Latest reviews

Emily reviewed: Linen weaving Edinburgh

"I learnt so much. Jess has an extensive knowledge of weaving history and techniques, fascinating. Going back for another soon."

Robin Harris reviewed: Dala horse carving

"Excellent course, excellent tutor - Really valuable to receive expert guidance on various carving techniques. Fun, enjoyable and useful for myself as a novice woodworker and for the 13 year old girl I was accompanying as well. Great cake too :) Highly recommended for all ages and abilities"

Alex McKenzie reviewed: Woodworking - Make Your Own Workbench

"I recently completed the two-day Work Bench Making Course, with Steve at Dovetail Woodworking in rural Staffordshire. The whole experience was a pleasure from start to finish. The location right next to a bustling Canal Marina just fitted the bill. There is a definite sense of our industrial heritage about the whole area, reflected in the surrounding small workshops and architecture. Dovetail Woodworking have got it just right in terms of size, with a well-equipped traditional workshop that has been thought out in detail to provide the beginner or intermediate craftsperson ,with a comfortable, but not dauntingly overwhelming, space to learn in. Steve is a fantastic teacher with a very relaxed easy-going style, his attention to detail is fantastic and he goes to great lengths not just to tell, “how” to do it, but also “why”. One of the main things I enjoyed, particularly regarding any required machining operations, was that Steve was more than happy to stand back and let me have a go. It’s a long time since I have used a Mortice Machine for instance, but after a few minutes of careful explanation from Steve, I was” plunging away like a pro”!! Every bench is equipped with a full set of quality hand tools, the planes and chisels are “razor” sharp, and a delight to use. We also went into quite a lot of detail regarding setting out and marking out the workpieces. I learned from Steve the importance of face marking the timber and laying it out correctly in order to make the whole construction process easier in the long run. Although we worked to a tight timetable and covered a lot of work over the two days, Steve always found time to “brew up” and look out the biscuit barrel ! Having come from a construction background myself, it was great to swap stories about old jobs and characters with Steve during these breaks. To anyone thinking of doing a short course in Woodworking Skills, or specifically like myself, wanting to build a traditional Joiners Work Bench, I am happy to say ,look no further than Steve and Dovetail Woodworking."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Thanks for the very generous review and I hope you have many enjoyable hours at your new bench. Steve"

Chris Greening reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I have a background in geology, the marine environment and am now a potter. I dabble in acrylic paint and mixed media but I have always been intrigued by the concept of encaustic wax. So when I saw Lyn's work and course details I knew I had to treat myself to one of her whole day courses - and what an excellent experience it has been. Lyn's communication throughout the process has been excellent and her introduction to a subject that could possibly be quite daunting was undertaken in a thorough, unambiguous and yet exciting manner as to options and variations available in the subject matter. We worked on preparation of the surfaces, what surfaces result in different effects, alternatives to the normal materials and the suppliers of those materials. We discussed what techniques may lend itself to the influences for the designs. I am very abstract in my approach (can't draw - won't draw) and this technique suits those "real life artistically challenged" amongst us perfectly. I was very pleasantly surprised by the range of effects that are possible with just small variations in materials and through quite a limited palette one could produce a vast array of finishes - including pigmented wax but also found objects, textured paper, images, scratching away at surfaces and different brush techniques. Saying that, Lyn literally has a workshop full of materials - if you can't find what you need, it probably isn't worth trying! It was a really enjoyable day run by a true professional with a passion for her subject matter; it really comes across and her eagerness to get the best results for you. And of course onto the most important thing - the carrot cake - best ever!! I thoroughly recommend you do this course and stay on the Isle of Portland and explore this intriguing landscape which will inspire you in your creativity! It's given me a lot of food for thought as to how I could move my existing practices onwards. Thanks Lyn!"

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Chris, that is a most generous review of today. I thoroughly enjoyed it too. So exciting to share encaustic wax with others who are looking to resolve questions, and maybe find new ways and treatments for their existing practice. Keep in touch, I would love to see some finished pots! Oh, and thank you for the pots...I will enjoy working on them. All the best Lyn"

Rachel Atiyah reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Only reason I didn't put excellent is because I wish we could have had longer! Great bee group, knowledgeable teacher with interesting stories to tell. As for the food.... delicious with the bonus of tasting the Perry (in the pub) made on the farm! Have yet to finish my skep, and feeling quite proud of how well it is forming/looking so far. Thanks Bees for Development ."

Julie Lawton reviewed: Wax Melt & Tea Light Making Workshop

"I loved this workshop. It was great learning how to make your own melts and tealights with lots of fun too! Denice who runs these workshops has a passion for making products that are environmentally friendly, natural and toxic free which is very important to me so I know when I use them at home i'm not breathing in any nasties! Instead I can enjoy the gorgeous aromas worry free!! ❤️ I'm looking forward to future workshops with this lovely lady! ?"

Jo Nicolson reviewed: Drawing from life with Jake Spicer

"First time at Phoenix Studio and first time on one of Jake's classes. Had a great day as Jake is an excellent and inspiring teacher and Katie was a great model. Couldn't believe how much work we produced in the day but learned a lot and looking forward very much to the 2 day portrait course in May. The studio and facilities are perfect too. Thanks to all!"

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks for such a lovely review Jo! Much appreciated. We are delighted that you enjoyed your time here. Do come back soon x"

Kim reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Such an informative day, excellent teacher who structured the day to make sure we all achieved two books. Instructions were easy to follow and a nice relaxed atmosphere to work in. Looking forward to signing up for the intermediate course. Thank you Lynne"

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed Di's course. Great fun. Highly recommended. Came home with a lovely sculpture of a hare."

Art on the Edge responded:

"Thank you Bella. So gladyou enjoyed it. See you for the chicken making workshop. D :)"

Julie reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"This gelli plate course is an absolute must for anyone interested in learning about the craft. Clare is so welcoming and explains the process very clearly. She offers excellent advice and encouragement, so it was perfect for beginners like me! I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it. Thank you Clare for a most enjoyable morning! See you again soon! "

Amy Da Silveira reviewed: Virtual Creative Gift Wrapping Workshop via Zoom

"Very warm, friendly and welcoming. Covered a lot during the course. Very happy with it and excited to start doing what I’ve learnt at home."

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Dear Amy, its great that you are happy with what you learnt on the course , and I am happy to hear that you will start doing something with your skills . Good luck !"

Poppy Reynolds reviewed: Two Day Hand Spinning Workshop in Norfolk

"This course is fantastic for anyone who is interested in getting started with spinning. Theresa is extremely knowledgeable and very patient! The setting is idyllic and the whole weekend was wonderful. Great introduction highly recommend thank you x"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Hello Poppy. Thank you so very much for your lovely review, it is very much appreciated. It was so special to meet you properly (you know what I mean!) and I was absolutely thrilled to watch your amazing spinning progress. As you know I had tears of joy. I really hope that you continue and hope to see you soon. Ps I have suddenly found my chocolately sweet tooth again!! Thank you x"

Adam reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"I've never done mosaic before, and this half-day workshop was a great way to start. The instructors were encouraging and experienced, and they provided all of the equipment and supplies that we needed. It was an enjoyable day and I highly recommend it!"

Alison Stattersfield reviewed: Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop

"I have just attended Sarah's 2-day workshop on traditional lampshade making and can thoroughly recommend it. I wasn't sure what to expect, being a complete novice, and might have been a bit daunted if I had known. But Sarah led us calmly through all the stages and, miraculously, everything worked, including getting a rectangular piece of fabric onto a shaped shade with no creases! Sarah was very generous with her tips and information and imparted a wealth of knowledge. The results were lovely and we all finished feeling inspired to have a go on our own."

Sam reviewed: Mosaic: Creative Mosaic

"I attended this workshop and it was extremely good fun. The small group made it very friendly and we got through making our design and taking home a lovely wall hanging, feeling very proud. Lunch was brilliant too and the whole day very relaxing . Thank you"

EJaRt Creative responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed this. It was a pleasure and hope to see you again soon"

ANH reviewed: Clay Creative Workshop Afternoons

"These are excellent workshops run in such pleasant surroundings . Emma explains everything so well and with great patience. This is a great hobby for men and women and the small friendly groups enable you to be inspired by others and let your creativity flow. We are now all hooked and return regularly to make either a piece Emma has suggested in order to stretch our skills or we can choose that unique something we really want to make for ourselves, under her expert guidance."

C R reviewed: Clay Creative Workshop Afternoons

"An excellent workshop in beautiful surroundings. I am now hooked and learning more and more. Thoroughly recommended"

EJaRt Creative responded:

"Glad you enjoyed these workshops. So much more to teach you so hope you come again soon."

A B reviewed: Candle making : introduction

"Had an amazing fun day with lots of lovely candles to take home. I will certainly come again."

C S reviewed: Candle making : introduction

"Lovely workshop, well organised and well led and explained"

K Oliver reviewed: Candle making : introduction

"A very informative workshop that's given me all the info. needed to start candlemaking. I would come again."

Christa van Wessem reviewed: Intro/beginners silver jewellery with metal clay - textured pendant or earrings

"I did this course with a friend on a Sunday morning - Steph had accommodated us perfectly. She was very good at explaining what the process was and how to achieve the best results, and there were lots of examples to get inspiration from. She was very patient and lovely to work with - we were really pleased with our end products: I made a ring and my friend made lovely earrings and 2 pendants for her daughters. Our session took a bit longer than the morning, but at no point did Steph seem in a hurry. She even provided the necklaces to go with the pendants for no extra cost. All in all we had a great day and would definitely recommend this workshop!"

Ellen Cottam reviewed: Sewing for the Terrified 2-day Intensive

"I took the plunge after researching beginners sewing classes near me and arrived for my 'sewing for the Terrified'. I was warmly welcomed by Catherine and with her enthusiasm and patience she soon had me sewing without being terrified! I thoroughly enjoyed my day as Catherine's teaching class is very well thought out coupled with handouts and homework o). Catherine has extensive knowledge and she is very generous with it. Due to my fantastic experience I have since booked onto a couple more classes with Catherine. I highly recommend Catherine's classes!"

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

"A great, enjoyable workshop. Perfect combination of information, practical and group interaction. Di is brilliant and supported my initial, hesitant attempts. I left feeling very confident,pleased with my artistic experience and a beautiful bronzed dog. I am definitely returning and intend to challenge myself with a sculpted hare for the garden. Thanks Di"

Art on the Edge responded:

"Thank you Karen. Hope he is sitting in your summer room looking at the garden. Di :)"

Jennifer Towleh reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - London

"Elspeth taught this course and was wonderful-patient and incredibly knowledgeable. I walked away from the course with the materials and the inspiration to start my journey into rag rugging. I highly recommend this course."

Ragged Life Ltd responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Jennifer, I'm glad you enjoyed it, you may have caught the rag rugging bug :-)"

Alison Sauro reviewed: Plant pot art - Powertex craft workshop

"I bought this course as a present for a friend. We had no idea what to expect as I'm not very arty but love the idea. However I can say it was a really brilliant course with Vicky being the most patient of teachers. We both came away with the most amazing pots and had so much fun doing it. The garden studio is set in a gorgeous garden and is a lovely setting to be creative. Vicky has a wealth of wonderful ideas and loves to hear your ideas and suggestions. I would highly recommend this course for any abilities and for those who would like to have some fun."