Latest reviews

Garden Flowers reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fantastic day creating garden flowers. This is our fourth visit to The Forge, each time has been thoroughly exhilarating and exhausting but extremely satisfying. The instruction and support from Adrien and Andy is excellent. In addition to the friendly atmosphere is the amazing food provided by Debbie. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Bridget Gordon reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I spent an amazing day with Helen and some friends. We all made beautiful fused glass jewellery and objects. Helen is a fantastic tutor and so talented. She shared her expert knowledge and advice so supportively. Thank you. I will definitely be taking this course again."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Bridget, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. You were on a mission and created some stunning pieces, I particularly liked your idea for an animal mobile sun catcher, once you have all of the pieces suspended it’ll look magical. You were such a lovely group, I thoroughly enjoyed everyone’s company, gold stars to all my students! Thank you for taking the time to review the workshop and I was touched by your kind words."

Angela reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"Spent a wonderful day with Helen who is a truly inspirational teacher! Alongside a number of friends, we explored the different effects made with glass and had lots of fun sharing ideas. Helen‘s calming approach guided us all to explore our creativeness to the full!!! A fantastic day was experienced by all!!!! I highly recommend this course as a gift for someone special or as a way to spend a day with friends and/or family."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Angela, thank you so much for organising your friends to attend my workshop. I was delighted you all enjoyed the day as much as I did, what a creative group you are! The pieces you made will look amazing in your den, I could see your confidence growing throughout the day. We were lucky to have such glorious weather too. I really appreciate you taking the time to review my workshop, I’m thrilled with your response. Kind regards, Helen."

Jan reviewed: Intermediate glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"Another fantastic course. Jen at Cheshire School of Glass is the most amazing teacher. She is technically brilliant, highly creative and excellent at teaching us students. No question ever goes unanswered, and you are encouraged to ask as many questions as you like. I have enjoyed all the classes I have done with Jen, and will be going back for more. The classes are small, so she has time to help each of us when we need it. One of the greatest parts of her courses is that we are allowed to choose what style we want to use for each piece and are encouraged to experiment. This means that you get to take home some great pieces, that you want to put them on show. I have several pieces now, including pictures, bowls, and some I have made for friends and family. I can't recommend Jen's courses more highly."

Stephen & Jane Bevan reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Thank you Lindsey for a great day. A safe environment for the four of us on the workshop, with Lindsey providing excellent and appropriate demonstrations and support throughout the day. We've come away with a couple of stunning pieces which will take place of pride in our 'art gallery'. Great fun and great value for money. We'll be looking to get materials ourselves and add to our crafting at home. Thanks again - 5 Star!"

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you for the great review. I’m just so pleased that, despite the wait to finally experience the workshop, you both had such a positive experience. I will wait for updates and photos of your next mosaic artwork. Thanks for being such lovely company today!"

Nichola reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"I booked this experience day for my son and his grandad to stay and watch. They havent stopped talking about it since and has said it was the best present he has ever had. Well worth every penny. Richard had gone out of his way to contact me prior to his arrival taking the time & effort to prepare their day ahead. Ensuring my son got the best from his day at the forge & made things of interest to him. On the day Richard gave my son a choice of what he would like to make. He learned so much from the day spent there and Richard's skills were all shared with him he made various items to bring home with him and achieved so much. My son has set up his own little forge at home now using all the techniques he learned just from this day at Richard's forge. Well worth every penny to see my son & my Dad's face when they got home. They had good banter all day with Richard making the whole experience fun exciting and so valuable to them. I would not hesitate to highly recommend Richard after all the positive things I've heard about their day so I would definitely book this experience you won't be disappointed. Also thankyou Richard for making my son's day with you so special, something he has always wanted to and continues to do now with all he has learned from you. ????"

Frances reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"Had the best 1/2 day pottery session. Despite my mother being a bit of a natural on her first attempt at hand throwing (very frustrating), we both made some great pieces that I’m looking forward to using once fully finished. Louise was great, taking the booking very last minute and making us feel very welcome. I can’t recommend this course enough and it’s in such a lovely setting. Thanks Louise"

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

"Frances, thank you so much for your fab review :-). It was a pleasure meeting you and your mum, and lovely to see how quickly your mum took to the wheel :-) - some people are just naturals ;-). You both made some beautiful pieces and I'll be in touch shortly as soon as they have been glazed (they've already been biscuit fired)."

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

"Really enjoyed the day. I had read some basics before attending but had not tried fusing before. Wendy was very informative and helpful; she provided lots of hints and tips and wasn't worried about sharing her experiences or useful ideas. Thoroughly recommend."

Dilwen reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"Spent lovely couple of hours with Sharon making candles. Perfect beginners course. Thank you so much. XxxDilwen"

Belisama Candles responded:

"Hey Dilwen, was my pleasure, so glad you enjoyed Now enjoy burning the candles you made ?"

Gill Birch reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"Really wonderful experience and such a sense of achievement when the chair finally comes together. Great location and fantastic facilities. Andy was incredibly knowledgeable and very calm and patient. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to do something creative outside. It is suitable for people of all levels experience and we had none."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed, Gill, for your kind review. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course, and the environment and facilities at Sallerton Wood. We hope to see you back at Sallerton Wood one day."

Nisha Postlethwaite reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Windermere and Kendal

"Jo Dix is a an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable jeweller and stepped us through the whole process of Silver Clay, and the creative possibilities with the medium - well organised. Very happy with the day. The venue was lovely, a very warm welcome and lovely lunch from George. In light of the challenging health and safety around Covid 19, every care and precaution was taken by both the venue owner and teacher. Highly recommend the course and venue"

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Nisha - lovely to meet you and good luck with your jewellery business, Nishahalo - it looks great"

Karon Phillips reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"Not only is Liz a great artist, she is also a great tutor - and the two do not always go together! Liz has a relaxed and friendly manner and delivers a well structured course. Her critiques are fair, constructive and encouraging. I went hoping to learn how to 'let go' and loosen up a bit - and certainly achieved my objective, and learnt good techniques, as well as having fun. The Studio is ideal - and in a fabulous setting. I'll be back for more!"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Karon, thank you for your lovely review. I smiled to myself as I did the intro and told you what we would be covering. Unfortunately as the ending is more loose I couldn't 'tell em what I told em'! So glad you enjoyed it and really hope to see you back soon. It is a gorgeous venue, isn't it??"

Emma Saunders reviewed: You Choose Sewing days: One to One

"I recently joined Becky for a one to one sewing day at her studio in Wallingford. I took a pair of cropped trousers which I wanted to recreate, but make them longer. She helped me to take an accurate pattern from the existing pair, extending it as required, and step by step we made a new pair! I choose a fab bold leaf print duvet cover from her selection of pre washed fabric which made for a striking pair of wide legged trousers. She even helped me to adapt the waistband to a feature ‘paper bag’ style. The day was relaxed and informal, with an endless supply of tea and snacks! I had the opportunity to ask lots of questions and Becky had lots of helpful tips and advice. She was super friendly, flexible and accommodating which suited my needs for the day. Recycling and reuse is important to me and this was definitely at the forefront of Becky’s mind. I had some great comments on my trousers and no one could believe they used to be a duvet cover! I also have the pattern to make more trousers in the future. Thanks for a lovely day Becky!"

BeccaLou Creates responded:

"Emma, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you. You did a great job! Thanks so much for your kind words, and hope to see you again some time."

PETER TYE reviewed: Sculptural willow weaving - Animals

"In July I signed up as a complete beginner. On arrival I was greeted by Stephen the friendly instructor. After explaining the course we set about constructing a four legged animal. I found the whole experience so informative and relaxing. Being totally engrossed in the whole process. Stephen's knowledge was endless and entertaining. We worked together and produced a wonderful piece. Since then I have made another two animals and several other pieces. At the grand age of 78 I have found a great pastime. This is a course for all ages. Thanks"

Carole Doran reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"I always enjoy being on the courses that Liz runs. She takes a lot of trouble to make them instructional and fun. Today we worked on painting animals in water colour and Liz was so helpful. She breaks the day into 4 sessions and demonstrates clearly what each section is teaching. She allows plenty of time for students to ask questions and we all had a great day."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Carole for a lovely review. I appreciate it and I am glad you enjoyed the day. See you soon!"

Heike reviewed: Intermediate glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"Having attended a beginner's course elsewhere, I can honestly say that Jen's course is excellent. She is generous with her advice, materials and enthusiasm and the two days spent at Cheshire School of Glass were thoroughly enjoyable - as well as very productive. Her power point show with handouts at the beginning revised different types of glass, cohesion factors, kiln programmes etc and then we learnt how to make and use our own moulds, slumping and about different frits and paints etc etc by making a bowl with the moulds, a lace bowl and a personal artwork ... and that was just the first day. Second day included ceramic paints, inclusions, use of mica, metal, foils, how to cut circles and we made a mirror and another, large artwork and we could have made more, had we wished to. There was no restriction to set templates or standard sizes for pieces, we were allowed to make whatever our imagination came up with (which, in our cases, was what we both needed for our bathroom door/window) and expertly guided so that these were successful. Actions speak louder than words - I've decided to do another day working with Jen when I go to pick up my pieces after firing (although the artwork made the first day was ready by the second morning and is already on display at home) and I have signed up for the Christmas decorations course in two months' time as well. Thank you Jen for being such an excellent teacher and for your enthusiasm in helping me learn so much and come away with pieces that I am really pleased with."

Hilary Griffiths reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"Attended a one day willow weaving course making a curlew. Rachel is a wonderful host providing a warm welcome on arrival to a wonderful renovated barn. I was very reassured that all measures in line with covid regulations were in place andIi was able to completely relax and enjoy a fantastic course with Phil at the helm encouraging us all that we would be able to make a willow curlew by the end of the day! - and he was right! Homemade biscuits quiche and cake all made by Rachel really made me feel so looked after and it was the best day I have had since March! Really well worth going on. Thankyou Rachel for making me feel very welcomed."

Donna Chamberlain reviewed: Painting animals in watercolour

"Liz is a wonderful teacher: engaging, enthusiastic and encouraging. The course covered some basic and more advanced techniques with lots of time to practice and experiment. I would thoroughly recommend Liz’s courses to any one who loves watercolour"

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Donna, thank you for such a lovely review. I thought your otter was excellent and meant to take a photo, along with the silhouettes - but didn't. If you share on social media tag me and I with 'love' it! I am so glad you have booked on more courses. See you soon!"

Emily Trenwith reviewed: Beginner's Patchwork and Quilting Course

"I'm reasonably confident with my sewing machine thanks to the Sew Forest of Dean "Learn to Love Your Sewing Machine" course, but was worried I wasn't precise enough to do patchwork. She's helped me with my cutting and piecing skills, and I've now made cushions, and a baby quilt. Feel like I'm now ready to tackle my first grown up quilt, I've learned so much! Thank you Jen!"

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"You have some great ideas for your projects Emily, I'm so glad I've been able to help you gain confidence and to get you started with them. Your bookcase quilt is going to be stunning, I can't wait to see it finished."

Emily Trenwith reviewed: Learn to Love your Sewing Machine

"Jen is an excellent teacher, with a passion for needlework that's infectious. She explains things very clearly, has endless patience & creativity, and will get you excited to use your sewing machine! Love going to the studio for some sewcialising, and looking forward to my next course. Highly recommend this lovely lady."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Thank you so much Emily, it's always a pleasure to spend time with you in the studio x"

Jak Christon reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"I just had my foot in the door, had a forge and a make shift anvil at home but not a clue on how to blacksmith besides hitting hot metal till it moves. I received this experience for my birthday, and it was one of the best gifts I’ve received. Richard is an excellent blacksmith, he explains things very clearly and he is very patient. I entered his workshop knowing very little about how to blacksmith and left knowing a lot about moving the metal, from where to strike on the anvil, how to position the metal and hammering techniques. During the time I spent with Richard we made a knife, key chain and a bottle opener. Thanks Richard I can now continue at home practising what he taught me. I would highly recommend booking time with him."

Jackie from Ledbury reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"Another lovely workshop. Very relaxed but learnt so much again. Thank you."

Ruth MacArthur reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"A lovely morning spent with my daughter, while Anne taught us about candle making, very informative. We made a variety of candles, coloured and scented, which be brought home. A real pleasure to meet Anne, can’t thank her enough."

Susan from Gloucester reviewed: Hand embroidered flowers - mini books- with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcestershire

"A lovely relaxing and inspiring day. Good to have structure to the day with clear instructions when needed."

Paula Loveday-Smith reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I took the one day hare sculpture course - what a wonderful day with a super teacher - would highly recommend. Thank you Jo!!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thanks Paula ;-) Fabulous hares were made and a great group to work with! Hope all goes well with the kits you purchased (photos please ;-)) Jo x"