Latest reviews

Paul reviewed: Swanage old pier in Dorset Blue watercolour kit with TV artist Marilyn Allis

"Thank you Marilyn yet again an amazing surprise the effect you can get with one colour Just love the Dorset. Blue. Thank you, you’ve got me hooked."

Leigh Funnelle reviewed: Melt and pour soap

"I did this course recently with 5 friends and we all had a great time. The instructions were clear and the process was fun and allowed you to be as creative as you wanted. Some made simple colourful soaps and some experimented a little more embedding objects. The essential oils were pure and the soaps go on smelling lovely for ages. My bathroom now smells divine. I would highly recommend this course for family or a group of friends and you come away with so many soaps!"

Caroline’s Courses responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Leigh! You and your group were a pleasure!"

MATTHEW POTTER reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Really enjoyed the spoon making session with Mike. I found the 3hr sesion he delivered was packed with really great advice and tips to get me carving with confidence. Thank You!"

Denise reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"This was a brilliant course. I've never even wielded this sort of knife, let alone produced a working spoon. Mike is calm, kind and knowledgeable. I have already ordered two knives and I'm looking for a nice piece of wood....."

Catherine reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"A superb session with excellent teaching. I hadn’t expected to learn so much in such a calm and gentle way, but Mike’s teaching style was so encouraging that we all achieved a great deal. When he said he want teaching us to make our first spin, but our 3rd 4th and 5th one, that was so true, as he equipped us with a range of skills to take away. Is always wanted to carve, and now feel I have the beginnings of the skill to do so and grow in the craft. I became genuinely emotional about my end product but, most importantly, about the seeds planted by Mike to keep pursuing learning and craft."

Denise Davies reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"Such a brilliant weekend! Jo is such a good teacher that she settles all the nerves instantly. An amazing time learning new techniques in the beautiful Suffolk countryside with lovely fellow students - the time passed too quickly. Definitely going to book again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Denise! A follower on Facebook commented via a separate email how beautifully proportioned your hare was ;-) Perhaps you need a large leaping hare to join her!!! Your daughters amazing Eagle Owl has caused a Facebook sensation as well. Well done both of you, Jo x"

Jan Cain reviewed: Weymouth beach in watercolour with TV artist Marilyn Allis, Hard back Book

"This is a delightful course and I was thrilled with the result. Marilyn demonstrates how to build up the scene in easy to follow steps. It is such a good idea to have everything thing supplied in a clever kit. I was able to relax and enjoy the painting experience. Thank you Marilyn."

Jan Cain reviewed: Two busy mini bees in acrylic TV artist Marilyn Allis Unlimited Tuition Link

"This is a fun online course which I would recommend to both beginners and more advanced painters. Marilyn demonstrates step by step and a lovely busy bee emerges. The box canvas means it does not need framing, can be hung directly on your wall or given as a gift. Thank you Marilyn."

Lewis Campbell reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"The "Have a Bash" lesson was phenomenal. Jake is a charismatic and welcoming teacher as well as skilled and experienced blacksmith. The lesson itself was fantastic as it goes at your own pace and is tailored to you as you go. Jake lets you do all the fun work but is available to step in and help at any time. Tea, water and coffee are provided as well as plasters for any blisters. Jake is encouraging throughout and you feel genuinely proud of your work. When finished I imminently wanted to do more. It's challenging yet fun and I can only give it my highest praise. I would recommend this to anyone interested in meatal work and could not have had a better introduction."

Samantha reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"Being a complete beginner to gem cutting I wasn't sure what to expect. James makes you feel very welcome and explains things in an easy to understand way. I was very surprised and pleased with how my Opal turned out and I am really looking forward to getting my own equipment to practice with. However I will definitely be seeking James expert advice to progress my skills. To anyone in two minds about booking, my advice, don't hesitate, you won't regret it. If I can do it, anyone can"

Treasureworks responded:

"Hello Samantha! Thank you for your review, it was wonderful to read. Best of luck with your journey into gem cutting! You were an amazing student, a pleasure to instruct. Thank you. : D"

Ronan Campbell reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"My brother and I had an amazing day on the "Have a bash" course. We had never done any ironwork before but Jake was a great teacher and made the workshop a really welcoming learning environment. He tailored the experience to each of us and made us feel very supported and always helped when we needed without doing it for us. We learnt a lot and had a great time. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn something new, have a laugh and hit some hot steel with a hammer! Thanks for a great day Jake!"

Joe Gasan reviewed: Beginners 1-day 1-2-1 woodturning workshop for 1 person

"I had a wonderful day on Simon's woodturning course, and have learned new skills which will enable me to develop my new found hobby. This was a birthday gift from my partner which will keep on giving for many years to come! Simon really explained everything well and pretty soon I was getting hand’s on tuition and slowly but surely building my confidence under Simon’s expert and watchful eye. Simon and Louise really looked after me well with plenty of food and refreshments during the day, and all set in lovely surroundings. I’m delighted with my projects which I was able to take home, and would strongly recommend Simon’s course to anyone wanting to try their hand at woodturning. Highly recommended !"

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

"Hi Joe, Thanks so much for a great review and we're glad you enjoyed your birthday present! As you develop the craft, please feel free to contact us if you need any help - only too happy to assist. --Simon & Louise"

Paul reviewed: Get inside an artists mind to create a vibrant Rooster in acrylic

"Excellency tuition, very clear and precise, this has helped me immensely and given me the encouragement to go further, thank you so much."

brenda webb reviewed: Flower portraits - weekend art workshops in Anglesey, North Wales

"Had a wonderful time .After first being very unsure I would be able to do water colour painting,Georgina was very patient and gave excellent tutoring .I was able to gain confidence that by the end of the course I loved this medium completing paintings overlooking the menai straits and the mountains wonderful thank you Georgina."

Georgina Rambton responded:

"Thank you Brenda. It was lovely to meet you and great to see how you developed over the weekend."

Jane Millership reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Ohhh I have become very addicted, the course has been such a joy, but the time goes so quick, I am left wanting more. Martin creates a calming, friendly supportive atmosphere he is a fabulous teacher, supportive and calm, I'm so happy I found this place. Just can't wait for September the 9th to start all over again. Massive thanks to Martin."

Ann Ashforth reviewed: "2 Crafts in 1 Day!" pairs - woodturning & pottery experience

"We had a fantastic time at Blended Monkey, Simon and Louise both led us through our new crafts in an understandable way. They made us feel very welcome and were easy to talk to, Louise treated us to a lovely lunch too! We were very happy with the way we progressed through both sessions and are proud of what we made!! We had great fun and highly recommend them as an experience"

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

"It was great having you and Ian in the woodturning workshop and pottery studio, and it's lovely to hear that you both enjoyed your day. You have every right to be proud of what you made! I'll be in touch as soon as your beautiful ceramic pieces are ready."

Ellen Boyle reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"I attended a workshop with Eleanor on10/7 in the hope of kickstarting my jewellerymaking mojo. I was not disappointed! We had a fabulous day and Eleanor is an amazing tutor. I can definately recommend this workshop. Ellen Boyle"

Ellen Boyle reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"I've had a fantastic creative day. The whole process is amazing. Eleanor was very welcoming and we had a beautiful lunch. I'm very pleased to have a finished necklace to take home. Thank you, Melissa"

Tina Clark reviewed: Introduction to frame weaving

"The weaving course with Pamela print was amazing. Will go again for another course at later date."

Rory Molloy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just done this course- fantastic! Made a brilliant walnut and oak box. Mark is an excellent teacher, I learned more during the weekend than after months of struggling on my own. Lovely setting, relaxed atmosphere!"

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

"Fantastic day led with skill and very supportive manner. Great mix of teaching, great practical learning and a careful yet relaxed approach to learning. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Cathy reviewed: Craft Workshop: Learn to make silver art clay jewellery in a day (beginner)

"I recently attended the silver clay workshop and had a wonderful day. Loved learning the process and being guided expertly by a friendly and experienced teacher. I was delighted with what I made and hope to have a go at home too. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys being creative and no previous knowledge necessary. Thankyou. Hope to go again one day."

Craft Workshops responded:

"Thank you - I am pleased you enjoyed your Workshop. Look forward to seeing you again soon, Sally"

Bob Jefferson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is the 3rd course I have done with the guys at Penrith. Another excellent course. Knowledgeable teaching and support. I can now make hinges work in a beautiful yew box! Well worth spending the weekend doing it."

Marian Greensmith reviewed: Saturday Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at Ransom's Pavilion, Hitchin 9.30am - 12.30pm

"Joined this course as I wanted to find out more about making silver clay jewellery. Enjoyed the morning learning the basics and some useful tips along the way. It’s definitely something I’d like to try at home."

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Hi Marian, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review - it's greatly appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed the workshop and found it useful - please do feel free to get in touch if you need any help with anything. Kind regards, Tuuli"

Cheryl Foreman reviewed: 2 day jewellery/silversmithing course - all materials provided

"Excellent course. Sue is a mine of information and takes time to show you whatever you need or want to learn. The beautiful surroundings are an added bonus! I made a ring which i will treasure and skills which i am keen to add to now i have had a taste of what can be done. A fantastic way to spend a weekend and im so grateful for Sues patience and experience."

Sue O'Mara Art responded:

"Hi Cheryl, thank you for the kind words. and anytime you want to come back it will be great to see you. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask :) Sue"