Latest reviews

Jan from Derbyshire reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A fabulous course! Julie teaches all the necessary detail along with helpful hints and tips. I produced a piece of work which has astonished me! Can’t wait to build on what I have learned today."

Gill Goldsmith reviewed: Glass bottle cutting for beginners in Kent

"Spent a most enjoyable afternoon learning how to cut bottles into tumblers, make a storm lantern and vases. Claire and Janet are so helpful and informative. There was plenty of tea and biscuits and the small group meant we all got individual attention. This was just what I wanted to learn to incorporate even more recycled makes into my own workshops, highly recommend."

Ruth Hickmott reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 1:1 fused glass with Sarah. She was very well prepared for the session and very clear in her explanation and instruction. I also appreciated that she was "hands off" allowing me to play and create my own pieces rather than making me follow a pre-determined template. I was pleasantly surprised by how many pieces I was allowed to make in a 4 hour class. It was really interesting to learn some of the chemistry behind the process. Excellent value for money and very enjoyable. Hope to have another go soon."

Steph reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course

"I had an amazing experience at the Candle making course with Paula and the rest of the group! It was a very inviting atmosphere created by a fabulous and warm host, who paid great attention to detail. I learnt so much compared to another course I have previously undertaken and am sure this is exactly what I need to kick-start my candle making business! The course was worth every penny and I'll definitely be back for some of her others! Only regret is not getting the recipe for the divine afternoon tea!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Stephanie for the review. I am really pleased you enjoyed the course and I wish you all the best in starting your candle business!. Paula"

Meg Black reviewed: Make a Garden Mosaic in Manchester City Centre

"Tracey's introduction to Mosaic course was excellent. It was a relaxing and enjoyable day and I learnt a lot about how to do mosaic. There were 5 of us and Tracey, and after a general introduction, catered to the needs of each individual allowing us to develop our skills as we wished. I was keen to learn how to cut and shape tiles and felt I could do this with confidence by the end of the day. I also had completed a mini mosaic to learn the whole process and I had started on a project to take home with a goody bag of the materials to complete it with. She was extremely friendly and helpful and created a lovely atmosphere. I would thoroughly recommend this course if you want to start doing mosaic."

Tracey Cartledge Artist responded:

"Hi Meg Thank you for writing such a great review about the Introduction to Mosaic workshop. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the day, as I very much enjoyed it too. It was wonderful to see how quickly you perfected cutting the glass tesserae to the shapes required to create a very satisfying result in your seahorse design. I look forward to seeing the finished mosaic in due course and I'm interested to hear if you go on to make the table top that we discussed. If you need advice at any stage, do get in touch and I'll do my best to help. Best wishes, Tracey"

Margaret Everley reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"This was my second fused glass workshop as I was hoping to build on the experiences gained in the first one and it didn't disappoint. A completely absorbing day, Martin is an excellent tutor and always sensitive to each individual's needs. The atmosphere was always relaxed and nonthreatening and everyone was encouraged to develop their ideas and Martin was quick to give further explanations and help when necessary. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop to anyone whether they are familiar with glass work or not. Margaret"

Carolyn and Gordon Raybould reviewed: Green wood stool making weekend

"We did this weekend in October 2019. It was a great experience to share with each other. First day was spent in the woods, cutting and shaping the wood and the second was in a workshop putting the stool together and hand weaving the seat. Two lovely lunches provided, one cooked on an open fire. Nice pub meal in the evening in the local village. George was very friendly and a good teacher, explaining how to do things and helping out when you got stuck. Would recommend this course"

Jane walsh reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"This is another of Martin's courses that my husband and myself have attended and yet again it has been amazing. We will be booking on other courses with Martin. We’ve already done two x 12 week courses and a Christmas fused glass course and we just can’t get enough of them. Fabulous hobby to do together."

Ben Wolff reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"I received Ian's workshop as a Christmas gift, and had an excellent time. Ian's enthusiasm and passion for green woodworking was evident, and he carefully guided us through a day of learning about and using traditional hand tools with locally sourced wood; resulting in some beautiful Oak and Ash stools and very (!) sturdy mauls. The workshop was perfectly suited to all ability levels, as Ian was thorough and helpful in his guidance at each thoughtfully planned stage. He was patient and encouraging, and made it easy to gain a respect and appreciation for a style of woodworking that has been a fundamental part of local communities for centuries. A thoroughly enjoyable experience with a fantastic end product that will be cherished and will probably outlive me!"

Pauline Turner reviewed: Stained Glass Beginners Workshop

"The day was a Christmas gift from my partner as I expressed interest in learning more about glass cutting and it was for beginners as a taster course. I had no previous experience in cutting glass, and it took a while to get the hang of it. David was quite short with me, in front of the rest of the class, on more than one occasion. Although I realize he is passionate about his craft, and very talented,I found his attitude really rude and quite embarrassing."

David J Lilly responded:

"Hi Pauline, I am sorry that you did not enjoy your day learning to make your stained glass panel. Yes, you struggled in the beginning as do many others, but by keeping it light-hearted and me showing you different methods of using different cutting tools you overcame the problems you were experiencing and you acheived your goal, which you told me was to make a stained glass panel - and it was lovely. Also you were the first to finish. I was not aware that I was treating you differently from anyone else, so I am sorry you did not enjoy the day."

Nicky McDowell reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Really great experience. Thoroughly enjoyed hearing about all the different kinds of wax and fragrances, as well as choosing my own and making a candle. We also mixed our own fragrance to take away. We were well looked after, with coffee and crumble and it was nice to meet all the other people too. Kerry has got this workshop just right for a really enjoyable a Saturday morning."

Alison Small reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I attended a workshop yesterday with a friend and loved it. I learned a lot about candles and we left with a bag full of goodies. Kerry was lovely and very knowledgeable about her craft. The workshop was great and very relaxed. It was like spending time at a friend's! I would highly recommend it."

Julie reviewed: Resin Jewellery Group Class

"An excellent course and Linda was so welcoming and helpful. It is great for beginners - you make items whilst learning the basics, but also there is so much inspiration and Linda is so knowledgeable and answers any question asked of her. The venue is lovely, together with the tea/coffee & biscuits Linda supplies, makes it great and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone thinking of giving resin jewellery a try."

Stampaholics responded:

"Hi Julie Thank you very much for your review and kind words. I am glad I was able to guide you through the process and answer any questions you had."

Wendy Searle reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"I spent a brilliant day with Jo in her beautiful studio. She is an excellent intuitive teacher and lets you explore your own creativity. The small friendly group size of four meant we had lots of one to one tuition and we were also able to bounce ideas off each other. We all had very different ideas of what we wanted to produce, and under Jo’s careful guidance it was all achieved. Jo’s work is on display and is inspirational. She has an amazing array of equipment for use if needed. I am very chuffed with the pendant and earrings, I produced, and look forward to taking more courses."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Wendy, thank you for your review - it would be great to see you again!"

Filiz Venn reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"I had a very enjoyable time with Catherine, learning how to make soap. Her studio is lovely and she is a very good instructor, with lots of patience and full of information! I would definitely recommend this course."

Sue Q reviewed: 3 or 4 stone set silver stacking rings

"I spent a fabulous Sunday with Sarah making a set of 4 stacking rings. Sarah was very welcoming and her studio is very well equipped. Sarah's teaching style is relaxed and encouraging and she has a wealth of knowledge and experience. I had never made jewellery before and whilst happy with a sewing machine I was not used to power tools and soldering. Sarah made me feel at ease and carefully demonstrated each process on her own item and then watched and encouraged whilst I completed the process myself. I would thoroughly recommend attending one of Sarah's classes and will be aiming to go back to make another piece of jewellery - luckily I don't live that far away."

Sarah Barnes reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"I've just had the most lovely day making silver clay jewellery with Jo! All four students on my course had very different ideas about what we wanted to make, and Jo made teaching/helping/guiding us to make our individual pieces look effortless! We all had a great day, and were each delighted with the items we made; I highly recommend this workshop."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Many thanks Sarah. Please send me a pic of your finished necklace - I would love to see how you use your 'beads'."

Danielle reviewed: Copper wire jewellery making at Madeley, Cheshire - do not make live calendar incorrect

"I bought this as a gift for my mother in law. We went together and had a wonderful afternoon with Kami. Kami was warm and welcoming, knowledgable and patient. We had a lovely time, coming away with a ring. I highly recommend this to anyone."

Mya Designs responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review. You and Jan were amazing at picking up all the techniques involved in forging the rings. I do hope you'll continue with the craft and you're welcome back anytime. Please get in touch if you need more help or want to try other techniques, I'm more than happy to help :)"

Debbie Brooks reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"Annette is a fab tutor. It was lovely to spend the afternoon learning something new. Thanks for a great workshop, can't wait to get started, I have lots of ideas buzzing around in my head. Please thank George for the tea and cake!"

Annette Smyth responded:

"Debbie Thank you so much for your feedback. I’m really glad you had a great time. Give me a shout if you need any help in the future Ax"

Ricky Robson reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Booked a taster class for myself and fiancée as a Christmas present as we had been talking about doing something like this for many years. Jack has a great approach to teaching and creates an awesome learning environment, we enjoyed every moment and we’re excited to see our pieces forming shape in no time at all. Each pot after the first got better as you get more comfortable with your new found skills. We are coming back for more, that’s for sure! Highly recommend giving this a pop."

Dr Tim reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I have been professionally involved in arts and crafts education all my working life and have sampled and taken part in numerous short courses. I must say that this two-day course in woodcarving was outstanding. Gerry is a time-served craftsman with a pedigree which can be traced back to the pinnacle of European woodcarving. However, one rarely finds craftsmen with such high technical standards capable of imparting their knowledge to students in a sympathetic and meaningful way. Gerry is an exception; with a patient, good-humoured teaching style, he has the gift of imparting to the learner a belief in their potential and this leads to that all-important self-confidence, which lies at the heart of quality craft education."

Sarra reviewed: Mixed Media Painting Workshop in Brighton Seaside Home

"Loved every minute. I was new to all these techniques, but with Laura’s expertise and encouragement, I made something I will treasure. Lovely day."

John Walsh reviewed: Pottery throwdown at Claynglaze Pottery

"Wow what a find...what fun. No need going on the show, this pottery is the best. The course was fun, informative and superbly put together. When you put that in together with a stunning environment and huge room with every piece of equipment you would ever need..well i loved it. Can't wait to build my chess set next week."

Claynglaze responded:

"Oh so glad You managed to make everything. Fabulous mugs and cafitiere and a toast rack quite extraordinaire. You're throwing off the hump was clumsy so I'm keen to see how you manage miniature pots next saturday! But you could crack it with a good design for the chess set. Get thinking. Glad You enjoyed the cakes too!"

Jo Edwards reviewed: Silver jewellery stacking ring workshop with WyeMade

"Had the best time making stacking rings from start to finish with Anne...she is so patient and explained everything well. Anne has a very well kitted out workshop. I'm sure this is not that last I will be doing with Anne...it's very addictive."

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Jo"

Liz Davies reviewed: Piped cushion with lapped zip

"Having just spent 2 days on Janet's courses for the cushion, hand made Roman blinds and curtains, I now feel that I have the confidence to pursue my sewing techniques and ability into the commercial world of soft furnishings. These courses definitely do what you want them to do, which is build up your ability to make items to a professional standard. I enjoyed every minute of it and strongly recommend that anyone contemplating it - book it you will enjoy every minute of it ! Thank you very much Janet for a wonderful couple of days."