Latest reviews

Sorcha reviewed: Maille making the traditional way.

"Extremely thorough instruction in all aspects of beginner maillemaking. Phil is an excellent teacher and very very patient. Even if you come to this course with absolutely zero prior knowledge and limited aptitude for other weaving-based crafts (like me), you will come away with a strong sense of the basics. For Reenactors or history geeks, it's worth the price for the opening lecture on different styles of European maille alone. Would recommend to anyone. "

Phil Parkes Maille responded:

"Thanks Sorcha, glad you enjoyed it and to hear that the 'theory' bit was useful too."

Lorna reviewed: Ceramic tile making day

"I had such a lovely fun day with Fiona and the other students on this day course. The preparation that Fiona had done made the whole experience very smooth. The last pottery I did was at school and I’m pleased to say that with Fiona’s guidance, I have definitely improved! "

Tricia reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"A very enjoyable 2 day upholstery course. Jo was a fantastic teacher sharing her knowledge and skills. It was very interesting learning all the different techniques involved in upholstering a chair. I would definitely recommend this course. Tricia "

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks so much Tricia! You were a pleasure to teach. Maybe see you again with the chaise, now you know what you're letting yourself in for! Jo x"

Angie Grainger reviewed: Stained Glass for Home and Garden

"Had a fantastic day, the day just flew by. Anna is a great instructor, the day was really relaxed and good fun. My husband and I made several small copper foil stained glass items, a candle holder , standing bird, hanging stars and boats. I would definitely do another of Annas courses "

Anna Conti Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks Angie, It was lovely having you on the course. I hope you come back for leaded panels. Anna. "

B. reviewed: Macrame - Chunky Rope Necklaces

"I really enjoyed this course and would 100% recommend it. Wendy was very friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. I’m delighted with my necklaces - they look great and I’ve already had compliments on them. "

joanne Dickson reviewed: Rustic Log Stool Making Course

"We had a fabulous day with Pete and Jacquie. Fun and interesting and you get to take the end result home with you. A very hands on day that leaves you happily tired. Couldn’t recommend it enough "

Amanda Morris reviewed: Watercolour Workshop - Suitable for All 4 Day workshop 10th - 13th June 2025

"I was sceptical about what I might produce on Purnima’s water colour course because I am not very arty! She explained all the processes very thoroughly and demonstrated them too. I came away with a piece of artwork I would be happy to show my friends 😊. A brilliant afternoon and happy to recommend to others. Amanda M "

Art By Purnima responded:

"Thank you Mandy and well done for starting on this wonderful art journey. You have made an excellent start. Hopefully see you on the next course now you have purchased the watercolour kit. "

Judy Ryder reviewed: Watercolour Workshop - Suitable for All 4 Day workshop 10th - 13th June 2025

"Purmina is a friendly and motivating teacher. She explains and demonstrates each stage of water colouring and then offers useful advice. As a complete beginner I found her lesson fun, informative and was surprised at results I was very happy with. "

Art By Purnima responded:

"Hello Judy Thank-you for your review you have made an excellent start with your watercolour journey. Look forward to seeing you on the next course."

Laura reviewed: Silver jewellery course for beginners in Exeter

"Anna was amazing, such a wonderful way to spend a sunday morning! I came away with something I am really proud of and never thought for a first timer I would be able to make. She was so helpful and supportive. I will be booking again "

Silver Jewellery Art responded:

"Thank you Laura for such a nice and positive evaluation. It was a great pleasure for me to work with such a nice and talented person. I am very happy that you are enjoying the beautiful earrings you made on the course."

Tim reviewed: Beginners' pastel painting workshop at fabulous Glasfryn Hall, North East Wales

"An excellent, informative and relaxed course that I thoroughly enjoyed. I look forward to doing the next one.."

Oriel Glasfryn Gallery Limited responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review Tim and for being a great student too! I'm glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you on another one soon. All the best. Dave"

Taylor Hammond reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"My wife and I booked the one day Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo as our anniversary gift to each other. This was one of the most well organised and rewarding experiences I have ever embarked on. From the moment of arrival Jo, Andy, and the Spaniels warmly welcome you into their home, (dedicated studio) and garden. We felt so well looked after. Making one of these rascal Hares is a complex task, but Jo's visual teaching method and simple explanations make it completely non stressful and extremely enjoyable. Every material and its application is clearly explained and demonstrated. To see your simple wire armature slowly build up in various layers of materials and take on its own character over the day, was an absolute joy. Great value for money when you understand what is involved and the number of materials required. We now own two unique Hares made by us, each with a tiny glass memento jar and secret message hidden inside, sitting proudly in our garden for all to enjoy. Honestly, I cannot recommend this course highly enough, if there was an additional star for 'going the extra mile' I would gladly award it to Jo. Thankyou for helping us make memories."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Wow Taylor - what an amazing review - thank you so much! We are very lucky to have the lovely setting to run the workshops, and thank you for appreciating the work we put in to make the sculpture days memorable. We love it! Jo x"

Kathy Findlay reviewed: Wet felted Summer botanical Vessels

"Fun, educational, friendly, lovely morning and yummy home made cake. Experienced tutor with lots of ideas and enthusiasm. I would thoroughly recommend this course. "

Art Felt Fibres responded:

"Hi Kathy, Thank you for your lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the workshop - what a wonderful gathering of wise women … everyone’s vessels were like mini worlds 🌎 gently holding the creative potential of each maker! It was a pleasure to co-create with you and see how you combined the wool - your vessels were really striking and beautiful. I have a feeling you will be creating many more! We look forward to welcoming you back to The Oast Studio soon for more woolly magic! All the very best, Cecily Kate 🥰"

Jenna reviewed: Creative embellishment pack - lucky dip

"I received an embellishment pack from Jess so I could participate in her international online fantasy floral class. I was really pleased with my order and enjoyed looking through all of the different materials and cuttings I was given. I have enough in my pack to make a couple projects. Looking forward to making new creations. "

Jessica Grady embroidery artist responded:

"Thanks Jenna- hope you enjoy creating more samples with your embellishment pack! "

Bev Griggs reviewed: Ecoprinting with natural dyes with Fiona Balding at Cambridge Makers

"Wonderful day Eco printing at the Cambridge Makers. Learnt such alot about the techniques and met some wonderful like minded people. "

Cambridge Art Makers responded:

"We're so glad you enjoyed your day, the pieces created were stunning! "

Carolyn reviewed: 1 Day In Person Handbag Making Course - Ten Bag Choices - £199

"I made a Backpack in green leather on one of your courses and enjoyed the experience so much that have booked to make a different bag in July, Thanks Bex "

Janette Sibley reviewed: Botanical Linocut Workshop at Offley Hoo Farm, Hitchin

"Another great morning with Kim, different to the last one I attended and i think more fulfilling. Kim thinks on her feet - there are so many questions to be answered and is really helpful, everyone leaves with a sense of achievement. Thank you."

Annette reviewed: Introduction to fused glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"What a lovely way to spend a day. Martin is a great teacher - he gives clear demos and is always around to assist. One of the most productive workshops I’ve been to. Aiming for painting on glass next"

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review."

Hannah reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"I completed the 2 day leaded stain glass course with Laura this weekend and loved every minute! It was a very small class which was perfect as meant that Laura was always on hand to help and guide me (with the patience of a saint!). The process was broken down and explained really well, it was amazing to start with a simple drawing and see that turn into something so lovely. As someone who isn’t very arty at all, or confident when learning new things, it was definitely a plus to be taught by someone so supportive and encouraging. The course made me want to put the skills I’ve learned to use and try to make something on my own so thank you! "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Hello Hannah! Thank you so much for your review. I had complete faith in you! It's part of my job to understand how people learn in an environment that's completely new. Learning a whole new skill in 2 days is a real challenge and you worked your way through it to the finished art work. That little boat on choppy seas is charming and well made, so very well done. Come again any time. Laura. "

Helen Williams reviewed: Two day Leaded Stained Glass panel making.

"Amazing course and amazing teacher. The course was very relaxed and a lot of information provided starting us on a path to enjoy making stain glass at home. We really got that one on one tuition - which you don’t get with other courses, Laura always limits her class numbers to 4 which is brilliant. Couldn’t recommend enough - absolutely loved it. "

Laura Barnes Crafty Fox Studios responded:

"Thank you! I really enjoyed teaching you all, and loved the finished art work. If you want any advice do let me know. Keep up the practice of glass cutting. You are both welcome any time and outdoor mosaic would be a great new skill, too. I hope you got home to Wales safe and sound. Laura. "

Rhyanne reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"I had such a good day on this course. Derek goes though everything step by step, gives advice and help where needed, and ensures everyone leaves with a completed piece. I had never done anything with glass before, but Derek made me feel confident in my abilities and spurred me on. The day felt like the perfect duration, not so long that you feel you could have done more. It's long enough that you aren’t too rushed at any point. There was a good selection of designs to choose from and lots of lovely colours of glass to allow us all to make striking designs. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to try something new and challenging. "

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Rhyanne for your lovely review of the course, very much appreciated and so glad you enjoyed it! Best wishes , Derek "

Alan taylor reviewed: Wood turning - Two day course

"Great course, plenty of time and guidance by Anna, right tools for the job making it safe and enjoyable, work shop is a good set up to learn in, and at the end you have a small stool to sit on. Many thanks Alan "

Anna L Nichols Furniture responded:

"Glad you enjoyed the class"

Enrique reviewed: Spoon Carving the Scandinavian Way - Beginners

"Well run course in a lovely secluded setting. A thoroughly immersive and relaxing experience with clear and encouraging tuition covering the full process of spoon carving. Already putting it into practice, I wish I had done it much earlier, so would definitely recommend it and also consider other courses. Many thanks"

Maria Hirsch reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery Inspired by Nature, Salisbury

"I came on Saturday with some very good friends and we had such a lovely time. I learnt so much and loved the pendants I made out of leaves and shells, I am even wearing one now. I thoroughly recommend this course."

Fiona Ingram Jewellery responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely review - I was so pleased with the wonderful jewellery you made and it was great to meet you all 😀"

Wendy Russell reviewed: Introduction to English Willow Basket Making- Weekend Course

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Jonathan delivered a well-structured and accessible course and had infinite patience with anyone needing a little extra help, (such as myself who, being left handed, needed to apply many of the techniques he demonstrated in reverse). His teaching style was relaxed and friendly and the coffee and home made cakes were definitely welcome! Even as complete beginners we were able to take home two baskets which were worthy of being shown off. I would highly recommend the whole experience to anyone who would like to give basketmaking a try."

Gillian Beecham reviewed: Beginners Mosaics Workshops near Exeter, Devon

"Excellent course, teaching, location and cakes. We all enjoyed the day very much, learned a lot of basics and came away with masterpieces of our own. Also a determination to learn more and attend another course later this year. Highly recommended."

MosaicXandMe responded:

"Thank you, Gillian, for taking the trouble to leave a review - and a nice one too! It’s always good to know that the day is productive and enjoyable as well as inspiring you to do more. I look forward to seeing you later in the year. Denny "