Latest reviews

Laura reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"Really lovely workshop. Thank you so much"

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Laura, lovely to have you on Saturday! Nic"

I Akerstrom reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Truly brilliant day! I booked the 1:1 course as a gift for my husband. Colin was in touch before the day with useful information and offered to talk through ideas. My husband had a very vague plan to make a toasting fork, which turned out amazingly thanks to Colin's help in designing and making - he got to try all sorts of tools and techniques! I wasn't expecting to do anything but take photos but Colin let me have a go too, so I had a little hook of my own to take away too. Neither of us had any handcraft experience but he made it so accessible - if you're considering it, I 100% recommend it!"

Geoff Kendall reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"My partner and I had an absolutely brilliant day with Jon at the forge last weekend. Jon quickly senses how much help you need in each of the many and interesting tasks involved in making a knife, and is happy to stand back while you do everything while always being ready to step in if needed. We left at the end of the day clutching something that we felt *we* made, which is brilliant. Jon is passionate about the craft and an excellent teacher. His energy and enthusiasm is infectious, which is really important as it really is a full day and I could imagine it feeling quite tedious with the wrong person. I thoroughly recommend a day at Kerr Forge - you won’t regret it!"

Joanne Hackett reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"This was my second course at the slipper studio. I enjoyed the blind embossing course so much that I decided to book a Lino cutting course for my daughter as a Christmas present. Liz is a fantastic teacher and makes you feel very welcome in her beautiful studio. The course had to be postponed due to snow but Liz was very flexible and we agreed a new date. Best Christmas present ever and some great prints made. Thanks Liz we lived our day with you and Bert ?."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jo & Louise, Great to work with you again and thanks for letting me know about your day. You both produced some lovely pieces and will hopefully be able to continue with more lino cutting and printing. I hope Louise’s prints will be a useful addition to her coursework. Best wishes Liz (and a sleeping Bert)"

sue down reviewed: Needle felt a blue tit (Midday on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays)

"The kit looked very inviting, well packed and comprehensive. Gwen was very welcoming and took time to explain everything. We were able to work at our own pace with Gwen going back over tricky areas. I was very pleased with the end result and would happily join another of her workshops. Thank you Gwen in"

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Hello Sue. It was an absolute pleasure meeting you the other day. I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed it. Thank you so much for your review!"

Sharon reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"This was a gift from my daughter and we went togther. Di could not be more delightful and this was such a fun day. I really recommend this work shop as its so nice to relax in a cool studio and come away feeling you have learnt a new skill. Great teaching."

Art on the Edge responded:

"Thank you Di"

Sue reviewed: Giacometti style bronzed animal sculpture one day workshop Suffolk one-to-one or max 4 students

"Just had a fantastic day with Di. This is a great fun workshop. Her studio is in such a lovely place and Di is a brilliant teacher. I came away with a really lovely figure. Highly recommended,"

Art on the Edge responded:

"Thank you. Hope it made a great Christmas present!!! Di"

Stu Ingram reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"I’ve been turning for a while. Never really been taught. Just kinda worked it out. I did a 6 hr session with Les. He is a subject specialist. His technical expertise and his eye for detail amazing, the delivery of the session was well balanced and perfectly pitched. Highly recommend picking his courses you will not be disappointed"

Pren responded:

"Thank you Stu. I thoroughly enjoyed our day and I trust that the skills your learnt will be of help to you in your future turning."

Shula Murdoch reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"Spent a lovely evening with Suzanne and Lynn. Met lovely people. Would recommend this for beginners."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Shula Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. You were a great group, and it was amazing to see how everyone's interpretation of Iona by Cadell turned out. Each one had its own individual style. I hope to welcome you back one day. With best wishes Lynn"

Anne reviewed: Needle felt a blue tit (Midday on Fridays and 3pm on Saturdays)

"A very enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. Well organised, with a very good and patient teacher. Will definitely be looking out for more courses with Gwen"

Gwen’s Felted Paintings responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind review Anne! It was lovely meeting you. I am so pleased you enjoyed the workshop ☺️"

Elaine reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"I attended this course in November and was so inspired to do more furniture restoration as a result! As a complete beginner to all things wood Ollie was really responsive in answering my questions and helped me to decide which course would best suit my needs. I chose an ambitious piece of furniture to do up on the course (side board cabinet) but learnt so many techniques under the helpful guidance of Ollie: stripping down the cabinet, sanding, and french polishing - each step of the way Ollie advised on the best techniques (as well as health and safety advice) and I was so proud with what I achieved. Ollie was great at responding to my questions and giving me advice on further pieces after the course. The workshop is situated in a beautiful location, and I throughly enjoyed my time on the course and would highly recommend it!"

JANICE reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"Hi Purnima Many thanks for your teaching and support today. What can I say but WOW did I enjoy it ! I felt terrified when you sent the outline for today's class . Without your help I wouldn't have known where to start. Once I started I didn't want to stop and couldn't believe how quickly time went as I was totally absorbed in painting. My confidence and technical knowledge /skill increased beyond my expectations for today. Please do more of these 2 Hour sessions. I will send you a copy of the 'masterpiece'.!!! Marks out of 5 ......6"

Barbera reviewed: Watercolour techniques for all - 4 week online course Tuesday evenings via Zoom

"I thoroughly enjoyed doing this course and whilst you are away I will attempt to do it in sepia."

Anita reviewed: Karma or Layered Sterling Silver Necklace Course (Merseyside)

"Carol was fantastic! Although the course was supposed to be for 2 1/2 hours, we spent FOUR hours with her. Nothing was too much trouble. My friend and I learned so much and had a brilliant time, both leaving with a beautiful karma pendant necklace!"

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Anita it was an absolute pleasure to meet you both. Hopefully, see you on another course in the near future."

Alison Albion reviewed: Karma or Layered Sterling Silver Necklace Course (Merseyside)

"This course was a gift from a group of wonderful friends . Wow! Absolutely brilliant! Thank you. My friend and I both made a triple ring karma pendant each. We were welcomed warmly and shown and talked through every step of the process. Carol went over and above to make sure that we were comfortable and extremely happy with our necklaces. We’re amazed at how professional our necklaces look - a wonderful gift and memory of a perfect day. Thank you Carol. We’ll be back."

La Jade responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Alison it was an absolute pleasure to meet you both. Hopefully, see you on another course in the near future."

Helen reviewed: Get Creative with Mosaics for 12-17 year olds with tutor Emma Abel

"My 8 year old daughter and I did this class just before Christmas. It was superb. Firstly Emma made us feel really welcome, was clearly extremely capable and looking at her pieces was inspirational. My daughter had drawn a picture as a basis for her mosaic and Emma worked with her to help explain how to build up the mosaic in a way that she could do it. The final piece looks stunning. I did something a bit more detailed and learnt so much. It was a small session, just three students and Emma so it was perfect for learning and Emma was able to adapt to each of our different abilities. My one word of advice is to closely watch Emma with the grouting, particularly the sides. I was trying to concentrate on my piece and watch and I should have downed tools for that bit. Thank you Emma. I really hope we will be back to learn more soon."

abelmosaics responded:

"Helen, it was a pleasure to introduce you and Molly to mosaics, thank you."

Tommy reviewed: Half Day Woodturning tuition from Registered Professional Turner Dorset, South West

"Second visit to Joe's workshop, another great day with a very talented chap."

Joe Creed-Kaile responded:

"Nice to teach you again, always great to see improvement!"

Tasha Hallett reviewed: Lettercarving in wood

"It was an awesome day! Andy and Mary are such a lovely couple and made me feel very welcome. The experience just made me smile inside and out all day. I would recommend this to anyone."

Angie reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Wow what an amazing day ! went way beyond my expectations- Rob is extremely knowledgeable and covered all the bases answering all questions and giving great tips and advice for beginner to more experienced Came away with beautiful candles which my family were convinced I had bought Really cannot rate the experience widely enough what are you waiting for - book now"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Angie - Thank you so much for the fantastic review. It was a real pleasure to have you on the course. Happy candle making! Rob"

Isaac/Jay reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"Amazing course - Rob kindly came to pick us up from Leamington station, and we had a wander round the lovely farm setting before the course. He is very knowledgeable on the matter of candles, and was happy to answer any questions we had, as well as talking us through the in depth technical process of candle making. We made 5 candles in different colours and scents, which came out wonderfully, and Rob was more than happy to give us another go when one didn't go to plan. Tea and snacks were provided as well as toilet facilities! All in all would thoroughly recommend, thank you Rob!"

The Wax Studio responded:

"Many thanks Issac & Jay, it was great to have you on the course and thank you for the kind review. All the best - Rob"

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

"My son had expressed an interest in learning about metal working/blacksmithing as part of his life skills. As he has an interest in Viking and Medieval history I was fortunate to find this one day introductory course, to make a Viking style knife. We were met with a friendly greeting by both John and Steve, who made us very welcome. Their instruction and guidance was excellent, with informative detail and a very gentil manner. This was ideal for my son who is on the autistic spectrum, but is functioning. He said it was an amazing day and he appreciated their patience and time to explain each step, and the encouragement he got from them. In the end he was proud of his achievement and the resulting final product. We would like to thank all the guys at the forge for a great day, and recommend them."

Beth reviewed: Glass blowing day experience

"Great full day experience! The teaching was great and we made some great pieces which I can’t wait to see. Would really recommend this course."

Bransfield Glassmakers responded:

"Thanks so much for your lovely comments, Beth!"

St.John Stidolph reviewed: Axe Making Class

"This is heavy work, using a sledge hammer for some time, but nothing the reasonably fit can not do. The instruction was clear and all explanations and answers were answered in good detail. A good day with an excellent axe to take home at the end of it. I highly recommend this to all with a desire to try their hand at blacksmithing."

Robert McArthur reviewed: Kitchen Knife Course

"I was fortunate enough to have one to one tuition with the skilled and enthusiastic Dave while I constructed a chef's knife with beautiful wooden scales, (handle). This is a great course and every operation takes you closer to the finished product. It was very satisfying to see the transformation of a flat piece of steel and two pieces of wood to the gleaming finished article. Highly recommend."

Hand forged Yorkshire responded:

"Hi Rob, many thanks indeed for leaving a review, really glad you enjoyed your day it was great having you in the forge. Kindest regards Dave"

Eva reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Such an inspirational day - if a little challenging for a novice like me. But Imogen was at hand to encourage and guide me along - thank you so much for a lovely day and for keeping us warm and “watered” in your beautiful studio."

Imogen Bittner Studio responded:

"It was lovely to meet and work with you and I certainly wouldn't describe you as a novice! Your unfamiliarity with the process and subject matter did not stop you producing an interesting and unique piece of work which I look forward to seeing when you have had time to finish it off. Having an open mind and no preconceived ideas often opens up the way to creativity!"