Latest reviews

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??"

Chris reviewed: Embossed Pewter Notebook and pen

"I did the online workshop and had a fabulous 3 1/2 hours creating my pewter embossed notebook. With no previous experience of this craft, I thoroughly enjoyed the process and having a completed notebook and pen at the end was brilliant. Having received a craft course voucher as a birthday present, I can recommend that; as a gift, or, just to try something different, this workshop is a great choice. Thank you to Melanie who is a patient and encouraging teacher!"

Michelle - Mish reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Wow, what can I say a truly fantastic day in a beautiful setting. You think you know how to make candles and then you attend Jo’s course and realise you know nothing! She explained everything so thoroughly and also offered valuable advice, whether you need the course for just making candles for yourself or setting up a new business ??"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much Michelle. It was really lovely to meet you and I'm excited to see your onward journey. If you need help, shout! x"

NEIL BEARNE reviewed: Blacksmithing experience in Grassington (5 hours)

"Excellent course....Richard was a brilliant and i thoroughly enjoyed it...im hoping to go back to do another one soon!"

Nina Becket reviewed: Fused glass taster course

"Fabulous - Excellent guidance, materials and a lovely way to spend some creative time."

Cosy Creative Crafts responded:

"It was a pleasure to work with you and join in your creativity"

L Sutherland reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking with Gedwood

"Best birthday present ever. The course has really inspired me to try and learn more about working with green wood. I was so proud of my rolling pin! It gave a great feeling of achievement. Thank you so much Ged for a brilliant day."

Gedwood responded:

"Ah thanks Laura. Better get baking with that fine ash rolling pin now?"

Mark Simmonds reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Neil was a great instructor and kept us engaged throughout the day. I look forward to more workshops in the future. As a chef, a knife making course would be wonderful."

Emily Doherty reviewed: Interior design and decor onsite 5 week course

"I enrolled on Nikki’s course when COVID lockdown blues were at an all time high. I needed something to help make me feel engaged, connected and creative. And I’m so very thankful I found this course. We were in the middle of a loft conversion and renovation where lots of the decorating choices had been rushed and I was keen to carve out one room that I could take my time with and would have some design control over. The course was supposed to take 5 weeks - but with mothering, working and trying to carve out time for the course Nikki was completely flexible and accommodating and allowed me the time I needed to undertake the readings, tasks and homework’s at my own pace. The phone consultations, which happen at the end of each week were an all time highlight - bespoke, supportive, encouraging and educational. I couldn’t have asked for better. I loved the course materials and have been revisiting them as I refine the design for the room I chose to work on and I’m reassured to know I have that knowledge now going forwards for other parts of the house that need decorating or styling. I did this for fun and it was - Nikki is utterly fabulous! Go on ... treat yourself!"

Scott Leith reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"Fantastic shavehorse course with Ged, couldn't wait for day two, great set up to work in, looking forward to a return visit."

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Scott. Hope to see yo again soon☺"

Jeff Buttress reviewed: Make your own shavehorse with Gedwood

"My second course with Ged....First was an Introduction to Pole Lathe turning where I made 4 whisky tumblers and this latest course where I made a shave horse. Excellent course, great tuition, good company and a lovely shave horse to bring home at the end of it. A nice relaxing weekend and I learnt a lot. I think I will need to make an ash gate or maybe more experience on the pole lathe next time. I will be back."

Gedwood responded:

"..thanks Jeff! Be great to have you back on another course!?"

Gordon reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"A fascinating day, well out of my usual comfort zone. We start with a small bar of iron and finish with a basic knife, all without cutting, simply "hammer and tongs" (and a lot of heat). Come with clothes able to get dirty (this is a forge, not an exhibition) and you will get very hot at times. I liked being treated as an Adult but with careful safety briefings. I felt that Spike really got the best from us all, and he carefully helped when my skills were struggling. Allow time to find the place on the site, it takes a while and is not that clearly signposted (not at all at the start). Bring your own (simple) lunch, as the serving time for a sandwich take-away at a café on site was rather long."

Claire P reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I attended one of Helen's fused glass workshops at the Butterfly Effect Studio with two family members and a friend. It was a brilliant experience which we thoroughly enjoyed and we left very proud of all the things we had made. We were a mixed group of absolute novice to more experienced crafters, all new to fused glass. Helen's kind, supportive and effective tuition enabled all of us to achieve some impressive fused glass makes. She creates a very relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere as she shares her talent with you. I thoroughly recommend this and trying any of her courses."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Claire, thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to submit this review. I’m thrilled you all enjoyed the workshop as a brief introduction to fused glass. Each one of you created something amazing and I enjoyed your enthusiasm and company. I hope to see you at future workshops and perhaps we can encourage David to have another go at joining us in our creative adventures!"

Siân James reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"I’m delighted with the beautiful notebook I made on the course. I was lucky enough to do a course in person at the Burford Literary Festival but I’m sure it will work really well on Zoom as you can get a close up of the demonstration more easily. Lorna was so patient and enthusiastic and I learnt not just about bookbinding but lots about independent publishing. A lovely way to spend a couple of hours learning a new craft."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you so much for joining us. So glad you enjoyed the workshop! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Elise Warrant reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"I had always wanted to learn how to crochet but was lacking the skills needed. Then I attended Tash's lessons. She is an amazing teacher. Extremely passionate, about what she does, but also super patient. Always happy to help and repeat what she has just said and to sit with you and show one on one how to complete the instructions just given."

Kate Reed reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"This course has been absolutely amazing for developing my (previously non existent!) crochet skills. Natasha is a wonderful teacher and all round lovely person and I can’t thank her enough for giving me this skill which, over the last three years, has provided me with untold hours of blissful crafting and yarny goodness :-)"

Sarah reviewed: Beginner Crochet 6 Week Course

"Absolutely loved this course. I could never get the hang of crochet watching YouTube videos on repeat but Tash was able to explain & show the crochet so easily that I was able to pick it up. I’ve since crocheted sooooo many things thanks to Tash’s guidance."

gail singleton-parkes reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I had a fantastic day on the beginners lampwork course. Toni put me totally at ease in a calm and friendly atmosphere. I had great fun learning a new skill, everything paced to my speed of working and learning. I would recommend to anybody. Thank you Toni"

CG Crafts responded:

"Hi Gail, Thank you, it was lovely to meet you and teach you how to make glass beads. I hope you make something lovely with them. Best wishes, Toni"

Marie reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Absolutely fabulous day, tutor Kate was fantastic and explained everything really clearly. So much to cover in the session and the time just flew by. Everyone went home with such amazing pieces. Wish you were nearer and I could attend the weekly sessions. Sorry this years one day workshops are all booked up but hope to see you again next year."

Fran Broady reviewed: Silk scarf Painting

"This is a fabulous course in a beautiful venue, led by experienced and highly skilled tutors who made us feel supported and relaxed at every stage. As a newbie to silk painting, the alchemy of the process was a revelation to me and it was so exciting to see my first scarf design taking shape. I was thrilled to find that, even with my lack of artistic skills and experience, it was possible to create such a beautiful result. Liz catered skilfully for people at all levels, taking us through the process before we did our test pieces to experiment with the materials and technique. While beginners learned the basics, more experienced students focused on developing their ideas, technique and range. Liz and Pia were on hand, listening to each person's questions and approach and offering useful suggestions and advice at each stage. It was fascinating to see the wide range of designs and approaches across the group, with each scarf reflecting the individual's personality and approach. In all, an inspiring creative escape. Highly recommended."

Norfolk Crafts Workshop responded:

"Fran, thank you so much for your amazing review. We are so glad you enjoyed the silk scarf workshop as much as we did."

Jill Jones reviewed: The Human Face Explored - One-day Creative Drawing Workshop in lovely Narberth

"I spent a really enjoyable day playing with charcoal and exploring the human face in Louise’s bright and welcoming studio. Having had no art instruction since O Levels (50+ years ago), I felt a little nervous about what to expect. I needn’t have worried. Louise is very friendly and encouraging and gradually takes you through various exercises leading on to a final portrait using the techniques taught. I learned such a lot and came away wanting to do more! I recommend Louise’s course and would encourage you to ‘have a go’ whatever your ability. Thank you Louise, I’m looking forward to my ‘Colour’ workshop in a few weeks time!"

Louise Burdett Artist responded:

"What a wonderful review, thanks so much Jill. I'm glad you feel you got so much out of the workshop. I look forward to seeing you again soon for our colour day. Louise x"

Sarah Mitchell reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"I throughly enjoyed this one day course. Kate was an excellent tutor, generous with her time and knowledge. Everything was clearly set out and accessible and the whole day was a huge success. Thank you."

Jane Cryne reviewed: Block Printing on fabric in Derbyshire.

"Liz is a really excellent facilitator who was very welcoming and made sure we all felt comfortable in her lovely studio. All very covid safe. The course was just the right length and pace so as to accommodate printing novices like me and also my friend who had a little more exprience. Preparation was good, so I had everything I needed, although I'd prepared some images on Pinterest and it's worth noting phone signal is not great so bring printed images or photographs stored on your device that don't rely on being online. It was nice to have a 'tech break' in fact. All resources provided were of high quality and Liz gave many tips throughout the process that will be easy to remember and follow at home. I look forward to more printing at home and hopefully another day in the studio soon."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Jane, Thanks for taking the time to review your workshop and I’m really pleased you enjoyed your creative day at The Slipper Studio. You produced some lovely pieces and quickly developed the necessary skills for cutting and printing, so I hope you can continue with this addictive process. It would be lovely to see you back at the studio for some further creative opportunities. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Kate Ogden reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"Best days crafting I have had in a long time. Georgina is just beyond lovely and explained everything so well. We got to make some amazing pieces of jewellery while having so much fun as a group. I will defo be booking onto another course with her and would recommend her to anyone who wants to give silver clay work a try."

Jackie A reviewed: Fused glass workshop at The Butterfly Effect Studio near Halford

"I have done a couple of fused glass courses with Helen, and have really enjoyed them. Helen is a fantastic teacher; she is patient and encouraging, and full of knowledge about the subject. Her calm and supportive manner instantly puts the students at ease, and she is always on hand with ideas and constructive comments, if needed. Helen goes above and beyond to make sure that all students have something to take away that they can be proud of. She provides all the materials needed, as well as plenty of refreshments for hungry and thirsty crafters! I would not hesitate to recommend one of Helen's courses to anyone wishing to try their hand at crafting."

Butterfly Effect Studio responded:

"Hi Jackie, that’s so kind of you to write your review, I really do appreciate it. It’s always great having your company, you are keen to learn new methods of working with a range of materials/techniques and I’m sure the recipients of your fused glass gifts were thrilled. Now all we need to do is sort out your felted nativity tableau, hopefully in time for this Christmas, no pressure!"

Wendy B reviewed: Fused glass - fossil vitra

"This was a great course with an excellent tutor in Karen. I learnt a lot in a relaxed and friendly environment with Karen encouraging me to try various techniques. I was shown and given the opportunity to make trial pieces in the morning with the afternoon making 2 larger pieces. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to try the Fossil Vitra process"