Latest reviews

Philip Latham reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I am new to wood turning and booked a day’s instruction with Graham Turner. It was everything I hoped for. A relaxed and informative mix of practical and theoretical instruction. The workshop was comfortable and Graham has an excellent set of lathes and tools. From the start I was able to follow Graham’s example working through a range of tools using different woods and quickly gained confidence. There was a welcome emphasis on health and safety and at the end of the day I was delighted to depart with a walnut bowl that I managed to produce, admittedly with a bit of help! A delightful man and a great day, I thoroughly recommend his course."

Vanessa reynolds reviewed: Felt Making Pictures (Halifax)

"Absolutely loved this course! Informative and interesting with plenty of opportunity for discussion covering different materials and technique . Excellent practical demonstrations and the right balance of tutorial and practice. Will definitely look to attend further courses in the future."

Ceara Mongan reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"This was an excellent course delivered in a beautiful location. Jo made me feel very comfortable and explained the process clearly and thoroughly. I took home some lovely home made goodies that were absolutely beautiful when burned, and was provided with a beautiful lunch just to top off the day. I would definately recommend this course xxx"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you! It was lovely to meet you and I'm glad you had such a good time. I hope you keep up candlemaking and do drop me a line if you have any queries. xx"

Emma reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"Such a lovely way to spend a day. I thoroughly enjoyed learning how to make soap and creating my own packaging for it too. Jenny and Lynn were so welcoming and made everyone feel at ease. A total bonus, lunch was absolutely delicious and a lovely surprise birthday cake was a super treat, thank you ladies. I definitely recommend this to anyone interested in making soap, or anyone who just fancies trying something new in a calm and relaxing environment."

Chris Adams reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"The course was excellent. I've never attempted stone carving before but having seen a lot of it going on in the York Minster Stoneyard I've wanted to experience it. This course fulfilled that ambition 110%. The experience of the three day course will certainly add to what I can say about the skills of the Stone Masons and Carvers when taking the visitors around the Minster and the Stoneyard. Additional to all that I created a piece of garden ornamentation, that while hardly Michelangelo, I quite proud of."

Mike White reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a portrait head

"I thoroughly recommend the courses here and Miranda as tutor. In March 2018 we did a six-week one-morning-a-week life sculpting course and were both delighted with our progress, the instruction and model. The three-hour session was split into two: in the first we made a new model from scratch and in the second we worked on the same model, producing figures we are happy to display. I've just completed a six-week portrait head course that was a similar excellent experience. This time we built a single full-size head, adjusting and improving in each session until a good likeness was achieved. Miranda encourages students to look, and rotates the model frequently to give the different viewpoints necessary to see the whole form. I've adopted the building processes into my own practice; I've learned a lot and look forward to more courses next year."

Claire reviewed: Make a Windsor chair

"This was an excellent course and I thoroughly recommend it. As well as a beautiful chair I’ve come away with a whole new woodworking vocabulary and some wonderful memories of the pleasures of making something from scratch. Ben was a fantastic teacher and struck a great balance between letting us get on with using our newly learnt skills and being on hand to lend support and give us reminders and tips. I would definitely consider doing another course with Ben."

Myra Hutchings reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day and came home with three lovely necklaces for family members."

Linda Dominique reviewed: Painted Stained Glass (2 days) in the Peak District

"Homely welcome coupled with excellent tuition - I recently attended the painted stained glass weekend course. Alison and Pete make you very welcome in their home with tea, coffee, delicious home cooked lunch and cake in the afternoon. The course is held in their home with a purpose built studio for the class. The tuition by Jane Littlefield on this course was excellent. Covered all the basics and provided all the support that was needed for all delegates. Thoroughly recommended."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Dear Linda, Thankyou so much for your warm words. So glad you enjoyed the course and felt at home here. I will pass on your happy feedback to the lovely Jane Littlefield. Best wishes Alison"

Tamasin Ellis reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Excellent course, professional, friendly and encouraging. A fantastic introduction to weaving and I am very eager to continue. Tamasin Ellis"

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

"This was an excellent course, from booking through to waving goodbye as I proudly left with my almost-completed chair. I had never done any upholstery before and was naturally a little unsure of what I was letting myself in for, but Sarah was very clear and reassuring when I contacted her in advance and the day itself exceeded my expectations. She has the ideal qualities for teaching: she seriously knows her stuff and has what seems to be unlimited patience and a calm, unhurried manner. With only 3 in the class there was plenty of time for detailed instruction and help. My 1930s chair is totally transformed - now I just need to give the other 3 in the set the same treatment!"

Martin reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"It was such a good experience to get out of London for half the day and actually make something with my own hands in Jack's beautiful studio in Petersfield! Jack is an incredibly patient and enthusiastic teacher, going through each step of the process carefully and then looking after you when you give it a go. I managed to produce three different pieces, which Jack will fire and glaze for me. I would recommend this course to anyone; my friends will be getting vouchers to attend for the foreseeable future!"

Paul Simpson reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"A really good course. Matt is an excellent tutor with an obvious passion for what he does, coupled with the teaching skills to help everyone get the most out of the day. I was amazed at what he helped me achieve and it has reignited my enthusiasm for glass work after a gap of many years. I am going back for more!"

Edwina Staker reviewed: Tuffett Making Workshop (2 Days) with Bev Caleno, Old Bank Studios

"Brilliant workshop! Very comprehensive instructions and hands on support from Beverley. Nigel is on hand to help with assembling the tuffet after all the sewing is completed. The lunches are home cooked and are excellent. Bank Studios is a lovely environment to spend time being creative and meeting lovely like minded people."

Maureen Hales reviewed: Tuffett Making Workshop (2 Days) with Bev Caleno, Old Bank Studios

"Thoroughly enjoyable course, brilliant tutor, I enjoyed it so much I did it twice. Old Bank Studios is a brilliant place to learn or further your skills, and the lunches are delicious which is a definite bonus."

Sandra Lord reviewed: Tuffett Making Workshop (2 Days) with Bev Caleno, Old Bank Studios

"Had a lovely two days making the tuffet and was really pleased with it. Tuition really hands on and friendly. Everything provided including an excellent home cooked lunch! Would highly recommend this course."

Natalie Dryburgh reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"Highly recommended this course, excellent value for money and a great day."

Chioma reviewed: 2 day traditional upholstery workshop

"Karen was a delight to work with. I learned how to deep-button a footstool. She let’s you do your own work with guidance as needed. I felt completely empowered and had a huge sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Oh! And did I mention the food? Delicious and healthy."

Ann Restman reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"This was an excellent experience. I would go again. I have a kiln already and work with glass, but Jennifer taught me so much. I can't say enough good thing about the teaching and whole experience. As other reviews have said... well worth the money."

Monika Ferenczne Surinya reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I found this course absolutely perfect for beginners. We have covered lots of things in couple of hours, including different kinds of wax, additives, how to use colours, scents, moulds, different techniques, etc. I came along with 5 beautiful candles made all by myself with the guidance of Rob, who is a kind and patient tutor, always happy to answer all kinds of questions. I would truly recommend his course to anyone who loves candles or want to start a business or just want to spend a morning really engaged and productive. Thanks very much Rob for your inspiring course! You helped us a lot!!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thank you Monika for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you on the course and best of luck with your lavender candles. Rob"

Amelia reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"We really enjoyed our pottery taster class at Poppy Rose, it was fun, relaxed and well taught. We hope to come back and attend a class at some point in the future."

PoppyRose responded:

"Many thanks for your review, so pleased you & your mum enjoyed your experience. Your pots look great. Best wishes, Louise"

sarah fielding reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"I attended one of Cheryl's day workshops and can honestly say it was one of the best workshops I have ever done. I went as a complete novice - can took home three completed foiling projects! It was a perfect day of being immersed in creativity away from the daily grind. Total freedom to just switch off and create! Loved every minute. Thank you."

Lucy reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I originally signed up to one of Martin's 12 week courses to see my friends more. To be honest, I hadn't given much thought to stained glass and didn't have a project in mind. Martin is a great teacher. He guided me through the various techniques with patience and care. He helped me design a project which was both feasible in the 12 weeks and challenging enough to keep me engaged. I'm very happy with the end result and display it proudly in my kitchen. I found his weekly class to be therapeutic and cathartic - a real escape from the daily stresses in life. There is a lovely atmosphere in the classes and everyone is very friendly. Martin even serves up drinks half way through each class - a really nice touch! The only criticism is that I'm left wanting more and I'm currently trying to think of a new project so I can begin more classes! Thank you Martin!"

Barbara from Pennsylvania reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"I attended a mosaic pendant class on October 3, 2018. Had great fun, was fed tea, cookies, and baguettes, and left with four interesting gift-worthy pieces (Sorry I can't upload pics.) The workspace is large and comfortable, and filled with inspirational pieces. After class, Cheryl showed me the larger mosaic pieces in her house, and even gave me a ride back to the tube station. A great introduction to a fun and creative activity."

dave john reviewed: Blacksmithing experience - spend a day in the forge

"Had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day at Red Anvil. Richard is a true artisan and very worthy of the title 'Master Blackmith'. 6 on the course, 6 forges available so no wasted time waiting for your 'go' with the fire, Richard constantly on hand to instruct and inform as required, made sure we did the job ourselves. On other courses i have had an instructor complete things by demonstrating, not just explaining the technique and then letting me get on with it and ultimately achiveing the desired result. Lunch at the pub was great, plenty of tea nad biscuits what more could you ask for. If you want an introduction to blacksmithing i highly recommend you get down to Totnes and do it at Red Anvil!"

Red Anvil School of Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Dave, you made my task of tutoring very easy and really enjoyable. Hope to see you again sometime. Regards Richard"