Latest reviews

Jane from Buckinghamshire reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Loved the day- enjoyed all the different techniques and the "try anything" attitude- very free and inspiring. Will book another course in 2020."

Janice reviewed: Stitchless bags workshop - learn how to craft your own leather bag with no stitching

"An enjoyable evening. After being expertly guided through the various stages by Esther I was delighted to come away with a smart new leather handbag. As a complete beginner I would recommend this course."

Leather Needle Thread responded:

"Hi Janice, thanks so much for this lovely review. I'm really glad you enjoyed the evening and are pleased with your beautiful new bag!!"

Sarah reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"What a wonderful weekend of learning, friendship and utter relaxation! I left feeling energised and excited to practise, practise practise. Elaine is a calm and patient teacher with a wealth of knowledge and skill. Would highly recommend the course to anyone wanting to explore this fascinating craft."

Lindy Clay reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern Workshops

"What a wonderful experience my 10 year old daughter and I had this morning making our designs. We are complete novices and I’m impressed at what we produced with Tracey’s help and guidance. Just booked our next course, so excited ?"

Deborah Michel reviewed: Oil Painting Portraiture Skills with artist Cat MacDiarmid at Cowshed Creative, Lake District

"This was an excellent course for me. I found it very challenging but left with a very strong desire to improve my drawing. I even set a target of doing one quick portrait a day. Cowshed Creative is an excellent venue. There’s a roaring fire, excellent food and perfect hosts. Thanks"

Polly reviewed: zzz Personalised ring making course in South Devon

"I loved this workshop, very hands on and well explained by two knowledgable instructors. A real range of ring designs could be made from a simple band and I felt like it gave me room for my creative vision whilst still being manageable in the time frame. Came away with two lovely rings I’ll enjoy for a long time."

Lyn Oates reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"Learnt new techniques - some of which I will use again. Lists of materials very helpful. A fun course with fun outcomes. A great four days. Lygon Arms is great for for catering for any dietary foibles. Thank you."

S.C reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"What a fantastic four days. Learnt a lot and really motivated to go away and experiment more. Maor was very inspirational. Venue great, food yummy. Can't wait until the next one. Thank you Kerry and Louise for organising such useful and exciting workshops. Keep up the good work."

Suzy Imeson reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"Thank you for organising this course Kerry & Lou, and Maor for teaching these new techniques. I've really enjoyed getting enthusiastic again about creating and in such a supportive and friendly environment. The Lygon Arms was a brilliant venue and they were really helpful when asking "please can I put my mouse (modelling clay!) in your freezer?" Lunch was very tasty. Thank you for sending out material lists and for answering all questions. Lou and Kerry, your skills and expertise as well as access to materials was also SO helpful. A very big thank you. Until next time!xx"

Melissa Phillips reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"I found this workshop to be a different way of working as I am used to working with traditional millinery techniques. I learnt lots of new techniques due to the artists style of workshop. The tutor was friendly and made the workshop feel relaxed and informal. We learnt a lot from each other as everyone in the group was shown techniques to suit their individual pieces. The venue is easy to get to and the workspace is comfortable and spacious within a lovely setting. The staff are welcoming and accommodating to our needs. The gift bags in our places on arrival were a lovely touch. Thank you for hosting a great course - I have really enjoyed it."

Alison Cooper reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"I've had an absolutely amazing 4 days and have learnt so much. The food was delicious and the venue great to find and a lovely space to work in. Fabulous, thank you so much!x"

Rachel Eddison reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"Fantastic - Thank you so much. I learned so much from the tutor - so many things / ways I never would have thought about and such a lovely person too! Also, as ever, the learning from the rest of the wonderful group - so many tricks and tips. Just want to do more, more, more. A very big thank you."

Ros Watts reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"An excellent 2 days with the tutor. Learned so much about making blocks and felt work. Great to be able to do individual hats. Excellent venue and organisation. Thank you!"

E.W reviewed: Feather flower workshop with Ian Bennett

"Loved every moment. Well organised. Lovely company."

J Pollard reviewed: Christmas Beginners candle making workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"This was an opportunity to meet up with old friends and we had a wonderful time while learning a new skill. Sarah is a great teacher and I would thoroughly recommend attendance at one of her workshops! Thanks again Sarah. JP of Kidderminster"

Candle by Events responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments glad you and your friends enjoyed the workshop"

Alison Baxter reviewed: Private jewellery tuition with Joanne Tinley Jewellery

"My sister and me booked a private lesson with Jo and both wanted to make different things. She was very accomodating with this request and we both felt well instructed. She is a knowledgeable silversmith and accomplished teacher. I would love to live nearer so I could do more lessons with her. Could not recommend her classes highly enough."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Alison! I really enjoyed having you and Amanda in the studio, helping you to create your new jewellery!"

Helen-Jane Mason reviewed: Furniture Painting Workshop (levels 1&2 techniques covered) in Warrington, Cheshire

"Had a brilliant day learning new skills which I can't wait to try out on other pieces of furniture that desperately need to be rejuvenated! The instructor was very informative, and with guidance and advice along the way, I finished up with a brand new contemporary paper rack. Thank you so much!"

The Boho Shed responded:

"I'm so pleased you enjoyed the day Helen, you did a great job on your paper rack. I look forward to seeing your future creations. Thanks for your lovely words."

Richard & Tricia Marshall reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"What a great day! We had booked places on this course as a Christmas present for ourselves having seen a report on TV of similar green woodworking and thought it would be great to try it too. We originally booked on the May course but had to postpone to September because the date clashed with a family anniversary party. Andy was very helpful getting our booking postponed and made it so easy. We didn't quite know what to expect when we arrived but, despite the rain, the setting was beautiful and fortunately there was more than sufficient shelter. Our tutor Andy immediately made us feel at ease as he described the day ahead and even the H & S was presented gently without making it seem too restricting. Within 30 minutes we were starting to cut log blanks for making our mallets using traditional techniques. Andy explained the objectives and how to use the various tools very clearly, demonstrating their use with consummate skill. As we made our first attempts, he came round and guided each of us, praising and pointing out how to work the wood to get the best results. Andy has such depth of knowledge and great skill in selecting and working with timber. As things progressed through the day, we gradually learnt about how to select the wood for cutting, and how to use each tool to achieve the objective. Having not only the right tools but very sharp ones made things easier. It's clear that time is spent between courses making sure all the tools are fully sharpened, which requires a lot of skill. The spatulas we all made were beautiful and practical. We enjoyed the company of fellow students, who like us had little previous experience. Working in the open air, in woodland was new to us. Everyone got on well together and Andy was excellent, helping each of us but also allowing us to learn by doing, without breathing down our necks! We made mistakes, of course, but then he showed us how to make the most of it anyway. Towards the end of the afternoon we used pole lathes to make various items such as garden dibbers and rolling pins. Again, Andy showed us step by step how to prepare the timber, set it in the lathe and then turn it. Most of us found it quite hard to synchronise the back-and-forth turning of the lathe with apply and then relaxing the cutting tool at the right time. But again, Andy was there showing us how to get the best result. Overall, we can say it was a most excellent and enjoyable introduction to green woodworking, in a super environment with a really great teacher. We'd love to come back for another course; we thoroughly recommend this one to everyone and we're sure that the other courses are just as good."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"We are very pleased to hear that you both enjoyed the course so much, and thank you very much indeed for writing such a kind and thorough review. We look forward to seeing you back at Sallerton Wood for another course, and please remember to ask for a Return Booking Discount which currently stands at 15%."

Dawn reviewed: Private jewellery tuition with Joanne Tinley Jewellery

"I'm a self taught silversmith, who has progressed from wirework into torch work. I did a simple evening class, and then tried to learn as much as I could from online classes and books. And of course trial and error - lots and lots of error. I found Joanne's classes online and then discovered she runs workshops, including bespoke individual tuition. I booked a couple of days, train tickets and a hotel and sent her a list of what I wanted to cover. It was a vast list. Joanne is incredibly patient and has the best teaching style I have ever come across my whole life, in any topic or medium. Every process was explained as we went through it, concisely, clearly and as though it were a perfect stream of consciousness - pre-empting all my questions (you have no idea how rare this is for me). My vast list was covered, fully throughout the course and at no point did I feel in the least stupid. I'm now able to tackle almost any task I want and more importantly, I have the confidence to try and not worry about failure because I know now how to learn meaningfully from these, much rarer errors. I can set stones like a pro, recycle my scrap, saw well, with fewer broken blades and I also got to test out a whole range of tools to help me choose my own. I cannot recommend Joanne's jewellery tuition highly enough. I only wish I lived within a commutable distance."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for your very kind words Dawn! It was lovely to have you with me in the studio for a couple of days, and to teach someone so enthusiastic and keen to learn. It has been great to continue to see the jewellery you share online develop and your skills expand!"

Drawing Starter reviewed: Learn how to see through an artist’s eye and draw more confidently - Skipton

"Excellent introduction to drawing. Kate was an extremely good teacher - patient and kind. The afternoon was very well structured with instruction and mini exercises first and then time to put it all into practice by creating our own drawing. Plenty of supplies available to try different pencils etc. All in all a very enjoyable and instructive afternoon."

Kate West responded:

"Hello Gilly, Caroline, Jane and Pip, not sure which one of you lovely ladies has left such wonderful review but whoever it was thank you! Kate"

Sally Horsfield reviewed: Shaped and 3D tapestry weaving masterclass

"This course gave a very comprehensive overview to the technique of using pulled warp to create 3 dimensional shape. With Barbara’s guidance I made my own pattern and completed a sample piece of “shapes”. I now have the ability and confidence to use these learnt methods as part of my creative Journey. Thank you Barbara for your teaching and your support, thank you Jane Brunning for the wonderful ambience of your workshop and thank you Lin and Weavers Bazar for providing such an excellent selection of yarns for us to use and for the very tasty lunches. I was also able to buy additional yarns and materials from the Weavers Bazar shop at Jane Brunnings studio."

Tamara van Noort reviewed: Tailor-made one-to-one textile print workshop

"I attended a one-day screen printing session with Kathryn in mid-October 2019 while on a short visit to the UK from Australia. I had previously done some fairly basic stencilling/ fabric printing at home and had a vague memory of doing some thermal screen printing 20+ years ago at school and wanted the opportunity to explore, experiment and learn from a professional textiles artist at my own pace… along with the exciting chance to spend some time in a working studio! I had an absolutely brilliant time… Kathryn taught me the basic process of screen printing while customising the session as we went along to suit what I wanted to learn and understand more about. She was wonderfully friendly, easy going, flexible, and knowledgable - and I was able to ask as many questions as I wanted (which is a privilege that one generally has to go without in larger class scenarios!). Kathryn communicated really thoroughly with me before the session to ensure that the session met my expectations, which included ensuring the availability of specific types of fabric for the class. Afterwards, she also provided some additional notes and recommendations to assist me to continue experimenting on my own at home. I was really proud of the work I produced under her expert guidance - her input gave me the confidence to trust my instincts and go with my gut. Overall, it was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in screen or fabric printing and textiles more broadly."

Kathryn Green Textiles responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you Tamara. We had an incredibly productive and enjoyable day and you achieved some lovely samples. Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to make mistakes! I hope you are able to carry on experimenting now you are back home."

Helen Woolley reviewed: Silver earrings workshop

"I really enjoyed my first attempt at jewellery making. Jo is a patient and knowledgeable tutor, giving just the right amount of support and encouragement to participants. There is a good range of materials available and plenty of samples to spark design ideas. The studio is light and spacious and the atmosphere is relaxed making for an enjoyable and absorbing experience. I was able to make 7 pairs of earrings, of a standard that I was happy to give to friends as gifts. I would highly recommend the course."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind review Helen! It was lovely to have you in the workshop, and to hear that you gave some of the earrings as gifts!"

Hazel Stephens reviewed: Making Scrumptious Scatter Cushions - Small Group - 2 day Workshop - York

"I’m so proud of what I achieved on this course - two amazing cushions, new skills and a shed load of creative ideas! I thought I knew how to make scatter cushions but not like these ones! Zips, piping, beaded trims - loved it! A relaxed, friendly course with lots of help and tips - Jacqueline certainly knows what she’s talking about and is brimming with ideas and advice. Well worth it whether creating for personal use or something more ambitious - highly recommended"

JSInteriorsUK responded:

"Thank you Hazel for your lovely review, your cushions were beautiful and I was totally impressed with all your creative ideas."

Jane Low reviewed: "Sparkle & Shine": beginner mosaic workshops with Joss Hughes, Peacock Mosaics

"As I already have some experience of mosaicing, I was keen to learn something new, in the form of a 3D mosaic sphere for the garden. Joss patiently showed me how to transfer a pattern on to the 2 halves of the sphere, and then how to apply the tesserae. She has an excellent range of tesserae to choose from in her studio, and guided me on how to choose complementary colours. A slight problem with lining up the pattern at the end came when joining the 2 halves of the sphere together, but she guided me on how to rectify this. She also demonstrated how to grout the sphere, a different method of grouting to what I have done before. I finished sticking the tesserae at home, successfully grouted the sphere, and am very pleased with the result. I'm now waiting for fine weather next summer to display it in the garden!"

Peacock Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Jane!"