Latest reviews

Tracy Field reviewed: Mosaic Making Day in the Cotswolds

"I love doing new things and when I got a craft voucher for my fiftieth birthday I searched through all the courses available and Gill’s Mosaic course really appealed to me. It was something Id always wanted to try ? I loved my day, Gill was a lovely host and tutor. She was very informative patient and offered advice about our piece of Mosaic rather than say what she would do she encouraged our creativity with a practical knowledge of how much more complicated this craft is than it might look to begin with. It’s ignited a definite flame for a new hobby I’d like to pursue and I’d recommend this course to anyone who wants a relaxing day chatting in a friendly atmosphere and producing a totally finished piece of artwork at the end of the day to take home."

Azhar reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"As someone new to wood finishing and not sure where to begin, I contacted Jay Blade from Jay and Co asking him for some tips on how to get started. Jay highly recommended Ollie from OP Woodcraft. I contacted Ollie and completed the two-day French polishing course with him at his workshop, which I found extremely valuable. Over the two-days I learnt how to remove existing finishes from wood, how to prepare wood to get a flawless finish and then moved on to work through the different stages of french polishing. We went through different techniques on how to stain, grain fill, french polish and finish wood to achieve a high quality gloss and matt finish. I also learnt painting techniques that showed me how to get a high quality factory finish using a brush. Overall the course was excellent. Ollie expertly explained different techniques and also gave me a list of materials to purchase along with details of suppliers. I would recomend this course to anyone wanting to get started in wood finishing techniques. I would also recommend that you take along a small piece of furniture that you would like to work on and you will be amazed at the stunning results that can be achieved."

TRACEY LOTT reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"I booked a 2 hour Taster Lesson on a one to one basis with Sarah on the spur of the moment. Sarah was so welcoming and put me at ease immediately. I was apprehensive about glass cutting, but I need not have worried, I actually only cut glass twice during the lesson and that was only to see if I could! There are so many different forms of glass not to mention colours to use I was spoilt for choice! Sarah explained the process extremely well and I made my first pendant which went in the microwave kiln! Brilliant as you get to see the results before leaving the two hour lesson, although it does need to continue cooling and Sarah attaches a bale to complete the pendant for your collection or packaging and posting to you. I became quite creative! I had plenty of time to make two suncatchers and two pendants in my taster. I would recommend the lesson to anyone who is either not sure if they will enjoy it or perhaps is unsure of being able to do it. Sarah is very knowledgeable and a very good communicator which results in a very enjoyable and creative atmosphere. I cannot wait to collect my pieces and have another go! Watch out...it is addictive! I'm thinking of getting a kiln now!"

Emma White reviewed: Sand Casting in Glass with Jon Lewis and Ewa Wawrzyniak

"This course is fantastic introduction to hot glass sand casting. Both Jon and Ewa are very good at providing a wonderfully relaxed and creative atmosphere. Within an already beautiful setting. These artists are happy to answer questions, lend a had and inspire wherever needed. It is a good plan to arrive with a few ideas ready. Then talk to ths artists Jon and Ewa for clever tips and thoughts on how to get your desired results. The last time I attended this course I was a beginner to sand casting and I thouroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The results of my casts were amazing! Lots of creative fun was had by us all. I am just about to book in again and I cannot wait."

Janet Carpenter reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Love this course and would recommended it to anyone. I first went for a taster session last year and thought it was way beyond my ability. 3 terms later and I am addicted. Rene is always ready with a smile and a great welcome every week and her attention to detail is amazing. Erica is such a lovely lady showing us her beautiful skills in creating great artwork. She is always ready with advice and compliments which mean a lot . Best feel good 3 hours of the week Xx"

Elaine reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I would like to express my praise for ColourWheel Art Classes for adults! I enjoyed them so much that I have completed 6 terms ... Lessons are both stimulating and challenging, designed to develop our skills in a supportive and fun environment. Rene, our host, provides a warm welcome and ensures that the lessons are totally organised. It is fantastic to know that we just need to bring ourselves along - all materials and equipment are provided. Inge, our teacher, demonstrates the techniques clearly and provides individual attention and tips in a sensitive fashion when required but will also let us find our own style. Furthermore, lesons take place in attractive venues with a lovely group of fellow enthusiasts. Highly recommended!"

Christine reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a weekend, I was disappointed not to be going back there on Monday morning! Bill was friendly, patient and relaxing to be around with a good sense of humour and tea drinking ability that rivals my own! He was happy to answer all my questions and a fountain of knowledge about all things leather. I felt very privileged to have him to myself all weekend. On day 1 I made a belt which incorporated basic cutting and hand stitching techniques, inserting a buckle and also allowed me to experiment with embossing a pattern and hand dyeing. On day 2 it was time to get a bit more creative with a bigger project. I chose to make a shoulder bag and once I had decided on the size and style (decision making is not my forte, Bill was VERY patient), he taught me how to make a pattern and then step by step assisted me with the making process. By the end of the day I had a finished bag to take home which I am extremely proud of and still can’t believe I made! I had run over time quite a bit in order to get it finished but Bill didn’t seem to mind at all. For anyone interested in starting out in leather craft or if you just want to spend a fun and creative weekend trying something different I cannot recommend Bill and this course highly enough. I came away with lots of useful information about contacts and suppliers to help me get started on my own projects at home and can’t wait! Thank you so much Bill."

Jake McAlister reviewed: Charcoal & Biochar Making Course - Warminster Wiltshire

"Pete is a great instructor, very knowledgeable and passionate. He came to a site that the project I work for was working on as part of a heritage skills training course for landowners. He was very professional and we got loads of great feedback."

Susie Cole reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I'm really enjoying the Colour Wheel classes and have improved my skills significantly during the 14 weeks. Before joining the class, if I picked up my brushed, I would work with a subject or medium that I felt comfortable with, however the varied syllabus enables you to try a range of creative techniques to build your skills and confidence. Renee does a fantastic job of organising everything, so all materials and session content are provided and Erica is a brilliant tutor who offers clear direction and also one to one encouragement and guidance. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or more accomplished, everyone is made to feel welcome and can learn at their pace. I love finding some some 'me time' in a busy working week with a great group, and I'm signing up for next term I enjoyed it so much."

Glen Widdowson reviewed: Axe making course

"Yesterday had a great day at Highfield Forge Wakefield on an Axe making course tutored by Andy . We started off with two pieces of flat iron bar ,which were heated up to over 1000 degree C in the gas forge with the carbon steel core being sandwiched between two outer layers of red hot metal and then beaten into shape with a hammer after repeated heating in forge .Plenty of hands on stuff also including grinding with belt sander. to finish up with a shiny sharpened Axe head with an Oak shaft .Very pleased with end result and thinking of displaying above my mantle piece but my wife thinks it's rightful place is in my garage on the tool rack. !!! .It was a great birthday present and would recommend it to any one who likes to get stuck in to metal working . Andy was a very helpful instructor and cup of tea maker ! So all the best Andy and continued success at Highfield forge in the future . Cheers Glen Widdowson."

Brian Scroggie reviewed: Photography Days

"I have never been on a course before where it was just me and two tutors! A really enjoyable day totally tailored to me and my camera. Thanks, Sue & Richard!"

Chloe reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended the workshop on 4th August and really enjoyed it. Sarah was a great teacher and gave us plenty of tips and advice to go and make our own candles at home too. Would highly recommend!"

Hannah morris reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Brilliant course, really enjoyed the day. Very friendly welcome and lovely snacks and hot drinks provided throughout the day. The tutor was very good and explained the history and process of skep making very clearly. He came round the group through the day giving everyone extra help and advice. You then get to take it all away to finish. Lunch was delicious!"

Sophie Coughlan reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"Really enjoyed making my bag, with a very knowledgeable and patient teacher, there was 2 of us so plenty of time to understand and fully learn the wonders of leather."

Georgina Patel reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a classical portrait

"I have completed 5 different courses run by Sally at the Sculpture Place and have enjoyed every single one. The courses have ranged from Monday mornings over a 6 week period and 3 day consecutive classes. The studio is light and airy and located in a beautiful Victorian former school building and Miranda who teaches the class is a fantastic tutor with lots of patience! The class is mixed ability and attended by regulars and new faces each time; the atmosphere is friendly and everyone is supportive and encouraging. I am so pleased the Sculpture Place is running, it has taken me 20 years to find a local figurative sculpture class with expert tuition at such good value. I encourage everybody to sign up to a course - I cannot wait until my next one. See you soon Sally and Miranda!"

Gabriella reviewed: Wet felting / needle felting workshop: Private session with Zenia from The Lady Moth

"Such a beautiful morning making a needle felted owl.. I just want to say a big thank you for sharing your creative techniques all in one lesson and the final product was phenomenal! At first, I was a complete beginner at needle-felting but with your guidance and clear instructions, I'm sure to try out these sort of sessions and the hobby itself. I would definitely recommend these sessions as every minute is worth the money ?"

The Lady Moth responded:

"Thank you so much :)"

Tom Darone reviewed: Furniture making SKILLS WEEK - Essential cabinetmaking hand skills - 5 days in East Sussex

"Perfect combination of hand plane, chisel, and dovetail saw skill building. Exactly what I was looking for."

Bob Latham reviewed: Sharpening & tuning hand tools in East Sussex

"Superb course, many thanks for expert tuition. Already being put into good use- I went mad at local auction on Tuesday and have restored several items with much sharper tools…."

Samantha reviewed: Sew Me Straight! Sewing classes based in West London

"It was really fun. I learnt a lot and feel more confident with my sewing. The teachers were very friendly and patient. I would definitely recommend this course because i felt a great sense of accomplishment once i had finished making my bag."

JOVI responded:

"Hi Samantha, Thanks for your review. It was lovely to have you with us, hope to see you soon again! Sew Me Straight xxx"

Sue Meachen reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"Had an amazing day and loved every minute of my full day lampwork course. Suzanne was very welcoming and broke each process down, I started with a simple bead and progressed to a heart shape one with lots of other techniques and processes inbetween. Suzanne was an excellent teacher, consistsntly patient and encouraging. I enjoyed watching her demonstrate each process and her enthusiasm for her craft, she ensured I got the most out of my day with constant, well spaced time at the tourch and by the end of the day I had produced a range of beautiful beads which had progressively improved. Suzannes workshop is a lovely space with a range of rods and frit to use in colours of choice. I was facinated with the work she herself produces which is truly unique. I can highly recommend this lampworking workshop and intend to return for another. A fabulous experience and a fabulous teacher. Thank you for an amazing day."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your wonderful review Sue, so pleased you enjoyed your workshop."

Margaret Gonning reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"This was my first term as I retired at the beginning of the year. I was a bit nervous about my first class with colour Wheel but I needn't have been. I have loved it from the start and learnt such a lot in the time I have been there. We have covered a very varied syllabus which gives you an opportunity to try things you would not have otherwise have thought of doing. Everyone is so kind and very helpful and everything is provided for you along with the special touches like the ice lollys on a day that was exceptionally hot and we were drawing a beech schene, to mention a few. I am just about to register for my second course and can't wait for them to start again."

Jo Wright reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"An absolutely fabulous day. Caroline provides inspiration, education, entertainment and food! I came away with the knowledge and tools I needed to carry on playing with mosaic and a lovely (in my eyes) piece of finished art to show off to family and friends. Fabulicious."

Sandra Jones reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"Great fun. Everything provided, no pressure just lots of hints and tips and individual attention. Considering we also enjoyed a lively home made lunch it was spectacular value!"

Karen Burridge reviewed: Earth Pigments - Prehistoric and Modern Uses

"Helen was a good and enthusiastic teacher. We learned about pigments, their use in history and possibilities for use today. Then we tried some cave painting (harder than you think) and then some time experimenting with our own ideas."

Nick reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"Great opportunity to learn from Peter's deep knowledge of all things wood. Would definitely recommend the course. Peter worked so well with us all to apply his knowledge and enthusiasm and help us realise our varied designs. Gave timely and wise advice and the right balance between showing us how to do things and allowing us to learn whilst doing things ourselves. Great location, lovely atmosphere and so much accomplished in 6 days. Definitely recommend this course."