Latest reviews

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."

Alexandra W reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"100% recommended to everyone. Rob is a great teacher and really knows his stuff. Fantastic experience. Thank you Rob!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Alexandra, Great to have you on the course today and thank you for the kind review. Good luck with your candle making, Rob"

Dawn reviewed: Introduction to Verre Églomisé

"I had a very enjoyable day in a lovely, relaxed class, everything was so well organised. Thank you Rachael for sharing your skills and knowledge so calmly with us all. Can’t wait to do some more."

Celia reviewed: Introduction to Verre Églomisé

"Thank you so much for a fantastic workshop. It was an extremely enjoyable day. Gilding is such a special skill to learn and I loved the design and feel very happy with the end result. Thank you for your guidance and patience and I can’t wait to attend another workshop soon."

Dawn Rose reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Awesome experience! In just a few short hours I created my very first carving - a bowl of which I am immensely proud. I arrived knowing very little and left feeling accomplished and a lot more knowledgeable about the art of hand carving. Nigel was friendly, welcoming and an excellent teacher - and not forgetting the lovely lunch provided. Classes took place in a great rustic workshop setting, adding even more to the ambience of the day. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone and will definitely be returning for another session."

Chris lilwall reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Had a fantastic pottery session with Chris ...learning how to throw some pots with my daughter and niece. We had great fun and felt the joys of being creative. Thanks so much"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Chris - it was a great session - and some very nice pots made and all ready for you to collect. There was certainly a creative atmosphere evident!"

Rebecca Fewings reviewed: 2 hour mosaic coaster workshop for 2 people - Nottingham

"Lovely relaxed class with Julie. Would recommend and plan to do a full day class next."

Barbara Gaj reviewed: Introduction to needle felting character teddy bears in Henstridge nr Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset

"I attended Sally's course on needle felting a teddy bear. It was my first introduction to needle felting. I had a fantastic day with Sally and others. Sally is an excellent tutor - very welcoming, well organised, clear with her instructions and demonstrations. She has given me the confidence to continue. I'm already planning to attend new courses with Sally to develop my needle felting skills. Sally has been inspirational. I would recommend Sally's workshops."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Barbara and thank you for coming to the workshop ~ it was a really enjoyable day. I'm looking forward to seeing what you make in the future with the Teddy Bears and also to seeing you on some more Workshop days soon!"

Sue Letts reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"What an enjoyable day! And such a sense of achievement at the end, having made, with Ian's expert and encouraging help, a presentable 3-legged stool! I've done a little bit of woodwork before (with more enthusiasm than skill) but nothing like this. From Ian, I learnt traditional techniques and tools which were new to me. I thoroughly recommend the whole experience."

Paul Everett reviewed: Pottery throwdown at Claynglaze Pottery

"I had a wonderful afternoon being introduced to Raku by Wendy, John and Matt. Seeing the glowing pots emerge from the kiln and then set the sawdust alight is a magical and creative process, and you never know what you will finish up with! I can't wait to do more. I would highly recommend ClaynGlaze to anyone."

Sarah reviewed: Saturday silver clay adjustable ring workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 1.30pm - 5pm

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and was very pleased with the ring I made. Tuuli was very supportive and encouraging with good demonstrations throughout. I would highly recommend this workshop and will be back to try another soon."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such lovely feedback. I'm so pleased you like the ring you made - it came out beautifully! I look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, Tuuli"

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

"I spent a very enjoyable and relaxing two days being immersed in the craft of stained glass painting. Our small group had many opportunities to use the paint preparation and application practices and produce some small glass panels to take away wit us . I greatly appreciated Natalie's patience and encouragement and her approach to conserving our environment. Travelling to Shrewsbury by train from Birmingham was very straightforward while Natalie's studio was located a short walk from the station and the reasonably priced hotel I stayed at."

Joanne Mitchell reviewed: Weekend BEGINNERS IN-DEPTH WORKSHOPS - Bobbin Lacemaking Workshops (Effingham, Surrey).

"The tutor, Tina, was well prepared and we were able to get started straight away. Firstly learning how to wind the bobbins correctly to learning a variety of stitches. Tina taught at a pace that suits the individual and I feel confident to go home and continue learning. A lovely learning atmosphere was created and I had an enjoyable day!"

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Joanne Thanks you for taking the time to post a review. It was a pleasure to meet you both. The feedback you have given is much appreciated. The most important thing for me was that you enjoyed the day and feel that you could carry on with the basic stitches in lace making. Regards Tina"

John reviewed: Life sculpture in clay: 1 day course

"What a great day! I was bought this day as a present and had no experience of sculpture, nor indeed art since leaving school some 45 years ago, so I was to say the least, most apprehensive. Poppy is so passionate about her subject that her enthusiasm just washes over you and after some blunders on my part, I felt that I actually created something that had demonstrable form and shape. Certainly I needn't have worried about my lack of skill, Poppy's encouragement makes up for that in spades. The studio is in a lovely setting and we had a very nice lunch shared with another one of the craftspeople (another great guy) from this wonderful estate of art and craft. Excellent value for money, perfect for those with talent who want to step up a gear, but equally supportive of novices to 'have a go'. On the other hand, take a look at the superb work Poppy produces for sale and by commissions, it's truly exceptional and foretells of the heady heights for which she is clearly destined - get a lesson now before she is too much in demand!"

Poppy Field responded:

"Thank you John for taking the time to write such a glowing review! It was an incredibly rewarding day and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it so."

CAROLYN CLARK reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"Had such a lovely day with Laura in her beautiful studio. Learnt so much. Very relaxed small group. I was a complete novice but came out with some amazingly gorgeous watercolours! I am inspired to continue. Loads of information from Laura. Lovely lunch. Perfect day. Thank you Laura. Xxx"

Pam reviewed: Travelling clay workshops for community groups in Dorset & South Somerset

"Had a lovely morning with Debbie. Her instructions and demonstrations were clear and concise. Have booked for two more courses."

Rachel Griffith reviewed: Fascinator making Birmingham millinery workshop

"I just loved this workshop. It was relaxed but we still learned so much. Rachel was friendly, knowledgeable, patient and full of ideas and suggestions. She obviously loves what she does, and we all got caught up in that. The day flew by, I just loved it. I would highly recommend this - and all of Rachel's workshops, and I will definitely be going to more of them."

Emma King reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"The Two Day Practical workshop was excellent, I learnt a wealth of information regarding leather craft and I came from the course with some lovely handmade pieces. Richard's workshop is well set out and organised, we all had enough tools to work on our set projects and if we wanted a design alteration from the original task Richard was happy to guide us. I received handouts with detailed information about leather, from its history and tanning evolution to buying a hide and tools for leather work. Richard is a lovely, approachable person who is very generous with his information, I have emailed him several times since the course with question and he has responded quickly and with detailed information. Thanks for a great, inspiring two days."