Latest reviews

Christina reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"I had a wonderful day with Jolene helping me to create a beautiful silver bangle for myself and also two matching bangles and rings for my daughters."

Julie King reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I attended the weekend course and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough. I have no experience in throwing and little with clay, and I surprised myself with what I achieved. Yoka is very clear in her teaching and very knowledgable. I have learnt many different techniques. Yoka is very inspirational and I feel this is a starting point for my new hobby!! My partner (not doing the course) and baby came too. The accommodation was fabulous and nothing was too much trouble. Food was outstanding. Totally recommend this - if you are considering it then book it - you won’t regret it!! I’m looking forward to booking into another course with Yoka and setting up my own studio in the coming months."

Stevie Burrows reviewed: An Introduction to Bookbinding with Learn Bookbinding

"This is an incredible course. Mandy has broken it down into simple logical steps and always has extra information to share about each step or the history of bookbinding. 100% recommend it but be warned- you will want to go back again and again"

Ros reviewed: Free Motion Embroidery Landscapes in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"A lovely way to spend a day in Sue's studio filled with her own wonderful work, inspiration and lovely crafting materials. Sue not only encouraged us to experiment in our introduction to machine embroidery but also taught me things I didn't know about my machine and hand embroidery. Topped off with lots of tea and cake. I'm inspired to get embroidering for our wedding!"

Sue Nicholls Designs responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, Ros. So glad you enjoyed the day."

Anon reviewed: Rambles with a Sketchbook in Southern Snowdonia - 7 night residential

"Rambles with a sketchbook was excellent with lovely locations selected."

Anonymous reviewed: Exmoor through a lens - 4-night photography holiday

"Good venue, good leadership and delightful surroundings"

Anon reviewed: Landscape Photography - Discover Photography Weekend In the North York Moors - 3 night residential

"This Photo Holiday was one of the best I have been on. Derek Gale as Photo Leader was exceptional!"

Helen Gannon reviewed: Hare sculpture - mixed media course with Nikki Szabo

"This course is a must for anyone wanting to experience something creative and new. Nikki provides a calm and relaxing workshop with great instruction and supervision. Her work is inspirational and she makes everything seem so achievable. I thoroughly enjoyed my two days being creative, thank you so much Nikki! I feel that I’ve learnt much from the experience and am now ordering clay to make models with my children. I’m sure I will return Helen x"

Rasma B reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"Lynne is a fun and capable teacher - she very clearly demonstrates the basics, working at the students pace, as well as providing useful information for working outside the box in one's own time. I came away satisfied, not-too-overloaded, inspired by the success of the day, and keen to find leather to upcycle into Christmas presents. I also very much appreciated the welcome to her home studio, which was warm and inviting with the added bonus of fabulous cake! I would definitely recommend this course for beginners and those who want a fun weekend day getting creative in a new discipline or in company of others."

Naomi reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Donna is an amazing teacher, she's very patient and willing to show or talk you through any parts that you may have issue with. The course is well worth the time and money and will give you a good understanding of the basics of using a sewing machine and cutting a basic pattern. In addition to the above you get to come away with something you've made yourself that looks phenomenal!"

Külli reviewed: Printing on clay

"I really enjoyed this course very much - Zoe is a very good teacher and is happy to share her skills and experience. I'd love to do it again for a second time."

Zoe Lloyd responded:

"Hi Kulli thank-you for your review, I will look forward to seeing you again soon."

Susan Beddow reviewed: Stained Glass in a Day

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, clear instruction by expert people! I was very pleased with my finished work of art. Help was on hand if you needed it. Would highly recommend."

Cariad Glass responded:

"Thank you so much, lovely words! Really pleased you enjoyed your day with us, and hope to see you in 2019! Cheers, Justine"

Lisa Smith reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"I had never used a machine before attending Donnas' course. Donna was extremely friendly and approachable and she gave very clear instructions on what to do and was extremely patient when dealing with a totally novice who could not even thread a normal needle She made the whole experience informative and fun. I was very proud of my finished item. And I am sure she will have no trouble in expanding her classes and making every single one an enjoyable experience for all who attend."

Samantha Macdonald reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Donna is very patient and is an excellent teacher and I would always recommend and will be doing the next class. If you want to learn this is the place to go"

Lou Gibbon reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"My friend and I travelled over 5 hours with severe weather warnings and flooding in the locality, to attend a weekend throwing course with Yoka at Siramik. It was well worth the effort. Yoka is an excellent teacher. Guiding us from the very basics right through to the trimming and finishing / decoration processes. We each had a selection of finished pieces on Sunday ,ready to be fired and posted on to us. Yoka was an inspiration and very happy to answer all our questions , sharing all her experience and knowledge willingly. The accommodation was clean and comfortable and being gluten and dairy free was catered for perfectly . I came away feeling confident to go straight into getting on a wheel and practising my newly found skills yesterday! Thanks again Yoka."

Tabitha Gurney reviewed: Using a Sewing Machine for Beginners

"Having never used a sewing machine, I was a little apprehensive at first but Donna gave me the confidence and support during the workshop which allowed me to make my very own scatter cushion."

Smampy's Corner responded:

"I'm pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and look forward to hearing how your sewing skills progress."

Rachael reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"The course was fantastic! I recommend this to anyone with a love of candles and a lack of knowledge about candles. I learnt a lot and may now even light my candles instead of just looking at them."

Rosie reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"Hi Dawn Just to thank you once again for a wonderful week. I learned so much and it was a lovely group where everyone was so generous not only in sharing their knowledge but constantly offering words of encouragement. I loved listening to all your tips and learning different techniques. The only downside was the week went too quickly. What a wonderful place Lilac Barn is. Cherry is such a wonderful host and a lovely person. So thank you once again for an inspiring week"

Chris reviewed: Patchwork and quilting week with Dawn Cameron Dick

"We both benefited from Dawn's course and returned with information overload thankfully we have made notes for reference. It was wonderful to start off with basics, needles and threads it has made an enormous difference to my machine which is very OLD. Thankfully I hadn't purchased a new model before the course, I certainly know what I should be looking for now."

Jo Passingham reviewed: Online courses in sculpture

"I can highly recommend Danae, the course succeeded my expectations. We discussed via email what I’d like learn but I have come away learning much much more. Its was clear she had spent time constructing the course to meet my needs and she went through each step methodically and concisely. She welcomed discussion and questions at every point. No question was too dumb to ask ! Her enthusiasm for her subject shone through and it is infectious. I have come away not only with knowledge but feeling very inspired to develop my sculpting and drawing further."

Kate Clark reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"I went to the workshop ran by Diane on Saturday 13th October. I have never done anything like this before and Diane explained things really well and you could ask her any question and she was more than happy to help. Diane was really welcoming and the whole course was relaxed, fun and interesting. I have got the bug and want to carry on experimenting with mosaics. I can’t recommend Diane and her course enough especially if you are a beginner like me."

China Petals responded:

"Thank you Kate, I'm glad you had a good time and you feel inspired to make more :)"

Sue Jackson reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"This was a fantastic weekend. I really enjoyed the course. Vicki and Beth were great tutors and I learned a lot. The course catered for all abilities and it was amazing how much we accomplished in a couple of days! I am already putting my newly acquired skills and knowledge to good use. The venue was also excellent. I thoroughly recommend this course."

Christine Jones reviewed: Fascinator making in Wellsborough nr Nuneaton

"The venue was very convenient, warm, a kitchen for the essential cuppa, plenty of tables for cutting out, others were available if required. The course run by Rachal started on time, instructions were clear simple and repeated and assistance readily available if required. Rachal made a point of asking each of us to introduce ourselves and our give a brief outline of our crafting/sewing experience which gave her an insight into the assistance individuals may require. All materials were plentiful and numerous test pieces and pre-made fascinators in Rachal boxes gave us guidance and inspiration. We were a lively group and we were all amazed at how much we achieved in a day. Angela (Best Kept Secrets owner) is going to facilitate an advanced course early in 2019 we were all so inspired!"

Chrissy Caine reviewed: 2-Day Leather Bag Making Course

"I had a super time at the two day workshop recently, and Becca couldn't have been more accommodating. She helps you every step of the way, so even though I was anxious I was able to produce a superbly professional looking handbag. I had never used an industrial machine either, but again with guidance got the hang of it fairly quickly. There were just a few of us and all doing different projects, but Becca gave each and every one of us plenty of individual attention. Overall an excellent few days and I can't speak highly of this workshop. I am hoping to return in the future as I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Becca I have a terrific keepsake to show friends and family who couldn't believe the professional finish"

Ann Wilson reviewed: Shirley Stewart's 2 day Weekend Throwing Workshop

"The description sounds very good and appealing ."