Latest reviews

sarah broome reviewed: Introduction to slab-building pottery workshops in Denmead

"I really enjoyed this course,the time flew by as I was so absorbed in creating my bowl. Sally is a lovely lady and gave us lots of ideas and help, would recommend for a different experience."

Sally Mareike Ceramics responded:

"Hi Sarah, I'm so glad you had a good time! Do get in touch if you'd like to have another workshop."

John K McGregor reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"What a wonderful day that was. Working away in the conservatory with the rain battering off of the roof, the smell of the wood shavings, everyone concentrating on their own creations, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a wet Saturday. Alan’s teaching was very relaxed and informative and we were all carving away after no time at all. All the safety techniques and easy ways to carve were taught as well as looking after our bodies with rest and exercising those unused muscles. We were looked after royally by Alan’s wife who made delicious scones soup and cakes washed down with lashings of coffee, excellent. I would highly recommend this course, even for existing spoon makers there is something new to learn. I will be very interested in any other courses he teaches."

Philippa Lewis reviewed: Half day - 3D Needlefelt Christmas Tree Decorations

"I spent an afternoon felting Christmas decorations in the gorgeous Swallows and Artisans workshop. I was new to needle felting and this was a great introduction. I left with an angel and Christmas pudding and the knowledge and skills to go away and continue the craft. Hanne was an excellent tutor who is clearly passionate about her craft and took time to assist everyone when needed. I stayed overnight in the adjacent Lanehead which I would highly recommend to anyone wanting a crafty break."

Ming Tang reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"This is my second time with Kate, I made a heron on the first course and a baby deer on this occasion. Kate is so artistic and really brings her eye to helping you get the best proportions and correct anatomy, so that your piece not only looks great, but has a genuine likeness and personality! I will definitely recommend this course, lovely atmosphere and food, and Kate is truly patient and passionate about her craft."

Chloe Wright reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"After trying to find a creative hobby for years and not really getting anywhere, this course was just what I needed. It's definitely one of the best courses I've been to. Hannah went through each process step-by-step and was really approachable if I was unsure about anything. The techniques learnt has made me excited to upcycle more furniture ☺️ I would highly recommend. Thanks so much Hannah!"

Tread Softly responded:

"Aww thanks Chloe ☺️ What a lovely review! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it and that bedside was ??? I really hope you do continue upcycling and feel free to message me if you have any upcycling questions going forward ?"

Martin Mee reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a cracking day. Hard work and a full day, but fascinating and so enjoyable. An ancient craft explained and supervised by friendly and enthusiastic experts. And the food is superb. If you want reality, try this."

Mairi reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I loved everything about the workshop. Maggie creates a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in her lovely studio, and is a great teacher. The whole weekend was great fun and putting the mosaic together was so absorbing. I can't remember feeling so engaged in a creative project - and am very pleased with what I made. Thank you, Maggie for a special weekend, I've been thinking about what I could make next since I left :-)"

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Oh Mairi. thank you so much for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I have to say that your group of sparkly ladies was one of my favourites ever and the pieces you created were amazing.I do hope you will come back sometime .x"

Aliya Chowney reviewed: Jewellery workshop for beginners (ring, earrings, pendant or bangle)

"Really enjoyed the course. First hour used to hammer and experiment on copper sheets. Making a silver ring was much more involved than I thought it would be with the pickling and filing and polishing. Really pleased with my results. Marion is an extremely charming and great tutor. Would recommend this course. Small group so a lot of input from our lovely teacher! Thank you Marion - totally enjoyed my day! ?"

Nicki Rochead reviewed: Block print gift wrap workshop

"Rachel provided an amazing morning that set the festive season off on the right foot. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of her craft and is an inspiring and encouraging teacher. The venue was fabulous with amazing natural light (even on a bleak November day). I look forward to learning with Rachel again."

Rachel Reynolds responded:

"Thank you Nicki! Your design & cut block print was worth the results! Great to meet you, look forward to seeing you at a workshop again."

Pippa Lewis reviewed: Beginners modern calligraphy with a Christmas twist at Swallows & Artisans

"Spent a lovely day at this gorgeous venue learning modern calligraphy with a Christmas twist. I left with a bundle of gift tags that I had created, a gift box, wrapping paper, card and bauble. More importantly I left with the skills, knowledge and tools to continue practicing the craft. A fabulous tutor who gave individual attention, assistance and encouragement and has inspired me to continue. The venue is amazing, I stayed overnight in the adjoining Lanehead and enjoyed a really restorative and mindful couple of days. Highly recommended."

John MacDonald reviewed: Antique and modern furniture upholstery

"Recently attended this course, it was very professionally run. The tutor was very friendly, and the facilities were excellent."

Stephanie MacDonald reviewed: Antique and modern furniture upholstery

"Richard is very skilled, passes on knowledge during courses very well. Great facilities with an old school. A huge range of projects and skills to be learnt."

Nigel Briggs reviewed: The eating spoon with JoJo Wood

"A hugely enjoyable and very informative weekend. Excellent tuition, loads of hints and tips about how to carve then really detailed run-throughs of making spoons. I produced a spoon which was infinitely better than any I'd made before. Jojo was encouraging, supportive and enthusiastic throughout and particularly helpful when things went wrong. It was a really sociable event, being with a group of like-minded people. I fully recommend this course to anyone with an interest in woodcarving and who wants to increase their skills."

Rob Kane reviewed: Making a Handmade Belt with Nigel Armitage

"I had been dabbling in leather work for about a year, trying to teach myself from the internet, but wasn’t really getting anywhere. I decided to book a day with Nigel, primarily to learn the skills to copy an old belt I had, but also to gain some more general knowledge. Nigel showed me some belts he had made and they were of so much higher quality than the one I had that I decided to ask Nigel to just show me how to do the job properly. I would never have imagined how much thought, choice and detail goes in to every step of making a belt, nor the level of precision to strive for. We made some templates and made good progress on a belt which we designed together (there was never any intention to finish the belt). I then spent some time asking Nigel’s thoughts on leather types, tools, materials, suppliers etc. He seems to know everything (!) and provided masses of information. Overall I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and went home feeling inspired. Nigel is a likeable chap and seems to love teaching. I gained more knowledge and information in one day than I would have thought possible and would recommend the course without hesitation."

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Back to Lucy's for a birthday treat. Having done a bit of work on my bangle at home, the next stage was the involved and tricky task of attaching flower buds while making the inside look as good as the outside. Lucy is always keen for everyone to achieve a professional finish. After much discussion, we we worked out the way forward. Before arriving I noticed I had lost a headlight on the car and was a bit stressed about driving back back in the dark. Lucy gave me brilliant advice and kindly offered her home phone to call the AA and meanwhile we could continue with the jewellery making. All went to plan. Just a small interruption for the AA but had peace of mind for the journey home. Yet another fantastic day. Thank you Lucy."

Susan Bickford reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I had wanted to do an art course that covered all mediums for a while but there was nothing in this area so when the leaflet for Colour Wheel came through the door I couldn't wait to join. I wasn't disappointed and am now on my third term. All the topics covered are very interesting and demonstrated step by step by Jayne (art teacher) with handouts in class and follow up notes via e-mail. Jayne is very helpful and friendly and I have learnt a lot of new skills and techniques. Michael who runs the course is also extremely helpful and friendly. I love the course and have already signed up for next term. I thoroughly recommend joining this course. Thank you Jayne and Michael"

Colour Wheel County durham LTD responded:

"Thank you Susan B. You are a pleasure to have in class and it's great watching your progress"

Eileen Leighton reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"I spent a wonderful day with Barbara learning the techniques for making a bag. I’d done some wet-felting before, having taught myself from books, but was lacking inspiration for what to do with the pieces when finished. Barbara is patient, encouraging, informative & incredibly generous with her ideas. There were four of us on the day, all doing something different & we all had lots of one-to-one help. I came away with a really nice bag & lots of confidence & the inspiration I needed to carry on this amazing craft. Barbara opened my eyes to the endless creative possibilities of felting & I will definitely be going back for more workshops - I can’t wait. Eileen"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Your bag looked amazing Eileen, and I feel inspired to use my bags again ?. I’ll look forward to seeing your future projects."

Alison reviewed: 3 Hour Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving at the Elka Studio, Upper Slackstead

"I really enjoyed this inspiring course. Ellie explained everything very clearly and gave us plenty of individual attention when we needed it. I loved using the unusual fibres, it was fascinating to see what can be used. A really enjoyable introduction to my weaving adventures!"

Elka responded:

"Hi Alison, thank you so much for the lovely review. It was great to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop. Your weaving was beautiful and I really hope you continue to enjoy it! Very best wishes, Ellie"

Adrian Handley reviewed: Blacksmithing course one day: Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing

"I went on this course as a complete novice and with pretty much no craft skills and was joined by 5 others all with various levels of competence, yet Dave with his right-hand man made this a great day for everyone. We were given decent coffee (a pleasant surprise!) and biscuits to start with. Then a nice brief overview of the day and it was immediately into the fire. There we continued with support as and when we needed, continual encouragement and the reminder that you can't go wrong making something unique! Lunch in the pub was a needed respite but it was soon back to it. An overall great day, good fun and a lot of learning without ever feeling too uncomfortable. If you're contemplating this course - stop and just book it you won't regret it"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Adrian, for your kind words, your review is much appreciated. Hope to see you on another of the Red Anvil courses. Kind regards Richard"

Susan Michie reviewed: Crochet for beginners at Seeded

"Booked for the beginners crochet course with Alexis and its was just me and my son's partner, so we had Alexis's undivided attention. Alexis taught us the basics of crochet with patience and good humour and at no time did I feel rushed. We made a granny square and went away with one we just started so we could practice at home along with our crochet hook and yarn. A 2 hour course which lasted just over 3 hours. Alexis is not only generous with her knowledge and encouragement but also with her time, and is quite happy to help anytime with any issues you may encounter. Lovely lady with a real passion she is keen to share."

Beverley Bryant reviewed: Silver clay ring making

"I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to ring making. I booked it immediately after doing the shorter course! I found it to be a very relaxing day, in a fabulous venue. I wear my rings every day- and I still can’t quite believe I made them! I’d recommend the courses to everyone."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Beverley Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're so glad to hear that you are wearing your rings with pride. Rightly so! And, YES you really did make them :-) It's amazing the creativity that lurks within us all just waiting to be released. And it's so lovely that you also felt like your time with us was relaxing. We couldn't wish for more. With best wishes, Lynn"

Eileen Farley reviewed: Introduction to life drawing

"Miranda is a marvellous teacher she can see where you go wrong and helps you in every way possible. I would recommend her. I have never had such a good art teacher and have been going to her for years. Even if you have not drawn from life or painted from life or even done any sculpture from life including portraits she will give you the confidence inspiration and most of all the satisfaction of what you have done. Thank you SO much Miranda for all your help!!"

Dorothy Slater reviewed: Jewellery Workshop ~ 3 Hrs ~ (Beginners & Refreshers)

"Thank you for a great day last Thursday. Jacqui and I really enjoyed it. You were so helpful and patient with us, especially as my hands were bad with arthritis that day. We love our earrings and have been wearing them all weekend. Thank you again and we are looking forward to the next class."

JEWELLERY KITS & SILVER BITS responded:

"Hello Dorothy Many thanks for your feedback, it is so lovely to hear you had such a great time and are also wearing the jewellery you made. Looking forward to seeing you again next year. Kindest regards Nicky Gee AET"

Jacqui Flynn reviewed: Jewellery Workshop ~ 3 Hrs ~ (Beginners & Refreshers)

"I really enjoyed the workshop. It was inspiring and motivating, enough to get me to try some jewellery making at home. Communication leading up to the course and instructions in class were very clear. It is lovely to think I know enough now to mix and match jewellery for any outfit once I have the materials. There is nothing more I can write to highly recommend this course. The setting was perfect too."

JEWELLERY KITS & SILVER BITS responded:

"Hello Jacqui Many thanks for your great feedback, and I am thrilled you feel so inspired and have learned enough, in just one jewellery workshop to continue creating jewellery at home. The idea that you can lovingly create a different piece of jewellery, for any outfit, is just amazing isn't it! I would love to see photos of anything you create please? Kindest regards Nicky Gee AET"

Deirdre Moss reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Brilliant course. It was a birthday present, as I love wood and particularly wanted to know how to turn wood. Gregory is an excellent teacher. I can’t believe what I achieved in two days. A very practical course where we were on the lathe most of the time and Gregory assumed no prior knowledge which was good as I even needed to be taught how to use some basic tools like sanders! I would thoroughly recommend the course."