Latest reviews

Alison Parker reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I have just returned from a wonderful Moon Gazing Hare workshop in Ilkley. The course I wanted to do was booked up so myself and six friends organised with Richard to have our own workshop. It was fun and very rewarding. We were all impressed with the finished hares. Richard, an expert tutor was friendly, fun and very helpful, taking us carefully through each process and taking time to make sure everyone had the attention they needed. We were all complete beginners. I would highly recommend having a go on one of Richard’s workshops. We are talking about doing another workshop with him - I fancy a Highland Cow or maybe a Herdwick Sheep ?......"

Celia Cutler reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"My friend and I had a lovely time learning a new craft, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who wanted to try it, Chris was very patient (he had to be as neither of us had a natural skill) :-)"

celia cutler reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My friend and I had a lovely time learning a new craft in a relaxed atmosphere and with very informative expert. Would not hesitate to recommend this course in future."

Ellie Hughes reviewed: Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates

"I attended Lee's Floral Workshop 26th-29th March 2019 half time and very much appreciated his organized approach which included initial discussion re: composition and the process of building a painting with a handout to help keep us on track. He is a sympathetic teacher who gave lots of useful guidance. I also benefited from the energy of the other students. Very enjoyable course!"

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Thanks Ellie! Glad you enjoyed the workshop. Lee"

Amina Abaakouk reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"I cannot say enough how pleasant this workshop was!!!! I really enjoyed it !! learned sooo much in such a short amount of time. It was in a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere. I will go all the way up North from London again to have a workshop with Julie and Janet as I really enjoyed every minute. If you want to learn, have fun and have a great afternoon tea then go for it! you won’t regret it!!!!"

Norah Baxter reviewed: Morning and Afternoon Art Classes for adults - Exeter

"What can I say. These courses are so good I am doing it all again. I have loved course one at Topsham and discovered that I can paint and I can draw, me who thought I could do nothing. And the people I have met have made my Wednesdays. We have had fun and companionship and the guidance of a super teacher in Chloe, who is always encouraging and supportive and never ever critical. If you think you might enjoy an art class, go for this one. You will not be sorry"

ColourWheel Exeter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely words Norah. We are so pleased that you have decided to continue with us on our new course. The class really wouldn’t be the same without you and we are really looking forward to seeing your art skills develop and grow."

Kate Margis reviewed: An introduction to hand embroidery : sew your own hoop art

"I had a wonderful time at the Tread Softly sewing workshop. I had some experience of doing cross stitch before the class but I had never done anything outside of that. I wasn't expecting to learn as much as I did and I'm delighted to say that I now know how to do lots of different types of stitches and I got a beautiful felt hanging at the end of it too... made by my own fair hands! Hannah is patient and very good at explaining things which definitely helped with the more complicated stitches. Overall, it was a delightful morning, I learnt new skills, had lots of giggles and came away from it with a lovely bear felt hanging. I would highly recommend and I can't wait to book onto more of the workshops in the New Year!"

James Shrives reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day course and was surprised by what I and fellow novices actually achieved in a fairly short space of time with Sebastian's calm guidance and encouragement to 'embrace your inner stonemason'. It was all very relaxed and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. I met some charming people and we had plenty of laughs. Thank you Sebastian."

Margaret Walker reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"My friend and I attended our first half day workshop with Julie as a joint Christmas present. We will definitely be back for more! Julie was very welcoming, there were a myriad of options and everything was very well explained. The time flew by, always a good sign! I am delighted with the decorated “poppy” plate I made as a gift and I know the recipient will be equally thrilled. Thankyou Julie"

Shauna reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"This was my second mosaic workshop and I thoroughly enjoyed this one, much more than the first one I took somewhere else. I found the materials we used to be a lot more 'user friendly' and Maggie coaches you carefully through every step. I often get 'creativity anxiety' when trying a new skill and I never had a chance to feel this here. Her warm chatter and ideas and enthusiasm carry you right on through to a beautiful finished piece. My daughter and I came from many hours away and were offered the B&B option. I had no idea what we were coming to - but this home and garden were amazing! Maggie and her husband truly live the mosaic lifestyle, there is beauty inside and out and they are the most thoughtful hosts. Glorious weekend - and you leave feeling like you've genuinely made new friends."

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Shauna for taking the time to write such a nice review. Your dove slate is one of the nicest pieces ever to have left the studio and I am so appreciative of you sharing with me the importance of the design to you. Every piece in your creation was laid out with such love and care and it was a joy to watch it evolve. Yourself and Katherine were lovely houseguests and I really hope you will come back and see us again sometime.Andy and I both enjoyed having you to stay.x"

Lorraine reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Excellent course. We learnt so much. Simon was an excellent teacher. We were so lucky because there were only the two of us on the course, so it was really personal. We made loads of candles and were not rushed away when the time came to finish up. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone thinking about making candles!"

Caroline reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"This was an absorbing day of learning something new. Dionne is quietly inspiring and so patient. I'm a beginner with no mosaic experience but I'm now very enthusiatic to learn more. It was a very satisfying experience to leave with a finished item and having spent the day with lovely people. I would recommend to anyone."

Andy reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Like others have said ... I found the course really enjoyable and Sebastian's input was just right for me. He was informative yet relaxed and not overbearing but nudged me in the right direction when needed. I will now be doing some carving in my retirement!"

Judith Dorkins reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"We had a very nice day with Ria. The course was well paced and we learned a lot. The atmosphere was very warm and friendly but we still came out with a finished piece of work at the end of the day. Thank you"

John Charnley reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"What a great introduction to wood carving. Excellent attention to detail. Not only did we complete part of a project. We were shown many techniques and given the opportunity to try anything we wanted. Nothing was too much trouble for Stephen. He is a great teacher that makes you feel that nothing is impossible. If you want to see what wood carving is about give it a go. I will certainly be back. Thanks for a great hands on day."

Michelle Paterson reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Taster Workshop

"What a fantastic experience!! Booked this as a gift for a friend and when we got there we weren’t disappointed! We had a total hands-on experience and made three fabulous glass beads in 90 minutes, thanks to Suzanne’s brilliant tuition. I would highly recommend this course and am hoping to book another session soon! Thank you so much Suzanne for a fab morning!"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much Michelle for taking the time to review your workshop. So pleased you enjoyed your morning, look forward to seeing you again soon."

Wendy Evans reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I was really looking forward to the course to enable me to move on from re-covering old chairs, to re-upholstering them. The course was perfect for that. Philip has a lovely way of sharing his knowledge and guiding you through each step, ensuring first class results. I learnt lots of new techniques and the correct way to do things at a pace that ensured a quality result. The end product I achieved surpassed my expectations. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and meeting the other participants. Like some of them, I will be returning with a new challenge. In fact I've already booked my place."

Mrs Cage reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"What can I say!!! I was originally a little nervous to be travelling to India but I now would not hesitate to recommend Stitchtopia and this particular holiday to a crafting friend. We were so well looked after, the hotels were fantastic, all visits were interesting and well planned. Thank you so much for everything."

Lucille reviewed: Learn to Crochet! 3 relaxed & fun crochet sessions with our tutor Pam Barnell

"Pam Barnell is fab and a great teacher!"

Unsal Hassan reviewed: Wood turning courses

"This was a one day course that my wife bought for me as a present. I have been on woodturning courses before and do bowl turning at home but haven’t done any for the last 18 months. There was another person on the course and he was new to woodturning. George covered the basics of woodturning and bowl turning in particular. George is a very able teacher and was more than capable in managing one that was a novice to woodturning and another that had some experience. He was a great help to us both. I was able to refresh the techniques that I already knew but were a bit rusty, improved on some with George's help and learnt some new ones that will improve my woodturning considerably. We both ended the day with a finished bowl pleased with what we had achieved."

siobhan hanlon reviewed: Natural facial skincare for spring

"Came away with some gorgeous smelling natural wholesome products and the means by which to make them, a lovely 3 hours spent, thank you"

Theresa reviewed: Painting and drawing weekly art class

"This course is fabulous! A lovely relaxed atmosphere, whilst being taught some excellent techniques by Emma. I highly recommend it."

Joan Heath-Smith reviewed: Christmas wreath workshop at Loam with Julia Freemantle

"I really enjoyed this course. The studio is lovely and in a beautiful setting. Jack and Judith were both very welcoming and looked after us all day. I have never done anything of this nature before and was a bit apprehensive, but I have returned home with a chicken that I am proud to put in my garden. I thoroughly recommend it for a fun day out with friends or family. I will definitely return to try something else."

Melissa reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"This mosaic day was lots of fun - Adela is super knowledgeable and passionate about mosaicking. This was the second time I have been on one of her courses - I did the full day mosaic course a few months ago and couldn't resist this one too :) I will definitely be back!"

Andy Wilson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had an excellent day with Alex and I certainly recommend his courses. Alex was friendly and helpful throughout the day and he clearly enjoys both blacksmithing and sharing his skills with others. I wasn't entirely sure on what I wanted to produce but Alex offered helpful guidance and was very supportive as the design evolved. I left with all the components for a pretty substantial plant pot holder that both my wife and I are very pleased with."