Latest reviews

Lesley Rudd reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"We had a great time on the course last week. Rob was helpful and flexible from the moment I contacted him. He was happy to keep the day to just the four of us and we all had lots of fun learning new and different techniques, and we went away with a selection of candles all made ourselves - and fired up to try it at home. Rob is a fantastic candle maker and a terrific teacher making everything seem fresh and interesting. We all had different favourites, and mine is definitely the scented candles. I happily recommend this day too others and will come back for any advanced courses. Thanks very much from us all."

Martin Hill reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"I have just spent Monday 18th/Tuesday19th with Gregory, beginners course, what a fantastic time, Gregory himself is very laid back but definately not complacent, he has plenty of patience which was definately needed with me ! His experience in teaching shows through, everything explained until you understand, never felt rushed. Learned so much, cannot list all, his knowledge is amazing Cannot recommend this course enough Thanks Gregory for a great two days"

Becky Lennon reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"We visited Andy at the beginning of March when I bought my boyfriend a full day course for his birthday, and we had such a great day! We were taught the basics of wood turning and we got to work to made two lovely bowls we were able to take home. The whole day was exceptional with special thanks to his wife for cooking us a lovely cottage pie for lunch. We both learnt a lot and want to make more! I would be very happy to return again as soon as I can."

Rosa Gilham reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"This workshop was amazing. Thank you Lucy for a relaxing and informative day. I gained so much in one day, learning about colour wheel, mood board, colour schemes, pattern and texture. Lucy was an excellent host and the lunch along with the delicious home bread and cakes was a treat. A lovely day wth lovely people. I would highly recommend this course."

Daisy Clark reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"Paula is an excellent teacher and host. I booked this course to go with a friend on her birthday and it didn’t disappoint. Paula kindly picked us up from Bexley station as it was raining so much and drove us to her beautiful home. We had such a fantastic morning learning and getting hands on making soap, there were so many essential oils to choose from. After a busy morning we had a delicious afternoon tea and cakes. Within a few days we received our soaps at home and they are now curing, I can’t wait for the 4 weeks of cure to use them! We totally recommend this course, thank you Paula!"

Sophie Lynch reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Fantastic course, had previously made a pair of curtains, but learnt how to do it properly today! Lots of great tips and advice. Janet is very knowledgable and able to answer all your questions."

Viswa reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"As a novice to welding, both Annie and Felix, the course instructors were patient and informative. They allowed me to be independent with my work and instructed when I sought help. Both were knowledgeable and advised on the minimum equipments needed and the manufacturers to avoid to set up a workshop in my garage."

Jon Cox reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I had a fantastic time on the blacksmithing experience day! John and his team (Spencer, Aiden and Alex) were so welcoming, patient and knowledgeable and always happy to help and offer advice so I could finish my project safely and to a good standard. Lunch was great too and a nice chance to get to know the guys and my fellow course goers. I would definitely go back and try another course or even just another experience day and would happily recommend them. Thanks guys!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Jon thanks for review, you are welcome back anytime and of course now you have the beginners class under your belt we are expecting even bigger and better things next time ! ( might be hard to improve on the sword you made ) . Jon one favor please can you send me a couple of pictures when its in its new home. best wishes John"

Joanna Bellis reviewed: Millefiori Beads with Polymer Clay

"A fantastic way to spend a Spring day - having expert tuition but in a relaxed environment and then coming away with unique items made by your own hands. I've been wearing my millefiori necklace ever since and everyone wants to know how it was made! Well, you'll just have to ask Jo to teach you..."

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Glad to hear the necklace and earrings are a success Joanna, the colours you chose were gorgeous! I hope the 'Brussel Sprouts' are also being enjoyed ;-)"

Stephanie Quirk reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"What a lovely day, thank you so much to Liz, Alison and Andrew. They all worked tirelessly with good humour and gentle encouragement to ensure we all had a wonderful day! The location is beautiful, an idyllic setting for a relaxing creative day. We all came away from the day very happy with our creations, it is so lovely to have something lasting that you can reprint from and share with others. Thank you, I will definitely be on the look out for more courses and recommending you to friends!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We really appreciate you taking the time to review your day and happy cutting. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Sonja and Lenny Black reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Just been back again for another great glass fusion day. Siobhan is a great character and can bring out the best of your creative side. She is great at getting the best out of you if it is your first time there and if you have been before she will push you harder and you will surprise yourself at your improvement. Highly recommend you give the day a go . ?"

David reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"A day well spent! I learned so much from Julian on the one day introduction to welding. I began the day as a complete novice, having never touched a welding torch, but left with the confidence to undertake some welding projects on my own. Julia is a very good tutor with the patience to help you develop your skills, as he shares his enthusiasm for working with metal. I can thoroughly recommend this course, as I not only learnt much, but also enjoyed every moment of the day."

Doody Blake reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"This was a great introductory course to revamping furniture. I took my sister for her birthday and we spent two days together and Sarah guided us along the way to revamping our furniture pieces. I turned a sewing trolly into a drinks trolly and my sister turned some drawers into a very lovely piece of furniture to put her sewing bits in. It was fun and enjoyable and would definitely recommend to new revamp novices."

Grant Emery reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a classical portrait

"I haven’t done any clay work since my school days nearly 40 years ago and so was a bit unsure of what to expect. However, Sally instantly made me feel very welcome and Miranda took an effective step by step approach for those of us with little or no experience. Likewise, those with far greater experience were given minimal but timely intervention if it was required and additional little tips to take things to a higher level. All done in lovely surroundings and with a great model in Shanice, I really enjoyed all three days and ended up with a special piece of artwork. The number of people returning is a testament to everything that the courses provide and I would love to attend another in the future."

J Williams reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My friend & I attended the Bangle Workshop today and what a fabulous time we had! We made 2 copper Bangles & 1 silver Bangle each, having great fun sorting through the treasurechest of precious & semi-precious gemstones to adorn our work. Jolene the owner was absolutely fantastic, she was very professional and yet very personable in showing us the various techniques of her trade and this enhanced a most enjoyable learning experience. The kettle was always on the boil for cups of tea/coffee and the selection of cakes & biscuits throughout the day were a real treat. Can't wait to go on the next course."

Claire Tripp reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"Had the most wonderful two days transforming an old coffee table on this workshop. Sarah was so lovely and provided such a memorable time sharing her wealth of upcycling experience and I learned so much from her! I met some lovely ladies also attending the workshop and Sarah provided gorgeous lunches and refreshments too. A fabulous two days!"

faith bates reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"Amazing day today with Jude! Such a talented creative with a great, personable teaching manner. I was lucky enough to receive a gift certificate from my other Half's parents as a Christmas gift. Firstly, I contacted Jude to to find out the details and she took onboard what I wanted to make and let me know what was achievable in the timescale. We booked a date, the directions were super clear and included great tips for us forgetful people like "bring your glasses for close up work" etc. Upon arrival I was greeted with coffee and a chat about designs etc. The important safety aspects of the training were recited and we were off into the comfy, warm and well organised rabbit hole of tools. Lots of techniques used, invaluable advice and encouragement given along the way. Fabby lunch to break up the day- I could seriously spend hours bimbling (pottering); I honestly didn't want to stop. I can wholeheartedly recommend this course and Jude's work from my experience. DO go and check out her work and spread the good news!"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Faith, Thank you for the lovely review. You showed a lot of creativity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn...my fave kind of student! A lovely day, thank you. Jude"

Anne Overton reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a lovely day learning different techniques. Also had fun ! Siobhan kept coffee and tea flowing all day. Delicious lunch included. Will be booking again in future."

Annabel Church Smith reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"I really enjoyed my afternoon with Jane. She is a really good teacher and I learnt a lot. I was very pleased with my finished pieces. I would definitely recommend this course."

Gareth Fletcher reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"This was a fantastic course and Jamie is an excellent and supportive instructor. We had a really informative and engaging Saturday and the stained glass window I took away looks great! I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a fantastic way to meet friendly people and learn some new and interesting skills."

Lucca sharp reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"I got this workshop as a Christmas present and went along on the day with a friend and another lady, it was a really fab day and Maxine was so helpful! She helped us all decide on what we wanted to do by looking at the images we had brought with us and showing a few she a had made! She was a great teacher and talked through the lampshade making at every step, giving you as much or as little help as you wanted depending on experience with a sewing machine! I absolutely love my lampshade and it’s great to come home with a completed craft at the end of the day which is both functional and useful around the house!"

Adela reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"I am absoulutely thrilled with my lampshade and all the different skills I was introduced to during Max's lampshade workshop, including using her amazing sewing machine, screen printing & of course the magic of putting the lampshade together. Max is lovely, encouraging & patient. Theres so many beautiful fabrics & embellishments to choose from. All under the roof of a perfect purpose built studio. Highly recommend."

Charlie Darlington reviewed: 8-Week Pottery Throwing Course - Hampshire

"Every aspect of this course was great, from start to finish. Jack's tuition was detailed and really easy to understand, but he was also brilliant at letting us just get on and practice so we could develop our own styles. The small group allowed us to get plenty of individual tuition and also created a really warm and friendly environment. I can't recommend this course enough, especially if you're looking for a creative escape from the daily grind."

Immogen floyd reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"Me and 2 friends had a blast during our day. We varied in skill set from ‘have used a sewing machine’ to ‘I have no clue’. We also had a mix of ideas some structured and thought out, others just a colour idea but nothing solid. Maxine helped us all stretch ourselves and steered us in a way which felt very considerate of our goals for the day....we also got homemade cake and snacky bits which were a bonus. Amazing day. Would deffo book again and recommend."

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

"Had a lovely day in Adele’s studio. Although I’d never tried this before i came home with an amazing hand made China mosaic. Really relaxed atmosphere, had a good laugh with the other lady on the course. Would definitely recommend it."