Latest reviews

Jane R reviewed: 3 hour Silver jewellery course

"What a lovely day! Richard was patient and thorough in explaining each step, really great teacher and he knows his stuff. I left with a beautiful bangle that was exactly what I'd hoped for. I honestly can't recommend this course enough!"

Kate reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I had a great time at Les Symmonds woodturning course. As a complete beginner, I was a little apprehensive but Les was a very patient and skilled teacher, happy to repeat instructions! I was delighted with the bowl and tree I made."

Pren responded:

"Thank you Kate, I thoroughly enjoyed your company for the day and I'm really pleased that you did too."

April Phillips reviewed: Evening Glass fusing workshop with Paula Andrews

"fantastic evening, very enjoyable and relaxing too. Learnt a lot about glass fusion and different techniques. Would 10 out of 10 recommend. "

Alison Stattersfield reviewed: Awaken Creativity - discovering or recovering your artist self. Art in Suffolk

"We had a super day with Jane. I have tried collage on my own by following some "rules", but Jane really encouraged us to play and experiment and, as a result, I felt like I was actually producing some art! Jane was very perceptive and encouraging, and tailored the experience to our interests. I came away buzzing with ideas and keen to do more."

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"I'm delighted Alison. It was so exciting for me too hearing about your project. I can see collage would work so well and free up even more creativity in you.....Go for it"

Jo Wright reviewed: Damascus knife making in Grassington

"Thanks so much to Richard for not accepting I was useless and he did most of the knife! It was a fantastic day - using the furnace, hammers(!) & sanders (!). I have a fantastic knife that everyone thinks I made all in my own - thanks again "

Trish reviewed: Art clay silver

"A great experience for any creative looking to dip a toe in the water, such a fantastic introduction to silver clay thank you both. Trish & Zoe"

Goldwrightsjewelleryschool responded:

"Thank you it was such a lovely class with beautiful jewellery made by everyone:) "

Debbie Kimberley reviewed: Free Motion Sewing/Applique - 1:1 course

"I had a great day with Caroline. She took me through the techniques and helped me produce a sampler of free motion sewing stitches for future use. I left with a picture she helped/encouraged me to create. A really fab day"

A girl in her shed responded:

"Thank you Debbie for your lovely review. You created a fabulous end piece and really took to the technique."

Marita Roberts reviewed: Encasing Special Memories - Resin Memorial & Keepsake Makes

"I really enjoyed the course. It was a good mix of jewellery & floral encapsulations. Louise is a very good teacher. She explains things thoroughly from the basics & health & safety to the reasons behind the usage of each type of resin. A good number of people in the group meant that you could get 1-2-1 advice when needed. I learnt a lot from the course which I hope to expand on now that I am home. "

Catherine W reviewed: SAORI creative weaving day

"This is a gem of a days course, many thanks Amanda, I had a lovely time. The background to Saori weaving was summarised , books were available to delve further and then Amanda taught us the simple technique adding in nuggets of wisdom, tricks and tips . Interestingly the 3 of us on the course each approached the choice of colours and textures we incorporated differently ,creating unique pieces with the ‘ treasures’ of ribbon, wool, material peices we had brought in . "

BEAUTIFULcloth SAORI Studio responded:

"Thank you Catherine for your lovely words. It was a joy to introduce you to SAORI weaving and see the beautiful cloth you created."

Mark Lewis reviewed: Blow a bauble at Chew Valley handmade glass

"Great experience, we were well looked after and it's lovely to have our own handmade baubles as a memory to put on the Christmas tree."

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for your review Mark. We are pleased you enjoyed your time spent at our studio making baubles. Regards The team at chew valley handmade glass "

Sarah Dixon reviewed: 1 Day Forged Geometry Flowers with Bex Simon

"I enjoyed my time with Bex enormously. I was lucky enough to be the only student on the day and the experience was collaborative, instructive, interesting and very satisfying. Bex is obviously talented and experienced in her craft and has a very creative mind. Her enthusiasm for creating in metal was infectious. The time flew by as I learned about heating and cooling steel in a fire breathed into life using hand pumped antique bellows. I learned how to use various tools to get different marks on the different steel templates and then individualize the shapes to create my own geometric flower. After lunch and having got used to the tools and processes, we moved on to the slightly harder work of forming, decorating and splitting the rod for the stem of the flower and voila, by the end of the day, a pretty respectable hand-made geometric flower that my sister is going to very happily put out in her garden here in Devon (if it ever stops raining!) Thanks very much to Bex for her wonderful instruction and generous sharing of ideas and also to David for providing the all essential tea and biscuits throughout the day....as well as being all round assistant as needed. I highly recommend this course!"

Old Pound Smithy responded:

"So please you enjoyed the course Sarah. I hope your sister enjoys the flower for years to come."

A & K reviewed: Introduction to Welding

"Great intro to welding. Father and son team really enjoyed the experience. Given lots of attention and feedback throughout."

AthelstaneForge responded:

"Thanks for your feedback! I really enjoyed teaching them both on Saturday. "

Jayne Everill reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"It was an amazing afternoon, we were taught so much and got to take home some Beautiful candles that we’d learnt how to make. I would recommend this course to anyone. "

Bonita Candles responded:

"Hi Jane. Thank you my love. It was a great to meet you both. I'm really happy you enjoyed it . xxx"

Mayu reviewed: Art Spoon Carving with Giles Newman

"I bought this for my partner as a gift but I went along so we can experience it together. I initially chose this purely based on location and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it but afterwards I feel like I was really lucky in the course I chose. Giles was absolutely lovely and I like that his approach was more arty lead than just making a spoon. He knew I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not, so he was really encouraging as well as helpful. I loved the environment and how intimate it was due to the group being small. I am so glad I chose this course out of other ones because for me, the art aspect of it made it fun for me. And my partner loved the technical asps of of it. I’d highly recommend this course. It is worth every penny!! "

Giles Newman responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Mayu. It was wonderful to meet you both yesterday and I’m so glad that you both found your own connections with the art of woodcarving. I hope that you try your hand at relief carving as we discussed and that the techniques we shared can contribute. Thank you again."

Rachael McCall reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I loved learning to Lino Print with Judith. I am not very artistic and this was a great way to learn a technique that meant I could produce a piece I was really happy with. The day was really relaxing and fun and I cannot recommend more highly! "

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Rachael! It was lovely to meet you and I can't wait to see how you use your beautiful 'crown' print!"

Karyn reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"Very enjoyable afternoon with a great teacher"

Mandy reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing - Experimenting with Image transfer with Clare Cosens

"A very enjoyable workshop, with all materials provided. The course is fast moving with a number of ideas for using gelliplates covered during the morning. Clare is very knowledgeable, giving clear instruction on each technique and which materials work best. The small number of students attending the course (4) meant that everyone could be supported with techniques new to them. Coming away with a wide selection of samples made during the course, I left the session feeling enthusiastic about trying new ideas with my own gelliplate at home. "

Clare Cosens Designs responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Mandy. I am really pleased that you enjoyed the workshop and that I have given you some new ideas to try at home. I would love to see your results - Happy Printing!"

Anne Selwyn reviewed: Powertex Gothic/Steampunk Shoe Box

"Brilliant,brilliant time spent with Jan a superb tutor. Relaxed learning and chance to be creative.Used powertex and some other new techniques, can't wait to go and do another session. SO much to still learn from Jan with her wide range of different projects to do. "

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Thank you for your review Anne, I appreciate it. You were a pleasure to teach and your finished project was something to be proud of. I hope you got the appreciation you deserved. I look forward to seeing you again in the future. "

Emanuela reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"Cannot praise Marina enough. This course went beyond my expectations. The day absolutely flew away. We had so much fun and learned so much from Marina. Her knowledge is outstanding, she made us feel so comfortable in her house and so I am so glad we attended this course. Cannot wait to go back to her potting shed!"

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Thank you Emanuela for the fabulous review! I shall keep our fingers crossed for the firings and look forward to seeing the results😊"

Shelagh Tompkinson reviewed: Powertex Gothic/Steampunk Shoe Box

"What a fabulous time I had yesterday! Jan skilfully guided us through the whole process of using Powertex and stencilling onto the shoe box. She is an excellent tutor and I am thrilled with the end result. If you want to have fun while learning a new skill - book a session with Jan - she’s brilliant! "

Feline Fixins Powertex Fun responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely review Shelagh, it was a pleasure to meet you. I am so happy that you learnt new skills and your end project was fantastic. I hope your family appreciated your artistic skills. xx"

Sue Thorne reviewed: Needle Felting Mermaids and Fairies at The Hive

"Thank you Jo for a really delightful day that myself , daughter and granddaughter attended recently . We were shown and helped to make our own little herd of very individual highland Cows . Well worth booking . "

Josephine Dawn Munroe responded:

"Thank you Sue - was really lovely to meet you all. You made such a cute herd between you! Very glad you enjoyed it and many thanks for the review. All the best, Jo "

Pat reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Did this course yesterday. Was totally amazed at what a stunning piece I managed to make for my first time with silver clay. Thank you Toni for your guidance and patience. Highly recommend this course to everyone and hope to come back again soon."

CG Crafts responded:

"Thanks Pat, it was lovely to see your unique designs turn into finished silver pieces. I hope you enjoy wearing them. Toni"

Sofia Marsano reviewed: Half-day pottery with Marina -for two

"My lovely sister in law organised this wonderful day! We had such great time and we actually created 3 beautiful bowls that we can't wait to use! Marina is great teacher and you really do come out from her pottery barn with some knowledge! Thanks Marina "

Marina Randall Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Sofia for your lovely review. It was my great pleasure having you both and delighted you enjoyed the course. You did really well and am also looking forward to seeing the fired outcome!"

Mel reviewed: An Introduction to Pyrography Wood Art with Ruth Wheeler

"I had a brilliant day learning more about the art of pyrography. Thankyou Ruth for being so welcoming, for sharing the skills you have and giving me lots of tips I can use in my work moving forwards "

Sculpt IT - Ruth Wheeler Art responded:

"My pleasure Mel, no problem. I enjoyed to small group and being able to help you on your journey with the art of pyrography. "

Ruth reviewed: Beginner sewing workshop

"I loved this course. Holly was great. Really friendly and incredibly knowledgable. She gave me lots of confidence to start using my sewing machine again. Thanks!"