Latest reviews

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Peg loom weaving a seat pad

"I had a wonderful day making a seat pad with wool from Hayley’s sheep. I felt relaxed and unhurried and the day slipped by. Hayley is a great teacher and puts you at ease. A delicious lunch plus plenty of tea and Welsh cakes kept us going! Her smallholding has many animals and we had a tour across the field to see the new born lambs. Hayley is exceptionally friendly and welcoming and I would recommend this course wholeheartedly, not least to come away with a seat pad but to be in such a lovely location. "

Smallholding Secrets responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review. It was a pleasure to spend the day with you. So pleased to hear you found it relaxing. Enjoy your seat pad! "

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

"Excellent way to free up creativity. A playful and enjoyable day with underlying seriousness. A day of discovery. Highly recommend "

Jane Beaumont Art responded:

"Thanks Pam....I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day. I did too. "

Gillian Lowder reviewed: Chicken wire sculpture workshop with Lynne Littler Sculpture

"We had the most wonderful day with Lynne who is a fantastic tutor and incredible artist. My 2 friends made wonderful creations - A Heron and a Pheasant and I made a Rooster. We absolutely love them all! Delighted that they all look so real! Thank you Lynne for being so patient, encouraging and fun. It was a real treat and I recommend anyone to have a go. I am going to try to make a small Robin to keep my Rooster company. Thanks again Lynne Gillx"

Lynne and Barry ztindall reviewed: Upholstery workshop afternoons - bring your own project

"Very enjoyable afternoon and we learnt a lot. We can now go on and recover the rest of our dining chairs with more confidence. Thank you Jody and Graham. I'm keen to move on to something more ambitious now. "

Angela reviewed: Creative Stitch and Mend

"What a lovely way to spend a morning. Lisa is so knowledgeable, patient and supportive. Loved learning how to darn properly and to patch using the decorative Japanese method. Would definitely recommend this course."

Black Swans Studio responded:

"Hi Angela, Thank you for your lovely review. I'm glad you both enjoyed the workshop, it's so good to be able to escape the hurley burley of everyday life for a little while and spend some quiet time making. Keep mending! Best wishes and hope to see you again, Lisa"

Claire Peters reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fantastic day in a beautiful location. Elaine was charming and knowledgable and created a relaxed, comfortable learning environment. Having attempted spinning alone I was lost but have come away with enough to start flying with my flyer (pardon the pun!) Can't reccomend this course enough and will be raving about it to anyone who will listen. Elaine has experience teaching a wide range of students and was the perfect instructor, I can't thank her enough! I was able to bring my own wheel and was given excellent advice in setting it up and running it smoothly. Many thanks!"

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Thank you Claire. It was a pleasure to work with you. All the very best as you go forward to work in the field of textile arts and education. Keep spinning!! Elaine"

Jackie Palmer reviewed: Woodcarving Tuition in Cornwall

"Very enjoyable day and Zoe is an excellent teacher. Sadly I didn't have time to finish my piece in one day but I learnt the skills to enable me to complete it at home (hopefully!). Thoroughly recommend this course."

Chris.T reviewed: Full day Floral illustration workshop: Global Blooming with Clare Curran

"Floral Illustration 'Global Blooming' was an excellent workshop for someone like me who didn't believe I had an artistic bone in my body after teacher at school made that very clear to me many years ago. This was a wonderfully mindful session in a supportive environment, which eroded that long held belief. Clare Curran's enthusiasm for the topic was not only encouraging but a delight to be part of. Thank you. Would definitely recommend."

Charles reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"My brother and I had a cracking time making a pair of Damascus knives with Gary and Joseph. All out fun from start to finish and have ended up with two lovely knives which wouldn't have had a hope in hell of making without them. Their patience, guidance and knowledge was invaluable and would 100% recommend to anyone thinking of giving it a go."

Monica reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Went with my partner and we both had a great day together. It's a fab introduction workshop and I thoroughly recommend giving it a try. We learnt a lot from Robert, from thinking about reading the wood you have to the most efficient way to hold and manipulate the axe and knives. Every spoon is different and the two spoons we carved are as different as can be, but carved from the same piece of wood which was a sweet touch. Can't wait to have another go, we might be hooked. Robert's given a lot of info on different tools so we'll be carving away at home in no time."

Malcolm Mcmahon reviewed: Mig Welding For Beginners Introductory Day Course.

"5 stars. I really enjoyed the course with Tony. He was friendly, helpful and encouraging. My main aim was to learn the basics of MIG welding and come away feeling confident about welding on my own, with Tonys help I feel I achieved that."

Newport Wrought Ironwork responded:

"Thank you Malcolm , I really appreciate your review. If you require any further help or advice please feel free to contact me. Regards Tony."

Sam Body reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day

"This was a birthday/Christmas present. I'm an A-level design student and really wanted to experience blacksmithing. I had a fantastic day. Arian was a great teacher - welcoming, friendly, patient and funny. There was a great atmosphere all day and I was really pleased with the items I made. Would love to do it again! Thank you, Arian 😊"

Tom Gledhill reviewed: Stool Making in the Woods - Beginner Green Woodworking course

"Really friendly and welcoming. Great project, well taught. I had a fantastic weekend."

Grown and Made Woodcraft responded:

"Thanks Tom, it was so great to meet you and I’m pleased you had a good time! "

Amber reviewed: Make a leather dog collar or lead with Cazzy, a qualified saddler

"Absolutely fantastic time making a collar for our spaniel. Cazzy was so so welcoming and knowledgeable! Really recommend to anyone considering this! I will definitely be back :) "

Strapped Leather responded:

"Thank you "

Barbara Barrett reviewed: Still Life Monoprint

"It was a truly lovely experience. April was very welcoming. She explained what to expect from the workshop. I was taken through different techniques and tools to use. It was very relaxed. I was able to produce numerous prints at different stages. I enjoyed using the press. I highly recommend this course. Since attending tge course I have made some prints at home. "

Katy Hinkley reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"An amazing day! With Jo’s guidance we all left with very realistic hares. All were individually different. It was a well structured day set in Jo’s beautiful garden. I am part way through my kit I brought home. Can’t recommend this enough "

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Katy - although the hares are 'abstract' it's surprising how realistic they end up! I hope you enjoy finishing your kit at home 🤗 Jo xx"

Lauren reviewed: Family Drawing: Learn to Draw a Face COTTINGHAM

"Holly was great. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the class and is looking for to doing more. It was great that cost of the class was low, as it gave we could have the opportunity to book as some classes cost much more."

Catherine reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels - Two Day Course

"I had a lovely weekend. I was on my own in the class, but Steve made me feel very welcome. He was very patient, despite my short term memory not being what it used to be, so I felt I was constantly asking him to remind me of the next step. He was very generous with his knowledge, time and materials and I came away exhausted from two really full days, but delighted with the pieces I had made, as well as Steve's demo piece (he also kindly gave my sister a piece when she came to collect me). I've been fusing glass for a few years, but this was my first time working with enamels and I'm keen to do more. Lovely lunch included, as well as tea and biscuits when required. I can thoroughly recommend."

Janet Weston reviewed: Furzie's Needle Felt Workshop - Somerset

"What a lovely day! I spent it with Michelle and one other lady, and made a beautiful replica of our Cockapoo. I didn’t think I’d be able to complete something which seemed potentially difficult but Michelle showed us in very easy stages how to make a wire frame and then gradually build up the body and head. It was fascinating to see how it developed and took on our dog’s character. It was a lovely relaxed day with lunch chosen from a delicious menu, provided by one of the other artisan businesses on the farm. I would recommend it wholeheartedly. "

Furzie responded:

"Thanks Janet!!"

Helen M reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Just the right amount of guidance and encouragement to give you the confidence to achieve something amazing, on a short period of time. Such a treat to be given time to be creative! "

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Helen, so pleased that you enjoyed your day. Great printing!"

Nicola and Jeremy reviewed: Painting Restoration

"Fantastic and enjoyable experience, Rachael is really knowledgeable about her subject and gave a really good insights into lots of techniques. She was very flexible in adapting to what we wanted to know about and do. The practical aspects really brought it to life. It was great fun. Thank you."

Sally reviewed: Lino Printing in Colour

"Had a wonderful day at Micklems farm learning how to create a reduction lino print. It was a throughly enjoyable experience. The workshop and gardens were beautiful, Carolyn was a great tutor and explained everything so clearly. Rosemary was a great host with helpful suggestions and cake and fresh coffee available all day. Thank you."

Allister McKenna reviewed: Glass Bauble blowing experience with Chris

"Thank you Chris for an amazing time and such great memories to take away. Very welcoming, friendly and a great guide. I would recommend this to all. "

Bob Hill reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"My wife bought this course for my son and I for Christmas. A sort of bonding thing. It was certainly that and so much more. Can't believe that I came away with a really nice three legged stool and my son a low table, completed in two days!! Peter and Toby, his understudy, provided expert and friendly guidance whilst keeping us on track. Great location, workshop, tools and company. A very rewarding and worthwhile two days. Inspired to adapt my workshop at home and do more."

Elaine reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Fantastic 2 day watercolour course with Vicki Noble, complete with full board and lodgings at the lovely Flackley Ash Hotel. Vicki is exceptionally knowledgeable, helpful, shares her artistic secrets and genuinely enjoys teaching novices and experienced artists alike. Highly recommend this course and came away armed with so many paintings!!! "

Arty Party Breaks and lessons responded:

"Thank you Elaine, it was lovely to meet you and I’m so glad you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you again on another one 😀 🖼️ "