Latest reviews

Liz Gibney reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"A fantastic workshop with results that surpassed my expectations! Sara is knowledgeable, highly skilled and very patient (helpful in my case!) I would definitely recommend and hope to do another course soon Thanks for a great day"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Liz, thank you so much for taking the time to write me a review. I really enjoyed working with you all .... really nice results and glad we got your piece finished :-) Hoping to see you again! Sara"

Kelvin Ashby reviewed: Colourful stained glass panel making course

"My daughter and I did Jo's one day course in February 2020 and it was excellent. I have wanted to try making stained glass for for a number of years and it was so interesting that I am seriously thinking of taking it up as a hobby. The facilities in Jo's workshop are first class and with only three people on each course she is able to give each participant one to one tuition and allow each to work at their own speed. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and it is surprising how much can be covered in depth during the day. If you have been thinking of giving this craft a try we would both highly recommend that you book this course. Thanks again Jo and for the advice you gave me on what tools and equipment I would need to take up stained glass making as a hobby at home."

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Hi Kelvin, Thank you for the lovely review ? I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day and found it informative. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me. Kind regards, Jo ??"

Sarah Phillips reviewed: Two Day Hand Spinning Workshop in Norfolk

"The course is well structured and thoroughly enjoyable. You start by meeting the sheep, then look at fleeces, talk about how to wash the wool, and then card and comb some before learning to spin. I had previously done the one-day course at The Spinning Barn, and found it really helpful to follow it with this one. This course goes into more detail, and I was able to absorb a lot more. Theresa and James were also really helpful getting my wheel (which I obtained second hand between the two courses) working properly. The barn you learn in is warm and cosy, Theresa is really patient, and also explains things very clearly. And on top of all that, a delicious lunch is provided each day! I can't recommend this course enough!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Sarah for your review and also for supporting The Spinning Barn by attending another workshop. It is really appreciated. I was so thrilled to see that you had not forgotten what you had learned initially and then continued to make fabulous progress. Your smiling face at the end really summed up why I do what I do. Thank you again and do let me know how things are going. Theresa x"

Claire Hawkins reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"The best course I've been on. Thoroughly enjoyed. Learnt loads in a really relaxed way and to come away with a fully finished wonkey donkey was brilliant. I genuinely didn't think I could make one but Richard talked us through every step. The sculptures are bigger than you think they're going to be. Already booked to do gazing hare. Can't wait!!"

Sue & Kate reviewed: Enamelling Taster Session

"Thank you for a wonderful afternoon. We learnt a lot and produced lovely pendants. Melissa was an excellent teacher."

Helen Thomas reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I have never done woodcarving before but have always fancied doing it so my husband got me this course for my birthday. We were given the option of carving one of the existing projects or carving our own design, I chose the three rabbits design to carve in relief. initially I was frightening to carve the wood as I didn't want to wreck it, but it didn't take long to get my confidence up. Geraint the tutor was constantly on hand to to provide encouragement and help me correct all my mistakes!! I am so pleased with my finished wood carving and I am now thinking of buying some chisels and taking this up as a hobby. The venue itself is really beautiful and was easy to get to for me, I live in Birmingham and it was only a 30 minute journey. Thank you so much for a lovely weekend!!!"

Keith Hutchinson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic weekend, excellent tutors and a friendly environment. Mark and Richard provided friendly advice and guidance at a pace that we could all absorb. Explaining and demonstrating the key points clearly and with patience. Four students all with various levels of ability all came away with hand made boxes that would not of been out of place in a shop window. Will definitely be looking at more courses with them. Thank you."

Chrissie Roberts reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"Wonderful introduction to glass painting and would thoroughly recommend anyone giving it a try. Derek was an excellent, immensely talented teacher and very patient - definitely finished the day feeling inspired. Hospitality was brilliant and the people on the course with me were really lovely which made for a very enjoyable day."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Dear Chrissie, Thank you so much for your review and very happy to hear you enjoyed the day. Hope to see you again on some future courses. With best wishes, Derek"

Libby reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"We had a wonderful day with Georgina last week making items from silver clay. I went with two friends and as promised the group size was tiny - 4 people! Georgina worked alongside us giving lots of one to one tuition, tips and advice, based on her wealth of experience and kindness in sharing it all. This was such a satisfying experience because we all came away with items which were genuinely lovely. We were infected with Georgina's enthusiasm and a large part of our conversations since our experience have been about how to take this forward. I would not hesitate to recommend the course. It was easy to park and easy to find somewhere pleasant for lunch. The venue was interesting, with lots of art around to inspire us. Thank you Georgina."

Galina Titova reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I would strongly recommend this course. Bridget is a great teacher, patient and attentive to every detail. Both novice and experienced makers produced an amazing pieces and an atmosphere was friendly and relaxing. It’s been very enjoyable experience and I learnt a lot."

Geoffrey Wilson reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Chillington Hall

"I am a complete beginner and was slightly nervous before the workshop as I hadn't done anything like it before. In short, I simply couldn't believe the quality of carving I produced after 2 days, my family didn't believe it was my work. I found craft skills that I didn't know I had. We were given step by step instructions following an initial demonstration, and then worked through the carving stage by stage using a range of chisels. We carved a type of wood called lime which was soft and easy to carve even for me!! I want to thank Geraint for his patience, help and a thoroughly enjoyable weekend."

Gemma reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I’ll be honest, I wasn’t convinced I’d come away with anything that even resembled a Wonky Donkey but Richard’s step by step method meant that not only myself, but every member of the group left feeling quite pleased with ourselves and our Donkeys. The workshops are relaxed and Richard makes sure that everyone has the guidance they require. I was a complete beginner so questioned my every step but there was no need to. Trust in Richard and you will come away with a fantastic piece of art, lovingly made by you! The perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday."

Helen reviewed: Natural Skincare Workshop: Moisturisers and Creams

"Friendly well organised session. It was great fun and very interesting. Not only do you make moisturisers and creams for body and face but you learn so much about skin care and making the products. It was a fabulous morning. I would highly recommend it."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Helen for a lovely review! It was great to have you and hope you are enjoying using your creams, Nic"

Jane stokes reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, Charlie was an excellent tutor! Right balance of information and practical experience, want to do it again, the arts centre is an under used resource."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback. It was a pleasure to meet you and look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. Charlie"

Julie Mccready reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"A wonderful master class course with a diligent and confident teacher who shares endless top tips with students and ensures everyone has 1:1 time to learn the skill. The whole weekend was like a warm therapeutic ? hug. Thank you."

Penny Gray-Mele reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"Such an enjoyable three hours that felt like 1 hour, it went by so fast. The jewellery course covers so much in an enjoyable space, clear patient instruction and really thoughtfully set out work space. Thank you!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to leave feedback Penny. It is greatly appreciated. The time whizzes by doesn't it! I'm so glad you enjoyed it."

Emma Bradley reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I've just spent the most amazing day with Lyn (and my friend Beki!). Painting with hot wax is such good fun and Lyn spent a lot of time showing us the basics and then building up to more advanced processes as the day went on. Texturing, moulding, adding highlights with different materials. She is a great teacher and very giving with her time. 10/10!"

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Dear Emma & Beki, it was a pleasure to spend the day with you. I do hope that you use what you have learned in your studies Emma, and please get in touch if you fancy trying photo-Encaustic! Thank you Lyn ?"

Lesley condron reviewed: Two Day Hand Spinning Workshop in Norfolk

"Hi Theresa It has been the best two days! As you know I have just completed my city and guilds in hand knitting. I could not have thought of a better way to complement this challenge. Tonight I have just ordered my spinning wheel, look forward to seeing you soon with my knitted skein. Lesley"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Lesley it was such a pleasure to meet you and to help you learn to spin. The sheer joy was evident and i can see how your new skill is going to complement your amazing knitting skills too. I really look forward to seeing yiu soon with your wheel and lots of yarn! Theresa x"

Janis Fry reviewed: Wet-felting workshop with Fabulous Feltings

"I had an absolutely wonderful day! Really enjoyed it. Working with the coloured wools and fabrics was very therapeutic and exciting to see how it all worked. I was very pleased with the results and I hope to have another day with Jane who is a good teacher and great company and now I understand how it works I would like to do some more of this wet felting."

Fabulous Feltings responded:

"Dear Janis Thank you for your kind words - it was great show you how colours work with wool rather than with paints. You wouldn’t think that wool fibres would blend like paint but they do - and the beauty of felt is that you can admire it from both sides! I look forward to further felting adventures with you! Jane"

Joyce Woollery reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Presentation was informative and instructions were easy to follow . The candle making group was very much engaged, there was fun and laughter. The candles smells heavenly and it made you proud that you have created something so lovely and therapeutic. The fun is you could then take the finished candles home. I really enjoyed the class /group and the presenter and her helpers good personalitird which helps for engaging in a group setting. Learning about different scents and the products used to make the candles was very interesting. I will booked my follow up class for next month. Thanks for a good candle making experience. Joyce"

Stephen Bland reviewed: One day beginners painting course with Sue O'Mara Art - all materials provided

"I had not undertaken any art work since I was at school many years ago. Sue put me at ease very quickly, explaining the process we would follow, the techniques to be used and the expected learning. Sue delivered on all points. The day was a total pleasure, Sue was very kind, excellent at her art and very supportive. She built my confidence quickly and by the end of the day I had produced a painting that I was very proud of and that totally wowed my family. I have no hesitation in recommending Sue and am already booked for my next lesson!"

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Thank you Steve I am so glad you enjoyed your day, you did really well. Looking forward to helping you with your next project! Best wishes, Sue"

Michelle reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Such a fantastic workshop! The two hours flew by and I came home with wonderful macrame pot hanger. I cannot wait to do another one!"

Malcolm Donnelly reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have no criticism. I am a complete novice having sat behind a desk my whole life, and I was apprehensive that I would make a fool of myself with the simplest task, even measuring. I needn’t have worried. Mark and Richard were supportive, encouraging, practical and expert in every respect and I managed things I never dreamed I’d be able to do, under their friendly supervision. To cap it all I have a beautiful box to prove that it really happened! I thoroughly recommend this course. If you have half the fun I’ve had you will be very happy indeed."

valerie mellor reviewed: Half-day traditional basketry willow workshops with Pip Cottage in Lancashire

"The day was fabulous, enjoyable, interesting and well worth the money I would recommend to anyone. Julie was a great teacher."

Pip Cottage responded:

"Hello Val, Thanks for your great review, glad you enjoyed the day, it was good to work with everyone at the workshop and help them make their lovely sculptures. Thanks, Julie"

Claire Pearson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"We gave my 15 year old son a 1-1 day course with Mark as a Christmas present. He had a wonderful time and learned so much. He was a complete beginner and, with Mark's help, made a lovely bowl. He is now enthusiastic to do more and cannot wait to acquire his own workshop. We are delighted with Mark's tuition and help and recommend him wholeheartedly."