Latest reviews

Anne Salisbury reviewed: 1-day patchwork & quilting workshops in Watford with Green Man Quilts

"I had never attempted free motion quilting as it seemed a complicated mystery to me. Sheena's Free Motion Quilting day was amazing. It was a small group and there was plenty of time to get to grips with understanding what an important part tension plays and how this can be affected. Now that I understand and have mastered this, I feel confident to practice and incorporate this in my quilts in future. I would highly recommend Sheena's courses, there is something for every level and she covers a lot of different elements of quilting."

Green Man Quilts responded:

"Understanding that your tension dial can be your friend (and is not a scary monster!) is so very important and with these newer electronic machines it is easy to forget that we are allowed to change the tension! You really did well during the day and I can't wait to see how you incorporate free motion into you work in the future. Thanks for a lovely review, and thanks for being one of my students."

Linda Lemmon reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"Bought originally for my granddaughter as a present, but the course looked so interesting that both myself and my daughter booked on to the course as well. We all had a fab day, Katherine was very knowledgeable and shared her knowledge generously, not only on the day but with comprehensive notes to take home. I would highly recommend Katherine as a tutor and because the course is tailored to your requirements, all the information and practical aspects are targeted at exactly the right level. Excellent value for money."

Liz Charlton reviewed: Spoon carving taster session

"We spent a great afternoon spoon carving with Dave. He is a patient and knowledgeable tutor. Our session was great fun and we were both amazed that, with his guidance, we managed to carve a spoon from a rough piece of wood. Dave is friendly and the whole experience left us wanting to carve more spoons. We wholeheartedly recommend this experience. Thank you Dave"

CatherineS reviewed: Afternoon tea baking workshop

"We had a brilliant afternoon chatting and baking, what more can you ask! Jo is a lovely warm and friendly host and we all came away having learnt something and with a gorgeous box of goodies. Thanks Jo, we’ll be back."

JOBOBAKES responded:

"I’m so pleased you had a fabulous time Catherine and I was able to help in your baking journey."

Jacquie Finney reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"Had a great time on a two day log basket course with Joe. She was very patient and I learned a lot, came home with a great log basket and a bucketful of enthusiasm to continue. Throughly recommend."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thank you for such a lovely review! well done on a fab basket!! joe. xx"

Hollie Ward reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Kingsley was incredibly informative, adaptable, patient and fun. He was insightful and helpful with all of my questions and thoroughly explained what we were doing and what it would achieve. I found him very supportive as a teacher which was helpful when learning so many new skills and was happy to share all of his knowledge. The workshop taught me a lot more than I expected in regards to working with leather and I would happily recommend anyone interested in learning more and experiencing leather work to do so from Kingsley. It was a pleasure!"

Maxine reviewed: Woven Heart Baskets

"Loved the course! It was fun and informative and I came away with a piece I want to finish and carry on with some new ideas."

Elka responded:

"Hi Maxine, I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop! Thank you for the review. Best wishes, Ellie"

Sue Smith reviewed: Beginner Pottery Classes at the Corner Workshop

"Julie is a fantastic, very knowledgeable, patient and inspirational teacher. A really good course to bring out your creative side. Would highly recommend."

Jane Landsborough reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Sheena is brilliant at conveying the common-sense approach while still encouraging to step beyond one’s comfort zone. She has the knack of congratulating success as well as focussing on areas for improvement. She’s full of hints and tips. I love my patchwork class - the fastest 2.5 hours of my week"

Green Man Quilts responded:

"That is so wonderful to read - thank you. It goes pretty fast for me too, and is always very enjoyable. You have really highlighted what is, in my belief, a core principle of teaching - common sense, lots of support and a decent amount of challenge! Thanks for being such a great student."

Kelly Goode reviewed: One day glass fusing course

"Great course with a great teacher, patient and informative! Had such a great day and a lot of flexibility with what I could make, with plenty of guidance. Location is nice, bright and airy. Thoroughly recommended!"

Pip reviewed: Watercolour on canvas

"The course was excellent and in a well lit studio on a beautiful farm. It was interesting and well prepared with materials all to hand. Liz's creativity and gentle encouragement really help to bring out the best. I was very sorry that family pressures prevented me from going back on the second day of her workshop but delighted that I managed to attend the first part, at very short notice."

Liz Chaderton Artist responded:

"Hi Pip, thanks for such a lovely review and I am so glad you managed to join us. It's such a lovely way of working. Please keep trying it and hope to see you again in the near future!"

JUSTINE JOHNSON reviewed: Candle Making Workshop, with Afternoon Tea in Lincolnshire

"A lovely relaxed introduction to candle making. I'm very pleased with the 2 candles I made and brought home."

Beehive Wellbeing responded:

"Thank you for the review Justine, I look forward to seeing you again on a different workshop this month x"

Arlene Weekes reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Nice small classes. Teacher is very attentive and helpful."

Green Man Quilts responded:

"Thanks, Arlene - I am really enjoying having you in the class."

Emma Hancox reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"A fab workshop! I honestly thought when I first saw the rabbit we were going to make ”there’s no way I’ll be able to do that...”. But with Jill’s calm step by step approach, it’s turned out wonderful and much better than I thought! Although it may seem like a long day, it goes by so quickly. Jill has endless patience and so much vision so when you think it’s going wrong, she’s there on hand to help you and guide you in the right way - a benefit of the group size being small you don’t have to wait long at all for her help and can easily watch and learn from each other. All in all a wonderful day, I made something I am proud of and can’t wait to do another!!!"

Julie reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I have attended three classes with The Lady Moth. Today I made a lovely little wren. I would highly recommend Zenia as a tutor. She is patient, encouraging and helps you through the tricky bits so that you feel happy with what you take home. The teaching groups are small and friendly. I look forward to booking another course soon."

Thirza reviewed: Candle Making Workshop, with Afternoon Tea in Lincolnshire

"Sharon is a lovely, chatty, open tutor. She puts a lot of effort in to the detail of the course, which is enjoyable, entertaining, informative and value for money. Thank you!"

Beehive Wellbeing responded:

"Thank you Thirza, nothing more worse than a dull workshop. :-) I look forward to seeing you again at another workshop this month. Sharon x"

Nicola reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"I had a lovely morning. Judi was very bubbly and a great teacher. We learnt lots of different felting techniques, with access to lots of beautifully coloured wool. Would thoroughly recommend. Thank you. ?"

Helen Isbister reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"Amazing day creating wonderful pictures. No experience necessary as excellent tuition given in a lovely, friendly environment."

Sally W reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"This was my first attempt at creating a felt picture, and am delighted with the result. A truly amazing experience. Judi explains patiently and clearly different techniques and offers lots of encouragement. The studio offers an abundance of wools and silks to use. Lovely relaxed atmosphere. The time just flies by, an inspiring 3-hours. Highly recommended."

Emma Norris reviewed: Glass Fusing & Slumping Weekend for Beginners & Improvers

"Loved every minute of it and could easily have stayed for another two days! Jude let’s you freestyle as much as you want while providing the inspiration and the help on techniques. It feels so creative yet very accessible. I left with lots of pieces I’m turning in to jewellery."

Karen Giles reviewed: OLD Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"A very big thankyou to Lynn and Anna for their warm welcome & the fantastic silver clay taster session - the perfect way to spend an afternoon! Really proud of what I created and still amazed by the alchemy of turning a piece of clay into fine silver. Already looking to book a space on the Introduction course!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Karen You are most welcome, and thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Anna and I are so pleased that you are proud of what you created, and that you find silver clay as magical a material as we we do! We look forward to welcoming you back for the full day beginners class, and I'm sure you'll love learning how to make a moulded shape, and how to set a stone in your silver clay jewellery. With best wishes Lynn"

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day, which was a generous gift from a dear friend. It's the first time I've made jewellery but with Helen's encouragement, knowledge and skilled teaching I was delighted to end the day with some lovely unique pieces to take home. Very rewarding and therapeutic!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi B, thank you for taking the time to review the workshop and so pleased you enjoyed it. I recognised that you were a little apprehensive initially but the creative thought you put into your designs was so impressive. Your sensitive use of colour and texture worked so well and the jewellery you created was stunning. I remember you mentioning that one set you made was going to be a birthday present for a friend and I’ve no doubt they would have been thrilled with your thoughtful gift. Thanks again for joining us."

Laura Davies reviewed: Linocut one day workshop: one to one

"I had an absolutely wonderful time on the course with Annette! I felt immediately welcomed and so at home, designermakers21 is an absolutely fabulous place with so many artists and creators under one roof. The class runs with just 2 students so we were very well supported throughout the day and able to learn the skills of lino cutting quickly. Annette is a fabulous artist and her work is such an inspiration. Both myself and the other student were given the freedom to create exactly what we had wanted and I have come away with a selection of fantastic prints. The difficulty is choosing which to hang on my wall! We were taught a range of cutting and inking techniques and had a great time using the enormous press! I couldn't recommend the course more, or a visit to designermakers21 for that matter! Thank you so much for everything Annette!"

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

"I love Helen’s workshops. She has a treasure trove of materials and resources and when I’m lost for an idea Helen always has hints and suggestions to point me in the right direction. I’ve produced things I would never have thought possible thanks to her guidance and creativity. Highly recommended."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Sue, it’s always a pleasure to have your company at the workshops, your exciting experimentation of materials and techniques is so inspiring. I always look forward to your positive enthusiasm and your creations are such a joy to see. Thank you for your kind words and I’m so pleased you enjoy the workshops."

David Burrow reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Fantastic 2 days with William. Not only is William a great guy and very easy to get on with but he has in-exhaustible knowledge. Best course I’ve ever been on and will certainly be going back to learn more from William"