Latest reviews

Francesca Gilpin reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"What a wonderful weekend! In a beautiful setting with a well equipped studio, Jo provides a warm and welcoming environment and is incredibly generous with her time and expertise. She guided us all through the steps required to create our individual sculptures with simple instructions and clarity, offering help when needed but also allowing our own creative process to blossom. My leaping hare sculpture has exceeded my expectations and I am looking forward to placing it in my garden. Thanks also to Andy who helped pack it securely in my campervan! I shall be recommending this course to friends and very much hope to do another one with Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Francesca - and so pleased you and your beautiful hare had an uneventful journey back home in your gorgeous campervan ;-) I look forward to seeing you again and perhaps we can have a play with cold wax painting!"

Caroline reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"What a great workshop! Olivia was brilliant with her help and advice, the atmosphere was chilled and industrious. In six hours we all ended up with several printed copies of our days work which we were, at the very least, very pleased with. Makes you want to do it all over again!"

David Little reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I came to this course wanting to learn how to make a nice wooden box, having never attempted anything like this before nor the knowledge to do it. By the end of the two days I'm very happy to say I managed to make a nice box, I picked up new crafting skills and an abundance of woodworking knowledge. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this course to anyone who is willing to pick up some tools and be taught how to use them to create an item you will be very proud of. A special mention to craftsmen Mark and Richard for their patience and encouragement. It was a very enjoyable and worthwhile two days."

Sara Nater reviewed: Textured silver pendants and earrings workshop

"Really enjoyed this workshop, Jo always explains the processes really clearly and is accommodating whatever your level of expertise. The rolling mill enables you to make lovely embossed jewellery. Jo is happy to share her expertise, her workshops are really enjoyable and terribly addictive!"

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Sara! You made some lovely earrings and pendants, and I was impressed with how many pieces everyone made. Looking forward to having you in the studio again later this month!"

Wendy Cook reviewed: Silver jewellery earring workshop with WyeMade

"My comments wholeheartedly echo all those already left for Ann. Along with my husband and two friends, we spent several enjoyable hours last week, learning techniques and creating beautiful pendants. This was a complete surprise for our friends, who had never done anything like this before. This could have been an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience for them, but Ann immediately put them at ease and sensitively guided them to a successful conclusion. They were so delighted with the pendants they made and so surprised and proud of their achievements. Ann’s expert tuition really is second to none."

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Wendy."

Jane Tromans reviewed: Love Your Overlocker

"The venue was spacious and appropriately set up for the course. The teacher was friendly and knowledgeable. The example sheets were a good idea to take away as a reference. It would be better if Rachel had stuck with either ‘normal’ or ‘standard’ as an example rather than jumping between the 2 words for the same meaning. The cake was delicious but, in a 3 hr time slot, was unnecessary. I would have preferred a lower price or more time on the machine. I was not ready to create a full garment but would have liked to overlock setting in a sleeve or similar. One of my newbie fears is calculating the seam allowance. Demonstrating techniques is great but I would have appreciated a crib sheet for threading your machines. Cleaning the inside of the machine could be shown."

Ruth reviewed: Paper marbling with tea & cake

"I attended the paper marbling course last weekend which was excellent. It was very organised and well prepared and the studio was lovely and bright. Dina and her mum were very attentive and could not have been more helpful. They have lots of experience of this art and the initial demonstrations were followed by plenty of hints and tips throughout the afternoon. The products used were high quality and the selection of available paint colours was really good. I left the workshop with several of my papers which were already dry and Dina has posted out the others to me at home. I was really pleased with what I achieved and would definitely recommend this course."

Hilary Trapani reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"This is a fantastic course and led by lovely and talented people. I started just under a year ago having never drawn anything other than stick men and now I am drawing and painting quite confidently and feel utterly inspired. Both the teachers in Maidenhead and Windsor are patient, technically fantastic and have helped me see more in our beautiful world! The course involves working with all media so while building skills, you also put your toe into the water with so many different mediums. As a result of working with Inge, I am going on very first art weekend in May. I am very grateful that I found the Colourwheel. Oh, and did I say, the other people on the course are lovely too!"

Sandra Balogac reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I was totally new to drawing and painting. Outstanding teachers break down the techniques into simple steps,make it fun, and support learning with gentle positive encouragement. I thought that I would try art for one term, I'm now in my 3rd year with Colour Wheel! My friends and family love seeing what I draw and paint. Excellent"

Karen Francis reviewed: Sea-glass pendant workshop

"I have already done a number of silversmithing courses and this was my first with Joanne Tinley. Course was good with just the right amount of time. Joanne was friendly and knowledgeable on the subject and the workshop was well equipped with tools."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"I am glad that you enjoyed the class Karen! Thank you for coming."

Clare Foster reviewed: Stained Glass/Mosaics

"I wanted a new creative challenge and signed up to Sam’s course. I wasn’t disappointed. Sam encourages learners to create personal pieces of interest and offers advice and support throughout the process. Learners are at a variety of ability levels and those more experienced are more than happy to advise and offer support. The atmosphere is always welcoming and it’s great to get together with like minded people. Highly recommend this course. Sam is an amazing tutor."

Sue Clarke reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"The most amazing classes. Windsor race course is an excellent venue, with plenty of natural light, and a nice airy room. Well structured classes, covering so many different media: from pencil, charcoal and pastel to watercolour, collage, acrylic, gouash, coloured inks and even Lino cutting! All materials are provided, so you just turn up, and you can’t forget anything! Three hours is just the right time to complete a piece of work, and I love the warm up drawings/fun we sometimes have at the beginning of class. The teacher ( Erica ) is such a talented teacher, it doesn’t matter whether you are a complete beginner or you’ve been painting for years, as she is able to help and offer advice at any level, appropriate to the student. Also tea, coffee and biscuits are provided at a very small cost, if you feel like you need a break and a chat, with a fellow First class ❤️"

Diane Caddy reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"My daughter and myself attended a half day course with David and both made a heart shaped mosaic piece. David was very friendly and helpful. We have never done this before, and both found it very therapeutic. We were both pleased with our end result. They are both hung up within the home. We are planning on coming back so we can do a full day and make a bigger piece of art. We would highly recommend this course. Thankyou David"

David Nicholls Art responded:

"Hi Di, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I’m so glad to hear yourself and your daughter enjoyed your half day mosaic workshop. Best wishes David"

Heather Stroud reviewed: A day of interior design

"Had a fantastic time on Nikki’s interior design course. Did not have a clue how to put colours and different designs together. Now I have my mood board and have been totally inspired. Will definitely be back to learn more. Thank you so much Nikki!! The tea and cake were nice too x Heather Stroud"

Karen Deeley reviewed: Paul Siggins mosaic masterclass Leigh-on-Sea

"The course was immensely enjoyable and I found it wonderful to be so immersed and focused. The technique is really very therapeutic. The team made us all very welcome, the studio is a lovely place to be guided through each step of the process in a relaxed, creative environment with everything you need to hand. You really need no previous experience and we all came away with beautiful and unique creations. Everyone's personality comes through in their pieces, and it's so enjoyable seeing everyone's ideas come together. I feel very fortunate such a talented and enthusiastic team are happy to share their expertise with us. It's really very inspiring and I'm already planning my next project!"

Jo Austin reviewed: A day of interior design

"“My sister and I really enjoyed the day, being novices in this field. It opened our eyes to the detail involved in the world of interior design. The underpinning knowledge to consider when starting a project will be invaluable going forwards; and the practical tasks during the course made the day fun and interactive. Nikki was warm and welcoming and we both really enjoyed spending time with her, her obvious wealth of knowledge and experience of interior design made us feel like we were in highly qualified hands. We left feeling very excited about starting our projects.” Jo Austin, London"

Shirley Bull reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Crispin Hall, Street

"A lovely day in the beautiful craft room above Crispin Hall. Michelle is an excellent teacher, generous with both her time and knowledge, not to mention biscuits! She is warm and humorous too enabling everyone to feel relaxed and comfortable. I learnt more than the just the basics and came away keen to do more. The group size was just right - there were 7 on this occasion. The food supplied by the cafe's chef downstairs was excellent (tomato and red pepper soup and a delicious lemon Victoria sponge cake). Highly recommended to anyone wanting to discover this addictive craft."

Alice Reeves-Redhead reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"I’ve just finished the 5 week interior design course and it really was amazing. I learnt an incredible amount and Nikki was a fantastic teacher. The learning environment is gorgeous and Nikki really does go the extra mile to make sure you get the very most out of the experience. It was an incredibly inspiring course, so much so that, I have enrolled on an interior design distance learning course to continue my studies. I really can’t recommend the course more highly."

Robert Todd reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"An absolutely brilliant weekend. Having arrived with zero experience and a head full of dreams and aspirations, Jo and Andy literally encouraged, guided and gently taught me all the stages and techniques to realise and create a garden sculpture that has genuinely exceeded all expectations. In a beautiful relaxed location and well equipped studio, they have created a warm, welcoming and the most friendly atmosphere, where all participants can not fail to be inspired. Thank you so much. It's an experience I shall never forget. I will remember my weekend of being a sculptor every time I look at my 'running man'. :-)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Robert ;-) It was a pleasure working with you and your homage to the world record marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge was truly fabulous. I can't wait to see a picture of him in his final position in your garden!"

Andy smith reviewed: Leather craft for beginners and improvers

"Really enjoyed the leather course, Slim is a great teacher. Enjoyed learning the new skills and techniques, Slim has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Was pleased with my finished leather coin purse at the end of the day! Would definitely recommend this course."

Marsha Moore reviewed: Glass fusing - kiln carving and inclusions

"A very relaxed, inspiring and informative workshop. I had so much fun on the course, using materials I've never used before. I would highly recommend others attend!!"

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"I agree Marsha - can't wait to see the results when they are fired."

Anna Hopwood reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I loved every minute of this course. The venue is wonderfully peaceful and well set up. Jo is a great teacher and I learnt loads. Looking forward to going back soon!"

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Many thanks Anna. It was lovely to meet you."

Judith Dale reviewed: Dressmaking Workshops with Catherine Demet.

"I was a complete beginner when I attended one of Catherine’s courses. She is so very knowledgeable and patient and I had such a good day even managing to complete my wool jacket in a day! Catherine gave me the confidence to start to sew at home and I have gone on to make the longer version of this coat which I love. I would recommend attending one of her courses as a beginner or someone that has some knowledge of sewing. Such a great day."

Liz reviewed: Make a snowdrop 8" x 4" fused glass light catcher with glass artist Matt Sorrell

"It was a really fun afternoon."

Michel reviewed: Make a snowdrop 8" x 4" fused glass light catcher with glass artist Matt Sorrell

"I love it...what a lovely afternoon we all had too xx"