Latest reviews

Liz Kenny reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I booked on this course after being criticised by a judge at my photographic society for surface mounting a photo I entered into a competition. I wasn't sure whether it would be worth the trip down to Chichester from Cheshire, but the whole day was so informative and enjoyable that I have no regrets. Lynne took us through the whole process step by step, with clear instructions (backed up by notes to take away) and lots of advice on how to avoid mistakes and, just as important, how to put them right when we made them. Lynne's methodical approach taught us good habits that will, I'm sure, stand us in good stead in the future. I got everything I wanted from the course, and more besides, as Lynne showed us how how to "look for the picture" in our image. I would recommend the course to any photographer wanting to mount pictures for competition, or for framing. The cherry cake was good too!"

Maxine clark reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Absolutely loved me day willow weaving with Kate, she is a great teacher and provides the perfect guidance to help you make your sculpture! I made a heron and I love it!! An amazing course, Definitely worth doing!!"

Chrissie Planchak reviewed: Weave a scarf in a day - handloom weaving

"An amazing one day course! Anne was a perfect instructor - she was patient, calm and managed the class beautifully even when a few student-created problems arose. The small class size was excellent - enough students to have a lovely chat, but small enough that Anne could give us all the help and guidance that we needed. Having a nearly complete project at the end of the session was great. Highly recommend this course and have in fact booked another course with Anne already!"

Mel reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"I've not done pottery since school over 30 years ago so this introduction was a great way to have a go and see if I would like it. Had a great time. Joan is a fab teacher and showed me a number of different techniques using the clay. The potters wheel was a bit scary but Joan was super-patient and gave really clear instructions which helped calm my nerves! I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to give pottery a go and I've now booked more time to go back and hopefully improve my skills. 10 out of 10!!!"

jccermaics responded:

"Thanks MelI, I really do think you have found your new hobby ?You did so well at whatever you tried and this was after 30 years!"

Joe Pitt reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I was given a days introductory course by my wife as a retirement gift - probably in the hope it would get me out of her way! I had always loved wood as a material but prior to the course had no experience of turning and only collected wood to add to my log store. But I have become an enthusiast thanks to Colin. His style is very much “let’s crack on and make something” so it is from the start a hands on no nonsense practical approach. He was a very effective tutor and had no end of patience with, at times, my rather stupid questions. I took away not just a very presentable bowl but an understanding of the basics which has only encouraged me to pursue things further. Highly recommended."

Gillian Barrett reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"Although I have been doing Watercolour painting for a few years, I have never painted on silk, and imagined it to be very difficult. Therefore it was with some trepidation that I struggled through the snow to Ruth's house. However, there was absolutely nothing to worry about. Ruth was such an enthusiastic and patient instructor that whatever technique we used we all seemed to produce something wonderful. We had a really lovely day and I, for one, found the whole experience very therapeutic. All those who have seen my finished scarf have been very impressed and interested in trying it for themselves. Thank you Ruth, not only for all the coffee, but for a wonderful experience. I hope to be back again soon."

Jessica reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a great day with Ricky, he's very easy going and is really clear in his instruction. He helps with colour choices and helps put your piece right when it goes awry. The studio is set in the most gorgeous location, I was a bit dubious driving up the track, but it's like a trip back in time and really easy to find. My sat nav had no problem. I made 4 things all of which I'm really happy with, even my paper weights I thought I'd have no use for I completely love Many thanks for a great day, I will surely be back!"

Susan reviewed: Natural Perfumery

"Really enjoyed the day as it was informative without being too technical and we got the chance to smell such a wide variety of essential oils. Blending my own perfume was the highlight and involved quite a bit of change but I ended up with a product that I am happy with ... Sarah is passionate about what she does and this comes through in her sharing. Plus Great Cake! All in all a great way to spend a day."

Mrs Rhona Jermyn reviewed: Photography Days

"What a fabulous day ... Sue and Richard took obvious pleasure in helping my son and I reach our potential with our cameras. Using a practical session on the lakeside and their studio it was a brilliant day. They coped admirably with my 14 year old son, making it interesting and informative with his much more modern camera. Their wealth of knowledge is incredible. Many thanks for an amazing day."

Hilary reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Even though I'm not very good at anything 'Arty' I did learn painting techniques which I am going to try at home. Thank you Nyree."

Mark Bloomfield reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I recently decided to try woodturning and bought a second hand lathe and tools. In order to feel confident and to try and avoid becoming self taught, with all the bad habits that learning that way brings, my wife bought me two days of tuition with Chris at his workshop in Ashburton. After having had to reschedule in order to avoid work commitments of mine, which Chris was unbelievably tolerant of and accommodating, I have just had my two days with Chris and can only echo everyone else's glowing reviews of his patient and excellent tuition. He immediately puts you at ease and explains in easy to grasp language what we are there to achieve. His affable manner and friendly professional skills make it a treat to learn the rudiments of wood turning. His lathes and workshop are amazing, his teaching is second to none. I came away from the two days of one to one tuition with an enormous enthusiasm for my future hobby, a respect for the tools that we use and a true regard for the materials that we can turn into such things of beauty. I will book another course with Chris after I have honed my basic skills a bit more and can return to show him how his training has helped me. Beginner like me or keen hobby turner; all would benefit from time with Chris in his workshop. I can't recommend his courses highly enough. A true craftsman."

Ché Wilbraham reviewed: Make your own wedding rings - Bristol

"Lucy was exceptionally friendly, helpful, welcoming, professional and knowledgeable. The pieces that she helped us create are fantastic and she went the extra mile to make our experience special."

Georgina reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Another great woodworking week with Richard and Mark. The atmosphere is excellent and with two tutors to three students there is always someone on hand to guide and inform. I am delighted with my completed side table which has already been much admired. This course (and the first one “tools and things” which I completed in November) have set me up very nicely to start to make things on my own. I can’t recommend these courses highly enough. If you are thinking of going on the course-just do it!"

Anne Pascoe reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"I attended the two day workshop with my daughter. This is the third leather course we have been on, but the first with Sarah. The workshop is bright and airy as was Sarah's welcome. The quality of Sarah's teaching was the best we have received. She is very generous with her time and her patterns. We were very surprised to be able to use the patterns for any of the bags she makes. Her teaching methods were such that you didn't realise how much you were learning and even when you were struggling, through no fault of Sarah's, she was instantly aware and eager to help you over any problems. She provided excellent refreshments and lunch. It was wonderful to come away with a finished bag. My only regret is that Sarah is a 6 hour drive away from where we live or I am sure we would both be regulars at her workshops. I can highly recommend this activity either as a solo student or in the company of friends."

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was lovely to meet you both and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the workshop :)"

Lee Lalande reviewed: Fabric printing & lampshade making workshop

"This is a fantastic workshop to help you take your first steps in fabric printing techniques. Ria is patient, approachable and very knowledgeable, she helps you to get the most out of your design ideas and have fun at the same time. I would highly recommend Ria's workshop to anyone."

Sue Clark reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"Sandra is an excellent tutor, for an introduction to the craft I was very pleased to come away with a pair of earrings and 2 pendants. The studio is very well equipped with everything you may need. I cannot recommend Sandra's course highly enough and will definitely be returning for further tuition on all aspects of jewellery making."

Stephanie Stace reviewed: Natural Perfumery

"Very interesting and enjoyable day. We learnt such a lot and it gave us a good grounding to go forward and create our own perfumes."

Su Gill reviewed: Saturday Mosaic Making - St Albans - Hertfordshire

"Thoroughly enjoyed the session. Audrey and her mother are wonderful hosts - so helpful with ideas."

Montet Designs responded:

"Thanks Su, I'm really pleased you enjoyed your day. It was lovely to have you come back again for another full days session. I look forward to seeing your completed mirror. Audrey x"

joanna reviewed: Introduction to Glassblowing

"A thoroughly enjoyable experience with a terrific teacher - would highly recommend!"

Alexia & Lucy reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Hi Mathew, Thank you for a wonderful day on the throwing beginner course. It was our first time throwing and found Mathew to be an excellent tutor, talking us through each stage and demonstrating where necessary. We achieved far more from a single day course than I could have ever imagined and we get to take all our pieces home too. We would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies having a go at a new skill. Alexia and Lucy North Wales."

Stephanie Daley reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"Had a lovely relaxing day with Jackie creating a mosaic. I had no idea what I was doing but still managed to produce a lovely mosaic that has pride of place on my mantelpiece. Plenty of cups of tea and lovely home made cake to keep us going through the day. I would thoroughly recommend a days course. Thank you for a lovely day Jackie."

A. Stephan reviewed: Persian Patterns: Exploring the geometric genius of the Persian master-craftsmen

"Well-structured course, started from the basics and built up. I understand now the concepts behind the constructions, how to analyse a pattern and imagine the geometries inside. Thanks Adam and Daniel for this wonderful weekend course. Very happy with the portfolio of patterns that I'm going home with. Hope to join another course with you again soon."

Liz reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Would thoroughly recommend this course as Dave is an excellent teacher: he breaks the skills down, teaching one element at a time ... and then almost immediately encourages you have a go ... We all practised completely new skills to create a butter knife first, so that by the afternoon we were already more confident and competent to have a go at a crafting a spoon. All credit to Dave that everyone in the group ended up with not one but 2 items to take home. We have since had a very useful follow-up email with extra information. Many thanks!"

Carole Pluckrose reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"I very much enjoyed my first workshop with Jamie. I have never done any stained glass before and Jamie guided the group with expertise and patience, teaching and supervising the many steps to completion. I found the process challenging as it demands great concentration and accuracy. It took me a while to learn how to hold the glass cutter correctly and to cut the curves in my design. Choosing the type of glass and the colour was great fun, and learning how to shape the lead and then soldering and cementing it was a great experience. I have never used a solder iron before! Jamie is a very talented and expert maker and teacher and I hope we will have many further workshops with him. A big thanks to Jamie for all the work he put into this."

Niki reviewed: Introduction to Glassblowing

"Had such an informative and fun session glass blowing! A perfect present for an occasion. Jason was very knowledgeable and the session was hands on and interactive. Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and highly recommend Jason!"