes like a lunatic). Thank you very much to Connor!"

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

"I attended one of Deana's first courses and with some simple guidance, and practice, can now write with confidence and flair (Deana's words!). I got a lot more out of the course than I ever expected to and have since sent Deana not only friends and family members, but also colleagues from my employers Marketing & Communications Dept : our articles and press releases are now a lot more interesting to read. Thanks Deana."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you, John. I'm very pleased you enjoyed the course and got so much out of it. I hope you're carrying on with your writing."

Jan Casson reviewed: Snowy Owl - needle felting with The Lady Moth

"I did the painting with wool tutorial.... it was a fab experience.... materials for the tutorial were delivered promptly and excellent quality.... Thank you so much, I will be definitely be doing another one xxxx"

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

"I was really impressed with my first session and am definitely looking forward to the next. Deana was incredibly friendly and supportive and her advice was invaluable. She gave me lots to think about, and ideas to help me move my writing on to the next step. In fact as soon as the session finished I couldn’t stop, and she certainly helped inspire me and help me over my feeling of writer’s block. Deana seems incredibly experienced and was thoroughly professional and helpful at all times. Communication has been excellent! I would recommend these sessions to any curious writers, of any experience, without reservation."

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you! I’m so happy you enjoyed the first session."

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

"The course was easy for me as a beginner and I thought it was great. Deana led a really engaging and interactive few hours and is very knowledgable in her field. Looking forward to the next!"

Deana Luchia responded:

"Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the course."

Melissa Jones reviewed: Snowy Owl - needle felting with The Lady Moth

"I did an on-line workshop learning how to paint with wool. Blue tit in a blossom tree. The materials where fantastic - lovely colour and the tutorial was fantastic. Learnt loads in a calm supportive and enjoyable environment. Can’t recommend enough, I will be doing another."

Jill Smith reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"My friend and I spent a lovely day on one of Kate's willow weaving courses yesterday. Even though the weather was not kind we had shelter, a tasty lunch and a very warm welcome. Social distancing was observed throughout. I came away with a duck sculpture of which I am delighted. Kate is calm and has a way of giving you just the right amount of help to keep things on track. Thanks for a great day!"

Kate Morrell willow sculpture responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments it was a pleasure meeting you both i had a nice day withl lots of laughs"

Léla reviewed: Live online paper flower workshops: spring blooms

"I enjoyed such a relaxing morning learning how to make paper freesias with the lovely Bee. Expertly run online class which I would highly recommend. Thank you."