Latest reviews

Elaine Fielding reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Preston, Lancashire

"Thank you for a great day out. Jo was really patient and supportive and all the footstools that we made were fabulous. The size of group and venue was great. We thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon tea"

The Boho Shed responded:

"You are very welcome Elaine. I am delighted you enjoyed the day and love your footstool. It was great to meet you and your lovely daughters."

Jenny Singleton reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Preston, Lancashire

"I really enjoyed our day at Cuerden Valley Park on Saturday. What a gorgeous venue - fantastic 'Afternoon Tea' - lovely group to learn with and great teacher/hostess. Also very pleased with my footstool - soooooo cute - and was so inspired I had a go at my old Bedding box yesterday!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you for your lovely words Jenny. Great to hear about your bedding box! Please send me a picture."

Shaun Sams reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 day beginners course. I have to say that I am quietly proud of the stand I left the workshop with yesterday. I would have never believed what could be achieved in such a short period. Ciaran is a very experienced, highly effective and likeable tutor. He has a wealth of knowledge (and biscuits) that he is more than happy to share with the students. He allows all participants to progress at their own pace in a superbly fitted out workshop and training room. Starting with the basics of woodworking, you will quickly become competent with a saw, plane and chisels (not as straightforward as you may think). By day 3 you will be confidently hand cutting mortice and tenon joints (prepare for some aching muscles). On day 4 your project comes together in a way you would not have thought possible. If you have any old woodworking tools, bring them along - I found some old rusting, blunt and chipped chisels in the bottom of my toolbox, nothing special just cheap DIY Chain-store tools which I thought were only good for the bin. In a very short time Ciaran had them cleaned up and sharpened to the point where the blade literally shaved hairs off your arm! Now they are not 'cheap old chisels'.... they are 'my' chisels. I spent a lot of time looking at the many woodworking courses available before settling on Cheshire Woodworking. It is 250 miles from where I live, but I know I made the right choice. If you are reading this, you are probably thinking about booking. The best advice I can give is book a course, you will not go wrong choosing a Cheshire Woodworking course"

Catriona Reid reviewed: Arm Knitted Blanket

"Really enjoyable morning. A well taught workshop by Kati and great to come away with a lovely finished product."

Sew Me Something responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the Arm Knitting workshop Catriona. We hope to see you again soon."

Christine reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"I have enjoyed every minute of Brian’s fantastic course, making a stained-glass panel which has far exceeded my expectations. If I could give more than 5* I would. He is a first -class teacher, guiding his students through all steps of the process, from original design through glass cutting, leading up, soldering and polishing, in a calm, unhurried way with good humour, tea and biscuits thrown in. He always goes the extra mile to assist you in making sure that your initial ideas are brought to fruition. His studio (in a small chapel building) is in a quiet location – a sanctuary of peace and creativity where you are surrounded by some of Brian’s amazing creations to inspire you. I am already planning for the next course and can’t wait to get started. If you have even only a slight interest, I would urge you to take the plunge and do this course. You will not regret it."

Georgia-fearn reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"I left the course feeling very inspired. Di Is a fabulous & talented teacher & I’ll definitely be returning in the future to tackle a more complicated sculpture."

Art on the Edge responded:

"Oh thank you so much. Glad you had fun. D x"

Lee-Anne Makin reviewed: Arm Knitted Blanket

"Thoroughly enjoyed this Arm Knitted Blanket Workshop. Kati was a fabulous tutor and really helpful. Who knew you could knit without needles?! Lovely way to spend 2 hours on a Saturday morning with your mum! Can't wait to make another one!"

Sew Me Something responded:

"Amazing to hear you want to make another arm knit blanket, we are sure you'll remember once you start!... And Yes! Who knew you could knit without needles - fab skill isn't it."

Chloe Townshend reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"Having met Di before I was excited to see her work in a professional capacity, and she doesn't disappoint! A wonderful, enthusiastic and fun tutor. As someone who doesn't consider themselves very creative I was so pleased with the cat I made. Will definitely be back for more!"

Wendy reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Fazey Woodcraft

"Jake was very clear, and explained things well, before we started. He watched us and helped us when we needed, and he was encouraging. I had never done anything like this before, and so was worried I'd get it all wrong, but learning the right way to do things was valuable. I'm not sure how many spoons a person needs though, so I'm hoping to learn to carve other things once I get better at spoons."

Fazey Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks for the review Wendy.. and for the record you can never have enough spoons! Eaters, servers, stirrers, cookers, lifters, flippers, soup spoons, slotted spoons, ice cream spoons, tea spoons, mini-scoops for coffee, spoons for getting into narrow necked jars, salt spoons, sugar spoons, left hand spoons, right hand spoons. Oh and of course giant campfire serving spoons! ? Hope to see you again. Jack."

Nadya reviewed: Make nipple tassels & bubbly in Brighton

"Charlie was amazing! We made nipple tassels as a surprise for my sisters birthday and she loved it! Full of fun and sequins! We would definitely recommend to anyone interested in doing something different!"

Abstract Architecture reviewed: Painting and drawing course at Castle Park Arts Centre, Cheshire: Abstract Architecture

"Fabulous day with Pam ... as always. I couldn't recommend Pam's workshops highly enough. The ideas and tutoring that you get from Pam is really helpful and helps you to create original and quirky pieces of art. I was so inspired I went home and continued on the piece through Saturday evening and all day Sunday. For anyone with an interest in painting, drawing, collage - this is definitely the workshop for you - and whats more you get a lovely lunch and unlimited cups of coffee. Thanks Pam - another successful day!"

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Sarah Thank you for taking the time to review the workshop and thank you for such kind comments. I’m really pleased that you have been inspired to continue working on your painting - well done, I’m looking forward to seeing the finished masterpiece. All the best Pam Smart"

Pauline Ward reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"Olivia gave us a very clear understanding of the process and was very helpful throughout the day. The workroom was organised with everything we needed including inspirational material and everyone had good results ..a happy atmosphere."

Sharon Boyden reviewed: Watercolour painting afternoon workshop - birds, animals & nature - with artist Laura Andrew

"Exceptional.! Laura is an amazingly talented artist and a lovely lady. The superb surroundings of her studio and the friendly welcome and hospitality (amazing afternoon tea ... so yummy) created a feeling of comfort and calm. Through Laura's encouragement and inspiration I was able to produce a painting that genuinely surprised me. I feel I learned so much in such a short time thanks to Laura's superb teaching methods. I had the most wonderful afternoon and met some lovely people. I was absolutely buzzing and couldn't wait to thank my son and daughter for the best Xmas present - roll on my birthday ... especially as it is a big one! I hope to attend another of Laura's courses soon - just wish the journey wasn't an hour and a half - however it is definitely worth the drive!"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"At Lucy’s again furthering my skills. This time was setting some bullet shaped cabochons and trying replicate two identical corkscrews in silver. To be added to my earrings. It worked fine on the test copper but as soon as I went on to the silver it suddenly got harder. With Lucy’s reassurance and guidance we got through it together."

Kate reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Donna is very patient with so much knowledge, I thoroughly enjoyed the course learning how to use my machine. I will definitely be looking to book the next course in the near future."

Blake Glenn reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I cannot say enough positive about John, Spencer, and Mark, and the wonderful two day experience my friends and i had this past weekend at Anvil Forge... Four of us did the 2-day Chef's knife course. The one word summary of the class, the gents teaching it, and the shop itself is "Genuine". John and co are all very adept teachers - a fine balance of technical instruction, gentle guidance and hand-holding, and 'letting you play' - all at the right times so that you have a good experience and leave with something to be proud of. It's not a sterile classroom environment - you are in a working shop. So you get to see the works-in-progress, the piles of 'things that didn't work out' and the glorious loud mess (I mean that in all positivity ). It all adds to the the fun and the education. My big takeaway is that blacksmithing is like cooking: it's really challenging at first, but your attitude and your mood directly infuse into the work. These guys approach their work with real care, passion, and fun - and we did too as a result. And speaking of fun... Pub lunch included! that was so great, because it is tiring work, and you're happy to have some home cooking halfway through the day. But more than that, the conversation, camaraderie, and instruction continues over lunch. Call these guys. Do this class. Go make some stuff! It'll dirty your hands and lift your soul. -BG"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Blake thanks for your comments. We all had a a great day , all of you were great pupils and make it really easy to teach, it was more like friends getting together which creates a really positive atmosphere for learning and means that everyone gets a lot out of the experience. Hope to see all of you again soon John"

Bridget Deane reviewed: Sun-printed lampshade making workshops in Devon

"A really enjoyable workshop - almost two in one! Fascinating learning about the cyanograph printing process and then making up the lampshade. Thank you!"

Jayne Lazenby reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"I have been on quite a few of Susan's workshops over the years. To make a wire bird in a day is a great experience and something to treasure for the garden. Susan is a brilliant teacher and gives guidance, support and encouragement throughout the day. Once you have made a bird there is a course to make something slightly more challenging. A Fox, Hare, Piglet is also achievable in the day. All the courses are great fun and worth every penny, with homemade cakes a delicious added bonus. Thank you Susan - will be back soon!"

David reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"My wife and I had a fantastic pottery experience with Sharon. Neither of us had any real previous experience and Sharon was very patient as a teacher. Made us feel relaxed and enjoyed every minute. The 2hr lesson flies by but is enough to give you a good flavour of the art. By the end you feel pretty tired. We loved the half time home made cakes! Thank you so much."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"David ,it was great to meet you and Linda,. I'm glad the experience met with your expectations and you felt 'relaxed.' I hope you were not too tired and a bit of cake helped to boost the energy levels half time! I'm sure you will be doing more! Thanks again, Sharon."

peggy reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Had great fun on both of Jo’s courses and produced some very pleasing sculptures. Lovely location and good company (inc the dogs!)"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Peggy! Your tall Giacometti handstand man as re-inspired me to make another version myself for the front garden - much to Andy's horror it's likely to be over 6 feet tall and then put onto a high stand ;-) ;-) ;-)"

Helen Taylor reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"I come from an art background and wanted to try something different. Brian is great at understanding your ideas and turning them into reality. His enthusiasm for his craft encourages you to push your ideas further. Brian has opened my eyes to new techniques that can be applied to my own paintings. I look forward to more opportunities to experiment further in creative glass techniques in widening my creativity inspired by what I’ve learnt on this course."

Cathy Smith reviewed: Animal pastel workshop

"My friend bought this art day for us both. We attended on Saturday and it was great, I had never used pastels before so was very much a beginner. With gentle instructions we progressed through the day and I was very pleased with my efforts. Some of the other clients had some very impressive work. I would do this class again"

Black Cat Art responded:

"Thank you so much for such a lovely review! I am so glad you enjoyed the day. I will have more workshop days in late spring and during the Bucks Open Studios exhibition mid June if you fancy doing another. :-)"

Natalie Stephenson reviewed: "Bride to Be" chocolate convivial

"What a brilliant day!! Filled with laughs, good food and amazing chocolates - a perfect choice for a relaxed hen with your nearest and dearest especially if your wanting to go that extra mile and have your own creations for wedding favours or after dinner treats!! Would highly recommend to any bride to be out there!! Thank you Margaret xx"

Confetti Chocolates responded:

"Thank you Natalie for your kind words, it was a pleasure to host this event for you and your hens. I am so glad that you enjoyed your day here at confetti cakes and chocolates and that your guests will enjoy the chocolates that you made. Have a fabulous wedding day and all the best wishes for your future."

ISH reviewed: Start to sew at The Wood Cottage Crafts

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day; from an absolute beginner to making a bag, what more can you want. I highly recommend you try the course for yourself."

The Wood Cottage Crafts responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review and so pleased you enjoyed the course."

Nicola Hunter-Dale reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"A fabulous course with good clear and patient teaching skills. Suzanne was very warm and welcoming and her work space is lovely. There was a lot of freedom of choice with colours, design and I was made to feel very relaxed. Time disappeared far too quickly- I hadn't realised how much I'd been concentrating. A very mindful afternoon of being totally absorbed making lovely jewellery."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your workshop. Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review. Suzanne"