Latest reviews

Jane Thomas reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"I am an absolute beginner. I found the course at the appropriate pace and challenge. Lorraine supported me and gave me plenty of opportunities to try to be creative. What a surprise! My work once in the frame looked professional!! I will be trying this again at home. I would recommend the session."

Dru Haigh reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Clear and confident instruction and demonstrations. Lorraine is an excellent teacher and enables her clients to achieve results they are proud of."

Lorraine Moone reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Lorraine was an excellent teacher, very encouraging and patient. Really enjoyed the workshop and came away with a lovely picture. Thank you."

sandra walker reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Very informative and patient with learners like me. Finished picture to take home and hang - brilliant"

Clive Hickman reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"The quality of tuition was exceptional Along with the practical work there is a 30minute lecture at lunchtime which was really informative and gave great guidance on the best tools and what to avoid. I made a spinning stool which far exceeded my expectations on what I would be able to do. Lots of practice on a particular technique before attempting on the stool, and given guidance but not interference. No question too trivial and very supportive."

Debra Pike reviewed: Mannequin Upcycling Workshops

"Just over a week ago I took a one-to-one course with Dale for a one day workshop. I can honestly say it was so inspiring and informative, and very enjoyable. I transformed 3 separate pieces of very average looking items into something I'm so proud of. Dale covered all the basic techniques in the morning and then we moved on to the advanced techniques in the afternoon. I'm soon to enrol on one of the mannequin workshops too, so I can highly recommend Mernpunk workshops."

Alan reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"This was a Christmas present which initially seemed a little 'random' but on close reading of the itinerary looked very enjoyable. The reality was that is was a great day which I shared with 2 of my sons, we had fun whilst doing our utmost to closely follow Jake's detailed instructions. The results, whilst differing from each others and Jake's, were great and we left with a poker and letter opener each which we were all very pleased with. Jake was engaging, informative and his instruction was clear and easy to follow, it was just the putting it into practise we struggled with. When we did 'stray' from the plan Jake stepped in and put things right without making us feel either foolish or helpless, he was very patient and approachable, there was a degree of banter between us all which added to the day. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a fun day, remember to pack a lunch and wear old clothes because the forge can get dusty! Jake provided tea, coffee and bottled water which would be needed on a hot day. A great day - many thanks Jake."

Ilona reviewed: Mosaic taster session @ White Stones Studios

"Thoroughly enjoyed 1-2-1 mosaic making course with David! I looked for help with making small mosaic sculptures. David took on the challenge and delivered a two-day workshop tailored to my needs. David was a very supportive tutor and the course was very well led with a good mix of theory and practice. He explained everything very clearly and made it very easy to remember.  He took me through each stage of the project with great patience and allowed lots of room for the experimentation which I valued most!  The location is easy to find and the drive to Portland on sunny days was an extra bonus. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. At White Stones Studio days just fly by!"

David Nicholls Art responded:

"Dear IIona, Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure to teach you over the two days. I’m glad you gained from it and had an enjoyable time doing it. Good luck with all your future projects. Best wishes David"

Rebecca Oxenham reviewed: Sea-glass pendant workshop

"Another fantastic class from Jo Tinley. Jo always takes the time to really explain everything. I am so pleased with what I made."

Frances reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Totally absorbing day. Very clear instruction. Will be returning for sure."

Ellen Bowers reviewed: Silver clay 2 day course for beginners - Lori Ridgway

"I have just spent a wonderful 2 days on Lori's beginners silver clay course. Having never done jewellery making before I had no expectations of being able to make anything I would be proud of but how wrong I was. Lori is very patient and helpful, explains all the processes clearly and gives you confidence. Her workshop is very well equipped and organised and Lori times it all so well that you never feel rushed at any stage. At the end of the course I left with pieces I am delighted with and had met some other lovely like minded ladies who were equally as happy with their efforts. I intend to go back and do further courses with Lori and I would urge anyone who is thinking about giving this a try to go to Lori - I can highly recommend her."

Sonia reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day spent with the very lovely Louise. Outstanding and I’m over the moon with the beautiful pieces I made. I highly recommend the Course."

Paul Munslow reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Really fun introduction into pottery. Chris was incredibly helpful in showing us how to get started and guiding us throughout the day. Will be going back again. 10/10 from all of us on the day."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Paul - it was a really good session. Your artistic flair definitely shone through! Cheers, Chris."

Jacqui reviewed: Well Being Workshop

"This course provides some good techniques to overcome states of anxiety or stress and help build resilience and confidence- I will definitely be able to apply to my own life situations - I recommend."

ESTHER GREIG reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I took a friend with me to do this session on Mosaic's with Caron. Neither of us started out with any ideas about what we would do, nor how we would achieve it. Though Caron did ask if we had ideas or had come with an image we wanted to produce...and she was open to clients having their own preconceived ideas of what was possible to achieve in the time allotted. In our case, Caron helped us to make our minds up as to design, without making me feel I was being pressured into anything at all. And then she patiently helped us choose from the myriad of choices of stones, colours glass and beads she had in store, to achieve our desired mosaic. Caron is a very patient and encouraging teacher. We had a lovely peaceful, creative day together with her in the studio - and came home with 2 beautiful mosaic mirrors to enjoy for years to come and remind us of our experience. This new skill we have acquired will enable us to branch out into new forms of creativity. All thanks to Caron!"

Mayfly Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Esther I’m so glad you both enjoyed it, it was lovely to meet you both and I do hope you go on to many more beautiful mosaics."

Wend reviewed: Silver Ring Stack - 3 rings in a day

"My one to one class with Rachel was just what I wanted and needed. I have done a course with Rachel before. Rachel has a nice way about her which makes you comfortable with your ability, always encouraging and helping you achieve your goals . This one to one was an extension of the course I did at Halton Mill. The things I had picked up in those classes really helped me. I am pretty much a beginner and I am making bracelets, earrings and rings. My next project will be an inlaid ring. One of best things with one to one tutoring, is you pick up so much. It went so fast, which was a shame because I was enjoying it so much , hopefully I will be booking another soon.?"

Rachel Hearne Jewellery School responded:

"Wendy I am so pleased you found it useful. We really did cover a lot and I could see how fast you were absorbing it. I think you will find that with a little more practice you will be flying! I look forward to seeing you again soon but until then happy smithing."

Niall reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"A great day working from log to spoon in a relaxed environment with fantastic food. Alan takes you through axe and knife work alongside safety advice and even stretches to keep your body working, and all the while giving glimpses of what more is possible with practice and exploration. All the way through he very patiently explains and encourages and I left satisfied with a productive day, and keen to continue."

Mair reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Excellent day, good fun and a finished picture to go home. Good to have a free choice of subject. Hope to do another course at Christmas."

Sarah Yeomans reviewed: Felt Lampshades

"The felted lampshade workshop was just great. I think Emma is a very good teacher....patient, attentive, helpful and gives clear instructions. The photos she took as we worked will be a useful reminder of the techniques involved. Her enthusiasm for all things felting is infectious and I look forward to attending another felting day in the future. Thanks Emma!"

Penny Machin reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"This is the second of Lucy's day's I've attended and had terrific fun at each one. Lucy creates a really warm and friendly atmosphere, in a beautiful setting, where everyone just supports each other and shares their ideas and projects. There is no such thing as a silly question and Lucy is extremely patient and shows you how to achieve your project and learn from anything she is showing to others. Not to mention that you are plied with delicious home made cake all day and a lovely home-cooked lunch. I enjoyed every minute of the day and the time flew. I would highly recommend Lucy's courses - a great day out and I have learned a lot."

Daisy Kennedy reviewed: Machine knit a scarf - 1 day workshop

"I had a brilliant weekend. Rachael was super welcoming and a wonderful teacher. The studio was a great space to work in and I learnt loads of techniques. Machine knitting has been demystified for me and I’ve come away confident in using the machine and working the techniques on my own. Rachael gave me great advice regarding the type of garments I want to create and how to get started/next steps and shared some really useful links. Can’t wait to learn more!"

Jane reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping for beginners

"This was a great two days! Made a few pieces of glasswork and had a lovely time with lovely people! Adam was great. He helped guide you, and if you already had a vision came up with ways of achieving it. Am hoping he offered another course for people with some experience but no materials and equipment!"

Sarah Williams reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I had an enjoyable, creative and informative time at Dawn's delightful studio. It's a great space in which to explore the possibilities of your sewing machine, and is well stocked with all you need to have a lovely day."

Pam Faulkner reviewed: 'In The Style Of...'Painting Workshops

"I joined Robert's beginners class a year ago this month and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I was an absolute beginner! I am 67 years of age and hadn't done any art since secondary school and I can't actually remember doing any to be honest! I really enjoy learning all the techniques with drawing, water colour and acrylic which gave me the confidence to "have a go' and my art work has really come on, thanks to Robert's teaching skills. Robert is really patient, so down to earth, great teaching us as a group, whatever your ability may be, but also teaching one to one, especially me, if I need to ask him to explain a technique again! I have winter depression (SAD) and anxiety, and doing this course has been great for me."

Jacqueline Smith reviewed: Drawing for Beginners - Nottingham Trent University

"I started the drawing course feeling very nervous, as this was my first drawing course in many many years. Chris the tutor was fantastic he was very supportive to everyone. He has a wonderful way of explaining and helping you to see the beauty in your work. I learned a lot about different aspects of drawing and found I began to relax and let my creativity come through. I particularly loved the life drawing and learning about different artists as well as working alongside and collaborating with the other people on the course. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone even if like me you don’t feel you have the ability. It’s well worth it ! Very sad when the course ended. Thanks Chris."