Latest reviews

Daisy reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Talton Mill with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"This was the first time I’d done fused glass making and it was wonderful. Helen is a kind and patient teacher and she lets you run with whatever style you like. I learned so much in the day and was totally absorbed by the creative process. Whenever I wear my handmade fused glass jewelry I get tons of people commenting and asking how I made them. I’ll be doing it again as soon as I can!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Dear Daisy, so kind of you to leave a review of the glass workshop and I’m delighted you continue to enjoy wearing your uniquely stylish jewellery. Your enthusiastic approach to the whole day was so infectious , you were indeed in the zone and it was great to have your company."

kathy reviewed: Beginners introduction to modern calligraphy at Rudding Park

"Excellent day, very welcoming and learnt so much. Went home with calligraphy I'm proud of."

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"Thank you so much, Kathy. We’re delighted you enjoyed yourself, learned a wonderful new skill, and met some other lovely people too! Enjoy practising your beautiful calligraphy and we’ll hopefully see you again soon."

Marriam Younas reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"I have been to a couple of Jill’s classes and they have been amazing! Had so much fun and learnt so much too! I didn’t think i’d be able to make such lovely pieces"

Emma Jones reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing full weekday

"We received a lovely warm welcome with home made cakes and biscuits on hand all day. Lorraine is so knowledgeable and has an excellent teaching style, adapting to the different students within the small group. We received lots of feedback and ideas throughout the day and got a good feel for the foundations of throwing pottery on the wheel."

Annette Atherton reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"A lovely way to spend a few hours with friends and enjoy the pleasure of creating your own special piece of jewellery-I came away with a wonderful silver bangle that I couldn’t believe I had created myself-can’t stop looking at it! My friend made a perfect pair of earrings. Sara made the day for us-her Studio was so professionally laid out with every imaginable tool possible-she was very helpful and encouraging and made us most welcome. We will certainly go again this year-I can thoroughly recommend the experience-thank you so much Sara-"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Dear Annette - thank you so much for your review, I had such a fun day with you and Liz, it was my absolute pleasure to work with you ..... and you both made lovely pieces - I'm glad you like your bangle. Can't wait to see you both again later this year to make some new things ...... maybe some spoon rings :-) Sara"

Christine Hazell reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Theresa is an enthusiastic and encouraging tutor who obviously knows her subject in great depth but has designed a one-day course that gets you started on the basics without leaving you overwhelmed. It was all great fun in her little workshop, warmed by a wood burning stove and well supplied with hot drinks and cake. The day was perfectly timed so that we carded, spun and plied our wool and were able to get it into skeins and wash it, ready to take away with us at the end. I loved it and would recommend it to any beginner or to anyone who wants a refresher course."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"I am so pleased that you enjoyed your workshop Christine, it was such an enjoyable day. I remember the moment when it all fell into place for you and it made my day. Thank you for sharing the day and being part of such fun whilst sharing this wonderful craft. I really hope you are continuing to spin Do let me know how you are getting on. Theresa."

Lesley-Anne Moore reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Went for a birthday surprise and it did not disappoint. It was a really wonderful and honest experience. Chris was incredibly patient and kind and we will both treasure our pots that we made forever. Would highly recommend this gorgeous adventure."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Lesley-Anne for the lovely review. It was a really great session - you both immersed yourselves in the throwing and decorating process, which is always nice and some great pots came out of the kiln. Best wishes, Chris."

Laura Hinchey reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day, thank you! I’ve learnt everything I need to be able to prepare a full fleece from raw to something I can spin with. Elaine is so full of knowledge and is more than happy to share everything she knows!"

Matt Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"Myself and a good friend attended a one day blacksmithing course yesterday with Tom at Longdog smithy. There’s nothing to say other than it was an utterly incredible day! From the outset Tom was hugely helpful in the lead up to the course with admin and organisation. My craft course voucher was due to expire, and Tom was most helpful in booking our course despite this potential problem. We were then provided detailed instructions on how to get to the smithy and requirements for the day, and were also asked for our dietary requirements which were fulfilled (with an amazing lunch!) Upon arrival Tom greeted us and helped us with parking arrangements and we were taken into the smithy where the real fun began! We sat with Tom and discussed what we would like to make (in our case, blades) and in what style over a cup of tea, and drew some rough sketches of what we’d like to achieve. We then cut our steel and Tom talked us through lighting the forge, explaining each step in detail. Tom expertly demonstrated each step that we were about to take, and we were soon manipulating the metal with forge and hammer amongst other tools. Tom’s teaching style is fantastic as he would demonstrate and then we were set free to get stuck in and have a go ourselves with his expert guidance along side. Once we had forged our blades using several different techniques, Tom talked us through and demonstrated the quenching and hardening process and then we were able to do some grinding and sharpening to hone our blades. After this we were able to choose what sort of handle materials we would like to use from Tom’s ample stock pile, and our knives were finished! We had an absolutely fantastic day and each came away with blades we were happy with and proud of as excellent reminders of such a fantastic day! The only down side to the day was the end coming around so quickly! I can’t recommend Tom enough, and if you are considering a blacksmith experience day, he is definitely the man to go to! Looking forward to getting back there for another session hopefully soon!"

Bambos reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"First time using epoxy and I was very happy that Richard took his time to explain the different epoxy on the market. The environment was friendly and relaxed .... everyone seemed happy ?. So overall a very good thumbs up from me .. Just wondering when will I get my epoxy project from the post ? Has it been sent ? Many thanks"

Anna McCann reviewed: Knitting sock workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed the one day sock knitting course last w/e. I made a 2 colour baby sock following the the pattern & using the lovely soft yarn Monica provided. Having never made socks before it was great to have her on hand for tips on how to turn the heel & not have any gaps. I highly recommend this course & feel ready to attempt adult socks & Christmas stockings!"

Katy Gasser reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"I attended a 1 day course with Ollie which was originally a French polishing course but because of the nature of the furniture I brought to work on it evolved as we went with me finishing it with a wax oil. I loved every minute of the day. I had spent ages watching YouTube clips & Googling how to refinish furniture but found the different advice overwhelming so booked the course hoping it would give me the confidence to properly get started. It really has. I learnt not only how to strip, sand & finish but what to use too which I know will save me time & money. Ollie personalised his advice to help us individually but I also felt that I learnt from other people’s experiences on the day too. Amazing! Thank you! I’ve ordered what I need & can’t wait to carry on with other pieces."

Pete Pawson reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"Fantastic day! I'd come across the concept of 'lino printing' when a couple of our nieces had done it in school art lessons. 'Lino' to me equated to 'floor covering', so to make art out of it was an intriguing idea... Having come across Alix at one of her exhibitions, she gave the impression that she would be a good person to introduce someone to this art-form. And I was not disappointed. She was clear in her instructions, and yet flexible to work with each of us, whatever our level of natural or acquired ability... All of the equipment was provided, and the day was a great combination of relaxation and concentration! The group size was just right, so that each of us was able to feel supported without being watched! It was also really helpful that she pointed us in the right direction if we would like to pursue things further, with info on equipment supplies and suppliers, and good books on the subject. And the location (Bonds) was a fascinating setting (with good food and drinks); a perfect location for a little browsing to allow those arm and upper body muscles to relax! Thanks, Alix!"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Hi Pete, thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day. It is a great venue, and you were a really fun group to work with too. I loved your sheep card! It was all in the ladder ;-) Thank you again, and lovely to see you again. :-) alix"

Julian Doughty reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Excellent and interesting course where you have all the support you need to get hands on and do real sandstone sculptures. Very practical and you leave the course with enough skills and confidence to keep building on what you’ve learnt when you get back home."

Suzanne Green reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"I'm the fourth person in the Christmas present group and want to reiterate everything that has been said about June and her wonderful card making course. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, June was very encouraging and patient with us novices and the cards we produced were something to be proud of!! Thank you again June!!"

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Thank you for this Suzanne. It was so nice to welcome you all to the class and show you techniques to allow you to make the wonderful cards you all took away with you. I do hope you'll come again x"

Sara reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"A really challenging weekend but learnt such a great deal. Was amazed at what we achieved, Jude was both encouraging and exacting, which enabled us to learn and create our own pieces. Will definitely want to do it again. A wonderful way to explore glass, a dollop of history and hugely practical. Highly recommend the weekend."

Wendy Davies reviewed: Fountain pen ink and bleach workshops at Creek Creative, Faversham, Kent

"I completed this course last weekend and I loved it! I had very little idea of what to expect but I was able to create works of art by following some simple instructions and having the belief in the medium to work for me. Nick encouraged me to be experimental and try different colours; the pace of the lesson was rapid but it allowed me the confidence to fail and then try again, and as a result I came away motivated to return and to experiment in my own time. Thank you. Try it!"

Kerry G reviewed: Half day Christmas themed cold process soap making workshop with Keri at The Soap Coach

"Keri is a great ‘soap coach’ she is very friendly and helpful, her instructions are clear and easy to understand, the afternoon is great fun and at the end you have some lovely soap. I can totally recommend this course."

The Soap Coach Limited responded:

"Thank you so much Kerry, I am really pleased you had a great time. :)"

Liz Webley reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"I have been to several of Julie’s workshops now and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Julie is an incredibly talented and experienced willow worker and is also very patient and kind! She is very approachable and helpful and I’ve always come away feeling really pleased and proud of what I’ve made. Would definitely recommend! :)"

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Liz, Thank you very much for your great review, glad that you have enjoyed the willow workshops, its a pleasure to work with you and you have made some lovely willow baskets and sculptures. It's enjoyable passing on skills to others and seeing their finished products and I'm looking forward to the next workshop. Thanks, Julie"

Lynne Richards reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing full weekday

"Fabulous course, tutor very informative and very skilled potter, and teacher. Would recommend anyone that ever wondered if they should have a go, then this is the place to attend. Looking forward to booking more courses with them."

Jill Moore reviewed: The Kate Dress Workshop

"A brilliant day, Rachel was a fantastic teacher and I learned so much. The pace was relaxed and I felt very comfortable asking silly questions! Learnt to use an overlocker and now obviously I want one. I finished the dress in a day and it is the first time I have successfully made a wearable garment. I feel very confident to try another one on my own now. Highly recommended."

Sew Me Something responded:

"Thank you so much Jill, really pleased you enjoyed the course. You won't regret purchasing an overlocker!"

Heidi Barker reviewed: Knitting sock workshop

"I really enjoyed this course, it was challenging but very rewarding. I have completed my pair of baby socks and with my new sock wool from CLP I’m ready to start a pair of adult socks. Great teaching from Monica and a lovely environment and people at CLP x"

Community Learning Partnership responded:

"Heidi, I totally agree with you. It required a lot of concentration and it took me all day, a little of Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon to finish just one sock!! But I couldn't be prouder, and I'm looking forward to having a go at a 'big foot' sock next. I have heard tell that sock-knitting is highly-addictive, and I can believe it. Thanks for coming xx"

Nigel Foster reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Les is a first class tutor with a very easy going manner along with a vast knowledge of wood & turning it. I had a two day session with him & along with learning how to use the lathe & tools safely I managed to produce 4 very pleasing pieces to take home with me. Altogether a very pleasant & educational time, money well spent, I may even do another couple of days when I have gained some experience on my newly acquired knowledge to go a stage further. Thank you Les Nigel"

Pren responded:

"Thanks for that, Nigel....it was a pleasure to work with you and I'm really pleased that you felt that it was two days so well spent. Les."

Samuel Souter reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Really enjoyable day learning to carve spoons with Dave C. The Subscription Rooms in Nailsworth provide a suitably creative, artsy environment, and Dave is a very personable tutor/top bloke. Perfect pace to the day - felt like I learnt a goodly amount in the day to get going with spoon-carving in my own time now, without it being too slow or super-intense. Highly recommend."