Latest reviews

Lydia reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"This course was money well spent. Having a little previous experience working with copper and silver, I was amazed at the speed of learning when working with 1 to 1 tuition compared to previous courses elsewhere that were as part of a group. I have learned so many skills and improved my knowledge and technique over the course of 2 sessions with Lucy, that I feel confident in tackling similar projects at home. Lucy is very encouraging and gives clear easy to follow instruction. She is a fantastic tutor and is very patient! If I hadn't moved abroad I would have booked more sessions. I was also very impressed with Lucy's thorough safety measures, including those in place to eliminate risks of Covid. I felt very safe, and the workshop was spotless!"

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Lydia. Your project was very successful and well chosen to encompass new techniques, and produced a very attractive and wearable piece of jewellery. Stay safe. Lucy"

Carl Mantell reviewed: Photography Days

"Sarah and I are hugely grateful for all the help you gave us, Sue and Richard, in preparing to photograph our first wedding. That help was really important to us. As well as giving us lots of technical pointers, the day with you gave us the confidence to handle the occasion and, if we do say it ourselves, to give the couple a set of photographs which they can enjoy as an evocative reminder of a lovely day. They were very complimentary, too, so we regard it as a great success. We are particularly grateful because you put the day together specially to meet our needs, listening to and taking account of what we needed to achieve and of our level of ability. And you did it all in the warm, friendly and patient way which, reading other reviews, has encouraged students to learn well and leave your studio wanting to throw themselves enthusiastically into their photography - it certainly had that effect on us. And we're coming back for more! Again, thank you, Sue and Richard. We'll see you soon."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thank you Carl, we enjoyed the day. It's always great to know that students have made use of the skills they've learnt and tried ideas we have put forward."

Allyson Blake reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the course. I learnt things I didn’t know even existed, met incredibly interesting fellow stained glass enthusiasts, but most importantly the whole day was so relaxed and inviting. (Your music taste matches mine spot on!!). It was wonderful to have such interesting chats in your beautiful home during the firing breaks."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Allyson, what a lovely review and it was a complete pleasure to spend time with you on the course. Great work by you too! Best wishes, Derek"

Miender reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"I had a lot of fun. Jo was excellent and very informative. I came away with knowledge that I would be able to use to start experimenting with different paints and techniques. Can’t wait to get stuck in at home!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you had fun, that's the most important thing. Thank you for your lovely review. I look forward to seeing your home creations. x"

Sarah F reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Wednesday

"I've been taking this course for eight weeks now and can thoroughly recommend it. I dabbled a little in painting/drawing before but never really got anywhere because I didn't really know where or how to start. The instruction in this course is second to none, and I love the fact that we are able to work with such a wide range of subjects and materials. I've tackled projects that I never would have dreamed of attempting before and have been encouraged all the way be Inge and Renee. I absolutely love my Wednesday mornings."

Susan Jane Howes reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"Had a brilliant workshop with Sara today, I made a ring and earrings, she is such a brilliant patient teacher, very well equipped workshop in her beautiful garden."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Susan - thanks for your kind review and for taking the time to write. It was really nice to meet you and I love the ring & texture - great work and I hope to see you again! Sara"

Jane Scott reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"My daughter in law and myself recently attended this one day art course. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Sue is an amazing teacher and confidence booster! Everything about our day was first class from the techniques that were so clearly explained to our coming away with paintings that whilst the subject matter was the same, showed our quite different personalities! In addition the lunch was super and the home made biscuits with coffee went down a treat!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Jane, it was lovely to have you both for the day, such a lot of giggles! So glad you enjoyed the day. Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes, Sue"

John Marson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A great day in a fantastic authentic environment. Alex was a patient and friendly teacher who could step in to fix things if they went awry but otherwise led through the processes step by step by example and gave me a real sense of achievement and an insight into how much skill blacksmithing must take. I really had fun and the day flew by, the poker I made and Alex's toasting fork with ram's heads are in pride of place each side of my fire!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi John, thanks for the great review. I'm really glad you enjoyed it and are happy with what you made. Alex"

Alex B reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Jon was incredibly knowledgeable and super helpful, explaining things in detail and helping us to make some lovely knives. I will definitely be back for an axe making course!"

Julia Valentine reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Hedgerow Basket Making for Beginners/Improvers - Day Course at Cowshed Workshop, Tenterden

"Really super day which was thoroughly enjoyed, thank you. Am looking forward to booking the next one with you !"

Crafty Basketry responded:

"Good morning Julia, Thank you so much for your lovely review! So fantastic to hear that you've had such a great time. It was a pleasure to meet you. I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Karen and you, which made it all great fun. Looking forward to the next time we'll meet. Who knows, this may be at the next wreath-weaving course. Thank you again very much. Very best wishes, Marianne Crafty Basketry"

Mike Szreider reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"I completed an 8 week course with Viv and enjoyed every minute of it. She is very knowledgeable and easy going. I learned a lot in the 8 sessions that I attended. My main aim was to learn how to silver solder well but learned a lot more than that. I ended up making a lovely small picturama from copper and brass that really surprised me. The finished product showed an art skill that I never knew I had. I obtained a good cutting skill with the jewellers saw as well. I also made some lovely items for my wife that she now treasures. A great course in a lovely atmosphere. I will attend more sessions to expand on the knowledge I have gained so that I can do more with this new skill. I would definitely recommend this course. Thank you Viv."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Mike, thank you so much for this - I am useless without a good student! Your commitment and effort, your desire to learn - you took everything on board! You challenged me with your own skills, were happy to request help, share knowledge and experience - you brought so much to the table! I am so pleased you are discovering these new facets to your creativity and look forward to sharing more of that journey with you."

Toby Hare reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"A great day! Simon was a brilliant instructor - patient, giving me lots of time to practice and try techniques but on hand in case I needed assistance. A really enjoyable day with a lovely lunch and got to take home a cracking couple of pieces that I can be proud of. Would really recommend!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Hi Toby, Thanks for a lovely review and we're glad you enjoyed your day; you should be proud of what you made -- well done! -- Simon & Louise"

Sally reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Extremely enjoyable and fun day. Learnt alot, with excellent teaching and hands on experience."

Ruth Sparks reviewed: Large human sculpture kit (50cm)

"This is going to be a Christmas gift The delivery was prompt and kept updated Like the fact there is a YouTube video to follow of how yo make the model I feel excellent value for money with all the goodies to make the sculptor"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to post this review Ruth ;-) When I create the kits, one of the pleasures is coming up with the contents to ensure someone can get straight on with making the sculpture, rather than search around for equipment and materials! I do hope the recipient of your gift has immense fun making their human sculpture. Jo x"

Marie reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"Suzanne, explained and showed us several techniques from "pulling stringers" to creating a "fish eye" before letting us loose in her workshop. We both thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and were very surprised and really pleased with the results!! Yes, it's safe to say we're totally hooked. Thank you, Suzanne for a fantastic afternoon."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. I am so pleased you both enjoyed your workshop. Suzanne x"

Nick Booth reviewed: Two-day woodcarving for beginners

"Can I start by saying this was the best course I've ever been on ! Will is an excellent tutor and gifted craftsman . He covered many techniques of carving , plus the chisel sharpening section . This enabled me to produce my own piece ! I found him patient , knowledgeable and above all able to communicate how to pass on his skills . It was a brilliant two days and I will be returning for more courses soon ."

Simon reviewed: Introduction to ceramics - 7 week course plus Raku day

"Excellent tutors and facilities. Highly recommended. I have rebooked for next year."

Graham reviewed: Acrylic portrait's at my farm studio TV atist Marilyn Allis

"I had a great time on this acrylic portrait painting course! Marilyn was able to guide us through how to paint vibrant, brightly coloured portraits and I think we all learned something here. We were lucky enough to be able to take our paintings outside in the afternoon and paint in the sun. Marilyn was great at advising us on our direction when we were painting and helped us fix bits. I'm really happy with the portrait that I was able to paint that day and I really enjoyed my day."

Yasemin Wigglesworth reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Fantastic course, thoroughly enjoyed it. Lorna is a top tutor with a huge wealth of experience & patience!"

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the workshop. Thank you for joining us! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Julie Reardon reviewed: Weaving on a lap loom

"We were a group of 5 visiting Pembroke and we booked Tunde's loom weaving course and also wet felting. We had a great day - really enjoyed the informal, relaxed atmosphere and Tunde was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend both courses if you want to learn a new skill and enjoy yourself at the same time."

TK Textiles - Workshops responded:

"Thank you very much for the lovely review Julie. It was lovely to meet you all, we had a fab crafty day together. You all made beautiful art pieces! ?❤"

Tom Joy reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Bearded Pig Forge is tucked away in a lovely spot, which felt ideal as a location to get away to and make something by hand in this method. I did the one day course, making a viking knife and it was an excellent start for someone who has never crafted metal work before. Spike was a great teacher in every way. Super patient, very clear with directions and ready to help whilst also instilling confidence in us to learn the process through the trials and errors we could afford. I was delighted with the results and it's brilliant to be able to make a functional knife that I can use in the kitchen daily. I'd highly recommend this course and Spike to anyone! I hope I can go back and learn some more some time!"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Beautiful October day back at Lucy’s to finish a project I started 20+ years ago - before life got in the way! We started gently with a cup of tea and a chat about my design. I want to change it from earrings to a pendant by joining two hollow semi-spheres into a single globe-shaped bead. Lucy taught me to start with a sample: a scrap of the gold I had used with gold solder - to test the colour match. It worked well. As a fountain of knowledge she is always keen to get your piece to a high standard. The weather was nice enough to enjoy lunch in Lucy’s pretty garden. Afterwards, having noticed the two halves weren’t an exact match, we used a doming punch to make them marry better. I want to make a hand made chain for my pendant and - with Lucy’s guidance – after researching online and in her brilliant reference books, I decided to follow a technique dating back 500 years called “Loop in Loop “. The time flies by and, after a wonderful day, it’s time to stop until my next visit. Thank you, Lucy."

Exclusive Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for this fabulous review Carole and so glad we had that wonderful autumn sunshine. Engaging with the chain making process, though monotonous, also provides the best exercise for soldering. Look forward to when you can continue your project here."

Daniel reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"For those of you looking for a quick summary: the day was amazing, start to finish. Neil welcomed us into his office space, we had a quick chat and then swiftly headed to the forge to begin working. He briefed us on what we would be making, the tools we would use, safety protocols and showed us by example the techniques we needed to mold the steel to the shapes we wanted. He then left us to our devices, watching over us and giving tips and tricks every now and then. Overall, I really enjoyed this experience - I would definitely recommend to anyone keen on trying blacksmithing!"

Eve Cox reviewed: Make at home - fused glass wild poppies dish kit

"Very quick delivery, made this for the first time and can’t wait to get it back and see the results. Loves the experience."

Simon reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I have to echo all the previous reviews on this site, I had a completely enthralling day learning about spoon-carving with Mark in a magical location. Mark’s passion for woodcraft and the woodland flora and fauna comes across from the moment you meet him. As a teacher Mark is a consummate professional, starting with an overview of the tools used and giving just the right level of guidance at the start of each stage and being there when you needed further guidance or help. Lunch followed by cake, prepared by Cristina, his partner, was really, really tasty. I finished the day totally relaxed with a passable spoon. The follow-up information provided by Mark after the class included a good range of resources and information. To summarise, great teaching, wonderful location and good food. Many thanks, Simon"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Simon Thank you very much for the feedback. I'm glad you got so much out of the day. I must say though you sold your own efforts rather short - you produced an enviable spoon! Thanks again Mark and Cristina"