Latest reviews

Wendy Maddocks reviewed: Garden/ Outdoor mosaic kit: Dragonfly Circle hanging garden decoration

"Have not had a chance to make this yet. Just to say that my order arrived very quickly, well packed and everything there. Will look forward to learning this new craft when I have the time this summer.( Too many other projects on the go at the moment, will get them finished before moving on to this new one, which looks great.) Hopefully it will look great on my garden wall when completed. I bought this with a gift voucher from my sister and the process to order was very easy."

Primrose Mosaics responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Wendy. I hope you have great fun with your creative time and enjoy your masterpiece in the garden when it's finished."

Matthew Poole reviewed: NOW FULL Oil painting 2022 workshop at Back Room Art Stourbridge

"Great course. Heather is lovely and a very good teacher. We managed to get a lot done in four hours, from the basic tools, materials and techniques needed through to producing a finished piece. Very enjoyable and informative."

Back Room Art responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. Amazing work. Would love to see you in the studio again."

Julia South reviewed: Beginners spoon carving

"I didn't actually attend the course but my son and husband did. They really enjoyed the day. My son is starting DofE and wanted to test the water to see if woodworking could be the skill he learnt and this course gave him a good starter insight. Booking and communication was straight forward also, so would definitely recommend this course."

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Julia, we’re so glad your sone enjoyed the day!"

Catherine reviewed: Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates

"I really enjoyed my venture back into the art world on Lee's course. The location is idyllic and the set up is fantastic. Being surrounded by so many works of art whilst creating my own was just inspiring. Lee is clearly a very talented painter who has a really relaxed nature about the way he teachers. Tailoring the teaching to each individual and creating an almost family atmosphere within the studio where everyone is supportive of everyone else. I really enjoyed this course and would recommend it for anyone, be you a complete novice or someone on par with Van Gogh."

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"It was great to meet you Cath and I'm glad you enjoyed the day. I do hope it is the start of your artistic journey."

Chris reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"A wonderful day workshop with just the right amount of support, teaching and letting you do things on your own. Created a lovely basket and learned loads of different weaving techniques. Lunch was good too. Jonny and Becky were excellent tutors."

Carol reviewed: Tuesday evening - Ten-week termly jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder

"There is no better feeling than being able to say ‘I made it myself’ and, having just finished my first 10 week course with Jules, I can’t wait for the next one to begin! The Sea and Solder workshop is a lovely working space and fully equipped with everything that’s needed. Jules is such a brilliant, calm and knowledgeable teacher and a wonderful communicator who guides you through all the processes. On the last course I made a really special statement ring with a polished pebble (which I had collected with my Mum when I was a child) and also a set of 3 seaglass rings using pieces of glass found on a family holiday in France. I was also thrilled to be able to repair a couple of pairs of earrings. I’ve now got a big list of projects I can’t wait to start next term! There is so much to learn in silversmithing, but in a small group on the 10 week course there is time to really get to grips with all the basics, and leave with all the beautiful things you have made yourself."

Sea & Solder responded:

"Carol its been fantastic having you on the course this term and seeing how much enjoyment and satisfaction you have had from each piece of jewellery you have made. Thank you for this lovely review and I look forward to seeing you again next term. Jules"

Susan reviewed: Bespoke silver one to one enamelling on silver workshop for SUE

"Really enjoyed my day. Lynette is an inspiring teacher with great patience. Would highly recommend this one day course."

LCEnamels responded:

"Thank you Sue. Really pleased you enjoyed you day with me, your pendent was fabulous. Look forward to seeing you again., sometime soon. Lynette"

Alan reviewed: Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day

"Excellent course with good background information and advice and practical experience"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for your review and praise for the course, it is much appreciated."

Lily Baldwin reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Thank you to Viv for a wonderful day. Me and a friend did the rings and things - stone setting for beginners course. We had such a fun day and I came away with 4 rings! We squeezed a lot into one day and learnt a lot, Viv was very patient with us. Thanks again, I would really recommend to anyone looking to learn some new skills ??"

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you Lily, your review is very much appreciated. I noted that you now understood my separating into two workshops - your friend wanted so much more, I hope she was happy with her extra rings - it was quite an exhausting day! I think you have a lot of talent for jewellery making and I really hope you continue to practice developing your art, I shall love to see your work in the future x"

Suzanne Way reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I attended Lee's Lino Printing course this week and I just want to say a huge "Thank you" to Lee for sharing his knowledge and creativity with me. The course was beyond brilliant ... I just wish it was for 2 days ... I didn't want to stop! Lee has brought back creativity into my life which has been lacking for such a long time and for that I cannot thank him enough! I will definitely be booking onto future courses with Lee ... but next time ... 2 days! Lee is an excellent tutor and makes you feel immediately relaxed and confident in the process. I have had lino cutting tools delivered this morning ... I cannot wait to get cracking with my next print!"

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"It was a pleasure to welcome you to my studio Suz and help you learn the reduction lino printing process. You made a lovely print and I hope you keep it up!"

Louise K reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I spent a great day with Jon and Becky yesterday and couldn't quite believe we had made the fantastic baskets in just one day. The course was well paced with just the right amount of help and advice for me as a complete novice. A lovely friendly atmosphere and delicious lunch and cake."

Jane Taheri reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Thank you Denny for such a lovely day. The three of us enjoyed every minute. The set up you have is perfect in your garden room and you have the patience of a saint! We were all thrilled with our creations and excited to do more. We will definitely be back! By the way, the cakes were amaaaazing. Thank you again ??"

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you - I enjoyed the day too! You were all good fun and it was a pleasure teaching you. It’s great when students are so obviously delighted and proud of the artwork they create as your beaming faces showed. It makes it all worthwhile. I hope to see you again soon. Denny x"

Gilly reviewed: Heritage Embroidery - Goldwork Embroidery 2 day workshop

"I had an excellent first day on the gold work course with Rosemary, who is very skilled, knowledgeable and patient. It was inspirational to see some of her own beautiful emroidery on display. I'm looking forward to day 2."

Heritage Embroidery responded:

"Hello Gillian Thank you so much for the lovely review you posted on the website. I really appreciate your feedback. I hope spending a peaceful day concentrating on your Goldwork helped to relieve some of the stress and sadness after losing your brother. I look forward to seeing you at the end of the month for day two. Take the best of care Rosemary x"

Tracey P reviewed: Drum lampshade workshop - Saturdays

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable morning - an excellent workshop. Sarah is a very knowledgeable, patient tutor who guides you through your project step by step. I’ve never done anything like this before but ended up with a professionally finished lampshade. Thank you."

Rebecca Overton reviewed: Drum lampshade workshop - Saturdays

"Such a good course! Sarah is an excellent teacher who explains everything very thoroughly, in a relaxed atmosphere, with very useful additional tips of her own. So happy with my lampshade!"

Elizabeth Wakefield reviewed: English Round Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A warm welcome from Rachel and Mike to a fabulous location. Excellent lunch and plenty of refreshments. Very Covid safe with measures taken in a very gentle way The course itself is excellent. Phil has a brilliant teaching style and its amazing howmuch you learn in two days. Definatly recommend the venue and Phil's courses"

Louise Hanley reviewed: English Round Baskets, 2 days with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"A fabulous course in a stunning location. I would definitely recommend giving it a go. Phil is an excellent tutor and Rachel and Mike are superb hosts. The on-site accommodation was perfect and by staying, I was able to fit in an evening walk around the Ribblehead viaduct too. I have nothing but praise for the whole experience."

Anne Bramley reviewed: Drum lampshade workshop - Saturdays

"Excellent and thoroughly enjoyable morning. Very informative with great attention to detail resulting in a very professionally finished and attractive lampshade. All tools were provided together with refreshments. Very pleasant venue. Many thanks. Anne"

Sophie reviewed: Drum lampshade workshop - Saturdays

"Excellent course. Sarah provides lots of information and clear instructions and is very thorough. Her brilliant tips ensure that you end up with a high quality finish."

KRISTINA WIGGETT reviewed: Private Tuition: 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Workshop

"I did the private 1:1 traditional stained glass 1 day course. The whole experience was FANTASTIC - I had a wonderful, fun day. Prior to the course, Gill had emailed me some extra info and driving directions - which I really appreciated. On the day itself, from the moment I met Gill, I realised it would be great day. Gill is AMAZING: she has a great personality and she is a extremely good teacher: very knowledgeable and very patient. Gill had prepared a table for me with an information pack, tools and a bottle of water. (she also made me a few cups of tea as well) I was a complete novice, but I didn't need to worry: Gill explained every step of the process, showed how to do things and then let me do it. When things didn't go always as planned, Gill helped me again and again with a lot of patience. We also had a very nice, very relaxing lunch in the onside café - very yummy and all homemade. In the evening I went home with a beautiful suncatcher and a lot of knowledge. I couldn't have wished for a better teacher and I can recommend this course 100% !"

Gill Rogers responded:

"Hi Kristina Wow, thank you so much for taking the time to post your wonderful review and I had such a fabulous day with you too! Loved your enthusiasm and you were an absolute joy to be with and so thrilled to hear you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you again sometime in the near future! All my very best wishes Gill x"

June Kingsbury reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"" I first saw Derek's lovely work on Instagram, and then on YouTube. From cutting glass, to making your own light table, plus interviews with other glass artists, he demonstrates the endless possibilities of working with light and colour. Derek's studio and garden in Leicestershire was the perfect place to experiment with paint and to meet other students, all of us invested in one way or another with holding the light back and but also in letting it through.""

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you June, really glad you enjoyed the course ??"

Mike reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day spent with Mort in his forge. I made a beautiful set of fire tongs which is exactly what I wanted, totally bespoke and unique to me. Mort knows exactly what he is doing and teaches in a fun, safe and exciting way. I had never been into a forge before let alone hit white hot metal with a hammer and chisel. Brilliant."

Firebird Forge responded:

"Cheers Mike. You did well; a set of tongs I’d have been proud to have myself. Thanks for coming and for the feedback, keep well, Mort."

Cicely reviewed: LIVING SUCCULENT WREATH MAKING KIT on a woven willow/birch base

"This was the most amazing craft experience, I would highly recommend. The kit came beautifully wrapped and labelled, clearly with such care and love. The instructions provided were detailed and the video tutorials were endearing; they were a joy to watch, I felt that Jenni was in the room with us having a chat! It was great that we could pause and repeat bits over again to make sure we were doing it right. The end result was a beautiful piece, which is proudly displayed on the front door, but the process was the best part! Thank you Jenni, I look forward to doing some more of your wreaths in the future!"

Jenni Wren Creative responded:

"Aaaah, thank you so much for the recommendation, it is so appreciated. I am so pleased that you got the sentiment and love behind it, as I do try and take special care to ensure that everything is labelled and wrapped. I am even more pleased that you enjoyed the process. To handmake an article from scratch through to the finished product, is a wonderful achievement. Even better, that you and your passers by, get to enjoy and admire the wreath on a daily basis. Well done! Hopefully you will be inspired to use the base for another seasonal wreath and of course the bulbs, which can be planted out and enjoyed for next Spring."

Dave Evans reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"A warm friendly greeting followed by an explanation of what I was going to be doing during the day. Ran through health & Safety procedures. Then it was down to work, the plan was that I would mirror the processes that Chris was doing explanations were clear and concise no pressure you worked at a pace that was comfortable with you. Many different skills were taught and explanations of many of the tools and their uses given. I came away with a greater understanding of how metal can change or be changed with fire a hammer and a good instructor. A most enjoyable day. Highly recommended."

Mark Oglesby reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"Very impressed by the kit, the instructions and the value for money. No idea how Jo makes a profit out of this, but delighted to have been the beneficiary of her comprehensive online and written guidance."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Mark ?. Gosh that fine line between profit and affordability is a hard gambit! I just love knowing these hares are being made all over the country ?. I hope you have a great time making yours - please do not hesitate to make contact if you have any questions. Jo x"