Latest reviews

Sue Broadest reviewed: From the garden- still life with a mixed media approach

"The venue is lovely and very comfortable and fit for purpose. It’s surrounded by beautiful countryside and farmland. Alison was friendly and relaxed. She explained the tasks well and had displayed some inspirational examples of work. It was great to try out a variety of different techniques and materials experimenting with inks, pastels mark making and composition. Thank you for a lovely day !!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Sue, Thank you for your comments. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the day experimenting with new techniques and ideas and I hope it has given you some inspiration to continue your creative journey at home . Happy painting! Best wishes Alison "

Ceri Dunn reviewed: Marbling & Book Binding at Kirkstall Forge

"Super fun. Really relaxing and lovely tutoring. "

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much Ceri!"

Vanessa reviewed: Mitsuro Hikime Wax Kit 30g

"I bought this and the wax itself is great. I don’t agree with the instructions though. I found it impossible to warm the wax enough to make it malleable through body heat alone, as the instructions say. Instead I melted a small piece of the wax in an old spoon over a tea light."

Debbie reviewed: Craft Your Own Carving Bench: One to One Woodworking Class

"My husband and I spent an amazing day doing woodwork with Matt. We are absolute beginners and Matt explained all the tools and basics to us. We came away with great work benches and the confidence to continue practicing at home. "

Manor Wood responded:

"Hi Debbie, thanks for the lovely review! Glad you enjoyed the day, hope to have you at Manor Wood again soon. Matt"

Amanda reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Taster weekend (2 days) - Abergavenny

"An excellent weekend spent learning how to dismantle and build a dry stone wall in situ. All hands on learning with incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic tutors who not only teach you the ideal but the realistic. Very enjoyable. Many thanks to all involved. I am now eyeing up all the stone walls I come across with a new appreciation and hoping to find some in disrepair that I'll be allowed to practice my new found knowledge on! "

Martin & Joanne Weller reviewed: Beginner’s Soapmaking Workshop in Trowbridge

"Fantastic course, great instruction and generosity in sharing knowledge and passion for soap making. Cat is a great teacher, clear instruction and demonstration followed up with patience when we all went crazy with batch two 🙄. Came away with two boxes of soap and a car that smells lovely with a mix of essential oils. Highly recommended"

Laurence Scott reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Snowshill Manor

"Great course, really expert tuition, loads of tools, well paced instruction and achievable projects. Lovely location too. Thoroughly recommended."

Paul Slater reviewed: Beginners one day basket weaving course

"Highly recommended. A joyful experience where we set our own pace, and still finished a beautiful basket. "

Vix reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark runs a great weekend course, perfect for a beginner or someone with only a little knowledge about working with wood. As there are only four on the course there was time for us to make completely different boxes that we could all be proud of. Can’t wait for my Router course next month. "

Fiona carmichael reviewed: Two day wood carving course at Snowshill Manor

"Fabulous course. Wonderful setting in the orchard. We were blessed with great weather and very patient tutor in Geraint. He never made you feel like a fool, even at the end of the day when concentration goes and your neck aches. The 4 of us were really pleased with our results despite being complete beginners. Thank you for a smashing experience."

William Stanley reviewed: Stained Glass weekend workshop

"Stained Glass workshop is a brilliant course to learn the basics in the craft of designing & making stained glass panels. Our instructor Roland, presented & demonstrated each stage of the process in a friendly & fun manner, providing assistance in the guidance in the use of the tools when required, in idyllic workshop environment."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you William. So good to hear you enjoyed your weekend and the workshop treated you well, Pam"

Pippa reviewed: Wire wrapped rings with Lindsay Forbes; Durham

"I loved this course. It was well organised in a lovely venue. Lindsay is a great teacher. There is ample time available to make several items to take away. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would sign up again. "

Bench Box responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Pippa. So glad you enjoyed it! The rings you made were great, really fab work. It'd be great to welcome you to another workshop."

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!"