Latest reviews

Gareth Jones reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian is an excellent teacher, his easy manner and knowledge of his craft makes this an enjoyable and rewarding day. Ian is very welcoming and guides you expertly through the process of making a rustic stool, so that at the end of the day you leave fulfilled and with a lovely piece of furniture. I heartily recommend this course. Thank you Ian. Gareth Jones"

Michaela reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Had a great time making Christmas decorations with Martin! We all managed to make a lot more items than we'd perhaps imagined before the course. I'd never done any glass workshops before, but Martin explained all the basics needed to get started and was always there to help if any of us got stuck. There was also a steady supply of tea, coffee and even some sweets and mince pies. Already planning to go back to do one of the Traditional Stained Glass or Tiffany Stained Glass workshops!"

Leandah Collis reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"Had the best day doing this workshop, Sally is a great teacher and provided everything needed along with a great facility and a very warm welcome. Cannot recommend highly enough."

Marc Gilmour reviewed: Christmas Decorations Berkhamsted HP4

"I'm Helen's assistant during the workshops. Helen is very attentive to participants needs & helps readily those who want assistance. The moss wreath is easier to make than the willow wreath-there isn't the softening work involved & the moss wreath is heavier which is good if you have a door in a windy spot. I also make the drinks; tea, coffee, juice, mulled wine & of course cake. It's a great morning-I'd like to see more blokes at the workshops."

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thank you Marc, I couldn't do it without you. We have a very busy wreath season coming up-I hope your biceps are in good condition :-)"

Alex Watherston reviewed: 2 Day Leather Practical Skills Course

"I really enjoyed my 2 day course and feel inspired and confident to tackle some simple leather projects with a view to gradually getting more adventurous with the skills that I have learned. It would work for people with even the simplest of practical skills. thanks Richard!"

Chris Plush reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"What a great day! As a first-timer, I learned lots, had loads of time to practice and the end-result was very satisfying! Matt is encouraging, knowledgeable and helpful, keen to help you make the most of your day in a well equipped and relaxed environment. I left having achieved and learned far more than I expected to and would thoroughly recommend Matt's course."

Clare reviewed: 2 day Asymmetrical basket making courses - two days with Joe Gregory at Creative with Nature Todmorden Yorkshire

"I loved this course! I had booked on an earlier course but was then unable to go and Joe was really accommodating about me rebooking. The course itself was great! Lovely people, great tuition and plenty of willow to weave. I came home with an asymmetric log basket which I adore and which has been widely admired by family and friends. Thanks Joe! X"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks clare! really glad you enjoyed the course. well done on a fab basket!! xx"

Asanga Judge reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"Georgina's speciality and favourite subject is flower painting with gouache and this was the subject of her most recent workshop which I attended. I have worked with her before and found her approach relaxed and informative, and have learned much from her. However, in the flower painting one, her way of teaching reflected her expertise. The simple, yet precise way I learned from her how to observe the relationship of different parts of plants and use this as a template for creating an accurate portrayal in a short space of time was an eye opener. It was indeed like unlocking a mystery. And as a person she is warm and humorous. Her workshops are fun and I would recommend them to any aspiring artist. Asanga Judge"

Jessica reviewed: Christmas Decorations Berkhamsted HP4

"Myself and 2 friends came here last Christmas and had a wonderful time creating the willow wreaths...they all turned out so beautiful with Helen’s friendly guidance, and the wreath keeps for use in the garden for the rest of the year for you to add your own flowers to. Have already booked for this year...can’t wait!"

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thank you Jessica-look forward to seeing you again this time to make a moss wreath. Cake & coffee as usual :-)"

Amy Sudbury reviewed: Christmas Decorations Berkhamsted HP4

"A wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. I went along last year with my mum and sister to make the willow wreath - it was absolutely showstopping! This year we'll be back to try the moss version!"

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Thank you Amy for your kind words. It's always a pleasure to welcome people back from previous workshops-I look forward to seeing you & Jessica again :-)"

Cherie Mc Cracken reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Great way to celebrate with friends. A really memorable occasion."

Regina reviewed: Beginners’ Stained Glass, One Day Course, Llandeilo, Wales - archive

"Excellent teaching, very enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere. Excellent value for money too. I was surprised and delighted with my finished product considering that I knew nothing about cutting glass or drawing or anything about stained glass! I can’t wait to be able to do another course with Simon Howard."

Julia Hiscock reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"The day was really a lot of fun, but also really interesting and engrossing and very rewarding. It's a fabulous setting and Jonathan is patient and a great teacher. Wonderful day out with friends. PS Amazing cake!"

Sarah Peters reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"What a magical 50th birthday present! A special day making something beautiful. Jonathan was a calm and encouraging teacher and made for a unique experience."

Liz Gardner reviewed: Expressive watercolour techniques for painting songbirds

"Fabulous day with Sara. Well paced and gave one on one tuition when needed. Very inspirational and loved the tips and tricks provided. Highly recommended. Look forward to working with Sarah again."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thanks for the great review Liz. It was super working with you. You picked it the tips with amazing speed and I very much look forward to working with you again! ?"

Anne reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I attended the beginners workshop in fused glass last month. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole day, so much that I have signed up for the advanced workshop this month"

Justine Stroud reviewed: Beginners’ Stained Glass, One Day Course, Llandeilo, Wales - archive

"Simon was very welcoming when I arrived for the course, he has a workshop with all the tools, equipment, books and a very wide range of glass to choose from. He helped when I needed help but also let me experiment with the glass creatively as much as I could as a beginner. I enjoyed the day experiencing a new craft with lots of tea and biscuits. I live a fair distance away so Simon kindly delivered my stained glass to me when he was in the area. I learnt a lot during the day about the process of making a piece of stained glass, had lots of tea and chats with the group and got to meet his lovely family. Thank you so much for this lovely experience, I look forward to the next one."

Donna Gaba reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I attended Matt's 1 day course in stained glass; the venue was great, relaxed, lots of working space, all the equipment you needed. Matt was great, informative, helped you with ideas, he was supportive and enthusiastic about everyone’s work! Everyone left happy! Great day! Would definitely recommend Matt's workshop!"

Peter Dunn reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and thought it was good value. I learned a lot, and I particularly appreciated being able to produce more than one finished, fired piece of glass. The opportunity to make several enabled us to practice the skills we were learning, and refine them. The atmosphere was friendly and positive and the food was good as well. I will be doing further courses with HALT Glass and can wholeheartedly recommend them."

Dan Sweeney reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I don't usually leave reviews as I'm a Luddite but I have just had one of the best weekends I've had for years. I have not spent a weekend with the sole purpose of trying to create something that was not measured in numbers, or money made for clients, but in how it made me feel. The course is the perfect introduction into bronze casting and is structured so that by the end of the weekend you just about finish a large cast that you are pretty happy with. Mark is a great teacher and in the 2 days showed me the basics in a relaxed manner that inspired confidence with the ideas the group had come up with, and he always had a way to make something work. Whilst an introductory course, Mark also managed to pass on inspiring information about the art form in general and the historical context throughout the day and during the great lunches prepared by Caroline. Caroline passed on some words of wisdom that helped my bear casts and made everyone feel amazingly welcome and full the whole weekend. Jo, Nick and Tony were great company and helped to make the course a brilliant weekend, even if Nick stole all the bronze with his chair."

John reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I received this present as a gift after geeking out on forged in fire and I wanted to try and see how hard it was. The answer is that it was harder and easier! It takes a lot longer than you think to work the metal and it's quite technical in places. What I found though was that Spike was infinitely patient, allowing you to work after he demonstrated the techniques and then making suggestions to improve your own technique. I felt like the work I produced was mine even though Spike gave me as much or as little guidance as I needed. He is a good teacher and it is obviously something he is passionate and skilled at. He was keen to pass on these skills. I highly recommended this course to anyone."

Kate Barnett reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I booked the course as an anniversary present for my husband and I. We had an absolutely fabulous day out in the woods spending some quality time together! Mark and Jill are brilliant teachers, sharing their skill and knowledge. We had a great time picking up a new craft surprisingly quickly! We both headed home with spoons to be proud of and all of our fingers still in place! The food was lovely, the setting authentic and the company friendly! Brilliant day! Would recommend to anyone!!"

Sue Parrott reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"What a great way to spend a weekend. Maggie's organisation and preparation together with her enthusiasm and knowledge of her subject is inspiring. The warmth of the welcome puts you at ease immediately and the small class size is great as it allows you all to learn from each other and interact from the onset. Maggie has such patience and determination that everyone should get exactly what they want from the experience that you actually get so much more. I will definitely be back for more....can't wait! Thankyou"

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Sue. We shared a fantastic workshop and everyone was so clever and motivated, it was a treat to work with you all.Please come back.. you must continue with this hobby."

Tatiana reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"Fantastic course, Sunita is lovely and extremely talented, I came away feeling very accomplished and inspired!"

Sam Henson reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Ian is a very personable, friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgable teacher. He provides depth and history behind the skill and teaches some of the basic and more in depth skills to create your own home's furniture. I couldn't recommend this course enough whether you're a beginner or have reasonable experience working with tools, you're sure to learn something! Sam"