Latest reviews

Jake and Nikky reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"Brilliant - Would definitely recommend going on this course."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thanks guys, it was great to have you here."

Sue reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"What an amazing day ? Fantastic course learning the theory behind the materials needed and the art of candle making ,we then went on to make a candle in a glass jar and in a little tin, followed by making 6 wax melts with a fabulous choice of decorations and ribbons and quality materials. Whilst waiting for them to set and before decorating the melts with ribbons ,we enjoyed the most scrumptious home made quality afternoon tea and fresh coffee. So much care and attention to make it covid safe in the most beautiful setting and for the first time in a while, from 10 till 3 my daughter and I were relaxed chilled and enjoying craft time - just the medicine needed to heal the mind during these strange times. Thank you Karen for a wonderful day .would highly recommend to anyone who loves ? and ? !!"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you Sue for reviewing our course. It was lovely to meet you and Kirsty and I'm so pleased you both had a lovely day. Your creations were wonderful, I hope that you enjoy them. Best Wishes Karen"

Anne Patmore reviewed: Block printing on Fabric

"A really excellent day. The barn is in beautiful surroundings so the peaceful day starts from the moment you approach. Easy parking right by the barn. Good COVID precautions taken, e.g. spaced out tables, wear a mask when moving about, one-way system through the barn. All you needed for the day was laid down on the table and ready as you arrived, which gave a little ripple of excitement from the beginning! Alison and Liz were very welcoming. The teaching was clear and easy to follow, even for those completely new to the whole process and Liz and Alison shared their time between people so you never felt at a loss. We all went home with lots of examples from the day and hopefully the confidence to start experimenting ourselves. One tip - I had not thought properly about the venue being a big barn, with stone floors and high ceilings and had not dressed warmly enough for the day. There are heaters high in the ceiling and on the walls, which Alison put on, but if you go during colder months remember to dress warmly in layers! Overall, a really great course in a lovely venue with very friendly tutors."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Anne, Lovely working with you , really appreciate your feedback and hope you carry on with your printing . Hope to see you again next year. Best wishes Liz and Alison"

Gill Hall reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"What a super day, and just the tonic I needed midst this current covid situation. I was treated to a marvellously well organised (all correct social distancing and spaces observed) and inspiring opportunity to acquire new skills. Claire is a talented creative tutor who encourages everyone to enjoy themselves and achieve delightful results following her guided and illustrated teaching plan. The working environment was wonderful in the Barn workshop and it was good to be able to meet other like minded people, and together we found the day just disappeared ! A great day for yourself to be creative."

Erin reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I went to the candle making course yesterday and it was absolutely brilliant. The venue is very light and spacious and easy to find. Paula is incredible, what she doesn't know isn't worth knowing. The course is so in depth and really informative. The Afternoon Tea is to die for. I've already booked a further 2 courses with Paula this morning You won't be disappointed by this course"

Lynne Waggott & Gail Clifton reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Wow! What a great day learning the art of candle making. We learnt so much and all delivered in an easy to follow, comprehensive and informative way by Karen. Held in a beautiful location in the Kent countryside, it's a very relaxing experience - you get so involved in choosing your candle fragrances and creating your decorative wax melts you don't think about anything else. Enjoyed a fabulous home baked afternoon tea whilst the candles cured. Thoroughly enjoyed our day and we highly recommend this course!"

The Aromatic Candle Co responded:

"Thank you Lynne & Gail for your lovely review. I'm so pleased that you both really enjoyed your day, you made such wonderful candles and aroma wax tablets - enjoy! Best Wishes Karen"

Fiona reviewed: Make a fabric Stags Head with Jayne Allenby

"Home now with my new bear...highly recommend this bear making day at Alford Craft Market Centre!"

Claudia reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I thoroughly enjoyed, the Beginners Candle Making Course. The couese takes place in an accessible venue a few minutes walk from Bexley Train Station, and upon arrival I was impressed with the time and preparation that Paula had taken to create a welcoming environment. Paula' passion and dedication about candlemaking really makes this course an invaluable learning experience for anyone who wants to learn how to make quality candles for fun. for family and friends, or as a business. This course is excellent value for money. You are provided with comprehensive handouts and a wonderful lunch. I would like to express my appreciation to Paula, for creating a quality course, that is insightful and inspirational."

Karen Williams reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"I've done a few of these 4-lesson classes with Gaynor - I think the fact I keep coming back for more says it all. I really felt it was a privilege to learn from such an esteemed and expert calligrapher. The lessons were clearly explained and fun to complete. Gaynor's feedback was always to useful in pinpointing how to improve and advising on what to do next. I will definitely be back."

Vanessa reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"I have always had great interest in Calligraphy but found that I could rarely find formal classes to help improve my writing. I looked for alternatives online when I came across Gaynor Goffe's website. Looking at the various online correspondence classes, I enrolled in an initial course to see how it would be. I was impressed with a number of items. Without being physically present and via correspondence, Gaynor was able to identify areas for improvement and guide me when I needed to correct my pen angle and letter strokes. Two years later, I am still completing Gaynor's classes. When I complete a course for one script, I am always looking forward to learning the next. Gaynor always replies very quickly, provides detailed critique and all of the feedback notes received are clear and easy to understand. Gaynor also provides guidance when completing a project, which is very helpful and I am able to work at my own pace. I would definitely recommend Gaynor's classes as they provide a wealth of information required to further your calligraphic journey."

Melissa Enos reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"Highly recommended, I learnt so much today on the candle making course for beginners and really enjoyed it. Paula was friendly and explained it all so well. I cant wait to get started with my own candles and hopefully book another course with Paula in the future. Reed diffusers next :)"

Steven reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"What a lovely experience, making candles is great fun and there are endless possibilities. We are looking forward to making more. Charlie has a very calming nature and her class was perfect for the experience. Thank you so much. We both loved it x. Our candles smell delicious xx"

Donna Burkhardt reviewed: Screen printing workshop with Zara Emily

"I have just spent a lovely day at zara's screen printing workshop. I learnt so much from zara and now have a new craft hobby that I know will be lifelong. I was able to create a cat design tote bag and fabric piece and I love it. The passion from zara about screen printing obviously passed on to me. Zara has so much experience that she shares with you and is really lovely. It was such good value for money and I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to give screen printing a go. The home made cake was delicious too. And I am now a new screen printing fan. Thank you."

Zara Emily responded:

"Thank you Donna It was lovely to meet you, I’m so glad you had a great workshop. I look forward to seeing your homemade prints. Happy printing!"

Leila Ellis reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I attended the beginners candle making course today, wow, I never realised how complicated it was, its a science!! Paula explained it so well and I loved every minute, so much so I have enrolled in the diffuser course and I am very excited!!"

June Radlett reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"What a fantastic day, from arriving to a lovely welcome with breakfast. Lots of info about the process and help to get started. A fantastic lunch then back to the studio to finish creating our pieces. Lots of help and encouragement to produce whatever you want. Then finish with tea and cake. I can't praise them enough fir a wonderful, safe day in these difficult times. Looking forward to collecting my fired pieces."

Hot Fusion Glass responded:

"Thank you June, we had a wonderful day with you too, and can't wait to see your sea inspired coasters and other beautiful creations fired. We look forward to welcoming you again..... Sharon & Kim Hot Fusion Glass"

De Randall reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"My first experience of any kind of pottery and Louise made it the most therapeutic day I've spent in a long time. She is a fabulous teacher and makes you feel very comfortable and welcome. She gives lots of inspiration and spends time showing different techniques even if you don't have a clue like me! Can't wait to see my finished pieces and would seriously consider doing another day course with her. She also makes as many cuppas as you like! Loved it!"

Sugi Ceramics responded:

"Thank you so much De for your glowing review! It was so lovely to work with you and help your designs to evolve from concept to ceramic outcome! I’m looking forward to firing your masterpieces and seeing your lovely colours come to life! :)"

Tommy reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Had an amazing time with two friends at the candle making class, was intimate with three other guests and what was so nice is you had full attention and guidance throughout from Charlie who was excellent. We have left with a new skill and very satisfied with the outcome of our candles. Cute and cost efficient activity to do during these times with Covid where you can feel quite limited."

The Flamingo Studio responded:

"Thank you x"

Sue reviewed: Jewellery - carve a ring in wax, cast it and hey presto your own ring in sterling silver!

"What a great host, Sue really looked after us, she was knowledgeable not to mention patient. Sue provided a delicious lunch too. I can’t wait to see my finished ring."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"HI Sue, it was a pleasure to have you on the course and I hope to see you again soon. Ring will be in the post soon!"

Colin SHEARRING reviewed: An Introduction to Glass Fusing

"Purchased as a gift for my wife so this is her review Brilliant really enjoyed myself Dorothy is very good teacher and I was really surprised how well I did Looking forward to booking a follow up session Tina"

All Things Glass responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Tina, really glad you enjoyed your day.... Dorothy..."

Sophie reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Great day, I love the pieces I have made. Looking forward to framing them and putting them on my wall. Would do again."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I am glad you enjoyed your day. You have a talent for design, I hope you find the time to do more art for yourself ;-) ."

Deborah Brough reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"Batik picture making with my daughter. My results were much better- than I thought I could do - came away with a picture I will happily frame.......and would love to do something similar ..."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"I am so pleased that you and Sophie are pleased with your paintings. They will look great in a lovely frame."

Samantha Greenfield reviewed: Half day mosaic workshops with Laura Barnes.

"Thank you for a fantastic evening Laura - the session was fantastic and I'm really pleased with my little foxy friend. I still need more practise with them nippers though so I can't wait to do the full day course with you and learn some more skills and techniques. Anyone who is looking to have a go at mosaic couldn't have a better teacher than Laura - she is forever patient when asked the same queries over and over again :-)."

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you! I'm always delighted to pass on what I know... especially those trade tips you get with 25 years behind you. Do keep a look out for new courses. Stained leaded glass coming soon. All welcome."

Diane Cluley reviewed: Make a silver necklace and ring - basic silversmithing with Jewellery by Annamarie

"A fabulous day making a ring and necklace. The finished result was great with Ann-Marie's excellent teaching. Thanks again for a great experience."

Susanne Frank reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Truly lovely day, great setting, excellent teaching, really friendly relaxed atmosphere and delighted with my basket."

Basket Making Malvern responded:

"That is fantastic Susanne, it was lovely to meet you. Best regards Jonny and Becky"

Lynette Hoh reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"I love doing the online calligraphy courses with Gaynor because I feel I have finally made some progress due to her expertise and depth of knowledge - actually there is nothing that she doesn't know about italics ! Over the last 2 years, Gaynor has kindled and inspired my love of calligraphy and when I finish one lesson I can't wait to get on to the next one. There is the added bonus of not being under pressure to meet deadlines as you can do it at your own pace to suit your lifestyle. It is a very exciting and enjoyable journey in the art of beautiful writing and I can't recommend the online courses with Gaynor more."