Latest reviews

Kim Clark reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"Fantastic day course with Nicky providing great teaching and support, whilst letting you follow your own 'artistic' ideas! This was my first course on glass fusion and it could not have been more fun and interesting. I made a bowl and a coaster and would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone. Certainly planning on another visit to the lovely workshop in the beautiful setting."

Shyam reviewed: Make a Windsor-style stool

"I had a great time. Ben gives clear and interesting descriptions and demonstrations and helps you just the right amount. It’s good fun trying out all the different tools. Time flies! I love my new stool, too."

Heather reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"I had such a great week learning upholstery, there is a lot more to it than I knew! Which made it even more enjoyable. The week has really inspired me and I’ve decided to do more training with Polly, who is a really good teacher. So helpful and knowledgable, I would recommend her to anyone who is interested in giving upholstery a go. I look forward to learning much more! Thanks again Polly :)"

Lee Archer reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"Myself and my 13 year old daughter joined Laura for a beginners watercolor day late January . Whilst we like art we are by no means anything other than enthusiastic. The day was well planned and Laura was a very patient and enthusiastic host. We experienced a glimpse into the world of art which we really enjoyed. The days' course was a present to my daughter for her 13th birthday, it was a precious day we shall both cherish."

Thara reviewed: Patchwork and quilting class in Surrey (Hampton Court)

"This is a good introductory class. I enjoyed it. It is good for those who have rarely or never used a sewing machine before as well."

Creative Quilting responded:

"Thank you Thara, glad you enjoyed it and look forward to seeing you again soon. Emma"

Howard Smith reviewed: 1to1 airbrushing for beginners

"Booked on the course to have a go at airbrushing, hopefully going to use it in model making. When we talked to Jamie, when booking, he was more than happy to adjust the latter part of the course towards modelling. Really enjoyed the course, Jamie is very knowledgable and really willing to hand on his knowledge. Being a small group (2) it was very relaxed and plenty of time to practice (much needed) . Jamie also altered lunch to accommodate dietary requirements which was really useful. If you are thinking about having a go at airbrushing, I would recommend this course. Great venue with parking and friendly atmosphere and a great tutor . Thank you Jamie for a great day. Howard"

steve gregory reviewed: Forest workshop

"I attended one of Stephen's spoon carving courses under a parachute canopy in the woods last Saturday. Having done some spoon carving at home, the session was for me an opportunity to pick up some hints and thoughts while enjoying the experience of working in the open air with like minded people. It certainly ticked those boxes plus will shift my approach to carving in a holistic way. I also enjoyed the added benefit of Stephens insight into other forms of carving to boot which may well lead to other things for me. Excellent!"

Steph reviewed: Introduction to modern calligraphy with Mint Lettering

"Michelle's class was fantastic. She was very welcoming, with the tables beautifully set up with everyone's equipment and names. She took the time to go through all of the tools, and made sure she spent time with everyone to provide 1 on 1 guidance and feedback. I was also very impressed with her constructive feedback - she had good things to say about everyone's work, ensuring she was encouraging participants."

Mint Lettering responded:

"Thank you very much Steph for your kind comments. Such a pleasure to meet you and your sister last weekend. All the best with your new skills and enjoy discovering your own style of lettering. Michelle"

Kate Gatherer reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"Excellent session. Julia was really good at explaining the various techniques. Had a really good time and look forward to coming back. Would highly recommend these sessions. Absolutely fantastic"

Dean Evans reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"Excellent quality course - both facilities and instructor who is knowledgeable, a good communicator and actually does the craft professionally. Recommend heartily!"

Glass By Design responded:

"Thank so much. Hope your family was impressed with your panel!"

Michael Spinks reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Had a fabulous time with Angharad in the gorgeous little hamlet of Moylegrove in Pembrokeshire. The candle making course was comprehensive and we came away with two boxes of beautifully presented candles in a wide variety of waxes. Angharad was very knowledgeable and incredibly friendly and had answers to all our technical questions as well as personal tips and tricks. She was able to tailor the experience to our wishes and had a fantastic array of waxes and moulds to give great breadth and depth to the experience. Whether it's for personal interest or with a view to setting up a small business, this would be an ideal place to start. Angharad couldn't have been more helpful and accommodating and we felt completely at ease the moment we stepped through the door. Homemade lunch was also amazing! I heartily recommend the course (and Pembrokeshire) to anyone."

Malcolm Simms reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I took away from this course so much more than a beautiful box (with which my wife is as thrilled as I am). Lots of technical tips, insights into tools, methods and materials of which I would otherwise have remained ignorant and an ambition (and hopefully ability) to continue to improve the design and execution of my artefacts. Both the setting and the workshop are inspirational and Richard and Mark are genial and empathetic tutors who always appear relaxed but have an uncanny ability to spot an error before it is committed."

Angela reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"I went with my sister and mum, and we had the most wonderful day. Claire is a superb teacher, patient kind and gently encourages you to do that little bit more. Our results were great! We went home with a bundle of cards, our artwork, the knowledge and skills to create at will, with all the instructions, equipment list (not much) and suppliers info we needed. The environment was simply the most beautiful, creative space. Claire’s talent is awe inspiring. And, what a lovely person! thank you so much Claire xxx (we will be returning! ?)"

William Dracott reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Had an amazing day crafting iron with Joanna. Really informative as well as creative. Haven't made anything since leaving school over 20 years ago and loved every second of it. Really wanting to do more. Thanks Joanna for being so patient and making me feel relaxed and welcome into your workshop. Best of luck with everything in the future."

Nickola reviewed: "Thistle" Mosaic Basics

"I booked this for me and my mom for her Birthday. We had a lovely few hours creating our mosaic picture. Maggie gave us a good demonstration before we started and guided us throughout the session. All of the tools you need are to hand and there are lots of materials to choose from to make your design. The price was really reasonable and the venue was easy to find, comfortable and had free parking in the street on a Sunday. Thank you Maggie we thoroughly enjoyed it."

Minoan Mosaic Studio responded:

"Thank you ever so much for the kind words and for choosing to celebrate such special ocassion with our mosaic studio."

Jackie Evans reviewed: Stained glass beginners workshop, Cardiff, Wales

"A wonderful experience: totally exhausting - it's years since I had to concentrate so hard for a whole day! Brilliant (and patient) teacher in Angelina. The best bit was coming home with something I would be pleased to put on display."

Glass By Design responded:

"Thank so much for your review. Stained glass is quite an intense day, but worth it when you see what you can achieve in just a few hours. Your panel was beautiful and I hope it will give you much joy to know you made this. Show it off with pride!"

Geoff Brown reviewed: Beginners spoon carving course

"Great course, with clear and positive guidance from Steve the tutor. I would highly recommend the course for any would-be whittlers, though don’t expect perfection on day one, and watch your thumbs."

SJ Fleetwood reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I had the most amazing day making a card wallet for my husband on this course. Kingsley was so friendly and knowledgable, and clearly so passionate about his work. I fell in love with leathercraft completely and am so grateful to him for taking so much time to explain each tool to me and how things have been constructed. It's great to have such small classes (I was extremely lucky and had a 1-on-1 session!) because so many other courses pack in the students and you just dont get the same learning experience as I did with Kingsley. Without question, I will be back to learn more - it's such an amazing feeling holding something that you made from scratch! Thank you so much."

TED REDDICK reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"Had a great day with Steve on a one day course to make a hunting/utility knife. I shared the day with another Steve who was there for the 2-day course and I think we both found it incredibly informative, interesting and creative. My knife is presently shown on this site as an example of what can be done and the best part about it is that the 'pupil' does a high proportion of the work (while Steve is always there to assist and do some of the stuff that is quite frankly beyond us at this early stage). Steve is a cracking bloke, good fun and very hospitable. No pressure and no stress. Thoroughly recommended!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Ted Thank you for taking the time to review your day with me. I'm always very humbled when students enjoy their time in the shop and are so pleased with what that time produces in their finished knife. Whether it's one day or two they are always full on and great fun, thanks again. ATB Steve White Tiger Knives"

Caroline Dowse reviewed: Pottery throwdown at Claynglaze Pottery

"Thanks to Matt too on Saturday - for his patience again and again and for being with Wendy to give us encouragement and show us his great talents too. Claynglaze is a very friendly, relaxed and special pottery with splendidly talented instructors encouraging us all in a rare and beautiful setting. Thank you so much."

Claynglaze responded:

"Matt said thankyou! He's very shy but extremely talented. So glad you enjoyed the experience."

Caroline Dowse reviewed: Pottery throwdown at Claynglaze Pottery

"Had a very splendid and happy time at Claynglaze in Pulborough on Saturday - making egg cups, toaster and cafetière. Sadly my toaster had to go in the bucket at the end of the afternoon as it had twisted due to my haste - but my egg cups seemed to hold an egg and the cafetière made it in the end. I had a wonderful afternoon with Wendy’s enthusiasm and encouragement as always and we all had a fun and absolutely splendid afternoon. Lucky us - we learnt a lot."

Claynglaze responded:

"Caroline you're so kind. So we'll need to practise making a toast rack. So glad you're cafitiere made it! Sorry about the bucket. Had to be!"

Wendy Phelps reviewed: Printing workshops with Sally

"This is a craft I’ve wanted to have a go at for ages, I had even bought a kit years ago! Sally was a very good supportive calm friendly tutor. She only has four tutees at a time which means you get plenty of help if you need it. Now she has given me the confidence I will certainly be doing more Lino printing"

Louisa reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"I was apprehensive before the course as I didn’t know how much artistic talent was required. Turns out... none at all! The guidance from Claire was very good, and the 8 of us in the class all produced very different but equally beautiful cards and prints. The time flew by in beautiful surroundings - the day was relaxed but structured, and I really really wish Claire ran evening courses so we could continue to practice what we’ve learned with her expert support on hand."

Clare Norton reviewed: Silver Clay beginners workshop Todmorden West Yorkshire

"Excellent course, very friendly and informative. Would highly recommend."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks clare. really glad you enjoyed the day. joe gregory. xx"

Amalie smidth reviewed: Stone carving courses in central London

"What an enjoyable and wonderful experience - I wish the course was longer! Tom and Tom are both extremely kind, helpful and excellent at explaining the foundations of stone carving. I can't recommend this enough. Thank you!"