Latest reviews

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

"I love Helen’s workshops. She has a treasure trove of materials and resources and when I’m lost for an idea Helen always has hints and suggestions to point me in the right direction. I’ve produced things I would never have thought possible thanks to her guidance and creativity. Highly recommended."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Sue, it’s always a pleasure to have your company at the workshops, your exciting experimentation of materials and techniques is so inspiring. I always look forward to your positive enthusiasm and your creations are such a joy to see. Thank you for your kind words and I’m so pleased you enjoy the workshops."

David Burrow reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Fantastic 2 days with William. Not only is William a great guy and very easy to get on with but he has in-exhaustible knowledge. Best course I’ve ever been on and will certainly be going back to learn more from William"

Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Sheena is an excelllent teacher, enormously supportive and encouraging. I've learnt so much and enjoyed the classes so much. Highly recommended"

Green Man Quilts responded:

"Thank you so much for a fab review. I am so glad that you enjoy the classes"

Jane Middleton reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"I had a great time working with a group of like minded, dog loving people under the excellent guidance of Denise. The atmosphere was relaxed and I was excited with my lovely little Lily the shih tzu! I would recommend Denise’s workshops without exception and I will definitely be returning."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you Jane for such a fantastic review. Your Lily was SOOOOOOO cute, I was sad to see her go! Look forward to doing more needle felting with you, Dx"

Andrea Tudor reviewed: Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I loved these two days. As a complete beginner, at the end of day one I wondered how any of us would ever come away with a basket worth having, yet by the end of day two, like magic, we each had a log basket to be really proud of! The course was well planned and paced and Joe, as well as being a lovely person, is such a good teacher. She explained everything so well and so simply, yet not in the slightest bit patronising, just encouraging, reassuring and very complimentary about all our efforts. Thank you Joe, you've certainly kindled a little fire..."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thank you andrea! so glad you enjoyed your time. superb basket!! joe. xx"

Alison Laws reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My sister has always fancied having a go at blacksmithing so we spotted the course and thought we’d give it a go. Everything was fab, from the warm welcome with a brew from Debbie to the continuous support from Ade and Andy throughout all the steps of the 2 projects. Lunch was tasty, and tea and cake was an extra treat. We were both able to create something that resembled what it was supposed to, although to be fair our definition wasn’t maybe as strong as the men managed because our striking strength was a bit softer, but we are both proud of what we achieved, so thanks to the entire team for a great experience - we’re considering the flower workshop (especially as it’s on our birthday!) Thank you for a great day!"

Karen McKenzie Budd reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"We had a day with Chris and Sarah; pottery in the morning and glass fusion in the afternoon with a lovely lunch in the middle. Really great day and very highly recommended. Thanks both... We had such a great time. Looking forward to picking up all of our "stuff" in a few weeks ??"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Karen - I was very impressed how you and Stuart grasped the fundamentals and produced both technically and decoratively really nice pieces - I suspect there will be a very colourful tapas evening soon?! Best wishes, Chris."

Stephen Cain reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I am more than happy to add to Lucy's burgeoning list of five star reviews. Together with two dear friends, I learnt the basic skills of stone carving and managed to turn a nondescript lump of limestone into a passable and very recognisable (well I think so) moon-gazing hare. The three day course was well structured and well paced. Apart from being a delightful person, Lucy was a patient, talented and knowledgeable teacher. We all had such a good time and I can wholeheartedly recommend Lucy's stone carving workshop to all budding Rodins and Henry Moores ."

Tom Mayger reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fantastic day, very welcoming and friendly bunch of people! A great couple of projects, going to see if I can build a forge in my garage without my wife noticing....! Would thoroughly recommend to anyone. Thanks to all the guys for their hospitality"

Rachel Stephens reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"Jeffrey is a patient, knowledgeable and friendly instructor, who clearly loves his craft and sharing this with others. The day was fun and interesting, and I came away with something I'm proud of! Thanks for a fab day!"

Kath Phipps reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"I did the full day course after trying a pendant mosaic workshop Rachel ran at Made In Stirling. She is a great tutor, giving you all the information and support you need, whilst also stepping back and leaving you the space to think about things and learn yourself. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and am over the moon with the mosaic I made, and several friends and relatives have been very impressed with it too! Totally recommend the course, whatever level of experience you have."

Jayne Johnson reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Absolutely fantastic course. Highly recommended. Jonathan is a wonderful teacher. I came on this course with no practical jewellery making skills and have left with the confidence and enthusiasm to begin my own journey. I will definitely be enrolling in the stone setting course."

Gill reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"As a complete novice, I found the workshop was a great introduction to this craft delivered by a very patient, knowledgeable and talented tutor who was happy to share her experience from paint preparation and design to final firing of our work. The small number in the group meant that we each received the help we needed in a relaxed atmosphere. Nathalie is very innovative in how she uses recycled items to aid her work and careful about the disposal of waste to reduce environmental impact. Her workshop is within walking distance of the railway and bus stations making it easy to access on public transport and also means that if you wish to stay in central Shrewsbury overnight you can take advantage of the shops and theatre of this vibrant town centre, making the whole experience a real treat. Many thanks Nathalie."

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

"Helen is such a kind and gentle teacher who inspires creativity. The workshop was extremely well organised with plenty of resources to choose from to make your jewellery. A fantastic experience."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi janine, thanks for reviewing the workshop you attended and I’m so pleased you enjoyed the experience. It’s always very rewarding for me to work alongside fellow art teachers, sharing ideas and discussing creative experiments, it was a pleasure to have you join the workshop. In addition to that the jewellery you created was stylish and the subtle hints of dichroic glass shimmered as it was viewed from different angles. You went home with some really exquisite pieces."

Janine Hall reviewed: Unique handmade journals with Butterfly Effect Studio

"Helen is the most patient of teachers who guides you through the process, offering advice and support whenever necessary. The classes are so relaxing and inspiring and the creative results are amazing :)"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Dear janine, I appreciate you sending the review and am so pleased you went home with such a beautiful and unique journal. You were keen to explore a wide range of techniques when adding colour and texture and your confident manipulation of materials really inspired me and others in the group. Always a pleasure to have you at the workshops. Hope to see you again soon."

Elaine Parker reviewed: Colourful stained glass panel making course

"Myself and my friend Laura went on a full day stained glass class with Jo yesterday and we had an amazing day! Jo is an excellent teacher, she explained and demonstrated all stages really well and was always about if we had any questions throughout the day. Her studio is so lovely and homely too, it felt like we were just having a relaxing day at a friends house doing some crafting! Many thanks Jo, we love our glass panels and can’t wait to come back again in the future!"

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Hi there Elaine and Laura, thank you for the lovely review. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day. Your windows were great! I look forward to hopefully seeing you again ? Best wishes, Jo"

Celine reviewed: Unique handmade journals with Butterfly Effect Studio

"I absolutely loved making a journal! Helen is so patient and takes you through it step by step. She is so good at guiding you but at the same time encouraging you to believe in your own ideas so you end up with a journal that reflects your personality. Looking forward to making another one soon! Thanks Helen, you're a star!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Celine. I was so delighted to see how your journal developed, your attention to detail is extraordinary, your colour palette was very evocative and I would love to see it once you include the special photographs you wished to present to your parents. Such a thoughtful gift made with so much love. I so enjoyed having your company during the workshop and am pleased you got so much out of the day."

Lauren reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"Cannot recommend this place enough!! I was scared to participate due to a joint and bone issue, but I am so glad I did!! Not only was it incredibly fun and informative, but it made a product I am so proud of! Dave and Andy helped as much as I wanted and supported me if I was struggling. My boyfriend also took part and had an incredible day too, we even learned about other things the guys make after the course ended. We both rate this place and both guys very very highly and can't wait to return soon!"

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

"Helen is an excellent teacher, inspiring confidence in even the most novice of crafters. I have found Helen’s workshops to be a great relaxing opportunity to learn a new craft, at my own pace. The sense of achievement in creating my own jewellery has been wonderful. Enjoyable from start to end and can’t recommend Helen highly enough."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Dear Amanda, thank you for taking the time to review the workshop you attended. I always enjoy sharing these days with like minded people and your enthusiastic approach to suggestions or guidance was a joy to see. Despite feeling like a novice you confidently designed and created several superb pieces. Your colour palette reflecting your calm and warm personality. I was thrilled to see how you relished the day, your positive energy was inspiring for the whole group, thank you once again."

Anna Zaboronski reviewed: Unique handmade journals with Butterfly Effect Studio

"Helen is a very supportive, professional and knowledgeable artist. Under her tentative, kind and inspirational guidance I created two journals for my daughters-in-law, which they are using every day. Every time I join Helen's classes I start feeling more excited about my creative abilities and life in general. Classes are full of laughter and positive vibes!! Thank you, Helen!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Anna, I was so pleased to read this review and that you feel that there were positive vibes during the day. Having people like you in the group contributes to this, you appear to savour each challenge, are keen to try working with new media and your enthusiasm is infectious for other members of the group. I remember you putting so much thought into every page of both journals and the finished pieces were beautiful little ‘jewels’ I am sure your daughters-in-law will treasure. I look forward to seeing you again soon."

Victoria Conroy reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"I had not sewn for a long time and was looking to gain a bit of confidence on using a sewing machine again. Donna is absolutely lovely; very supportive and patient. I feel that the lovely peaceful surroundings helped put me at my ease. I will definitely be returning to gain some experience in another area. Would definitely recommend Donna to anybody looking for a new hobby or to gain some skills or improve on existing ones"

Maria Morledge reviewed: 2 hour mosaic coaster workshop for 2 people - Nottingham

"Nice environment and Julie is a great tutor giving you all her tips and making sure you get everything you needed from the course. 5 * would recommend"

Luci reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"An excellent workshop to explore the basics of painting on stained glass and take it further if you have had some experience. Nathalie was very knowledgeable and informative about the craft, giving demonstrations on how to prepare the paint, precautions to be taken and allowing everyone to participate in the various stages. The small group working environment ensured everyone was able to get the aid they needed and could progress at their own pace without fear of being left behind! A couple of pieces were fired from the first days work and a further two from day two - I look forward to picking up my final pieces of work!!"

annabel Seal reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Thoroughly enjoyed my Taster Session and only wish I could do more - but it is so popular and fully booked. Jack is a natural teacher."

Jenny reviewed: Introduction to Verre Églomisé

"I really enjoyed learning to gild with Rachael. Having never tried it before, her patience was greatly appreciated and I will definitely continue to do it in the future."