Latest reviews

Beki Murphy reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"John is a great tutor. I learnt so much from our one day course at Sculptures by the Lake. He was very patient, taking us through the processes we would require. I am v. pleased with my finished piece. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable course and I would definitely recommend."

Jill Flatt reviewed: Letter and Relief Carving in stone with Pip Hall ~ a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns north Lakes & Cumbria

"Pip provided a wonderful introduction to the world of letter sculpting which nicely complemented my previous experiences doing 3D sculpting in stone. I was fascinated to hear about her own work and to see examples of what letter carving should look like! Pip provided a broad range of stone types to choose from to ensure we were suitably challenged, or protected, depending on our individual projects. It is rare that someone who is a skilled practitioner, can also teach effectively, but Pip has that rare capability. Many thanks for a new experience"

Liz Virando reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Salisbury

"My friend Lynne and I enjoyed this soap making day immensely - we had wondered whether the day would be worth the £60 fee - it was worth every penny! Catherine is very knowledgeable, and shares the knowledge and her expertise with participants brilliantly - it was great to sit and learn and then put the learning into practise immediately. We came away with some beautiful soap that we had made ourselves from scratch using an array of different essential oils, colours and decorations and we are very proud of our creations! Catherine's workshop is in a lovely spot in quiet countryside. It is set up perfectly for 5 participants with good quality equipment - and scrummy biscuits! Thanks Catherine - we will be back for more soon!"

Manisha Vora reviewed: Powertex art journal/canvas workshop

"I had bought this course for my daughter and myself. It was a fantastic day spent together learning this new technique of powertex. Marie was very friendly welcoming and informative. She was a great and passionate teacher. We enjoyed the class thoroughly and were very proud of what we learnt. She takes you through the technique with full explanation. The course was absolutely worth the money and effort. Loved it completely"

Kate Martin reviewed: Cancelled

"Shirley is an excellent teacher; very patient and knows her stuff. I really enjoyed this day and was also very pleasantly surprised at what I learned and was able to achieve during the day. Highly recommended."

Shirley Davis Dew. Art 4 All responded:

"Thank you so much for your feed back. it was great to see the way everyone tried out each technique I showed you."

Gill Simpson reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day last Saturday at Jane's Tapestry Weaving Course. The attic of her home is a huge, well lit workroom, eclectic and visually stimulating especially with the variety of coloured wool she had arranged for us. The equipment was well set up, the teaching relaxed and not didactic, everyone worked at their own pace and received individual tuition and encouragement. We each finished a small picture, an amazing achievement. Thanks for both the workshop and both the home baking and wonderful lunch!"

Alison Roberts reviewed: 24th April this is a transferred workshop from 30th January. A new way to paint in acrylics

"This was a relaxed yet intense and challenging day. Shirley gave a variety of demonstrations, giving clear explanations and inviting responses at each stage. 'Experimental' was the key word and the results were varied and exciting. I enjoyed going home with all sorts of ideas which I am looking forward to putting into practice."

Gail McCulloch reviewed: One day beginners mosaic workshop

"Great fun day, learning a new craft at a very reasonable cost. Judy is a patient and enthusiastic teacher, her home and garden are full of her very inspiring mosaic work and fab home baking provided too!"

JudyJamJar Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Gail, it was a pleasure working with you all and your mosaic looks fabulous now it’s grouted"

Thunayan reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"Had an amazing time in this course. The whole environment was relaxing and Slim was a cool host and teacher and i got to make my first leather item. Which is really cool."

Ross Leather and Wood responded:

"Hi Thunayan Thank you for your lovely review, it was a pleasure working with you. I look forward to seeing you in the future. Best Wishes Slim"

Christine Wood reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"Thank you for a very enjoyable workshop last Friday. The three hours passed so quickly! The workshop really encouraged me to keep going with my painting and to try out new ideas and techniques. There was lots of encouragement and support and you gave us lots of useful hints and tips. I very much look forward to attending another of your workshops. I would be very happy to recommend you and your workshops to friends and family. Thank you again, Christine"

Kate West responded:

"Hi Christine Thank you so much for taking time to leave such a positive review and for recommending the the workshops to your friends and family. It is very much appreciated. You were all keen to experiment and very good listeners - an absolute joy to work with. Looking forward to working with you again when you join the Open Art group whom I’m sure you will love as they are such friendly and enthusiastic artists. Kate"

Penny Downing reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Jason was so welcoming. Brilliant at explaining the reasons and techniques behind leatherwork. We had a brilliant day and will be going back ?"

Ann reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Great course, surroundings, workshop and workspace. I had signed up for the painted furniture course but the chair I had bought needed more prep time mainly due to the many layers of paint and varnish applied over the years! Ollie was really great and instead took me through the process and techniques of French polishing working with me to apply these to my other piece of furniture. Ollie is very patient, extremely knowledgeable and a great guy. Well worth the stopover in the pretty Gloucester surroundings and the journey from Essex."

Chika Iwenofu reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Fantastic workshop! Stephen was a great tutor and was incredibly patient with me, with it being my first time carving and working in 3D. I learnt so much about different types of wood, their properties and a range of tools and techniques for wood carving. I would definitely recommend for beginners and more experienced carvers!"

Jennifer reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing in North York Moors National Park

"Great course! I learnt so much with David, who is very patient and informative. I also enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the afternoon (which was specially catered for me as it was gluten free). I've come away with some excellent makes to display in my home, such a super interesting craft and I would certainly recommend giving it a go. Thanks again Jennifer"

Lynda Yates reviewed: Candlemaking workshop

"Brilliant. Very enjoyable workshop. Lovely sociable morning making a candle. Learnt so much about the art of candle making. Thankyou so much.?"

Lisette Geelkens reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"Simply loved my felting course with Denise! It was my first attempt at needle felting, but Denise made me feel very welcome, she's a lovely lady and sitting next to her in her beautiful workshop inspired me to create a beautiful little dog, very happy with the result. After posting the photos on my FB page, two of my friends want one too! Denise, thank you for the wonderful day and I'm looking forward to create my next project...…. xx"

Crafty Gal responded:

"So pleased you're so happy with your little chiwawa, she's is gorgous. It was a lovely day, hope to see you again, but in the meantime look forward to seeing what you go on to create next. Have fun! Dx"

Rosemary Alderwick reviewed: The clay portrait room

"Just come back from my first evening at The Portrait Room and beforehand I was nervous that I would find it too challenging or that I wouldn't like it. --- I absolutely loved it, every aspect of the evening was just great. Anthony planned the lesson so well and explained what to do so well. The model was so nice and relaxed, everyone was engrossed but there was a convivial atmosphere with chatting, a coffee/tea break and great surroundings made it a wonderful evening. So looking forward to next week."

Lydia reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Learnt so much from a very knowledgeable man. Couldn't have asked for more out of our two days. Fantastic weekend!"

Mali reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend it. It was perfect for beginners. The studio is inspirational, the food very and the tuition excellent. I had a wonderful day, thank you Laura."

Margaret & Denise reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"We did this as a team building event from work. As a team of two we struggled to find something that we could do together until I found Claire's silver clay workshops. As the only ones there, we received Claire's full attention, guidance and support. Claire was very welcoming and explained each step, ensuring we understood what we needed to do. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and as complete beginners it was great to leave with pieces of jewellery we had made ourselves. I have worn my lovely pendant. Thanks for a great morning Claire."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was lovely to meet you both! The textured mats we used were new and had lovely results. The pendants you made were beautifu!"

Toni Pincott reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Another excellent day of practical guidance from the get go. I was sanding straight off and learning how to take upholstery apart, and then putting together a great updated seat cushion to my chair. Seeing Lucy guide other attendees tackling other projects also taught me more about the skills. Lucy is an attentive and practical teacher who creates a very happy and safe learning environment with plenty of inspiring ideas and encouragement."

Fiona reviewed: Advance needle felt animal - characterful mice

"Had a fantastic day with Maxine delivering an amazing workshop. Cath was welcoming and and was an amazing host giving us lots of tips and support too. I was amazed as my mouse started to come together and Maxine explained everything and was an incredibly patient and brilliant teacher. Thank you"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thanks Fiona It was a really fun day wasn’t it. It was great meeting you and having your positive energy in the room. And the finished mice were amazing"

Jules Horner reviewed: Framed fused glass wall art workshop

"Dreya and her assistant Sharon are really friendly, helpful and great at bringing your ideas to life. I’ve made coasters and wall art at this studio and thoroughly enjoyed the whole process."

Clive Walters reviewed: Pottery hand building course

"Friendly small class. Very helpful teacher. Not restricted to what they want you to make. Suitable for experienced and beginners. Some of the students are regulars and keep going back, so must be good. Would recommend."

Connie Fielder Ceramics and Crafts responded:

"Thank you Clive for your review. Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Hope to see you again in the near future."

Mary reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"I really enjoyed this course and Hannah was a brilliant teacher. She took us step by step through the whole process and was very generous with her knowledge. I'm delighted with my piece and the skills I learned, and can't wait to start on my next piece!"