Latest reviews

Hazel Simons reviewed: Mosaic workshop in Norwich

"Really enjoyable course and great to be able to take home a finished product at the end. Fehmi was great at explaining things as we went along and provided a wide variety of materials for us to work with. He was also very helpful, helping me to cut pieces as I only have the use of one hand. I would have been happy to do an extra session as it was a little rushed at the end. I would definitely recommend it to others."

Hanna reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"Very well run workshop. James is a highly skilled artist but also a calm and helpful teacher. As I am already a screenprinter I particularly appreciated all the helpful tips on producing great images to translate onto the screens. James was generous with his know-how and super patient. I was truly delighted with my finished pieces."

Carolyn Holland reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"It was a really lovely way to spend a special morning with my daughter. We both enjoyed making multiple patterns and learning about different techniques. James was very friendly and welcoming and explained the techniques very clearly. Much enjoyed."

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Carolyn it was lovely meeting and teaching you both, hope to see you again soon.Best regards,James"

Anna 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.

"Fantastic courses with a wonderful tutor! I cannot recommend Raya enough. I took her Fundamental Art Course and learnt so much, taking me from pencil drawings right through to watercolour. Do not worry if you have never picked up a pencil you will learn the basics upwards. Anna"

Marilyn Davis reviewed: Weekly Art Classes with Julie Sajous

"I first met Julie almost a year ago at a one day sketch book workshop. I immediately felt that here was someone with a gift for bringing out the best in her students. I have always loved all forms of creativity, but never had the confidence to join “ an art class, because I can’t draw! “ But Julie’s sessions have been a revelation, each week we are challenged to try out different media and materials and extend our knowledge, learning what suits us and how to improve. Julie is an inspirational teacher with a kind and caring nature and a genuine desire to make us all feel good about our work. Thank you Julie."

Gwen Harrison reviewed: Natural Christmas Wreaths at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Kendal

"The wreath-making workshop was brilliant. The place itself is wonderful, in a lovely converted barn in the most beautiful countryside, with a log burning stove to keep us warm. And Belinda and George were so friendly and helpful - it was great fun. What's more, George had gone to such efforts to make the most delicious vegan mince pies and cakes. A thoroughly enjoyable experience which I'd heartily recommend to anyone."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks Gwen for such great feedback. Lovely to meet you and hope to see you again."

Lucy Nelson reviewed: Natural Christmas Wreaths at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District near Kendal

"A real treat. Best craft workshop I’ve been on - exceptional - 5* all round. Belinda and George gave us just the right amount of high quality teaching and support in a really friendly and focussed atmosphere so I think we surprised ourselves with what we made. The setting and studio barn are exceptionally beautiful. 5* for drinks and cakes too. I was given this workshop as a present and went home feeling as if I’d been given 3 presents - the workshop, the skill and the wreath! Thank you to George and Belinda."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks so much Lucy. We feel quite overwhelmed by such amazing feedback!"

Sue Priddle reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a really exciting day. Lots to learn but support and encouragement all the way. Excellent teaching with all the equipment and materials provided - all with good humour which made it fun. Food nice too. I was very pleased with the pieces I made - not technically brilliant but for a first effort I was impressed!! Looking forward to having another go soon."

Michaela Greene reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

""I have never sculpted before and I undertook‎ the ambitious task of my dogs head. I can honestly say I have really enjoyed the classes, Beatrice has taught me so much about sculpting. The sessions are very relaxed, where you can go at your own pace. Beatrice's style of teaching is informal, which I much prefer, providing help as and when was needed. Her extensive experience gently instructed me at each stage of my sculpture, which helped me overcome problems and aided me to move my work along. I can highly recommend the classes.""

AJH reviewed: Pottery: term time 10 week course

"Sarah offers excellent courses, whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced hobby pottery, she tailors the tuition to meet your needs. Skills develop over the weeks. The classes are small and friendly. Stonehenge Pottery is nestled in a beautiful Wiltshire village. The pottery workshop is in the grounds of a small holding and animals are welcome and regular visitors. A plentiful supply of tea and homemade cake only adds to the overall experience."

Stella 44 reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"Really pleased with my felted picture. The tuition and range of material were all perfect. Great experience."

Karen Ryan reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I am a newly retired lady who is trying to tap into her creative side and I have really been able to let that flow in the sculpture classes run by Beatrice Hoffman. Beatrice is inspirational , charming and so knowledgable. Beatrice takes the time to work with you to find out your inner passions which she then develops with you. The classes are thought provoking and you are totally absorbed in your work. All the students are full of passion for their work, but it’s also fun and friendly. I feel I have started to find a passion for sculpture that will develop more and more with each class. Thank you Beatrice I love being part of the Daventry group."

Karen Ryan reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I am a newly retired lady who is trying to tap into her creative side and I have really been able to let that flow in the sculpture classes run by Beatrice Hoffman. Beatrice is inspirational , charming and so knowledgable. Beatrice takes the time to work with you to find out your inner passions which she then develops with you. The classes are thought provoking and you are totally absorbed in your work. All the students are full of passion for their work, but it’s also fun and friendly. I feel I have started to find a passion for sculpture that will develop more and more with each class. Thank you Beatrice I love being part of the Daventry group."

Sue B. reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I look forward to the weekly class with Beatrice from the moment it finishes when I return home exhilarated and exhausted. Beatrice is both a successful sculptor and an inspiring teacher. Our class embraces a variety of styles of sculpture and Beatrice both helps and extends our resulting achievements by her gentle but rigorous tuition. Our talk is not limited to our own efforts but Beatrice has references and examples from all ages to broaden our outlook. Her own work is assured and both wonderfully inventive and professional. We also have great fun and at 76 of age this is an elixir! _Sue B._ November 2019"

Sue B. reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I look forward to the weekly class with Beatrice from the moment it finishes when I return home exhilarated and exhausted. Beatrice is both a successful sculptor and an inspiring teacher. Our class embraces a variety of styles of sculpture and Beatrice both helps and extends our resulting achievements by her gentle but rigorous tuition. Our talk is not limited to our own efforts but Beatrice has references and examples from all ages to broaden our outlook. Her own work is assured and both wonderfully inventive and professional. We also have great fun and at 76 of age this is an elixir! _Sue B._ November 2019"

David Sarginson reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"As a person who has never been involved in Art Classes, it came as a pleasant surprise when I first went to Beatrice's sculpture class. Two lessons were bought for me as a present and what a surprise. The classes are a real pleasure to go to. The pupils have all gelled and there is always a lot of chat. One learns without realising it and Beatrice like the true professional makes the use of a tool look easy and yet she inspires. I would say to anyone give it a go! It's great fun and one begins to understand more clearly how brilliant the masters of the art were."

Sue Cleave reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I have been attending Beatrice’s sculpture sessions for nearly four years now, which speaks for itself. They are very addictive and often the high point of my week – something I do just for me and that is totally absorbing. The time flies by. Beatrice is very skilled at pitching her teaching at whatever level you are working. She very quickly sets beginners at their ease and helps them achieve satisfying results right from the start. The more you progress – and you do – the more she stretches you, encouraging you through the inevitable times of frustration and challenging you to attempt that extra 20% that makes the difference between an ok result and one that is more satisfying than you thought you could achieve. Alongside the practical skills you learn, you also find that your eye is constantly being trained. There aren’t many things that you can start late in life and get significantly better at when you are in your 70’s, but under Beatrice’s tutelage, I have. Beatrice is very kind, the groups are mutually supportive and the coffee is delicious! _Sue C._ December 2019"

Tom Malloy reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Fantastic class. Beatrice is a brilliant artist and a very warm host. Her knowledge of sculpture is fantastic and her eye for detail is great. She's never afraid to tell you or show you where a sculpture doesn't work and how to rectify it."

David Sarginson reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"As a person who has never been involved in Art Classes, it came as a pleasant surprise when I first went to Beatrice's sculpture class. Two lessons were bought for me as a present and what a surprise. The classes are a real pleasure to go to. The pupils have all gelled and there is always a lot of chat. One learns without realising it and Beatrice like the true professional makes the use of a tool look easy and yet she inspires. I would say to anyone give it a go! It's great fun and one begins to understand more clearly how brilliant the masters of the art were."

Alice Fuller reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I love these classes. I love the teacher, the group and the activity. I find myself totally absorbed in what I am doing, leaving my day to day worries completely behind. Beatrice is a very good teacher and gives encouragement and guidance whenever needed, and her mantra that mistakes are an important part of the creative process helps build confidence that there is no right or wrong way of doing things. I’m very pleased with the sculptures I have produced over the four terms that I have attended, in spite of much self-doubt along the way. If anyone says to me “I couldn’t do that”, I say “I’m sure you could”."

Lizzie Lorenzana reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"This workshop was so much fun! Richard has a great deal of knowledge of leather-crafts and is very open to sharing that with his students. I had made one small leather item before taking this class and Richard's workshop took me to the next level. I would highly recommend anyone interested in taking up leather-crafts to take one of Richard's workshops. And the added bonus that you leave with a wonderful handmade bag is such a wonderful feeling!"

Steve Johnson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is a course I can thoroughly recommend to individuals of all abilities who want to try their hand at box making and come away after two days with a box they can be proud of. There is no default box that everyone on the course makes, within reason (there are some superb boxes in the showroom) you are able to choose joining method for the sides, lid hingeing techniques, different woods for the lid, whether to line the box or not. There were four of us on the course and all the boxes had our own individual styles evident when we had finished. A ratio of pupil to teacher of 2:1 meant that Mark and Richard were always available to offer advice and demonstrate the next stage of your particular box and nothing was rushed. Even if you don't intend to take up woodworking you can spend two days having fun in great company, learn new skills and leave with a beautiful box."

Steve reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a fantastic day. Siobhan was so helpful and explained everything in a light hearted and friendly way. I even managed to create something artistic. Will be back for another course in the new year."

Debbie reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"What a fab studio for a crafty afternoon of learning the art of candle making. Charlie was a great host and teacher and made it such a lovely afternoon for myself and my two daughters. Would definitely recommend the candle making day and certainly will be trying the other crafts on offer in the new year."

Maria reviewed: Christmas candle making & mulled wine (Friday mornings)

"A festive, creative and fun candle making workshop! Charlie was brilliant!! I love the candles I made and have learnt a great new skill. Would highly recommend and I will be going back in the new year."