Latest reviews

Elizabeth Holmes reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Spent a very fun day learning to throw pots with Lorraine. Lorraine explains things very clearly and is on hand to help and provide tips. By the end of the day we all had 5-6 pots that we left to be fired and glazed by Lorraine (although I understand you could do another session to learn glaze). I would definitely like to go back to do another day or two. Cannot recommend it highly enough, great value. With the added bonus of homemade cake and biscuits with tea."

Al. reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Had a great time at the forge - I’m a complete beginner and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to make at the start of the day (thought it would be either an axe or a crafting knife) but Gary and Jos helped massively in working out what could be done in the time and helped make it possible!! They’re super skilled and I only had to show them a couple of ideas that I googled in the morning and by the end of the day its there in your hand! Gary’s clearly really passionate about this work and making sure you have a great experience as well. If you’re a novice it’s definitely a great place to take your first steps with working with metal - I learnt loads, from the processes to different metals you can work with to all the different things you can make. I’m definitely going to be going again!! If you are brand new to this, here’s a couple of things I’d suggest: Do have a think about what you want to make in advance (maybe draw some sketches?) - I’m delighted with what I made, but if you’ve got a plan to work to it’s always that little bit easier right? Do wear boots if you’ve got them - I wore converse and whilst I didn’t have any issues, it is a workshop and so you wanna be wearing something workshop-y you know? Overall I thought it was great! Can’t wait to get back and get making the next thing."

Rachel reviewed: Frame Loom Workshop

"Had a fantastic time at this workshop with my daughter. Rebecca was a fantastic teacher and the time just flew by. Loved learning a new craft."

Dobby & Rose responded:

"Thank you so much Rachel! It was a pleasure teaching you both how to weave. Hope you enjoy your lovely wallhangings! Rebecca x"

Alexia reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North Wales

"A wonderful day. Dave took us through the process he uses to create a picture, with hugely practical advice and feedback on our work. As a novice, I learnt the fundamentals of pastel materials and techniques, but was able to see how each participant still came up with their own interpretation of the basic image. I feel very well equipped to continue my practice with pastels. Dave and his family went above and beyond to make it a special day, with glorious location and 5* refreshments. Plus - a puppy! A unique, very special experience. Highly recommended."

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you so much Alexia. The pleasure was all mine and I'm just delighted to have played a part in encouraging you to continue your talent with the fantastic medium of pastels. Even if I was upstaged by the puppy!"

V Grant-Stewart reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"What a great informative course, we were taken through all the beginner steps clearly and concisely. Richard was a great tutor. Would definitely recommend."

Fleur Taylor reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Fantastic day, something different and made some great pieces.. Would definitely recommend and would love to come back with friends.. Thank you Mathew ?"

Sally reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets for beginners in Somerset: two days

"I absolutely loved this weekend and I'm so proud of the things I made. Not only was this a brilliant way to learn to make things of pallets but Scott was full of helpful advice about woodworking in general. It seems incredible do have learnt so much in such a short and enjoyable space of time."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thank you Sally for such a lovely review. I'm so grad you enjoyed the weekend"

Diane Gibbons reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Had a fantastic day making my hare - watching it transform from wire to foil to plaster and then the paint finish all under the helpful calm tuition of Jo - thank you Jo for making me feel welcome and for your patience 'Hartley' Hare is in place in the garden already"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Diane - so glad Hartley is in his new home ?. It's always interesting to see how everyone ends up with totally different sculptures even though they start with the same wire armature! Really happy you enjoyed the experience. Jo x"

Lynette Ford reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I really enjoyed making a basket on this course, I wasnt great at it but the teachers had loads of patience and the basket turned out well. The lunch was good too."

Sally reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"Great fun on Saturday on the gell press printing workshop. Liz was very welcoming and was so informative. The studio is in a beautiful setting. Lovely working with the other two people on the course and seeing what they were doing. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to learn more about gell press printing. Hope to come on another course later in the year. Sally"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Sally, Thanks for taking the time to let me know about your time at The Slipper Studio - it’s much appreciated. Gel plates are a great way to create prints exploring marks, pattern and colour. The immediacy of the process is lovely and I hope you’ll have time to build upon the skills you learnt and explored yesterday. I’m really pleased that you enjoyed your day with the other makers; I think it’s a real bonus to learn from each other and share the experience. Looking forward to seeing you again and until then, happy printing. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Michelle Tuck reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"I had a great day, Charlotte is knowledgeable about silver clay and was able to answer all the questions I had. With Charlottes help I produced some items I am very pleased with. The day exceeded my expectations and I would definitely recommend the day for anyone wanting to have a go at silver clay. I met some lovely people on the day too, who I am sure had just as lovely a day and produced some lovely pieces. Thanks to Charlotte"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Michelle, thank you for your lovely review! I'm glad you had a great day, well done on making such beautiful pieces of jewellery. Regards Charlotte"

Ruth reviewed: Create Tiny Wire & Paper Bird Sculptures in Derbyshire

"Such a brilliant day. Liz made you feel so welcome right from the start. It was such a relaxing atmosphere and under her guidance we all produced items that we were proud of. Would highly recommend as it is something completely different, which anyone can do regardless of their artistic ability. Thank you so much Liz for making it such a fun and enjoyable experience- we will definitely be back!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Ruth, Good to hear from you and thanks for letting me know about your time at The Slipper Studio. It’s always lovely working with such an enthusiastic and open group of people, who are determined to embrace the opportunities offered and have some fun. Bert and I will be very happy to see you here again, but until we do, I hope you have time to enjoy some more making and also share your skills with your students - I’d love to see what they create. Very best wishes Liz Wellby"

Helen reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Brilliant morning learning this printing technique with Clare! I immediately felt at ease even though I was a complete novice at Gelli Plate Printing as Clare went out of her way to explain the process and repeat anything we hadn't grasped at first. I can highly recommend this workshop, thank you Clare."

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for recommending my workshop. I’m really pleased you felt at ease and enjoyed learning a new technique."

TINA reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"Really enjoyable course. Sheena was brilliant. Full of good advice & good humour. Will definitely do another one."

Papercutzglass responded:

"Ahh thankyou tina for your kind words. I really enjoy my job and meeting lots of interesting people, never a dull day in the workshop:)"

Marion Heygate reviewed: Create Tiny Wire & Paper Bird Sculptures in Derbyshire

"What a wonderful day in beautiful surroundings. We received a very friendly welcome and I immediately felt very relaxed. Liz is a very good , encouraging, teacher. We had a fun day of creating paper and wire birds. Definitely feel as if I have learnt a new skill. An added bonus was the company of a delighful cat!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Marion, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for taking the time to review your day. It was great fun to have you here and lovely to share your gift - I should have provided crackers! I hope you have time to create some more paper and wire pieces; they can be quite addictive. Very best wishes Liz Wellby PS Bert sends his regards"

Mel reviewed: Sea Glass in Silver Jewellery

"Really enjoyed learning more about working with silver clay and how to incorporate seaglass into a design. Louise was great and the class was 1 - 1 which gave me the opportunity to ask loads of questions. Great class."

Katie reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Chris is a fountain of knowledge and an excellent teacher. The group was wonderful, we sang and skepped all day long. The lunch was amazing too. Would strongly recommend this course to anyone wanting to try their hand and learn more about this ancient and beautiful craft."

Hayley reviewed: An Introduction to Glass Fusing

"What a fantastic day. Dorothy was wonderful, patient and very talented. My sister and I had a great day trying out our different ideas with the support of Dorothy. Would highly recommend this course."

All Things Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Hayley really glad you both enjoyed your day.... Dorothy..."

Jo W reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I have been on numerous evening courses run by Martin, so booked this one day introduction to fused glass. It was excellent. Well taught and delivered and at a very good venue."

Rachel reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I completed the Gelli Plate Printing course with Clare yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. A relaxed and fun atmosphere, great tuition & a generous supply of materials. Clare was very patient with me as I gained confidence with the technique. Can highly recommend!"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Many thanks for your kind words and encouragement. I’m glad you enjoyed the workshop followed by your afternoon at the garden centre."

Neill reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Excellent experience. Three hours of "colour therapy". Thank you Nadine!"

Julia Quick reviewed: Jewellery making with Precious Metal Silver Clay - Full Day Workshop

"Very enjoyable day, Charlotte is an excellent teacher very helpful and patient made three pieces finished to take home would highly recommend ?"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Julia, I'm delighted you enjoyed the workshop! Well done on making such lovely pieces of jewellery! Regards Charlotte"

Elaine reviewed: Introduction to frame weaving

"Pamela was welcoming and gave clear instructions, a most enjoyable day. I hope to return for another course, when dates are arranged."

Pamela Print Woven Textiles responded:

"Thank you Elaine. It was a pleasure teaching yourself and Gillian. I look forward to seeing you again at the studio at some point in the future."

Shaw reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"The course was excellent with good explanations of both what to do and why we were doing things the way we were doing them. The pace was good and considering my complete lack of experience very happy with the end product and the skills practiced as a result. The setting is lovely with great views across to the hills if you catch it on a clear day. The instructor is a lovely chap patient and laid back."

Sam reviewed: 'Willow deer' sculpture - two day course with Willowtwisters

"Had such a great time on this two day workshop. Sara was really patient and attentive with us all and made us feel empowered. She had a great way of explaining the techniques she employs to create beautiful willow sculptures. I was really happy with the way mine turned out (despite a few mishaps that’s Sara kindly and patiently helped me correct!). My mum will love looking out on the deer browsing in her garden! Thanks again."

Willowtwisters responded:

"Hi Sam, thats very kind of you to give me a review! You were a pleasure to teach. I'm so glad you enjoyed the course and your deer is beautiful, your Mum will love it! Sara : )"