Latest reviews

Sue & Helen reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils onto fabric

"I would thoroughly recommend this course. Having never tried screen printing before the day with Liz was a wonderful introduction. She was a lovely host and really looked after us, provided a delicious lunch and most importantly making sure we left with prints we love. I would go again in an instant."

Jo Norris reviewed: One to one photographic tuition London - Online

"A lovely day with excellent tuition. I'm no longer overwhelming with my camera options and I now have a much better idea where I'm going with my photography. Such good value for money and Richard certainly delivers his offer of free post course support. Thoroughly recommended."

Wendy Barlow reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"What an amazing course. I purchased the course as a gift to celerbrate my twin sisters 60th. We had a wonderful memorable day. Sarah is such a lovely person and full of knowledge of her craft, really interesting person. We had constant supplies of tea, biscuits and cake. And a glass of Prosecco as a gift from her and her lovely husband. Would hugely recommend it."

Ian Butler reviewed: Platinum Palladium Print Making workshop

"Richard is an accomplished photographer in his own right and this is reflected in his approach to print making. Some of his own prints are stunning and show just what can be achieved using this method. He is an excellent teacher who skilfully took me through the process from making and assessing a negative to touching up any minor defect on a finished print. It is a very 'hands on' course and I had produced a finished print by the end of the first day. Richard is very generous with his technical knowledge, even sharing some of his own adjustment curves and print settings. More importantly though is Richard's creative, painstaking and meticulous encouragement to produce very fine prints. He really is a master at his craft and I can't think of any better way to learn the art and science of platinum/ palladium printing. I fully intend to continue to experiment with the process and I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in producing the best possible prints from their work."

Kella Bowers reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"I did the two day course and what a fantastic two days it was. Jason and Louise made us feel really welcome and as a complete beginner I was totally amazed at the end result. It was a great mindfulness experience as you do need to concentrate and be in the moment. With Jason's infectious enthusiasm and the cool beach club/smooth jazz type music filling the room, the days flew by. I would quite happily do it all over again."

Nicola Johnson reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"I can honestly say at £130 this course is a bargain. I am a professional modern artist and I have spent a lot of money on upskilling via various workshops over the years and Jude truly smashes it. For the money I paid ( the equivalent to a group spot of 1 of 12 or 30 anywhere else), I got one to one tuition. Initially I was a little worried Jude might be a skilled crafter just running courses on the side and trust me when I say because you have a talent it doesn't always mean you can teach. Fear not though Jude was amazing, not only can she teach very well, Jude is a professional teacher, teaching at a range of local and national colleges, she has a passion for silver (and Gold) and very high standard Jewellery skills. She taught me well enough that I understood what I was being taught enough to do it again and she allowed me to make all my own work rather than helping in the tougher bits. She has more than all the kit to both make and teach. She is grounded, approachable and an awful lot of fun. For my one to one fee, I got all the silver I could make with, all Judes expertise and use of all the equipment. Not to mention a fresh and healthy lunch which was divine, a hold load of laughs and numerous teas and coffees. I cannot recommend these courses highly enough."

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Nicola, You are very kind with your comments; I am rather overwhelmed and chuffed :). My job is made easier when I teach such enthusiastic and willing students who totally relax into the day and let their creative sides take over. It was such a fun day, thank you Nicola x"

Laura Brown reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Brilliant course. Peter is amazing, he is not only extremely knowledgeable and happy to share his experience but patient too. He clearly loves what he does and this shines through at the workshop. I actually can't believe I came home with a finished stool in just the two days. Highly recommend this course. I will do more. Thank you Peter."

Lis Whelan reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Jason and Louise were fantastic teachers and the course was absolutely brilliant. So much fun and exciting to see your own work coming together. What was great about this course was they would give you as much or as little help as you wished. Some courses can end up doing half the work for you, here they completely pass on the tools to you. I loved it and will definitely do another course with them."

Vanessa Gray reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"I spent a very enjoyable few hours last weekend attending this course with a friend. June was welcoming and very generous with both her knowlege and her wonderful selection of card making accessories. Thank you so much June for a very pleasant and inspiring few hours. The cost was extremely good value with choccie biscuits and drink included - what more could you want?!!"

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Hi Vanessa. Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope I see you again soon to make some more beautiful cards :)"

Louisa reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"My sister and I did the two-day weekend course and absolutely loved it. Jack is a great teacher and is patient and encouraging, and helped guide us to produce an array of ceramics that I was so impressed with! Cant wait to see the finished pieces, and I have since booked on to the 10 week course. A great way to spend a weekend and in such a beautiful studio, I highly reccomend Jack as a teacher."

Margita Yankova reviewed: Screen printing beginners workshop

"The screen printing workshop at Lara's studio was just magnificent! The atmosphere was very calm and pleasant, the pace of work just right. I am not a beginner, but had forgotten this and that, so Lara was very patient and encouraging. I created a couple of prints that I am very proud of and wear with joy. I loved this experience and won't hesitate to do it again soon! I have already recommended the workshop to all of my friends."

Dawn reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"Fantastic hour with James in his studio. James shares his amazing talent but also lets you take the lead and let your imagination run wild. Very relaxed atmospshere, i came away feeling very chilled and quite destressed! The one problem with James and his Ebru art is that you instantly want to plan your next session!!! More, more, more!!!"

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Dawn, I look forward to seeing you again and helping you to nail the perfect pansy!"

Megan Hill reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky was extremely welcoming, chatty and a fab teacher. I had a brilliant day and would thoroughly recommend. There was just 2 of us on the day and I got to make 4 items - a paperweight, bowl for a tealight candle, a hanging piece and a sculptured piece."

Ian hylton reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I went on the leather bag making workshop and I must say....fantastic. I’ve wanted to do this workshop awhile and finally did. Having the privilege of being taugh by Leathersmith Richard Williamson, who guided us step by step with the product making, teaching us about different leather hides and what tools to uses. Fantastic guy and teacher with great stories too. I would highly recommended anyone to take the class."

Finola reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"I did the half day ceramics course at half term. It was really fun meeting lots of new people and doing new things. I enjoyed making my bowl the best! Thank you !"

Leslie Knoop reviewed: Jewellery Making Day, Woking

"I have done a few of these courses over the past year with Kirsten and they are enormous fun!! All the courses are small (only 4 people). Everyone has their own project and works semi-independently. The small class size means Kirsten is always there to guide and advise and help with new techniques, but your work is most definitely your own. So far I have done stacking rings, bezel set amethysts for a ring and pair of bangles and I am now learning tube settings. I will certainly be going back and would recommend to anyone."

Christine Wake reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"I recently attended one of Laura's 1-2-1 oil painting workshops and this was my first attempt at oil painting. I was attracted by the style of one of Laura's floral paintings on her website and, with her support and encouragement, I finished the day by creating an oil painting in a style that was completely different from anything I had created before. Laura's insight into the use of adventurous colour was a revelation and she has given me the confidence to be more experimental in developing the loose style that I want to achieve. Laura's workshop surpassed my hopes and expectations and I would recommend a workshop with Laura to anyone who wants to develop confidence and try something new in their painting. It was a joy to paint in a beautiful studio with great company and a delicious lunch. I have every intention of attending more of Laura's workshops."

Lesley Bottomley reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Really relaxing and enjoyable. Clear guidance but freedom to feel comfortable with my work. Just made me want to come back for more classes. Thank you Wendy, it's been a great day."

Jenny Mac reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"It's been a fantastic day, learnt so much and really enjoyed making my own piece. Lots of lovely colours to choose from and great advice all the way. Thank you!"

Steve Hall reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a day for my son and I for his 17th birthday. I had used a forge many years ago in metalwork classes at school (is that even still something that happens?) but I really did have no expectations going in as to what we were in for. I guess I expected we'd be making horseshoes or a plough or something similar. When first shown what we'd be doing, my initial reaction was "is that it?", but then as we went through the process step-by-step I was really amazed at how beautifully simple and yet how demanding the process was of turning a small lump of steel into an actual piece of art. What I had not appreciated is that Chris is an artist, not just a blacksmith, and his portfolio of work is really very impressive. Put a whole new light on the world of smithing in my mind. As for Chris himself, he really was a most splendid teacher. Calm and patient with us beginners and really friendly and easy-going which made the whole day a thorough joy. He also has a most excellent taste in music and it was easy to forget we were their to learn, rather than while the day away chatting with a friend - which is how he came across. Overall, we really did have a great day and I do recommend Chris' course to anyone who fancies trying their hand at Blacksmithing. He makes it look easy, but it really isn't - it's harder and more tiring that you'd expect and utterly worth it."

Dave Challis reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"Attended the one day course in March 2019 and absolutely loved it. I am new to soap making so opted for the one to one course, and enjoyed every minute of the day. Once the theory was out of the way I made 5 soaps in the afternoon which are currently setting in my garage and I cant wait to try them... only 4 weeks to go. Emma spent the time I required on each section and is a great teacher. Fantastic day.... nothing more to say."

Nicola Montagu reviewed: A Dry Stone Walling Workshop Bedfordshire

"Very interesting course amazing what you can learn in just one day"

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Nicola - It was a good day and i am pleased you found it interesting, observing the 'batter', the lines, seeing the foundations going in, placing of the 'three quarter throughs', juggling with the stone until you found the suitable 'face' and placing it 'one over two' ! It does take time to settle into the activity and wish you well in your future activity overseas - Take Care, Best Wishes - John"

Wei-Xi Tan reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris is an excellent teacher, being both thorough and patient, and incredibly friendly to boot. Had a great time and absolutely would recommend to anyone considering it."

Caroline Everett reviewed: Experimental Printmaking inspired by Mid Century Design in Derbyshire

"A really lovely day. I learned some new techniques and really enjoyed the opportunity to get my creative juices flowing. Despite this being only a 1 day course I still came away with some pieces of work that I am really pleased with. Despite being a beginner to printmaking (indeed, not normally being a regular artist at all) I have been quite inspired by the workshop. I’ve come away thinking about how I can quite easily replicate some of the techniques at home and would like to work on some projects if my own. Thank you Liz for your warm hospitality and generous sharing of advice and techniques."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you for your review and kind words. So glad you enjoyed your day and good luck with your projects. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Tracey Cooper reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I can not recommend this course enough, Angie is so knowledgable and guides you through the process of creating something wonderful and unique. My friends and family are so impressed with the chair I reupholstered and I feel I have the skills to start to tackle something on my own. Oh and lunch is absolutely delicious! I’m keen to go back and learn about soft furnishings too."