Latest reviews

Keith Jones reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"I spent a most enjoyable day with my daughter learning how to “throw a pot” when we attended a recent pottery course expertly delivered by Lorraine Bates. We both thoroughly enjoyed our experience and was guided through each step in a most friendly and informative way. I can highly recommend a visit to Woodsetton Art Pottery. And . . . cannot wait to see (& collect) the fruits of our labours. Thank you Lorraine."

Anthony David Sinnott reviewed: Small woodland management and hand felling

"The course was very much a practical hands on introduction to hand felling small trees in a lovely deciduous woodland. The day started with an overview of the tools we would use, preceded by valuable health and safety advice. The four course participants were soon at work in the woods learning the practical application of techniques for felling small trees using bow saw and axe, not forgetting 'snedding' with billhook. The day included welcome beverages, packed lunch or food from the excellent kiosk. The tutors were obviously very able at their crafts and shared their knowledge with good humour and enthusiasm. I was particularly grateful for the time we spent on learning sharpening techniques for the tools we were using, having missed the specific course Dave runs on this subject. I would definitely recommend the course as an introduction to the subject and it would likely repay annual attendance for brushing up of woodland skills. I look forward to attending future courses."

Kathy reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"A fun and informative course where you get to make your own piece of stained glass to take home. Whilst you have a choice of designs to follow, you can bring through your own creativity and uniqueness with a choice of different glass types and a range of colours to make your design. I didn’t have any knowledge of the processes beforehand but Ian explains everything and shares some interesting history of the origins of stained glass."

Karen reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"An excellent course and thoroughly enjoyable. Despite being a complete novice, with Peter's patient, careful tuition, I managed to produce a lovely piece of furniture which I'm really pleased with. An added bonus was the relaxed setting, beautiful location in the South Hams and a great group of fellow students. I highly recommend this course and would love to do more! Thank you Peter (and helper Toby)."

Lesley Thornton reviewed: One day beginners mosaic workshop

"I so enjoyed this workshop. Judy is an excellent teacher, explaining really clearly everything that we needed to know. As it was only a three hour workshop we had to do the final grouting at home, but Judy provided all that was needed, with straightforward written instructions. Everyone left with a mosaic they could be proud of. Thank you Judy."

Ludmila reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"Great course."

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you Ludmila, really pleased you enjoyed the workshop"

Jane Turland reviewed: Textured Jewellery Making

"A very enjoyable afternoon - with Katherine for her Textured Jewellery Workshop. As promised tea and homemade cake. Katherine is a very patient, clear and knowledgeable tutor. She gave us space to experiment, whilst guiding us to create our own individual pieces. Katherine's workshop is cosy and well equipped - I caught myself feeling like a true artist! Will definitely be back for more!"

Marie and Jon Spurr reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"A really enjoyable experience. Bought for my husband as a gift and decided to go along too! We both had a fabulous time learning new skills and being stretched and challenged by David. David is a patient and encouraging teacher who is knowledgeable about his craft. We had lunch with David and his partner Sue, which added to the enjoyment of the day as they were so welcoming and interesting to talk to. You must visit Sue’s studio and admire her impressive art! You make some lovely pieces to take away which are both useable and aesthetically pleasing. I would recommended this day to anyone. Thank you David!"

Daisy reviewed: Fused glass workshop at Talton Mill with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"This was the first time I’d done fused glass making and it was wonderful. Helen is a kind and patient teacher and she lets you run with whatever style you like. I learned so much in the day and was totally absorbed by the creative process. Whenever I wear my handmade fused glass jewelry I get tons of people commenting and asking how I made them. I’ll be doing it again as soon as I can!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Dear Daisy, so kind of you to leave a review of the glass workshop and I’m delighted you continue to enjoy wearing your uniquely stylish jewellery. Your enthusiastic approach to the whole day was so infectious , you were indeed in the zone and it was great to have your company."

kathy reviewed: Beginners introduction to modern calligraphy at Rudding Park

"Excellent day, very welcoming and learnt so much. Went home with calligraphy I'm proud of."

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"Thank you so much, Kathy. We’re delighted you enjoyed yourself, learned a wonderful new skill, and met some other lovely people too! Enjoy practising your beautiful calligraphy and we’ll hopefully see you again soon."

Marriam Younas reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"I have been to a couple of Jill’s classes and they have been amazing! Had so much fun and learnt so much too! I didn’t think i’d be able to make such lovely pieces"

Emma Jones reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"We received a lovely warm welcome with home made cakes and biscuits on hand all day. Lorraine is so knowledgeable and has an excellent teaching style, adapting to the different students within the small group. We received lots of feedback and ideas throughout the day and got a good feel for the foundations of throwing pottery on the wheel."

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

"A lovely way to spend a few hours with friends and enjoy the pleasure of creating your own special piece of jewellery-I came away with a wonderful silver bangle that I couldn’t believe I had created myself-can’t stop looking at it! My friend made a perfect pair of earrings. Sara made the day for us-her Studio was so professionally laid out with every imaginable tool possible-she was very helpful and encouraging and made us most welcome. We will certainly go again this year-I can thoroughly recommend the experience-thank you so much Sara-"

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Dear Annette - thank you so much for your review, I had such a fun day with you and Liz, it was my absolute pleasure to work with you ..... and you both made lovely pieces - I'm glad you like your bangle. Can't wait to see you both again later this year to make some new things ...... maybe some spoon rings :-) Sara"

Christine Hazell reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Theresa is an enthusiastic and encouraging tutor who obviously knows her subject in great depth but has designed a one-day course that gets you started on the basics without leaving you overwhelmed. It was all great fun in her little workshop, warmed by a wood burning stove and well supplied with hot drinks and cake. The day was perfectly timed so that we carded, spun and plied our wool and were able to get it into skeins and wash it, ready to take away with us at the end. I loved it and would recommend it to any beginner or to anyone who wants a refresher course."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"I am so pleased that you enjoyed your workshop Christine, it was such an enjoyable day. I remember the moment when it all fell into place for you and it made my day. Thank you for sharing the day and being part of such fun whilst sharing this wonderful craft. I really hope you are continuing to spin Do let me know how you are getting on. Theresa."

Lesley-Anne Moore reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Went for a birthday surprise and it did not disappoint. It was a really wonderful and honest experience. Chris was incredibly patient and kind and we will both treasure our pots that we made forever. Would highly recommend this gorgeous adventure."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Lesley-Anne for the lovely review. It was a really great session - you both immersed yourselves in the throwing and decorating process, which is always nice and some great pots came out of the kiln. Best wishes, Chris."

Laura Hinchey reviewed: Fleece Preparation for Spinners & Felters

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day, thank you! I’ve learnt everything I need to be able to prepare a full fleece from raw to something I can spin with. Elaine is so full of knowledge and is more than happy to share everything she knows!"

Matt Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"Myself and a good friend attended a one day blacksmithing course yesterday with Tom at Longdog smithy. There’s nothing to say other than it was an utterly incredible day! From the outset Tom was hugely helpful in the lead up to the course with admin and organisation. My craft course voucher was due to expire, and Tom was most helpful in booking our course despite this potential problem. We were then provided detailed instructions on how to get to the smithy and requirements for the day, and were also asked for our dietary requirements which were fulfilled (with an amazing lunch!) Upon arrival Tom greeted us and helped us with parking arrangements and we were taken into the smithy where the real fun began! We sat with Tom and discussed what we would like to make (in our case, blades) and in what style over a cup of tea, and drew some rough sketches of what we’d like to achieve. We then cut our steel and Tom talked us through lighting the forge, explaining each step in detail. Tom expertly demonstrated each step that we were about to take, and we were soon manipulating the metal with forge and hammer amongst other tools. Tom’s teaching style is fantastic as he would demonstrate and then we were set free to get stuck in and have a go ourselves with his expert guidance along side. Once we had forged our blades using several different techniques, Tom talked us through and demonstrated the quenching and hardening process and then we were able to do some grinding and sharpening to hone our blades. After this we were able to choose what sort of handle materials we would like to use from Tom’s ample stock pile, and our knives were finished! We had an absolutely fantastic day and each came away with blades we were happy with and proud of as excellent reminders of such a fantastic day! The only down side to the day was the end coming around so quickly! I can’t recommend Tom enough, and if you are considering a blacksmith experience day, he is definitely the man to go to! Looking forward to getting back there for another session hopefully soon!"

Bambos reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"First time using epoxy and I was very happy that Richard took his time to explain the different epoxy on the market. The environment was friendly and relaxed .... everyone seemed happy ?. So overall a very good thumbs up from me .. Just wondering when will I get my epoxy project from the post ? Has it been sent ? Many thanks"

Anna McCann reviewed: Knitting sock workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed the one day sock knitting course last w/e. I made a 2 colour baby sock following the the pattern & using the lovely soft yarn Monica provided. Having never made socks before it was great to have her on hand for tips on how to turn the heel & not have any gaps. I highly recommend this course & feel ready to attempt adult socks & Christmas stockings!"

Katy Gasser reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"I attended a 1 day course with Ollie which was originally a French polishing course but because of the nature of the furniture I brought to work on it evolved as we went with me finishing it with a wax oil. I loved every minute of the day. I had spent ages watching YouTube clips & Googling how to refinish furniture but found the different advice overwhelming so booked the course hoping it would give me the confidence to properly get started. It really has. I learnt not only how to strip, sand & finish but what to use too which I know will save me time & money. Ollie personalised his advice to help us individually but I also felt that I learnt from other people’s experiences on the day too. Amazing! Thank you! I’ve ordered what I need & can’t wait to carry on with other pieces."

Pete Pawson reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"Fantastic day! I'd come across the concept of 'lino printing' when a couple of our nieces had done it in school art lessons. 'Lino' to me equated to 'floor covering', so to make art out of it was an intriguing idea... Having come across Alix at one of her exhibitions, she gave the impression that she would be a good person to introduce someone to this art-form. And I was not disappointed. She was clear in her instructions, and yet flexible to work with each of us, whatever our level of natural or acquired ability... All of the equipment was provided, and the day was a great combination of relaxation and concentration! The group size was just right, so that each of us was able to feel supported without being watched! It was also really helpful that she pointed us in the right direction if we would like to pursue things further, with info on equipment supplies and suppliers, and good books on the subject. And the location (Bonds) was a fascinating setting (with good food and drinks); a perfect location for a little browsing to allow those arm and upper body muscles to relax! Thanks, Alix!"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Hi Pete, thank you so much for your lovely review, I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day. It is a great venue, and you were a really fun group to work with too. I loved your sheep card! It was all in the ladder ;-) Thank you again, and lovely to see you again. :-) alix"

Julian Doughty reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Excellent and interesting course where you have all the support you need to get hands on and do real sandstone sculptures. Very practical and you leave the course with enough skills and confidence to keep building on what you’ve learnt when you get back home."

Suzanne Green reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"I'm the fourth person in the Christmas present group and want to reiterate everything that has been said about June and her wonderful card making course. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute, June was very encouraging and patient with us novices and the cards we produced were something to be proud of!! Thank you again June!!"

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Thank you for this Suzanne. It was so nice to welcome you all to the class and show you techniques to allow you to make the wonderful cards you all took away with you. I do hope you'll come again x"

Sara reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"A really challenging weekend but learnt such a great deal. Was amazed at what we achieved, Jude was both encouraging and exacting, which enabled us to learn and create our own pieces. Will definitely want to do it again. A wonderful way to explore glass, a dollop of history and hugely practical. Highly recommend the weekend."