Latest reviews

Michele Meade reviewed: Knitting sock workshop

"I really enjoyed this workshop everything was explained clearly and the tutor took time time to help everybody as they needed. This course has sparked my interest in sock knitting and i hope to carry on with sock knitting using the material provided"

Community Learning Partnership responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it, Michele! ?"

Mike Rhodes reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"A really enjoyable day. Nadine is an excellent teacher, well organised, knowledgable about wood crafts and her enthusiasm and empathy were great"

Gill Cooper reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Had a wonderful time, Kingsley was an excellent teacher, explaining technique and reason behind it, he made you feel totally at ease and was very friendly and helpful. I would totally recommend his classes. Thank you Kingsley for an amazing day."

Karen Cripps reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"A great way to spend a Saturday! I have done four of Jill's courses now and have a few more booked up. I had never done any pottery before attempting my first chicken course but absolutely loved the day and the results were amazing thanks to Jill's guidance and support. I have learnt so much doing the courses and always enjoy the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. My creations are all sat on my kitchen table and they attract a lot of attention from friends and family! Can highly recommend these courses"

BrianGraham reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Along with a friend I attended the taster pottery throwing session. Neither of us had any experience of 'things pottery', other than at school over 50 years ago! Jack made us welcome and reassured us that zero knowledge did not mean disaster; far from it! Both of us were delighted with the end results that would not have been achieved without the patience, guidance and assistance of Jack. Instructions were clear and well demonstrated before we were let loose on a potter's wheel. The session was relaxed along with tea/coffee and chocolate brownies, what more could you ask for. We left having made three 'pots', which are to be collected in a few weeks, with a sense of self-satisfaction and achievement that we did not know we had, but Jack showed us what was possible for the absolute beginner. We highly recommend this course because of Jack's friendly, encouraging, knowledge of pottery and his ability to bring out the 'inner potter'."

Coral Sleightholm-Jones reviewed: Fun Afternoon Pottery Wheel Throwing Session-West Wales

"Had a great time at this workshop. Jackie was fun to work with explained things in a very easy and friendly manner. Definitely recommend."

Faizah reviewed: Absolute beginners sewing class

"I really enjoyed this course and learnt a lot. Deb is a fantastic tutor and after attending this sewing class, I signed up for the City & Guilds Level 1 course that Deb is also offering. She has a very friendly and thorough way of teaching and is attentive to your learning needs. I highly recommend any course she has on offer!"

Fiona Hughes reviewed: Colour theory day course

"I really loved the day with Louise, she has such a wealth of wisdom. I am feeling so inspired to use colour now whereas I had a real block to using it before. I was a complete novice & in a class of such a wide range of abilities, she catered for us all so well. Lunch was fab too!!!"

Visual Arts responded:

"Hi Fiona, Thank you for the lovely review. I am so pleased that you now feel inspired to use colour, enjoy the beauty of it. Louise"

Sarah Ingram reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I would highly recommend this weekend course - a great introduction to upholstery. Philip certainly knows his stuff and is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. He is very hands on to show you how to move your project on. I took a small nursing chair which had been sitting in my house for 20 years with various covers on it - but decided it needed a new lease of life. I seriously thought I'd get half of it done, as it needed lost doing to it. However, with Philip's expert and hands on guidance I managed to do lot there and also know how to complete it at home. Very happy indeed."

Jackie Mc Clennan reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I have just returned from a wonderful 2 days woodturning with George. I went with my 85 year old Dad who wanted to give woodturning a try, and we were not disappointed. George had a large well-equipped workshop in his garden so there were regular trips back into his conservatory to be looked after by his attentive wife Susan. So, although you spend a lot of time on your feet it wasn’t too much for my Dad. We made 2 bowls over the 2 days to help consolidate skills. George was a good and patient instructor and was able to keep us both busy at the same time while ensuring complete safety. The workshop was just the right temperature despite the wind and rain outside and we were given overalls to ensure we kept clean (although Dad did find some wood shavings down his top from forgetting to zip it all the way up!) Neither of us had any woodturning skills beforehand, so don’t feel you need any. Susan plied us with tea and biscuits, sandwiches and a lovely soup for lunch the second day. Warm fresh scones were our reward for all our hard work in the afternoon. We felt very well looked after. If I lived closer I would definitely go again, even living where I do (Manchester), I will consider it. Thanks George."

Victoria Roud reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I spent the most wonderful morning in Kerry's beautiful kitchen at one of her candle making workshops. I have always wanted to learn how to make my own candles and now feel confident and armed with the skills to make my own creations at home. Kerry is so welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable. She took us through the different wax types, how to choose fragrances, and the candle making process itself was very relaxed and enjoyable. My personalised candle I took home with me has since brought me lots of joy, and has burned beautifully and evenly thanks to Kerry's candle care tips. Thank you Kerry for a fantastic morning, not to mention the delicious fruit crumble for elevenses!"

Claire Arnold reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"Very welcoming, friendly and patient tutor. Steve was very encouraging and positive throughout.Good to feel so in touch with the wood. Totally absorbing."

Ian Chapman reviewed: Colour theory day course

"A wonderful course with plenty of time to paint and learn the theory; an excellent mix of "show" and " do". Superb explanations and lots of time given for any questions. Plenty of individual attention in a relaxed atmosphere. Then chance to try similar techniques in different mediums e.g. oil which was so helpful. Will definitely be back to such a friendly and helpful tutor."

Visual Arts responded:

"Thank you Ian for your lovely review. I am so pleased that you had a good time and learnt a lot. I look forward to welcoming you on further courses. Louise"

Brenda reviewed: Ultimate guide to gift wrapping & gift basket master class - as seen on TV

"I attended Neelam's Gift Wrapping & Gift Basket Master Class with a friend. It was a birthday present from my friend. I was nervous when I first arrived because I had no idea about gift wrapping and gift baskets. The course was brilliant, Neelam is so clever with her designs and even the most extravagant styles were easy to create after watching Neelam. What I liked the most is that she has worked with celebrities, fashion houses, famous clients but she is so down to earth and really looks after her students. This was a great birthday present and I will be booking another workshop in the very near future. Highly recommended if you are creative and want to create beautiful presentations. Thank you Neelam x"

Neelam Meetcha Gift Wrapping Course & Paper Flower Training Academy responded:

"Hi Brenda, Thank you for your comments, I appreciate you taking the time to send me a review. Always a pleasure to hear from you and I am so pleased you enjoyed your birthday gift. I'm looking forward to seeing you on the Paper Flower & Paper Flower Backdrop Master Class. Thanks again for your review, it's much appreciated. Warmest regards Neelam xxx"

Louisa Bain reviewed: Fissures I - Cracked Mud Vessels / Panel

"I have been to several of Emma's workshops before and would highly recommend them. She is a talented artist who also has the ability and patience to pass on her knowledge. Her workshops are fun, informative and enjoyable. The classroom is fully equipped with adequate space, light and heating. The atmosphere is welcoming with a plentiful supply of tea, coffee and delicious biscuits! More importantly though, I have been on three courses now and, each time, have come away with a piece of work that I feel proud of and would use. I would definitely recommend Emma's courses to anyone whether beginner or more confident felt maker."

David reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"We loved this session! We were totally new to spoon carving, and Steve taught us four safe and very effective techniques. It boosted our confidence and showed us a good and safe practice. We now understand how to 'see' the wood, judge the grain and use an appropriate technique to carve with that. We went and bought ourselves a starter kit to continue doing this at home - looking forward to what it will bring!"

Julian reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"Thoroughly enjoyable course, excellently led by Nadine. She is a patient and articulate teacher who went through each step of spoon making in a logical manner. Tools were explained and introduced slowly, so that each one seemed a natural extension of the last. The finished (well, almost) spoon a pleasing souvenir, and inspiration for further study. Many thanks, Nadine. Highly recommended."

Susan Wray reviewed: Beginners introductory pyrography course in Lincolnshire

"The course was very informative, with the opportunity to try out the techniques with help and guidance if required. A relaxing yet a great experience to learn from someone who has so much experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend to others, Thank you."

Rosemary Prosser reviewed: Candle Making Course with Belisama Candles (A Peta approved brand )

"Brilliant afternoon. Sharon was a great teacher and patient, too. Had great fun and came away with beautiful candles - three different types and three different fragrances. My house smells great! I would definitely recommend this course."

Belisama Candles responded:

"Hey Rosemary, part of a fun group that day, glad you enjoyed and thankyou for taking time to review ?"

Sarah Morrison reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Just completed one of Kerry’s candle making workshops and it was fantastic! A lovely welcoming environment where Kerry taught us wonders about candle making and candle care. A really wonderful way to spend the morning and enjoy some time being creative. I also now have a wonderful candle to use at home and my own unique fragrance to make another candle at home."

Margaret reviewed: Online Build a Creative Wellbeing Journaling Habit in 6 Weeks

"Was just what I needed to combine my creative side with my quest to become a more active and healthier me. Plenty of ideas and resources to try and a lovely venue to work in."

Harold Hadradasson reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day at Leeds, West Yorkshire

"An absolutely fantastic course, making my own knife where we were introduced to all the tools and equipment from the perspective of an absolute novice and shown step by step how to take the metal from ingot to blade, complete with heating, hammering, shaping, heat treating and tempering and grinding the blade. He guided us expertly through each step, corrected us when we went wrong, helping us fix our mistakes, and at the end of the day, both of us came out with excellent quality finished products that we got to keep. I still have my knife from last year when I took the course and it is still in excellent condition. I cannot recommend highly enough, and if/when he offers a more advanced course, I would love to go back and take part in that."

Amanda Honour reviewed: 3D pyrography with colour workshop in Lincolnshire

"Susan is very knowledgeable on the history of pyrography and it made a very interesting start to the day. I came away from the course with a lot of new ideas and techniques to try. The day passed very quickly with a successful egg made...... very different to working on a flat surface. I would recommend this course to people who want to further their knowledge of pyrography."

Max reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Very fun and instructive. Richard is an excellent and very knowledgeable teacher. Would highly recommend"

Andrea reviewed: Block print gift wrap workshop

"I really enjoyed the workshop, learning a new skill and creating something unique of my own. Rachel is an excellent teacher, she knows her stuff and makes it fun and relaxed. I now have my own tools and have had a go at home, with mixed results! Thanks Rachel for sharing your skills and love of creativity with us, it was really inspiring."

Rachel Reynolds responded:

"Thanks Andrea! Great to hear you’ve got your own tools to do some more cutting and printing at home. Lovely to teach you and share some creative skills. Thanks again."