Latest reviews

Clare reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I am still excited about how I did and what I achieved with the guidance, help and humour from Graham, David and Deklan. The Clarkes are great teachers and lovely people. The knife and sheath I produced have been shamelessly shown off to everyone I know. I’ll be back. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all looking forward to seeing you again 😊😊😊"

Andrew Smee reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This weekend I had the pleasure of taking this box making course. Mark the tutor clearly loves his work, and is highly skilled in his craft, as such he takes pleasure in providing you with detailed instruction to ensure you make an item of high quality. A variety of box styles are available for you to choose from. In making your chosen box Mark is observant and he will step in with advice to improve your skills. The workshop is in wonderful surroundings and well equipped with hand and power tools, and dust extraction is superb. Mark ensures complete safety when using any of the tools required. In summary I highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to get a fabulous introduction to box making, and I'm very happy to give it 5 Stars. (The endless supply of tea was also very much appreciated)."

Carol Saul reviewed: Glass fusing for card makers

" I have had an amazing day discovering and experimenting with fusing glass, Ali is very knowledgeable, helpful and full of hints and tips. A new craft for me, but am truly hooked now. Can't wait to do more."

Michelle Holton reviewed: Autumn Foliage and Berries: A Vibrant Watercolour Journey Monday Evenings Via Zoom

"Purnima is a wonderful teacher with space to explore and discover. Encouragement given, achievable images for every level and a great social opportunity. Good quality materials, knowledgeable, professional and cheeky in a good way. Qv 2024."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you Michelle for your amazing review, you have made a great start keep it up now!"

Robert Holland reviewed: Autumn Foliage and Berries: A Vibrant Watercolour Journey Monday Evenings Via Zoom

"As a complete novice, Purnima was patient, understanding and very good at teaching the basics of painting with watercolour. I'm so happy with what I have achieved under guidance Qv 2024."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Well done Robert for joining the watercolour classes, you have made great progress with the foundation of watercolour, hope to see you on a Zoom class very soon."

Paul Bolton reviewed: Autumn Foliage and Berries: A Vibrant Watercolour Journey Monday Evenings Via Zoom

"Having never painted with watercolour before it was with some apprehension I joined the class on Queen Victoria at the start of our cruise to Sydney and didn't worry as Purnima took us through the basic steps to get us painting straightaway. Really helped build confidence with continuous supervision and support from. I enjoyed this class, which was very friendly and I will continue to paint in future. I highly recommend it thank you. QV 2024"

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you for your wonderful review and for being patient, you have made so much progress with your watercolour you just need to keep going now. Your drawing skill is amazing!"

Maggie Parr reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"A very enjoyable day ! Kate is an excellent tutor who explained everything very clearly and deftly managed the varying experience of each of the group members. She kept us to time and ensured everyone finished what they wanted to make. I already have the necessary equipment at home so now plan to make some more as presents. I have now realised that some of the simpler designs - one piece - are easier and often more effective and elegant. So, I am very pleased with my flowers and a photo sent to friends has received many compliments . Thank you Kate and Martin😀"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, we hope to see you again in the future."

Alan Porter reviewed: Introduction to portrait sculpture at Middleton Hall

"I was happy to take part in the course. It was friendly and well taught by Miranda. I was guided well and learnt a lot of clay aspects in head sculpture. A Newbie to sculpture almost, had a great weekend and happy with my result. I'm not local to Middleton so may debate coming and may try more locally to Coventry. Thanks. Alan "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the weekend Alan, it is great you are now thinking of taking up sculpture locally. Best wishes Miranda"

Jane reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day!!! I enjoyed every minute and would not hesitate to recommend to anyone who likes making stuff!!! Adrian and Andy were such good company giving help and advice and encouragement throughout the day. Also a massive thanks to Debbie for delicious home cooked food throughout the day. Cakes, flapjack, biscuits, freshly home made bread and home cooked stew, plenty of tea and coffee. A totally unexpected treat! At the end of the day I was tired, dirty and hot but absolutely chuffed with the flowers I made which are proudly displayed in my garden. A thoroughly enjoyable day and worth every penny. "

Jamie reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"This was my first experience on lino printing. Liz made me feel relaxed and explained everything I needed to do. I really enjoyed the course and would highly recommend this class. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jamie, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for telling me about your time here. It was a pleasure meeting and working with you, seeing you gain in confidence as your understanding of the process grew. You produced an excellent range of images, with a particularly complex design for your first print. I hope you can continue exploring this technique, as there’s so much to learn about and enjoy. Happy cutting and printing. Liz Wellby"

Helen Engleby reviewed: Cracket! 2 day beginners hand tool woodworking course

"Amazing course. My husband and I learnt so much while making our crackets. We left full of knowledge and an amazing cracket to take home. I would highly recommend this two day course for the beginner who loves to learn. Safely guided by Andrew through the two days. "

Sarah Jaques reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I don’t consider myself artistic but yesterday I had the best day at Jo’s on her One Day Hare Sculpture Course. Jo is so welcoming and put all my worries at ease. She has a lovely studio in rural Suffolk and one becomes immediately inspired by the surroundings. Jo has a wealth of knowledge and experience with running "work shops ". Our day was well planned and ran smoothly. Jo’s instructions were easy to follow and she is obviously passionate about providing the best possible tuition. The group was small, 7 of us in total and it was great fun. I found it incredibly relaxing and I never realised how much fun being creative could be! I still can’t believe I have come home with an amazing hare that I created! I cannot recommend Jo highly enough, a fabulous, fun day and I really hope I can return again soon."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Sarah - everyone has a creative button within them! So glad you enjoyed the day so much and also found it relaxing. We cover a lot during the day, but breaking it down into steps makes the time fly! Jo xx"

Karen Harrison reviewed: Trees of Life: Wire Wrapping and Twisting

"What a fabulous afternoon we had on our course with Helga. She was so friendly and knowledgeable and made sure each of us could work at our own pace. We absolutely loved the results we accomplished & had great fun. Thoroughly recommend. "

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Karen, that's wonderful to hear."

Trisha Smith reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"I really enjoyed my course and learnt a lot"

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I'm really pleased to hear that you enjoyed the workshop. Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review."

Sophie reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"Really enjoyed the course and pleased with what I made. Geraint was very patient. Beautiful location too"

Linda Atkinson reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Wow what a brilliant workshop worth every penny. Jo and Andy are lovely hosts, came away with the most gorgeous sculpture ever. It’s going to look fabulous either in house or garden. Step by step instructions, easy to follow with great results. Wonderful space to work in, relaxing and welcoming. Highly recommended "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Linda! Really enjoyed the day as well - lovely range of hares were completed and now back in everyone's homes 🤗 Jo xx"

Claire Taylor reviewed: One Day Upholstery Workshop

"I really enjoyed my day being introduced to upholstery. Vicky is very knowledgeable, talented…and patient!!! Thank you."

R Booth reviewed: Introduction to portrait sculpture at Middleton Hall

"Good tuition. Room not great. Poor light on far side but workstation rearranged to improve. Workstation also cramped, 1 sq ft and always knocking tools off. Middleton Hall has good motorway connections."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Hi Rupert, I didn't notice your trouble with tools, sorry, I could've popped them on the nearby table instead. See you later in the year. Best wishes Miranda"

Susanne Smith reviewed: The Art of Nature: Watercolour Landscape Course Online Course 5 hours

"I enjoyed very much! Your teaching, patience and clarity helped getting me energised to try again with this challenging medium. Queen Victoria World Cruise 24."

Art By Purnima responded:

"Well done Susanne for making a start with watercolour just keep going now hopefully you can join a zoom class for the new subjects and techniques."

Larry Amos reviewed: The Art of Nature: Watercolour Landscape Course Online Course 5 hours

"Purnima inspires you to paint by making it look easy giving great results for a few strokes of the paintbrush. She runs through her techniques explaining as she brushes. It doesn't always turn out that good on my paintings but she always encouragea you to keep painting, thank you for all your help.. Queen Victoria World Cruise 24"

Art By Purnima responded:

"Well Done Larry you have made excellent progress in your watercolour journey, your regular attendance was good and you just need to keep going now."

Carolyn McCausland reviewed: Secret Garden Hand Embroidery Workshop with Rachel Davies

"I had the nicest time in this course. Rachel had taken so much trouble before the event to perfect every detail. This meant that we could concentrate on building our pieces, without having to do some of the more basic things like cutting out tiny circles of fabric. We were encouraged to develop the pieces from the skills she showed us and she is a kind, competent, inspiring artist and tutor. Highly recommend Rachel’s course. "

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Carolyn, I do appreciate such lovely comments thank you, and I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself. I was so pleased with how great everyones work looked. Thank you very much for recommending me, very best wishes, Rachel."

Nicki Henderson reviewed: West Midlands: Beginner Nib Calligraphy Workshop

"A fantastic course for beginners ! Our tutor shared her knowledge and experience ! Very kind and patient ! Would highly recommend !! "

Josie flower reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Middleton Hall

"It was a wonderful 2 day course. Geraint was informative, patient and very good company. He was generous with sharing his skilled knowledge. A lovely experience 🌟"

Pam Dixon reviewed: Secret Garden Hand Embroidery Workshop with Rachel Davies

"A really lovely day. Rachel was very welcoming. She explained every stage of the process well and was very encouraging. I am delighted with the result. "

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Pam, Thank you very very much for the 5 star review and comments , it's lovely to hear. Your Secret Garden looked really great. Thank you so much for coming, very best wishes, Rachel"

Lorna reviewed: Ecoprinting- exploring the magic and alchemy

"I had an amazing day in great company exploring the many ways you can create amazing prints from the natural world. I had not expected to create so many great pieces and come away with so many ideas of things to try. I can't wait to book more courses with Fiona who was a knowledgeable and friendly host who was really invested in helping us all learn more and have fun exploring the art of the possible and have fun experimenting along the way. Such a mindful and fun way to spend a day."

Earthwise Ecoprints responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Lorna. It was a pleasure teaching you some Ecoprinting techniques and I am so pleased you are inspired to do more. I hope to see you again soon x"