Latest reviews

Karen Fiedler Booth reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I highly recommend this workshop, it is such an enjoyable day! Liz is a very welcoming host and teacher. Her knowledge is considerable, which she happily shares throughout the day. She provides plenty of inspirational examples of gel prints, and her explanations and demonstrations of the process is very clear. She is constantly encouraging and gives some helpful tips and suggestions for how you might develop your own work, and experiment with different colour combinations and printing tools. The day is perfectly paced, as we progressed from making background prints to making up layers of more complex prints. What was great was that Liz showed you how you could make wonderful prints even without much experience, and I think it might become quite addictive! Liz’s studio is a beautiful working environment, exceptionally comfortable and well equipped. Copious amounts of tea and biscuits through the day! She provides detailed notes of the day to take home, so helpful and generous with her knowledge. I came away with a bag full of prints, I had learned so much and had a lot of fun doing it. A fantastic day. Thank you Liz, hope to join you again on another amazing learning experience!"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Karen, Thank you for such a thoughtful response to your day at The Slipper Studio - it’s really appreciated. It’s always a pleasure to work with you as you have such an openness to new ideas and techniques. I quite agree that gel plate printing is addictive, so let’s hope you enjoy many more leisurely days and evenings creating your beautiful prints. Very best wishes Liz Wellby"

andrew Martin reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A brilliant two day course, starting with a log and finishing with a beautiful bench. Peter and Toby gently guided our group through the processes we need to complete our chosen pieces. The instructions were clearly delivered and easy to understand and the tools were all a joy to use. The location was fabulous and the weekend flew by. Definitely looking to attend another course in the near future."

Carol Rowlinson reviewed: Beginners Silver Jewellery Course

"Thank you so much for a wonderful course yesterday. Very informative, fun, and relaxed but so productive. We thoroughly enjoyed the day. I came away with two rings and a keyring and am really really pleased with the results. It was lovely to meet you both. I would absolutely recommend this course. Thanks again."

Neil Morgan reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"My sons gave me a craftcourses voucher for my birthday which I finally redeemed recently. The blacksmith day was excellent. Neil is a good instructor, the day is well structured and in the end you have your work to take away. There were three of us which worked well around the forge with an anvil each. The forge is steeped in history and the craft is almost timeless. Recommended!"

Julie Russell reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Excellent two-day course giving a good mix of theory and practical with lots of advice thrown in by the enthusiastic team. Really nice to create a real wall, not one that will be taken down by the next cohort."

Sue L reviewed: Patchwork cushion kits - to make yourself

"I originally had a problem with the cushion kits I received, but on speaking to Jacqueline, she was incredibly helpful and replaced the kits by return post. The kits are really lovely and the instructions for assembling the pieces are very straightforward and easy to understand. I am really pleased with the finished products. Can’t thank Jacqueline at Bee-spoke Quilts enough for all her help."

Bee-spoke Quilts responded:

"Sue Many thanks for your positive comments. I am glad you enjoyed making the cushion kits."

Nicola Crook reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"I had a wonderful day learning the art of monoprinting using Gelli plates at the gloriously beautiful Slipper Studio with Liz Wellby. Liz is a great teacher and facilitator, allowing us to take our own pace whilst at the same time keeping to schedule of the day. I couldn't believe how much we learnt and produced in a day! It has inspired me to use the process in my own work and I certainly would recommend this class and Liz to anyone who wants a good learning adventure."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Nicky, Thank you for taking the time to review your day - it’s much appreciated. It was a lovely day and great to see how you clearly got so much from the workshop experience. I think this process will be a really useful addition to you and also support your painting. Looking forward to seeing you in September for a playful with wire and paper. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Janet Gardner reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Materials, tuition and delivery all excellent , a very rewarding and enjoyable morning. Will be signing up for next course and recommending to friends."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

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

Phil reviewed: Introduction to herbal medicine - weekend courses

"I booked this course for my Wife's birthday and we both thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Since we've both been so hermit like since COVID appeared, the informal yet risk-aware atmosphere made it easier to just relax and enjoy the course .... it was a lovely group of folks attending too."

Rowan Mconegal responded:

"So pleased to hear you enjoyed the course phil, and to read your positive comments ? many thanks"

Vicci Holmes reviewed: Create with a gel printing plate in Derbyshire

"What a fantastic workshop! Just everything about it and of course Liz, who shares a wealth of knowledge and experience with you. This is the second printmaking workshop that I have attended with Liz and I knew with this session that I would be in for a treat and I was going to be leaving with a million different ideas to do at home and at school. Liz guides you through each stage of the process and makes it easy for you to follow with demonstrations and exemplar pieces from her own collection. She is also on hand to answer any questions throughout the day. I loved the personalised gift bag with step-by-step instructions, the resources, handmade card and a sweet treat that greet you to use during the session and to take home with you. The experience itself really opened up my eyes and ideas to printmaking and something I really hope to be able to share with my students and colleagues a like. I was amazed at just how much work could be achieved and the many different options available to then develop your work with colours and the variety of tools and techniques. Lovely and relaxed environment, great hospitality and facilities and easy enough to park just a few steps away. I'd certainly recommend this workshop to anyone who enjoys being creative and creating work for fun or others and perhaps anyone like myself, who teaches, and looking to develop their own skill base and to pass on to students. I hope to be back one day again in the future. Thank you, Liz."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Vicci, Wow! That’s a cracking review and very much appreciated. It has been a pleasure working with you and lovely to help and support a fellow teacher. You have lots of great ideas already and your students should love the work you intend to deliver this year. I will be very happy for you to return to The Slipper Studio. Good luck with the new school year. Liz"

Tom Golesworthy reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Really enjoyed the course with Richard, who was a great tutor. The entire process was well explained, providing a theoretical understanding of how resin works and behaves, and giving us the knowledge we need to be able to successfully create projects at home. The concept of the class was based around river tables, but the knowledge can be applied to any project involving resin. The workspace was thoughtfully appointed, with everything we needed. It also felt very safe from a Covid perspective."

Peter Swarbrick reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"The Lake District has many hidden gems. This course is one of them - what a great course. Mark makes you most welcome and explains everything so well. There is an emphasis on safety which is excellent. While I have been woodworking for years I learned a lot of new techniques which will improve my finishing skills. All my friends are amazed at the box I made. It's made me so keen on box making I've been on line and bought some new equipment. What a great hobby for the winter months. Well done Mark. May you and your courses flourish."

Simon Danischewsky reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Judith was very welcoming and attentive to the relevant 'precautions' needed in current circumstances... Both Alison and myself found the course informative and a great introduction into printmaking which we intend to pursue. The provision of equipment and materials was really good and we were both able to produce multiple examples work which we are very pleased with. We both would recommend this workshop as being very much "fit for purpose" and enervating...thank you and oh yes...the coffee and biscuits...and cake...mmmm"

print paper stitch experiences responded:

"Thank you Simon, it was a pleasure to meet and work with you and Alison for the day. Enjoy printing in your new studio space!"

Sarah reviewed: Creative coil pots - Introduction

"Molly was fabulous, a great couple of hours and a super pot at the end of it all! Really enjoyable."

Molly Brown's Emporium responded:

"Thank you Sarah, glad you are pleased with what you made. The wonderful thing about this workshop is seeing all the different ways people make their pots. Thanks for coming, Molly"

Sarah Nesbitt reviewed: Natural skincare product-making workshop with aromatherapy

"Lisa was warm, friendly and so full of knowledge. It was a great introduction to making your own products, it was also great fun to make the sample products and come away with it. Well worth it!"

LJ Natural responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Sarah. I'm so glad you enjoyed it."

Graham Leach reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had always been interested in taking up woodturning ever since the afternoon at school many years ago when I was allowed to try out the lathe in the woodwork class. So I was delighted when my wife gave me this one-day course (and a lathe!) as a birthday present. The moment I arrived, I was made to feel very welcome by Louise and Simon. As a beginner I was very conscious of the piece of wood spinning on the lathe and the laws of physics, on the grounds that it is not natural for part of a tree to spin horizontally at 1000 rpm! However, Simon explained the issues around safety and safe practice, which was very reassuring. I had great fun turning up my first project - a honey dipper - during which Simon taught the principles of turning coves and beads. In the afternoon, I produced a bowl, again with Simon's guidance. He is an expert tutor; his teaching style is relaxed but professional and the course is taught in a workshop that is well equipped and well organised. I took along my own recently purchased turning tools, which Simon checked over and tweaked to ensure they worked efficiently. I now understand the purpose of each of the gouges, and was also shown how to sharpen the tools and the different types of grind that I can try out. He also gave advice on the care and storage of woodturning blanks. After the course Simon emailed the course notes to me, plus the videos that were shot during the day - these are really helpful. At the end of the day I was fired with enthusiasm and felt much more confident about the practice of woodturning. My daughter has already asked me if I could make her a bedside table with turned legs. In at the deep end! Louise provided an excellent lunch, and tea and coffee appeared at just the right times. I would thoroughly recommend this course, and Blended Monkey, to anyone interested in learning a new skill, or extending their knowledge. I might even go back and try the pottery workshop!"

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

"Hi Graham, Thank you so much for your detailed review - it means a lot to us. We would obviously welcome you back if you'd like to try your hand at ceramics and good luck with the bedside table! -- Simon & Louise"

Janet Shipley reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Had a wonderful day. Very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Jonny and Becky were so patient and good teachers. I will now always appreciate the work that goes into the making of baskets. Cannot believe that I actually came away with a decent size basket that I had made with their help and guidance, it has pride of place in my home. Also had lovely lunch too. Would definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants a good day out in good company and have something to show for it at the end."

Theresa Buhryn reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"Great day - highly recommend"

Andrew Francis reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"A really superb teaching course. Peter’s style is informative, nurturing and gentle. He is able to impart his knowledge and expertise in a really supportive style which results in all the students being able to create an individual piece of green woodwork, many without any prior experience. I would certainly recommend the course and will be looking to attend again myself. Thank you Peter."

Laura reviewed: Silver Jewellery making class at Sandra Kerns Jewellery studio, Little Sampford

"Brilliant course, really good taster session. I was lucky enough to have 1 to 1 tuition. The tutor was excellent and really went through each skill and you got to produce two items to treasure. Definitely recommended."

David reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Kingsley is a knowledgeable and easy going teacher explaining every step of the bag making process in a very relaxed way. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and will be booking another course with Kingsley very soon. If you have never done anything like this before give it a go you will not be disappointed."

Laetitia Gabrielli reviewed: Throwing for beginners

"Both I (with little experience in throwing) and my stepdaughter (16 years old, total beginner) really enjoyed this course ! We both learned and improved a lot ! Charlie explained everything very well, he I was very patient, he took time with each of us to go through all the different steps till we succeed making lovely mugs ! I definitely recommend this course to anyone who’s is new at throwing !"

Judy reviewed: Powertex art journal/canvas workshop

"I've just had the most enjoyable and rewarding afternoon under Marie's expert, artistic tuition. I absolutely love using Powertex and the possibilities are endless. I would highly encourage anyone to do this course as it is both relaxing and creative, plus Marie is very knowledgeable and kind. Thank you Marie ?"

Alison Brough reviewed: Explore your Creativity in Enamels - an introductory morning of enamelling for 2 people

"My daughter and I spent a very happy morning with Christine. She taught us with great attention and patience and we were delighted to go home with presentable artwork! It was lovely to spend time with someone so skilled and knowledgeable and so willing to share. Highly recommended - thank you, Christine"

Original Kiln-fired Enamelled Jewellery responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you both, Alison. Thank you for coming. Your enthusiasm to learn and keen interest in the process and materials made for a great morning. You’re far too modest about the results - lovely work!"

Andrea moores reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Preston, Lancashire

"Attended the footstool upholstery workshop this weekend, small group of ladies, very nice location. Jo is a lovely teacher, giving step by step instruction as we progressed making a footstool, lots of useful advice and help. There was a wonderful afternoon tea available and refreshments on hand all day. I would definetly reccommend one of Jo's workshops and I made a beautiful footstool which i am very proud of and look forward to doing further upholstery projects."

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you want to do more upholstery projects following the workshop Andrea. That tells me you were inspired which is wonderful. Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate them. Jo x"