Latest reviews

Sue reviewed: Mosaic/chat/create! with award winning mosaicist Emma Abel

"As a complete beginner to the art of mosaics, I found this was a perfect course. Emma's knowledge and teaching skills gave me confidence and turned a new challenge into a very enjoyable experience. I am looking forward to attending some more of Emma's courses in the future. Thank you Emma."

abelmosaics responded:

"Thank you for this Sue, your turtle mosaic looks wonderful. You created a very neat and tidy mosaic and I loved your choice of subtle browns and greens against the water. I look forward to seeing you again on another workshop. Emma"

Sarah Tullett reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A brilliant 1 day course with dedicated 1-1 tuition. Alex was an excellent and positive mentor and enabled me to realise my paper weight idea within the time. A very traditional forge located in a beautiful rural museum. Absolutely loved it and would thoroughly recommend."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Sarah, Thanks so much for the great review, it means a lot and am glad you enjoyed the blacksmith experience. All the best Alex"

Philippa Davies reviewed: Creative Drawing Workshop for beginners in lovely Lawrenny

"This is the third course I've taken at Louise's lovely studio - and I may have enjoyed this one most of all! Louise is very action focussed as a teacher, so you start drawing early on in the session, and this means you get three pieces to take home...which is so gratifying. But she doesn't hurry you at all, just motivates and encourages with comments, tips and demonstration. So you're able to totally immerse yourself in your creative process and focus, which is both deeply relaxing and restorative. Highly recommend Louise's courses and will be back for more."

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"Thank you for your great review Pippa. It was a delight to see you again and I enjoyed working with you. See you again soon I hope. Louise x"

Angela Powell reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"What a fabulous way to switch off for a few hours! I did the 3hr course and was amazed at how much we were all able to make! Especially as we enjoyed a lovely lunch at Oscos within that time. Helen made glass fusing so accessible to all and her enthusiasm was infectious. Once our creative juices kicked in, there was no stopping us! I was over the moon with the results of my pendant necklace, coaster and soap dish. I'd love to do a full day's course to truly immerse myself."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Angela, thanks for taking the time to leave a review, I do appreciate it. I’m delighted that you enjoyed the workshop, it was a lively group that day, plenty of fun and giggles but lots of creativity too. Your pieces were really fabulous, great colour palette. And I agree, OSCO’s is a great venue too. I look forward to seeing you at one of my full day workshops in the future."

Victoria Morris reviewed: Coptic bookbinding kits in puffin design

"Excellent product."

Nant Designs responded:

"Thankyou for your feedback Victoria. Much appreciated Carole"

Libby reviewed: Landscape art 10-week interactive online course with live tuition

"I would like to thank you for a really interesting and a course full of colour magic. You certainly have made me start looking at things with colour in mind instead of just ‘black and white’ so to speak. Libby"

Stephen Penfold reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The day spent with Alex was great and well worth the long wait due to covid etc! My goal was to make a set of house numbers and Alex patiently guided me through each new step but was happy to let me get on with repetitive tasks once mastered! The project took all day, which flew by and I went home a happy camper with my new numbers. Alex is a great teacher with his forge in a fab location, would recommend this course to anyone with an interest in traditional crafts."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Stephen. I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thought it was worth the wait. All the best with the volunteering. Alex"

Steve Gubbins reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I've attended many various courses over the years, and it's rare to find somebody like Siobhan who's palpable passion for her art is linked with the ability to impart her vast knowledge in such a professional, fun and friendly way. Very inclusive, hot on Covid measures, approachable, GSH, oh, and the lunch was delicious, even for a dedicated carnivore!! Well worth giving it a go. You'll learn more than anticipated. Highly recommend!!"

Julie Turnbull reviewed: Online Lino Printing Course with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A great afternoon learning about linocut printmaking. An online workshop, Claire provided a really informative, creative and fun learning experience using two cameras including a close up of her working bench and hands so we could visually see very clearly the techniques she was using. The pace of the session was just right, with Claire offering support and advice throughout. A very relaxed environment, engaging and inspiring which, even as beginners, allowed us all to create some great work. I highly recommend!"

Pamela Collins reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I went to one of Helen's 5-hour workshops and I'm so glad I did. I am a complete novice, but we were provided with a great array of materials and all the tools we needed to complete several items. Helen's a great teacher; helpful and encouraging. After quite a brief introduction on the main things to remember, we were off. We created what we wanted, to our own design, but she knew just when to step in with invaluable guidance. If you're thinking of doing one of Helen's workshops - go for it. Not only will you have an enjoyable afternoon, you'll have a lovely sense of achievement when you see your finished items."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hello Pamela, this was so thoughtful of you to submit the review, I do appreciate it. I was pleased you enjoyed the day and what beautiful pieces you created, especially the tea light holders, I remember these were going to be gifts and I’m sure the recipients were delighted. It would be great to see you again at one of the workshops, I’ll keep you posted of any new dates."

Anne Duncan reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Helen is a skilled tutor and happy to share her extensive knowledge of glass and design to help you create some amazing items. The care and attention given throughout the day and afterwards gives you the best feeling. I made Christmas decorations in September and I can’t wait to see them hanging on my tree! Thank you for a great day Helen."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hello Anne, this is so kind of you to take the time to write a review. It was great to meet you and Keith and I was impressed that you both worked so studiously, producing such beautiful pieces. I hear you are continuing your fused glass adventure and I’m more than happy to help/ advise anyway I can. Hope to see you both soon."

Keith Duncan reviewed: Fused glass items at Bonds with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio

"Book this course!! Helen is amazing, with endless patience and knowledge Helen supports everyone individually to make the best use of the huge selection of glass materials she provides. The day is well organised with a lovely atmosphere. After the course Helen takes the pieces you have made to her studio where she spends time carefully firing them and then either mounting or drilling to create a beautiful finish. Updates are given as your pieces move through the workshop processes and very quickly your glass is available for collection at the course venue or sent to you in the post. My wife and I have attended many very good workshops but Helen’s was outstanding!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Keith, thank you for taking the time to send this review and for your kind words. It was great meeting you and Anne and I was impressed with how well you both used the tools & materials, both creating really beautiful pieces. I’m also delighted that you are both going to continue your explorations of this craft and potentially introduce your granddaughter to it too, I did warn you it’s addictive! I look forward to seeing you both soon."

Emma Khan reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Highly recommended! There are many candle making courses out there, but I'm so glad I picked this one! I chose this course over others to learn about the business side of things, as well as making candles. Jo's knowledge is invaluable in this department and was happy to answer all questions in depth. For anyone embarking on their candle making career, this really is a fantastic course. The day was thoroughly enjoyable; we made a variety of candles and wax melts and came away with a lovely goodie bag and gorgeous products, that I can't believe I actually made! Thank you Jo for a fantastic day!"

Ali Wilson reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"Thank you for your class on drawing techniques Kate. I hadn’t drawn for ages and this course gave me the tools to get started again rather than looking at a blank page. Lots of hints and tips too, as well encouragement which was confidence building. Kate readily zoomed in on my need to be more expansive and experimental. I am certainly going to try and build upon this very positive start and experience. A great 2 hour session which went in a flash! Good value for money."

Kate West responded:

"Hi Ali, Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review, especially such a lovely one, concise and to the point with everything I was aiming to achieve with this workshop. Remember to drop me an email if you need any pointers or encouragement! It would be great to see your work - I can put it up on here to if you wish?"

Jane Goff reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I did this course it was amazing. I didn’t think I would be able to crochet as I didn’t have a clue. Natasha was brilliant she had so much patience with us all. I was sad when the course finished."

Kath Tobin reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I've done various courses with Ray's Room, both online and in person. I have learnt a lot and produced some lovely things which I am very proud of. Natasha is a calm and patient teacher, nothing is too much trouble, everything is clearly explained and we all have fun. I highly recommend the courses."

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

"Attended the Blended Monkey for the day with my wife, we both had a great time learnt some new skills and experiences. Would recommend it to anyone and I would be surprised if we are not back again at some point to take one of the skills further. You can't give a much better recommendation."

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

"It was lovely to meet you both and have you in the woodturning and pottery studios for your 2 Crafts in 1 Day experience. We're really pleased you enjoyed your workshops and would love to welcome you back again sometime. You made some lovely pieces. Well done!"

Craig Michel reviewed: 1 on 1 gem cutting: standard round brilliant or diamond cut: meetpoint faceting

"Had a fantastic time with James, a very insightful lesson. Enjoyed James's company, he is an exceptionally talented cutter and always willing to give advice during and after the course. Thanks James!"

Treasureworks responded:

"That's awesome to read Craig, thank you very much! It was great to meet and instruct you in lapidary, I had a great time. Thank you! Regards, James :)"

Jane F reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"What a fabulous day with Judith in her lovely home. Felt very comfortable with her Covid protocols. Having never tried Lino cut printing, my expectations for the day were quite modest but these were well & truly exceeded and I came away with about a dozen different variations of a two colour beach hut. Judith was a fantastic tutor- the right balance of demonstrating and then letting me ‘get on with it’. Would highly recommend the day & would love to return in future."

Nicola reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"Amazing course - the tutor was a font of knowledge! Calm, welcoming, took her time to make sure everyone could follow next steps and managed to work at different places tailored to each attendee so every person got the most out of each session. Could not recommend this course more! If you're looking for a great course that will help you with crochet, this is it. You won't find better and it's great value for money too!"

Lynn Davidson reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"What a fabulous way to spend a morning! I have never done anything like this before and Toni was perfect at creating a relaxed atmosphere with her extensive knowledge, inspiring teaching, encouragement and advice on various techniques all imparted at your own pace. A couple of days later, after Toni has finished off the beads in her kiln, you receive a package of the lovely beads you've created! Great fun and I would definitely recommend."

CG Crafts responded:

"Thanks Lynn, so pleased that we finally managed to do the class after Covid delays. You both did brilliantly."

Wendy Pettitt reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I attended this course with my Husband. We really enjoyed it. The group was friendly and relaxed. We learnt a lot about making different types of candles and went away with a box of lovely candles. The time just flew by. I can highly recommend this course."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thanks Wendy for taking the time to write your kind review. Glad you both had a good time All the best Rob"

Sue Smart reviewed: Silk scarf Painting

"What a joy to learn a new skill in beautiful surroundings. All materials provided in a calm and supportive setting. The tuition was clear, followed by plenty of support and advice, as needed. All provided by highly skilled and lovely creative people. Can thoroughly recommend this course - and the results are surprisingly good!"

Norfolk Crafts Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much Sue for your kind review. We are so pleased you enjoyed the day."

Sue reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I came to these crochet classes already able to crochet the basic stitches, but with Natasha's guidance I was able to enhance my skills and can now read patterns, and undertake any project in crochet. So these classes are NOT just for beginners: use them to improve your ability, give you the confidence to learn some new techniques, and even get to know new people"

Carley reviewed: Fused glass workshop with Helen from The Butterfly Effect Studio in Halford.

"I enjoyed every minute of this course; Helen is a friendly, approachable, positive and inspiring teacher with all the kit needed to create beautiful items. I made Christmas tree ornaments, pendants and a chicken (!) - so plenty of time and different materials to make lots of unique pieces, some of which were fired on the day to take home (the other items were delivered within a a few days). The venue was lovely and so was the lunch, cake and coffee. Great value for money. Thanks Helen!"

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Carley, I really appreciate you taking the time to submit your review. It was a lovely group at that particular workshop and I really enjoyed everyone’s company. You worked so enthusiastically and produced some stunning pieces- I often wonder where you put your chicken, it was fabulous & really made me smile! Thanks again, I do hope you’re able to join us at another workshop in the future??"