Latest reviews

Jan reviewed: Monthly Acrylic Painting classes

"Excellent all round. Very friendly and easy to talk to and ask questions. Clear explanation at each stage of the course and constant support. I booked this immediately after attending for the watercolour course. The teacher is the same person so you can build your confidence by knowing the teacher who will be instructing. "

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you for leaving us a lovely review. We are so pleased that you are enjoying the course and look forward to seeing you again soon at Stanwick Lakes. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes team."

Sarah Robins reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"I bought my husband (and me) a two hour course on the potters wheel with Pat as part of a birthday present. The last time my husband had done any throwing was over 50 years ago. Pat met us at the door of her studio and we were immediately put at ease and very welcome. The studio had a lovely woodburner and was warm and inviting. Pat took us through wedging the clay before we were given a demo of how to centre the clay on the wheel and make a simple pot. All Pat's instructions were clear and targeted to us as learners. One tutor to two makers has to be the perfect scenario to get the most from the expert. We were guided carefully and supported when necessary. During the making conversation flowed easily and Pat was great company. After two very fulfilling hours we chose our best efforts and selected glazes that would be added by Pat once biscuit fired. We are very excited to pick them up in a few weeks time. We even bought one of Pat's own pots that were displayed in the studio as they were so beautiful. We would both wholeheartedly recommend a session with Pat as she is a great teacher and a very skilled potter in her own right. The set up is perfect for people of all ages and abilities to get creative. Just be prepared to get messy! A huge thank you from us both."

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was great to meet you both, your pots are drying nicely and I look forward to welcoming you back to see them. Pat. "

Mikey Newboult reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I was gifted the one-day 1-2-1 pottery class for Christmas after being glued to watching The Great Pottery Throwdown. My expectations for the day were high, and I'm happy to say they were exceeded! Louise was a lovely, patient, and friendly instructor... and laid on a great lunch too! I got to try slab building and throwing. Louise created with me, demonstrating skills and techniques that were easy to follow. The day flew by and was such fun. I'm very excited to see what my fired creations look like. I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to give a pottery a try. You'll be in great hands with Louise."

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

"Thank you for your lovely review Mike! I'm so pleased you enjoyed your ceramics session here at Blended Monkey. It was fab having you in the studio, and nice to see a student get so absorbed with slab building :-). Quite often, the wheel is the star of the show as that's what everyone pictures when they think of pottery, but you soon grasped that you can get very creative with slab building - as you have shown brilliantly with your pieces! See you soon :-). "

Samantha reviewed: Crafty Basketry's Willow Basket Making for Beginners - Day Course at Penhurst Retreat Centre, East Sussex

"This was the third course we have taken with Marianne of Crafty Basketry. - that should speak for itself, but this was another magical day! Amazing, tranquil setting, great company, and fantastic Basketry at the end of the day. The time went so quickly we forgot about lunch until after 2pm! Marianne is an amazing teacher, patient, very knowledgeable and full of encouragement. Cannot recommend these days enough, being able to switch off from daily life and just enjoy being creative. We'll be back again for more! Thank you Marianne 😊 "

Crafty Basketry responded:

"It's always such a delight and pure fun to have you both on board, Samantha. So great to hear that you had a fab time again. It's starting to get tricky, thinking of new, original projects for you, but I love a challenge. Thanks so much for your recommendation and taking part and believing in me! Means the world to me. See you again soon. Mxx"

Beverley Bannister reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"A great day learning how to work with wire in a lovely place with nice people. Would highly recommend."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Beverley, Thanks for telling us about your day in the barn - it’s much appreciated. It was lovely meeting and working with you, seeing your skills develop throughout the day. We hope you have the time to carry on working with wire and lose yourself in some making. Best wishes Alison & Liz "

Emily reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"Really loved my afternoon with Nicola and the Saori loom. Playful, slow and rhythmic, and Nicola's guidance was very gentle and encouraging. I'm hoping to go again!"

Wayward Weaves responded:

"Many thanks Emily. It was great to have you in the studio and really hope to see you again soon! "

Bob Antonio reviewed: Guitar making course

"Learning how to make guitars with Alex is fantastic. He brings the same patience, thoughtfulness and care to teaching as he does to crafting his guitars. He has a real passion and wealth of knowledge in guitar making, and it's always a pleasure spending time in his workshop"

Martina Hardy reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought this course as a present for my husband. He had a great day with Andy, thoroughly enjoyed working with lots of different tools and came back inspired and full of ideas. The bowl they made together on the day is just beautiful . Highly recommend Andy and will no doubt book another day in the future. "

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Martina , ian and I had a great day !"

Simon reviewed: Simon welding

"I found Roger's course educational and enjoyable. Roger was very helpful and showed me how to use the equipment for the first time. I learnt a lot about welding and the right equipment to buy. Also no shortage of coffee!"

Derek reviewed: Hurdle Making (Split Hazel)

"This was a fantastic course! Mark's teaching was calm and thorough, explaining and demonstrating every stage of the construction of a traditional hurdle. Mark's enthusiasm to teach his craft and huge knowledge made this a great hands on learning experience. Money well spent!"

Angela Smith reviewed: Bentwood chair workshop with lunch & wine included at Hanwell Wine Estate

"Two wonderful days making a chair for my garden. Instruction was given in manageable stages and help was on hand if needed. Lunch was lovely and tea and cakes flowed during the day. All in all a very satisfying weekend."

Rural Antics, Hanwell Wine Estate responded:

"Thank you for such fantastic feedback, so pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Warm regards Amanda - Events Host"

Henriette reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Wonderful, fun , friendly course in a beautiful setting in the rolling hills of Hampshire "

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Henriette , Thanks for telling us about your day. It was lovely to work with you again , always good fun 🤩! You created some beautiful pieces, so hopefully you have an order for materials sorted and time to continue making. Best wishes Alison & Liz"

Sam reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I recently attended The Wood Wokshop for the second time for the second course on the types of wood, having done the first course on tools in 2020. The course this time was just as good, and I was very pleased to make a lovely coffee table with sliding drawer, and learned a whole new set of skills since my first course. Since taking the first course, I have felt much more confident woodworking at home, having learned how to properly use (and maintain) my tools and equipment. The workshop is very well equipped, and it really makes a huge difference having 'the right kit' available, such as a morticer and the excellent "Wood Rat" (perfect for tight-fitting dovetail joints!). I learned just as much again during the second course though and am looking forward to making some new projects at home. The instructors are both great and keep a close eye on everyone at all times, but don't 'hold your hand' unless you want them to, and the finished project is very much made by you. I would also strongly recommend buying a pot of the finishing oil, as it is fantastic - very easy to apply and use and lasts for ages!"

Syrie reviewed: Seaglass jewellery workshop at Sea & Solder, Dorset.

"My daughter and I absolutely loved this course. From the outset, Jules was welcoming and kind and her workshop is the ideal venue for the course - warm, stylish and relaxing. Jules’ fantastic teaching skills meant that we both went from being total novices to making a beautiful necklace each. It was such a lovely experience and one I highly recommend. Thank you Jules x "

Vickie Mellor reviewed: Fused Glass Lanterns with Crafts in the Valley

"This was the 3rd course I have undertaken with Melanie and all 3 have been excellent, but this was the best. Melanie is an excellent teacher and explains things so you are learning what does and does not work. Everything is well set out so time is not wasted and the advice means that even if you are not very artistic you end up with a superb creation. I have no hesitation in recommending her courses to anyone. It’s a wonderful way to be creative and spend quality time. I can’t wait for the next one."

Diane reviewed: Three Little Birds - Fused Glass with Crafts in the Valley

"Spent a lovely afternoon decorating glass birds. Melanie is friendly and welcoming, she explained the process and showed us different ideas to use when decorating glass. She made time for everyone to ask questions and made sure that we all had a good experience. "

Ady Hargreaves reviewed: Frame Restoration

"Spent a thoroughly enjoyable day in the Little Leaf Studio. Rachael is hugely knowledgeable in all aspects of frame restoration, which for me (as a framer) was gold dust as the tools and techniques I learnt about today will stand me in excellent stead for the future. I now feel far more confident about tackling a broken or damaged frame rather than just disposing and replacing. We covered traditional frame restoration, gold leaf application, distressing and colour matching, all of which I will be able to use in the future. Advice on the correct products to use was invaluable, as was seeing first-hand how Rachael applied the techniquesare the best results before having a go myself. Great flapjack too! Thoroughly recommended - thank you for a great day Rachael!"

Rachael Milligan at Little Leaf Studio responded:

"Thank you so much Ady for a super day. It was lovely to develop a better appreciation of your requirements and to see how the traditional methods might help you to repair rather than replace, as you say! I hope you enjoy exploring some of the methods a little more and I am glad it has given you more confidence to tackle problem areas. Hope to join you at Studio 93 in the future!"

Mary-Anne Berendt reviewed: It’s only Natural - create decorative wire sculptures in Hampshire, Thursday 16th March

"Lovely day. Relaxing atmosphere. Sharing the experience with other craft lovers. Great tuition and the occasional chocolate biscuit. Please offer courses more than twice a year!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Hi Mary -Anne , lovely to meet you and thank you for taking the time to tell us about your day . We too have really enjoyed the day , it’s been a great start to our spring arts week . We would love to work with you again . Until then, happy making ! Best wishes Alison and Liz "

Beth Quinn reviewed: Art clay silver

"Jade and Ian were a lovely, friendly and accommodating couple who made the course a relaxed and enjoyable morning. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our silver-clay experience and it was a wonderful gift for both of us! Many thanks to Jade and Ian. "

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"It was so lovely to share the morning with you both, in honer of your birthdays. You made such beautiful jewellery. Jade and Ian xx"

Louiza reviewed: Beginner's Modern Upholstery Workshop

"Really enjoyed the day. Just a few of us so Kim was able to spend time with everyone "

From Loft to Loved Workshops CIC responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Louiza, we're pleased you enjoyed it. You know where we are if you need anything. Sarah and Kim "

Fay Painter reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"My second course with Jo and amazingly I have finished my chair and I am really pleased . Never imagined with my total lack of skills in this department that I could end up with something I am truly proud of! I can only put it down to Jo's tutoring, she has endless patience. I loved every minute of the 4 days I have spent with hammers and tacks, horse hair, hessian and an industrial sewing machine. Thank you Jo for a truly fab experience."

Heather reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"I had such a fabulous few hours making a silver ring. Sandra is a great tutor and made the whole experience so interesting and rewarding. Highly recommend."

Vee reviewed: Marbling & Book Binding at Kirkstall Forge

"Enjoyable course learning new techniques and coming away with a very attractive notebook"

Darn It! Workshops responded:

"Thank you so much Vee! I really appreciate it."

Maeva reviewed: Silver jewellery making workshop for 2 people

"We had a great time doing the silver jewellery workshop with my partner. We both decided to make rings. Julie was patient with my 'creative process' meaning a bit more testing. We ended up working at different pace but Julie accommodated that with no issue. She was also happy to answer questions about the process or suppliers, as we were interested on carrying on as a hobby. I would recommend :)"

Jewellery By Julie responded:

"It was a great workshop and you both made amazing rings. I hope you do take it up as a hobby. You'll love it! Thank you for the review. Julie"

Heather McBeth reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Fabulous afternoon with my daughter, Julie is just amazing at explaining all about what you can achieve with the various glass and your own design. We loved the whole experience which was very relaxed and mindful. We are over the moon with our glass art created and will be going back again for sure. Thank you Julie you’re a star. "

Julies Handcrafted Glass responded:

"Thankyou Heather it was a pleasure working with you we all had fun . "