Latest reviews

Alex Parker reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"Loved the whole day. Perfect workspace. Loved the open choice and able to make anything we wanted. My mum and I cannot wait to go back and collect our pieces to see the final result."

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Alex for your review. We're pleased that our workshop format and approach met your needs and you both enjoyed the day. Your items will soon be available for you to collect. Kind regards John"

zoe mcdonald reviewed: Private weaving tuition in Hampshire

"My 11 year old son had a private weaving workshop with Ellie and loved it. He was so inspired and happy afterwards, and I was amazed at the pieces he managed to create under Ellie’s expert tuition. He loved the conversations they had too and all her yarns and looms. The first thing he said when he got back in the car was: ‘when can I come back?’"

Elka responded:

"Thank you so much for the lovely review Zoe. Fred is an inspiration and welcome back in my studio anytime!"

Shirley Griffin reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a great way to spend a day. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole time. Not being a very 'crafty creative person' I was a little apprehensive, however Denise was fantastic, teaching needle felting and encouraging this novice! I'm now hooked and looking forward to having a go at creating a little teddy ? ?. Home made treats throughout the day were fantastic too. I can't thank Denise enough and would recommend the course to anyone thinking about having a go. PS my proud hare has pride of place ?. Thank you Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Ah thank you so much Shirley! I'm thrilled you enjoyed your day with me, and are now embarking on your own needle felting adventure! Don't forget to send me pics, would love to see how you get on. Have fun! Dx"

Fiona reviewed: Introduction to table loom weaving, Fisherton Mill, Salisbury - Two day workshop

"Ellie's weaving workshop was a lovely way to spend an evening. She is a great teacher - informative, encouraging and generous with her time. There were lots of resources available and the handouts will be very useful. I came away feeling that I had learnt enough to be comfortable starting my own projects at home. Thank you Ellie!"

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Fiona. It was great to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop, and that you feel confident to continue at home. Your weaving was wonderful! Very best wishes, Ellie"

Nikki Chesterman reviewed: Boat making day using the technique of sgraffito on coloured glass

"I really wanted to learn scraffito... I am also a lino cutter and doodler... and this fitted the bill exactly... everything was explained clearly and I even learnt how to make the little boat to stand the sail in... so I felt that I had learned a great deal... not only did I come away with a beautiful little boat... I also now have lots of new knowledge that I can apply to other bits of my glass making. Thank you Brian. I thoroughly recommend the course."

Nikki Chesterman reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"This was my first time with stained glass... and I made a panel that even I was impressed with! Brian was patient and clear with his tutoring... and I felt there were endless possibilities to what I could do.. a lovely couple of days in his new studio and I came away with a treasure... thank you Brian... thoroughly recommend the course."

Sara Squire reviewed: Learn how to make a stained glass panel

"I attended this course with Brian over summer and it was fab! My stained glass and leading knowledge is limited so I wanted to refresh my skills and this course ticked all the boxes. Brian explained each process clearly and I thoroughly enjoyed making my panel. I would recommend this course."

Kate Garner reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Lucy is a warm, supportive and encouraging teacher. I felt immediately at ease in her company and in her wonderful studio where she guided us all through our individual projects and imparted lots of honest and helpful advice. She was really encouraging and respectful of everyone's different tastes and ideas. The day flew by as it was so much fun and so engaging getting stuck into something creative with the help of a knowledgeable teacher. My project was quite ambitious, but Lucy made sure I knew what to do to finish it at home, and I know the offer to email her if I needed any help was a genuine one. I picked up so many different tips and ideas throughout the day from her and the other two students, who were also lovely. I went by myself as my friend wasn't able to make it in the end, but you can pretty much guarantee you'll be in great company! Thank you Lucy, hope to see you again! Kate X"

Carey reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"What a challenging, unusual, stimulating and satisfying weekend this turned out to be! Excellent tutoring from Ambrose with great support from Richard and Pauline Quinnell (super lunches, general good cheer and really interesting professional insights ) and help from the skilled and knowledgeable Eamonn in a really memorable setting. I knew aspects of it would be tough (I'm not exactly a natural blacksmith) but I was supported all the way and came home with some lovely pieces that will always remind me of time well spent. A huge thank you to all involved! NB: the banging-nails-into-wood exercise that Richard recommends before you attend the course is well worthwhile."

Charlotte reviewed: Needle Felting the Natural World for Complete Beginners

"Had a great time. I honestly wasn't sure that I could do it. I needn't of worried, it is so fab. Give it a try, you will be amazed."

Gillian Wells reviewed: Glass painting for beginners

"This is an excellent course in glass painting for beginners, with all materials supplied. The class size is reasonably small, Polly's tuition is clear and comprehensive, and she is really supportive of everyone attending. There is a lovely, friendly and relaxed atmosphere in her studio and I thoroughly recommend the course."

Steephill Studio and Gallery responded:

"Thank you so much Gill! Really glad you enjoyed it."

Jenny Norris reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Yes, for my birthday I had a special day with Lucy Copleston in North Wales. It was outstanding - we ended up making 5 lovely silver bangles. Everything was available in Lucy's lovely workshop. More importantly it was happily a real stress free day, thank you Lucy. Stay well."

Fiona French reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Excellent course and excellent teaching"

Katie Burt reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"I had the most wonderful day with Paul and Natalie and I'd recommend their courses to anyone interested in this craft. The course itself was relaxed and fun - each step was clearly explained, help was available if I needed it, and I never once felt rushed in any aspect. Paul and Natalie were excellent hosts too, and ever so friendly and welcoming. I've come away with a piece I'm really quite proud of, and I'd sign up for any other courses they are running in a heartbeat!"

Nicola reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"An amazing way to spend a day! The workshop designed for me by Kathryn introduced me to lots of new techniques such as shibori, screen printing, breakdown printing and mono printing. She guided the session in response to my own interests and starting points with lots of opportunity to discuss my own artistic practice in a reflective and supportive way. Kathryn is a natural teacher who is full of positive energy. It was a real treat to learn and explore textiles with and alongside Kathryn in her own studio environment."

Ian Merry reviewed: Screen printing on glass

"I recently attended Jim's 2 day screen printing on glass course and found it both informative and inspirational. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to take their "glass" skills that bit further."

Lesley Homer reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Brilliant weekend. Great venue, delicious food. So good to lay out all your bits and leave them there all weekend. The best part, though is the company. Lots of like minded ladies, all willing to share their expertise. Linda is a lovely person who makes it all happen and shares our love of crafting of all kinds."

Melissa reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Such a lovely weekend, first time I’d been with my friend and it was clear that this was a regular retreat for some ladies - they made us feel so welcome, great value for money, accommodation was clean and tidy (and you hardly spend any time in your room when you have 24hr access to your projects). Food was tasty and lots of it (loved the homemade cakes on offer all day), beautiful grounds to walk in, I’ve not found anything quite like it that gives you the freedom and space to do your own projects you’ve brought with you, we’ll definitely be back!"

Louise Roberts reviewed: Needle Felting the Natural World for Complete Beginners

"I wasn't sure what to expect and was nervous as I'd never done anything like this before and am not a 'confident crafter'. I had nothing to worry about! Sophie was so patient, explained everything so simply and was such an attentive, encouraging tutor. I couldn't believe that I could produce such a piece-I'm really proud of it. I took it along to my craft group to show it last night and they were bowled away with it. I still have a bit more to do...my fault for choosing such a detailed picture to copy, but I've enjoyed sitting quietly carrying on and look forward to seeing the end product. I'd definitely recommend Sophie's courses, without hesitation, and aim to do another one in 2020."

Liv Graham reviewed: Art course for improvers

"This is my first time attending this course for improvers and I am delighted to have enrolled and to attend every Tuesday. I haven’t done any art for years, and I feel totally inspired every week. The level is good and the teaching is great. There’s a lovely atmosphere thanks to Rachel who looks after us every week, and to Clare’s measured and studied approach to show us each technique (I attend the afternoon sessions). It is a fun and sociable moment, with a challenging aspect, so it never feels boring. Not only do we use a different technique every week, but we also get to produce lovely pieces of work to take home (which are well received when I show them to friends and family!) I’m delighted to have found this class and look forward to next term. Liv Graham"

The Art Class - Yorkshire responded:

"Hi Olivia Thank you so much for your lovely review!! I'm so glad you are enjoying the course and will be returning next term. Rachel X"

Glass Painting reviewed: Glass painting for beginners

"I have never done any glass painting before but the course was fun and instructive. Polly is a friendly and supportive teacher who encouraged us to enjoy ourselves and helped everybody. I came away with 2 glass painted pieces that I was really happy with and lots of useful information to help me start doing it at home."

Steephill Studio and Gallery responded:

"Thank you for your review! You haven't put your name, just the title of the class, but I'm really glad you enjoyed it!"

Debbie reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"I recently attended the Christmas Tree Decoration day course. Gigha is a great instructor, very clear and very helpful. Her studio is lovely with plenty of ideas and materials to choose from and we could make as many decorations as we wished. Refreshments are available all day and a lovely lunch is included. I highly recommend trying a course. I will definitely be booking another soon."

Stephanie Goffin reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"I was a complete novice and I am not really technically minded at all (for example, I did not know what a Dremel was!), but James was very patient and he explained everything very thoroughly. I came away with a good understanding of what equipment I would need and how I would go about producing a cabuchon. I was also pleased to learn that the cabuchon which I had produced would be posted to me."

Deborah Schofield reviewed: Art course for improvers

"This course isn't living up to its predecessor for me .... Can't quite work out what's not working for me at the moment but it will prevent me from signing up next term. In my 3 previous terms I created a large number of projects which I framed and was very proud of, so far this term I haven't felt inclined to display any of my work. I do appreciate the efforts with the new equipment provided but it isn't hitting the spot for me"

The Art Class - Yorkshire responded:

"Hi Debs I'm so sorry to hear you are not enjoying the course as much, you had said to me how much you really enjoyed the cow parsley water colour lesson?? As you have only attended 4 out of the 11 lessons so far this term, perhaps things will improve? Any suggestions are always useful as we can use these to plan our specific tailored curriculum for our own students for next term. I know you do particularly enjoy painting animals. regards Rachel"

Elaine Pattinson reviewed: Fused glass bowl and dichroic glass jewellery in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire

"The course was brilliant and Mel made the course informative and interesting whilst managing to maintain a fun and informal atmosphere. I will definitely be doing more of her brilliant courses and would recommend them to anyone who has a "creative streak" . The gift vouchers are an excellent idea and with Christmas coming they are the perfect present. Thank you Mel for a really enjoyable experience."