Latest reviews

Karen Bouissou reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had never attempted any knife work before and found this one day course to be very inspiring! Alan is very knowledgeable, and very patient with novices which I appreciated. Great fun!"

Helen Anderson reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a wonderful experience in a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere. As someone with little artistic creativity, I am very pleased indeed with my moon-gazing hare and very grateful for Jo’s gentle guidance. A fabulous day with lovely people, I highly recommend it. Thank you Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Helen! Everyone has a wisp of creativity and it was great working with you on your moon gazing hare with a lazy leg! Fabulous ;-)"

Nardina reviewed: Make a macramé plant hanger

"Lucy and Lynn have been absolutely fantastic. I have learnt so much during this inspiring workshop and it has given me the knowledge to keep working at home on my own. The space is welcoming and a lovely buffet is provided with plenty of teas, coffee and cakes. I will go back soon to try another of the many workshops they run. Highly recommended! Thank you, Arienas Collective, for being so awesome!!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Nardina Wow! Thank you so much for this really lovely review. I'm so glad Lucy inspired you to bring macramé into your life, and that you enjoyed your time in our home-based workspace (which I hope will be open to the public again very soon). Look forward to welcoming you back :-) With best wishes Lynn"

Gill Chalkley reviewed: Candle making workshops for beginners - St Albans, Hertfordshire

"Really enjoyable course making several different types of candle including pillar, container, tealight and wax melts. Anne is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher and I will certainly be signing up to her advanced candlemaking course. I also liked the fact that it was only a small class of 7 participants allowing for individual attention if needed."

lis collyer reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Fantastic day ! We all produced spoons to be proud of and there were plenty of breaks with drinks and delicious food made by Alan's partner. It was a fun day for us all and Alan is a very patient teacher."

Susan Smalley reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I began this course to self heal from a rather deep and traumatic experience just over two years ago. I'm a therapist and coach so have successfully self healed but felt drawn immediately to this course which popped up on social media. Ten weeks in and I'm feeling sad this group will come to its end after another four sessions. However, so delighted am I in the incredible talent, skill and teaching from Jane and her attentive and supportive Michael ... the Organiser of Colourwheel, that I am bursting to begin the next 14 week course! Already signalled my eagerness to sign up!! Ushaw College Durham has become my second favourite place to visit. The art course has awakened a dormant potential and brought smiles and laughter to my soul. It is absolutely amazing! Art has become my greatest therapy. I don't ever want to get off this flying colour wheel of fun and friendship. ❤ Jane and Michael are a fantastic training duo! Susan Smalley"

Linda Cumming reviewed: Art classes for adults at Ushaw College. 7 Week Course

"I can’t recommend this course highly enough! As someone who’d not done any art for decades - since leaving school - I was initially apprehensive yet very excited to begin again. I’m now in my third term and have signed up for a fourth - it’s become addictive and I love it. Since starting, I’ve used a huge variety of mediums and learned then practised new skills to produce work of really good quality, and this has substantially increased my confidence in my own ability. Not only that, I now look forward so much to Wednesday classes, it’s a highlight in my week. Much of this positivity and progress is down to the patient, encouraging and outstanding teaching by Jayne, the ever-efficient organisation and welcoming nature of the course leader, Michael, and the sheer variety and quality of resources provided for us to work with. If you’re thinking about joining an art class, look no further!"

J.S. reviewed: Jan 2022 10 wk classes Art 4 All weekly classes in Rocking House Studios with Shirley Davis Dew

"Lovely friendly class covering a variety of media with demonstrations and guidance."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Thanks J I am pleased you enjoy the class. It is so good to see everyone learning as well as socialising. It is a pleasure to teach the group. Shirley"

Helen Carty reviewed: Make a Garden Mosaic in Manchester City Centre

"I attended the introductory course which was really good. Tracey was very helpful and an excellent teacher. It was good to learn alongside others and the available materials were varied and wide ranging - lots of inspiration. I'm really pleased with the mosaic I've started at the workshop and would recommend Tracey and the course wholeheartedly!"

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Thank you for your review, Helen. It was great to meet you and to see your ideas come to life and develop as you worked out the composition, colour scheme and choice of materials for your mosaic. I think you did an excellent job of it and I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished piece in due course. Well done!"

Rachel reviewed: Branch Weaving

"Absolutely amazing course which I highly recommend!!! Ellie is such a lovely tutor!! She is so welcoming and lovely from the moment you get there til even after you've left the course and beyond! She welcomes you in with open arms, and is so excited to share with you her wealth of knowledge! She is able to fit in so much to teach you within the 2 days! I even left with a brand new loom as was so eager to continue with what she had taught me. And when I ran out of a certain colour of thread that I was using in the workshop... she sent some to my house so that I could finish what I was working on! She has now moved into a larger bigger studio which I can't wait to go and visit soon and she welcomes you back anytime you would like to be able to help with any further queries you have, or stuff you may have forgotten on the course, as was so much to take in. So definitely get booking on!!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much Rachel! I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and I can't wait for you to see the new studio :) X"

Smantha Frith reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"Denise made this workshop such an enjoyable experience. As a complete beginner being brought a kit as a gift I was reluctant to try it; not knowing where to start! I thoroughly enjoyed my day and definitely have the bug now, I can't wait to get stuck in to my next project. Thank you so much Denise for being so welcoming, you are very approachable, patient and a great host who fully supports and advises you even after your workshop. I am already looking forward to booking another session with you and have recommended this to my friends and family."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Ah thank you so much Sam, great to hear that you enjoyed your day, and you're coming back for more! Needle felting certainly is addictive, glad it's not just me that thinks that! Dx"

Bob Lake reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"The course was well organised and the facilities were excellent. The tuition and demonstrations were of a high standard. The limit to 4 or 5 people on the course allowed for individual help to be given, and materials provided were plentiful. The day was thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you Bob"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Bob, Thank you for taking the time to review your day at The Slipper Studio - much appreciated. It was lovely to work with you and I hope you get some time to explore this new process. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Louise Harlanderson reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"This is a fun and well organised course. Lovely soup for lunch and fabulous biscuits for the breaks The instructor is calm, friendly and able to work with all abilities (and inabilities in my case). It's lovely to leave with your own unique spoon and know how to care for it in the future. Go on, have a go :-)"

Alan and Gary conroy reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Dear Debbie, Aid and Andy What a great day yesterday, we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience from start to finish even though at the end we were both feeling the effects of the challenges of being novice blacksmiths. From the outset our expectations were exceeded, the demos and the guidance of the 'professionals' helped us to create pieces that we will look back on with pride. The food was delicious, plentiful and very appropriately timed, then back on the job. We also had time to laugh which was great, my son Gary told me on the way home of my mistakes on the 'dragon hanger' which simply made my work piece personal and unique. A great experience for both of us and the others attending. Highly recommended. Alan n Gary Conroy"

Lindsay Harbert reviewed: Vintage Cupcake Decorating

"This was the third class I have attended with Jane. It was exceptionally well prepared and delivered and I came away with new skills and a box of beautifully decorated cakes. Jane is a very patient teacher and she ensures your work is of the highest standard. The hospitality again was excellent. I cannot praise Jane enough, but the proof is I have booked another course !"

Tara House Bakery responded:

"Very many thanks for the very positive and 'glowing' feedback. So glad you enjoyed the course and I look forward to seeing you again in May."

Sam Paget reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I really enjoyed this course, Jo is generous with her home, her time and her knowledge. She was welcoming and friendly and set a lovely encouraging atmosphere for the day. I learnt a lot and am really pleased with my finished hare and look forward to tackling the home kit I brought away. I highly recommend this course to anyone."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sam ;-) Just remember your hare is watching you! Good luck with your dog sculpture, Jo x"

Bethan reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"We had a brilliant time at Sarah's class - the explanations of how to create each item were so clear and it was fascinating learning about the different techniques. So many colours and materials to choose from! A great experience which I would recommend to anyone."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the class - a great creative session for the 3 of you! Will let you know when your pieces are finished and jewellery fixings done. Many thanks for the lovely review!"

Bethan reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Had a brilliant time with Chris, learning the basics of pottery. The explanations were very clear and Chris was very patient! We also learnt how to decorate what we had made which was a lot of fun. It was really interesting finding out about the different techniques and I would definitely recommend this to anyone."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Bethan. The tapas dishes were fantastic and drying nicely on the shelf. They'll be ready for that tapas party in 3 weeks! best wishes, Chris."

Tim & Michelle Wood reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day, we both thoroughly enjoyed our day, learning the basics of Blacksmithing and coming home with two pieces of work each that we are very proud of. From the moment we booked the course Debbie was very friendly and efficient in her correspondence, this carried through into the day, she made us feel very welcome and at ease on arrival and provided wonderful home made cakes and biscuits for snacks and a delicious homemade lunch. Ade and Andy were extremely good in explaining how to begin, how to better a technique, how to look after yourself while working. They provided a good working environment that had all the equipment etc at hand and helped us to feel confident in what we were doing. They provided an excellent level of support, left us do as much as we could, but also knowing exactly when to step in and give a little extra support. On top of this we had some interesting chats and laughs. It was a great day, thank you to you all and we will be returning. Tim & Michelle"

Maria Learoyd reviewed: 3 or 4 stone set silver stacking rings

"I’ve wanted to do a jewellery course for such a long time and my husband kindly bought me this for Christmas. I have never done any jewellery making before and I am so happy with what we achieved in one day!, the rings are beautiful! Sarah was very clear, patient and friendly. It was also great to talk to Sarah about other jewellery projects she is working on, very inspiring. I would urge anyone considering this course to go for it!"

Suzanne James reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"We had a fantastic time with Lynda and learnt loads. She is such an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher who absolutely gets the best experience for her students. Lots of ideas to choose from and loads of materials to play with. I will definitely go on to continue with mosaic making in my free time. I highly recommend this workshop."

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Suzanne& James, I enjoyed the day with both of you. You both did brilliantly. Yes I do hope you continue building on what you learnt. Your enthusiasm and understanding of techniques involved will enable you to tackle any projects at home now. x"

Marie reviewed: Branch Weaving

"Fantastic course if you're a bubbly personality of similar age with family stories to share. Terrible if you're over 60 with a disability, hearing problems and a little bit word shy. If that is the case, be prepared to sit waiting for nothing to happen and wasting your money."

Elka responded:

"I am sorry that you felt you couldn’t complete the workshop. It would have been useful to know in advance of your disability and hearing problem, then I might have suggested private tutoring as a better option for you. I have taken this on board however and will now ensure people fill out a form before attending the workshop. I tried to explain that people work at very different speeds and later on in the workshop you might find something far easier than others. If you hadn’t walked out when you did and your aggressive, rude behaviour had continued I would have asked you to leave as it was disrupting the group and making everyone feel very uncomfortable. I make no apologies for my bubbly personality, or for mentioning my daughter. The focus of the day was weaving. Everyone has to wait for a few minutes as I can’t do two things at once, but as the group is only three people it’s never for more than a few minutes. I hope you will take my comments on board as I have yours."

Frankie reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Nothing was too much trouble, Imogen had put a lot of effort into the day not only with the course teaching but she had also made a delicious lunch; two homemade soups and a special vegan one for my daughter. She had even made a cake. The fabrics were plentiful and we were spoilt for choice. It was an interesting day and we all came away with something completely unique and memorable. I also had the pleasure of using an old hand machine, much nicer than my electric. I would definitely recommend this course"

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"You carefully worked through all the stages, even those that you were not expecting, to produce a lovely piece of work with an interesting perspective. Incorporating a building into the landscape really added to your design and has given me an idea for a future course! I am so glad you enjoyed the lunch - it gives a welcome break for such hard working students and a time to socialise. Thank you for coming so far- it was a pleasure to work with you and your daughter."

jane e chandler reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"The 2 days I spent with Ruth on this course were excellent and, though initially a little apprehensive at doing a 1:1 course, I immediately felt relaxed and at ease with Ruth and found we had a lot in common to chat about. I learned a huge amount about free machine embroidery and came away with many new skills and greater confidence. She is a very patient and kind teacher who gave lots of encouragement; I found seeing her beautiful work very inspiring. I must also comment on the excellent gluten free lunch and snacks that were provided- thank you Ruth! Delicious homemade soup! I would thoroughly recommend this course! and give it 5 stars."

Spoon Carving reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"A very enjoyable day learning new skills and how to correct some errors that I had. A very well run course, Steve demonstrated each step as we went along and made sure everyone had followed his direction with great feedback on a one to one basis at every stage. To walk out of the room at the end of the day with a spoon made by ourselves was very rewarding."