Latest reviews

Myles Hickey reviewed: Photography course to take better photographs

"I had the benefit of a one-to-one day course with Michael, an inspiring teacher with a lot of practical advice for the student willing to learn. My starting point, as a lazy "point and shoot" photographer who wishes to record events, locations and experiences as they occur, usually on an auto setting on my camera or phone, results in a lot of images which will be unmemorable to anyone else. I was not even exploiting the technology I had available. Michael's starting point, using a DSLR, is to learn to shoot far more discerningly, with the aim of taking worthwhile pictures which can be edited post-production with the wealth of online assistance available. We began by discussing my aims, the cameras available to me and how to apply the technology and to recognise the limits of the 'auto setting' and the cameras with restricted fstop range. We tried this out in a local park on animate and inanimate subjects. I hope to apply what I learned! Any student who wishes to improve would do well to familiarise themselves with their camera manual before the course to learn what their DSLR can and can't do."

Niall Castelli reviewed: Beginners woodturning course

"Ciarán is an excellent teacher, a very talented man, and a lovely chap. I did a 2 day beginners wood turning course with him and absolutely loved it. I learned so much in a short space of time and feel confident to start my own wood turning projects on my own lathe."

Karen Smith reviewed: Introduction to Soap Making Workshop with Afternoon Tea, East Yorkshire.

"What a lovely course this was. Sharon was a very good tutor. I came away with a lot of information. Everyone on the course was very friendly. Class size was just right. And the afternoon tea finished the day off very well."

Bisi Olonisakin reviewed: Virtual Creative Gift Wrapping Workshop via Zoom

"I wanted to upgrade my gift wrapping skills and the training session provided me with techniques to achieve that objective. I learnt creative ways to use various materials for gift wrapping and certainly learnt to reduce wasting materials. The session was hands on and fun!"

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Dear Bisi O, thanks for your response. I really enjoyed teaching you various techniques of gift wrapping. I trust you will continue to use the acquired skills."

Clare Foskett reviewed: Handmade Ceramics- evening

"An excellent ceramics session, pitched for beginners. Elizabeth was so patient and an expert in her field and she really inspired me. I would totally recommend the session!"

Hilary Gibson reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"A lovely morning spent making a Silver Clay pendant. Thoroughly enjoyed the taster session and hope to do the full day course soon."

Perfectcharm responded:

"Thank you Hilary. It would be lovely to have you attend a full day course sometime and you can explore some more techniques. Glad you enjoyed the Taster Session"

Sarah Smith reviewed: One day pottery making course for 2 people in Norwich, Norfolk

"Pat presented the day at a straightforward, let’s crack on pace. We weren’t overwhelmed with technical restrictions and were encouraged to decide what we wanted to make after looking at some inspirational books. The day was about making and making we did... in the morning we created a coil pot and in the afternoon threw various shapes on the wheel. We are two aspiring potters of different ability (one complete novice and one with a little experience) and we found the workshop perfectly pitched. We’ve already booked a second workshop! Excellent day."

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you for your kind review, you both worked hard with patience and enthusiasm and produced some good pots; looking forward to seeing you both again in the Spring for another day of making."

Clelia Greco reviewed: Handmade Ceramics- evening

"Not being very good at anything like this, I was a bit worried about going along, but I needn't have worried. The class was great fun and Elizabeth was very good at helping us all to have fun whilst creating something in clay. Elizabeth was very good at making sure we were shown various techniques to help us and took time to check on each one of us to make sure we were enjoying the experience but learning as we went. Elizabeth made the evening a lovely social event with refreshments also being served. I would definitely recommend Elizabeth's classes (in fact I already have!) to my friends and would certainly think about doing another class myself."

Paddylyn Gregory reviewed: Candle making workshops

"I had a one to one workshop day with Angharad and I loved every moment of it. From the moment I arrived at her beautiful home, I had a warm welcome it felt as if I knew her all my life. Angharad was very experienced and knowledgeable, she was very thorough in explaining the many different wicks, waxes and colours etc. We had a good laugh with the practical side of making the different types candles and Lunch was fantastic. I don't think we ever stopped talking the whole day, it was an incredible day and highly recommend her to anyone. Wish you all the very best Angharad and Thank You.... Paddylyn"

John Woods reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"It was a really enjoyable day and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to have a go in the forge. Joanna is a good teacher and teaches you techniques and even a novice like me was able to make some items I’m happy to show off."

Elaine Syme reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"We decided to do something different for a Christmas present, so we booked a slate mosaic workshop and we were not disappointed. Rachael was lovely, explaining the process and looking after us as we decided what to do. We all came away with a lovely mosaic and a sense of achievement. Would go back again."

Julia Smith-Rose reviewed: Photoshop or illustrator skills - group booking

"I did a one to one course at the Mary Jones Print Studio and found it really good. They gave me invaluable advice on my portfolio, gave me industry tips on how to move forward with my work and then we did a teaching CAD session which was brilliant. I would highly recommend the course or one to one sessions."

Mary Jones Design responded:

"Thank you Julia!"

Steve Allum reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"A very enjoyable day. One to one tutition in a historic forge learning the basics of a very skillful profession. David obviously loves his profession and that shows through in his patience and encouragement for beginners. A course well worth taking."

Matt Parsons reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Brilliant course in a relaxed, inspirational environment in picturesque Gloucestershire. Sebastian is extremely helpful and guides you through the whole process of achieving your very own stone carving. Really enjoyed the two days. Many thanks, Matt"

Jane reviewed: Print and play evening workshops in Bristol

"Sophie was a great teacher. Informative and friendly. Don't know where the time went I was so engrossed with my printing. Thank you"

Kelly reviewed: Pottery experience throwing on the potters wheel

"Wanted to do it for years, finally got to do it and to be fair it’s was so much fun! Jackie is a great teacher; helpful, encouraging, attentive and just so lovely. I was slow to getting it but she was very patient and very kind. Highly highly recommend!"

Carmel Pottery responded:

"Hi Kelly, you were fabulous and made some amazing pots. They'll be ready for collection very soon x"

Jonathan Pearsall reviewed: Stone carving courses in central London

"Terrific weekend of carving. I have been stone carving for a while but I needed a refresher of learning to get me going again - and the weekend has definitely done that. . The guys really know their stuff and we’re able to communicate in a supportive but not patronising way to all in our group. Very friendly guys as well so I would thoroughly recommended them to anyone"

Carol Rudman reviewed: Crochet market bag class - East Grinstead

"Nicole was very welcoming and patient and I felt I learnt a lot on the first lesson, so much so that I can’t wait to carry on to the next stage."

Sophie reviewed: Pottery Tuition ~ Learn how to Throw on the Potter's Wheel, Slab-build and Coil in 1 Full Day's Attentive Teaching

"I had a session with Sonya at the weekend and found it great fun. Having not done pottery for many years, I was able to learn some new skills to support throwing on the wheel. Sonya was very encouraging and enabled me to explore and learn from my mistakes, which I believe is the very best way to learn. Sonya demonstrated clearly and enabled us to then have time to make several pots of our own. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and can highly recommend Sonya as a great teacher. Thank you Sonya for giving us a great creative and mindful experience!"

Sonya Ceramic Art responded:

"Hi Sophie Thank you for writing your review, it's great to hear that you enjoyed it so much and I am complimented that you found my teaching approach effective seeing that you are a teacher also! I was impressed how well you connected with the clay, took time to wait for its response and remembered each stage of the process. You looked very natural at the wheel so I hope you will get the chance to do more throwing as it certainly suited you! I will look forward to seeing you again in a couple of weeks when you collect your pots. In the meantime, if you would like to come back to decorate them with the cobalt oxide (blue colour) that we discussed, then please do let me know. I will be firing your pots today or tomorrow to biscuit ware. So they would be ready for glazing next week. Best Wishes, Sonya."

Sarah Starr reviewed: Portrait painting in oils

"I really enjoyed spending a couple of days in the studio learning oil painting techniques with Karl. I had never used oils before so was a little apprehensive but Karl was extremely patient and calm, which made me feel relaxed enough to experiment. He explained how to use oil paints, the techniques he uses and how to mix colours. It was so helpful to see how he paints by watching his demonstrations. This workshop has given me the confidence to give oil painting a go at home and I would highly recommend it."

Clare Hanson reviewed: Pottery throwdown at Claynglaze Pottery

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day’s painting and glazing course with Wendy, she is so professional and encouraging and makes its fun to learn. I am looking forward to putting it all into practice! Thank you for being so enthusiastic ."

Claynglaze responded:

"Your welcome!"

Anita Barratt reviewed: Silver clay jewellery course in Shaftesbury, Dorset

"The whole day was very well organised, Fiona is a talented tutor who made the day relaxing and inspirational. Will return for further courses."

Joanna Pescod reviewed: Silver ring making with precious metal clay

"I had a most enjoyable day on this course. Jo is very kind and welcoming and an excellent teacher. I'm very pleased with my finished ring and also went away with helpful advice about making stamps for my ceramic work!"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thanks Jo, it was a pleasure!"

Sarah Attwood reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I can definitely recommend this course. Set in a beautiful location and Sebastian was an excellent teacher. We really had the chance to play and really get to know the materials and a feel for the tools. I came away with something I'm proud of... but also more importantly, the basic skills to get started on my own."

Katrina Cole reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"A brilliant way to spend a morning, Joss was very welcoming, friendly and helpful, with her support l created a lovely mosaic heart despite being a complete beginner. Her studio is comfortable and well resourced and her designs are beautiful, l am already looking forward to returning and would recommend her workshop to anyone wanting to try a new skill"