Latest reviews

Mary Farrow reviewed: Watercolour and Ink Doodle 6 Week Course

"Delightful course in a happy environment. Caroline has excellent relaxed teaching skills. Thoroughly recommended "

Rock n Wool Creations responded:

"Thank you so much Mary! Look forward to our next session. Best regards Caroline x "

Jan Oliver reviewed: Kiln Fired Enamelling with Katie Sanderson. Half day workshop

"I had a really absorbing, addictive experience with Katie and loved my time there which went far too quickly. I will be back! Her explanation of the requirements for the enamelling process were clear and easy to understand, with demonstration of various techniques we could use. The environment was warm, comfortable and all safety was explained well. I had the fun I needed that day to take my mind off my busy life. Loved it!"

Carly Johns reviewed: Monthly Pottery Classes

"What a wonderful class! 2.5 hours of pure mindfulness and a chance to switch off. The group was a lovely size and everyone was really friendly. Louise was fantastic and lovely; giving guidance but also letting the session flow. Thank you Louise for a wonderful experience. Mum and I will definitely be back!"

Hannah Gelder reviewed: DIY Workshop: Power Tools Course

"This course was brilliant. As a relative novice to DIY, I found it really reassuring that Richard was so informative and supportive in walking us through various different power tools. He took the time to find out all of our various needs and reasons for attending and then tailored his teaching and information to that. I left feeling super well informed and much more confident to take on more challenging projects at home. Thank you!"

Gill reviewed: Silver Clay - Beginners Jewellery Workshop

"We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon with Clare, learning about silver clay. We both left with a pendant and drop earrings that we are thrilled with. "

Halton Village Silver responded:

"Really pleased to hear that you enjoyed your afternoon, it was a pleasure to have you both in the studio. "

Iona reviewed: Fused Glass Seascape Waves (for 2 people)

"A lovely welcome from Stevie -.who made everyone in the group feel valued and helped us play and be creative. she was good at demonsstrating, explaining and encouraging. The session is the right timing to do one piece The two hour session whizzed by.... and we would have all loved for it to carry on and do another piece. I will certainly book more with Stevie - despite it being 1.25 hours drive each way. Please note there is no parking attached to the gallery and no refreshments provided - but the town is quirky and lively and I would love to linger there... You'll easily find a spot for breakfast or lunch. Thanks Stevie x"

Ellie Jay Wilson reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Mini Bucket bag

"We had a fantastic time making our 'Bag In A Day' Mini Bucket Bag. From start to finish Georgie was so friendly, knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging! The small group of 4 meant we could go at our own pace and get Georgie’s expertise on a 1:1 basis. We honestly couldn’t believe the finished product, I would recommend the course to anyone, we now have a bag which is so personal and special. Thank you so much Georgie!"

Edward Ryles reviewed: Heart Stained Glass Mosaic Workshop

"What a brilliant course, Diane was warm and welcoming and an excellent tutor. Everything was ready for us to begin straight away and after the initial showing of how to cut the glass we were left to get creative. Diana was always there to lend assistance if needed. It was great fun and the time flew by. We were given all the necessary equipment and instructions to complete it once the glue had dried and I’m really pleased with the final outcome. Would definitely recommend it "

Crafty Diane Gift Shop, Art Gallery and Craft workshops responded:

"Thanks Ted for the wonderful review. You did a beautiful piece. Well done. Hope you will join us again :) "

Penny Porter reviewed: Cold Enamelling/ Enamelling

"I had a very rewarding 5 hours doing this course. Karen was sensitive to my lack of confidence and it was something I'd not done anything like, even remotely, before. Lots of time and patience allowed me progress in an unhurried way, and to decide which of the two methods I preferred. Love the venue, lunch was great and I came out with a lot more than I thought I would."

Jocelynne reviewed: 'Bag in a Day' Practical Leather Course - Rucksack/ Backpack

"Thanks to Georgie's knowledge and patience I have produced a bag I am really proud of. As a complete leather novice, with her guidance I have made a beautiful, useful and professional-looking backpack. And all in just one day - lunch and copious amounts of coffee included! I would highly recommend a Hands of Tym leather course."

Sylvia reviewed: Beginner Winter Watercolour Retreat Staffordshire

"Really enjoyed the day and felt I learnt a lot. "

Joan Kennedy Artist responded:

"Thanks so much Sylvia, it was a pleasure showing you and I really appreciate your review. Happy painting ! Joan"

Eleri Hunter reviewed: Silver Clay - Beginners Jewellery Workshop

"I really enjoyed this course making a pendant and earrings. Clare is a good teacher and full of ideas. She gave lots of useful tips. The new workshop is light and well equipped. I would definitely recommend this course. "

Halton Village Silver responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review, hope to see you again. "

Neil Sampson reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"An incredible experience. So well organised and enjoyable. Matthew LeBreton is clearly hugely experienced and was so generous in sharing his knowledge and expertise, nothing seemed too much trouble. He very kindly over-ran the course times to enable projects to be completed, without feeling at all rushed. All the tools provided to suit various techniques and a very wide selection of coloured glass to chose from all contributed to making a totally successful experience."

Leanne reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"I had such an enjoyable morning with Heather - really absorbing and fun. It was a pleasure to step away from real life to do something creative and though we were mainly novices, by the end, everyone's work looked really great - thank you! "

Jenny reviewed: Gel Printing for Beginners

"My friend Hilary and I took the class on 28th January. I had used a gelli plate before but didn't feel I was getting the best out of it. Jayne is a very inspiring and encouraging teacher and showed us (only 3 of us in the class!) exactly how to do different techniques. There were lots of paints supplied and various things to use to make patterns. We both enjoyed it so much and came away with lots of interesting prints, many of which I will make into cards. The day passed far too quickly and was great fun and relaxing. "

Southlands Arts Centre responded:

"Some students are easy to teach and that's when I do really well. It was a joy having you and Jenny in the class. I'm hoping that both of you will consider entering a print into our women's art exhibition in celebration of International Women's Day. Intake day is 22 February, 1pm-4pm. Both of you had choices among your prints. Why not give it a go? Hope to see you again. "

Zoë Deag reviewed: Needlefelting - Ladybird Brooch

"Amazing! Absolutely loved this course!"

Chris reviewed: Bangle Making Workshop - Traditional Silversmithing Skills

"Excellent course Tutor was very helpful"

Anna H reviewed: Tiffany stained glass wild flowers workshop

"Kate is a fantastic instructor and the workshop has everything you need to learn how to make copper foil wildflowers. I was actually able to make 9 pieces in the time we had, although 4 is the recommended amount. I was so pleased to learn all of the techniques that I've bought my own kit to make other copper foil stained glass pieces."

Martin McAssey Glass responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review. "

HAPA Architects reviewed: Blacksmithing experience day - Introduction

"We had an absolutely brilliant time at Giles’ blacksmithing course for our work Christmas do. From start to finish, it was hands-on and just the right mix of challenging and fun. Giles himself was fantastic – friendly, incredibly knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about his craft. He made sure we all felt welcome and got stuck in straight away. The setting in his workshop in Stanmer was so atmospheric – fires roaring, coal glowing, and the constant rhythm of hammers working metal. We spent the day learning the techniques of traditional blacksmithing, from heating and shaping to finishing our own pieces. I won’t lie, we were all aching a bit the next day, but it was definitely worth it! Giles really took care of us, making sure we got the most out of the experience. We left with a great selection of handmade items – a leaf key ring, a bottle opener, and a show stopping toasting fork, which I think we were all pretty pleased with. It was a great day out, full of laughs, a few blisters, and some impressive metalwork to take home. We would 100% recommend to anyone looking for a unique experience."

Giles W Clarke responded:

"Thanks for the kind words, it was a pleasure to have you all down for a very enjoyable day! "

Emily reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had a great afternoon carving my first spoon with Alan. It was at a good pace, and he was really supportive and helpful. The whole atmosphere was very relaxed and welcoming. I'd recommend this experience to anyone else who would like to create something or try a new skill. "

David Stephens reviewed: Couples blacksmithing experience: three hours in the forge

"Excellent experience. Very pleased with our creations. Friendly and helpful staff."

Rebecca reviewed: Fused Glass Workshop - Botanic Designs

"This course was just brilliant. All resources were available and in abundance. Techniques were explained really clearly and what I benefited from the most was that Becky was available to help whenever I needed it. Was very fun and therapeutic and can't wait to get my handy-work back! Tea and biscuits were lovely - thank you. Already looking at when we are going to book on again! "

Gill reviewed: Calligraphy Workshops in North Essex

"Julie is a superb calligraphy teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed my introductory day in a small group environment. It was a gentle pace and the participants who were of varying levels made me very welcome. I would highly recommend the day."

Julie Chaney responded:

"Thank you, Gill, for a thoughtful and positive review. I am so glad that you enjoyed your first calligraphy day and it was a pleasure for me to have such an attentive and hard working student! You really did progress well with your Copperplate and I hope you came away feeling satisfied with your day's work, which is the main thing. Thank you again for taking time to leave feedback."

Liz F reviewed: One to One Leathercraft Workshop

"I was a total beginner in leatherwork, but Catherine soon had me cutting, edging and stitching away, as well as helping me with a project I’m working on. A really enjoyable day with a great teacher, highly recommend!"

Neil Tonks reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Full respect to John, Spencer, Bill, Aiden (and Pat for eating constantly!) Took this course as a 21st present for my Son, and brought along my Father for a tri-generational familial experience. It is not possible to rate this course, the brilliance of the chaps and the achieved results under their guidance, enough! Rejoice in whacking glowing hot metal with hammers, delight in dunking hot metal in oil, thrill in shaping wood and bemoan the aching shoulders with extensive filing and sharpening. The expert direction, encouragement and guidance from the chaps achieved the perfect balance of accuracy and succinctness, maximising the time to create with sufficient awareness of possible error or failure. We three achieved better results than expected, and the said results are available for use, and with indelible memories for hearty cheer for many years to come. Thank you, Friends."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Neil thanks for the review. I think I am speaking for all of us when I say you were all a joy to teach. It is great when everyone has a good time as well as learning to the skills we have to offer , I will be putting Pat on a diet ! LOL. Unfortunately I had to leave early to do a site survey so didnt see the final results but the lads said you all did a great job , so one minor request can you send a picture over . Best wishes and hopefully I will see you all again. John"