Latest reviews

Ian McCabe reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I was booked on a one day silversmithing course at Lucy’s which I received as a Christmas gift. The course was originally to make stacking rings, however, when I arrived we discussed the possibility of making one abstract design ring instead. As I have a background in metalwork (not jewellery!) Lucy thought that this would be achievable for me. We spent the first part of the day designing, planning and discussing techniques and preferences. Lucy was incredibly helpful and patient with me, and, with her expert knowledge she guided me though making a template,trying out embossing on copper and eventually cutting and making the ring in silver. The whole experience was an absolute pleasure and I learned a lot in a short time. Lucy is a lovely lady and although I didn’t quite have time to finish the ring on the day, she supported me with advice over the phone and via email to help me to finish the project at home. She was unstinting in passing on her knowledge and I would love to return for another course."

Ian reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is a great course leader. I learnt so much about stone carving during the two day course under his direction and support. Using a range of hand tools supplied, I was able to turn a block of stone into a really great garden sculpture. I was so pleased. Despite having no previous experience of carving, I now feel able to do more stone carving at home. Many thanks Sebastian"

Hazel Whitford reviewed: ZZZ Personalised Silver Band Ring Making Course in South Devon

"A thoroughly enjoyable evening working with a group of pleasant and relaxed participants.The evening was well planned and techniques explained in a friendly manner. The girls were helpful and encouraging as we all experimented with patterns before making our rings. Very happy with the outcomes. A cuppa would have been appreciated."

Marion Lloyd reviewed: Draw your dog with Molly and Maud

"Molly and Maud were delightful and skilled teachers. Six unconfident students were all proud of their drawings after an informal and hardworking day. And rather astonished to develop skills they didn’t think they had! The course was fun and focussed. The cake was delicious. Highly recommended."

Phil Brown reviewed: Stained glass taster day in Worcestershire

"From the greeting in the Car Park in the rain through to when I left Vicky looked after me all day. I made a stunning panel and had time to add a small copper foil piece. The lunch was superb, with excellent company. Everything was explained and demonstrated, and I was advised how to improve on areas that were less than perfect. Really enjoyed the whole day!!!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Hi Phil, thank you for your review, really appreciate it. Maybe a train panel next time........!"

Beth reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"A great time trying pottery for the first time, Geoff was a great teacher and made the session fun!"

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"We try and make the session as enjoyable and informative as possible. A relaxed atmosphere is the key - most beginners are often nervous about making pots on the wheel and a fun, non-judgemental mood is important. Thank you for your review."

Tom & Jemma reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"We had an amazing day with Mat. He's a fantastic teacher and a great host. We were complete novices going into the session but by the end of the day we'd produced 4 pots each - and had we'd had a lovely tim while doing it. Highly recommended all round."

Bernie Penny reviewed: Two day painting workshop in West Pembrokeshire with Kate Freeman

"I booked this two day course with Kate as a present for my wife, and these words are from what my wife has related to me and the brief moments spent talking with Kate, who was never backward when making tea or coffee after chauffeuring my wife to the studio. She has a vast range of techniques and styles and oodles of enthusiasm. She is so nice as well, she instantly puts you at ease. Her studio is quite large and airy, seeing as it was February, nice and warm too. After two days in the company of Kate, sharing ideas and absorbing so much knowledge and know-how, my wife was buzzing. I am certain she will return. Well done and thank you Kate."

Coach House Studio responded:

"Thank you Bernie - It was lovely meeting you! I'm very happy that Anne gained so much from her time here at the Coach House. Anne produced an extraordinary amount of work over two days, and I look forward to seeing how her paintings develop in the coming weeks. Call in any time."

Antonella reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"We had such a great time! I have booked the pottery class as a birthday gift and it was brilliant. We had such an amazing time learning and chatting. Louise is a fantastic and knowledgeable teacher and made us feel so welcomed and relaxed throughout the day :) She took us lovely photos too which we will treasure forever as well as the ceramics that we made. I cannot recommend this experience enough!!! Thank you!"

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

"It was a pleasure having you both in the studios :-). You made some fabulous pieces - especially the Bourbon biscuit! ;-). I'll let you know when your creations are ready!"

Debbie W reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"What a lovely day. Time just flew past. You are a good and patient teacher explaining the steps and you gave me great confidence. I love my picture and am already planning the next one. I will recommend you to my friends. Best wishes,"

Rodie reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"Lovely relaxing course . Went home and made some more pot hangers. Hooked. Alice was very informative and patient very enjoyable . May do other weaving courses with Alice also.?"

Sue Allsopp reviewed: Introduction to glass fusing at the Cheshire School of Glass

"Spent a fantastic day with Jen. Such a knowledgeable teacher, so enthusiastic and friendly. Although we had some basic awareness of glass cutting the whole day was a revelation and we enjoyed part. Thank you Jen."

E Nichols reviewed: Fused Glass - Taster

"Christmas present for two 9 year old girls, they loved it! Julie was great with them, taking things at their speed, listening to what they wanted to create and helping them to make it happen. I really wanted to join in. Will definitely book again."

Pat reviewed: 5 Week Jewellery Making Beading Course (Merseyside)

"I can’t believe how much we did over six weeks. Each week we learned new skills and techniques and made several pieces of jewellery. Carol made us feel at ease, offering support and advice as needed. Can’t wait to do another course."

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Pat, I am glad to hear you enjoyed the course. I look forward to seeing you again on the Silversmithing course in a few weeks. ?"

Abigail crampton reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Fabulous! Really enjoyable workshop with tons of materials to choose from, Jill is a very generous tutor and John made us a fantastic vegetarian lunch. I’ve had a wonderful day out and am looking forward to seeing my finished pieces once they’ve been fired. Would thoroughly recommend ( and am planning on going back again later in the year ) Many thanks x"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Abi we would love to see you again the future. We are happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with us today. Thank you for your speedy review too! Kind regards John and Jill"

Nadin reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"If you are wondering wether this course is right for you, don’t! Jill and John are wonderful hosts and Jill is a great teacher. I have enjoyed an absolutely relaxing and creative day learning so much about glass fusing from Jill and am absolutely thrilled with the pieces of glass art waiting to be picked up. Thank you so much Jill and John x"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Nadin for your kind words and we are pleased that you felt that way as that is our ultimate aim. Your glass does look fabulous, it is always admired. Kind regards John and Jill"

Julie reviewed: Glass Experience Day: Try fused glass, stained glass and enamelling in 1 course!

"A lovely day and a great opportunity to try 3 different ways of working with glass. Sarah was very informative, supportive and patient. Lunch was relaxed and tasty - so much more than the ploughman's that was described! I would recommend this day for anyone who, like me, wanted to try different glass works to see what worked for me. There are separate sessions for fusion, stain glass and enameling if you know what you want to do."

Sarah Greening Glass responded:

"It was great to meet you - I love running this course as it is a lovely way to share my passion for all things glassy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, much appreciated."

Charlotte Clabburn reviewed: Pottery throwing sessions on the potter's wheel in Norfolk

"Pat is lovely and a fabulous teacher. I booked this workshop as a present for my husband, and he loved every minute. As a complete beginner, he ended up with some really lovely pots. We can't wait to see them once they have been glazed and fired!"

Pat Southwood responded:

"Thanks Charlotte, it was lovely to meet you both, I think your husband may have discovered a hidden talent!"

Cary reviewed: Beginners Woodworking: Make a Bread Board

"This course exceeded my expectations. Great tutor, clear instructions and on the whole a very fun day. I will likely be returning to do some of the other available courses. Would definitely recommend."

Rosie Pearson reviewed: Natural Cold-Process Soap Making

"It was a pleasure to do this course with Wendy. Really good value, clear and informative and so well organised! Highly recommend."

Hilary Harris reviewed: Beginners Crocheting Course Learn at Home Live with Rachel

"I had tried to learn to crochet from books so many times but without success. I was a little apprehensive about doing the course as although a knitter, crochet always felt so far outside my comfort zone. My experience with Rachel was absolutely fantastic. She put me at ease from the very beginning and that allowed me to crochet ~ what a surprise! Rachel was very professional from the start with her pre-course contact the pack that she sends is great. She is so patient and friendly and each session, although obviously structured, is also tailored to the individual. I cannot recommend Rachel highly enough ~ she is a natural teacher giving both the skills and the motivation to her students. Thank-you so much Rachel I feel that I can now crochet ~ who knew that would happen!"

Gifted Crafts Company responded:

"Thank you so much for taking the time and such a lovely review Hilary. It was an absolute pleasure and you did brilliantly! I can’t wait to see what else you make! All the very best. Rach"

Lesley Allen reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"1 day French Polishing Course. I took two of my grandfather's mantel clocks to restore. Ollie patiently takes you through each individual step and checks that you understand and are following the process. There were 3 others attending, and it was great to see different techniques on these different pieces as they came back to life. Ollie shares lots of advice and tips and created a fun, supportive atmosphere. The end result was stunning - I'm really proud of the clocks. I would highly recommend this course."

B&E reviewed: Fused Glass Panel

"We had a lovely day with Claire; she provided lots of great advice, a brilliant selection of glass to work with and we love our first glass creations."

Dr William Gardner reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"A superb course. Oliver Piepereit was very welcoming when I arrived and was a patient and careful teacher, always obliging and willing to answer all questions. I am delighted with the results on various piano components that I took for practise."

Ruby Westnedge reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Fantastic introduction to pottery. Geoff is a great instructor and explained each step clearly. I would highly recommend a hour class with Geoff for anyone interested in pottery."

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thanks for your review, Ruby. I'm glad you enjoyed the session. Hope to see you again soon."