Latest reviews

Leanne O’Neill reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"My partner and I attended this course last weekend, as this type of glass making had been recommended. It was an incredible experience from start to finish. The day had been set out so the first order of the day was getting use to the tools and techniques. We then went on to make three items - which given we were absolute novices - we were ecstatic with. It was an incredible expierence/feeling knowing we were creating our items using such an incredible traditional craft, and being taught by such a fantastic teacher. Jon is an incredible glass artist and it was a privilege to be able to do this course in his studio and see some of the works of art, he has created. If you do any craft courses in 2020, let it be glass blowing with Jon Lewis."

Dez Burrows reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"An excellent day. I learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. The venue is great, relaxed and with good food. Alix is extremely knowledgeable, easy to work with and very relaxed in her approach. With the information Alix provided for us all to take away and the skills I learnt on the day, I have the confidence to continue exploring the craft in my own time at home. Thank you Alix :-)"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Dez. It is indeed a lovely venue and I am so pleased you had a great day, and you should be really proud of the print that you made. I look forward to seeing the new prints that you make at home. Thank you again! Alix x"

Jessica Tickner reviewed: Explore your camera - Part 1 - Get off auto!

"The lesson was very easy to understand, no technical jargon with key points broken it down for everyone to fully understand. We spent the second half of the day reviewing our own photos showing us how we could have improved and understanding easy mistakes (that most of us made). I felt confident and inspired leaving the class Looking forward to my next session!"

Going Digital West of England and South Wales responded:

"Thank you for this Jess! I am really pleased that you enjoyed it and gained a lot from it. Also pleased that you found it not to be technical and therefore easy to understand! Look forward to seeing you again next week and well done - you took some great photos in very difficult weather and light conditions!"

Maureen Leslie(John Leslie booked it) reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"I absolutely loved this course! It’s my first time working with wood and it was amazing. The teaching was fab. Steve was very patient and informative. I learned a lot from how to use the tools to the type of wood to use. I could’ve sat there all day."

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

"Throughly enjoyed my morning, Georgina was excellent, very good at instructing us but also helping out when needed. I was very pleased with the earrings and pendant I made."

Andy Dunn reviewed: 'In The Style Of...'Painting Workshops

"Robert is an excellent teacher, with a broad range of knowledge. He is encouraging and patient, no matter what the ability level. Whether you are a complete beginner or seasoned, Robert will take your art to a higher level."

Tim Crowe reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend developing new skills, meeting interesting people, and finding that stone carving is even more approachable, fun and rewarding than I had suspected. The peaceful surroundings were delightful to work in, and the gentle pace allowed one to relax into the process. Sebastian's tuition and guidance was well-judged and supportive. I was especially grateful for his thoughtful suggestions that helped rescue my work when it was heading off the rails a bit. Wholeheartedly recommended."

Clare reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"A wonderful Christmas present! The day could not have been better: Matt is a great teacher who managed to facilitate a diverse range of designs and abilities. The workshop is fantastic with plenty of workspace and equipment and was very easy to find. I suspect that everyone went home happy with something to really treasure. The biscuits were good too - thanks!"

Nicci Bennett reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"Such a brilliant day - Jill made us so welcome and is so positive and enthusiastic throughout that the day flew by and we all made owls that looked like owls! Jill offers help & guidance where it is needed in order to prevent or rectify disasters but very much allows you to be the creator of your final finished product. Have signed up for lots more days - so much to learn"

John Williams reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Wow! What a fantastic day I've just had with Bob. Such a great guy who by end of the day felt like an old friend. I went along for a day expecting to hit a bit of iron and ended up learning so much about the craft. I now know so many interesting facts about horses feet and horseshoes. Bob is such an interesting character and a master of his craft. He's great at pointing out what you need to do, but also knows when to leave you to it so you can find your own feet. He even makes a half decent brew! Thanks again Bob, I've had a brilliant day."

Jane reviewed: Needle felted framed picture

"Great introduction to felting in a lovely location. Allowed me time to finish my work even though I ran over. Highly recommend it."

Hilary Ferrie reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"I have done several of Jill's workshops and I can highly recommend the day."

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

"Richard is a very supportive and generous tutor, he gives you the confidence to attempt the impossible. I can't wait to join another of his workshops. The whole group were great and we made some awesome highland cows."

Luke & Anabela reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"I went on Ian's 1 day benchmaking course with my partner and can thoroughly recommend it. We both had a great time and left with a lovely rustic bench made from oak, ash and chestnut as well as a huge hammer (called a 'persuader') we made for the purpose of hammering in the legs. We were really pleased that we managed to get so much done in such a short time without the day feeling at all rushed. Ian is clearly very passionate and knowledgeable about his craft and explained everything clearly and patiently. All in all a day well spent!"

Jenny Mills reviewed: Eco Soy Wax Container Candles

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Friendly, relaxed, easy to follow and great instructions to take home (rather than having to take lots of notes!). Really enjoyed the experience and looking forward to making more candles soon! Thank you! Jen x"

Lisbeth Nash reviewed: Have a go at kiln fired enamelling

"A great way to spend the morning! I purchased the course for me and my mum for a Christmas present. The course leader was friendly, gave clear, easy to follow instructions and was enthusiastic about everyone’s work. We came away with 3 lovely piece of bespoke jewellery and some great memories. Would recommend to anyone."

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

"A lovely way to spend an afternoon, very therapeutic! I have done two 2D picture workshops now, especially pleased with my owl picture, and would like to try a 3D animal now."

Annie Beedom reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"Thoroughly enjoyable workshop Highly recommended Jill was warm and welcoming Looking forward to booking onto my next workshop"

Ange and Tracey reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"What a fabulous day with excellent tuition. First craft of the New Year and if the rest are like this we're in for a brilliant year. Thank you so much Richard and we look forward to joining you again some time. Regards Ange and Tracey"

Issi Bannerman reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"What a fantastic couple of days spent with Maggie, learning about the art of mosaic and applying ourselves to making our own unique arrangements. The four of us left with different, unusual works of art - a pheasant, a camper van, a house name sign and a tropical fish. Maggie's passion and enthusiasm is certainly contagious and everyone left at the end of day 2 thinking and wondering about new things to make and do. Great fun. Highly recommended."

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Hey Issi. Thank you for your lovely review. What a pleasure it was to work with you. Your pheasant is amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed your company. I hope you will come back again x"

Sadia Hussain reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"Amazing course - Workshop takes place in the back of Richard's garden in a workshop. It felt great being able to create a real leather bag from scratch and makes you actually appreciate how much work goes into creating a bag! Excellent relaxed instructor who offered us tea/coffee/biscuits in the daytime and allowed us to get on with making our bags, providing support when needed and answering any questions he had from his expertise in leather making. Would highly recommend for a very useful experience!"

Jan reviewed: Make a leather bag in a day workshop

"Really enjoyable day. I found Esther a great teacher and am absolutely thrilled with the bag I made and would love to do another of her courses. I would definitely recommend this 'Make a leather bag' workshop. Thank you Esther. Jan"

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"Hi Jan, Thanks for such a great review! It was really lovely to meet you, I really enjoyed helping you make your beautiful new bag. Best wishes, Esther"

Amanda Dunn reviewed: 'In The Style Of...'Painting Workshops

"Robert has been teaching me for over a year now. He's very encouraging and helpful. He keeps the classes interesting and sets new challenges for us regularly. I highly recommend Robert as a teacher and encourage people to look at the funny Birmingham paintings he produces for sale."

David Beamish reviewed: 'In The Style Of...'Painting Workshops

"Robert is an experienced teacher of art, as well as an earning artist himself. He can show and explain the different techniques required when working with different painting mediums. He gave me a great start to my painting activities in my retirement."

Anne harnan reviewed: Detox your mind body & home

"My sister and I really enjoyed our afternoon with Debbie and left feeling uplifted and full of good intentions! The introduction to Bach flower remedies was great and all the reminders for self care and using the essences and oils. Our personalised flower remedies were fascinating, and I am looking forward to using it over the prescribed 3 weeks to feel a difference. Debbie went out of her way to put us at ease as we worked through our ‘blockages’ and provided home made cakes and chocolates. She let us try her range of fermented foods as well. We left with lots of information sheets to keep us motivated back at home, and even a local restaurant recommendation and booking so we could continue our ‘time out’ before returning home. Many thanks Debbie!"

TimeOut4Me responded:

"Thank you so much Anne and Helen for your lovely review. Such a pleasure to spend time with you both. All the very best Debbie x"