Latest reviews

Ann Chadwick reviewed: Painting and drawing course at Castle Park Arts Centre, Cheshire: Abstract Architecture

"Expressive Landscapes: This course provided an excellent opportunity to develop a more expressive approach to landscape painting. The day was well structured with demonstrations and clear guidance to enable all members to feel comfortable and make progress. The studio provides an excellent working environment and the lunch was yummy yummy. Yes, I will be back later in the year. Thank you Pam."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"You’re welcome Ann Thank you for taking the time to complete a review of the workshop. I hope to see again soon. Best wishes Pam"

Krish Surroy reviewed: Sterling silver ring making workshop

"What a brilliant course. I didn't believe for a second that I would be able to go from absolutely no experience to making a silver ring in 3 hours, but I did and loved what I produced! David is an excellent teacher - very patient and attentive, funny and engaging. More to the point, he really helps you to believe that you are capable of producing something beautiful no matter what your level of competence is and he clearly has the technical know-how to back this up. Also, the group of participants on my course really made the experience - everyone was really friendly and we really bonded under David's expert tuition and super, approachable manner. An excellent course and I would happily do this course again, or even better, do a day long course. It really was that good."

David J Lilly responded:

"Thanks Krish for that lovely review. You made an amazing (and advanced for a complete beginner) ring and it was great to see you surprise yourself. I look forward to seeing you on one of the full day courses that will be running later in 2020."

Lance reviewed: The moving model - life drawing workshops in Brighton

"Great, unique drawing experience. It is quite rare to be able to access moving poses in life drawing, so it is a treat. It is an untutored drop in session, so anyone can come. If you are new, there is a lot of opportunity to check out other's work in the break and at the end for ideas. Definitely worth a go if you want to try something energetic and experimental, really like life drawing, or if you are interested in gesture drawing or animation. It is a great way to practise and see lots of cool poses. I've been to a lot of these sessions and there is a wide variety in what models decide to do - ranging from martial arts, circus, film, and dance, among other things. This makes it worth multiple visits. The overall structure is usually continuous movement set to a theme, with a break in the middle for tea and coffee. Highly recommend giving it a try!"

Rachel Netherton reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"Having no previous experience in working with leather I found the course excellent & Rosanna really knowledgeable and patient. I made a gorgeous bag and have had loads of compliments on it. I have just ordered my new sewing machine & can't wait to get started!"

Cathryn Parrish reviewed: Hare Needle Felting workshop with Frankie and Sidney

"I attended the needle felting class on Sunday. Was a little nervous at first as I was going on my own and was a total beginner but so glad I went. Mandy and all the other ladies were friendly and chatty so soon felt at ease and it was a lovely day. Really enjoyed learning a new skill and will definitely be signing up for future classes. Thanks so much."

Fiona Lewis reviewed: Make a textured, shaped and personalised silver brooch, pendant or pair of earrings

"What a wonderful day! Five of us spent the day with Rose in her beautiful and fully equipped workshop. Rose with skill, humour and experience, guided each of us through the process, from start to finish, enabling us to work with independence, but knowing when to offer support and guidance. We all came home having proudly each made a ring, pendant or a pair of earrings. She had thought of everything to make the day enjoyable and comfortable, from sweets on the workbenches, tea, coffee and biscuits whenever you wanted and a break for lunch in her lovely dining room. Thank you, Rose, for giving us such a fun day and for helping to create something,which will always remind us of such a happy occasion."

Donna Dunkley reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Thanks to Nic and Ben from Boocottagebotanicals for a great Sunday morning making soap. I haven't enjoyed myself on a course this much in ages. A lovely, relaxed, knowledgeable couple, who seamlessly taught 9 people, complete beginners, to make a bar of delicious soap. Fabulous village setting. The Village Hall was perfect, lots of room, warm, but cosy too. A wide range of herbal teas with endless cookies for refreshments. Parking. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who has even toyed with the idea of making soap, its so enjoyable! Donna"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Donna, Thank you so much for such a lovely (and thorough) review! Really glad you enjoyed yourself and hopefully see you again soon :) Nic"

Miranda Hacklett reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I bought this course for my daughters and myself for a Christmas present, it was well worth the money. We had a fabulous day, very relaxed atmosphere, Jonathan doesn't rush you at all, he is an amazing teacher, very patient and thorough, and he makes the best Victoria sponge cake! We all came away with a copper key ring which we practiced on, plus as many copper and silver stacking rings that we could make. I have told everyone how wonderful the day was and what a wonderfully peaceful location it is on a barge bobbing on the canal. Thank you Jonathan for getting me interested in making my own jewellery, I even bought the starter kit! Miranda, Gem and Jess xxx"

Nicola reviewed: Sterling silver ring making workshop

"Such an enjoyable morning and so surprising what you can create and make in a morning. David is an excellent teacher and makes the whole process enjoyable, light and fun. I’d never made any jewellery before and it was fascinating to see what goes into it, I felt a wonderful sense of achievement at the end. The workshop space is so well equipped and laid out and the course just flows beautifully. It’s a gorgeous peaceful location in the Sussex Downs, the views are stunning. Highly recommend."

David J Lilly responded:

"Thank you so very much Nicola. I am delighted that you enjoyed the experience so much."

David Handcock reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Having been using my digital SLR on auto for years, I knew I should be doing more with it. Sid's one-day course introduced me to exactly what the possibilities were and there was ample opportunity on the day to experiment with the various modes. The small "class size" was a real advantage and I now have plenty to go and work on myself. Much appreciation to Sid and his patience!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thanks for your review David, I'm so pleased you feel you are able to explore the possibilities from your camera, I look forward to seeing your results very soon."

Mary-Ann reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Having travelled from the south to benefit from all of the courses Janet had on offer at the time, I cannot recommend them or her highly enough. She is a proficient, approachable and very pleasant teacher. Have no hesitation in committing to her courses."

Clare reviewed: Natural skincare & wellbeing - make & take parties/workshops

"We had a tutorial in how to make bath melts, soap, moisturiser and lip balm. We got to add in essential oils and petals to recipes Debbie made on the stove. We had plenty to take home. Debbie is going to email the recipes to make ourselves at home. There were also well being exercises and positive messages about mental health, with some guided meditation and option to use angel cards."

TimeOut4Me responded:

"lovely to meet you both x"

Wendy Davidson reviewed: Scented candlemaking & custom fragrance mixing

"What a fab course. A chilled out relaxed morning learning the science behind candle making, all about scents and then making my own candle. I’ve since burnt it and the scent throw was amazing especially as I have a poor sense of smell. The candle also burnt evenly all the way to the last. Very reasonable kits on offer to allow you to experiment at home and ongoing info via email. I can’t recommend this course highly enough and I challenge you not to come away a little in love with her dogs!"

Joan Wood reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"This was the first of Pam's courses I had been on and I found it very enjoyable and informative. We started by mixing primary colours to achieve vast numbers of shades, then tried different techniques on these to obtain various effects, using salt, cling film etc. Once we had the dragonfly outlined the background was painted first, then the above techniques added and then the dragonfly was filled in. Pam explained and demonstrated each process as we went along and I found her an excellent tutor, calm, informative and very helpful. All materials and facilities were first class. I enjoyed this so much I have since returned for another workshop using different techniques and finishes with excellent results, and thoroughly recommend her courses."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Thanks for your comments Joan I’m really pleased that you have enjoyed the courses at Studio with a view. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Pam"

Mallory Ritchie reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Going on my own, I was a little worried before arriving for the course; but I needn’t have worried at all. Jonathan was so welcoming and provided a plentiful supply of biscuits and coffee all day! I had never tried making jewellery before, but came away with two rings and a set of earring studs! Jonathan was so informative and provided information during and after the course of how we could go on to startup our own mini workshop. I didn’t anticipate the day to be so educational and came away felling like I’d really learnt a new craft! All my friends want to go on this course now too!"

Sammy Maggs reviewed: Beginners Chunky Christmas Wreath Workshop - Newbury

"What a great night on board a beautiful canal boat learning how to make a fantastic festive wreath! Sophie explained the process and then allowed us to crack on with our own designs, offering guidance where needed. I would definitely do another of her workshops!"

Forest and Dot responded:

"Thank you Sammy much appreciated! It was great to have you onboard!"

Sharon Ibbotson reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"An excellent course. Pip was really encouraging and we were all delighted with the pictures we produced and had great fun. The session made us keen to do more needle felting. Thank you Pip!"

Louise Fisher reviewed: Screen printing workshop with Zara Emily

"I just had a one to one class with Zara and recommend her highly. Zara is a total screen printing guru, and with her boundless experience the class was everything I needed to know and more! There was nothing she didn't know, and I've left after a lovely session of chatting all things creative and more besides, and with a print out of the processes of screen printing, all of which we had covered in class. Zara has all the equipment you'd find in a college printing department and the knowledge to boot. Seriously the best money I've spent in a loooooong time!"

Nancy Lees reviewed: Paper marbling with tea & cake

"This course was well structured, organised and great fun. The training room was bright and airy, well designed and comfortable with plenty of room Dina is a good teacher and her enthusiasm for the subject was infectious. I had a really great afternoon. Thank you. Lovely date flapjacks !!"

Stuart Mitchell reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"A great way to spend 4 hours. I was given this as a gift and had a fantastic time."

Karen Jones reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Attended a class on a weekend, where I did a 1 on 1 session with Sarah. She was a great instructor, gave me loads of advice for the pieces I was attempting to create and there were a lot of available examples to inspire creativity. There were a lot more creative options than I expected and the class was great fun! Have recommended this class to friends and family, well worth the price!!!"

Akasha reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 rings in a day

"I had a wonderful day, Rachel is a fantastic teacher!"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery responded:

"Akasha it was great to meet you. Thank you for attending you were a fantastic addition to the class I really enjoyed your enthusiasm and energy. I hope to see you again in the future and many thanks for taking the time yo review me :)"

Maria Sobral reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"You will find in Kingsley a patient, knowledgeable and lovely tutor while crafting your own bag. Generous, he can provide many craft tricks you could learn as well, if you work already in your own craft, along with great conversation and a nice cup of tea! I am in love with my bag!"

Valya reviewed: Fascinator millinery workshop

"I always wanted to learn hat making skills and travelled all the way from Israel to achieve my goal. I had a wonderful Fascinator hat workshop with Elena. She is a fantastic teacher, and talked me through the basics of millinery in a thorough and detailed way. I have more understanding about hat making and I feel that I can start making myself! I created a beautiful hat and absolutely loved the course. Would highly recommend Elena to anyone wanting to learn about millinery, I've come away with a new skill, and loved my time with Elena!"

elena shvab millinery (GLGL Services UK ltd) responded:

"Dear Valya, Its was such a pleasure meeting you, thank you for coming to my class. I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed and learned new skills. Can't wait to see your next creations! All the best, Elena Shvab"

Bernie reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"What a fantastic weekend in Aaron’s workshop learning the art of crafting a stool the traditional way. A very professional teacher, craftsman & host. I certainly learnt loads & plan to enjoy my new skills/knowledge. A great birthday gift! Once again, thanks Aaron."