Latest reviews

Shelley Sheridan reviewed: Resin Art Course

"Maria is a wonderful teacher - she is extremely knowledgeable and is adept at passing on this knowledge in an easy, concise manner. She provides comprehensive written notes along with very useful hints and tips about how to get the best results and where to buy the most effective materials. She is incredibly generous with her time. Above all this she is a genuinely delightful person and is a joy to spend time with. All this is achieved in the beautiful surroundings of Maria's home. I am really pleased with the items I created under her tuition and I will definitely be going back for more. Thank you Maria x"

Maria’s Artistry responded:

"Hi Shelley, Honestly I do not know what to say, just a BIG THANK YOU for your amazing review which I very much appreciate. Maria xx"

Simona E. Doyle reviewed: Bespoke Photo-encaustic workshop

" Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn. My workshop with Lyn was fantastic. Lyn had everything organised ahead of my arrival, so we were ready to go in no time. We jelled immediately, and I could see she was passionate about her teaching and her work. We cruised through a lot of work, and she was full of suggestions and helpful tips. She opened a whole new world for me. We had fun and I was so sad leaving her studio and yet so excited to have met her and ever so thankful for her passionate teaching. I will try to come again for another workshop once I have progressed in this new venture. Thanks Lyn."

Contemporary Encaustic Wax Workshop with Lyn Kirkland responded:

"Simona it was my pleasure to work with you on your stunning images. You knew that they needed something quite different, and I hope that’s what we did! I would love to host you again in my studio. Enjoy the journey with wax. Kind regards Lyn "

Tim reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"What a great course, fun and a brilliant learning experience. There is no doubt these new skills will be used again and again. I can’t wait for my next green woodworking course!"

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thanks very much, Tim, for your positive review - much appreciated. We're glad that you enjoyed the course and intend to use the skills gained in the future. We look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood for another course when you are ready to do so. "

Barrie Kay reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"My son booked this course on the 19th May for my 80th birthday, it was a privilege, and pleasure to meet our instructor Bob. It was back in 1959 when I was placed with a craftsman at the start of my apprenticeship as a fitter, and Bob was in every way as good a craftsman as I have ever had the pleasure of working with. On behalf of my son, and on my own behalf thank you for a most enjoyable, and informative day. Regards Barrie."

Alison Kidman reviewed: Make your own leather belt with Cazzy, a qualified saddler.

"Julie and I completed this course today. We both had a fantastic time learning how to make a belt. Cazzy was a fabulous teacher, and walked us through every step of the process. With just 2 of us in the class it was just perfect. We both came away with a lovely wearable belt as well as some skills that are more than transferable to our hobby of bag making."

Strapped Leather responded:

"Oh how kind! I loved meeting you both, for a very jolly day! X"

Karen Clark reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury

"What a wonderful day I had learning to Inkle Weave with Ellie. She worked so incredibly hard to help those who were just learning and was full of encouragement to all who attended. I would love to attend another of Ellie’s courses - she is full of passion for weaving and that passion really shines through."

Michael B reviewed: Mosaic Birdbath

"I got this course for my wife and I as a birthday present and it was just perfect! Emily was very informative and took the time to ensure that all participants of the course were supported with their creative vision and gave insight into how would be best to achieve their vision. The hospitality of Emily and her husband was amazing and all of us were fed and watered throughout. Overall it was an incredibly fun day! I would recommend this course for beginners if you want a taste and would also say this is a good fun day for someone with experience to make something a little different. "

Stories In Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for such a lovely review Michael. I am delighted that you both enjoyed the experience of being introduced to the art of mosaic and you should definitely be proud of the superb Birdbaths you both made. Thank you for your kind mention of our hospitality too because we strive to make the whole day as pleasant as we can. I will pass your thoughtful words on to my husband. Enjoy your wonderful garden artwork and we would love to see you again at a workshop in the future. Very best wishes Emily"

Rob reviewed: Gel plate printing workshop - introduction to monotype gel press

"What a pleasure this course was. The uncomplicated techniques were explained really clearly, and demonstrated purely through participation by us the attendees. Encouragement was plentiful, and results are achieved within minutes. Two hours gave us plenty of time to experiment with different papers and materials to create finished works. Advice as to where to get hold of relevant materials was also provided. An enjoyable and productive session, well worth the fee. Thank you Vicki."

Vicki Jordan Art responded:

"Thank you Rob for this wonderful review! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the session, and I hope you continue gel printing."

Caroline and Diane reviewed: Pick & Mix Glass Fusing Taster Sessions

"Had a brilliant afternoon with Dawn, she was very helpful and patient with us, thoroughly recommend and so looking forward to collecting the pieces we made"

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review ladies, off down the studio shortly to pop everything back on for another firing, will be in touch very soon - can't wait to see your results! Dawn x"

Julian Cotton reviewed: Walking stick making - Friday mornings, come and make a stick with Bill at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"Fantastic. Bill and all the the other regulars were so nice and helpful helping me as a complete beginner learn how to create a walking stick, really enjoying this and learning a new skill "

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Julian for those kind words. I will pass them onto Bill who is always pleased to hear how we do. regards Alan"

Louise reviewed: Learn how to crochet kit with online course!

"I'm about halfway through this course and I am finding the video and instructions very clear and achievable"

Sian reviewed: One Day Mosaics Workshop For Beginners

"We had a fantastic mosaic day-course with Justine . She has a wonderful studio space and hosted us perfectly all day and taught us so much about mosaicking, we can’t recommend it enough. The finished pieces we took home were so much better than we'd expected and a testimony to her expertise, preparation and fantastic resources at hand for the day as well as being a delightful host. "

Primary Colours Murals And Mosaics responded:

"Hi Sian, thank you and Simon for the wonderful review. I really enjoyed making mosaics with you both on Saturday, best wishes Justine. "

Graham and Sophie reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Snowshill Manor

"Everyone on the course finished their project to a very good standard which tells you how good the tuition was. Miranda had the skill of stepping in with tips when needed but not actually doing it for you. Sociable, enjoyable, productive and in a wonderful location too - what more could you want!"

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you, glad you both enjoyed the weekend. Miranda"

Stacey reviewed: Whole day wet felted landscape workshop with Teesdale Felt

"What a wonderful day. I was a little nervous as I have not attended such a course but Claire made me feel at ease from the moment she opened the door and invited me in for a cuppa and a delicious cookie. She is such a a talented artist and teacher and I came away having learned so much as well as having the most relaxed day in a long time. I had the most amazing time chatting with Claire and feel so lucky to have had her share her knowledge and skills with me. This session would make a lovely gift or a treat for aspiring felters like myself and is such good value for money. I would encourage everyone to give it a try as I came away with a beautiful piece after a fun day of learning so much. Her tutorials on youtube are a great watch and a good reminder of the techniques but having the guidance in person as well as seeing her art was truly inspiring. I was thrilled with my felted landscape and it will serve as a reminder of such a lovely day. Claire was kind and patient and helped me on the parts I found difficult but allowed me to explore my own ideas. What an absolute treat of a day thank you x "

Teesdale Felt responded:

"Wow! What a fabulous review. Thank you so much for taking the time to write it and I am so pleased you enjoyed your day with me. Your picture of Bamburgh Castle was beautiful, colourful and atmospheric. I hope you go on to do lots more felting in the future. Thank you again for your amazing review.....it really made my day! Xxx"

Kate H Bryant reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury

"Another fabulous course delivered by the wonderful Ellie. Her passion for her skills shines through her teaching and is delivered with knowledge, empathy and humour. What a great day and run in a superb venue… Thank you"

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

"A really enjoyable introduction to Lino cutting / printing. Liz was a brilliant tutor and the course took place in the beautiful, relaxed atmosphere of her home. And we were left with something very creative we could take home so a great sense of achievement. Would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in finding out about this fascinating craft. "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Bob, Lovely to hear from you and thanks for taking the time to let me know about your workshop - I have a big smile on my face and I’m so pleased that enjoyed your birthday gift. Lino cutting and printing is such a great process and hopefully one that you’ll return to time and again. I know it combines lots of things that inspire you, so go get some kit and crack on! Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Kelly reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"This was bought as a birthday gift. We had an amazing day, the course is so informative and surprising!!! We learnt a great deal about the whole process and accurate ways to use tools. Everyone came away with a spoon. The lunch was delicious and the hospitality amazing. Thank you so much for a wonderful day "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Kelly, a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for the review, glad you enjoyed the day. All the best Mark and Cristina"

Dee reviewed: Beginning spinning

"This course was a brilliant introduction to setting up the wheel and spinning with a variety of fleeces and types of wool. Cath helped with washing and spinning a sample of fleece I had been given. The small group enabled Cath to give specific guidance and teaching individually. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. I had a very enjoyable and informative day and strongly recommend to any beginner spinner. "

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Dee, It was a real pleasure to have you on the course, and to see your face as a few tweaks to your wheel meant that it worked beautifully. best wishes Cath "

Andrew Potter reviewed: 3D Stone Carving Weekend Course

"We had a wonderful two days with Debs and learnt a tremendous amount. Debs gave us her professional advice when we needed it but allowed us to develop our own approach. She also has a depth of knowledge about materials, tools, finishes etc which she has been kind enough to share with us. Thank you Debs! P.s. the lemon drizzle cake was pretty good too!"

Deborah Harrison Sculpture responded:

"Thank you Helen and Andrew. Glad you had a good weekend. X"

Jane Alderton reviewed: Fabric Pinboard Make&Take Workshop

"My daughter did Lucy’s course and absolutely loved it. She has come back amazed by what she created and full of enthusiasm to learn more upholstery skills. The perfect balance of fun and learning. Thank you Lucy! "

Roundedby responded:

"Oh that is so good to hear! I love what she created with the pink & grey velvet - she worked so carefully and thoughtfully creating a very beautiful result. Delighted to have a tween on the course - please tell her from me, that she rocked it and I can’t wait to see what she creates next! Lucy"

Katy Duke reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"The Raku day was fantastic, best craft course I've ever done! Richard is a brilliant teacher, the day is full with different Raku techniques and you leave with amazing pots! Would highly recommend! "

Potterydayz responded:

"A pleasure to have you on board. I'm delighted you enjoyed the Raku workshop here at Potterydayz. I hope we will see you again soon."

Clare C. reviewed: Bookbinding kit - Make your own book!

"Thank you - very good quality of materials and presented well. Hope you use at some point in the future. "

Chris reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Enjoyed everything about this course - really enhanced my knowledge and learned new skills, in a great workshop, a nice place with good company. Very pleased with my box and looking forward to my next course (s)!"

Sue (Group Convenor for Wem Group of WIs) reviewed: Beginner Pewter casting - Bespoke Group - Susan W

"Rachel is a fantastic teacher! She gives clear instructions and is very supportive helping her students achieve pieces of pewter jewellery to be proud of. All 34 ladies enjoyed the sessions and were full of praise for their tutor. Well done Rachel (and Stu!)"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much Sue. So so kind of you. We had a brilliant day with you all. Such lovely and creative people. Beautiful pieces and lots of crafting fun. Thank you. All the very very best. Rach "

Kerry Lacy reviewed: Make Your Own Silver Ring Jewellery Beginners Class

"An absolutely wonderful morning spent with Sarah in her new studio at Harts Barn. I bought this class as a gift for my friends 50th birthday with the added bonus that I got to go with her. Sarah was patient, encouraging and ensured that we left with a ring that we were proud to wear. Copious amounts of tea and coffee and the freshly baked scones were fantastic!!! Thank you Sarah, I hope to see you again for another fabulous class."

Wye Creative responded:

"Thank you so much Kerry. I'm glad that you both had a great time celebrating and got to take home a beautiful silver ring each! I look forward to seeing you both again."