Latest reviews

Kathryn Salmond reviewed: Introduction to Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I had not done any Lino printing since secondary school and so was really excited to learn about it again and have a go. Judith made the whole process so enjoyable; she guided me through each step of the process and was so friendly and kind. The art/craft space was also incredibly beautiful and well organized. The whole experience was fun, engaging and rather therapeutic! I now have some beautiful prints to display (and book recommendations to read!). I would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to give Lino printing a go! Thank you so much Judith!"

Geoff reviewed: Basic automata and mechanical toy making

"Thanks Stef for a brilliant day. I was a bit dubious at the start whether I would be able to complete the Frustrated Fisherman as there were numerous intricate parts to cut out, clean up and paint before assembling the automaton. Stef was very patient and meticulous in making sure that I had copied everything exactly as per his written drawings and instructions. He is a very cheerful and attentive tutor and I thoroughly enjoyed my day out. Thanks to Stef, he made the final inking-in outlining the expression on the Fishermans face and changing my painting into a real work of art. It all works perfectly and I will proudly show the Grand- Children when they next visit."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Geoff, thank you very much for your kind review! Your positive comments are even more important since they are coming from an expert woodmaker like you... thank you again and I'm sure your grandchildren will love "The Unlucky Fisherman"!"

Jo and Lucy reviewed: Beginners half-day pairs pottery / ceramics workshop

"My daughter and I had a brilliant time on the pairs half day pottery session. We received a warm welcome from Louise and found it to be a lovely relaxed, creative environment. We received great tuition from Louise and can't wait to see how our creations have turned out after glazing and firing. Highly recommend Blended Monkey - I'd really like to come back and make more!"

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

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed your pottery experience :-). It was lovely having you both in the studios and you should both be very proud of your creations. Looking forward to seeing your work glazed - it's drying nicely and will be biscuit-fired shortly. Take care and maybe see you again sometime :-)."

Brenda Bayliss reviewed: Stained Glass Traditional Leading Workshop for Beginners

"Mike and Jenny were very welcome and attentive throughout the day. Mike was clear with all his step by step instructions and Jenny efficiently served plenty of refreshments and also offered her knowledge to the group. I would certainly go back to them to try some of the other courses that they offer."

Vitreus Art responded:

"Many thanks for your review Brenda - it was a pleasure working with you. KR Mike"

Lesley reviewed: Stained Glass Two Day Workshop in the Lake District

"Sorry Nikki for spelling your name incorrectly! Thank you again for a lovely 2 days and to Vanda for the delicious lunches and homebaking."

Hare Hill Barn responded:

"Thank you!"

Lesley reviewed: Stained Glass Two Day Workshop in the Lake District

"Enjoyed our stained glass days very much. The location for the course is stunning, facilities and materials excellent. Nicky was extremely patient and encouraging. We were challenged in our work and I feel I learnt a great deal as an absolute beginner. I recommend this course to anyone who would like to try something different! Loved working with glass and colours."

Hare Hill Barn responded:

"Thank you Lesley. Great to meet you both and well done for your beautiful panels! They looked stunning."

Sarah reviewed: Lantern Making with Fused Glass

"Absolutely fantastic course, always something new to learn. Wendy has so much patience and clearly loves to see everyones end results!! Cant wait for our next visit!!"

Gillian Sheath reviewed: Stained Glass Two Day Workshop in the Lake District

"Nikki was a fabulous tutor; warm, friendly, knowledgable, talented, patient and fun. The setting was fab and the host Vanda provided great food"

Hare Hill Barn responded:

"Thank you. I was impressed by what you all made. All the stained glass panels were beautiful!"

Dinithi reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"Having done several classes and open sessions with Ali, I can say that glass fusion is wonderful and a lot of fun! Really relaxing environment and you can create lots of lovely different things! Would highly recommend!"

Gill bremner reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"A few hours spent glass fusing with Ali cannot be beaten in my opinion. Ali’s skills and knowledge of her craft know no bounds and she is more than willing to share that knowledge . Lose yourself in this beautiful craft and have a forever piece of glass to remember it . Give it a whirl - it’s super"

Maria Cole reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Tejal is an excellent instructor and really believes in what she is doing. My niece bought this one day course for me as a present because I absolutely love stained glass (mainly medieval stained glass in our gothic cathedrals). To be honest, I was not convinced I would enjoy it because I have no artistic abilities myself and I thought I would make a hash of it. But I didn't! Under Tejal's patient guidance, I produced a star which is now hanging in my garden and looks very attractive. I will enjoy looking at it. Thank you Tejal and good luck with your own designs."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Maria, really appreciate your kind words:)"

Valerie Armstrong reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"Warning this craft is addictive ? I cannot praise SmARTsy sessions enough. Ali has the teaching skills to ensure everyone creates their very personal piece of fused glass. I am running out of windowsills, I have now been creating pieces for my garden. This is my ‘happy’ place, I have met some lovely people and having been very poorly, feel that my sessions have undoubtedly helped my wellbeing."

Jayne Edwards reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"This session gives you an excellent chance to create your glass project, with Ali on hand every step of the way. The choice of glass and extras is vast. Whether you are a complete beginner or experienced, you'll love it.... And it gets addictive!"

Janet Shaw reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"Fabulous course choice of glass materials is excellent and Ali Offers guidance and support whenever required but allowing you to use your own artistic ideas. Totally absorbing and relaxing Highly recommended"

Chris reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Jo is a marvellous tutor. She guided us through the different stages and it was fantastic to see the hare sculpture emerge. Each one of our group created a different hare which reflected our personalities. I really enjoyed the day and hope to go back again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Chris ;-) I love watching the evolvement of the hares at each stage. I understand that when the class first look at their own wire hare armature, it seems impossible to imagine what the final outcome will be! And you are right - the hares do reflect personalities - I really enjoy seeing the outcomes ;-) Jo x"

Pam Altena reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"Just returned from a lovely weekend learning to paint flowers in watercolour. Georgina is an accomplished artist and experienced teacher who shared techniques and gave gentle encouragement. Her workshop is ideal, lots of light and space. She encouraged me to be less scared of making mistakes and to be bolder with my brush strokes. Throughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend the workshops."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thanks Pam, I’m so glad that you enjoyed the weekend! I hope to see you again."

Pazit reviewed: Silver Metal Clay beginners class

"I wholeheartedly recommend Ana's workshop. Ana is very experienced and clever design artist. Her teaching skills and attention for details are of a first class. The studio is organised so wonderfully, neatly and is very inviting. For every question you ask you will get a full answer, lots of examples and even a story! Ana is very generous and accommodating. My workshop was a gift from my husband and children on a special birthday. I feel so privilege and honoured. What a genuinely nice time I've had! Please visit Ana's website for examples and you can also see my project in her facebook page. Enjoy *****!!!"

A CAT Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for a wonderful review Pazit. It was a real pleasure to work with you."

Dave M reviewed: Woodturning Experience Days - Come and spend a day turning your first bowl

"July 2021 I could not have been more delighted with the tutoring, skill, depth of knowledge, patience, manner, and one2one training from Stephen! My 8-hour day was full of hands-on training guidance, I was extensively allowed to get on and 'do it', but with Stephen's quiet patient way of not obviously observing, but clearly doing so, and where appropriate intervening in the most tactful way to guide me where I was deviating from the more appropraite approach & technique he had shown me. I completed & oiled two excellent bowls (6" and 9") in the day, I was chuffed to bits, and I came away with a huge increase in my understanding of the approach, use of tools, the techniques to use each tool, and the broader considerations of the tools wood turning (and tool sharpening) which will allow me to continue at wood-turning near my home. After a lot more hours in front of a lathe, I know I will return to Stephen for an advanced session to hone my skill based upon his wealth of experience & knowledge. I recommend Stephen to anyone, beginner, novice, or experienced wood-turner wanting to improve. D"

Bodden Cross Studio responded:

"Thank you David. I look forward to seeing you again very soon."

Mandy Persey reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"My daughter and I attended an introduction to glass fusion course with Wendy in her beautiful studio. The studio has a wonderful setting, but is also spacious and really well organised with lovely examples of glass work displayed. Wendy has a warm personality and a generous nature, but also, very importantly, she is an excellent teacher. She is very thorough and we felt very safe with regard to Covid and also the use of equipment and methods of working. Once we had learned the technique of cutting glass, both in straight and curved lines we were given ideas to inspire us for our own piece of work. I think we were probably both quite ambitious in what we tried to do and it was lovely to have this freedom to have a go! Wendy explains things so well and is really encouraging too. We had such an enjoyable day! It was fun, relaxing and inspiring to be in such a lovely setting. Thank you Wendy for your expertise, generosity of time and materials. I thoroughly recommend this course and I hope to return."

Robert reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Superb day, both Amdy, Adrian and Debbie make you feel really welcome. Brilliant tuition and so pleased with the end result. Definetly worth every penny. Foods lovely too!"

Toni Risebro reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Another very enjoyable couple of hours with Wendy, learning about candle making. Wendy answered all my questions knowledgably and is infinitely patient. I came away with a selection of 4 candles and 4 tea lights and bought supplies to make some more. This is the second course I have done with Wendy and can thoroughly recommend her."

Sky Craig reviewed: Beginners Epoxy Resin Workshop

"Really great resin course! Teacher was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. Perfect for those wanting to learn for business or personal use :)"

alex reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Matt was the perfect teacher, whose passion for all things stained glass shines through; intuitive, instinctively knowing when you could do with a bit of help or when you are starting to struggle, calming nature when you it a panic moment .... I would defiantly consider another workshop at some point, to give one of the other stained glass techniques a go"

Sarah McSherry reviewed: Pottery throwing in Huddersfield

"I had a 2 hour lesson with Geoff which I really enjoyed. Geoff was very patient and encouraging throughout and gave lots of advice and tips. I was glad that I booked the extra hour as it gave more time to practice the throwing techniques. I would highly recommend this course and I hope to go back for more lessons."

Earth Pig Pottery responded:

"It was great to meet you, Sarah. So pleased you enjoyed the session. Hope to see you again soon."

Christina reviewed: Easel Weasel 1 day Saturday Art Workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day course with Denise. I learned a lot from her expertise and experience. The atmosphere was relaxing and I received many useful tips. I felt encouraged and motivated to continue with my painting."