Latest reviews

Christine reviewed: Dot and Speck and Dash and Dab - COURSE FULL

"Thoroughly enjoyed learning a new technique. A relaxing day, with David as tutor, who was extremely supportive and instilled confidence. Group of 12 just right."

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments, especially about our tutor David. I will pass these on to him. We're glad you had a lovely day and look forward to seeing you again at Dillington House."

Wendy Beecher reviewed: Make a coloured copper dish with Gill Bridgestock

"All Gill's classes are a joy to attend! In this copper workshop Gill takes participants through every bit of the process, bringing her knowledge and expertise to offer encouragement, advice, help where necessary, but never imposing her own ideas...delighted with my beautiful copper dish (a perfect memento for my son and daughter-in-law's copper wedding anniversary!), plus printed instructions and explanations. A very enjoyable morning in a pleasant location, you just need to bring yourself!"

Hazel Swift reviewed: Rainbow mosaic wall plaque (interior) - a mosaic kit in a box

"Loved it and would like to do more, made the the grout a bit thin but hope it will work. Need to know where to get more glass shapes in the UK"

Wes Gillard reviewed: Spoon carving day in the Woods

"Lovely spot, easy to get to and attend this spoon carving course with my football mad son. I was so impressed that they managed to get him to focus on carving a spoon all day. A wonderful memory for us both in a wonderful place and great coffee too. Will defo be keeping an eye on whats going on here. Big thanks to everyone involved"

Graham reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"This was a great chill out experience with my son , we were lucky in that there were just the 2 of us so we had great attentive tuition and became quite proficient at creating unique one off bespoke bowls ? One negative but it did not spoil the experience I think the environment could do with a good clean up , it's a messy process but it would not take a lot to tidy up a bit more, sorry but trying to be honest in the review"

Potterydayz responded:

"Delighted you enjoyed the experience with your son. I'm pleased you found the tuition of value, particularly as you were the only visitors on that occasion and as you mention, you both settled into the process well to produce some great pieces of work during the time here. Is it time for a change of career for you- its never to late? Hope to see you again."

Joel McNamara reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"To start I must say I had a fantastic day and had the aches in my arms the following day. Spike was informative took me through the stages step by step and then watched and advised as I progressed through the day. I have already recommended this as an experience to some friends and family and I will probably join them."

Andy T reviewed: Greenwood carving at Sallerton Wood

"This is one course you will not want to miss. Whether beginner or practiced you will know so much more than when you arrived. Andy is probably the most knowledgeable woodsman I have met in nearly 35 years of carpentry. Andy and Jane were the the best of hosts, providing both delicious lunches and snacks and story telling over coffee. All I need now is an excuse to return in the near future."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for that very enthusiastic review, Andy. We are delighted that you enjoyed your experience at Sallerton Wood so much, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Sallerton Wood when you return for another course. "

Gail Davis reviewed: Dot and Speck and Dash and Dab - COURSE FULL

"This was a very enjoyable day. David was so interesting and his teaching method really easy to understand. The studio was light and airy with a beautiful view! The venue was excellent and the lunch very nicely laid out and enjoyed by everyone."

Dillington House. Somerset County Council responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments. We're glad you enjoyed your day and look forward to welcoming you back to Dillington House again in the near future."

Sarah reviewed: Beginners half-day 1-2-1 pottery / ceramics workshop for 1 person

"I had a fantastic morning on my 1-2-1 ceramics session with Louise and I would very much recommend the course! Such a relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of time to learn about techniques and make a variety of pieces, from which you choose your favourite three to be fired. Louise's tuition is clear and she's on hand all morning to both chat and give advice, but also allows space for you to immerse yourself in what you're doing. I loved my first experience of the wheel (even my wonky finished pieces made me smile) and now I just want to do more! ?"

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

"Sarah, it was a delight having you in the studio :-). You made some beautiful pieces - especially your two slab vases; very elegant - and you got to grips with the throwing processes very quickly. Well done! I'll let you know when your lovely pieces have been glazed and fired and ready for collection :-)."

Janet Leitch reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"A lovely way to spend a Sunday. Set in a beautiful, inspiring well equipped studio. Lots of clear instructions and help given along the way. The atmosphere was relaxed but everyone was absorbed in their creations I had given a voucher to my sister for her birthday, it was something she had always wanted a go at, but I have to say, I think I enjoyed it as much as she did."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Janet, thanks for your review. I’m glad you enjoyed the day. It was great to have both you and your sister there. "

Janet Leitch reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"A lovely way to spend a Sunday. Set in a beautiful, inspiring well equipped studio. Lots of clear instructions and help given along the way. The atmosphere was relaxed but everyone was absorbed in their creations I had given a voucher to my sister for her birthday, it was something she had always wanted a go at, but I have to say, I think I enjoyed has much as she did."

Gillian and Daisy reviewed: Intensive 1 Day Beginner's Jewellery Making Class with Helen London Silversmithing

"My daughter and I had a wonderful time on the beginners day where we made earrings and a ring. Helen was delightful - she was patient and knowledgeable and made the day relaxing and fun! We hope to return soon!"

Lucy D reviewed: Pottery course -hand building 6 week course- Saturday afternoons

"I can’t recommend this course highly enough. It’s pure, mindful, creative joy! Lovely people and my favourite 2 hours of the week"

Claire V reviewed: Stained glass garden panel workshop - Hampshire

"What a brilliant experience, thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill under expert guidance. Delighted with the finished panel which far exceeded my expectations."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Oh Claire, Thank you for your lovely review. Your panel colours were amazing & so happy you had an enjoyable experience :-) Makes me do a little happy dance :-)"

Caroline Kenny reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"A great course for beginners or experienced. Hannah is very informative & delivered the workshop in a very relaxed way, making everyone feel at ease. I would highly recommend this workshop."

Sheena Stockley reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Rosemary is a professional, knowledgeable teacher, with a lovely well-lit space for doing close work in. I probably chatted too much, but Rosemary is interesting to talk to- even so, she managed to steer me through all the stitches and techniques to give me a good grounding in the initial basics of embroidery!"

Rebecca Clarke reviewed: Blacksmithing experience workshop 3pm - 4.30pm

"I booked the introduction course for my husband as a Father's Day gift. He absolutely loved the experience! He was so proud of the hook he made and of the skills he learnt. He is already looking at booking the 1 day course."

Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you so much for the great review. We were pleased that your husband enjoyed the experience and we shall look forward to seeing him here again soon. Best wishes, The Stanwick Lakes Team."

Simon Gadd reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is a brilliant teacher, super knowledgeable about his art and the history behind it. The forge is fully equipped with lots of toys to learn how to use. We managed to make two knives in the one day course and learnt loads of new techniques. 100% I’ll be booking another day in the forge to make something else."

Heather Elvidge reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I have recently spent an absolutely brilliant couple of days making a 4 part mould for one of my designs with the exceptionally talented Ed at his Spode Studio. Ed was incredibly generous with both his time and his wealth of knowledge and he made the whole process, from advising small adjustments to my design (to make it more ‘mould friendly’!) to sharing his wealth of experience when making the mould itself. Ed was wonderful company with a very warm and supportive approach to teaching. I felt like I learned an enormous amount in a relatively short space of time. My mind is now buzzing with all the potential ceramic projects that could be aided with the use of moulds and I am very much hoping to return to Spode to get more help from the lovely Ed! I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn or experiment further with mould making, and there would be no better person to teach you. Thanks Ed ☺️"

Nicole Murphy reviewed: Masking Tape Box Masterclass

"I really enjoyed the workshop. Hannah was so informative and patient and gave lots of great advice about getting the best results with the tape design. The time flew by."

Newcomer reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Everything and more than I expected it to be. Dawn was informative, creative and most of all patient. Though there were only 4 attendees, we ranged from experienced to complete novices like myself and Dawn coped more than admirably giving advice and help to all of us. Thank you, Dawn. I'll certainly be back."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review. I’m really pleased you enjoyed the workshop. Hope to see you again. "

Jo Morrison reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"I joined Liz's course as a complete beginner and left with a lovely piece that I was really proud of. The studio is a beautiful and relaxing space to escape to and learn something new. Liz taught our small group with her expertise, talent and intuition and I felt like I had the tools, space and new skills to try something for myself. It was a great day and I definitely want to continue this new craft."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jo, Thanks for letting me know about your workshop at The Slipper Studio; it’s much appreciated. It was a great day working with the group and lovely that you all got on so well. You quickly understood the process and it’s no mean feat to create a 2 colour lino cut at your first attempt, so hats off to you. It’s a lovely process, so I hope you enjoy your new found passion. Happy printing Liz Wellby "

Ian reviewed: Carve a spoon from a freshly felled log

"The course taught by Ben was excellent, learnt many things that will improve my carving. The venue is idyllic, Melinda and Emma are very friendly and welcoming and certainly look after you, there seemed to be an endless supply of tea or coffee with cake and the lunch was superb."

Helen reviewed: Quilling fabulous flowers - Wakefield papercraft workshop

"Had a great evening learning quilling. I finished two flowers and got all the bits to complete a third at home. I believe i will do more in my own time at home."

Andrew Cole reviewed: Beginners bowl carving

"As a complete novice I was a little nervous as to how quick I’d be able to actually make something, but I needn’t have been. Nick very quickly got me into it, his knowledge and ability to teach is second to none, and it’s clearly something he is passionate about. The feeling when you’ve produced something is fantastic. The setting of the course is beautiful and the hospitality from Nick and Debbie is wonderful, with the constant flow of coffee and of course the home made scones. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to get away from things and immerse in something completely new. ?"

Gosman Spoon Co. responded:

"Thank you Andrew for your lovely comments and review, it’s much appreciated. If you have any questions about tools or need advice, etc, please don’t hesitate to ask :)"