Latest reviews

Jackie Hamer reviewed: 6 Hour 'Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving' at Seeded in Southsea

"Thank you Ellie for such a great day learning hand loom weaving. I loved your fantastic selection of vegetable dyed and sustainable fibres to experiment with. I am thrilled with the little piece I have produced and plan to continue with this new skill at home. Many thanks again"

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Jackie! Great to meet you, I'm so glad you enjoyed the day and want to continue weaving at home. Very best wishes, Ellie."

Patricia Elwis reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"I have been on a group yarn dyeing and a one to one with Carrie, she taught me different dyeing techniques and we had lots of fun doing it. I’m booked to go back as I loved it. Can’t recommend enough ?"

Mandy reviewed: Leather Lined/Embellished Belt or Dog Collar Workshop

"A thoroughly enjoyable and informative day with Karen who is an excellent teacher. I loved the variety of processes and tools used in making a belt, and am delighted with the result."

Fiona reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"I had an amazing day with the two lovely ladies who teach this class. They were warm, welcoming, very clear, concise and very patient. The food they provided was fabulous. I am looking forward to attending another class. Thank you for a lovely day x"

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you, Fiona, for your kind review. It was lovely to meet you. We’re so pleased you enjoyed your day with us. We look forward to you collecting your glass art."

Meg Clowes reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"Had a fabulous afternoon learning how to dye yarn with Carrie at Peak District Yarns. I have had a ‘dabble’ myself but learned so much on this fantastic course. Small group so everyone had lots of attention from Carrie who demonstrated the processes so well. Being in her shop, surrounded by all her lovely hand dyed yarn was very inspiring, so it was lovely to ‘have a go’ with all her dyes and there was enough time to dye two skeins. It was very interesting to see everyone’s colour choices and how they looked in the finished skeins. There was also the opportunity to buy some dyes to carry on at home. I look forward to doing the next steps course very soon. Thank you Carrie"

Sue Watson reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"Really enjoyed this course, lots of individual attention and learned loads. Produced some lovely yarn which I knitted up into my first socks, and the yarn in the shop is very tempting too!"

Jakkii reviewed: Introduction to yarn dyeing at Peak District Yarns

"I love yarn so thought I would try my hand at dyeing. Well, the introduction course with Carrie does it all, totally awesome ?. I learnt an amazing amount and loved the small group with the individual attention and all inclusive with all the attendees. Amazing to see other people’s ideas and I’m hooked. I had to book and do the next steps course as well, and now I just need a week off for the full week course. Yes that’s how inspired I was and my week off at Christmas I have all the things I need to dye my own yarn. Oh and Peak District yarns are gorgeous!"

Peter foster reviewed: Boat making day using the technique of sgraffito on coloured glass

"Brilliant day. Very inspired by the tutor. I went with my dad and Bryan was able adapt to each other's experience. Really recommend the course."

Annette Booth reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"What can I say about Angie and her craft courses...... very informative, relaxing, inspiring, fun and totally addictive!!! Lunch is a wonderful experience It’s a great social occasion and extremely enjoyable"

Stephanie Wright reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"This course is excellent. Jim teaches and shares his knowledge and experience and I came away from the course feeling confident that I can use the skills I learned in my own practice. The course is well structured so as to use the time fully. The setting is really nice with the studio in Jim’s garden and it was nice to say hello to his family! I would really recommend this course if you are wanting to further your experience in glass, thoroughly enjoyed it"

Sheree reviewed: Learn to sew a reversible tote bag

"Lovely, clear guidance and support. I'm feeling proud of my reversible tote bag. Thank you"

Kate reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course

"Excellent! Very helpful and very informative. Really enjoyable."

Fiona reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course

"Really enjoyed the whole day. Constructive, clear and supportive instruction. Creative crafts achieved. Judi is helpful and with a sense of humour. Nice venue and warm! Thanks :)"

Judith reviewed: Beginners Sewing - Day course

"I am really suprised at how much I learnt during the day - it far exceeded my expectations. The pace was just right, as was the size of the class, and it allowed for plenty of one to one guidance."

Jenny Martin reviewed: Beginner Pottery Classes at the Corner Workshop

"Fabulous way to spend a few hours. Calm and patient teacher - brought out my creative side!!"

Judith Anderson reviewed: Divine Dahlia - felt headpiece

"Superb venue and excellent tuition from the talented and generous Margaret. Please organise another workshop soon!"

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thank you Judith - working on the next one now! Will see you very soon. Margaret"

Fenella Murray Willis reviewed: Family Morning Pottery Experience (suitable for beginners)

"I have been going to The Clay Studio for over two years and I absolutely love my Tuesday morning sessions there! Eunice and Helen are wonderful and very knowledgeable teachers and they make it such fun, as do my brilliant and very talented classmates! I would recommend a taster session or a term’s course to anyone!"

The Clay Studio responded:

"Thanks Fenella. So pleased you enjoy coming to our studio on an ongoing basis."

Rosie reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"This was an excellent course, from total beginners to more experienced glass artists, all abilities are catered for. You will be taught everything you need to know to produce some amazing prints on glass. We were taken through choosing images to how to make your own individual screen. Tea, coffee etc and lunch is included, yum yum! The studio is in the garden with views over a green. We booked as a couple and my partner (total novice) and I thoroughly enjoyed our 2 days. If you get a chance to do this course you won’t regret it. Highly recommended."

Oliver Ward reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"After extensive searching online throughout the south-east I settled on Richard’s crossbody messenger bag course as the best value for money course and I wasn’t disappointed. After a cuppa and an initial introduction to leather making we went straight to work on our bags. I had brought my laptop in so we could match the dimensions as I had aspirations to create a smart satchel for client visits. By lunch we had both started to saddle stitch our bags together, all the while Richard had been dispensing extensive knowledge about the business of leather making as well as guiding each stage of the process. Having attended a number of craft courses I must say Richard does a good job of patiently guiding without interfering with your final product. By late afternoon, we were putting the finishing touches to our bags riveting the strap and buckles as well as polishing off the final bag. By evening I had the finished product, a full-grain pull-up handmade and bespoke leather bag which would probably cost £200-£300 in the shops (and would probably be made from cheaper top-grain or so-called “genuine” PVC bonded leather). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Richard’s course to anyone interested in leatherwork, his patient tuition allowed me to gain confidence with each stage and I have received compliments about my bag from various friends and strangers about town."

Laura Pilgrim reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"A really enjoyable two days with Jim. Thorough and fun, I came away with both practical advice and some beautiful bits of work. Ideal for people who want to gain knowledge to take their practice further or just even as a treat to come away with a piece of work. Lovely studio and very hospitable. The main take away for me was Jim’s generosity of sharing his knowledge that otherwise would take many, many months of trial and error for the inexperienced. Absolute pleasure."

Jacquie Easton reviewed: Watercolour 2 day Art & Spa full board retreat The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"This is the 2nd time I have attended a weekend course and it definitely won’t be the last. I cannot recommend it enough. Vicki and Beth are brilliant, the hotel is excellent and the painting is so relaxing and great fun. The course is suitable for all ages and all abilities, including those who have never picked up a brush before. Go with your friends, family, partner or on your own - just book it you will not regret it!"

Gail Gray reviewed: Beginners silver clay jewellery class with Anna Campbell

"Hi Lynn I was on the silver clay course today. Firstly can I say what a beautiful house you live in and secondly the quality and quantity of food and refreshments served was amazing. Thank you so much I enjoyed everything. Can you please pass on my thanks to Anna. She was so knowledgeable, informative and her experience, passion and love of jewellery shone through. The course exceeded any expectations I had. I can’t wait to learn more and look forward to seeing you again. Thank you both for a fantastic day. Gail"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Gail Thank you so much for taking time to leave us this lovely review. You have summed up what we hope to achieve here: to provide a relaxing and welcoming space; to make you feel like you have taken 'time out' from every day life through fully engaging in a creative activity; and to inspire you to continue being creative at home. It sounds like we managed that for you which makes us very, very happy :-) Anna and I are so glad you enjoyed your day, and we look forward to welcoming you back to The Arienas Collective soon. And thank you for supporting local artists and makers. With best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Hilary Kidd reviewed: 1-to-1 Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"The day of learning to cut mounts was very interesting and productive. It took some time to get used to using the cutter, as I am left handed and its design seemed to be biased towards right handed people! Lynne helped me to find out the best way to use it. I made mounts for a photo, a monoprint, and a drypoint etching, all completely different pieces of work. The day was very well structured, and although there was a lot to take in, we still had time to chat over coffee and lunch. Overall, Lynne was an excellent teacher, very knowledgable but also relaxed and approachable."

Helen Evans reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop at The Haberdashery, Hitchin

"Had a lovely time at Tuuli's silver clay workshop. It was great to be able to work through each step of the process and leave at the end wearing the silver pendant I'd made. Tuuli couldn't have been more helpful and patient and it was great to see how many different things different members of the group made. I've got lots of ideas for next time already!"

Tuuli Parker responded:

"Thank you for your lovely feedback Helen, it is very much appreciated. So great to see you wear your jewellery home too! Looking forward to seeing what you make next!"

Judith Varley-Evans reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cumbria

"I had a really enjoyable day learning with like minded people. I'm experienced with copper foil glass work and it was a great refresher and I learnt quite a bit of new stuff with glass fusing so even if you have experience you will learn something new. Beautiful surroundings and great glass studio. Alison was very kind and generous with her time and materials. Well worth going on."

Lakes Glass-Cumbria responded:

"Thank you so much Judith for your kind review, it was an absolute pleasure to have you on the course. I can't wait to see your dish with the robin design on top once it had been fused and slumped. Hoping to get all the dishes in today for their first fuse! I really enjoyed the day with a lovely bunch of people. Thanks again Alison"