Latest reviews

Radha Walker reviewed: Basketry courses at SalixArts in Cambridgeshire

"This was an absolutely excellent course. Debbie was a great teacher, and the surroundings were inspiring, beautiful and relaxing. I found the process of learning to make my first basket, really fun, and therapeutic. I came away after 2 days, very impressed with the basket I had managed to make."

SalixArts - Debbie Hall responded:

"Thank you Radha, Really pleased you got lots out of the course and working with willow gave you such a sense of satisfaction. Hope you really enjoy using using your beautiful basket."

Lyn Weller reviewed: Painting and drawing course at Castle Park Arts Centre, Cheshire: Abstract Architecture

"Had a great day on this workshop learning how to abstract elements of architecture and combine into a cohesive composition using collage, watercolour and acrylic paints. Pam is an excellent tutor giving very clear guidance and working at an appropriate pace for everyone in the group. I came away inspired to create further compositions - the architecture of my home town and industrial architecture around the canals and railways. Delicious lunch and lovely studio too! Highly recommended."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Thanks Lyn It’s brilliant that you have been able to use the processes and techniques to develop your own work further. I’m really glad you enjoyed the day and I hope to see you soon. All the best Pam"

Tina reviewed: Learn to sew a reversible tote bag

"I thought the course was excellent, great encouragement! Good location and friendly group. Reversible Tote workshop 11th Jan 20"

Fiona reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Excellent Courses, thoroughly enjoyed every minute, very knowledgable staff and so patient..... Brilliant modern venue. Can't wait to return to do more "Get to know your sewing machine" and "Reversible Tote" - Day 1"

Jenny reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"I've thoroughly enjoyed today. I have been ill for the past week and today has cheered me up! Although I have sewn for many years, I still learnt a lot. Looking forward to attending more courses. "Reversible Tote" 11th Jan 2020"

Kelly reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Lovely day. Really glad I came, feel much more confident with using the machine. "Get to know your sewing machine" and "Reversible Tote" - Day 1"

Dawn reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course - Get to know your sewing machine

"Judi is a fantastic teacher. I went from being a complete novice (never having sewed before) to making a reversible bag (amongst other things). Can't wait for the next one. "Get to know your sewing machine" and "Reversible Tote" workshops - Day 1"

Elaine reviewed: Beginners crochet course - in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

"Lynn is incredibly patient and clear at explaining how to crochet from complete beginner's level. The time went all too fast but I have the beginnings now of a new skill and a 'freestyle' crochet coaster finished off at home which I love! I will be making more items and concentrating to keep to patterns! Thank you Lynn for a great afternoon , and thank you to your lovely husband for the great refreshments too"

Jane reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Highly recommended! We booked this as a Christmas present to ourselves rather than more needless gifting. We are all avid fans of Jo’s candles so this was perfect. Brilliantly fun morning and anyone could do this (I’m not crafty at all and did wonder if I’d mess it up - FYI, it’s not possible to do so). Jo is so friendly and welcoming I felt I’d known her for years and she really we involved with us. Lunch was scrummy too and we got a lovey haul of awesome products to take away with us. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat!"

Ann Aberdeen reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Paula is an excellent host and teacher. I learnt so much and had such fun. She made the day interesting and fun. I learnt a lot about soap making and I came away with lots of information and the 9 soaps that I made on the day that I can leave to cure for the next 8 weeks. I am looking forward to trying them. The afternoon tea was amazing. I do recommend this course."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Hi Ann, thank you for your feedback. I am so glad you enjoyed the course, it was a fun day."

Edward Kaminski reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"Sid is an excellent and enthusiastic teacher. The course covered all the basics of DSLR cameras and has indeed given me the confidence to get off 'auto' and start exploring what my camera has to offer. Overall I very much enjoyed the day and am very satisfied with the result."

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Edward I am so pleased you enjoyed the day and feel it has benefited you. I look forward to sharing in your future photographic progression with 'no more auto'..."

Peter Wong reviewed: 1 on 1 gem cutting: standard round brilliant or diamond cut: meetpoint faceting

"I myself give thumb up on this course from James. Nice man with good knowledge on lapidary arts of cutting. Giving yourself experience to playing around with gemstone cutting. You will end up making that stone yourself of cos with the master Yoodaa instructing you. Instead wondering around on the internet for answers, is quicker try it yourself and bring home knowledge that you will pride for."

Treasureworks responded:

"Thank you Peter! It was a pleasure meeting you and you were an awesome student, a pleasure to instruct. I've never been compared to master yoda before and it's a great hounour. I must say this: Hmmmmmmmm! Facet you will! Now you understand the way of the uncompromising critical angle, much light you will reflect from the darkness... All the best for 2020! Regards, James :)"

Claire Simmons reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"I attended two of Gigha well run courses, drift wood and making seagulls workshops. Both were fun, but run with care and attention to detail, care taken at all time with health and saftey, and reminding you when things are hot or you need to be aware. The workshop itself is full of glassy goodness, so bring pennies as youll want to buy her beautiful creations x All tools were there for all to use, and plentyfull too. Everything we needed, and no shortage of colours to choose from. Dinner was fantastic! Jacket potato and yummy salad. I attended both classes myself, and didnt feel at all left out, and had a really fun day both times, and ill be going back too x"

Marie reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"This was an absolutely amazing class. I learnt so much and had the best time. Came away with 8 beautiful soaps which smell divine and I cannot wait to use them after they have cured! Paula is so friendly, professional and knowledgeable and she even provides a delicious afternoon tea, where she made some awesome vegan scones :) I cannot wait to use my new knowledge to start making my own soaps at home. I recommend this course to anyone looking to make soaps for fun, for friends/family or even for a business! Thank you Paula ?"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you very much for the review. Your soaps looked beautiful, so glad you enjoyed the course. Paula"

Tina B reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"I have had such a lovely day today learning to willow weave a barn owl in flight, well worth driving from Suffolk for. Dave and Kate have been fantastic hosts welcoming me warmly even though I arrived early. Kate is a brilliant teacher, guiding, inspiring and helping as and when needed, and generous with her time. I had to leave on time as a long drive home but my owl is very nearly complete and Kate gave me enough rods and confidence to finish it at leisure tomorrow myself at home. I will definitely return for another workshop. It was also lovely to see the other sculptures taking shape today, a really cute lop eared rabbit and very elegant flamingo. Great lunch and plenty of drinks, and loved Bertie the cat who appeared at my feet now and then. My plan is to hang my owl from a high ceiling in my hallway."

Shirley Vance reviewed: Candle and soap making with afternoon tea

"We couldn't attend any of the dates advertised and so Tracey put on a workshop around our availability. I attended with my sister as we are thinking of starting our own business and from the moment we walked through the door we were made to feel like part of the family. Tracey is a very patient teacher who promised us that we would walk out of the workshop with products we would be happy to buy from a shop and we weren't disappointed. I can't recommend this course enough whether you are looking to do something different just for the day or to take further and start your own business. It is refreshing to find someone who is willing to impart their knowledge and help you avoid the pitfalls. Thank you Tracey"

Adelle reviewed: 10- week Introduction to Soft Pastels online zoom art course with live tuition. Suitable for complete beginners and people with some experience in Art.

"Raya is a fantastic teacher. I went from an absolute beginner to her class and now feel confident to have a go at things, for a pleasing (not perfect!) result. Encouraging and relaxing. Thanks x"

Moira Brown reviewed: Silk Scarf Painting with Fiona Setchell

"A really relaxing, enjoyable day with a difference. The environment was very inspiring with all the different colours and designs around. Fiona guided us through the various stages at a pace that suited us. The refreshments were lovely giving us a chance to take a short break. If you want to forget about the world for a little while this will certainly take you into another world. Great sence of achievement when you go home with your scarf....."

Megan Braide reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"I really enjoyed 'getting off auto' with Sid. The class was kept small and Sid was very patient, taking time to answer our questions and spending time with each of us to explain how to use our cameras to their potential. There was a good mix of theory and practical. Can't wait for day 2!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you Megan, it was a real pleasure to meet and work with you today, your positive words mean a lot to me, thanks. I also look forward to day 2...!"

Ali Procter Miller reviewed: Explore your camera part 1 - Get off Auto

"A fantastic day delivered by Sid, the key to actually using my camera has now been unlocked! Can’t wait to complete more of these courses and enjoy exploring photography. Sids passion for photography makes him an excellent teacher and what better surroundings can you get than the Dartington estate!"

Going Digital Devon and Cornwall responded:

"Thank you so much Ali, your kind words are greatly appreciated. I too, look forward to sharing more time with you on future workshops..."

Doreen reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Can't praise Gary enough, the day was fantastic, felt at ease straight away and he's a great teacher. Got finished the two projects i wanted to make, cooking tripod and fire steel, still had time left over to make a toasting fork. I will certainly be back to do the knife making course in the future and hopefully more."

Cath Stock reviewed: Abstract Architecture: mixed media: Peak District, Derbyshire

"I am from an art background myself, having completed my Foundation Course and as an Art specialist B.Ed (Hons) then then teaching Art in primary schools. I found Pam to be extremely skilled as a fascillitator of a group of adults of different ages, backgrounds and experiences. She took her time to explain, by demonstrating various different ways to achieve a background for our work and then encouraged us to explore, find our own ways, have fun and don’t worry about the outcome. I enjoyed using media I haven’t used for a while or never tried. The quality of resources was excellent, varied and we were able to use photos to guide us and original pieces to give us ideas. Although I have had a lot of training, I found the drawing quite challenging, trying to get the dragonfly in proportion and the right shape. Pam had showed us different ways to make it easier. She enabled me to do the best I could and when I got a bit “stuck” I asked her for some assistance to tweak the last bit so I was happy with it. She demonstrated ways to achieve the details in different ways that we were able to do to the best of our ability and take a personal response to doing the work. I was thrilled with my piece, so much so I am using it for my business artwork as a symbol of transformation. It’s not perfect and that’s ok. Pam is a very calm, professional and positive teacher, with a nice sense of humour and her studio space and hospitality are outstanding. I regularly share and promote her work, exhibitions etc and I highly recommend connecting and working with her."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Cath I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a detailed review. Thank you so much for all your positive and generous comments and I’m very pleased that you enjoyed the day. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Pam Smart"

Karl Robinson reviewed: Painting and drawing course at Castle Park Arts Centre, Cheshire: Abstract Architecture

"I hadn’t done any art for many years and after doing the exploring drawing course with Pam I was really inspired to buy some materials and start doing some drawing at home. The structure of the day and explanation of the activities was really clear and helped me to make progress through the day. It really gave me my confidence back. I particularly enjoyed the large scale drawing with oil pastels. Everything was provided and a great lunch too. I will definitely be going back."

Pam Smart Studio responded:

"Hi Karl Thank you for such lovely comments. I’m delighted to hear that you have bought some materials and are drawing at home. I hope to see you again on another workshop. Best wishes Pam"

June Adams reviewed: Beginners sewing classes on one to one basis

"Another lovely morning with Bridget and Karen making a thread catcher bag. Easy to follow instructions and both ladies are full of hints and tips. It's a chatty informal class and a lot of fun. I will definitely be back! Thank you ladies ?"

Sew-b-It responded:

"Thank you June you bring fun to our workshops .So pleased you enjoyed making Thread Carcher See you soon at your amazing Cardinal Cards workshops Bridget & Karen"

Bev. reviewed: Beginners sewing classes on one to one basis

"Bridget and Karen always make each session fun. I always come away extremely pleased with what I have made and even though I've been going on and off for a few years, I am still learning new things. Everyone is friendly and made to feel welcome and part of the group. It doesn't matter what level of experience you have you will still make amazing things with both Bridget and Karen who will guide you through."

Sew-b-It responded:

"Bev just so lovely seeing you today and pleased you enjoyed workshop. Hoefully see you for our next workshop . Good luck with your degree - clever girl Bridget & Karen"