Latest reviews

Angela Whitehead reviewed: Candlemaking workshops for beginners in Hastoe, nr Tring

"My first candle making course, really enjoyed it. Anne was an excellent teacher, everything was simply explained, I found it easy to follow. We were not rushed at all and made several different types of and colours of candles. They turned out very well, my husband was extremely impressed with the final product. I will certainly book in again for another session."

Jules Holland Oxbrough reviewed: Ceramic slip casting workshop

"Enjoyable and informative. Friendly atmosphere, good fun with lovely people. Excellent tutor. A marvellously creative and productive day. I would highly recommend this course!"

Katrina reviewed: Large ceramic hare sculpture

"Linda is an amazing teacher and shows you step by step what to do. Linda encourages you to create what you envision or what you may have seen and supports you in being able to achieve this. Linda’s sessions are always fun and enjoyable and laughs are always had. I very much enjoyed making my hare and really can’t wait for it to come out the kiln and also hope to make another one it is a very addictive craft. Thank you Linda you are fab, and Owen the cook also makes lovely homemade food, very good value for money ?"

Vivienne Moghal reviewed: Ceramic slip casting workshop

"Marvellous, marvellous, marvellous. Knew nothing about slip-casting at the start and left having made two brilliant pots, one of which I painted with coloured slips. Atmosphere - as alway, so relaxing and therapeutic. Teacher - well, Alison is second to none. Nobody is a a good as she is at instructing you in all the intricacies and answering all your questions (very patiently). Recommendation - go, learn, enjoy, love and of course, return."

Paula reviewed: Fused Glass Lantern Workshops

"I really enjoyed this course - all the other students were friendly and Tracy was very helpful and knowledgeable."

Jill Glover reviewed: Mixed Media workshop with Clare Cosens

"Wow! what a great morning I had. No clue what to do before I got there. Clare had so many options for us to use. She showed us so much to generate our own thoughts. Once I got myself together with my thoughts, Clare helped me put my own slant on things. My piece was a Parisian type of theme with some text, now I can go home and have the inspiration to do something again. Clare is so friendly, helpful, kind, knowledgeable and wanted us to go home knowing that we could try something again at home on our own. Will definitely definitely being attending more of her workshops again. Thank you Clare for giving me the confidence I needed."

Janet Viner reviewed: Mosaic workshop in Hornsea coastal town

"I had never done this before but from start to finish I was shown and helped! A really good day. Lunch was supplied and fabulous! Many other crafts on offer too!"

Mosaic Mosaic responded:

"Thank you Janet. Glad you enjoyed your day. It was nice getting to know you all. Thanks for coming."

Nancy Sexton reviewed: Mixed Media workshop with Clare Cosens

"So much food for thought. I know I will be experimenting with the techniques that were taught. Clare is an excellent teacher. She is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to constructive ideas to make your work better. The tips on what makes a composition strong were particularly helpful to me. Very easy workshop to attend because she provides so many and so varied supplies——you can just show up."

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

"An exceptional and magical experience at Cowshed Creative. From learning how to form pinch pots to glazing, firing and smoking our Raku pieces, our tutor guided us with gentle humour and much considered kindness. Our hosts provided a delicious lunch including pudding and cakes on both days. The barn was warm and we could cosy up by the wood burning stove when in need of refreshments. A wonderfully engaging course, enhanced by the idyllic setting of the Kentmere Valley... thank you Cowshed Creative."

Cowshed Creative responded:

"Thank you Zeena for such lovely comments. Hope to see you again soon."

Susanne reviewed: Christmas candle making & mulled wine (Friday mornings)

"Charlie’s workshop was a gift to a friend and it is the perfect present. Charlie’s friendly, relaxed, engaging style means you feel able to experiment with the scent you want to create and style of candle. We were completely inspired to do more, Charlie couldn’t be better - bubbles and cake too, what more could you want. A really enjoyable experience."

Paul Eslinger reviewed: Private jewellery tuition with Joanne Tinley Jewellery

"I started my silversmith journey a while back and shared some very enjoyable time with Jo developing my skills initially and refining them later. In the early days Jo was very much my teacher, providing me with step by step guidance and insights into the intricacies of the art, craft and science of silversmithing. As my skill moved forward Jo became a mentor and many a puzzle was solved with some exploring of the challenges of designs that were nebular and required multiple techniques and strategies to reach the finished piece. In some of my later sessions I would arrive with two or three gems, an idea and a day to produce something. On others Jo would have a session prepared around particular challenge like hinges. In every scenario Jo had the patience and understanding to draw out the best results. Did every idea work out? Well not entirely, some needed simplification, but we ended up with a piece at the end of every session. Jo and I enjoyed working through new techniques, tools and challenges. In latter sessions Jo and I would approach the very difficult area of how to make a piece aesthetic and wearable. I am an engineer at heart and Jo helped me understand that battleship proportions were not always as beautiful as I perceive them. She helped me work with better proportion and make more balanced pieces. Novice, intermediate or advance Jo will be one of the milestones in anyone's silversmith journey. I learnt a lot, shared a lot and enjoyed every second of the time that I shared with Jo as I continue my silversmith journey. Looking forward to my next challenge..."

Joanne Tinley Jewellery responded:

"Thank you for such a wonderful review Paul! It is an absolutely pleasure to teach you and help you on your silversmithing journey - and I enjoy the challenges you bring to the studio! Looking forward to having your company in the studio again."

Renate Bolenz reviewed: Beginners Free Motion Machine Embroidery Workshop in Buntingford, Hertfordshire

"Really enjoyable workshop in which I learned a lot! Small group worked very well and the lovely atmosphere creates inspiring ideas. Sue is very friendly and knowledgeable. I will be back for a follow up workshop soon."

Sue Nicholls Designs responded:

"Thank you for the lovely review Renate. It was a pleasure to teach you - look forward to seeing you again soon."

Sharron French reviewed: Memory bear and mohair bear making classes

"Had an amazing day here on Thursday (07/11/19). The course takes place in a teddy bear and doll hospital... Oh my the bears and dolls... just adorable...Rikey who's business it is... looks after you wonderfully and Jo, the course leader is brilliant... patient and helpful in equal measures... I had taken two different items for my memory bear... and we agreed to use the lesser important sweatshirt for my first bear... which turned out perfectly... the more important baby item I felt confident to do at home... but Jo, bless her heart, worked out the best way to place the pattern for me and wrote extra instructions for my next bear. The whole day... from 9am to leaving just after 5pm was perfect... cannot recommend this course highly enough... Thank you so very much for the wonderful day... As promised I'll send a photo of my completed 'Danny' bear once done...."

Alice's Bear Shop responded:

"Hi Sharron It was a pleasure having you here with us. Your bear turned out GORGEOUS and we're so happy that we could help you learn this new skill. Rikey and Team Teddy"

Pamela Rushton reviewed: The Pottery Cave - Evening beginners classes

"What a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours a week being creative and meeting some lovely people. Caroline is there to help at any time and lets your creativity come to the forefront and everyone produces such amazing work. Inspirational! I really look forward to these classes."

Kerri reviewed: Candle making workshop in Chelmsford - create your own luxury scented soy wax candle

"Meeting Helen was such a lovely experience, she is passionate about what she does & no question was a problem. The evening was such a unique experience & she’d picked a fab venue to attend this workshop at. I would definitely book again."

Sophia reviewed: Beginners Crochet Taster Day

"Faye taught me to crochet, she's the most patient person I know, and the most relaxed teacher I've ever had. I've seen so much improvement in my work these last few months and my classes on a Monday are the highlight of my week."

Unravel & Unwind C.I.C. responded:

"You are improving steadily and I'm glad you enjoy your weekly meet ups. I look forward to guiding you through you next projects."

Mark Smith reviewed: Beginners Crochet Taster Day

"Faye was very calm and patient with me as a non-crocheter and soon had me turning a ball of yarn into a granny square. I would happily highly recommend her and the course's she runs."

Unravel & Unwind C.I.C. responded:

"Thank you, it's my aim to get as many people having a go as possible."

Lucie reviewed: Candle making workshop in Chelmsford - create your own luxury scented soy wax candle

"I bought my mum this workshop for her birthday and she enjoyed it so much! I loved the workshop too and Helen was very knowledgable. I can't wait to start burning my candle and also using the re fill service. The snacks and prosecco were fab too! Thank you! I highly recommend to anyone thinking of doing this."

Suzanne & Terry reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"Had great two days. Learned much. Jo is excellent tutor offering as much or little support and info as needed. Everything explained well. Recommend course. Terry May be reupholstering the whole house when we get back home. Thank you Jo."

Anne Ross reviewed: Christmas willow wreath workshop Hemel Hempstead

"I have attended a couple of Helen's courses and have booked again this year too because they are great fun and it's lovely to create something new each time. Helen provides so many options and choices of things to use with step by step instructions and plenty of time to create something you'll feel proud to hang on your door!"

Helen Reeley Gardens responded:

"Hello Anne, thanks for the review, glad you enjoy the workshops. I have some new foliage/garnish for this year's wreath workshops. See you on 11th December :-)"

Ella reviewed: Adults friday morning art club Colchester

"I attended an art class with Kirstin and was thrilled with the quality of artwork I produced. She taught me lots of new techniques which has given me confidence to be creative again. The classes were friendly and relaxed. I will be booking more in the future."

Busola reviewed: Virtual Creative Gift Wrapping Workshop via Zoom

"I went on this course because I needed it for my business. I found it very useful and found the tutor is well knowledgeable. She made wrapping look simple"

Zoliab Craft & Gift Wrapping Academy responded:

"Thanks Busola. I am glad you found the course useful,and thanks for your recommendation."

Mo Chudleigh reviewed: Gem cutting - faceting basics - the step cut square facet

"Had this course two days after my cabochon lesson and again it was satisfying and a lot of fun, as well as teaching me a lot about the process. I faceted a clear topaz which James had got started for me - there's a lot more to faceting than cabbing, but James is a fantastic teacher and goes through the whole process step by step. He's full of good advice and it was in a very relaxed environment, working at your own pace which makes it a lot easier to absorb all the information. Would definitely recommend this for anyone who is curious about faceting as it really helps to have an experienced teacher. I may be back for the standard round brilliant in the future!"

Kate Pinder reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"I had a fabulous day yesterday within Georgina - I have taken away loads of tips and advice along with some absolutely beautiful 'hand made by me' items. Highly recommended. And I've even ordered a kiln today to make more jewellery at home!!"

Perfectcharm responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the course!Exciting that you have bought a kiln. Hope you make some amazing pieces. Look out for some specialist classes next year if you would like to try some new techniques."

Mo Chudleigh reviewed: Gem cutting - cabochon cutting and an introduction to faceting

"Had a really great time with James, he is a fantastic teacher and very knowledgeable about the craft. As someone with no lapidary experience whatsoever I learned a lot from my first session in a very chilled out environment. This course gives you the opportunity to get hands on in such a niche field, and at the end of the process you get a lovely cabochon to take home! Can't recommend enough."