Latest reviews

Andy Ireland reviewed: Woodcarving for beginners - two day course in Suffolk

"I was bought the 2 day course by my wife as a birthday gift. Woodcarving has been something that I had always fancied having a go at, but never have. What an amazing introduction these two days are. I am amazed at how much I learned over these two days and just as amazed by the quality of what I was able to carve under Gerry's expert tuition. The class of six students was just the right size and Gerry was able to spend quality time with all of us individually as well as in a group. He was friendly and patient and made learning this craft a thoroughly enjoyable experience. We were well catered for too with plenty of tea and coffee and a wonderful sit down lunch with Gerry and his wife. I would have no hesitation in recommending this course and I really hope I am able to get on another one in the not too distant future."

Clare Foster reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"We had a fantastic time at our pottery taster with Sharron. Her passion for the craft was infectious and she was a great tutor for two total newbies! Thoroughly recommend this session for anyone who is thinking of having a go - you’ll be amazed at what you can make"

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to feedback with such a lovely review. It was great meeting you both and I am sure you will go on to do more! Thanks also for recommending the experience for others that follow!"

Frank Potts reviewed: Leather carving course

"Great day learning about leather carving. Very enjoyable and Slim was a great tutor."

Sally Willoughby reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"What can I say but what a fabulous day all round. Went as a birthday party group with very varied ages with no or very little lino cutting experience. Even if your not very artistic you can produce a really amazing peice of artwork to be really proud of. I will definitely go on another course and will have a go at home. Very inspirational Olivia thank you xx"

Claire reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I had a wonderful time and created a fox that I'm so in love with. I have the felting bug, thank you so much!"

Debra reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Enjoyable class. Plenty of choice of materials and opportunity for individual creativity ."

Krysia reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"I had fun , friendly tutor.materials were plentiful and tutor very attentive to my needs ."

Sue reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Excellent mosaic class."

James reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"FANTASTIC! Just finished a weekend making a chef knife, and it was absolutely brilliant! Matt and Ali are so friendly and welcoming, and Matt is an excellent teacher who really knows his stuff. He helps you learn really fast, while still keeping things fun and relaxing. I would 100% recommend this - the thrill you het from forging (FIRE!!) and the growing satisfaction from seeing your knife (or axe) emerge before your eyes are both awesome. Thank you Matt and Ali for a wonderful time (and the cake!), and hope to see you again!"

Ken reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Very enjoyable and interesting even if like me you are unlikely to do any more. Created a heritage piece to hand down through the family for generations (I'm sure). Food also excellent."

Grace Killeen reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Came for my 21st birthday present. With my mum. Had a really lovely day. Jolene was so welcoming and accommodating, she even made us brownies which were so lovely and really made it special. The place is so cute and quirky. I made a necklace with my name on it and Jolene explained how to do it very well, as well as giving us a practice which was so useful and confidence building. She then suggested my mum wrote the name stencil so it was more sentimental and this was a lovely thought. I’m so pleased with the outcome and Jolene is a lovely lady. Great idea for a special occasion. Thank you x"

Shirley A Parnell reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I received a birthday voucher for this course and my husband decided to join me. I had decided to make a clutch bag and my husband a belt. Richard is a great tutor; very knowledgeable, helpful and encouraging. The day started with Richard imparting his knowledge of leather tanning history and various leathers and finishes which was extremely interesting. We then decided on our choice of leather, thread and hardware and had great fun learning to use the different tools, measuring, cutting, stitching with Richard giving advice along the way. The day was very enjoyable and my husband is happy with his belt and I am over-the-moon with my gorgeous red croc clutch bag. Thank you Richard for making such a great day and I would highly recommend."

Valerie Coombe reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"Had a lovely day yesterday on the one day Hare Workshop. Jo is a very patient teacher and full of encouragement for a total beginner! Jo leads you through each step with clear instruction and demonstration and provides lots of help when needed. A thoroughly enjoyable day, meeting new people and returning home with a sculpture I thought would have been well beyond my capabilities. I would love to do it again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for your review Val! So pleased you enjoyed the day and are proud of your moongazing hare ;-)"

Barbara Nixon reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"A stimulating day inside when the weather was awful outside! Sunita welcomed everyone on arrival - a lovely touch was the named bookmark she had made for all the class written in beautiful modern calligraphy. Something to aspire to. Sunita demonstrated the basic skills clearly with easy-to-follow steps. Would definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in calligraphy and using a pen and nib. Need to find time to practice, practice, practice."

L Rosemary Keele reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia was most welcoming and she is an excellent tutor. All materials were provided. My course was a 70th birthday gift. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would recommend it to anyone."

Ailsa Hall reviewed: A lino cut workshop with Linda Farquharson

"This course is brilliant! Linda is an inspirational and excellent teacher. No time is wasted with lots of explanation, it's very much hands on and get going, learning as you go along which I really liked. I was amazed by the professional finish of my prints and Linda's help and suggestions to improve my idea were invaluable. And the lovely homemade lunch and cake were fabulous, I will certainly be returning and I would whole heartedly recommend this course, whatever your level of skill or experience."

Moira reviewed: Woven Plant Pots

"A wonderful day in a beautiful environment. The six hours flew by. Ellie gave us clear, relaxed unhurried instruction and support throughout. I left happily clutching my two pieces of work. It gave me the techniques and confidence to continue to try weaving at home. I would highly recommend this course. A perfect way to spend a day. Thanks Ellie."

Elka responded:

"Hi Moira, thank you so much for the review. It was a pleasure to meet you and I feel totally inspired by you travels!! Ellie."

Jonathan Hickman reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I was an absolute beginner but had a great day and ended up with a bowl to show for it. Chris' tuition was excellent and he was very patient. Would highly recommend."

GINA CHAN MARTINEZ reviewed: Furniture upcycling workshop - 1 day

"Took my Nanna & Grandads side table (originally made by Mums 'Big Grandad') to be upcycled at an up cycling workshop at Pear Mill. Me & mum had loads of fun, (despite being completely useless at DIY, craft and domestic things, we gave it a 'try' at least whilst singing along to a bangin' Motown soundtrack, which helped with our beginners nerves ? ?) Love that the final product it's full of character & we sanded it down to proudly display generations of Sutton, Beckett & Martinez scratches, scuffs n scrapes while putting our own stamp on it with some masking tape deigns and Manchester Worker Bee Hexagons. Hannah, thanks for putting up with us and assisting us with our little mistakes and the finer details we couldn't manage ourselves and for accommodating us as a pair also! Highly recommend this course. Our table looks beautiful. Lots of compliments from extended family & friends."

Tread Softly responded:

"Aw what a lovely review ☺️ Thanks so much for coming guys, it was lovely having you both along. I thought you were very competent and I absolutely loved the family history behind this piece of furniture. I thought it was brill that you made a feature of the scratches and marks of human existence ❤️ And the nod to the Manchester worker bee with 5 hexagons linking to the generations this pieces had past between. Thanks for both being good sports, it was fun having you along ? Glad it’s rightly getting compliments!"

Julie Brock reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Thank you Barbara for a most enjoyable day. It was my first time needle felting and Barbara was an informative, knowledgeable and patient tutor. I was pleased with my hare and my family were very impressed, in fact daughter wished she had come along with me! We'll be back at some point! I would highly recommend this course."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Julie, I am so pleased that you had a lovely day. Your a natural and Mr hare looked fabulous. Barbara"

Mary Curry reviewed: Needle felting workshops taught live online by Heartfelt by Heidi

"I so enjoyed this course and the teaching was excellent. Heidi helped when it was required, but left me to get on with it when there was no problem. It was great to learn a new skill on a pleasant environment and in such good company. I am very pleased with my felted robin and feel inspired to make other needle felted animals. Thank you so much Heidi"

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Mary and kind words. I am really pleased you enjoyed the workshop and felt inspired. I have several wonderful venues that I am lucky to use, which provide a relaxing and inspiring enviroment. Needle Felting is such a rewarding craft and I love sharing my knowledge and passion for it. I hope to see you again in the future. Heartfelt thanks Heidi x"

Tony Redpath reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great day! Mort was enthusiastic, knowledgeable, supportive and a store of great stories! He looked after us brilliantly and made sure we went home with something we can really treasure."

Tracey Smith reviewed: The First Cut - lino cutting for beginners & rusty printmakers

"Brilliant day. Relaxing, welcoming atmosphere and well-organised. Liz was a fab teacher and was very inspiring. As a 'rusty printmaker' it was a great way to rebuild my skills and confidence. Can't wait to play some more at home."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Hi Tracey, Thanks so much for taking time to review your day and glad you enjoyed your workshop. A lovely way to start your half term break and lots of time to try some new designs. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Diane reviewed: Collagraph Printmaking with Megan Evans + self catered accommodation

"We had a really lovely morning with Megan at the Bromyard Lock Up. She is clearly experienced, and encouraged us to experiment for ourselves and simply engage with the process. We created some wonderful prints and felt truly inspired by the session, and look forward to spending time with Megan again soon. Her lovely warm personality shines through, so whether you are highly artistic or new to artwork (like me) I thoroughly recommend her workshops. Thank you so much Megan"

Megan Evans - Artist responded:

"Thank you Diane this is so lovely to hear! I will send across my Christmas workshop dates and see you again soon. So glad you enjoyed the session :-)"

Anne reviewed: Free Machine Embroidery

"What a lovely day! Ruth was a fantastic host and teacher. My friend and I learned so much in just one day and feel very inspired to go on with projects of our own. Definitely recommend this course."