Latest reviews

ANNIE reviewed: Beginning spinning

"A very interesting course in a small group with a supportive atmosphere. There is a lot to learn and we all gained a lot of skills with Caths guidance. I was pleased to bring home some lovely yarn and hope to develop my skills further in future"

Beechwood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Annie, it was lovely to meet you and see your skills developing so well. Your yarn was beautiful. best wishes Cath "

Hannah reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"I chose this course as a taster to see if I wanted to invest more time and money into woodworking. I’m glad I did! The class size was just right with everyone getting enough time to complete the steps and use the machinery. Richard is a very balanced tutor, there to offer support and advice but also allowing you to explore your own ideas and find your own way with the tools. I’m currently looking at Richard’s other courses as well as ones more focussed on joinery and hand tools. Thanks for a great day. "

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After my one-and-a-half-hour drive, Lucy welcomes me with a relaxing hot drink – especially useful as winter approaches. We then review the project, agree on a plan and proceed to a wonderful day of jewellery making. Lucy is a great teacher with lots of patience, keen to encourage creativity, and I continue to learn a lot."

Caitlin reviewed: An Introduction to Weaving with a Table Loom, Oxford

"So fun, so interesting! I agree with the other 5* reviews; Jem is patient, clear & generous with his time & expertise. High calibre of biscuits, too."

Jeremy Uden Designer/Handweaver responded:

"Thanks Caitlin. I'm really glad you enjoyed the day. Jem"

Nat reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"The course was good and Richard was an amicable and thorough instructor. I really recommend it if you want to get a taste of working with wood and to see if it's a hobby for you. My only gripe was that everything was done with machines, which is not a bad thing, but it does mean I can't really take the things I've learnt on the course and try myself as I don't have access to a fully kitted out woodworking studio! Also, it's advertised as 7½ hours duration (10:00am to 5:30pm), so I was really surprised and disappointed to find myself being done and leaving at 2:30pm. That was 3 extra hours I thought I'd paid for that I wasn't getting. I'd almost spent longer travelling to get there than I did on the course. "

The River Shop responded:

"Hi Nat, Thanks so much for your feedback. Our course times have been a tough one to get right for some time now. We are now currently we running a 5 hour course rather than 7.5. Although when the winter cold arrives we will go back to 7.5 to allow more drying time for glue. The workshop tasks don’t vary at all. Noted re machining. We do offer the facilities of our workshop to students who want to embark on bespoke projects although this might not be suitable for those that travel further. If you’d like any input on best tools to buy starting off, do not hesitate to get in touch. Thanks again for coming today and we appreciate your input. Hopefully we have you back for another course soon. Look out for your breadboard in the post! Richard "

Ben reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"Fantastic course to dip your toes into woodworking! Richard was a great teacher and I’ll certainly be looking into some more advanced courses with him."

Carolina Preo reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire was really lovely and so very accommodating when something came up and I could no longer do the original date for the course. Picked up lots of useful tips for embarking on my printmaking journey! "

Teresa Robinson reviewed: Autumn copper wreath workshop with Gill Bridgestock

"I attended this course last week and thoroughly enjoyed it . Gill had everything ready for us to successfully complete the wreath with clear instructions. Even as a total novice it was very satisfying to have an end product that I will be very proud to display ."

Gill Bridgestock Metal Artist responded:

"Thanks Teresa your creative skills showed no bounds and your creation cries out to be on show! X"

Andrea Woods reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I can highly recommend geli printing with Liz. She was welcoming, very knowledgeable and supportive throughout the day. The course is thoughtfully structured with demonstrations and tips interspersed with practice time. A beautiful goodie bag to take home with your work is the icing on the cake. Slipper Studio is a fabulous venue, cosy due to the log burner and very inspiring with Liz's beautiful work on show. And with the added benefits of a studio cat, pristine facilities and chocolate biscuits, what more could you need. I can't wait to return for more."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Andrea, Thank you for taking the time to let me know about your day and thank you so much for your kind words. It was lovely working with you and I am absolutely stunned and sat here with a huge smile on my face. I love running workshops and get to meet such lovely folks. I am very fortunate to have such a great place to live and work and sharing it with other people is such a pleasure. It will be great to welcome you back, so hope to see you here in 2023. Best wishes Liz Wellby "

Sharon I reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Had an absolutely fantastic day on the course last week and came home excited to book another session. Sarah was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful throughout the day making sure to spend time with each of us, answering any questions we had. She explained how the day would pan out early on and was really friendly engaging in conversation as a group so we could get to know each other. It was a lovely calm environment and I will most definitely book again as soon as I’m able to. Thank you for a lovely day! "

Elaine reviewed: ZZZ Stacking Rings - Jewellery Making Workshop

"Vicky was super lovely from start to finish. Very friendly with easy to follow directions to make some beautiful jewellery. I'm a total beginner and with her help I was able to make some beautiful rings I was really proud of. "

Bigbury Mint responded:

"Hi Elaine Thank you for your review and your comments, they are much appreciated, I have passed them onto Vicky who thanks you very much. Kind regards Dawn"

madeleine reviewed: SAORI Weaving Discovery Session

"Nicola is a wonderfully encouraging teacher who has worked out a way to get you straight into weaving... no overload of information, just gentle support and tips... loved the class"

Wayward Weaves responded:

"Thank you Madeleine! I'm really happy that you enjoyed the session, it was great to have you there. Hopefully see you again soon in the new studio...."

Jo reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"Attended this course today as a total beginner with no experience and had a great day. Sarah was so lovely and welcoming, very relaxed and not rushed. I am so proud of my stacking rings and now have a much greater understanding of what it takes to make handmade jewellery. I would happily recommend Sarah's course as I had a lovely day... Thank you so much X"

Nathan reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"This was a gift for my birthday and I have to say it was a really good experience. Sarah was very welcoming and explained all the steps/techniques perfectly. I would highly recommend "

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

"Brilliant! I learnt absolutely loads and really enjoyed my course. Louise gave a demonstration, and then I got straight in making loads of my own pots, plates and bowls with helpful tips as I went. I really look forward to picking up my finished items soon. Many thanks Louise - I hope to be back again. "

Dyfan and Charlotte reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Such a well organised course with all participants having their own workspace and hob to make the candles. Pauline and the team were all so friendly and accomodating. Pauline’s passion for her craft really shines through. We learned a lot about making candles and also had lots of fun. We really hope to book again!"

Megan reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Highly recommend this - it was a really fun day! The metalwork itself was challenging enough to make it very satisfying, and Neil was encouraging and patient. It is quite physical, so be prepared for lots of hammering - very therapeutic! I learnt tonnes and would love to do more of this. The Museum of Water and Steam is great too - well worth a visit."

Hot Metal Works responded:

"Hi Megan, thanks for coming, I really appreciate you making the time. Hammering, who'd have thought.. :-) The Museum is great, a very well kept secret."

Tracy Drinkwater reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"Absolutely loved my pottery course. Learnt so much and Louise was a fantastic teacher. If you have never tried pottery before I definitely recommend Blended Monkey. I'm Looking forward to more courses in the future. Thank you for a great morning "

Fiona reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"A great day with Jonathan beginning with the copper wire to gain confidence and then moving onto our main pieces of silver work. There was also the option to pay extra for a more substantial piece of jewellery. Within the course price the was the option of stacking rings, a bangle, pendant or earrings. My group were all very happy with our final pieces. "

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Fiona. Lovely to meet you both. Well done with your silver jewellery making and thank you for your very kind words. Jonathan"

Katie Timson reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day I spent with Ed in his studio. He was instantly warm and welcoming and with a lot of care and patience, managed to find a mould-making solution to a problem that I’d thought for several years may be unsolvable. I was able to take plenty of notes, photos and videos of various parts of the mould-making process to help me make a more moulds at home and there were lots of tips along the way. Ed is a lovely teacher and I’d highly recommend him for mould-making tuition and expertise. I only wish I’d got in touch sooner! "

Kitty lockett reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I really enjoyed this 1 to 1 learning experience. Ann was very patient with me and took me through the steps I needed to start knitting. Plus the venue is lovely. I recommend this course to anyone "

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Kitty for your review. I am glad you enjoyed the experience and hope you continue with your new skill. It was a pleasure to teach you. Kind regards Ann"

Sarah reviewed: Felt Slippers

"Fun day with felt. Well thought out designs options and feedback from the tutor. Appreciated the copy of written out instructions to take home along with links for materials "

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Great to hear you enjoyed the workshop and found the notes useful. Enjoy wearing your slippers!"

kemal reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"I am a total newbie but Bill was so kind, sincere, and expert in his area that I felt I had the best chance to learn from someone who has that experience and is extremely helpful. I strongly advise this course! "

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

"I had never done something like this before and am so glad I did. The session was really inspiring. I loved every minute of it. I enjoyed the calm space to think creatively and had loads of fun too. Jane is the best teacher. Thank you. I wholeheartedly recommend this."

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Thanks Lauren. I'm delighted you enjoyed it and took inspiration from the session that got you thinking about your future. All the best "

Ilona reviewed: 3 hour Fused Glass Course With Glass Quarter Designs

"We all really enjoyed our afternoon with Charlotte. We were very glad we booked the 3 hour course, as once we got started we all had lots of ideas of things to make and didn't want the session to end. Charlotte was very helpful and encouraging. We can't wait to see how our items turn out after firing."