Latest reviews

Sharon naylor reviewed: Create a beautiful needle felt portrait of your dog with Sophie Wheatley of All Things Felt & Beautiful

"Sophie wheatly, course is excellent, she is a brilliant teacher, gives you lots of encouragement and confidence, she explain sthe course in full how it works , worth every penny, thank you sophie"

All Things Felt & Beautiful responded:

"Thank you so much! I’m thrilled that you’re enjoying the course."

Caroline O'Brien reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Warrington, Cheshire

"My daughter and I had a fabulous day yesterday at Grappenhall Heyes, learning to upholster a footstool. Jo was such a great teacher, so helpful and because the group was only 6 lovely ladies, there was lots of one to one time available and nothing too much trouble. Delicious cakes and bottomless tea and coffee! And the best is we all came away with beautiful footstools ?"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much Caroline. I’m so pleased you and Izzie enjoyed the day. What a lovely group you all were. Thanks for your lovely company."

Nic reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"What an amazing day! Siobhan is a brilliant teacher and we had so much fun creating our glass pieces. I would highly recommend it to anyone!! Thanks Siobhan"

Siobhan Jones Designer Glass responded:

"Thank you Nic! It was lovely to see you again, and an absolute pleasure to have your energy here in the studio! :o)"

Louise Livingstone reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My husband bought me this stone-carving experience for my birthday as I have always wanted to carve stone. The weekend exceeded all of my expectations. Sebastian was a wonderful tutor, always on hand to ask for advice, yet he was not controlling or intrusive. His approach enabled me to trust in my growing relationship with the stone, and the design that wanted to emerge from it. I am really proud of my sculpture which is now sitting in pride of place in my lounge! I am already planning my next weekend and my next design! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience, Sebastian."

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

"I absolutely adored this course! Diana was a fantastic teacher, and it was wonderful to learn new skills through the course. She has inspired me to get more creative, and I will treasure the memories of the day for a long time!"

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh bless you Emma. Glad I inspired you. You made a fantastic hare. Thank you so much for leaving a review! Di"

Debbie reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"this was something I have always wanted to try and it totally lived up to my expectation. Simon is an excellent teacher and i was amazed at what i managed to achieve in such a short time. Very enjoyable day."

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

"Hi Debbie, So glad you enjoyed your experience. If you need any help in the future, please get in touch. -- Simon"

Emma Whittingham reviewed: Willow sculpture workshop at Usk Castle Chase

"A really great course. Amanda is a brilliant teacher with so much knowledge to share and so accommodating of everyone’s different sculpture project. I felt very inspired by what I made and what everyone else made!"

Matt reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Really enjoyable day. Lorraine has a great teaching style that is relaxed yet attentive putting you at ease whilst imparting a good level, and range, of basic pot throwing skills that enabled us all to produce some very nice looking items. Her studio is clean, well equipped and had plenty of room for all of us to work comfortably. There are also facilitates to make plenty of cuppas and the cake and biscuits were lovely. Great day all round, definitely excellent value."

Jeffrey Hall reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I took a four day course with Les Symonds. I would start by saying that communication prior to the course was brilliant, I was asked what it was I wanted to learn so that it was bespoke to me. Upon arriving at the workshop, I was greeted with a cup of tea and welcoming smile. I was then shown to the workshop where we went through all health and safety briefing. This then lead straight on to producing a bowl. Les was very personable and proffesional. With his guidence and impeccable teaching I was able to progress quite quickly. Les was very easy to talk to and happy to share his knowledge with me; I was encouraged at all times and happy with everything I was learning and producing. I got to make some incredible pieces; such as a Scortched Bowl, live edged bowl and trinket boxes, to name but a few. The equipment there was excellent and plenty of different tools to use. I did have to travel from Manchester to this workshop, but this did not put me off as the route taken was very scenic and idealic. There was a cafe located very close by which came in handy. Overall I would say that my experience was exceptional and I would very much recommend to anyone thinking of taking a course. I would suggest that taking more than just one course because when you get to the end of day one you are just finding you feet and have the urge to continue and learn more! Once again I would like to thank Les my tutor and I am undoubtedly going to be coming back for future lessons to learn more of this art/skill."

Pren responded:

"Well, what can I say! Thank you Jeff for such a favourable review, it is much appreciated. You were an excellent student and it was great to experience two very important skills, a delicacy of touch and quickness to learn - it all makes my job so much easier. Added to this, I enjoyed your company and the relaxed approach that we were able to adopt. Many thanks and I look forward tom seeing you again. Les."

Liz Dearsly reviewed: Now Fully Booked An exciting way to paint in acrylics. Splash it on

"A wonderful and very enjoyable day spent in a relaxed atmosphere, with good company and beautiful surroundings. Shirley provided expert guidance and tailored the day to meet individual needs and objectives. I learnt a lot including some new techniques (my objective). All that I need to do now is get painting and put my new skills into practice. I have no hesitation in recommending this workshop."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Hi Liz Thank you for your lovely comments. The day was great as everybody went along with what I tried to do and the results were great. I hope to see you on another workshop when ever you see one you fancy. I hope you got the photograph. Shirley"

David Holt reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"Very enjoyable. A small group of us in a well-equipped workshop, and excellent tuition from a professional. Traditional woodcarving with a mallet and chisel can seem daunting, but the chosen projects enabled us to make progress and built confidence to enter a new hobby. Thanks Gerry."

Ben reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a talented guy Alex is and has the patience of a saint! A fantastic course, I learnt so much and can't wait to do more. I highly recommend this course, I had such a great day! Thank you again"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Ben, very kind words. It's nice to hear and much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Alex"

David reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"This was an excellent two day course with a very experienced and patient tutor - I learned a lot and came away with a finished piece that came out pretty well! Definitely recommended! Bring a hat/sunscreen if the weather's good, working outside is lovely but even in March was a bit hot."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for the review David, glad you enjoyed it."

Bianca reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"Yoka is as wonderful a teacher as she is a host. She was on hand to help us over the phone with directions to her studio and there to greet us on arrival to her charming , comfortable and cosy accommodation which we made use of the night before our half day morning pottery course. As a result we were able to make the most of the delicious continental breakfast in our room before strolling next door to her charming, light and airy studio. The pottery course exceeded our expectations and left us wanting more. The four of us worked side by side on our wheels with one to one patient, expert teaching which was very well equipped for every eventuality. I would highly recommend this accommodation and course and can’t wait to return for more. Thank you Yoka."

Siramik responded:

"Hello Bianca, Thank you for all your kind words about the course and the accommodation. We here at Siramik try to make the experience for our participants one that gives an initiative to do more and to show that with the right technique, you can make great pots. Many thanks. Now it is waiting for the pots to be fired and glazed!"

Lynne reviewed: Full Day Mosaic For Outdoors on slate with Laura Barnes.

"Laura was a wonderful teacher, really supportive with ideas and techniques. I learnt way more than I thought I would and have a fantastic piece off outdoor mosaic to show for it - far better than I could have imagined for a complete beginner. I had a lovely,relaxed day. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in mosaics or wanting to try something new. Thank you Laura"

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"I love to work with people at all stages of their learning. You had an open mind and got excited about the possibilities so guiding you was a joy. A lovely and permanent outcome! Thank you so much for your review. You are welcome anytime. Laura"

Maria Poole reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day with Sue, she is a brilliant host, and exceptionally good teacher. I was amazed that with her help, knowledge and tips I was able to produce a lovely oil painting that I am proud to display."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"What a fab and speedy painter you were, we had fun. Thank you for the kind words. Hopefully see you again soon. Best wishes, Sue"

Ted Edwards reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"This was an excellent weekend course as an introduction to woodcarving. Gerry is a very good and patient teacher and I learned a lot in just a few hours. Thank you, Gerry."

Alison reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"David gave a really comprehensive course whilst still explaining everything in a way anyone can grasp and was really good at guiding you through the process in a friendly and fun way. You gets lots of information on how to continue working with epoxy if you wish and take-home instructions. Would thoroughly recommend this course and it’s not as messy as you think it might be!"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Thank you very much for your review Alison, it is greatly appreciated. It was great having you in the forge and I think the block you made looks fantastic, well done. Kindest regards Dave"

Michelle reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"I would highly recommend this workshop! Alison and I were looking to learn a new skill and try out something new. The spoon carving workshop was great, Robert was attentive and knowledgeable in his field as well as personable and down to earth. The carving stations were equally spaced apart and as it was in small groups it was reassuring in terms of Covid risk. After looking and touching an array of different carved spoons, all done by Robert, we spoke about the best wood for carving and styles of carving. The work shop was in depth and it was great hearing about the history behind the axes and carving tools and getting an insight into Roberts obvious passion for carving. The workshop in itself was well equipped and a really relaxed atmosphere. An authentic experience that will stay with me, and I have my lovely chicken feed scoop pride of place ( in the chicken feed bag of course). I also am grateful for a follow-up beginners guide which will give me a realistic jump start to wood carving at home."

Mark Halton reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"This was an extremely enjoyable, if tiring!, two days. The instructors were really helpful and clearly expert at their craft. We were blessed with lovely weather and the sense of achievement at the end was fantastic. I would wholeheartedly recommend it."

Les Dean reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Robert is clearly passionate about wood carving and his enthusiasm rubbed off on ourselves. He was clear and concise in all safety and technical matters from start to finish and explained each process in sufficient detail that allowed us to create our own individual spoons. Happy to recommend Robert to those interested and perhaps those who might not think they are!"

Paula reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Excellent course, really enjoyed the day"

Caroline Prosser-Lodge reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"I had a great time making my unique wet felted hat with Christine! The day was enjoyable throughout, very relaxed. Lunch included, a very sociable time. Amazing to see the felting process turn gradually little shreds of wool into a wearable garment. Many thanks to Christine and her husband."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you Caroline. I had a great time too. I hope you'll enjoy wearing your hat, and look forward to seeing you again when you need a pair of slippers . Do come over to see us when the studio is open in July."

Linda reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I really enjoyed every minute of this course with Melanie Louise who was extremely, helpful and professional throughout the day. And there were lovely cakes and treats supplied, too! A super experience and I shall book again as there's still so much to be learnt."

Amanda Jones reviewed: Felt Trilby or Fedora - Millinery Workshop

"I bought a two day course as a present for my friend. We had the best time and came home with hats we are really proud of. Virna is a great teacher; patient , clear and encouraging. We learned a lot and enjoyed every minute. Amanda Jones, Ewhurst."

Virna Pasquinelli Millinery responded:

"Thank you Amanda for joining my workshop. It was a lot of fun working with you both! You will certainly turn some heads with the gorgeous hats you made! Absolutely beautiful! Hope to see you soon. Take care. V xx"