Latest reviews

Jill Westrick reviewed: Family & Friends 4 x bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"After I had placed my order Jo very kindly rang me to go through the stages of our Hare construction as I wanted to try a moon gazing hare. We spent two very enjoyable days making the bronze hares, and exploring our creativity. Everything we needed was included in the kit and the instructions were very clear, and easy to follow. The YouTube video was also very helpful. We were very pleased with our finished results, and having bits left over means we can try our hands at something else."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Jill - and for sending me your photos of your fabulous finished hares - I have put one onto the Craft Course photo slide show under the Family & Friends x 4 Bronze Hare Kit. Your moon gazing poses are just lovely ;-) Jo x"

Joshua reviewed: Sculpture workshop

"I was a complete beginner but wanted to do something totally outside my comfort zone, I couldn't have chosen a better course. Within an hour of meeting Richard I was sculpting my first head, I also found it so therapeutic which I really needed. I loved every part and was able to take my sculpted head away with me. Totally Recommended."

Sculpture Workshop responded:

"Hello Joshua. Thank you for the lovely review and for your enthusiasm and for embracing your creative potential. I really hope you can find the time and space to continue sculpting, you have my contacts so call if I can be of help. Regards Richard."

Reuben Northcott reviewed: Sculpture workshop

"This was such a great workshop, Richard was so informative with so many tips and hints on the creative process. I would definitely recommend even if you are a complete novice... you'll love it."

Sculpture Workshop responded:

"Hi Reuben, I'm so pleased you enjoyed your time with me, I wish you well on your creative journey, you have a real flair for sculpture. If you need any further advice you have my details so please keep in contact. Kindest regards Richard."

Luis reviewed: Diploma in Natural Soap Making

"I have received this course as a gift, so I didn't know what to expect. But I was really happy I started it. The course is just the right length, it has a lot of information, videos and explanations and I really like the 15 natural soap formulas it comes with. I am looking forward to making my own natural soap now."

Sarah reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"I purchased the hare kit and omg loved making it at my own pace, tweaked it to suit my tastes and family have commented how good it is. With some leftover clay made a hand and footprint from my 6month grandson as a keepstake too. Love it"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"What a lovely review Sarah! So glad you enjoyed making your hare and used the leftover clay in such an inspiring way. Jo x"

Rhodri Jones reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I was having difficulty bowlturning so I spent a day with Les to see where I was going wrong. The difference between what I could make before to after the lesson was huge! Les is very informative, knowledgeable and is very patient, which really gives you a confidence boost for being able to do it yourself. He clearly addressed any problem areas and suggested numerous ways of going about the different aspects of woodturning. All of which I am very thankful for! I would highly recommend him to both complete novices and experienced woodturners and to anyone thinking about getting in touch to do so."

Pren responded:

"Thank you Rhodri, I'm so pleased that you found the day useful."

Charlotte Fernandes reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course One Day Course via Zoom

"Paula has been absolutely fantastic as a teacher and has a wealth of both practical and business knowledge. Her personalised approach to teaching has meant I feel very confident to start my candle business despite all of the current global challenges. Her openness and approachable nature have enabled me to develop an excellent understanding of how to not only make luxury candles but how to also succeed with a business in the long run. Initially, we have carried out zoom lessons with the practical day yet to come and so far I have been beyond pleased with her adaptable teaching style and well-paced lessons. She makes you feel very at ease and that the questions you have are valued, leaving you feeling confident in your newly learnt skills. She has helped me step by step including replying to my questions via email, helping me to navigate the supplier websites and giving amazing marketing/ selling advice. I highly recommended her course and will be looking to book through Old Bexley Soap Co again soon with plans on expanding to soaps next year."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"I am pleased the 1to1 Business Candle Making Course was the right choice for you. Thank you for this great review. Paula"

Zany reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"I wanted to learn a new craft and start a new small business during the lockdown, and soap making sounded just like the thing! I really enjoyed the course and I have started making my own soap. I am looking forward to more soap making videos from Roxana, so I can get more ideas of soaps to make :)"

Margaret Sugden reviewed: Resin art kit

"Good communication, excellent packaging for delivering my “try at home” craft kit. I haven’t started it yet but have the promise of asking Norman if I need any help. Highly recommended"

Reson-8 responded:

"Thank you Margaret, Very much appreciated. Best Regards Norman"

Julia reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"I had a lovely time doing my sleeping cat sculpture, not sure it would make it into a gallery lol ?, but I love it! The instructions are very good & easy to follow and the YouTube video was very helpful, love the tips you gave. I will email you some photos, feel free to use as you wish. I had a bit of clay left so made a mini cat, maybe don't include that as it looks a bit random. Will definitely recommend your kits."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Julia. Your photos have come through and your sleeping cat looks lovely - well done ;-) So glad you enjoyed your time making her and mini cat! Keep safe, kind regards Jo x"

Carole Ayres reviewed: Design a room in your home with weekly one to one consultations

"We are in the process of building a new house and the thought of decorating every room was a bit daunting. I didn’t want to paint everything white! When Nikki’s online course popped up on my Facebook page - it was perfect. The course material provided by Nikki was extremely helpful and focused my ideas. I decided to start with the living room and working through the course material helped me to decide on colours and design. Nikki’s weekly phone call to discuss my homework was particularly valuable as she shared her abundant knowledge and inspiration and helped me to refine my ideas. I can definitely recommend this course - it is both inspirational and practical. Also the fact that you have a weekly one to one phone call to discuss your ideas and to have support, makes it stand out from other courses. Thanks to Nikki, I am now more confident and excited to design the rest of the rooms in my new house."

Julie Mellor reviewed: Rainbow mosaic wall plaque (interior) - a mosaic kit in a box

"Just loved doing this project. Struggled at the start with the grouting but patience and time got me there. The end product is really lovely. Will probably buy another one!"

Julie Vernon Mosaics responded:

"Thanks for your review, I’m pleased you’re happy with the end result. Yes grouting is not for everyone, especially the first time. It is possible to leave artwork un-grouted if you are happy with how the piece looks after sticking the tiles so bear that in mind for future projects. (It would be essential however for a functional item or hanging in a bathroom area)"

Dawn Emmerson reviewed: Brusho hare painting/ step by step guide

"Really enjoyed this course. The tutor was very clear and explained each step well, but it was useful to be able to pause the video and go back if needed. It was a good introduction to the different Brusho techniques and was very easy to follow."

Sara C Hill reviewed: Three Day Pet Portrait Painting Course

"I cannot praise Sue O’Mara’s Pet Portrait course highly enough. I had looked at various other artists’ web sites to commission a pet portrait, but after reading through the details of Sue’s course, felt that painting my pet would be more fulfilling, and it really was. I am extremely grateful to Sue for nurturing my inner artist. Sue is lovely, and an excellent teacher. Her course is structured in such a way, that you see real progress during, and at the end of each day. Sue explains methods and painting techniques with each stage, and is extremely encouraging. I am an absolute beginner, and thrilled with the end result! The course is extremely enjoyable, and great value for money. The location of the studio is very peaceful, and the lunches provided by Sue an added bonus – they are delicious!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Sara, thank you for your kind words. You did very well and the finished paining was fabulous! I look forward to seeing you again one day for the next painting :) With all best wishes, Sue"

Karen M. reviewed: Free introductory tutorial 'Intuitive Oil Painting' for beginners

"A highly enjoyable video, David, thank you! I found the 'don't be precious' approach very liberating as it can be such a pitfall when painting. I also warmed to David's down to earth style of teaching, it has a meditative quality about it. Intuitive abstract landscape painting speaks to me so I look forward to more online painting videos by David."

The Old Kennels responded:

"Thank you Karen, what a lovely review, Davids next video Glorious Glazes is now also available to view! Meditative and down to earth sums Davids style up very well!"

Susan Hood reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting Workshop with Green Man Quilts - Simple Stained Glass

"I had a great day on this Zoom course- Sheena explained and demonstrated all the steps as well as providing an excellent pdf handout. There were lots of opportunities to learn from Sheena and from each other and it was lovely to be able to complete my wall hanging in one day (I did everything but the hand sewing of the binding during the class). I really feel I achieved something and will be making more as it’s been much admired."

Green Man Quilts responded:

"As always, it is great to have you along and you contribute so much to all classes. So glad you enjoyed the day and it was lovely to see the photo of your wall hanging. Thank you"

Sue Campling reviewed: Beach Hut Mosaic Kit - No cutting required

"Beautifully packaged, would make an excellent crafting gift. Enjoyed making the Beach hut as a gift for my sister who has a similar beach hut in Devon"

China Petals responded:

"Thank you Sue, I'm glad you enjoyed making the kit"

Lesa Morley reviewed: Calligraphic arts - paper embossing at The Old Kennels

"This short course taught me everything I needed to know, very helpful and eye opening, thank you so much!"

The Old Kennels responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review! We are so pleased you enjoyed your course, there are more online courses being added all the time and we hope to be able to welcome people back again in person very soon!"

Hazel Sharp reviewed: Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop Kit

"Heather was very responsive to my questions and my Dad really enjoyed the course."

Heather Orr responded:

"Thank you for your review Hazel, I'm so glad your Dad enjoyed the course!"

Susie Thomas reviewed: First steps in crochet - Live online tuition with kit

"Lucy was a wonderful tutor and was very patient with me. I thoroughly enjoyed the session with her, and look forward to learning more. Thank you, Lucy!"

The Creators Hideaway responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Susie. It was great to meet you and your Mum, and I enjoyed helping you to build your confidence with starting a piece of crochet from scratch and working in the round. I hope we will see each other again if you need any more help. Enjoy making your coasters and keep the photos coming ???"

Carolyn Jolly reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"The kit had everything I needed and the course itself was very enjoyable. Taught at a good pace, and now I have a lovely notebook."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for taking part! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Susan Warner reviewed: Crazy patchwork 1: 1st steps my style crazy patchwork online (PDF)

"Nice clear instructions with suggestions to get started. A fun afternoon project. I double the sample size so that my sample could be made into a cushion. Am very pleased with my first attempt and never used zig zag stitch before."

Aztec Kreative Studio responded:

"So pleased you had fun with this project and our instructions enabled you to experiment further. Yes there are many diverse stitches on our sewing machines that many of us do not use. We are always happy to help you experiment further. Thanks Karen Aztec Threads"

Ronald Holland reviewed: Watercolour for beginners foundation course

"Good introduction into how the medium works. Lots of information to absorb and take on board, then play with. Looking forward to the next steps and getting a better understanding of water colour."

Trevor Coop reviewed: Watercolour for beginners foundation course

"Very interesting 1st lesson, I learnt a lot about the medium of water in a way that I never would have imagined. Basically that the water is in charge and it is up to the pupil to exploit that. Using the will of the water to achieve the desired effect. Really looking forward to next week."

Susan Warner reviewed: "Simply Sew How" Lets Get Started Domestic Lockstitch (PDF)

"A good overall introduction/ reminder of the basic of the machine and certainly more user friendly than the instruction booklet with the machine. A stand out for me was cleaning underneath where the fluff gathers - obvious when pointed out but.... Thanks - feeling much more relaxed about having a go at my first project for some time"

Aztec Kreative Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review on this Guide, we are very pleased to hear that it was helpful. Also that you feel confident to start your first project in a long time. We have a number of Guide that can help with other aspects of Sewing Machine Problems, that we will be adding to this sight soon. Always happy to help Karen Aztec Threads."