Latest reviews

Hayley reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had an amazing day and although I am not the best at being a student, I was made to feel relaxed from the moment I met Simon and Louise. The day then got going and didn’t stop. It was the escapism I needed for a day and I learnt lots too. Now I just need to remember it and practice!! Thanks again for your patience and for the much needed caffeine and lunch."

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

"Really glad you enjoyed the day, Hayley. We hope the notes will help you remember what you did - please get in touch if you need further assistance. Happy turning! -- Simon & Louise"

Mark & Jane Snape reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"From the moment we arrived both Derek and his wife made us feel comfortable and welcome. This one day course was ably supervised and brilliantly explained throughout with some supplementary notes e-mailed about the techniques after course completion. Derek’s studio and work is amazing and a testament to what can be achieved if you have both the patience and skill. We would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about the art of stained glass painting!"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Dear Mark & Jane, Thank you so much for your lovely review, and really delighted you enjoyed the course. With best wishes, Derek"

Phil Ward reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"This was a surprise treat for my wife and I thought that it made a great experience. Chris is a great tutor, balancing the right level of technique and informality to make it a really worthwhile session. He has excellent facilities with good equipment and everything that you need ready to go in order to maximise your time making and learning. Really looking forward to collecting our final pieces in a few weeks once fired. Would recommend this to anyone without hesitation and would happily book back in as it was a great experience."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for such positive feedback Phil; very much appreciated. Your pots are drying nicely waiting for their first firing. You can start to plan that tapas evening for a couple of weeks time! I'll be in touch soon. Best wishes, Chris."

Ruth Hurley reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"We really loved the soap making course. The setting was so cute, Julie and Janet were so friendly and we really appreciated having so many choices of scents and embeds to play with. We came away with a variety of hand made products, feeling like we learned loads and had great fun"

Alex reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"Would definitely recommend giving this a try. Absolutely amazing experience, had so much fun learning to glass blow. Really freindly people that have put together a brillant taster session, really relaxed but incredibly educational! Started to plan another trip as soon as I left!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for us Alex much appreciated. We are so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Look forward to seeing you in the future. Regards Angie Steve and Chris"

George Brotherhood reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"What a great day was had by the five on the workshop. Dawn is a very skilled craftswoman; I have one of her embroidery pictures in my dining room and look at it everyday. This inspired me to have a go and I was not disappointed by the workshop I attended yesterday. Dawn began with short demos to show us the basic embroidery processes and had masses of example pieces, to inspire us, or we could use our own ideas and source materials; this was what I chose to do. She talked me through the possible ways to realise my idea in embroidery and was on hand every step of the way when I needed fresh input. She also supplied refreshments during the day including her own home made cake. She was helpful and calm throughout, was positive, encouraging and non-judgmental: A perfect teaching manner! I just wish I lived closer and could attend workshops more often."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Thanks George for a great review of the workshop, I’m really pleased you enjoyed it."

Lucinda Yelland reviewed: Making 'Memories Baskets'

"This was a lovely workshop. Nancy was extremely flexible when I needed to change the date because of a storm. Nancy was an excellent teacher, demonstrating, encouraging and helpful throughout the day. I had a great time and came away with a small handstitched dish, and a bigger machine-stitched bowl."

flights-of-fantasy responded:

"You were great company Lucinda - glad we were able to re-organise so easily! Enjoy your basket-making activities....."

Ruth reviewed: The Comfort of the Cosy Crime: How to tap into your inner detective

"Well structured 2 hour online course.... The instructor was very engaging and well prepared. She was enthusiastic and sensitive in her feedback. Very interesting content and the time flew by."

Lily reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"I really enjoyed the course with Chris and Steve who were brilliant when we were making the glass. This course is fantastic! Angie, Chris and Steve were all so friendly towards everyone in the group. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning there and I highly recommend doing this experience because it's very hands on and you will return home with some really good pieces of glass. I surprised myself with what I produced that morning. Super awesome! Would love to do more! Thank you Angie, Chris and Steve!"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Lily, so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we really appreciate it. Kind regards Angie Steve and Chris"

Jenny Lowe reviewed: Introduction to Epoxy Resin Block Casting

"Had the best afternoon learning about resin with Dave who is very knowledgeable. Giving you great ideas, tips, tricks of the trade to get you started and give you the best results you can get. It’s a ‘hands on’ class which I enjoyed as I like to get my hands dirty (as they say). Can’t wait to see my block which I designed with Dave’s help. Already looking into supplies etc. Thanks Dave, really enjoyed it"

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Fantastic to meet you and so glad you enjoyed the afternoon Jenny, really kind of you to leave such a lovely review many thanks. Very best of luck with all your future projects Kindest regards Dave"

Meg reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Thank you Elaine for an absolutely brilliant course and welcoming us into your beautiful studio. I was a complete beginner before the course and can now say I have the spinning bug! This was a fantastic weekend, in a wonderful location. Elaine is an excellent teacher, guiding you expertly through the entire process, from processing the raw fleece to learning to draft and spin. I went home with my own handmade skein of yarn and now can’t wait for my own spinning wheel to arrive. Thank you very much Elaine, I hope to use this knowledge for many years to come and will treasure the memory of first spinning in your studio. If you have ever wanted to spin this course is an absolute must."

Cartmel Handspun Spinning School responded:

"Bless you Meg. I'm so pleased you enjoyed your course. You are a natural spinner and I hope you do indeed carry on spinning for many years to come - any maybe teach it to another generation ."

Jo Parris reviewed: Advanced felt picture making workshop - 'Fibre Fusion'

"I have now done 2 workshops with Karen , and really enjoyed both , she is an excellent teacher with kindness and patience for all abilities . The arm is roomy , light and airy , a great place for workshops ."

Karen Wyeth Contemporary Felt Artist responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review Jo, so pleased you enjoyed the workshops, and what lovely pictures you created!"

Graham Jagger reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I was apprehensive about my potential ability to create a knife, but Graham, from the off, gave us the confidence that if we did what we were told we would be fine. We were not mollycoddled but help and encouragement was swiftly available if help was needed. This made us more confident in 'owning' our work. It was a great feeling to be made to feel one of the work team. The teaching was so direct, spot on and couldn't have been better. This was the best course I have ever attended and I ended up with a fairly good looking useable knife of which I am proud. Thank you Graham David and Declan."

Graham Jagger reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I was apprehensive about my potential ability to create a knife, but Graham, from the off, gave us the confidence that if we did what we were told we would be fine. We were not mollycoddled but help and encouragement was swiftly available if help was needed. This made us more confident in 'owning' our work. It was a great feeling to be made to feel one of the work team. The teaching was so direct, spot on and couldn't have been better. This was the best course I have ever attended and I ended up with a fairly good looking useable knife of which I am proud. Thank you Graham David and Declan."

Carol reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"What an amazing day. Nicky even cancelled her day off to accommodate us at short notice. After the talk explaining how to use the tools, types of glass and what we needed to do, we were off... and away we went, creating our pieces of work, scoring, cutting and shaping the glass, and filing in the gaps with other smaller fragments of glass and glass sprinkles (frits). We made 3 pieces each (2 smaller ones and a big one) and along with Nicky's superb knowledge and guidance were pleased with our results at the end of the day and can't wait to see them after they have been in the kiln. We both had a beautiful relaxing day, sat in comfortable surroundings in a well stocked studio and would highly recommend the course. Thank you for all help Nicky. Hope to see you again in the future."

Mikey reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Great friendly atmosphere, clear instructions and lots of fun. Delighted to come away with a nice and functional object and some new skills."

Sonya reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"I had a lovely, calming afternoon learning macrame with Alice in her amazing studio. She was wonderfully patient and our small group were able to learn at our own pace. I completely recommend this workshop."

Alice reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Great course. Charlotte was a fantastic teacher and it was so nice to take something away that you had made. Definitely interested in making more silver clay jewellery in the future."

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Hi Alice, I'm really glad you enjoyed the workshop. The pendant you made was beautiful! Thank you for attending the workshop. Regards Charlotte"

Amy Bates reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"Sunday morning well spent with the amazing Geoff at Earth Pig Pottery. Lots of fun in a very relaxed, non-judgmental environment (basically he didn't laugh, or cry at our efforts). Highly recommend and will certainly be booking in for more sessions soon. Geoff has a lot of knowledge on pottery and is very passionate but without being boring or condescending. Thank you very much!! Amy and Tasha x"

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"Thank you for your very kind review. I'm glad you both enjoyed yourselves and I hope you'll be back to do more."

Christina Burgess reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"I have just completed a 1-day stain glass making course with Tejal. It was a really excellent day. I learnt so much from Tejal, who is a great teacher. The ambience, from the moment I arrived, was very welcoming and calm. The studio is beautiful in a garden setting. I had no idea what to expect but found the whole stained glass-making process, from start to finish, fascinating. Tejal has a way of explaining things in a way that is easy to comprehend. I am dyslexic, so often struggle with things initially, but I did not struggle on this course. I will definitely attend future courses and would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone interested in the creative arts, especially stained glass. Thank you, Tejal, for a brilliant and lovely day. Christina"

GlassSeasons responded:

"I am so grateful for your valuable feedback, it was a pleasure teaching and meeting you. Take care:)"

Jennifer Rietbergen reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"I can certainly recommend Claire's online linocut workshops - she has managed to make them really enjoyable and fun as well as very informative. And she shared some of her inspiring work with great tips on the different techniques, tools, etc. Claire paced the time perfectly so we learned lots while not feeling overwhelmed. Many thanks Claire!"

Liza reviewed: Asymmetrical Willow Basket Workshop

"Sarah is a warm and enthusiastic teacher with incredible skills and knowledge. She made learning to weave an asymmetrical basket clear and easy with demonstrations for each stage and was on hand to help at any point. It was a fantastic workshop, thoroughly recommended and a wonderful day spent making a beautiful basket."

Lorna Evett reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Really enjoyed my day, informative, Dawn very helpful and approachable. I had little experience of free motion and this course gave me pointers and more confidence to go ahead with projects."

Dawn Ireland Textile Artist responded:

"Hi Lorna, Thank you for coming to the workshop and for the review. I’m pleased it’s given you more confidence with free-machine embroidery."

Mark, Salisbury reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Ollie certainly knows his stuff and has the workshop and equipment to provide a great training opportunity. I attended for 3 days and focussed on the French polishing of a table and chair, and the preparation and rejuvenation of 2 other items. Ollie explains, demonstrates and monitors to develop the skills you need to achieve great results. Apart from gaining new abilities I really got to know some pieces of furniture that I have owned for some years and taken for granted. My eyes have been opened to look at furniture in a new way with greater appreciation of the craftsmanship of the product, and the joy from the natural material that is "wood"."

Jonathan reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"What to write ? How to express my 2-day experience in a few words ? For interest/inspiration, I cast an eye over the reviews of other participants - and found, that they all say exactly what I felt and experienced - they all reinforce our shared experience. Bill is 'passionate about his craft and teaching others'; he has 'a wealth of history and experience in the trade which he generously shares'; and, 'I left this workshop with too many skills to apply, an appreciation for the craft and an appetite to learn more.' Plus, of course, a need to practice ! His enthusiasm for the work, his patience as a teacher, and his warmth, his sense of humour ("Rocket Man") and his wealth of stories, made for a highly enjoyable couple of days. I really enjoyed learning from Bill - and I did learn and will practice - and with pleasure, highly recommend his courses."

Bespoke Leather responded:

"Thanks Jonathan, glad you enjoyed the course and that you will carry on the good work. Cheers Bill"