Latest reviews

Carole Pullen reviewed: Watercolour Techniques for All - Taster Session Online Course Tuesday Evening Via Zoom

"Very exciting, it was a real challenge but I’ll have to do a few more to practice the techniques. My my challenge is getting the balance with the water so that I can blend and not have hard lines. I think I need to be patient and start off paler..."

Karen reviewed: Watercolour Techniques for All - Taster Session Online Course Tuesday Evening Via Zoom

"I like the picture and I am pleased with the result. Still getting hard lines in places and my brushwork is not always accurate. However I think I have improved."

Julie reviewed: Watercolour Techniques for All - Taster Session Online Course Tuesday Evening Via Zoom

"Really enjoyable session learning some new techniques. Good pace. Definitely worth doing again."

Susanna reviewed: Watercolour Techniques for All - Taster Session Online Course Tuesday Evening Via Zoom

"I enjoyed this more practice on blending. I love the spattering with the foliage brush as I had never done that before."

Lucy Payne reviewed: Basket making for beginners using traditional willow basketry techniques

"This course was very enjoyable and I would highly recommend it. It is based in a stunning location and Jonny and Becky are fabulous hosts. They are skilled, knowledgeable and patient tutors enabling everyone to succeed in making a basket to be proud of. Lunch was delicious, as was the chocolate cake! Many thanks Jonny and Becky for a thoroughly enjoyable day."

Joanne Fernihough reviewed: Basketry courses at SalixArts in Cambridgeshire

"We had an excellent day. We were both surprised at how good our baskets turned out….all down to the quality of the teaching…Debbie was very good, patient, great fun and made us most welcome…would highly recommend the course…and we may well be back ourselves!!"

SalixArts - Debbie Hall responded:

"Thanks Jo. It was lovely to meet you both, and would love to have you back again! I had a great fun day too! Hope you both really enjoy your lovely baskets."

Hazel reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Oh my goodness - this was so much fun! Chris is such a lovely chap and such a good teacher. I suspected that this would be a laugh but possibly a bit disastrous. But with Chris’ guidance, we each ended up with a few very respectable dishes - though we will have to wait a couple of weeks now to see if they make it through the firing! I had some ideas in mind that I had emailed to Chris in advance and he had taken the time to think about how to achieve what I was after and come up with some great ideas. I wholeheartedly recommend taking the workshop if you are in the area."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Hazel, Many thanks for the great review and particularly the heads up on what you would like to achieve - some very nice shallow dishes that fit very well with what we tend to make in the classes but with the added twist of an interesting sgraffito design. Really pleased that you found it such fun; it's lovely when people thrown themselves into the process. Your pots are drying nicely (particularly in this heat!) and will be going into the kiln for the first of their firings next week. I'll be in touch soon. Thanks again for the booking. Best wishes, Chris."

Eleanor Randall reviewed: Two busy mini bees in acrylic TV artist Marilyn Allis Unlimited Tuition Link

"Marilyn makes it easy to learn how to paint. What a wonderful teacher."

Hazel reviewed: Enamel Bowls Workshop

"I would highly recommend this workshop. My husband and I both really enjoyed ourselves. I had no idea what to expect, but Teresa is an excellent teacher and we had such a fun and gently paced morning. No real artistic skill is needed to produce something that looks beautiful and unique. The process was much simpler than I had thought - anyone could do this. The exact outcome is somewhat down to luck, but Teresa guided us through our options and had lots of examples to show us which helped with decisions on colours and pattern. We each ended up with a gorgeous bowl that we are completely delighted with."

Lappelli Craft Studio responded:

"Hazel, thank you for your review.I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your morning and the gorgeous bowls you made ?"

Katherine Byrne reviewed: Metallic acrylic Wild flowers tuition and materials Box TV artist Marilyn Allis

"What a wonderful kit , loved all the captions and step by step help on the videos , beautiful paint and great quality very much enjoyed doing this felt like artist was in the room superb couldnt recommend having a go at this enough begginers to more experienced will enjoy this fantastic experience"

Nigel Graham reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"A really enjoyable 1 1/2 hours. Chris was excellent at showing and telling us what to do to make tapas dishes. A friendly chap, with a well stocked studio, he made it look so easy. At the end of the lesson we’d both made 3 or 4 dishes each.....and had glazed them too. I recommend that anyone should have a go...it’s great fun, and quite therapeutic once you get the hang of it. Looking forward to collecting the fruits of our labour in a few weeks time :)"

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Hi Nigel, many thanks for the lovely review and particularly pleased that you found it a therapeutic and interesting session; a chance to just get immersed in something a bit different for a while. Your pots are drying nicely (particularly in this heat!) and will be going into the kiln for the first of their firings next week. I'll be in touch soon. Thanks again for the booking. Best wishes, Chris."

Anne Wardell reviewed: 2 Day Stained Glass Workshop

"Knowledge tutor, engaging topic & lovely surroundings. Thank you!"

Mary Finan reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"Really enjoyed this candlemaking course, so much so that I am interested in carrying on making them at home. Wendy is a brilliant teacher with lots of patience. She takes time to explain everything and is willing to help if you get stuck with anything. I have done other courses with her, and have booked her Silk Paper Making course for the autumn."

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

"A really great day. Everyone really enjoyed it and we all made hare sculptures to be proud of due to the first rate teaching and guidance.. Jo is a very welcoming host and the setting for the workshop is just stunning. Thank you for a lovely day."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Mary ;-) lovely company and gorgeous hares and not too hot weather! Am just preparing for today's workshop with a 31 degree forecast. Just as well I have air conditioning in the studio ;-) ;-) Jo x"

Debbie Williams reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"An extremely enjoyable day spent with Allison learning how to make organic skincare products. She is such a natural teacher with a great passion for her subject that she imparts freely in a friendly and relaxed way. The products made are lovely on my skin. She even helped me make products for my daughter, which was so kind of her. She goes out of her way to make the day enjoyable and you come away with so much information and a will to carry on making the products for yourself. I learnt so much and it felt like spending the day with a friend."

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you Debbie for your lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed your day and are enjoying using the products you made for yourself and I’m sure your daughter will love the products you made for her too. Its exciting that you feel inspired to continue to make products for yourself in the future and you’re very welcome to visit the workshop next time your in Norfolk. Best wishes for the future. Allison"

Lesley reviewed: OLD Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"It was absolutely fantastic to be able to finally attend another course with Anna and Lynn - very relaxed, great course with enough time to craft the silver clay, it was a bit different with the COVID rules but felt completely safe at all times - loved making my charms and stone setting- highly recommend The Arienas Collective and my friend and I are already looking to book another course - there is something for everyone ???"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Lesley. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us this lovely review. We're so glad to hear you felt safe, since this is important for being able to relax and enjoy your workshop, and benefit from the wellbeing benefits of engaging in a creative activity. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! I wonder what you'll choose next??? With very best wishes Lynn :-)"

Henry reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Mike tailored the course to meet everyone's individual skill basis and carefully adjusted grips/found ways to improve technique. Very helpful and good fun."

Mark Ivens reviewed: Glass blowing course - taster

"What a great day. A very relaxed & friendly environment with lots of help & guidance. Learned much more about the process than expected & made a variety of pieces. Thoroughly recommended"

Chew Valley HandMade Glass responded:

"Thank you for the kind review Mark, so glad you enjoyed your time with us. Regards Angie, Steve & Chris"

Diane Donohue reviewed: Machine knitting beginners workshop with TheaRose - learning the basics

"I had a lovely day with Thea, being reminded of the procedures and equipment to use a Knitting machine after many years of non- use. Although The Sat-Nav could not find the address, Thea was kindly waiting outside for me after the friendly assistance of neighbours. The work room was well equipped with three machines, various coloured yarns, tools, ironing board and tools, instruction booklet to keep and illustrations of previous projects completed. The venue was also Covid safe too. I was even able to bring my little dog, who has anxiety issues. She was very quiet however, which was a great relief for her. We had lunch in an adjacent lovely glass room and coffee and cake outside in the garden (as it was warm) provide by her mum. I achieved making two small projects and shared information about common interests. It was a glorious and fulfilling day and would really recommend this to other people making their first launch into machine knitting."

Hannah reviewed: Stone set rings workshop

"Mum and I absolutely LOVED the class and we adore our rings. Jo was a fabulous, patient teacher, not admonishing us for our many errors and the results are so professional and beautiful. Thank you so much again Jo! I thoroughly recommend the course."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for coming to the workshop and for the lovely review! The rings you both made were beautiful - it still surprises me that you can get such different looks from the same technique by changing the stone and the texture!"

Maggie reviewed: Weekend landscape painting in watercolours

"I recently attended a weekend landscape painting workshop, run by Georgina. I have not painted in a quite a while and therefore was a little apprehensive about the course. I need not have worried; Georgina immediately makes you feel at ease. She has a way of gently getting you used to picking up your pencil and paintbrush again. We visited different places to do some live sketching and painting which was great to have that support around knowing how to begin to paint outside. Georgina's teaching style is very much centred around the individual and what I think is a particular strength of Georgina's is that you do not realise until after that you have been taught. She also very much lets you find your way but at the same time guides you through basic principles of using watercolours successfully. I had a lovely weekend in a spectacular setting and would recommend this course to anybody regardless of your experience or expertise."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you so much for your revue Maggie, it was a pleasure to meet you and work with you over the weekend. x"

Nicole Eyres reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"Had the absolute best time doing this masterclass. I went with my mum for a birthday treat and it was just the best day. We learnt lots of things we didn’t know about candles as well as getting to make our own to take home. The whole class was very organised and Karen also really explained things well and answered any questions we had. She made us feel comfortable and have fun learning a new process. She also provided champagne to celebrate my birthday (and another guest who also was celebrating a birthday) with our delicious afternoon tea and I thought that was such a lovely touch. Really enjoyed the day and couldn’t recommend it enough."

Lesley Eyres reviewed: Candle Making Workshop with Bilsington Priory Afternoon Tea

"This course was bought as a gift for my daughter's birthday and as we arrived at Bilsington Priory we knew it was going to be special. The day started with Karen explaining the course content and the materials we were going to use ... and then the fun began. We chose fragrances from a large selection and were led step-by-step through the process of making a container candle, candle in a tin and botanical wax decorations, all the time learning about the different wax properties and appropriate wicks. While the candles were setting we were treated to a yummy afternoon tea and were even given doggy-bags to take some of the cakes home! Back to the classroom we labelled our candles and tied ribbons on the wax decorations. Karen is such a great tutor, she was friendly and explained everything clearly and professionally. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Mike reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I would recommend this to anyone interested in forging a knife and gaining new skills. Jon is an excellent, attentive and patient tutor and all round great company. I felt very welcome and comfortable from the minute I arrived. He is a very knowledgeable smith and tutor, he explained all the processes clearly so I understood what to do, how to do it and why I was doing it so I learned a lot and really feel I have gained a new skill! Ultimately, all decisions are yours, and Jon is an excellent guide to offer advice and step in if need be. It’s a very fulfilling day experience and worth every penny to gain some insight into this beautiful craft. And even better, I came home with an awesome knife that I forged myself and I’ll use for years to come!"

Kerr Forge responded:

"Hi Mike, Thanks so much for the kind words. It was an absolute pleasure working with you all day, and you should be really proud of your awesome knife. Hope to see you again on a future course, Jon"

Rachel Luke reviewed: Silver jewellery making class for beginners

"What a fantastic "Mother & Daughter's" day! Jonathan was so patient and helpful, and the piece of jewellery surpassed my expectations, and the cake was delish! Thank you."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"It was my pleasure - and yes, the cake is pretty good! I'm glad that you are happy with your silver jewellery. Well done! Jonathan"