Latest reviews

Alison reviewed: Individual 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"We had a great day making pokers and fishtail hooks with Jake. He explained everything really well, was very encouraging, and we came back with some lovely things to treasure! It was a great treat for my husband's birthday!"

Lin reviewed: Stained glass craft

"Thought i wouldn't be able to do it at first. However the help and support from the class was great. I left with a fabulous hanging leaf in shades of green a great morning activity and very nice lemon drizzle cake."

Fay Mathers reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Jo hosted a brilliant workshop in her studio at the weekend. I actually made a hare sculpture that I am proud of and had never made anything like this before. I can’t wait to go to another one!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"You made a wonderful hare Fay - I believe we thought he was a bit of a renegade ?. Remarkable how the sculptures develop characters as the day progresses. Glad you enjoyed the experience. Jo x"

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

"I just want to say what a fantastic day the hare sculpting was, truly enjoyable and inspirational . As someone who has previously struggled with creative arts and crafts I was expecting to be a bit out of my comfort zone,fortunately I was completely proved wrong . Jo was an amazing tutor always on hand for help, advice and encouragement and the atmosphere in the studio peaceful and supportive. I am very proud of my sculpture which is now in pride of place and I cant wait to show it off to visitors or anyone I can drag off the street. I would definitely recommend the day to anyone and I will remember the experience for a long time and continue to smile."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Lynne - I love the 'drag anyone off the street' comment ?. Will watch out for newspaper headlines! You made a lovely sculpture - well done, and so pleased you enjoyed the studio space. Jo x"

Hameeda reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Thank you Richard for a wonderful afternoon learning the basics of resin pouring and measuring. This is the first time I have I have used resin but I feel a lot more confident in tackling my own projects with the knowledge I have gained."

David Eldridge reviewed: Linocut printmaking in Cornwall

"A well-spaced day of learning. I have lino printed before and yet I learnt much more on this course. Olivia is a great tutor, very encouraging and enthusiastic. I think it's suitable for all levels and would thoroughly recommend it."

Margaret Bullock reviewed: Fused glass workshops for all

"The one-day Fused Glass Workshop run by Karen Redmayne proved to be a hugely enjoyable introduction to this craft. I had never done any glass fusing before and so I was an absolute beginner. Karen was highly organized and informative about the arrangements for the day. In no time at all after Karen's expert demonstration and explanations, I was making my first pieces. In this first foray, under Karen's guidance, and with full access to the equipment and materials on offer, I made two coasters and a shallow bowl! A brilliant day and productive day. I can't wait to see my creations once they are fired! Karen makes her workshops relaxed and fun. She has a real talent for imparting her skills and knowledge to the uninitiated. Great value for money. I will be booking again with Karen and I will be spreading the news. Margaret Bullock"

Rhiannon Wilson reviewed: Jewellery Workshop - Make a Silver Ring

"I had the best time at this course! Sheila was engaging and explained how to do everything really well! We practised on a copper ring first and then moved to the silver, this was a great way to do it! I really recommend this course! Thanks so much Sheila for a great afternoon!"

Sheila Roussel Jewellery Design responded:

"Rhiannon, glad to hear you enjoyed the workshop and would recommend it to others. Thanks very much."

Leah reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"This was the best course I’ve ever been on. Cheryl was a fantastic teacher, really knowledgeable and helpful. She had time for everyone to work at their own pace. Cannot recommend more highly…..I’ll definitely be back!"

Cheryl Powling Glass responded:

"Oh Leah thank you .. hope you’re going to carry on enjoying it .. keep me posted x"

Lorna Bailey reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets for beginners in Somerset: two days

"We had an amazing couple of days working with pallets. Scott was an excellent teacher and had lots of advice and tips for things he'd learned the hard way. I came away with a great garden tool caddy and a lovely lamp, all made by me! Scott barely blinked and was then incredibly helpful to my sister who made a herb planter the width of our car and a garden gate!!! Thanks so much Scott and Sue."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi , I'm so grad you and your sister enjoyed the weekend. It was great to have you both get stuck in and try all the different skills we covered during the course and have fun at the same time. Scott"

Shelly reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Jo, so so sorry Ive not written this review before now, times flew by....ha ha Top course, my friend Sophia has reviewed our experience perfectly, I also wish to add, lovely studio, it has a little charm about it and Jo lets you feel right at home! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and our time in York city centre, fabulous 2 days, and yes we did work hard ha ha and it was worth it! With my new skills im currently doing up two chairs at home, you'll be proud of me Jo x I would recommend this course, you learn so much, and Jo is a lovely lady xx"

What Jo did next responded:

"Thanks Shelly! Glad you liked the studio - it's my creative home... Send me photos of your chairs - and remember I'm here to advise if you need help xx"

Sarah Palmer reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"I had a fantastic and informative day with lots of knowledge imparted by Sally. You really don’t get this kind of experience by watching YouTube or starting by yourself with a kit. Sally is a great teacher, friendly and full of tips that you only gain through years of experience. She is really encouraging and I wouldn’t hesitate in registering for another course with her."

Lorraine Moore reviewed: Animal pastel drawing workshop

"I really enjoyed the day. Relaxing small class of 5 people who were all very friendly. Decided to give pastels one last chance after struggling with this media for some time and after some great advise and encouragement from Sarah I not only produced a picture that I was really pleased with, but I can't wait to try pastels on other pictures. I learnt a lot from Sarah and will be looking out for more of her workshops in the future."

Black Cat Art responded:

"Hi Lorraine, I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and found it relaxing. You're not alone in finding pastels difficult to work with but I'm really pleased that you now feel better equipped at tackling another drawing. It was lovely to have you in the small group of students, you were a pleasure to teach. Best wishes, Sara"

Jenny reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"Absolutely fantastic day! We were given a very warm welcome right from the start by Simon and Louise in in their beautiful home and garden, having morning tea and biscuits while we had our introduction in the wood turning workshop. Simon gave very clear guidance, and really useful demonstrations and explanations. We had plenty of time on the lathes and before lunch we had learned useful basic skills and finished a simple turning project. After a very nice lunch, we then moved to the pottery workshop, where Louise was very inspirational helping us to design and create pinch pots and a slab-formed vase. She was lovely to spend time with and learn from. We then finished the day on the wheel learning to throw pots. One of us seemed to be a natural at this, the other less so (but she’s very keen to come back and try it again!). Again, excellent demonstrations - and patience when the student takes “throwing” slightly too literally… We are really looking forward to seeing our creations when they’ve been fired and sent out to us. Overall an amazing day, very enjoyable and we learned loads. We very highly recommend this course and we will definitely be back for more!"

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

"Hi Jenny, hi Howard, Really pleased you had a good day. Simon and I enjoyed your company in our studios and I've definitely learnt a lot about snakes ;-). We'd be more than happy if you'd like to return and get to grips with the intricacies of of throwing - you've got a score to settle with that wheel! :-) You both made some really lovely pieces and we're so pleased you enjoyed your experience!"

Azhara Ali-Howell reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What an amazing day! The Pottery Workshop with Matt was a 60th birthday present from my son, Yasin. Something for us to share together. There was a cosy group of just four of us in the workshop, and to be honest I was slightly apprehensive. Yasin on the other hand was really excited to try something creative and hands on. In no time at all, Matt had put us all at ease. During the day we were taken through several skill levels, each resulting in a finished product. Matt was an excellent teacher with an abundance of patience, and complete faith in our capabilities. There was much encouragement, enthusiasm and laughter throughout the day! Each of the pieces we made were glazed with a colour of our choice and left to be fired, and collected at a later date. We are both thrilled with our five pieces! Did we really make them? Wow ? An incredible and rewarding experience. Highly recommended!"

Graham reviewed: Stone Carving 'taster session' in Maltese Limestone

"I had a great day at the stone-carving course, and produced a relief of a leaf that was better than I imagined I could do in the time. Kezia is an excellent tutor and provided great light-touch guidance, letting us find our way ourselves and helping as appropriate. Highly recommended!"

Jodie Allison reviewed: Playing with Fire to Make Copper Jewellery

"Thank you Helga I really enjoyed the relaxing few hours in your studio. I learnt how to refine my technique and really appreciated using the tools you have. I love my earrings!! Will book again. Jodie"

Colourbuzz responded:

"Thanks Jodie I thoroughly enjoyed working with you, too. Looking forward to meeting again. Enjoy your gorgeeous earrings!"

Christine reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"I received this course from my husband as a Christmas present and really enjoyed every minute of it. The day was very well organised yet relaxed, and instructions were clear and easy to follow. Jon and Becky gave us individual help and encouragement, and the confidence to produce quite a large and attractive circular basket by the end of the day. Lunch (homemade quiche and salads) was really tasty and enjoyable and gave us all the chance to chat informally. The homemade coffee and walnut cake and flapjack which accompanied the frequent cups of coffee and tea were also much appreciated. It was an excellent day in all ways and lovely to have such a useful and attractive basket to remind me of time spent in Jon and Becky's workshop. I would thoroughly recommend the course to everyone."

Kirsty reviewed: Beginners Ring Wax Carving Workshop

"I had a really lovely afternoon doing the ring wax carving workshop. I am a complete beginner, and Emily expertly guided me through the process, helping as needed to bring my vision to life. I also love the fact that my ring will be totally unique to me, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it once it's back from the kiln. Emily is a great teacher, and I'd definitely recommend this workshop!"

Katie reviewed: Silversmithing Taster Day (Merseyside)

"Carol was very relaxing and chatty which made the experience feel pleasant whilst learning a new skill. Carol helped me to make three rings and was very patient and knowledgeable. A great teacher!"

La Jade responded:

"Hi Katie, Thank you for your lovely review, it was a real pleasure to meet you. ?"

Vicky Madon reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"We attended Vicky’s course as a three generation activity for my daughters 13th birthday. All three of us thoroughly enjoyed the day. As well as great supervision and encouragement, we had a lovely lunch and we’re plied with teas and coffees. There were lots of laughs and chatter and we all came away with a piece or two of copper foiled glass work to be very proud of. Vicky and Vic are brilliant hosts and teachers. Many thanks"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Vicky, it was a real pleasure having your family here, probably more so for Vic who now knows how his knees work.........! Good luck with your future glass adventures."

Debbie reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I'd wanted to try making something in stained glass for a long time and Matt's beginner class was absolutely perfect. He is a very patient and calm tutor and quickly showed us the basic techniques to get started with our designs. In no time at all we were using all kinds of equipment and working with the beautiful glass samples available, shaping the lead and soldering. The day was great fun, without pressure and it was very satisfying to complete my piece of stained glass art. I can highly recommend the class to anyone wanting to give it a go - do it, you won't be disappointed! Looking forward to the next time and many thanks to Matt for sharing his knowledge and skills so freely with us all!"

Alex Wells reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Helen is a superb patient tutor. I had never been before and she couldn't have been more welcoming. Myself, my wife and son each carved a daisy on a stone tablet for just £10 each. It really felt like an experience day and we couldn't have enjoyed it more. Thank you and hope to see you again soon."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you for your great feedback. ?"

jo tuck reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Fun day with excellent tutoring and attention from Mathew. We each had our own wheel and Mathew first demonstrated and helped us achieve our own pots- with careful encouragement, direction and humour. Great day out and left us wanting to do more and have another go another time. Jo"

George reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Me and my dad went up to learn how to make a Viking knife. Had an amazing day, Aidan was a very clear and patient instructor. Would love to come back agin to make a different knife. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in metal work."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi George thanks for posting the review, I think Aidan enjoyed your enthusiasm and told me the blades you produced were first class, I will look forward to seeing you again best wishes John"