Latest reviews

Peter Cowan reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"This is the first course of this type, or any, since leaving school, that I have done and I think I chose wisely. Really informative and also hands on and finished with my very own masterpiece !! The processes, reasoning behind them and the use and handling and care for tools was really good and presented in a relaxed style within the small group but also one to one when needed. I would highly recommend if you are looking to start a journey into fine woodworking or any type of woodworking. Looking forward to my next course with Aiden."

Rosemary reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"A brilliant way to spend an afternoon. Hope to be back to try and improve on my potting skills! Looking forward to seeing the end result."

Trevor Jones reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Just returned from a great day with Mort. Having done some blacksmithing at school (55 years ago!!) I was very uneasy and lacking in confidence that I could do very much. Mort encouraged me to aim much higher than I thought I could and I came away with a very presentable fire companion set of poker/log roller, toasting fork and rake complete with twisted basket handles. Mort is a great teacher, very patient, lets you get on with it, but keeps an eye out for any errors which he will assist in correcting to prevent disasters. I will certainly try to get back for another day with him as I anticipate most of his students will. 5 well earned stars."

Andrea reviewed: Free Taster Intuitive Art for Healing & Well Being art class/free group

"These courses have given me confidence to share in a safe and welcoming group, of like minded respectful creative people. Kas will always check if you want to explore your art, and is not pushy. She is calm and pleasant. I would recommend these courses."

Elaine phillips reviewed: Furniture painting workshops / Annie Sloan Chalk Paint

"Thank you Nyree for a really enjoyable course, it was invigorating , very informative, fun and relaxing. Loved learning about the paint and how easy it was to use it. Can't wait to start on some of my projects, you have inspired me to have the confidence to go for it. Once again thank you. By the way my sister in law at lavender house was well impressed. Keep painting .???"

Nicola Keane reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Beatrice’s workshops are unique. Each participant is free to choose his or her own direction and there is a treasure trove of photographs and books and models for inspiration. She is a very attentive and intuitive teacher who seems to be able to tune in to the needs of each of the participants, whilst still imparting her knowledge to the whole group. The variety of sculptures produced by the group speaks for itself. There is enormous satisfaction in taking a lump of clay, and over the course of a number of weeks, fashioning it into whatever you want, only limited by your imagination and the end of the class. It is the most concentrated 3 hours in my week and the time flies by!"

Joanna reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"I bought for my boyfriend for Christmas present. He absolutely loved the lesson and the end product. He learned a lot and cannot stop talking about it. Highly recommend Ian’s workshop."

Jude Mahoney reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I had a fantastic time learning about blacksmithing and actually having a really good go at it. Chris is a superb teacher, calm patient and expert in his knowledge. I can't recommend him and his course highly enough. Thanks Chris for an amazing day!"

Phil reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"It's been 2 weeks since completing a stained glass leading workshop with Jamal, and the end result is still making me smile! The day was great, well organised and Jamal was a patient teacher who was happy to pass on his experience as a stained glass artist. I'd thoroughly recommend attending Jamal's workshops - they are well worth it."

Graham Guppy reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I've recently attended a very informative wood turning course with Andy at his place in the New Forest. During the session it became apparent that my wood turning tools were not suited for the production of bowls but would be more suitable for turning of spindles, I'm now looking to purchase the more appropriate gouges from a source Andy advised me of. Many many thanks Andy for all your advice and I will persevere with the techniques you've shown to me. I would also like to thank you & your wife for the refreshments that were supplied during the day, wishing all the best for the future."

Ann Waters reviewed: Mosaic courses with Joy Sturgess, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"This course was chosen for me by my daughter and was a great gift- I discovered that I have some artistic talent. I was very pleased with the mosaic I made which was an initial A in orange with a green background. I learnt how to use mosaic tools and all about the materials - Joy has a good range of colours and the studio is well set out. This was a most interesting and relaxing day - the time went too quickly!"

Sheraine D'Ulivo-Rogers reviewed: Mosaic courses with Joy Sturgess, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I chose this course because Scarborough is a nice place for a short break and because Joy offered an interesting course suitable for beginners. I learnt so much and made a great sign for my brother's toilet door. Joy created a relaxed and supportive environment and I had a really good day - I liked everything about this day and now want to go on and undertake a longer course over a couple of days. I would definitely recommend this course to other people."

Mark Waters reviewed: Mosaic courses with Joy Sturgess, Scarborough, North Yorkshire

"I made a door sign for my bathroom with a star fish design. I loved the relaxed easy going atmosphere and how informative Joy was - the course was a Christmas present from my sister and a great gift - it allowed me to discover another way of crafting and introduced me to mosaic."

Lindsay reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"What a fabulous day we had! Jamal was a very patient tutor with huge reserves of knowledge. I would recommend this course to anyone :-)"

Jane Livermore and Phil Spinney reviewed: Mosaic (1 day) in the Peak District

"The location was fantastic being part of Peter and Alison's home, including the Peacock Godfrey who put in a splendid performance to entertain us at lunch. Lunch was a homemade delight! All of which adds to the creative juices in my opinion. Very welcoming!! The course was as described on the tin, I have never created using mosaic before and was able to come home with a fully mosaic-ed mirror and coaster. All the materials were provided and that, plus my partners more professional effort, cost only£20.00 over the course costs. We were also given grouting to take home so we could complete our creations. Peter was very informative, taking us through each stage of the process in a very relaxed and comfortable manner, he is very approachable and helpful to everyone there. Would definitely recommend!!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Dear Jane & Phil, Many thanks for such heartwarming and enthusiastic words. Delighted to hear you enjoyed our mosaic course so much...and the atmosphere here at Zantium Studios. Godfrey Peacock was working his magic! Thankyou for coming. Best wishes Alison & Peter"

Colyna Bates reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"A fantastic day with a very gifted artist and teacher very patient, explained each step concisely and thoroughly. I have been on other glass courses and this was by far the best and most informative. Made to feel very welcome, not only great experience of learning Amanda was great company. Would definitely recommend and will be going back."

Ingrid Papaphilippopoulos reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"I began with several one-off workshops through the autumn but I was actually hooked from day one. Beatrice found a full time space for me in one of her groups the next term, and now I can’t imagine a time when I won’t be sculpting. The groups are kept small (6 to 8 people) so there is plenty of time for everyone to get individual attention. Also Beatrice has the knack of including everyone periodically, inviting opinions, discussions on techniques or form etc, which encourages constructive comments and a certain cohesion in the group. She is, herself extremely knowledgeable and accomplished as an artist and delightful as a human being. I would recommend everyone to try this at least once for its fabulous potential for creativity but also for its mindfulness and therapeutic value."

Clare Burgess reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"After a Taster Course at Ardington Crafts, I have been to several of Beatrice’s lovely sculpture in clay classes over the past year. Beatrice is an excellent teacher; warm and enthusiastic, she has taught me to look more carefully at shapes and lines. Thanks to Beatrice, I am now beginning to notice for myself what is important in terms of proportion and contours in a sculpture, and what needs bringing to the fore and what can be ignored. With her many years’ teaching experience, she is wonderfully positive when things go wrong, or when your sculpture need radical re-thinking! 6 or 8 weekly blocks of classes are ideal for gradual learning of skills and allow enough time to produce a sculpture you can be really pleased with. The time goes so quickly, I just love it!"

Beth eastwood reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Smashing , super, inspiring, What more can I say. Oh educational, infomative, productive, A fantastic day. Lots of fun a warm welcome Thank you for helping me to produce two lovely pieces of work I can’t wait to see you again. Beth."

Julia Bathurst reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Excellent well thought out course from start to finish! There is a warm welcome as you step foot into the studio with coffee and biscuits and immerse yourself in glass fusion world for the day! Learnt so much about glass health and safety along with a variety of techniques through Amanda’s tuition. Amanda is able to translate your own ideas or able to give helpful suggestions for the glass pieces you make. All in all you go home having been well fed through the day, have the satisfaction of beginning to master new skills and two beautiful creations! Thoroughly recommend."

Kate Campbell reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This course was a fantastic introduction to working with bronze and was more than I hoped for or expected when I joined. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Mark and Caroline were exceptionally welcoming. The food was delicious and the depth of art discussion was just perfect. There were deep and meaningfuls about a whole range of art and art history. Great debate among the students on their inspirations and their pieces, and also equally friendly chatter when required. There is a wealth of books and materials to study with and the studio was an ideal place to focus when required. The course itself was geared to hands on experience with the materials during the casting process, and I was pouring molten metal within the first day!! The setting is beautiful and I hope to come back some time in better weather (I was there in January). All in all, fantastic value, a unique experience, and an inspirational way to start my year. My bronzes now have pride of place at home."

jan reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Dear Jamal, Thank you for an interesting, informative and truly educational day, You were extremely patient and took time to explain each stage enabling me make my little bit of stained glass that I am so proud of. In addition your vast experience in the world of stained glass and the many fascinating and important projects you have been involved with was incredibly interesting. I would recommend anyone who has an interest in art or glass to attend one of Jamal's courses, you won't come away disappointed."

Chris Smith reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Alice and I spent a most enjoyable morning working on the potters wheels in Chris’s well equipped workshop. We even managed to produce some mugs and bowls! Chris was a very knowledgeable, patient and encouraging teacher and it was great to have some one to one tuition. Looking forward to collecting our finished products when they have been glazed and fired. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

beth reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really good fun, not a lot of tuition but Seb on hand to provide excellent advice to make your project magical. Everyone produced something beautiful on our course."

Linda reviewed: Wood carving classes in Pembrokeshire, Wales

"With Anthony to guide me and supply all the necessary equipment I saw my basic paper design transformed into a simple relief wall plaque. There were different degrees of experience in the class but Anthony was able to spend time with all of us individually and collectively (tea break chats) as he explained the different properties of woods and use of the many chisels and mallets. An interesting and relaxing couple of hours a week."