Latest reviews

Yvonne & son reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Alex was a great tutor, kind and thoughtful to help each of us get what we wanted to achieve. Clear instructions, non-judgemental and brilliant at showing my teen that there are ways to succeed in life if you're worried about your school's emphasis on GCSEs. Set up is good too - lots of space to work, kitchen & loos on site and a sunny spot out the back to eat your packed lunch. Thanks Alex "

Georgie Whiting reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"I had a brilliant day! I was doubtful that I would produce anything resembling a hare as I have limited artistic ability. But under Jo's care and exceptional skill, I have a very happy leaping hare on my windowsill. Jo is very kind and a very talented tutor. She showed us how to do everything at a good pace but also kept a discreet eye on our progress, gently offering guidance and help where needed. A massive thank you to Jo for her extra help and to Andy for the very welcome refreshments. I have already signed up for another course. If you can't decide if this is for you, go for it. You won't regret it."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this lovely review Georgie! Your leaping hare was lovely and I'm glad he made it home intact and is now residing on your windowsill! Looking forward to seeing you back again, Jo xx"

David McCall reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I had a fantastic week on the course. Mark was welcoming, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The course is suitable for both novices and people with some prior experience. There was a choice of 4 nice projects for the week and you could also learn from the projects other participants were undertaking. I made a piece of furniture that I’m really pleased with and will use for many years to come, which I couldn’t have done without Mark and his well kitted out workshop. I will definitely come back for another course as and when time permits. Thanks Mark!"

David reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Snowshill Manor

"An absolutely brilliant introduction to carving in stone, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this weekend. Miranda’s expert tuition guides you through the process with constant support whenever you need it. Great facilities and an absolutely beautiful setting in the orchard at Snowshill Manor with fantastic Cotswold views. "

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thanks David, glad you enjoyed the weekend. Miranda"

Lynsey reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A great experience and unique gift!"

Lesley reviewed: Making a Stained Glass Flower Bouquet (CoT)

"What a fabulous afternoon my sister and I had in the delightful company of Barbara and Eddie. They were so welcoming, funny and helpful. Having never done this craft before, they talked us through step by step in a way that didn't overwhelm you. Can't rate this course and both Barbara and Eddie enough. Thank you so much 😃"

Simply Smallholding responded:

"Awww shucks. Thank you very much for your kind comments. We try to make our craft events an entertaining and fun experience even when you are learning something new. So good to get feedback that we pitched it right. Hope we see you at something else one day"

Bradley-Howard Monk reviewed: Spoon Carving at Wilderness Foundation UK

"A great day with a great teacher. Max talked to us and showed us not only how to do it but why we do it. He started with a talk about the background of Sloyd and then showed us the wood and talked us through the different properties that you need to be aware of when making a spoon, before leading us through all of the steps. I had previously watched videos online, but the day spent with Max was so much more worthwhile. In fact we were so engaged we forgot lunch and I didn't even notice how sunburnt my knees were until I got home! I would certainly recommend the course for anyone interested in learning this craft. "

Kathryn reviewed: Two day stone carving course at Snowshill Manor

"Excellent course in a lovely setting. Miranda is a very good teacher, knowledgeable, patient, serious about quality, and serious about helping everyone to achieve a good result. I'd thoroughly recommend this course."

Amerton Arts Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review Kathryn, glad you enjoyed it. Miranda"

Marie and Paul reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"Me and my husband had a great couple of hours on the course. We found the place easily, with the clear instructions. We both really enjoyed it. Lorraine was amazing, so nice, helpful, knowledgeable and down to earth. I was a bit nervous to begin with but she put me at ease and was very encouraging. I couldn't believe I actually made 4 pots! Would definitely recommend this course. Everything great!"

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks indeed for the kind words, Lorraine"

Chris Hoggett reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Snowshill Manor

"A great weekend, learnt lots in a beautiful setting"

Terry Scarrott reviewed: Copper Foil Stained Glass Lantern Workshop in the Cotswolds - Gloucestershire/Wiltshire/Oxfordshire Border

"Had a wonderful day with Sharon. Made a stained glass lantern and learnt loads. Superbly taught in a wonderful barn. Thank you all. Terry"

Camilla reviewed: Two-day Medieval Glass Painting Course

"Brilliant weekend with tutor Jo. The course was very interesting and we were very busy as well as hearing about the history of medieval stained glass. Jo took us through the complex technique step by step and we all achieved great results. Stanwick Lakes is a lovely setting too."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for leaving us such a lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed the course and shall let Jo know too. We do hope to see you here at Stanwick Lakes again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "

Gill Allen reviewed: Watercolour colourful landscapes

"Thanks Charlotte for a very enjoyable session in a relaxed & friendly atmosphere."

SAREDON STUDIOS responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review! We're happy you enjoyed the workshop. See you soon!"

James and Simon reviewed: Introductory pottery wheel throwing taster sessions

"We had a fantastic time with Lorraine on the taster pottery throwing course! Lorraine was informative, patient and a pleasure to talk to. We got to keep all of our thrown pots and let them dry out to decorate at home too, which is lovely. We really can't recommend trying this out enough. We both now have a real taste for the art and can't wait to try more!"

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks indeed for the kind words, enjoy your pieces. Lorraine at Woodsetton"

Igor reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Had a great time doing a lathe turning workshop with Jake. He is a great teacher and instructor and an all round sound fella. He was very supportive and helpful and kept an eye on you but only stepped in when needed to, loved spending the day making a bowl and coming out with better than expected result. Would recommend doing a course with Jake to anyone who’s looking to work with wood. Mega day out."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you for the lovely words mate 😊"

Darren Male reviewed: Craft Your Own Longbow: One To One Woodworking Class

"A great day with a great instructor in a beautiful woodland. Far more to making a longbow than I thought, with the resulting bow great to fire. Thanks Matt & Emma, hope to see you again on a future course."

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Darren, thanks for the great review! It was lovely to have you at Manor Wood again, hope to see you soon. Emma"

Dale Turner reviewed: Introduction to woodworking

"My sister and I attended this course having never done any woodworking before. It was an excellent introduction - the content was perfect for beginners and Philip is a patient and knowledgeable teacher. We really appreciated the written notes we were given to take away too. Overall, it was a very successful day, we learnt a lot and had a lot of fun with a great bunch of people."

Chris Roberts reviewed: Introduction to Inkle Loom Weaving Workshop, Salisbury

"Ellie is an excellent teacher. Willing to help true beginners with the inevitable happy accidents! Loved my band that I made. Thoroughly recommend this course and artisan."

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Chris. It was such a pleasure spending the day with you all and your weaving is just brilliant!"

Anne M Graham reviewed: Hand spinning Day Course

"We had a wonderful day. We all learnt so much in an easy relaxed way, from how a fleece is graded and the best parts; right from the animal being sheared; to how it finished as yarn. Juliet showed us how every stage was done and then let us loose trying our hand at carding and spinning (it's not as easy as she made it look). Any questions were answered fully. We all felt that Juliet was a brilliant tutor and had so much knowledge."

Sue reviewed: The Garden Plant Support

"Had a brilliant morning making garden obelisks. Nicky was a fantastic teacher, explained everything from the willow preparation right through to the making of the structure. Thoroughly recommend."

Kath Robinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Adrian, Kath and I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Loved every minute of it. Even though I found it difficult with my condition, you both helped me along, didn't feel silly. We both learned so much of the process. Wonderful!! Keep on doing the good work! Kath and the other Kath"

Sheila J reviewed: One day atmospheric landscape oil painting course aboard the narrowboat Peewit with Melanie Max

"A wonderful, fun day with Melanie in a lovely setting. Learnt lots of techniques, made some mistakes along the way, but had the benefit of a one-to-one tutor to help me correct them, which was invaluable. The best way to learn in my opinion. I was thrilled with what I was able to achieve, and was given Melanie’s lovely demonstration piece to bring home, together with my two artworks. Super day. Thanks Melanie. "

Angie reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I bought this course for my two grandsons (aged 14 & 20) They both came home pleased with their spoons and said they would definitely like to go back and make the bowl. "

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. I'm glad they both enjoyed their day here and are eager to return. All the best Mark"

Jackie Hall reviewed: Mandala Creation Dotting Workshop in Derbyshire

"I really enjoyed spending the afternoon learning a new craft. I’d never done anything like mandala dotting before yet I came home with a lovely mandala that I’d created 🎉 Tamsin is a really good teacher, she goes through every step of the process in a patient and informative manner. Her studio is in the most lovely, tranquil spot, which really added to the relaxed and calming experience. Thank you Tamsin, It was a pleasure to meet you. I will definitely be booking again to do the mandala drawing workshop. X"

Tamdala responded:

"Thankyou so much for your lovely review Jackie. It was a pleasure to meet you and your daughter and watch you both create fabulous dot mandalas. I am very happy you both enjoyed this experience and learnt a new craft. Looking forward to seeing you again x"

Kath reviewed: Woven bag workshop workshop with Rachel Davies

"A very enjoyable course, as a non crafter I was a little apprehensive. I needn't have worried, Rachel is very warm and welcoming and makes you feel like a friend. The setting is beautiful. A very relaxing few hours and a bonus I came home with a new bag. I would really recommend the course."

Rachel Davies Studio responded:

"Hi Kath, thank you very much for your lovely feedback, it's so appreciated. I'm really glad you had a nice time and liked the setting too, it's lovely isn't it. Very best wishes, Rachel"