Latest reviews

CJG reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"This is the best pottery I've ever been to. There is a much or as little guidance as you would like to have ...if you prefer to work on your own projects ,you can ,but if you'd like teaching that is also available. New ideas are given each term and we are then encouraged to personalise and develop those in our own work. There is a very friendly ,sociable atmosphere with drinks and often snacks offered , but if you prefer to work quietly on your own ,that is OK too . I can't recommend The Clay Studio highly enough . It is a sanity saver at the end of a busy day and I always leave the class feeling that the world is a nicer place than when i arrived !"

David Crerar reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I did the cross body bag course and have to say i found the whole experience to be so satisfying... Richard is a fantastic tutor, very calm patient and knowledgable about his craft, and his enthusiasm for leather work is obvious from the offset. I have a lot of experience in clothing manufacture due to years of working in the industry and leather goods is an area that has interested my for a while... now that i have done one of the courses i have a huge appetite to continue down this route, so thank you Richard. I will definitely return for another workshop and couldn't recommend them highly enough."

Abbie reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"I've had the opportunity to have done this course with Jane. She is very patient and teaches it really well! I was so happy with the end result, I would deffinetly go to another session!"

Nicola reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Such a fabulous, relaxing day! Sarah is a great teacher, informative and with a wealth of experience to draw from. I learnt such a lot in one day and came away with a beautifully upholstered chair and the desire to do more. This is a lovely way to spend a Saturday in a calm, creative environment with likeminded people (and with a great lunch too!)"

Jaqi Jones reviewed: Learn how to create classical and contemporary sculpture in clay

"I was given a short course as a present and was just expecting to make a small thing and move on. Dean encouraged me to make a detailed sculpture that I thought would be out of my league being a novice. The short course finished and I've stayed on. Thoroughly enjoying working with clay, Dean's a great teacher, I've learned so much in a short time and I'm really pleased with my creation. Always interesting discussions with the other students there, and the time just flies! Definitely recommend!"

Jo McCarthy reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"I love classes at the Clay Studio. Monday mornings are my favourite time of the week - what could be better than feeling inspired with like-minded, friendly people in a beautiful setting? The tutors are knowledgeable and always have time for you."

Bev reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"I was bought this ‘have a go’ experience as a gift. Teresa explained the processes clearly and was patient and friendly. I was delighted with the results. I’ll definitely be going back to do more. I could get hooked!"

Deryn Bell reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"This is a beautiful, well equipped studio. The teaching is excellent. I am thoroughly enjoying this course"

Susannah reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"I am really enjoying my 2nd term at The Clay Studio. There is a theme each term but it is loose enough to allow everyone to be creative in their own way - using the wheel or hand building, using different clays & experimenting with different glazing techniques. The teachers are always on hand to give advice and encouragement. It is fabulous seeing how talented & creative people are - the atmosphere is friendly & relaxed & never prescriptive or intimidating."

Veronica Housden reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"The workshop was very relaxed and enjoyable. There was ample supplies and tools for everyone to participate and express their individual creativity and style."

Ruth Marchington reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Expert practical advice in a lovely environment. Lucy made sure we all progressed on our different projects and learned new skills. Thank you so much Lucy."

Yolanda reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"Such a good morning, a nice small group and we made so many more candles than I expected. Well explained and refreshments provided."

Doug Robertson reviewed: Bowl carving day Green Fox Wild Crafts

"This was my first crafting course and I really enjoyed working with wood using a variety of tools, to axe and gauge a bowl from a tree trunk. Nadine is a marvellous guide, knowledgable, enthusiastic and a natural teacher. Everyone in the class came away happy with a bowl of their creation after spending an active day working and feeding ourselves on the continuos stream of knowledge bubbling from Nadine, and plenty of tea and biscuits. We were led carefully through the processes of wood selection and treatment, splitting, axing, gauging and carving. We were introduced to several useful topics such as tool sharpening and decorative styles, each of which would warrant a course themselves. I've booked to go back next month for another course with Nadine to learn spoon carving."

Pavla rebhi bartakova reviewed: Powertex art journal/canvas workshop

"I had an amazing time at Marie's studio. Due to some last minute cancellations, I ended up having 1-2-1 lesson! Marie is a great tutor, supportive, thoughtfull, friendly and understand her job and students really well. I would say, I am bit crafty myself, despite that, I have learned about new technique , aquired new skills and created great piece to be proud of. Thank you"

Mark Sewell reviewed: Weekly classes at The Clay Studio

"I attended a weekly Thursday evening class during 2017. I enjoyed the class very much. I had done some pottery previously but was rusty when I started. I was well supported by the teachers in making a teapot in the shape of a cyclist, as well as a wall hanging and other hand-built items. The studio is well stocked and has a nice welcoming atmosphere for people of all abilities."

The Clay Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review. Your teapot was memorable!"

Afton reviewed: Rag rug making

"Julie is a wonderfully warm and friendly artist that welcomes you with open arms. When I arrived I met the other attendees and we had a lovely cup of tea. It was a great bunch of crafters! We had a very informative introduction to Rag Rugging by Julie and she handed out workpacks and textbooks for inspiration. She also showed her previous works of art in different shapes and materials. Then helped us all prep with designs and fabric choices and start off. There were enough tools, fabric and cups of tea for everyone! In her cabin it was a great crafting atmosphere and we soon got going! It was lunchtime before we knew it, which was also a delicious little buffet. I was especially chuffed with all the vegan options Julie had especially got in for some of us :). After lunch half of the group learnt how to do the spider web embroidery and Julie was very attentive, they all did such a great job, but she didn't forget about is continuing with our rugs. Plenty of support and more tea! It was a shame when the day was over, I for one could have stayed in that craft cabin a while longer progging away. Overall it was an absolute delight hearing about Julie's crafting and canal life, meeting the other attendees, lunch! and coming away with a very good start to a Rag Rug. Thanks very much for a very happy birthday, Julie! See you soon xx"

Afton reviewed: Rag rug making

"Julie is a wonderfully warm and friendly artist that welcomes you with open arms. When I arrived I met the other attendees and we had a lovely cup of tea. It was a great bunch of crafters! We had a very informative introduction to Rag Rugging by Julie and she handed out workpacks and textbooks for inspiration. She also showed her previous works of art in different shapes and materials. Then helped us all prep with designs and fabric choices and start off. There were enough tools, fabric and cups of tea for everyone! In her cabin it was a great crafting atmosphere and we soon got going! It was lunchtime before we knew it, which was also a delicious little buffet. I was especially chuffed with all the vegan options Julie had especially got in for some of us :). After lunch half of the group learnt how to do the spider web embroidery and Julie was very attentive, they all did such a great job, but she didn't forget about is continuing with out rugs. Plenty of support and more tea! It was a shame when the day was over, I for one could have stayed in that craft cabin a while longer progging away. Overall it was an absolute delight hearing about Julie's crafting and canal life, meeting the other attendees, lunch! and coming always with a very good start to a Rag rug. Thanks very much for a very happy birthday, Julie! See you soon xx"

Canal Art by Julie responded:

"Thank you so much Afton for your lovely comments!"

Michi Mathias reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"When someone really knows their craft, and has an obvious love for it, and a kind and gentle way with people... what more could one ask for? Twelve students is a small enough group that Stephen could show us tricky bits individually as needed. We started with small logs, and all created recognisably spoon-shaped objects in the 2.5 hours, learning the techniques with each of the various tools. I'm definitely doing more of this!"

Jane Pettican-Boyes reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I totally enjoyed every moment of The Upholstery Course I attended, the venue was fabulous, Lucy was a knowledgeable instructor and a lovely lady. She made learning really enjoyable and was able to demonstrate what needed to be done in an enjoyable way. Homemade cake and coffee on arrival was a hit with me, and homemade soup for lunch was very tasty. I finished my project on the day, and I am now eager to learn more and would love to attend another course."

Sandra reviewed: Stacking rings Warwickshire

"If you have never made silver rings before, don't be daunted - Kate is an excellent tutor who demonstrates how to do everything and gives everyone a hand if they get stuck! It was a lovely relaxed day and we all made 4 stacking rings to be proud of. I would definitely recommend this course."

Eddie R. reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I had no previous experience in leatherwork, and I have to say, this course was amazing! Rosanna was very helpful and very good in explaining things. After this course I have enough confidence to start with my own little projects. I would recommend this course to anyone! Thank you very much Rosanna, I had an amazing day!"

Teresa Davies reviewed: Felted art or 3d bear or hare with 2 Inspire You

"Yet another excellent workshop with Rachel and Rhiannon. Managed to produce a reasonable copy of my collie Rosie. A friendly and enthusiastic class, lots of laughing and comparing of dogs. Is really incredible how a bundle of wool can transform into an actual animal. There was a variety of dog breeds being recreated and at the end we were all pleased with the replicas of our precious pets. This is my second class with Rachel and I can honestly say I have enjoyed every minute and learnt so much about this craft. I will be booking future classes and recommending to family and friends. Thank you both xx"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much, I would love to see your Collie now that you have added more fur to your wonderful creation. Great that you enjoyed yourself so much and we very much look forward to seeing you again soon - remember to let me know if there is something in particular that you would like to make xx"

Helen Marr reviewed: Crochet With Crafty Sal

"Fantastic classes once a month. Great projects to complete for the beginners to the more advanced and everyone in between. Crafty Sal has such wonderful patience. She always has a smile and never gets frustrated when we "just don't get it" first or second time around. We never make mistakes just embellishments We crochet, chat, laugh and enjoy each others company and have a lovely cuppa and a piece of cake too. Really enjoy the classes"

Sylvia reviewed: 'Pick & Stick' China Mosaic Workshop

"What a great morning. I have been on two of these workshops and really enjoyed both, I have found a new hobby! I met some lovely people and will be back for more soon. Thank you Pat for making me feel welcome."

Blue Jelly Moon responded:

"Thank you Sylvia, so glad you enjoyed the morning. I hope to see you again soon"

Olga Edridge reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have just had one of the best days ever. I had a one to one day learning to turn a bowl. Chris is a great teacher and I felt totally safe using all the tools in his workshop. His studio/Worksop is perfectly equipped and most importantly Chris, this very talented artis/craftsman, has the patients of a saint. Wood turning is a very relaxing, zen and wonderfully rewarding experience. I shall do it again. Thank you Chris."