Latest reviews

Victoria Lowe reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Such a lovely way to spend my Saturday! Alice was a great teacher and showed us some really helpful skills. Great introduction to weaving and a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended!"

Gaye Easton reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Really warm and friendly welcome with an interesting peek into the history of Raku, before discussing the order of the day. Plenty of help and advice throughout the workshop, ensuring we all had a good time and got the best results possible. Came home with 3 amazing pieces to be proud of and can’t wait to go back for more."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Thank you for reviewing the course, very pleased you enjoyed the session. The next step would be to make your own pots to offer to the "kiln Gods" See you soon Best wishes Geri & Sue"

RICHARD CHUCK reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I recently did a four day course with Jamal, what a great course , jamals fluid and sensitve way of teaching was great, when searching for a stained glass painting course I felt I needed to have a solid grounding with a true professional and was pleased to find I'd struck gold. I would not hesitate to give Jamal a five star rating ..."

Dave McLoughlin reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Booked this course with Bob and had the best time ever, the course was delivered in an informal but professional manner by Bob, my course was one on one and i had a full day of trying to copy the techniques that Bob not only demonstrated but made them look so easy, as do all master craftsmen. After a full day spent between forge, anvil and hammer i produced a take home piece that i am truly hapoy with, thanks Bob for a wonderful day."

Zoe reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Mum and I had a lovely time with Toni making our silver jewellery. Between the two of us we produced 4 necklace pendants and 2 pairs of earrings (and a Christmas present ticked off the shopping list already!). Really pleased with what we produced and have already had compliments on my two necklaces. Toni was very informative, friendly and supportive - and tolerant of my indecision. Would definitely recommend Toni to others for their first foray into silver clay jewellery making. Thank you Toni."

Wizz reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"Marianne is an excellent tutor. Knowledgeable, patient and encouraging. She taught us at exactly the pace we needed to go. She is very professional, and friendly The workshop is an excellent teaching space - well laid out and well equipt but also relaxed. I was astonished by the quality of what we achieved in one day. Its excellent value for money."

Margaret Horton reviewed: Encaustic Art Beginner with Michael Bossom

"Interested in the Newsletter"

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"My wife and I attended the 1 day course and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Neither of us had any prior experience, but Toms expertise and patience soon gave us the confidence to use all of the equipment. We both achieved our aims of leaving with a finished piece of work, no rushing, no shortcuts and both had fun in the process. A hugely interesting day with lots learnt, excellent setting, facilities and refreshments. I can't recommend this enough and will certainly look to doing this again."

Bob reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Very satisfying learning to use new tools and techniques and being able to complete a shave horse. This will be a useful bit of kit at home to help with a number of green woodworking projects I have in mind. Andy is very patient and knowledgeable. Will consider another course in the future."

Teresa Ford reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Brilliant day - lots learnt and great tuition. And the cake wasn't bad either! We all came away with beautiful completed projects and new knowledge. Won't hesitate to book another course and try something different next time. Thanks Jonathan."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Teresa! Well done with your jewellery making and thank you for the kind review. You are always welcome back - even if you don't come bringing gifts! Look forward to seeing you and Josie again. Jonathan"

Mick Guy reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I spent a very interesting 2 days stripping and refurbishing a folding chair. The pace of progress was just right with plenty of opportunities to see how other learners were overcoming any challenges. The calm setting and atmosphere was doubly beneficial to me as I do suffer from PTSD."

Joanna reviewed: Half or Full Day Fused Glass Workshop, Stourbridge

"My daughter and I did the fused glass dish workshop ( half day), and absolutely loved it ! we had no previous experience but managed to produce 2 beautiful glass dishes that we're really proud of. The course is taught in a relaxed and friendly way, with lots of help and cups of tea. we are now thinking about going back to do another glass based course at the amazing Red House Glass Cone in Stourbridge"

Joanna reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"I did the one day course with Jackie and thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact I am now hooked on mosaic making! I went back for the 2 day course and now I'm making my onw mosaics at home with growing confidence. The atmosphere in Jackie's workshops is relaxed and fun, she is there to help with ideas, practical tips, whatever is needed really. The refreshments are top quality too! I am so glad I did the workshops and now have a new hobby for life- THANK YOU xx"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to work with you and i’m so pleased your now making mosaics at home. Jackie ?"

Caroline Pigden reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I attended with my 15 year old daughter who wished that she could spend more days there. The Phoenix Studio is a beautiful, relaxed and friendly setting for a superb course. Highly recommended for the talented and patient tutors and for escape therapy!"

Kawther reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I met Anna today and she is lovely , she gave me confidence and in 2 hours I was able to learn the methods of knitting. I was so pleased to have attended because she is lovely and helps even if im struggling :)"

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you, Kawther for your review. I enjoyed working with you and hope you manage to eventually knit those jumpers for your fiancée. Keep up the good work. Ann"

Edward Smith reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"......"at the rate we're going I can't see us completing the course" I said to the friend accompanying me around the camp fire after day 1. But we certainly did, and the relaxed pace set by Andy was central to this experience at Sallerton Woods......no rushing, no pressure, just plenty of considered and experienced advice and all set in beautifully tranquil surroundings. We chose to camp, with the discovery of the shower (plenty of room, plenty of hot water) a revitalising bonus after a day on the tools. It was extremely satisfying to learn about the various tools employed and to be left to use them to make my Shave Horse. I really can't recommend this venture highly enough and will certainly return. Thank you, Andy, Jane and little Thomas."

Ryan James reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Great 2-days of stone carving!! Not just because of the great weather (June/July 2018 heatwave) in such a tranquil setting, but being allowed to be creative whilst guided and supported by the expertise and enthusiasm of Sebastian. Would love to return at some point in the future, but first I need to make my own tools and find some stone!! If you want some headspace and try somehting new that you could quite easily pick up as a hobby (subject to space and time of course), this is definitely a good course to get going, and no doubt return visits would only allow you to further improve."

Alan Haughan reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What can I say. The other reviewers are spot on. Great weekend box making. Relaxed style from Mark puts you instantly at ease. Very clear yet detailed advise and supervision. You will come away with a box you have made which you will be proud of, and will have learned lots as well, whether a beginner or not. Go - you will be glad you did!"

Trudy reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"I had an excellent two days with Rosanna, designing and making my own bag. Rosanna is very knowledgeable and patient and a great teacher. I am very pleased with my finished result and even had enough time left to learn hand stitching and make a small purse. I highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to make something bespoke and hope that I will be back again someday to try something else. Thank you so much Rosanna!"

Laura Davis reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Such an amazing day, it was the perfect way to zone out from daily life and enjoy a new craft. I was a complete novice but Sarah was on hand at every step and gave clear and helpful advice and tips. I am over the moon with my bag, it's doing me proud and it smells amazing! ? I'll be looking to do another course soon and I've been recommending left, right and centre. Thanks Sarah."

Alison Ryder reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Great day, very patient tutor. I really was a novice and have been able with assistance to bring home a bangle I am proud to wear. Jonathan introduced us to different techniques which we were able to practice before working with the silver. Highly recommend, lovely location and the cakes were delicious."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Alison. Well done with your new jewellery making skills and good luck with your future crafting plans. Jonathan"

One day course making pendant & earrings reviewed: One-to-One Jewellery making course including wire work (beginners)

"I had such a lovely day at this workshop. Jolene's little studio is just adorable and there is so much inspiration in the quirky objects d'art in there. The studio is accessed via a staircase which may be difficult to climb for some. After a lovely drink and chat we started and before we knew it was time for lunch which was spent in the yard as it was a beautiful sunny day. The afternoon was spent working on other designs and I came away with 4 fabulous hand made items. I learnt so much from Jolene and she was truly inspirational. I was so pleased with my designs and have been wearing them ever since. I would love to go back again and I can certainly recommend this course."

Rosie Robertson reviewed: Two day stained glass workshop - lead panels or garden sculpture

"I have been on two of Gigha's courses and both were excellent. Gigha gives you confidence to try everything in a quiet supportive way. Hopefully I will try some of her other courses in the near future."

George Hirst reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Just completed my second course with Spike. First time made a quiver stand, today have come home with a very splendid knife. I have learnt so much in these three days and wholeheartedly recommend these courses to anyone with an interest in the craft of the blacksmith. Spike has a real passion for his craft and is skilled at sharing his knowledge. Very educational, very enjoyable."

Pauline Baldwin reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - one day course at Sculpture by the Lakes with John Davey

"Having never done anything like this before, I was full of trepidation but Jonh was great. I learned so much, I went from beginner to smug in just a few hours. John gave me the tools to crest a satisfying carving. I would recommend this course to anyone. Thank you."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Pauline, what a lovely review, thank you so much on behalf of John! If you are thinking of repeating your stone carving experience, he is teaching a one-day course here at Sculpture by the Lakes on Sunday 2nd September."