Latest reviews

Pamela Curran reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We really enjoyed the day (2 crafts in 1 day) and had a lot of fun with wood turning in the morning followed by pottery in the afternoon. Simon and Louise were knowledgable and talented hosts who provided a relaxing creative atmosphere. Their teaching style was excellent and allowed us both to develop our new-found skills into creating some freestyle pieces. Thank you very much for a very enjoyable day"

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

"Guys, thank you for the lovely review. It was a pleasure having you in the studios. We're also pleased that you found the experience to be relaxing and creative. After teaching the basics, we do try to give our students the space to add their own personalities to their work whilst ensuring we're always ready to step in when you need us. Again, thanks for the lovely review :-)."

Rick & Nancy Adams reviewed: 2 Day Linocut and Mixed Media Printmaking Course Using Fabric and Paper: for two people

"We enjoyed a very informative two days in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Having previously done a short course elsewhere, we just wanted to enhance the skills, but we learned techniques that we had never heard of and produced finished pieces that we were really proud of. It showed us that there is far more to linocut than we had previously thought. Would highly recommend and we hope to return again when we find time."

Annette Rolston responded:

"Thankyou Nancy and Rick, do come back again to continue your knowledge and expertise. A really enjoyable two days. Regards from Annette"

Pamela Clarke reviewed: Lit Paper Mache Angel Wings Wall Art Workshop

"I loved this course it had so many things to take into consideration when creating the wings, Sarah allows you to use your own skills but is on hand on a one to one basis with ideas if you don’t have any of your own. I really experimented with colours which is brave for me but loved the outcome and of course Sarah,s encouragement along the way."

ReVamp Boutique responded:

"It was lovely to have you back again with us Pam. Thank you so much for reviewing us! You did amazingly! Can't wait to see them hanging in your home ( or studio!) I know they will make the perfect wall feature and ambient light. Looking forward to seeing you again on future workshops. Best wishes Sarah"

Liz reviewed: Hand spinning Day Course

"I did this day course 7 years ago and hopefully Juliet has improved facilities since. The course was comprehensive and I was pleased to come away with a skein of spun wool. Because it was so intensive I would have appreciated some written notes, for instance I had forgotten how to wash the wool by the time I reached home. Juliet was very hospitable but I would have appreciated a short break on my own during the day. The conservatory was uncomfortably hot and I was aghast at the toilet facilities- the wash hand basin was filthy; it’s the only way I can describe it."

Mina Kasano reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"OMG, I had so much fun in the class and Nadine was lovely and very helpful. Also other people's works are so inspiring and fun. I am so happy to found out about this class I would highly recommend to anyone."

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it."

Sophie Cotmore reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A great introduction to green wood carving at a beautiful outdoor venue (with an indoor option and roaring fire to warm up if need be !). The day was friendly and relaxed, but packed full of demonstrations, instruction, advice and tips, history of the craft, inspiration, and of course, lots of hands on practice on a piece of wood we could select ourselves from hazel, apple or birch (amongst others). The tutors were attentive, friendly, and clearly very skilled and passionate about their craft. The tools we used were really in fabulous condition, and beautiful in themselves. I was very impressed and am keen to get my own set of tools. The group was small enough to get plenty of 121 time with the tutors, who clearly have a vast knowledge of working with wood. This day is a great experience, and great value for money. Highly recommend it!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Sophie Thank you so much for your thoughtful and considered review! I’m so pleased you enjoyed your day and are ready for a journey into woodcarving and spoon making. Teaching is such a reciprocal activity so thanks also for being such an attentive and engaged student. Keep making shavings."

Mariana Botero reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"Rosanna is a fantastic teacher. She was able to take my ideas and help me translate them into an actual project. She is extremely patient and passionate; she creates a very fun learning environment. I learned so much from her and I would definitely recommend her courses to anyone, even if you have no previous knowledge of sewing or leather working."

Simone Kirwan reviewed: Mid Century Modern Refinishing & Restoration Workshop - All levels - 5 days

"Ollie's course is excellent. I went in there with little knowledge of furniture restoration and came away feeling confident and surprised at the skills I had acquired during the week I was there. From stripping, sanding, fixing and french polishing to the finished product Ollie offered guidance and support throughout. I would highly recommend this course! Thanks so much Ollie!!!!"

Judith G (UK) reviewed: Creating Dala Art with Chris Carter

"This is a 10-week course which is released on-line week by week so you can do it as slowly as you wish. I'm going very slowly and have downloaded and studied 7 of the 10 weeks. It is very interesting, and exceptionally good value. It's about using a circle and a line to form the basis of a watercolour painting that represents the day, an object, a piece of architecture, a dream, an idea, and so on. A new framework for the work is presented each week (for example the colour wheel, colour temperature, greyscale equivalence, finding patterns in objects) and there are experiments that you can do as well as the paintings. There's a blog on which you can post your work so you don't have to feel alone unless you want to. Others attending the course are free to interact with you and your work through the blog. The tutor is very generous with her time: she responds quickly, either via the blog, or via email for more personal comments. It all works very smoothly ... and I really don't want to come to the end!"

Chris Carter Artist responded:

"Judith, Thank you for such a positive and detailed review of the Creating Dala Art online course. Your dala creations continue to delight me. I’m so pleased that you are not only enjoying the class, you are asking excellent questions and clearly learning from your experiments. Thank you for sharing your projects on the group page. We all (including me) have been learning from your posts. I look forward to seeing more of your Dala art, as well as seeing how you apply what you’re learning to your other art work. Chris Carter"

Jane De Silva reviewed: 1 Day bag making course - 10 design options

"Oh my goodness what a fantastic course, my husband and I loved it. Bex is a great teacher who instantly put us at ease. The result at the end of the day was 2 very professional looking bags - how amazing. We are already planning our next course."

Mo Perkins reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"I had a fantastic afternoon on Part 1 of Intro to Candle Making. I can't believe how professional my achievements look and there was so much to take home it made the course great value for money. My home and therapy room smell wonderful. I've already booked for part 2!"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Mo. Yes your candles did look very professional indeed! Well done top you. Thanks for your lovely comments. xx"

Gill JOLLY reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Very enjoyable and interesting course, a lovely way to pass 2 hours. Lorna's instructions are very clear and I am delighted with my notebook."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you very much for joining us - so glad you enjoyed the workshop! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Sandy Fullerton reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"A great way to spend the day - creating your designs and jewellery. Jonathan being a very attentive and patient craftsman!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Sandy Lovely to meet you. It sounds like you really enjoyed your silver jewellery making day. Well done with your new making skills and I hope you enjoy showing off your hand made bangle. Jonathan"

Jane Howley reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"We had a fab day with Jonathan in the new studio. Learnt some new skills that were taught in a friendly atmosphere. Will come back soon!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Jane Good to see you again. I'm glad that you enjoyed the day in the new studio. Thanks so much for coming. Cheers! Jonathan"

Sara Lee reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"This class is amazing. I've been a number of times now and it's such a mindful and creative activity. Nadine is a great tutor, there really is no substitute for learning from someone with such passion for their craft and each time, you just get braver with what you create. If you have any doubts, whatever they might be, put them aside and try this course out. You won't be disappointed and you'll make something beautiful."

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to review the workshop, and for the kind words."

Zoë reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Absolutely loved my day with Jo! I’ve had an itch to make my own candles for a while now and was hoping to have a go and make some for myself and to possibly have as an add on to my jewellery business. Jo is super helpful, knowledgeable and happy to share all the tips she has learnt over the years. Highly recommend this course set in a beautiful part of the country."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Zoe. Lovely to meet you and best of luck going forward. x"

Nicola Ellis reviewed: 3 or 4 stone set silver stacking rings

"Great day with a lovely lady! Sarah was very patient and with her excellent tuition I made some beautiful rings. Thanks Sarah!!"

CHARLOTTE BELL reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"Nadine is very knowledgable and generous with her expertise, and lead the group in a relaxed and informal way. She first explained the materials and the different experimental techniques we could use to achieve our designs, then guided us and discussed how different glass elements in the compositions we had made would perform in the kiln. I really enjoyed this approach as it meant that the workshop was very open and everyone came out with very individual pieces. I'd love to go back very soon :)"

Nadine Mahoney responded:

"Thanks for your kind words, so glad you enjoyed the workshop."

Carole reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"Adela is a very patient and encouraging tutor with a passion for mosaics that inspires participants to explore their creativity. She has a lovely relaxed manner that makes the session fun and really motivates you to continue with mosaics after the course ends."

Joanna Ward reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"I had a very enjoyable afternoon at the Loam Studio using the pottery wheel for the first time. Jack is a a very good teacher and I was happy I completed 3 pots by the end of the lesson."

Alan McDowell reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Excellent day I learned a lot. Mathew knew his stuff, in all areas. health and safety was good, He kept me interested all day, letting me do as much as i was able without interference, but as soon as i started to struggle he was there to help. I will be looking to return to practice what i have learned and moor."

Susie reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Had a most enjoyable day with Wendy learning how to fuse glass. As a complete novice Wendy clearly explained all the necessary techniques and we had plenty of time to practice before we designed our own pieces. Lots of beautiful colours to choose from. Can't wait to see my finished item once it has been fired."

Paul Foster reviewed: Bandsaw box making day

"A excellent one-on-one 1-day course, at the end of which (much to my surprise) I created a box of far better quality than I thought myself capable of. Tom is a very knowledgeable and convivial host, for which nothing was too much trouble. I left with a useful insight into some of the tools (bandsaw and sanders) and techniques I am interested in pursuing at home. Highly recommended."

Teds Woodworking/ instrument making Courses responded:

"Well done to a fine craftsman. I think Paul had great hand skills at the outset and his control of the bandsaw was second to none! With very little help from me Paul has created a little box to last him into old age. Please come again on another course Paul, you know your welcome indeed? Kind regards Ted"

ruth moreland reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"It was my first time today and I absolutely loved it . What an amazing teacher Alison is and the studio is charming . I know I am going to learn so much and that Alison and the other potters will help me on my journey. I can’t wait for next week !"

Dana reviewed: Gem cutting - faceting basics - the step cut square facet

"This is such a good course - I did the cabochon class in the morning and then managed to squeeze in the step cut lesson in the afternoon. James is a great teacher who explained everything very clearly, and there was plenty of opportunity throughout the day for me to get hands on with the faceting machine. I was blown away by how my stones turned out - I honestly didn't expect such great results on my very first go, but under James' instruction I was able to come away with some genuinely lovely gems (once they'd been unstuck from the dop!)"

Treasureworks responded:

"Thanks again! I was impressed at how quickly you took to faceting, if I remember correctly I only showed you the final polishing technique on two facets on the pavillion of the topaz, you took every single other facet to mirror finish under your own steam. Great work! ??"