Latest reviews

Valerie Henderson reviewed: One-to-One Fused Glass Course

"I had a fantastic day. Although I have never tried glass fusing before, I found Amanda’s explanation of the day was very clear over our starting coffee/ drink and biscuits. After health and safety, and discussion of different techniques were covered, we had an overview of facilities. We then progressed on to what we wanted to create. Amanda was very good at guiding my ideas to what was actually achievable within the time frame. I managed to create 3 different projects. Cutting the glass was not my forte, but Amanda was very supportive and assisted with this. I think more practice on the trainees part, not that it is a difficult technique to master. First project under the belt before lunch. And lunch was amazing. Two course, menu I guess varies upon season. I had created for me, homemade chicken, sweetcorn and potato soup / stew (keep in mind this is British October) and chocolate brownie and fudge sauce, just to die for! The afternoon was spent creating my two other designs. Again, Amanda was very helpful with direction and suggestion on how to achieve my design ideas. Overall a very enjoyable experience, a day of learning and fun. A very good tutor having patience with a newbie, and a five star xxxxx chef as well. Thank you Amanda for a very informative and practical educational day."

Stella reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"It was a great day and I learnt loads . Martin showed us several different skills and paced the demos well giving us a chance to try things out in between. Then we could go free form with support in the form of ideas and designs if we wanted them. Brilliant. Loved it. Time flies!! "

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, I hope to see you again in the future."

Diane reviewed: Creative Textiles York

"This is a really enjoyable course. There were loads of templets and ideas to choice from to help make your project. Really clear guidance and friendly atmosphere. I would definitely do the course again. "

Thread and Press responded:

"That’s lovely to hear thank you "

Lynda Watsham reviewed: Fused glass day workshop

"Helen was a great teacher very professional and enjoyable. I learnt new techniques and was thrilled with what I was able to achieve, "

Helen Rose Glass responded:

"Thanks Lynda. I can't wait to see your sloth all fired and slumped."

Linda Eggins reviewed: Sashiko Decorative Embroidery

"A lovely day with excellent tuition, cups of tea/coffee and cake. Everything I had hoped for."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi Linda, thank you so much. It was a lovely day with you all, I'm so glad you had a good time. Best wishes and enjoy your Sashiko! Jennifer "

Maria Rossetter reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel, Copper Matte & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshops 2025

"I had the best time. Abi and Alison are the best!. We did lots of different firings. It was absolutely amazing and seeing the different results we all achieved. Abi and Alison made the course so much fun and very informative. I learnt a lot and would definitely go back again. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves pottery or who has never done any ceramics before. The location was beautiful and the homemade lunch and cakes provided were so yummy! I am so pleased with my pots and I will show them of! Thank you Abi and Alison xx🙂 "

Dawn Chapman reviewed: Full day private jewellery tuition for 1-4 people

"This was such a fabulous day. I learnt so much and as someone who identifies as ‘uncreative’ I am so proud of the ring I made - which I love! Sam was fun, great at teaching and patient! I would recommend this to anyone regardless of skill level. "

Cherry Goddard reviewed: Hand spinning course - absolute beginners

"Excellent day with Hollie. Lots of fun and plenty to learn. Thoroughly enjoyed the course"

David Schutte reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"What a brilliant day! Lee is not only very friendly and welcoming, but teaches the lino-cut course for beginners like me with very clear guidance and instruction, and lots of ideas from how own experience to help you achieve the tricky landscape you brought along! Highly recommended, and if you want a fun, interesting and creative day, don't hesitate!"

Rory reviewed: Hedgelaying - Beginners Course

"Really enjoyed this course and full of motivation to keep on giving hedge laying a go ourselves. Everything was clearly explained and the day was very well planned. "

The Woodsman responded:

"Thank you Rory. Glad you enjoyed the course. Best of luck with tackling your own hedge. "

Jill and Ian Kenna reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"A most interesting and enjoyable course. We had never done anything like this before but Liz demonstrated and explained it so well that we were able to come home with many satisfying prints. Liz is an excellent teacher, friendly, helpful and patient. He home and studio are very well appointed and we were made to feel very welcome and provided with drinks and biscuits throughout the day. We would highly recommend this course."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jill & Ian, Good to hear from you and thank you for your kind words - it’s much appreciated. It was a lovely working with you, seeing your interest and understanding grow throughout the day. You both did so well in such a short timescale, creating a range of great pieces. I hope you have time to develop your printmaking skills and I’m sure you’ll both go from strength to strength. Happy printing. Liz Wellby"

Nicole reviewed: Oxfordshire Introduction to Linocut One Day Workshop

"I had the most wonderful time at Gerry's Introduction to Linocut one day workshop, and learned so much in a very relaxing and friendly atmosphere. The setting of the workshop is lovely, in beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, in a fabulous space dedicated entirely to Gerry's linocut/printing work. She made our class of 5 immediately very welcome; everything was so well thought through and lovingly prepared for our day to go smoothly. We got lots of encouragement, high quality teaching (especially to a total beginner like myself) and the freedom to try out and do what we'd like to, while Gerry also made sure that all of us left with some beautiful prints. I left feeling very happy, and think I've found a new hobby. Thank you, Gerry!"

Gerry Coles Prints responded:

"Thank you for leaving me such a thoughtful review Nicole. It was a pleasure to meet you and see the beautiful prints that you and the rest of the group produced. Best wishes Gerry"

Angie reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"Had a really great time. Chris was brilliant at guiding us through the process and really pleased with our baubles. Rest of the family want to have a go now xx"

CT reviewed: Sashiko Decorative Embroidery

"Lovely friendly and informative day in a dedicated workshop room, brimming with artistic examples and ideas. Had plenty of choice for all levels and lots of ideas for other challenges, and Jen was perfectly content to pop down a few rabbit holes to share wide range of knowledge on all sorts of topics. Exactly the sort of experience you hope for."

Sew Forest of Dean responded:

"Hi CT, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and yes -I can always make time to send you all off down a rabbit hole for more stitching joy 🤣 Thanks again, enjoy your stitching, Jennifer"

Richard reviewed: Woodturning Lesson in the Heart of Yorkshire by Professional Woodturners

"Excellent experience, would highly recommend! I'd always wanted to try wood turning but never had the opportunity before, so finally decided it to give it a go via one of Dan's workshops, who I found online when searching for courses near me. Dan (our teacher) was very friendly and approachable, very good at explaining the various techniques we'd be using, stepping in to help and guide when needed but otherwise happy to let us practice at our own pace. Dan clearly knows his stuff too, and was happy to answer any of our questions along the way! Over the day, we made a simple seed dibber in the morning to learn basic turning and shaping, then moved on to making a small bowl in the afternoon to learn the different techniques used there. At lunch, we were taken to a very nice cafe across the road - can highly recommend the bacon sandwiches! Having never done any wood turning before, and not considering myself a particularly creative or 'crafty' person, I was delighted with the end results (the seed dibber and bowl I had produced), and I was able to take my creations home with me. A very enjoyable day!"

Tracy Thorley reviewed: Four Saturday morning art classes in Stockton Brook with Louise Adams

"I really enjoyed this session, Louise was very helpful giving us advice and guidance to help expand the way I work. The other students were really friendly and encouraging. I look forward to attending on a more regular basis. I would highly recommend to anyone novice or expert artist. Thanks Louise for making me feel so welcome."

Stockton Brook Studios responded:

"Thank you so much, Tracy for your thoughtful review. I look forward to art adventures together on a Saturday morning!"

Sharin reviewed: Paint & Create - Adult Christmas decoration art workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed this class. Great value, relaxed fun experience would highly recommend for anyone. Josie was warm and friendly making us all feel comfortable. "

Paint & Create responded:

"Thank you so much Sharin for your lovely review. Im so pleased you enjoyed it and I really appreciate you taking the the time to let me know . Thank you again Josie "

Alison reviewed: Peak Blacksmithing Experience days

"Absolutely brilliant day with two knowledgeable, friendly and engaging instructors. I learned so much and it really sparked my interest in doing more blacksmithing in future. Seven students was the perfect group size for plenty of one on one assistance, but a lively, buzzing atmosphere. A good lunch was included where we sat around a big table and got to know each other better. Overall, a lovely experience that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. Thanks so much Jessica and Tim!"

Margaret reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Tea Light / Votive Candle Holder

"The course was a completely different and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Clear instructions with plenty of ideas. Equipment and materials were easy to use."

Peter Griffiths reviewed: Hedgelaying - Beginners Course

"Like to thank you for an excellent course & it has given me the confidence to lay my hedges."

The Woodsman responded:

"Thanks Peter. Great to know that you enjoyed the course feel confident to lay some more hedges yourself. "

Paul reviewed: One day MMA/MIG welding course

"Absolutely fantastic course. Just the right level of theory and practical to get some basic experience of MMA and MIG welding. Thanks Dave and Joe"

Allied Welding School responded:

"Thank you for your kind, positive review Paul it is very much appreciated. Kind regards David "

Claire S reviewed: Introduction to throwing on the potter's wheel

"I had a wonderful afternoon with Geraldine. She was kind and supportive and managed to get a total beginner to make something that looked like a pot! Would absolutely recommend. "

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"Thank you Claire, you were a fab student. Looking forward to seeing you again for more potting fun. Geri"

Mark kirk reviewed: Wooden Pendant Carving with Giles Newman

"Amazing experience with a highly skilled carver. If you do not know of Giles it is worth looking at his amazing work. Many new skills learnt in a really nice space with Giles and his family being more than accommodating. Thanks for such an unforgettable experience. "

Giles Newman responded:

"Thank you so much Mark. It was wonderful to meet you and share in on your carving journey. Happy carving my friend!"

Liz reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Tea Light / Votive Candle Holder

"I went along to this course with 4 friends and what a great morning it was! There was a warm welcome, a hot chocolate and biscuits and a lot of enthusiasm on our part. Beckie told us the rudimentals - what the various tools were and how to use them, the different sorts of glass on offer and then left us to it. Advice and tips were always on hand when required. Time flew and before we knew it 12.30 arrived. There was no rush to stop immediately as the next class wasn’t due to start straightaway. Our ‘masterpieces’ will be ready for collection in 7-10 days and I can’t wait! Beckie was very enthusiastic and informative and was very aware that none of us had ever experienced glass fusion before. There was no right or wrong way which suited us all. I would definitely recommend the class. No experience is required. You’ll be surprised how creative you can be! Thanks so much Beckie."

Rita reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Beginner - 3 Hours - One to One

"Rachel made our mother and daughter morning very special. From the chalk board with a personalised welcome when we arrived to the regular offer of drinks, she made us very welcome. She got the balance of clear instructions and guidance and letting us get on with it perfect. Great to have just the two of us and the level of attention that came with that. Highly recommend. "

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments Rita. It was so lovely to meet you both and you did brilliantly. Be lovely to see you again some time! All the very best. Rach "