Latest reviews

Anne Granby reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"Gareth was absolutely lovely, he re-organised his busy schedule at short notice so that I could have this course on my birthday. I am very grateful for that, it was the best birthday I have ever had. Everyone has been impressed with the carving I came home with. I have never carved before but now I feel I can go ahead and just play with wood. His home is unique, it was a bit like being in a hobbit house, it was a magical day away from civilisation, tuning in to nature. Gareth was so interesting to talk to about all-sorts of topics. I came back from that day so happy and calm, thank you so much Gareth, Anne"

Laura Kennedy reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"I’m so pleased I read about these classes here and went along. Alison is a brilliant teacher and host and the atmosphere is lovely and welcoming. There’s the chance to learn the technique and use your creativity to decide what you make and it’s great to see your pieces progress each week. Loads of different things to have a go at and use to make and decorate. Thoroughly enjoy and recommend!"

Annette Thompson reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"Thanks to Jenny and Lynn for a fantastic day learning all about how to make wonderful soaps using the cold method and the melt and pour. The event was hosted in Lynn’s studio in her lovely home where a yummy lunch was also provided. I’m now totally inspired and have made soap using paprika, coffee ground from my morning coffee and even parsley! I’d highly recommend this course, as well as making beautiful organic products for yourself it’s also makes a great gift for family and friends"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Annette, and it's wonderful to hear that you've carried on making soap at home. We feel we've done well if we've inspired, and enabled, people to continue being creative. We love the sound of your recipes - and great that you've found a good use for your recycled coffee grounds! Do share photos of your soaps with us if you get the chance, and keep us in touch with your amazing soap-making endeavours. We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. With best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Graeme Bakker reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Dear Jamal, I want to express my gratitude to you for allowing me to attend your stained glass painting course in Birmingahm in September of this year. It coincided with my need to travel from New Zealand to the UK, but it was actually the high-light of this particular trip. I searched carefully well in advance for a teacher in the UK before coming for quite some time and have to say I made the right choice. As an experienced watercolourist, I found the new medium of glass painting had a number of similarities to watercolour; though I admit that I was hugely challenged by the differences in technique. However, I am so enthralled by this new medium that I have spent a good deal of time studying its historical beginnings, methods and applications - including visiting and photographing the beautiful stained glass works in many old churches in the UK. This week I received shipment of a glass kiln from the USA which though not inexpensive marks the beginning of what I know will be a long-term obsession. You are a master artists and master teacher- so patient and so passionate about fidelity to technique and clearly dedicated to keeping alive this lovely, rich, historically significant art-form I hope to return next year to learn some more. Kindest regards Graeme Bakker"

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Graeme, Thank you very much for taking your time out and leaving me such a detailed and positive review! Once again thank you for booking a course with me especially when you were travelling all the way from New Zealand. I am really happy that you have enjoyed your course!!! You are MOST welcome to come again next year. All the best with your new work.Take care!"

Carol reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with two other ladies making a Nuno felt scarf. Barbara was a superb teacher, explaining each step clearly with a great level of knowledge and skill. It was all very relaxed and enjoyable, and I left the day fully inspired to continue with this craft and even try out batik on another course (to be booked with Barbara of course!)."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Carol. Loved your sarf and I hope you get many years of pleasure from it :-)."

Joan Wallington reviewed: Expressive watercolour techniques for painting songbirds

"I knew Sarah previously and have greatly admired her work. She is such an inspiration, and I was thrilled when she launched her course. I would definitely recommend it, you learn new techniques under the guidance of Sarah. She’s a very patient teacher and her words of encouragement will sure to help you create your masterpiece."

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thank you Joan for the lovely review. Your career is going from strength to strength and it’s great watching you taking to a whole new level. Congratulations on all of your recent successes here and overseas and I look forward to seeing your work continue to flourish!"

Jackie Hofmann reviewed: Pyrography Basics – Woodland Winter Wonderland

"Did this course recently and it was fantastic. Never attempted it before but Claire explained everything so well and was there to help when we needed it. She also was very knowledgeable about the different types of wood to use and how to get some really good results. I will definitely be doing some more pyrography at home."

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre responded:

"Thank you Jackie, Very pleased that you enjoyed this workshop and now have the confidence to continue on your own at home. Look forward to seeing you on another event at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre very soon!"

Maggi Stewart reviewed: Expressive watercolour techniques for painting songbirds

"Inspirational and motivating course, opening me up to all kinds of possibilities. Sarah had a very organised and clear approach in her teaching, but made it good fun and I think all of us achieved more than we each expected. Very happy couple of days!"

Sarah Stokes responded:

"Thank you Maggi! I’m really glad you enjoyed it. It was great working with you. You helped bring life, energy and creativity to the course and the 2 pieces you created were fabulously rich in colour and vibrancy! Thank you again for the lovely feedback ?"

Mr I Andrew reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"I had a day with Slim learning the art of working with leather and am hooked. What a day, really enjoyed it and was so proud of what I produced. I made a wallet and am using it with pride. It is hand made and unique. I really recommend anyone interested in learning to go and have a try."

Ross Leather and Wood responded:

"Hi Ian thanks so much for your lovely comments. It was a pleasure working with you. You did an amazing job.Hope to see you again sometime. All the best Slim."

Sarah Anderson reviewed: Christmas wreath

"Gemma made the whole process really straight forward and lots of fun. My mum and I both enjoyed it and were really pleased with the finished result. We can highly recommend it."

Sewing at the Button Box responded:

"That’s lovely to hear thanks Sarah, glad you both enjoyed the workshop."

Paula Curran reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Attended a half day workshop with my friend Christine. We both thought the workshop was excellent. Julie was friendly and made us feel very relaxed and welcome. We both would and have recommend Julie's workshops as it is a lovely positive experience."

Best Art Course In Worcester/Malvern reviewed: Online Art Class from your Own Home - 4 Weeks for Beginners and Improvers (3 Hours a week)

"A great course, professionally run by two talented ladies. Best course I've had the pleasure to join. Learning the joy of all types of art in such a fantastic relaxing and fun environment. Would recommend to anyone. Keep up the excellent work, you are appreciated xxx"

Colour Wheel Art Class Worcester responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words. Our students satisfaction is very important to us. ❤️"

Rachel reviewed: Silver clay taster session at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"I booked to go on this course with my dad. We both thoroughly enjoyed it and felt we learnt a lot about silver clay. We were both very happy with our creations and would definitely book again in the future!"

Miriam Farr reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Wonderful setting for a course, I enjoyed meeting both Abi and Alison and learning some new techniques in raku. I had not tried naked raku before and having prepared my own pots prior to the course I was interested to see how they came out. It is certainly a technique I will try in the future. It was a shame that the weather was disappointing (it rained all day on saturday) as we had to spend a lot of time outside. The lunches and homemade cakes were a triumph!"

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Many thanks Miriam, it was a pleasure to meet you and hope you are enjoying out some new techniques. All the best Alison and Abi"

Jackie Wynia reviewed: Craft Retreat at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"It is difficult to describe a perfect vacation which is exaxtly the experience at the Wild Rose Escape Craft Retreat... Perfect! Rosie and her family share their lifestyle selflessly. The fabulous food, crafts, new friendships, and Highland scenery, more than met my expectations. I left the retreat feeling accomplished in my creations and inspired to do more and hoping to return! I highly recommend Wild Rose Escapes!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Thank-you Jackie! It was a pleasure to have met you and I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with us. We'd love to have you back again, Many thanks! Yours Rosie"

Roz reviewed: Introduction to Kintsugi

"We joined Pippa's Kintsugi class for a hen party activity last weekend and the whole group had a fantastic time. We were treated to hot drinks and homemade sweet treats on arrival before Pippa taught us the principles of Kintsugi, so that we could apply these to our own creations. She was a clear, patient teacher and was very supportive of the things we produced. To make the hen party even more special, Pippa's friend added some sparkle by beautifully painting our faces with intricate glittery patterns. Best of all, the bride-to-be was thrilled with the whole experience. Thank you so much Pippa!"

Christine Bulcock reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A brilliant course! I had very little idea what to expect, but was thrilled by the pieces I took home at the end of the course and the process of making them. Steve is an excellent teacher. His skill, energy and enthusiasm were matched by his patience! He was there to answer all our questions, encourage, share his knowledge and where necessary ‘rescue’ things that possibly weren’t going quite to plan! All in all it was great fun and I would definitely recommend the course. Am looking forward to the next one!"

Marion Brown reviewed: Raku pottery at Cowshed Creative in the Lake District National Park near Kendal and Windermere

"The Raku course was such an enjoyable event. Two excellent days. Organisation was perfect as was the beautiful location. A lovely warm welcome from George on arrival. Chris was a fabulous, patient teacher and I made far more work than I expected even though I was a complete novice. The firing process was exciting and I loved the element of surprise as to how the glaze would turn out. Lunch and cakes by George both awesome. The barn was toasty warm and comfortable to work in. I wouldn't change a thing and would highly recommend taking this and any other course with Cowshed Creative."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thanks for such great feedback Marion. I will pass on your comments to Chris. Look forward to seeing you again."

Sarah Wood reviewed: Stained Glass Beginners Workshop

"A great day. I had never had a go at Stained Glass before. David was an excellent instructor, and took us through each stage steadily and slowly. Would love to have another go!"

David J Lilly responded:

"Thanks for the great review"

Mary Barton reviewed: Craft Retreat at Wild Rose Escapes, Highlands, Scotland

"I have just had the most wonderful week, spent in the company of lovely people! Everything about the course was so well organised, even the weather was great! From first thing in the morning with Joanie doing yoga to a lovely leisurely breakfast and then the smashing walks and craft days to a lovely evening meal cooked by Rosie and assisted by Joanie! We really had a very memorable week! We even were visited by Rosie’s lovely children on Halloween who sang to us and told us jokes! Rosie and Joanie are the most delightful hosts, nothing is too much trouble for them, we were even provided with hot water bottles in case we were cold at night! The accommodation was lovely spacious, warm ( we had a lovely log fire each evening) and was set in beautiful grounds. I enjoyed myself so much I’ve already signed up for another course next year! Looking forward to it already!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Thank-you so much Mary! it will be so lovely to have you back again next year. Yours Rosie"

Paul Belfield reviewed: Woodworking - Beginner/Basics - two days

"Everything about this course is excellent, the workshop has a perfect ambience of a bygone era and Steve has provided tools that keep with this theme. By that I mean they are from an era where tools were made to last a lifetime rather than be used for one job and disposed of. The benches are excellent and are height adjustable which I found to be a real benefit. The course pace is perfect for a beginner life me and blends theory with practical exercises resulting in a beautiful cook book stand that takes pride of place in our kitchen. I highly recommend both Steve and this course."

Dovetail Woodworking responded:

"Hi Paul, I try to get a balance of both technical and practical into all the courses. I'm glad you are please with the end result. Steve"

David B reviewed: The bone beneath the skin at Studio 27B

"I enjoyed the course and very much appreciated Brook’s generosity of information, energy and artistic spirit. I valued being in a working studio rather than a class room and experiencing the presence of an inquiring artist."

Denise Martin reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"My (adult) daughter and i did this course together...it was such a treat and an enriching experience for us both. Jamal made us coffee and began with a summary of his personal journey as a glass artist, giving a fascinating history of the classical stained glass and glass painting profession. I hadn't anticipated a history lesson, but on reflection, it gave us interesting historical information and a meaningful context for the process we were about to learn. Jamal is a really good teacher. He explains all the tools and techniques with plenty of help in handling the tools and materials when needed. You really get to grips with the process, it is very physical and takes some strength to score the glass. Jamal was with us every step of the way and it was great to have him all to ourselves! Our finished pieces were small and (almost) perfectly formed! This course is excellent value and a solid introduction to the technique of traditional stained glass construction. I recommend it as a beautiful way to spend time with someone special. It changes the way you see stained glass thats for sure! Thankyou Jamal."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Dear Denise, Thank you very much for leaving me a positive review! Thank you again for booking your course with me. I am really glad that you have enjoyed your course!!!"

Sarah Sage reviewed: Beginner's leather accessory class

"This was a fantastic intro into leather crafting! Sonja was fantastic at guiding us through our different projects. It is amazing seeing what can be created in a couple of hours. I am looking forward developing my skills with the next class ?"

E.S. Mutasa-Gottgens reviewed: Basketry courses at SalixArts in Cambridgeshire

"I love baskets and always wanted to make one so was very pleased to secure the the remaining place on this course during the last weekend in October 2019. As a complete beginner, I went full of hope and although encouraged by Debbie's basketry skill and reputation as a great teacher, I doubted my ability to take it all in. I need not have worried and I was absolutely amazed by what I was able to achieve in just two days with expert tuition. I am now the proud owner of a very beautiful basket that is widely admired whenever I take it shopping. Not only that, the whole weekend was a complete joy. Debbie and the other students on the course were wonderful people and great company; the food and hospitality provided by Debbie during the course were fantastic. The setting at Blacksmith's cottage is indeed beautiful and tranquil. Definitely worth every penny and I cannot wait to go again with a group of friends as I now know this is also possible to arrange. So glad I went. Such a treat..."

SalixArts - Debbie Hall responded:

"Effie - you were a pleasure to teach and should be extremely proud of the lovely basket you made. I am so glad you enjoyed the course, and hope to see you here again soon."