Latest reviews

J Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Great experience day. Christmas gift for my son and went with him and what a great day we both had. Alex is a great host and excellent instructor. Friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and keen to share his passion and skills. Awesome! We'll be back again, suspect for the axe making. "

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you James!"

Penny reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Denny's one day beginners' mosaic course was a really valuable experience. Denny herself was very welcoming, helpful and encouraging. Cutting tiles is tricky so don't be over-ambitious as practising this single skill is very useful. Denny generously offers the use of a wide variety of mosaic material, doesn't impose ideas but gently guides. It was, for me, an ideal day for a complete novice. "

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you Penny - your comments are much appreciated. It’s very gratifying to know the day was ideal for a beginner. Hope to see you again soon. Best wishes - Denny. "

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

"I thought I wasn't going to get to this course, but the snow receded enough and I reached Liz's studio in steady drizzle - though not enough to hide the stunning view! I had done a little linocut before, but not for years, so this was a gentle and rewarding re-connection. There was a good mix of explanation and hands-on, with a range of tools and materials; it was also very relaxing, focusing on the design, trying to imagine how it would appear in print, concentrating and creating. A good feeling. I could have carried on cutting for hours, but Liz very rightly marshalled (nicely but firmly!) us into the print room, where we produced our prints using very simple equipment, but wonderfully! I came away with a variety of prints in different colours, plus a block I can can develop with more detail at home, where I am even now planning some greetings cards... A really good day. Also, ample tea and biscuits. Thank you, Liz!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Ann, Lovely to hear from you and thank you for letting me know about your workshop at The Slipper Studio. It was great to meet and work with you. Lino cutting and printing are such satisfying and interesting processes, that will keep you engaged, interested and inspired for some time. There’s so much to learn, even when you feel pretty confident with what you are doing, there’s always something new to try out. Happy cutting and printing. Liz Wellby "

Paul reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"We had a fantastic day. Both Vic’s were absolutely fantastic and very knowledgeable. We learnt so much and were given help when needed but also given the chance to go at it alone learning by our mistakes. A very wide range of glass to choose from too. Lunch was very tasty. We would highly recommend and will definitely be going back again. We love the pieces we made "

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Dear Paul, thank you for your kind words, they are appreciated. It was good to see the progress made and even better that the pieces were personal to you. I trust you enjoyed your time in the area and it would be good to see you again! All the best Vicky"

Anne & James Edwards reviewed: A whole day beginningers woodturning for 2 people

"Put simply, a fantastic day with a superb tutor. It exceeded the expectations of my wife and I and it was a pleasure to meet Chris who is an outstanding expert of woodturning. The full day course is a great introduction to the art of woodturning and we would highly recommend it. "

Chris Parker Woodturner responded:

"James, Anne. I'm absolutely blown away by your words. You both were a joy to teach in my workshop . It won't be long before James buys that lathe Anne. Bw Chris "

Sharon reviewed: A one day felt making course designing and making your own pair of cosy slippers. in the Forest of Dean

"We had a fun and interesting day with Chris. What a fascinating process it was to make a pair of slippers, with a great selection of colours to choose from. A really different workshop. Plenty of coffee or tea, and a lovely home made soup for lunch."

Christine Waygood. Contemporary Textiles. responded:

"Thank you Sharon. I'm glad you both enjoyed your day. I would love you to send me photos of your completed slippers, and hope to see you again in the future. "

Ron Scott reviewed: Lampwork glass bead tuition

"Thanks Jo for giving us such a great afternoon making glass beads with my daughter. We had a great time and would thoroughly recommend it to any interested in doing lampwork."

Turner Rowe Art Centre & Gallery responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your time with us! It was my pleasure to instruct you both. You made a fabulous haul of beads!"

Hilary reviewed: Woodwork Beginners workshop

"I really enjoyed the day, learning some core woodworking skills and putting them into practice making a shelf unit. The tuition, well appointed workshop, lunch and views were all excellent. I was particularly impressed with the organisation and forethought that had gone into planning the day. "

Tuffett responded:

"Hello Hilary Thank you for your lovely review. I am so glad you enjoyed the day. Kind regards, Sue"

Jake R reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Bought this as a joint birthday present and both really enjoyed it! Day was well paced to keep you ticking along a manageable speed but with enough time for re-dos and help from Martin if needed, which he was always on hand to do. Final result looks great and I'd be happy to try more in the future."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, I hope to see you both again."

Pete Smith reviewed: Colourful Linocut Printmaking Workshop

"Aprille was a very calm and clear instructor. The session was well planned and allowed for the participants to go at their own pace, to ask questions, and to celebrate what went well- and the fun things that didn't! The space was very well set up and the facilities excellent. I came away with new things to try and increased confidence."

Aprille McShane Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review. "

Julia Gerrard reviewed: Learn traditional upholstery

"An excellent course. Would recommend it to anyone. Experienced and patient tutor. Expectations exceeded and looking forward to the next class."

Peter White Furniture responded:

"You progressed well in your first session. Keep up the good work."

Linda reviewed: Woodworking drop in workshop sessions - Tuesdays/Wednesday AM at Dukeries Community Workshop, Ollerton

"I had a fantastic day at this community workshop, where the expertise of the three volunteers was invaluable. I was able to progress greatly with my novice-project, learning new skills with a lot of equipment that was new to me (not having had access to woodwork through my schooling, from a bygone era). It was also great seeing other participants working on their own very diverse projects. They were really helpful with their impressive skills too. It was a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and well worth the long journey for the day. Thank you, but beware - I'll be back!"

Dukeries Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Linda, it was a pleasure to meet you. We wish you every success with your project and hope to see you again Regards Alan "

Miles Miller reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"Arian is a fantastic teacher and he runs a great course. He is extremely knowledgeable and has a great wealth of experience across metalworking and the industry. He is also very amenable and friendly, and his good lady wife provided a very tasty mushroom soup for lunch! I would rate this day 11/10, I've done a few different blacksmithing days and this is possibly the best I've done. Thank you for your time Arian, you're a fascinating chap! "

Alison Cooper reviewed: Needlefelted Puffins Workshop

"A fantastic day all round! Jackie is a very talented textile artist and excellent teacher. She provided gentle encouragement to a group with mixed needle felting experience from new comers to those wanting to further develop their skills. Great facilities, abundant tea & coffee and home made cakes as well. Thank you again."

Where Inspiration Blooms responded:

"Dear Alison, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. Jackie is one of the most lovely and crazily talented needlefelt artists we have ever come across... Did she show you some of her other pieces of work? One day I am hoping to buy one of her avocets... or a curlew..so beautiful. Really do hope we will see you again, with our warmest wishes Jules & Caroline x "

Jan Redhead reviewed: Willow Hare Workshop

"What a beautiful day we had creating a 4foot willow hare. Our tutor Rachel was amazing we were all beginners at weaving, however Rachel took us step by step for us all to create our hares in a patient and encouraging way. We all learnt so much about this fascinating craft as Rachel was so knowledgeable. Will definitely recommend this course and will book on the next one to make a deer."

Claire and Andy reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course for two people

"I bought this for my husband’s Christmas present. Neither of us had tried woodturning before. Bill was a fantastic tutor and took us through every step, a thoroughly enjoyable day which I would definitely recommend. "

June reviewed: Recycled silver stacking rings making with Mat

"Really great course. Mat was a very good tutor, explained the process well, gave lots of encouragement and help when needed. Nice small group in an ideal studio and location. Definitely recommend as you will go home very proud of the rings you have made."

Hove Jewellery Works responded:

"Thank you June. It was lovely to meet you all. Glad you enjoyed it."

Justine reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings Jewellery course

"Myself and my daughter had a lovely morning with Sarah who is a very patient and encouraging teacher. Sarah made us feel really welcome in her delightful studio and at the end of the 3 hours we came away with two lovely stacking rings that fit perfectly and we are proud to wear. I would recommend this course to anyone who is new to jewellery making."

Ross Patrick reviewed: Beginners Sewing

"Wonderful, interesting and informative morning. Very friendly instructor and group of ladies, I was made to feel very welcome even though I was the only man. Home made cakes were a bonus and delicious. "

The Oast Studio responded:

"Thank you Ross, we loved having you here at The Oast Studio - raising the bar for the boys. Best of luck with hemming all those curtains! Annabelle"

Marie Taylor reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"Fantastic day. Course leader made me feel at ease and provided really supportive instruction."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thanks Marie, it's so lovely to hear you both had a great day - you both did a great job:-)"

Gill reviewed: 1hr Potter's Wheel Heskin, Chorley

"I was bought the 1 hour potters wheel course as a present as it’s something I’ve always wanted to try but had never seen the opportunity to do so before, it was excellent. Hannah was a great instructor who put us at ease straight away. My 2 pots will certainly not be gracing any art galleries but I really enjoyed it anyway! "

The Crafty potter responded:

"Hi Gill, Thanks for your fab review, it's loads of fun and your pots have made memories- You did awesome xx"

Jude reviewed: Beginners Sewing

"A lovely course at just the right pace. I left feeling able to tackle my sewing machine with confidence. "

The Oast Studio responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Jude. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the class and found it helpful. Good luck with your sewing and thank you for your block printing inspiration. Annabelle"

Jane Meek reviewed: Fused Glass Coasters or Small Dish

"Absolutely loved doing this course. I was a bit apprehensive about going on my own and my lack of artistic ability. Jane put everyone at their ease by her humorous approach. Very informative on the instruction part and supportive when we were creating our glassware. I throughly enjoyed it and would like to attend another course in the future. Will recommend it to my friends."

Yvonne reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Alcohol Inks with Clare Cosens

"Had a great morning learning about alcohol inks and how they work with a gel plate. Clare is a lovely, friendly and knowledgeable tutor and I learned lots. Came away with some lovely prints and new ideas to try :) "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"I'm really glad that you enjoyed the workshop Yvonne. Have fun combining the Gelli printing techniques to develop your fabulous artwork. Happy Printing!"

Jeff reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"An excellent day, enjoyable and learnt a lot from a talented man"

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - we are very pleased you enjoyed the workshop and shall let the course tutor know. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team. "