Latest reviews

Nigel Ames reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"A thoroughly enjoyable course run by Ambrose and Eamonn. We were shown the basic techniques and were able to put them to use on the set pieces. There was quite a lot of flexibility in the projects which meant that on Sunday I was able to work on my own project. Ambrose helped me to develop my ideas and suggested options for achieving the results I wanted. Eamonn helped me to complete the different stages with tips, suggestions and guidance. The organisation and logistics were clear and the refreshments were timely and wholesome. An excellent course"

Neil Atkinson reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"Excellent!"

Katherine reviewed: Weave a willow coffin with biodegradeable cotton lining at Usk

"I really enjoyed the course. Amanda is so patient, kind and encouraging. She stepped in to help when needed but also judged well when to allow us to complete parts of the coffin weaving ourselves, as after all it’s only by doing it yourself that you can learn this kind of skill. The venue was lovely - peaceful, clean and accessible - and Amanda kept us well fed with plenty of cups of tea and treats! As mentioned already the course is quite intensive and it’s probably quite helpful - but definitely not essential - to have a bit of prior willow weaving experience. Definitely recommended!"

Monika Jones reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"My second two day course proved as wonderful as the first - probably better. The reason is the host Steve Robinson who is enthusiastic, humorous, patient and incredibly generous with his knowledge. He wants you to have fun and enjoy the experiences so shares not only his ideas but his enamels and Glass to enable lots of work and all helped by numerous cups of tea or coffee. I want to go again as I had such a good time and came away with a plethora of glass items. On the Sunday, the big reveal is very exciting as he opens the kiln to show the results of the second day’s work. A wonderful experience heartily recommended!"

Naomi reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Spent a day at the forge for my husband's 40th and could not recommend more! Mort is a natural teacher with plenty of patience, enthusiasm and skill. We were able to bring our ideas to fruition and come away with the Gothic candlestick of my dreams and a pair of door handles. We were trusted to work on our own pieces but the support was always there if (when in my case!) it was needed. Overall, I highly recommend this as a way to explore a craft you might not usually have access to, it's a hard-working day and you will come away feeling like you have achieved something."

Damon Ma reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Richard is an excellent, patient and knowledgeable teacher whose approachable manner is, I feel, very important for the attendees. I felt free and encouraged to ask any leather craft related questions - without being ridiculed despite my inexperienced. He was very willing to share his leather craft experiences, provided good tips and awareness of potential pitfalls. I would recommend it to anyone who are interested in dipping into leather works, (particularly those whom might feel intimidated by the skills required). Throughout the day course I felt at ease and was able to produce a bag that I am extremely proud of."

Kate Walchester reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"A wonderful workshop! Denise provided excellent tuition and guidance with a relaxed and friendly environment. The surroundings of Denise's beautiful home were perfect and we enjoyed a delicious, home cooked lunch. Denise did a great job in raising confidence and encouraging her students. Altogether a fantastic experience."

Jan reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I had a great day learning an amazing technique of painting with wool fibres! What a great therapeutic experience! I am a complete beginner and I never knew I could create such a lovely work just using coloured strands of wool. Very enjoyable process and a beautiful result. Thank you Raya ! I will be back to learn more about wool painting."

Alistair Brook reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Fantastic and enjoyable course. Relaxed pace, but produced more items than I expected (7 separate items of metal work). Aaron is a knowledgeable and an encouraging teacher. I am definitely considering signing up for the other courses he runs."

A and T Petersen Ltd responded:

"Thank you so much for your positive review. Really glad you enjoyed the course."

Debra reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"All 3 of us thoroughly enjoyed our half day workshop with Julie and are very pleased with the finished products. We chose to make earrings, coasters, small plaques and a wave picture. Julie talked us through the different types of glass available and encouraged us to use all forms. There was so much to choose from and we are hoping to book again so that we can learn more and add to our current collection."

Claudia reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils onto fabric

"This was a fabulous course. I learnt so much from Liz. She's a fine teacher - approachable, hugely knowledgeable, and hands-on. I didn't know anything about screen printing before the day, and I came home with great results. I'm hooked and have now ordered some equipment to try printing at home."

Carrie N reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Excellent amount of materials to use and I was impressed that there were enough tools for everyone . Good tuition. Could do it all day !"

Nancy C reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"I really enjoyed the course . I have never worked with glass before. All the materials and tuition provided me to produce a piece of work on the day."

Marion w reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"Great ! Very good explanation, loads of glass to play with. Tutor very knowledgeable."

Chris, Chris and Leila reviewed: Taster sessions – throwing on the potter’s wheel

"This has been such a fun and energising experience! Pris is such a gentle, patient and calm teacher (she has to be with me!) and I have learned so much as well as laughing and enjoying what we've done. Thank you Pris and Alford Craft Market"

Dawn reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"Totally agree with Harriet's recent review - thanks again Jonathan for your generous spirit and such an informative and fun course - a great intro. into the world of silver jewellery making!"

Ursula B reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"Brilliant workshop - very relaxed and enjoyable. We soon got into creating master pieces we were proud of."

Nadia reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"Fantastic relaxed experience, thank you for being so patient and explaining everything so simply."

Sally reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"Very friendly, welcoming and non judgemental workshop, I had great fun."

K Bell reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and learned so much, I would recommend - Meg is a fabulous teacher."

F Jones reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"I absolutely loved being a part of this workshop. Thank you Meg for making it a fun, informative and relaxed experience. I will look out for future dates."

Neil Galloway reviewed: Sculpture in stone for beginners - 3 day course

"I had a wonderful time on one of Kate’s 3 day sculpture courses. As a complete novice I found Kate to be both supportive and an excellent teacher. She was able to effectively accommodate a range of experience and abilities within the group and an even wider range of themes to participants chosen pieces. Everyone had a really enjoyable 3 days and the time passed incredibly quickly. Highly recommended. Many thanks Kate."

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

"What a brilliant day! Jo is an excellent tutor very patient and guides you through the project so well that everyone comes away with a really impressive hare even without any prior experience or skill. The environment is lovely and Jo and Andy are both so friendly and welcoming (Tula and Mia are gorgeous too). The information you get prior to the workshop is clear and informative and the day itself is very well organised. I would thoroughly recommend this workshop."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for your comments and really pleased you loved the day Nicola! You created wonderful detail on your moon gazing hare. ;-)"

Gillian Bromley reviewed: Make a needle-felt Herdwick doorstop - a Quirky Workshop nr Ullswater & The Lake District

"A very fullfilling, enjoyable course. Annis is a great tutor, very supportive and enthusiastic. Anne at Quirky Workshops is inspiring, arranging these courses, providing the venue and great lunches. 5 plus stars all round"

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

"You can teach an old dog new tricks!! Thank you Pip for an excellent 3 days in which I learned an enormous lot of new skills. When I've acquired my new stone chisels etc. I will be finishing the lettering on my house sign and displaying it for the whole world to admire. Pip is a splendid tutor, always with positive comments and encouragment. Three days passed too quickly, though my hammer wielding shoulder knew it had been exercised. It was great to be working in a group where we were all doing our own thing but subtly gaining from seeing what each of the group were doing on their own pieces. And last, but not least, many thanks to Annie for the organisation and also her participation in the course. Next time I pass through Greystoke I will look for her new Poplin Dub stone on the gate. And where would we have been without the coffee, tea, biscuits, scones with cream and jam and the excellent lunches every day. The kitchen staff must not be forgotten! A wonderful course!!! Edwin"