Latest reviews

Andy reviewed: Automata, mechanical toy & kinetic sculpture online: 8 classes

"Tom is an excellent tutor and we got on really well. The sessions were really useful and I’ve learned a lot about technical drawings, building “sketch” models out of cardboard and other cheap materials before moving on to MDF board prototypes in preparation for the final model made in more expensive materials: best quality plywood, with brass and steel elements. Tom really helped me with the design element of the process and I learned to appreciate the more thoughtful approach he suggested. He also recommended other makers whose work was worth looking at and books that would provide help and advice. Along the way I’ve learned the pros and cons of different types of materials and fabrication techniques. It’s the first time I’ve done some of this (tech drawing, brass work and silver soldering) since third year metalwork at school in 1969 - I’m much better at it now than I was then!"

Tom Wilkinson responded:

"Andy was a very capable student. Not entirely a novice to start with, but with excellent making skills and a keenness to learn. He accepted the challenge of making a more complex mechanism in order to up the illusionary effect and worked hard to forfil each stage set. I hope he came away by the end of the course armed with a variety of techniques and tips that will enable him to grow and expand his automata making horizons. Although Andy didn't get to finishing his project, we did reach the final stage where all the tricky stuff had been worked out so he could proceed at his own pace, between tending his garden, in making the final version and bringing it to life with refinement of the characterisation and surface finish. I really look forward to seeing the finished automaton."

Jodie reviewed: Drawing Techniques Tuesday evenings - 4 week course live on Zoom

"Brilliant course very relaxed atmosphere. I've learnt loads from Purnima especially the last course were we studied portraits."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you for Jodie for joining the drawing course you have made a brilliant start with the shading and making subjects look realistic."

Sonia Robinson reviewed: 'Art your way' with Jill Jones FRSA, 3 hours

"Took my mum for a Mother’s Day present for a whole day. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day. Jill was so encouraging. It was a lovely setting in a nice light studio, very calm and relaxing day and under Jill’s expert tuition both of us came away quite proud of what we’d achieved. We had a delicious home made lunch which was accompanied by some home made bread made by Jill’s lovely husband. A truly memorable day spent in the company of a charming couple. Thank you very, very much."

Jill Jones Fine Art responded:

"Thank you Sonia, I’m so glad that you both had a lovely day, and your superb painting talents shone through! Well done to you both on the lovely cottage pieces, and it was great to meet you both! Keep up the fabulous painting works! Jill"

Stuart reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A very enjoyable weekend dry stone walling. Carl is a skilled tutor and he is very ably supported by Sharon in the background who made sure we were kept topped up with drinks and tasty food/snacks."

Colin Hodgson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Alex has a seemingly infinite amount of patience, which he definitely needed! An excellent teacher and it was great to leave with something that I was genuinely proud to have made . Learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the day ."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks, Colin, I really appreciate you going to the effort of writing a review. And I'm glad to hear you're proud of what you made ?. Cracking. Alex"

Rob Johnson reviewed: Shave horse, English style, making course

"Excellent course in a fabulous setting. Pete & Jaqui are just great, as were the other two students, so the banter was excellent as the group really gelled. Instruction and assistance from Pete and Jaqui as & when you needed it, but quite willing to let you get on with it and help each other. As a tradesman I found all the processes quite straight forward, however if you have not used saws etc. before then it could be a little challenging. The pole lathe was something else....a fab piece of kit that will test the stamina of your leg lol. Using the shavehorse to make a shavehorse was also a great new experience, and I have a really nice example to bring home. Thank you Jaqui & Pete. A truly fabulous couple of days."

Darren and Sarah reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Fantastic opportunity to learn such a skilled craft. Carl is a great tutor. We really enjoyed what turned out to be quite a mindful experience - being totally absorbed in rebuilding a dry-stone wall over two days amongst wonderful scenery and with wonderful people meant that all of the stresses of work and family were not given a second thought! The whole weekend is run very well - and Sharon's lovely home-made soups are welcome at lunchtime. In fact, all of the food, snacks and drinks are plentiful and tasty. And we do recommend blowing the froth off a couple with Carl and Sharon at the end of the day at the nearby Diggle Hotel - to reflect upon your achievements and to continue the team-building vibe! No hesitation in recommending this course! Go for it!"

Jane Wimshurst reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"Fantastic day, learnt such a lot! Highly recommend Judy, she is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thankyou Jane, it was lovely to meet you, and i look forward to seeing what you have made in the next few months. Judy"

Anna reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Alice is a lovely relaxed tutor who has made the macrame workshop really engaging. As a complete beginner, you can walk away with your very own pot hanger - inspires you to make more!"

Steph reviewed: Silver ring making with precious metal clay

"Had a wonderful day on Saturday with Jo at West Country Creative. I made a fabulous silver ring and enjoyed every minute. Jo is a font of knowledge, her purpose built studio is fantastic and she has everything you could possibly need, nothing is too much trouble. Plenty of 1:1 help and tuition with a small group (I was one of 3) and I enjoyed the company of all as we sat and created. I am already planning my next course, as I’ve caught the bug! This was a Christmas present from my husband, I wasn’t sure what to expect, however the day certainly exceeded all my expectations. I highly recommend! Thank you Jo! See you again… Steph, East Devon"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you so much for that lovely feedback Steph. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day. It was great to finally meet you and hope you'll be back! Many thanks, Jo"

Hani reviewed: Hand embroidery Workshop - Garden Borders with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Had a wonderful day of creative learning in Julie's beautiful, peaceful and inspiring garden studio. Julie is a very talented and helpful instructor. Had a lovely group of fellow learners to spend the day with. Wonderful company and delicious homemade cake too! Very happy with what I was able to make to bring home."

Tigley Textiles responded:

"Thank you for your review Hani. It was lovely to meet you and I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day."

Christina reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"Nick and Sophie are great hosts and they do everything to give all participants a fabulous experience. One to one attention instills confidence, which in turn supports individual creative processes. Everything at the right pace, patient guidance, and an obvious love of sharing their knowledge, skills and passion. Relaxing setting away from noise and interruptions and the very best warm scones made the day perfect. And I have finally used my carving axe and carved a spoon. Thank you. Christina"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Christina, it was lovely having you here and the weather was marvellous, so perfect all round! If you have any questions or need help finding tools, please just ask!"

Sue reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"A lovely day learning with Ruth! It was really good to be able to use my own pyrography machine and get some great advice. Ruth even made me a new tip to use. Small pieces of wood are provided for you to practice on at the beginning and then you are able to choose from larger pieces of wood to create a bigger bit of artwork. (To be honest, I think Ruth should charge a little extra for some of the largest ones!) It was a superb setting and really lovely to work outside too. Certainly an inspirational day. ?"

Carol reviewed: Country Hares & Foxes Needle Felting Workshop - COURSE FULL

"Absolutely excellent, loved every minute and Carla is an excellent tutor, very patient. Will book another felting course soon."

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments with regards to the Needle Felting course with Carla at Dillington House, we are glad you enjoyed your day. We look forward to welcoming you back to Dillington House soon. Kind regards Dillington House Bookings Team"

Carolyn reviewed: Saddle bag in a day workshop

"I had a lovely day on Friday making a saddle handbag with Rosanna. Learning all the skills and the speedy sewing machine (which was a challenge) and great knowledge from Rosanna. The Smithbrook Kilns is a lovely place with a few workshops and a café to stop at for lunch. Thank you"

Rosanna Clare responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it Carolyn, thanks for your review. Hope to see you again soon, Regards, Rosanna"

Karen B reviewed: Camp PMC 101

"The course with Louise was purchased as a Christmas present for my husband. He came home on both days filled with enthusiasm for silver clay (and with some lovely pieces of jewellery for me at the end!) He really enjoyed the experience of one to one learning with an interesting, informed and patient tutor. Louise, you have another fan!"

Louise Anne Designs responded:

"Thank you - so glad Derry enjoyed the course. I love showing people the magic of the clay it’s such a fantastic medium! It’s brilliant when they love it too I hope you loved your beautiful pieces and I look forward to seeing all the future makes ?"

Frances evans reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"Well structured course , clear and supportive guidance and felt a real achievement at the end. Really enjoyed it , Thankyou"

Heather McCombie reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"A thoroughly enjoyable day, structured so that even complete beginners like me would have the satisfaction of taking home a finished piece. Lovely studio complete with cosy woodburner. My main worry had been preparation of the image, but lots of time and individual attention was devoted to this so that the process became much less daunting. You don't have to be brilliant at drawing, and little slips or inaccuracies at the cutting stage don't usually matter, and can actually add to the charm of the finished image. It was thrilling to see the image in print for the first time! This could get addictive... I've already ordered a set of materials and will definitely be back once I've had some practice at home!"

Claire reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"I had a very enjoyable day learning about the fascinating process of eco dyeing with Judy. Judy took us step by step through the process and we achieved some great results! There is still a great deal to learn so I look forward to doing another course one day. Lunch and coffee were delicious too! Many thanks Judy for an inspirational course ."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thankyou. Claire, really glad you enjoyed the day. I hope you get set up soon so that you can make a start at home. It’s addictive! Judy"

Michael Hickman reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a little previous experience, which through lack of use had been mostly lost. Colin patiently and kindly built confidence in me that I had not had before. My skills, although still needing much work, are definitely building on a better foundation than before. I would encourage anyone looking to improve any aspect of their wood turning to call upon Colin's experience and skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Mike. Enjoy your turning. Please get back in touch if I can help in the future. Regards, Colin"

Daniel reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I received a wood turning work shop for a birthday gift. I have always wanted to have a go at wood turning and this was an ideal way to do it. Simon is friendly and patient and very informative, I learned a lot, I would recommend it to any one and the added bonus I came away with a nice piece."

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Dan, Thanks so much for your review and really glad you had an enjoyable day. Any queries or questions please get in touch. -- Simon"

Cathy Manning reviewed: 'Winged things'. Make a mosaic Bird, Dragonfly or Bumble bee in Ampthill, Beds.

"This was such an enjoyable day. Emily was a clear, patient, encouraging and attentive teacher and the group was small, relaxed and friendly. There was a wonderful range of resources to choose from and I was very happy with my first attempt at this new skill. The refreshments were delicious. I would definitely recommend this day and hope to come back and do another course soon."

Stories In Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Cathy. I am delighted that you had a good day and were pleased with the green mosaic bird that you made (it was beautiful...well done!) It was a real pleasure to have you here at a 'Stories in Glass' workshop. I hoped you feel inspired enough to return one day soon. Very best wishes. Emily"

Matt reviewed: Box making workshop

"My wife and I attended Jake and Gaz’s box-making class and it was BRILLIANT! The way the class was taught, breaking the whole process down in to small manageable steps made the idea of box making, simple and not intimidating. The patience Jake and Gaz showed us, even staying late to let us sand and complete our boxes, couldn’t have been better. Two lovely guys and great teachers. Thanks guys, Matt & Jolene"

Danny Holliday reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Jamal's one day Stained Glass and Leading course was absolutely fantastic. I've always had an interest in stained glass. It was a really informative course and I found it incredibly interesting. Jamal is incredibly knowledgeable, experienced and patient. I was part of a course with two other people. The practical elements of the course were great. I learned all of the steps involved in producing a piece of stained glass and had a lovely little product I'd made over the course of the day to take home and display. I'd highly recommend the course. A fantastic experience if you have an interest in this area or just want to try something new. I had an interest without ever having had a go at it. I'm glad I did!"

Elizabeth reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop - Cambridgeshire

"I would like to thank Miller and Ward for a fantastic workshop learning how to make scented candles. I would definitely recommend it to inspire you to make your own stock or as an excellent local alternative for Christmas and special gifts instead of shop bought. A really enjoyable day and my own created candles to take home too!"