Latest reviews

Kathie Weedon reviewed: Love your loom tapestry weaving 1-day course for beginners - Devon

"This was an excellent workshop, Alana was such a good teacher and taught us lots of different techniques. She was attentive and generous with her materials, we all went home with a finished piece, it was an ideal class of five, just right for individual attention."

Jack Barton reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"Georgie is the best! Highly recommend this course. I've done two others too and they're all excellent ?"

Hands of Tym responded:

"Thank you!"

Jen Denholm reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our morning with Claire, showing us the techniques of making silver clay jewellery. It was brilliant- it’s definitely an excellent workshop to take to establish if this hobby is for you. We came away full of ideas! Claire was very friendly and put you at ease, the learning atmosphere was very comfortable & well placed. We would certainly recommend this workshop!"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thanks for coming to the workshop Jen! I’m so pleased you’ve taken the plunge and tried it again! Claire"

Lyn Fryer reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I joined Rosanna's 2 day course to refine my cutting and external bag stitching skills. I learnt so much more. Being mostly self taught, Rosanna diplomatically helped me to correct some of my bad habits and helped me to learn more about when to interface a bag and with what strength of interfacing. I made a two tone lined saddle bag which I am very pleased with, especially the professional quality of the strap. I have more confidence to cut my own patterns and experiment with using different leathers. I also learnt some handy hints from my fellow student for the 2 days whilst she was, with Rosanna's help, making an upcycled bag. Rosanna is clear in her instructions, patient and supportive - a great course."

Linda reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"Highly recommend. The 2 days flew by and I already wish I could do more! One thing of particular note - I was so impressed by how Jude allowed us to stay way past the workshop completion time just so that we each had something 100% complete and marvellous to take home with us. For me it’s a great indication of the caring and passionate artist and teacher that she is. Thanks Jude!"

Pauline reviewed: Pottery classes at The Ceramic Studio Brenchley Kent

"This is a real gem. The location is stunning and the team and the facilities are second to none. My ceramic classes are the highlight of my week!"

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

"I booked this course as a Christmas present for my husband and son who had always wanted to try their hand at blacksmithing, and they were both in their element from start to finish, don’t know where the time went as they were having so much fun. Jake gave them a demonstration on how to make a blacksmiths knife and made it look so easy. He is so talented and clearly loves what he does. We would highly recommend a day with Jake, he’s easy to get along with and a great teacher. At the end of the day my husband and son had made two blacksmith's knives each and was very proud of what they had achieved. What a unique day. Give it a go you won’t be disappointed. Thank you once again Jake, we definitely will be back to try another project ."

Tracy Baines reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My husband, brother in law, sister in law and myself spent a wonderful day making hares. My husband had booked the day as a birthday present for us all. Our hosts were faultless. Never ending cups of tea and coffee and biscuits. We took a picnic with us and were invited to eat in their kitchen, where they gladly heated what needed heating. The course itself was perfect. Great tuition in a lovely setting. Will definitely return. Thank you ?"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Tracy! It was a real pleasure having your family birthday event at the studio. The banter was hugely entertaining ;-) and you all created wonderful hare mementos of the day. Would love to have you back. Jo x"

Mai W reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"I had really lovely time learning felting pictures because knitting is my hobby and now I can express myself in another medium. The colours of the wool are bright and Judi showed me how to do carding brush to mix more colours together for sunset. Very happy."

Felting in Devon responded:

"Hi Mai, I'm delighted you enjoyed felting. You have a wonderful eye for colour and an obvious love and flair for wool. Thank you for your review and hope to see you again. Judi"

Ann-Marie Thomas reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I attended the Hare sculpture course in January. A warm welcome upon arrival in a well equipped modern Art studio in beautiful surroundings. The Tutor 'Jo' was very informative and supportive at every stage of the sculpture, which made me and other students feel confident and at ease. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and it was a very pleasant experience, which I would be happy to recommend to anyone at any level. I am absolutely delighted with the Moon gazing hare sculpture I made, all thanks to Jo and her guidance."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Ann-Marie - and also for developing a technique for creating texture on the final plaster stage ;-) Lovely finish xxx"

miss t. reidy reviewed: Aerial Life Drawing

"I have been to many life drawing classes and this is one of my favorites! The Draw Brighton team are friendly and welcoming, there is always a good atmosphere in the room, and it's nice to chat with fellow artists at the half time tea break. I enjoy life drawing, but the added challenge of the body in suspension is great fun! Naomi is a dedicated model (I've drawn her on and off the hoop over the years) and it is particularly brilliant to draw her on the hoop, as you get to see just how strong she is, and some of the poses she can hold are so different from anything possible on the floor. The pose lengths are a good mix, and are great for swifter gesture capturing and then a more involved study. The moving pose at the end is no good for my style of work (i just can't cope with it!) so i just sit back and enjoy the show! I have seen many others though, capture some really amazing lines! I would thoroughly recommend this class to anyone. Though, possibly a complete novice may find it very challenging as some of the poses are very alien from day to day life, but it is very good fun to try!"

Myint reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"Best and first workshop I have done to expand my knowledge in leather. I am from a womenswear design background into leather wear and Richard explains and tailors whatever he knows in regards to that so that it incorporated with what I wanted to learn personally too. Amazing explanation and the depth of knowledge and practical skills I have learned are both keeping me interested to go forward! I recommend this 100%."

Gill Godden reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Blacksmithing had been on my list of things to try for some time, but I'm pleased that I found Joanna to learn with. She had endless patience even when it took me a few attempts to 'get it'. You learn all the basic skills and then have an opportunity to create pieces that both appeal to you and play to your strengths. I feel that one to one tutoring is best for this craft, so what Joanna offers is the perfect package."

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"HI Gill, Thank you for the kind review. It was a great day and you picked up forging really well which showed in the good quality and beautiful pieces you created! Really glad you enjoyed the day and it was a pleasure to teach you."

Yvonne Van Iperen reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"I had a lovely day. Theresa informed me upfront very well and the course was really helpful. Her knowledge is very good and she knows how to explain and show the ins and outs. She is very friendly and we could drink as much tea and coffee as much as we wanted and she made some lovely cake and biscuits. I did this course so now I can get started and practice. Definitely recommend this course. Will apply for a follow up course when I get a bit more skilled."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Yvonne, thank you so much for your review, it has made my day. You showed today that you are a natural spinner and I can't wait to hear about your progress. It would be lovely to see you on another workshop but in the mean time if you need any help then you only have to ask. xx"

Alison Young reviewed: Love your loom tapestry weaving 1-day course for beginners - Devon

"Great day. Finished product. Good teaching in small group without being too prescriptive. Thank you. Alison"

weavewithalana responded:

"Thank you for the review Alison. Glad you enjoyed the workshop Best wishes Alana"

Dorothea Hill reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I thoroughly enjoyed my recent willow weaving course with Kate. She is a warm and chatty host. She shares her enthusiasm and talent with every member of the group and ensures everyone leaves with a sense of pride in what they have achieved. Henrietta the hare will join the rest of the "garden gang " when the weather is warmer. I would thoroughly recommend this course to everyone."

Kate Morrell willow sculpture responded:

"Many thanks for your lovely comments. Im so pleased you enjoyed your day"

grace clark reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"Perfect to learn about leather and how to work with it. Learnt so much in just 2 days and now feel I have the basics to really go for it on my own. Thanks Richard"

Victoria Mason reviewed: Christmas Wreath Making Masterclass

"I went to the Christmas wreath making with Sarah, my first time. It was fabulous. The group I was with were all lovely and friendly, sharing hints and tips and a bit of holly from the bottom of the garden, as a couple had been before. Sarah is super patient and explains everything step by step showing you each stage as you go at a nice steady pace. You couldn’t ask for the wrong colour or decorative thing to include on your own design. There were things and ribbons a plenty, and I left feeling especially chuffed with my first ever hand made door wreath. Thank you for a lovely morning, I’ll be back for more soon ;0)"

Sarah Morgan reviewed: Calligraphy lessons for beginners, Gothic Old English

"I’ve attended several beginners courses run by Northwest Calligraphers Association and have enjoyed all of them. Andrew is an excellent teacher and the classes are fun and friendly. NWCA is a great resource for learning and practising calligraphy."

Andrew Broadbent reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"As a total beginner to wood carving I felt Gerald's whole approach to the course was excellent. Relaxed atmosphere, good facilities plus very helpful and encouraging support. We went through a number of techniques learning from demonstrations and our own practical efforts. On the second day we moved onto our own project, again with excellent guidance. I was perhaps a little ambitious with the project I chose! A lot packed into 2 days but I came away with a desire to move on and finish my project then move onto more carving. Highly recommended."

Oonagh Keen reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had a wonderful experience today! I have been looking for somewhere to throw a pot for a while and I felt extremely at ease and encouraged to achieve things I never thought I could. Matt’s encouraging and calm approach gave me the confidence to realise what you can achieve in the right environment. Will definitely be returning!"

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Oonagh, It was a pleasure to have you on the course today and see you achieve with your natural affinity with the clay. It would be great to have you back on the course and develop your skills further. Best wishes Mathew"

Angie Woollard reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Simply great day. Jo is a fantastic teacher. Nothing was too much trouble. The sense of achievement was very satisfying and I came away feeling thoroughly chuffed with my running hare that looks authentic and convincing. The studio is beautiful and well equipped. All in all a great inspiring experience."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Angie! You chose the most fiddly pose to sculpt - the running hare - and created a wonderful result. Well done ;-)"

Kirsty Stevens reviewed: OLD Soldering silver clay jewellery at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"Attended the silver clay soldering course with Anna on Sunday and had a blast. SO delighted with the pieces that I made- and that they actually look professional and good enough to give away as gifts. Anna was an extremely patient and attentive teacher and I was astonished at how willing she was to share her professional secrets with attendees- extremely generous. Lunch was fabulous- worth booking for that alone. Highly recommend this really chilled but incredibly creative day."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Kirsty. Thank you so much for your lovely review. Your silver clay pieces looked amazing...good enough to sell I'd say ;-) I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop and your time with us. We do aim for you to leave chilled as well as inspired, and proud of what you made, and it makes Anna and I very happy to hear that you did! We hope to welcome you back soon. Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Jodie reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"I had a wonderful day at the weekend with Allison. I enjoyed learning how to make my own skincare products. Allison is a lovely lady, who is happy to share her wealth of knowledge in this area. Its like science meets cooking! Great fun! I would recommend to anyone."

Brett Halliday reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I had done a little glass work previously and was delighted that Sarah was able to take me up to another level and answer all of my questions. She was totally flexible with the lesson which suited me perfectly. Could not have been better!"