Latest reviews

Ava Ellis reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Really enjoyed the weekend - learnt so much just in a few hours! Am totally inspired to continue painting for local exhibitions and friends. Such a lovely group of people on my weekend! Hoping one day I can make the Greece trip - how lovely!!?"

Caroline Reid reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a thoroughly absorbing day, 100% concentration! Really love my finished earrings, not available in your local store : ) Caroline P.S. Also love the extra details: Homemade cake and lime + soda."

Camilla Hamilton reviewed: Learn to art journal mixed media workshop

"I had a fantastic time at Natalie's Art Journalling course. It was really inspiring, relaxing and fun. I especially liked how it gave me a window into something new, whilst at the same time showing me how I could use some skills I already had and put them to a new use. I enjoyed it so much I have booked to come back next month for her mixed media flower drawing. Thanks Natalie!"

Country Garden Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much Camilla for attending the art journalling workshop, and I am so happy that I inspired you enough to return to the studio next month! Your art journal was fantastic, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of those future pages filled up with creative ideas!"

Charlotte Reid reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"This was the best Christmas present that I have ever had! : ) Such an amazing day learning and making jewellery! Such a relaxed, fun and brilliant time. I want to come back next week already!!"

Simon Cross reviewed: Calligraphy for beginners - 4 week course

"A brilliant course, really well structured and excellently delivered by an exceptional tutor who is fun and super talented."

Keith Bickley reviewed: Chair making on Camb/Suffolk border

"This was a well paced and well thought out course. A relaxed, non pressured atmosphere led by an experienced craftsman. I already had some woodworking experience but I learned a lot; from detailed marking out to accurate planing, drilling and travishing-not a word one uses daily! I travelled a long way to do this course and I will do so again for Bill’s next course. 10/10."

Claire Mills reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"A lovely introduction to candle making. I came away with so many candles and lovely smells. I highly recommend this course. I have already bought some of the kit to make my own at home"

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Having not much experience of stone setting, the challenge was to set a tiny CZ stone as a practice run for my bangle design. With my not-what-it-was eyesight, I didn't think I could do it. But with Lucy's very patient and clear step by step instruction, I did. Lucy, you are a marvel!"

Tracy Shepard reviewed: Creative Retreat

"I went on this alpaca retreat in September 2019 and it was an amazing experience. I had signed up mainly for the yoga (which was fantastic) but I loved every part of the weekend from the tree walk to the art, from the alpacas to the weaving. The house and the surrounding area are beautiful and the food over the weekend was incredible. It was a very thoughtfully designed programme of events that left me feeling happily tired and thoroughly relaxed. I would strongly recommend this retreat; it has left me with a host of happy memories."

Lynn reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"A great course with easy to follow, clear instruction. Catherine gives detailed information together with handouts which allow you to feel confident and safe in the process of soap making. The venue is lovely and the straight forward directions on how to find were really helpful. Just impatient for my soap to cure! Would definitely recommend."

Carrie Twist reviewed: Printmaking course - collagraph and mixed media print with Nicki Dennett

"Nicki is an inspirational artist and her teaching style is clear, concise and informative. She gives plenty of space to explore different techniques but is on hand to support when needed."

Jenny McLurg reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"This was a Christmas present from my daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and Julie was really attentive and nothing was too much trouble. Julie has a vast stock of items to make whatever you would like. There are so many possibilities of creating a unique item for yourself or family. I made coasters, each one totally different by using the various glasses that were available and tools to create my designs. Highly recommended."

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thank you Jenny was a pleasure meeting you and being able to help you create your coasters."

Wendy Hedges reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I had a 1-2-1 taster session with Sarah and thoroughly enjoyed it. After an introduction on how the process worked, and the materials that were available it was time to have a go. Having done a few craft classes of various sorts, it was so nice that Sarah was there if you needed her, but was very hands-off and lets you make your own design and material decisions. I kept my designs fairly simple so was able to complete 5 pieces in my two hour session. I picked them up a few days later after they had been in the kiln and was really pleased with the results. Its nice to have things I will use, and several friends have now expressed interest in having a go, having seen my pieces. I would love to do another session, and would definitely recommend it, even if you dont think you're very artistic!"

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"Thank you for this great review Wendy - I look forward to a return visit perhaps!"

Mandy Jones reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"What a fabulous day. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel welcome and offered tea/coffee and homemade cake. Amanda was so friendly and explained how the day would run and what we would make. Always on hand for advice, to enthuse and encourage, Amanda allowed us to let our creative juices flow. A delicious homemade lunch was devoured after making our first piece amid much excitement as we swapped ideas. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in having a go. It was just such an enjoyable day and I have two pieces of glass to display. Thoroughly enjoyable."

Priscilla White reviewed: Introduction to soap making

"Thank you Sarah - I came to your soap-making course in October (my birthday) and had a great day. I kept most of my soap to give as presents at Christmas and have had the most amazing feedback from family and friends! The last few bars I'm keeping for myself and while they were maturing the smell scented my bedroom beautifully. I will be back!!"

Charlotte reviewed: Rings and Things - Soldering for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Great workshop! We learned a lot and Viv was very patient! Came out with 5 lovely rings that I haven't taken off since. The only things I might suggest is a proper break for lunch. We were happy we went out for 30 minutes but felt as though we had missed out on some parts as no one else stopped for lunch. One of the other attendees mentioned by the end that she was very hungry and needed some proper food. I also think that a slightly smaller class size would work better as it was quite difficult for Viv to get around everybody, and of course, some people needed more attention than others. Overall though, a fun and informative class - Viv explained the science very well! Would definitely attend another one of her classes given the chance. Thanks for everything! Charlotte"

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for this lovely and thoughtful review, my system works well most of the time but not all of the time, I am sorry you worried you missed something, I always do a quick head count so I don't have to repeat instructions but like you say, there were lots of things happening - a very creative and diverse group! I was very happy to give you extra help, but the group objective was met - it's when everyone goes solo on their own designs that the fun starts - a great challenge!"

Helen Gardner reviewed: Weaving: the journey begins

"Thank you so much for the weaving tuition on Thursday, it was hugely enjoyable and interesting and exactly what I needed."

Brian Burden reviewed: Coptic stitch handmade sketchbook

"Although I had made a few simple folded and single signature books I had never made a Coptic stitch book before. Janina took us through the process step by step, as well as providing one to one assistance where needed. Like many craft projects, the process takes practice and there are lots of tips and tricks which were passed on too. An enjoyable day and I feel sure there will be other courses that pull me back."

Micklems Farm Creative Workshops responded:

"Thank you Brian - hope we see you again soon! Rosemary"

Joan Burns reviewed: Stained Glass/Mosaics

"A complete novice and oldie as well, I found the classes relaxing, challenging and very fulfilling. Sam is very friendly and helpful. The other people in the class are also friendly and welcoming, as well as helping you out where they can."

Sam Finning responded:

"Thank you Joan I’m glad you find it challenging as well as relaxing- there is always something new to learn!"

Jo Thompson Coon reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"Fabulous workshop - great, encouraging tuition from Jo, lovely setting complete with log burner and nature outside the windows! Never done anything like this before but Jo talked us through each step clearly and carefully so I came away with some really beautiful earrings. A really, calm, relaxing and satisfying workshop - I'll definitely be back for more!"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you Jo - I'm so pleased you enjoyed your day."

beverley gerega reviewed: Stained Glass/Mosaics

"A lovely course, great set of people. Since the course I have gone on to sell at local craft fairs."

Sam Finning responded:

"Thanks Bev, you are doing so well with your glass, it’s great to see!"

PAT DUKE reviewed: Portrait painting in oils

"Really enjoyed the two days - only 3 'pupils' (it takes place in Karls studio) so lot of one-to-one guidance. Karl is also painting one of his own portraits from scratch so you can really see what he is reaching in action. Lovely atmosphere. Would do another workshop with him and recommend it."

David Lynn reviewed: Pottery experience day at The Ceramic Studio

"Such a great experience. Everyone was really friendly and there was a lovely atmosphere. I really enjoyed the hand building and learning how to decorate my work. The food was very good and the lunch break was relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable. Throwing was challenging, but fun!"

Susan Craig reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"An excellent beginners course. Well paced so we completed our items in the time allowed and we both wore our new earrings the following day. Lots of examples and ideas so the hardest part was choosing what to make. Nice coffee and biscuits too !!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you very much Susan it was lovely to meet you and your sister! Claire"

Jayne reviewed: Botanical eco printing workshop

"Had a fabulous informative day and went home with a beautiful naturally dyed silk scarf."

Cedar Farm Gallery responded:

"Thanks so much for the kind words Jayne. Hope to see you again at another class!"