Latest reviews

Jane reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"It was a privilege to spend time with such a talented person."

Amalia Moodie reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 2 hours (am)

"A wonderful introduction to glass fusion. Jill is extremely professional, attentive, helpful and friendly and made me feel comfortable and at ease throughtout the workshop. A brilliant experience that I will definitely want to try again and thank you to John for tea and biscuits."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Amalia we are delighted that you loved your workshop and we put you at ease. It goes without saying we would love to see you again. Tea and biscuits are ready!"

Jenifer reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"My daughter and I had never attempted making a mosaic before so were unsure how we would get on. We had great day with Anne who was very knowledgeable and extremely helpful both on the day and afterwards, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and went home with mosaics we could both be proud of producing. A delicious lunch was provided, and we worked in a very relaxing setting in good company. We highly recommend Anne's course, a day well spent."

Tracy Watson reviewed: Crochet for beginners at Seeded

"Absolutely brilliant evening! Alexis was extremely patient, and explained each step clearly and changing tack if necessary, to makes sure we all understood. She allowed us to work at our own pace, and was on hand to answer any queries and offer advice whenever needed. At no point did anyone feel like they were holding the others back. I would definitely go back for a more advanced class when I’m at that stage. Highly recommended!"

Michèle Petri reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"I had a wonderful day with Liz. She is very enthusiastic and encouraging, sharing her love of painting with us. The day was extremely well organised, all materials were provided and the lunch was fabulous..a great choice for all. Liz has a great sense of humour and generous with her time and sharing her techniques. It was very liberating way to paint and now “eyes” have lit up on my animal paints, all thanks to Liz ? If you get a chance to be in one of Liz's workshops you won’t be disappointed!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Michèle! That’s a lovely review and I’m so glad you enjoyed the day."

Marion Moffatt reviewed: Crochet for beginners at Seeded

"Loved it!! I have always wanted to learn to crochet and admire Alexsis great patience in getting me there!!! Her knowledge and vast experience was evident throughout and her teaching style was adapted for the different skill sets of the group. I am "hooked" and keen to do more, particularly as it is easy to pick up and out down - which fits with life!! Thank you and I will be back!!"

Debbie reviewed: Beginners Upholstery Workshop in Preston, Lancashire - Make a Footstool

"This is a fantastic course and I would definitely recommend to family and friends. Jo is an excellent teacher and makes you feel very much at ease. Met some lovely people, learned lots of new skills and I was so happy with my footstool. Will definitely be booking on another course with Jo."

The Boho Shed responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the workshop Debbie, your fabric was beautiful and those pink feet....gorgeous! Thanks for contributing to a great day. See you at the painting workshop next year. ?"

Lesley O'Neill reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Martin's fused glass one day class for Christmas Decoration's was my first foray into fused glass and what an excellent introduction it was. Martin not only knows his stuff but knows exactly how to teach it to others which is a very important consideration when booking a class which initially looks a little on the expensive side. You certainly get value for money on this course because you come away with so many decorations. I would say I was "middle of the road" in this class making 22 in total ranging from snowmen, christmas trees, penguins, santa's and toy soldiers - some made more, others less. Martin's teaching style was impeccable - clear, concise and very patient. The day was meticulously planned out with demonstrations each hour and templates but, it was not rigid and had plenty of scope for you to "do your own thing". I must give special thanks to him to accommodate a few difficulties I was having due to arthritis by finding different scoring implements to assist. I simply would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone. A thoroughly enjoyable day and I certain will be coming again next year."

Chris Hägg reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"This one day course with Lynne was excellent, a good starting point about the intricacies about mount cutting. Everything was very well explained from start to finish and Lynne is a very experienced and patient teacher. And the homemade cake was yummy too."

Laura smith reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"My partner and I both thoroughly enjoyed the knife making course. Jake was very welcoming and accommodating of my requests right from the initial enquiry stage. He explained all the different stages very well at the correct level for us, and taught us an amazing skill. We left with a huge satisfaction at making knives ourselves, starting from a cylinder of metal. Most importantly we had fun doing it (especially the power hammer!) I would highly recommend going, thank you Jake for an amazing day!"

Geraldine Taylor reviewed: Introduction to life drawing

"Miranda is an excellent teacher she encourages you to try new ways to improve your skills and techniques using different media and helps to improve the way you look at the subject, a very enjoyable course."

Kat Hopkins reviewed: Fascinator making Birmingham millinery workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Warrillow Studios. In the well equipped workshop, bursting with inspiration from Rachel’s masterpieces on display, I learnt numerous techniques, which I used to create my own fascinator. Rachel was friendly and knowledgeable and I left with all the information and skills needed to continue to make my own creations at home."

Fiona reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"As a novice felt maker I had no idea what I would be able to produce during a one day course with Barbara. I completed two pictures which I am so pleased with, one I will frame and keep and the other is going to be made into a cushion cover as a Christmas gift. Barbara was really informative, showing me and a friend the techniques we needed but very hands off so we really had completed our own felt designs. She was always there to encourage us and to show us other techniques we could use to improve our designs. With four people and three different ability felters making completely different products Barbara provided just the right amount of help and support for every one throughout the day.The lunch provided was great too. I am definitely going to felt again, many thanks Barbara."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Fiona. Happy felting and if you need any advice, give me a shout and I'll be happy to answer any questions. Barbara"

Jill Glover reviewed: Powertex whimsical cat sculpture workshop

"What a fantastic workshop. My cat was more than I expected out of the day and I learn so much that I can add my experience to my previous Powertex class with Marie. She is a lovely teacher, and it was also about being environmentally minded as we used loads of recyclable stuff to structure the cat. Marie is so generous with her knowledge and the home made strudel cake was gorgeous. You would love this class. Go for it."

Mark Boocock reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A phenomenal experience. I listened, I learned, I applied, I created, I loved, I experienced, I enjoyed. Adrian and Andy's skills with the anvil and hammer are matched by their warmth, care and consideration in their approach to teaching and inclusivity. What a wonderful experience. Thank you both and massive thanks to Debbie for all the organising (of me by email re directions and dietary requirements) and for the refreshments and wonderful food and cakes."

Hannah reviewed: Beginners Weaving Workshop in Brighton

"Thoroughly recommend! Was so lovely to do something different. Shiv was a great teacher, really patient and clear with her instructions. I went with friends and we all felt a great sense of achievement with our finished product. Some of us made wall hangings and others made coasters. Would definitely recommend if you fancy doing something creative. Thanks again Shiv!"

Robert reviewed: Blacksmith for a day with Adrian Woods: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"What a fantastic day! Poker much admired and has a perfect home. Thank you all, will be back! Annie, a special thank you for a delicious and sustaining lunch….. couldn't think of a nicer way to cheer up an unpromising November day. All the best Robert"

Chris Wilkins reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"I thoroughly enjoyed my painting day with Liz, we covered many aspects of watercolour techniques that Liz has made her own and was very generous in sharing them with us. The animal eyes and tonal values were particularly useful part of the workshop."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thanks Chris! So glad you enjoyed it. That’s the first time I’ve used the tonal demonstration in a workshop, so I’m glad it was useful."

Pam Shill reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Just wanted to say a big thank you for last weekend. I was really looking forward to this upholstery course, but I have to say it exceeded all my expectations, I love your enthusiasm for the subject and how you teach, in particular how you stop whatever we are doing to come over and get us to observe when someone else reaches an important stage in their project. The accommodation and food package was also just what I needed, it was like home from home and enabled me to forget about everything else and concentrate on my project for the weekend. Thank you Carl for all the wonderful meals, you both make a great team and I hope to see you again in the future. Pam"

Hester Wain reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"Fantastic day making hats! Nothing like what I planned, but turned out better! Will be coming back to do more."

Andrew Terry reviewed: A One-day Feltmaking Course to Make a Fabulous Felt Hat in the Beautiful Forest of Dean.

"Amazing what you can do with a bit of fluff! Blue and pink stripes or spots with tassels! Fabulousness personified!!"

Gerard Feeley reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Very good course. Hannah was knowledgeable, flexible and really clear and helpful. I was delighted with the piece I left with"

Tread Softly responded:

"Pleased you enjoyed the course. I was amazed how much you got done in one day and the final piece was superb ?"

Pierre reviewed: Crazy clay creations: hand-building pottery for children and their families

"My girls really enjoy their pottery sessions. Sally is very patient, kind and creative. The girls have developed fine motor skills around sculpture as well as the technical aspects in regard to the materials and creating pottery from concept to finished piece. They love going, and making things like fairy houses has been amazing. One of my girls made a little mug which she uses everyday at breakfast. A fantastic experience all round!! ?"

julie reviewed: [Re]new up-cycling courses with CleanStart: how to up-cycle a side table

"When I visited Clean Start last Saturday to do the day course everyone was extremely helpful and friendly. Willz was very professional and took me through everything step by step. We mixed our own chalk paint and mixed the paint to get my chosen colour. I was given a small coffee table to paint and was shown how to apply the paint/rub it down and re-apply the paint. Once dry was was taught how to distress areas of the furniture that would naturally be worn over time, giving an aged/shabby sheek affect. During each stage from start to finish nothing was too much trouble. I had a great day and I would recommend anyone thinking of upcycling either as a hobby or a business to book on this course! Thank you again Willz for a great day :)"

CleanStart responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Julie! We thoroughly enjoyed having you in the workshop and were genuinely impressed with your finished piece! Your choice of colours and design choices were exceptional and I am sure you will be able to take the lessons learnt on this course and create beautiful pieces in the future! Thanks again! :)"

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

"Don’t be put off by the surroundings, with a maximum of four students Marion teaches from a snug but well equipped studio. Initially practicing on cooper, we soon progressed to creating our own unique silver ring. Course duration was just about perfect to finish our creations and the best accolade from a friend was that they looked like shop bought. Thanks Marion for a very enjoyable course and bringing out some previously unknown creativity - Highly recommended."