Latest reviews

Maxine reviewed: Inspired by Bloomsbury: exploring mixed media in Derbyshire.

"We booked the course to suit the weekend we had together without much prior awareness of the Bloomsbury style. Liz was very patient and allowed me to put my own interpretation on my final piece of artwork. Great opportunity to try new art media - I loved working with inks. The slipper studio is relaxed and friendly. A visit from Burt the cat was a fleeting bonus to the day! "

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Maxine, Good to hear from you. Thank you for letting me know about your time at The Slipper Studio. I really enjoyed working with you and was very impressed with your handling of the inks - the application of the black ink really brought the flowers to life and I hope this is a process you’ll continue exploring. Bert apologies for his limited visits - he was too busy hunting other furry creatures. Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Cathy reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Judith was a friendly, relaxed and encouraging tutor. She showed us lots of examples of prints to help us develop our own ideas and guided us clearly through the process. I have come away with the skills to do some printing at home, which was exactly what I wanted. "

Monika reviewed: Beginners 1-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"I did a beginners all day workshop and then because it was so much fun I also did a half day throwing workshop. I loved both of them, Louise is a great teacher, and there is a lovely relaxed atmosphere (and lots of biscuits and tea), and she’s very flexible in what you can make. The pots and vases turned out very well and love the glazes that she put on as per our wishes. Super fun, would definitely recommend!"

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Monika. It was a pleasure having you and your daughters here to learn handbuilding and throwing techniques. You all created some beautiful pieces and I'm really pleased you like the glazed results. Nice to hear you've already used one of your bowls for your breakfast this morning too :-). "

Linda reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"Had a lovely weekend basket weaving, with great group. Jonathon is very patient and gives really clear instruction, with lots of individual guidance and help. I came away with 2 baskets, and an appreciation of the work that goes into weaving baskets. I fully intend to 'have a go at home'. Thanks Jonathon (and Willow). "

Mike Bucknor reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery throwing workshop for 1 person

"It was a good introduction to the techniques of throwing pottery which I enjoyed immensely. I had a good teacher in Louise who was very positive. I came away relaxed and looking forward to seeing my glazed results. If, like myself, you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at throwing clay, this is a really good starter. I would recommend the course. "

Blended Monkey - pottery - woodturning - green woodworking - pole lathe - throwing responded:

"It was lovely having you in the ceramics studio Michael. For someone who had never thrown before you did really well! I always try to put people at ease as I want students to have a chilled, creative time here - and I'm glad you came away relaxed :-). Thanks for the lovely review. "

Helen reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"What a relaxing mindful morning and we created some beautiful pieces."

Sharon reviewed: Introduction to fused glass full day

"Really enjoyed the course. Lisa was very patient. Would recommend"

Lisa Gilliver Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Sharon, you were both an absolute pleasure to host, looking forward to showing you your pieces when Theia has been fired! Lisa"

Rachel and girls reviewed: Mosaic Making in the Cotswolds

"Thank you Jenny for a fabulous day. We all thoroughly enjoyed a chilled but fun and productive day. You are a fabulous teacher and enabled us all to create a mosaic that was personal to our individual characters. We are all inspired to do more courses hopefully with you in the future. Thank you!"

Jolly Super Things responded:

"Thank you so much! Really hope to see you all again for a future workshop. It was a fun day all round! Jennie "

Denise reviewed: Pick & Mix Glass Fusing Taster Sessions

"Attended a taster glass fusion course with my 9 year old granddaughter. Dawn was extremely knowledgeable and whilst she gave us lots of ideas and tips she also let us use our own imagination and creativity. Absolutely loved the session and would highly recommend."

Dawn Turner Designs responded:

"So glad you loved the session; you and your grand-daughter were a delight to welcome to the studio, lots of creativity! I love to see what children do. Work is in for its first firing, I am looking forward to seeing all the work finished. "

Bridget and Dave reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course for two people

"Bought this as a 30th birthday present for my husband and was worth every penny! Bill was a fantastic teacher and great company throughout the day. He is very knowledgeable and supportive. We have both learnt a lot and created salt/pepper mills that we will treasure for years to come. Thanks Bill!"

Cloe reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"I had an absolutely lovely time making a ring today. I had no prior experience but it was made so easy by Sheila, I would definitely do another course, it was a lot of fun and it’s great to have your piece that you’ve created by the end of it. Thank you Sheila for all the information and great experience."

Sheila Roussel Jewellery Design responded:

"Hi Cloe, thank you for coming along to the Make a Silver Ring workshop. That's great you had a good time. Good luck for the future. Regards, Sheila"

Sam reviewed: Blacksmithing and Forging Workshop, making copper wrist bands and steel coat hooks.

"This course was so much fun! We learned loads and our teacher was so patient and knowledgeable - it's an amazing day. "

Grace Forge responded:

"Thank you so much! "

Dee reviewed: Sunday (monthly) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Classes (Effingham, Surrey).

"I have struggled to find a lace teacher and travelled about 60 miles to this class; I was not disappointed. Tina is an excellent teacher and she was so encouraging and skilled - not just at making lace but in teaching too. Tina and Stephen made us very welcome, and home made cake went down very well with our morning teas and coffees. I would recommend Tina’s courses unreservedly whether you are a beginner or are more experienced. I had a most enjoyable day and the time flew by. Can’t wait for the next one!"

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hi Dee It was lovely to finally meet you, and to get you going on your lace making journey. It was great that you enjoyed the day, and wanting to return again soon. I will have to find some new cake recipes! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and see you in September. Hope the practising goes well. Best wishes Tina"

Sue reviewed: Willow Trug Basket Workshop

"Hi Suz, Thanks for our fab day, me and my girls absolutely loved making our baskets. I can’t believe how much we achieved on the day , the baskets are so strong and look and smell amazing and you were a great teacher ! Very patient 😄"

The Coppice Co. responded:

"Thank you Sue! It was lovely to have you all along and you all did great. I hope your baskets come in handy!"

Hilary Gooding reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"Rachel is a bubbly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable tutor. You will have such a fun day. We have come home with garden ornaments that we are thrilled with and have been showing all and sundry because we are so proud of them."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Arh Hilary, Thank you for your kind feedback - much appreciated :-)"

Kristie Beddoes reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"Me and my mum went on this course today for a treat and had a great time! We started off making our own rings with Mark's guidance before starting our own projects. The quality of the finish we were able to achieve is beautiful. I made a lovely pair of leaf drop earrings (which I'm wearing now!) and my mum made a pretty bangle with a charm - she's always struggled to find one that fits as her wrists are so small but now she's got one made to measure. Mark and Terri were really patient, friendly and welcoming and we would definitely recommend a trip to them for this course!"

Dandelion Silver responded:

"Thank you Kristie, lovely to meet you both, I’m so pleased you enjoyed your day, both of you did amazingly well. Hopefully see you again in the near future, Mark"

Karen reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"Excellent value for money , good tutor who is very talented at what she does , fab soup and cake ! An unexpected bonus ! Will definitely want to learn more ! "

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thanks Karen, and your scarf looks great. We did cover a lot didn't we? Lovely to meet you! "

Jan reviewed: Stone carving for beginners - Weymouth

"John provided excellent tuition and encouragement in the perfect setting. A fantastic experience."

Sculptor John Davey responded:

"Thanks for that Jan. You carved a beautiful relief sculpture with a lot of depth and fantastic curves. You are a natural stone carver. I hope you keep it up. Feel free to contact me if you need any advice. Take care, John."

Vanessa reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Fun and informative"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review."

Jenny reviewed: Natural dyeing - a taster day

"A really brilliant day. Judy was infinitely patient and conveyed her own enthusiasm and love of plants to us all. Her knowledge was huge and we left with a good understanding of the subject and eager to learn more. "

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Hi Jenny, thanks for your comments. I’m Glad you enjoyed the day. I didn’t need to be patient, you were all eager excited learners, it was a pleasure! Judy "

Joanna Leeuwerke reviewed: Candle & diffuser course

"A thoroughly enjoyable course, right from the warm welcome through to the comprehensive coverage of making candles. Even lunch was included! I feel a lot more confident in my approach to making candles now, added to which the knowledge that John continues to be available for queries beyond the day's training. The venue is superb - it always helps when parking is available right outside. It also happens to be in a an idyllic part of Carmarthenshire. I'll certainly be booking on to other courses that Eden Soap school provides. "

Edensoapschool responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Joanna, glad you enjoyed your day with us at eden soap school. Hope to see you again Sue & John Macadams "

Katrina Rainbow reviewed: Found Poetry Play Session

"Just wanted to say I would thoroughly recommend the art courses with Carrie. I did the found poetry course yesterday and really enjoyed it. Carrie is an excellent teacher and made me feel really welcome. I was nervous about meeting the other people on the course, but they were lovely also. We had a laugh while we were learning, and encouraged each other all the time. I came away from the afternoon feeling so much better and can't wait to try another course with Carrie "

Crafts for Wellbeing responded:

"I'm so pleased your enjoyed the course, Katrina, and that you got so much from it. It was a real pleasure to meet you. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it. Look forward to seeing you again soon."

Kevin Rawson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Absolutely fantastic. I throughly enjoyed every minute. Alex is an excellent tutor, patient and encouraging during every step. Was over 55 years since I was in a forge at school and I was 14 again, reliving every moment and came away with a passable Rams Head poker which stands pride of place next to my indoor log burner. Grateful thanks for the memories Alex. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"You're very welcome, Kevin. Thank you so much for coming, it was a real pleasure meeting you and sharing the skills that you enjoyed all those years ago! Alex"

Kumiko reviewed: Introduction to Coppersmithing - make a copper candlestick

"This was a perfect workshop to experience many skills of copper smithing, while making a useful and beautiful candle holder. The workshop teacher Lizzie was super friendly and so full of knowledge and experience. I’m very happy I came across this workshop, and would 100% recommend to anyone who is interested in making something with your hands from a sheet of metal. It’s magical! "

Henry reviewed: Blacksmithing and Forging Workshop, making copper wrist bands and steel coat hooks.

"Absolutely brilliant day. Learned so much and have some fantastic things we've made during the course. Would definitely recommend!"

Grace Forge responded:

"Thank you so much!! "