Latest reviews

Stephen reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"This was a great course to be on! I learned a lot, especially having had no experience with any of the tools or machinery being used, but Finbarr was an excellent teacher and very patient with the group as we worked on all the bits to assemble our tables. I now have a table to put things on! And most importantly, knowledge on building a table like this, that I can hopefully expand upon in the future. Thank you Finbarr! "

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thank you Stephen, for coming along and applying yourself with great effort to the many tasks involved on this 3-day course. I'm amazed that you say you had no previous making experience, as you made each joint with great care and skill, and you set about each part of the process with determination and with great attention to detail. Your final table was as good as any I've seen. Well done!"

Jayne reviewed: Identifying Trees in Summer

"A very enjoyable and informative course. Ryan was really knowledgeable and it was great to learn more about trees whilst enjoying the beautiful surroundings "

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you Jayne, looking forward to seeing you again for wildflower identification this coming week. Best wishes. Mara "

Clare Selley reviewed: Woodcarving weekend with experienced teacher, all levels of experience welcome

"A friend and I attended the 2-day course with Almut and thoroughly enjoyed it. She patiently guided us through the techniques required to transform a plank of wood into beautiful carved wooden bowls. I would definitely recommend this course and this tutor."

Almut Woolard responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. I enjoyed the weekend and was impressed how quickly you learned the new skill of using the tools."

Ann Kennedy reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My second visit to create a hare sculpture and I loved it just as much the second time. Jo and Andy are such wonderful hosts. I left with Hattie, a mate for Huck who I made in January and who is already loving life in my little garden. Can’t wait to return for a two day workshop when Jo has availability. "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Ann! Wishing Hattie & Huck long and happy lives in your garden 🤗😘 Jo xxx"

Karen Garland reviewed: Couples Wedding Jewellery Workshop

"I have been buying jewellery from Jolene for a number of years, so when I was looking for a special and memorable present to celebrate my 50th birthday, I booked a days ring making workshop with her. From booking the workshop, to the minute I left, jolene was supportive, knowledgeable and most importantly Patient! Jolene's support and guidance meant I can honestly say I made my ring completely myself, which makes it so special, and feels like a real achievement that I can cherish. l learnt so many processes and techniques, and now I am planning to sign up for the bangle making workshop. An affordable, but priceless day of pure joy! I am so grateful "

Jenny Hainsworth reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"The Raku course was really enjoyable. We were involved with the whole process all the way through and it was so interesting to learn more about this. We were able to glaze and fire 4 pots in total using different Raku techniques - the exciting part being when the pots were revealed! It was a wonderful day and would definitely recommend to others who want to have this Raku experience. Thank you Richard."

Potterydayz responded:

"Thank you for the recommendation and taking time out to post a review. I'm delighted you enjoyed your Raku experience. Hope to see you both again soon. "

Tracey reviewed: Willow Heart Kit

"Not made as yet, but quick delivery."

Rachel Harwood Willow responded:

"Thank you Tracey, I hope you enjoy making it 😁"

Elaine reviewed: Circular Sock machine one to one lessons

"I had a great time and made a pair of socks by the end of the day. Lunch was delicious and the teaching was very informative and delivered with warmth and patience. I am feeling confident to buy the CSM I had my eye on today . First time I’ve done a craft course on here and really enjoyed the ease of booking, and responsiveness . Of course there’s lots of online help BUT you cannot trump a real one to one with learning a new skill. Thankyou very much! "

Circular Sock Machine school responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure to teach you. Good luck with you new machine. "

Abi reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - One to One

"I had a one-to-one bead making session with Julia and enjoyed it greatly. All the processes were clearly and patiently explained and Julia struck just the right balance between offering tips for improvement and leaving me space to experiment and learn creatively. Despite the presence of molten glass and hot blue flames, the session felt safe and well organised, allowing for a relaxing afternoon. The time flew by but I managed to make enough beads for a bracelet and will enjoy looking at them and remembering the session."

Linda Peters reviewed: Portrait Paintings in Oils

"I thoroughly enjoyed Lee’s oil painting course and learned so much! The canvas Lee provided was luxurious, (he makes them himself) a pleasure to paint on. Lee is a brilliant teacher, has a natural ability in explaining techniques etc. I never thought I could learn so much about painting a portrait in oils in such a short time space. Another important thing for me is confidence; I arrived with no confidence in my ability as a portrait painter at all. Because of Lee’s teaching skills, I now feel confident in my ability moving forward. I found it exciting learning to paint using traditional methods. The academy itself is a lovely place to be. Seeing Lee & Lucy’s paintings on the wall was inspirational. The atmosphere was relaxed and our modals were amazing, thank you Dave and Bev. My fellow students were lovely too and I had a great week altogether. Will definitely attend courses in the future. Thank you Lee, thank you Academy, I highly recommend you. "

Lyn Mossop reviewed: Mastering the Art of Watercolors: Workshop for all Abilities

"Thank you for kickstarting my dormant love for creating with a special and challenging medium. I look forward to years more. I remember you always with this wonderful input Qv 2020"

Marc Sh0rrock reviewed: Mastering the Art of Watercolors: Workshop for all Abilities

"I had previous experience with acrylics. Purnima was excellent in showing all the class techniques to use. Watercolour is far more demanding requiring a more strategic plan to create lighter tone washes, blending wet and dry wet and wet use of candle and salt. Great effects QV 2024."

Maryilyn Dreyer-Pigott reviewed: Mastering the Art of Watercolors: Workshop for all Abilities

"I have really enjoyed each daily class thank you Purnima. Hope to follow up with you. I'm an intuitive musician who gave you the CD into the light. Hope you enjoy it to paint too. Qv 2024."

Colin and Helen Kerrigan reviewed: Mastering the Art of Watercolors: Workshop for all Abilities

"My husband and I were complete novices, we discovered that we loved painting and learning. The different techniques have been very rewarding. Purnima was very encouraging and patient. Lots of fun and a great teacher. Qv 2024."

Julie Wiseman reviewed: Mastering the Art of Watercolors: Workshop for all Abilities

"Friendly, knowledgeable non-judgemental teaching learning basics techniques which will enhance our our art skills in the future. I thoroughly. enjoyed the classes at similar minded people"

Bridget reviewed: Birds on a wire - creating small sculptures in Derbyshire

"A light and beautifully curated studio space displaying many of Liz’s creations, and looking out on a pretty, mature garden. All tools and a generous amount of material supplied. Simple processes and achievable projects. A fun day, thanks. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Bridget, Thanks for letting me know about your day at The Slipper Studio - it’s much appreciated. It was lovely meeting and working with you and sharing your day at the studio. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in the UK and have time for lots more creative activities. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Bec Q reviewed: "Find Your Inner Potter" ceramics and pottery day with Geraldine Francis

"I had a great day with Geraldine in her studio - she has a friendly, relaxed approach and is happy to share her experience & knowledge of all things clay, practical & technical. I wanted to learn some new techniques that I could bring into the classroom and this course was perfect. I came away, having made four different items, with lots of ideas and a renewed confidence and enthusiasm for clay! "

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"Hi, Thank you for your review, I am so pleased you found the course useful and now feel more confident to deliver clay projects to your classes. Don't forget to pick up your finished work. Geri"

Katie B reviewed: Lampwork Beadmaking Full Day Introduction For One

"This course was fantastic. I had a great time, and would highly recommend it. Thank you so much Ruth."

Kalypso Glass responded:

"Thank you Katie, glad to hear you enjoyed yourself."

Colin reviewed: Stone heart

"Another surprise birthday gift. Yesterday was the Dragon Book Box and today it was the Stone Heart. The course built on my new found skills from yesterday, the stone work was quite amazing. Jan was as welcoming as ever, even though she knew it was me returning... although she did lock me out to begin with🤭. Thanks again for a very enjoyable day."

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"🤣🤣🤣 it really was a pleasure to see you again. It has been such a good two days I'm not sure which of us enjoyed it more. Your stone art heart was amazing, and thank you for your help with the wood working. "

Megan reviewed: Make your own memory bear / teddy bear (2 days)

"Very friendly welcoming host with loads of patience for beginners like me and tricks of the trade for the more advanced student. Lovely location. Would highly recommend. "

JM Bespoke Needlework responded:

"Much appreciated, Megan!"

Eva von Mantripp reviewed: Make paper from wild and garden plants

"We had an awesome experience. ✨️🙌💐 Bryan provided a wealth of knowledge, inspired us and drew our attention all day. It was introduced by a walk around the garden, demonstrations of what part of plants/weeds makes the strength paper needs. The picking of a weed, the breaking down process to to be able to use it, the scent when boiling it. Followed by the art, the joy and creativeness of producing paper from plants. It most certainly drew your whole soul! We will come again! The setting was an oasis in Gower, filled with inspiration that honours our Earthly resorces. Thank you, Bryan! "

Wild Plant Paper responded:

"Thank you Eva! We had a lovely day, and I look forward to seeing pictures of the Mustard plant paper you made. It was a lovely bright green!"

Louise McKay reviewed: Modern Upholstered Footstool Workshop - no experience required - the perfect gift!

"What a great day course. You work hard but the final product is lovely. Food and company was the icing on the cake. Lucy is a fantastic intuitive tutor. She has tried to think about environmental impacts of all the elements she uses which is so important. I’d definitely recommend this course to anyone who fancies having a go. Something beautiful and useful to take home at the end of the day. "

Roundedby responded:

"Oh it was so good to have you on the course Lou, so thrilled that you loved it! I know it was tricky (ha!) choosing the fabrics but I think your Pimpernel with Cerulean piping was a brilliant combo! I agree the lunches from Caccia & Tails are flipping delicious! Thanks again, Lucy "

Cathryn Jacob reviewed: Green Man clay sculpture course at Middleton Hall

"Excellent course. No previous experience needed as we are guided through each step. My friend and I have now attended the mask making and green man making and would highly recommend both. "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Cathryn, glad you enjoyed it. Best wishes Miranda"

Vashti reviewed: Learn how to macrame a mini plant hanger

"Had a fantastic 2 hours learning how to do macrame. Tanya and Emma were both so patient and helpful. Everything was provided and I feel confident to carry on my project at home. Looking forward to trying something else new. "

Sally Price reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"I can highly recommend Jonathan’s beginners course at Salt Way Silver, my friends and I really enjoyed the session. Jonathan was very patient and explained all of the jewellery making processes very clearly. We spent time making a practice piece in copper to cover all the techniques we might need and then went on to make a piece of our choice in silver using everything we’d learned in the previous couple of hours. We were all delighted to be able to produce something we wanted to wear at the end! Crafting with friends is a great way to spend a Saturday morning!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Sally. It was a real pleasure to spend time helping three friends develop the skills to create some more beautiful silver jewellery. You are always welcome back! Many thanks for this kind review. Jonathan"