Latest reviews

Alison reviewed: Candle and soap making with afternoon tea

"Had a great day today. Tracy was very knowleadgeable but was also very encouraging. The lunch was delicious and there was lots of tea and coffee opportunities. I came home with a big bag of goodies and my home now smells amazing. Thanks again Tracy"

Linda reviewed: Learn to upcycle your furniture

"So pleased I took this course - great atmosphere, really educational and so much fun. Left wanting more and was able to book in for another session the following week. Massive bonus that a wide range of products are available from the same venue - a one stop shop for everything needed to kick off a new project, hobby or even career!"

Colour Me KT responded:

"Thanks Linda for your lovely review. We had fun and learnt something too! We normally have a lot more stock - just you wait and see."

John reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"Great course, I had a lovely time, learnt a lot and came away with some really useful items. I went with a view to learn about tools, techniques and general how to, which I got in abundance as well as a lot of fun. Rosanna is lovely, a great teacher, v patient and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend this course as a gift for those wanting an interesting day out or to those that are beginning leather crafting. Five stars."

Jen Bramwell reviewed: Copper Bowl in a Day Workshop Sheffield South Yorkshire

"I really enjoyed this course, it was taught brilliantly by Melissa and I went on to make several small bowls which I gave as presents and also sold at the pop up shop. I would recommend this course to anyone, it was a great day"

Helen reviewed: Experimental Monoprinting (includes gelli printing)

"I had a lovely day with Ruth on experimental monoprinting. I had no previous experience of the technique. The day was very relaxed but somehow we crammed a lot in. We went through lots of techniques and worked with both paper and fabric. I came home with lots of reference samples. I also got a a good sense of the different tools and materials I would need to continue at home. I had a particular textile project in mind but the day would work equally well for anyone simply wanting the sheer pleasure of playing with paints, paper and fabric."

Tereza reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"My son had 2 days at the anvil with Jessica. He throughly enjoyed both days. Jessica explained everything to him really well. Showed my son different techniques to twist, bent and move the iron. My son made a beautiful candle holder, knife, BBQ fork and Neil (a snail). My son can't wait to be back. ( He also loved the lunches provided). Thank you for an amazing experience :-)"

Monica reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I attended, Jo’s abstract art course, which was my first workshop of this nature for some time, i.e. since high school, and I have only one word for the facilities, refreshments and of course guided art direction as brilliant! I would further add that as a women of colour I was made to feel extremely welcome and thoroughly enjoyed the day’s experience. I plan to do another course in sculpture next and simply can’t wait to get stuck in !!!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Monica! Your work was amazing - so vibrant and well thought out. Really glad you enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you on a sculpture workshop ;-) Jo x"

Rebecca reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Just fabulous. Fun, creative, incredibly informative (Ruby’s hugely inspiring teaching) and in a place of such simple beauty. Way beyond all hopes, a treat of an experience that I shall never forget – shared with lovely people."

L. Anderson reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"I so appreciated my day in the woods, I feel rejuvenated .... I've had a jump start back into life and am now looking forward to the rest of my summer, thank you again."

Sharon reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Thank you for creating such a gloriously magical experience for us. Wonderful memories for us both to look back on. It’s been such a delight to share something so beautifully creative together in the wonder of the woods. Thank you for sharing your gifts."

Lucy A reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Kerrylyn was very welcoming with a wealth of knowledge, a master in candle making! The course was delivered well and was easy to follow with a good flow. She has given me the confidence to get started and has inspired me to follow my goals. I’ve made my first friend in the business and I love that she supports all her previous clients in their candle making adventures. Highly recommended"

Ree reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I attended the course with no preconceived expectations and was pleasantly surprised with the positive experience. Jo is such a nice person and best of all she is an expert in her field and immensely knowledgeable. Whilst most people make candle making sound daunting, Jo completely put me at ease and made the whole experience so much fun and filled me with confidence. If you have any doubts then forget about them and get yourself booked on this course it is an amazing insight into the world of candle making and candle maker of the year Jo is truly an amazing host."

Claire Keen reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I participated in Jo’s course and I have to say it was absolutely amazing it exceeded my expectations by miles!!! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I couldn’t have wished for anything more. Jo was so lovely I could have just chatted to her all day and not make any candles!!! Jo was so helpful, kind and patient with myself and my daughter and now she thinks Jo is the best thing since sliced bread!!! I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to start a candle making business, learn a new skill or if you would like a great day out."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Ah! Thank you so much for this lovely review Claire. Amelia and you were both a pleasure to have in my studio and I look forward to seeing you again. x"

Jason Clements reviewed: Three day pattern welding or etched knife & sheath workshop

"I enrolled on this course pre Covid lockdown and was really looking forward to it. Finally managed to get on it and it was worth the wait. First day was a lot of hammering and forging to get the billet together. I managed to get two folds done the first day and left exhausted. Day 2 was getting the next fold and drawing it to length. Close of the day and we had a knife shaped piece of metal. Also started the first grind. Day 3, finish the first grind, then the massively stressful heat treat. Matt took it very carefully, and my heart was in my mouth when plunging it into the oil. All done, it just became more grinding and finishing. Handle attach, blade etched and what a beautiful knife. Many thanks to Redwolf and Eldrum. Great lunches, great knife, and met two genuinely nice people. Thanks!"

Peter Bryan reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"This stone carving workshop with Lucy was absolutely superb, and far exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Lucy is a very talented and creative stone carver and artist, and was the perfect, mentor, teacher and host. This was the first workshop since the covid 19 lockdown. Lucy had all the social distancing measures and angles covered, from excellent pre course, and safety information, to gloves, masks and handwashing lotions. I was totally new to carving, and Lucy was very clear with her demonstrations, explanations and guidance. I was given help and direction with all my queries while carving, always with a great deal of patience and a smile. Lucy is a natural teacher. The setting was beautiful, the food and refreshments perfect. I came away feeling confident in my newly learned skills and I can't recommend this course enough. On top of all the above, Lucy was great fun, funny and lovely company. She made our whole experience feel special."

Helen Robbins reviewed: Shimmer & Sparkle: polymer clay jewellery making

"A lovely day. both my daughter and I really enjoyed it. a very relaxed atmosphere and beautiful setting. Jo is incredibly kind and helpful. Very well set up studio with everything you need. Jo had done a brilliant job with setting everything up to take into account social distancing with covid-19 and plenty of hand sanitiser/ wipes etc available. we felt very safe. We really enjoyed learning this technique and everyone made some lovely jewellery. My daughter even said that she didn't know it was possible to make such nice jewellery out of polymer clay! this is my 3rd workshop with Jo and i highly recommend her."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Hi Helen, thank you for your feedback - much appreciated. It's always good to know when someone's expectations have been exceeded!"

Alison reviewed: Woodworking - Intermediate - two days

"I can’t recommend this course highly enough. The workshop environment is peaceful and the building is historically interesting. Steve is a patient, good humoured and knowledgeable tutor while the course he has designed is well structured, builds logically from one stage to the next, and is timed perfectly to ensure that every student has the necessary time to work on each task and to go home with a finished product at the end of the course – all without any pressure. I’ll definitely be back for more in the future!"

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Alison, so glad you enjoyed the Dovetail Box making course and the traditional workshop environment. Steve"

Konrad Stanczyk reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"As a result of Covid-19, the course schedule was modified to 3 days @ 4 hrs per day. Gregory had set up a hand sanitiser station and provided a face mask and face shield. He made efforts to maintain suitable distance and tried not to touch any item that I would subsequently hold. There are no toilet facilities available during these unusual times but there is a public toilet a short walk away. I took the beginner's introductory course and felt that it was pitched just right for me. I learnt a variety of turning techniques using a number of turning chisels and spent some time on wood finishing using wax and oil. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to understand the basics of wood turning to see if they want to take it further. Gregory is very experienced and explains techniques in a very clear and calm way."

Christiaan reviewed: Jewellery Taster Course (4 Evenings or Saturday Mornings) At Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"This is a great way to get into learning about some of the basic skills involved in Jewellery making. We covered quite a bit on the course. Great instructors, great environment to learn and a great group of people. Done a number of other courses since and was completely hooked."

Fiona reviewed: Weekend Stacking ring making workshop (morning) with Jess at Yardley Arts Northamptonshire

"Beccy was a fabulous teacher, friendly and approachable but gave us space to do the work. The whole session was calm and well structured. I felt the covid safety measures implemented were more appropriate and did not detract from the experience. I would not hesitate to recommend to friends and family"

Rachael reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I love to be creative so when I saw this workshop I was very keen to attend. I went with an idea of a colour scheme but no idea how or what I was going to do. Jo's instructions were so easy to follow and, with a little help from Jo, I created an amazing masterpiece that I am so pleased with. The day was so relaxing and peaceful, I enjoyed it so much and I can't wait to do it again soon. Thank you so much for an amazing day!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thanks Rachael! I loved your grey tones and adding tiny touches of yellow/orange just lifted it. Job well done! Looking forward to seeing you again, Jo x"

Catherine Bayley reviewed: Creative Fused Glass for beginners and improvers

"I was purchased this class for a birthday present and it was fantastic. Nadine was very friendly and chatty and gave us all a brief of how to design and cut glass. I walked away with 4 very impressive looking coasters which I have proudly displayed and are being used as coasters in my home. I never thought I could achieve anything half as good but with Nadine’s guidance and the inspiring surroundings of the studio we were in, for someone never having touched this craft before, I came out with something far better than ever imagined. I highly recommend her class. Not the cheapest activity but it is absolutely worth every penny."

Margaret Ellis reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"This was the second felting course I attended, this one in Cragg Vale, the first in Haworth. The venue is superb, in a beautiful part of Yorkshire. Melanie is an amazing tutor. She makes you feel at ease and her attention to detail post lockdown to all aspects of keeping safe is commendable. Melanie has a tremendous knowledge of her subject and offers the right amount of support as she is very approachable. She has all the materials including books/pictures for ideas if necessary. I had a relaxing day and felt pleased with my picture which needs to be finished as I write. I am proud to say that I wish to frame my first picture. I recommend this course if you wish to have a go at a new hobby or return for increased learning and development."

Pauline reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"What a lovely way to spend a Sunday! I decided to take the plunge and join an abstract art workshop. I always loved art at school but have never really had the time to be creative, having worked full time for many years and bringing up my Son. Upon arrival I was shown my workstation and the canvas which I had already chosen. Jo introduced me to various techniques and different stages of the process which enabled me to create a totally bespoke piece which was brilliant in itself, but also matched the colour scheme of my home. I was able to work with beautiful colours and different paints which I would never have bought myself as they are very expensive for a beginner. The Canvas even had hooks and string so you could just hang it up when you got home. It was a perfect introduction to abstract art. Every part of this workshop had been lovingly prepared and meticulously thought out. Jo is a superb instructor and her love of the craft is so infectious. It’s also a brilliant way to socialise with friends, new and old, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Pauline! Bringing the swatch of furniture fabric really helped link tones together, and thank you for sending the photo of your art in place - it looks fabulous ;-) Jo x"

Patricia Lang reviewed: Fused glass bowl and dichroic glass jewellery in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire

"Had a really lovely time. Wonderful location, Mel is very patient and encouraging and I am very please with my fused glass bowl."