Latest reviews

Sylvia Stephenson reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Had a lovely morning with 3 friends yesterday making Christmas decorations. Julie was very friendly & knowledgeable offering us advice when we needed it & explaining all the results using the different types of glass would make to the finished items. She gave us all the information we needed to design 2 decorations each & supplied tea / coffee cake & biscuits to keep us going! A hugely enjoyable experience & looking forward to doing another course soon. PS I have just collected our finished items & they are all fab! Thank you so much Julie"

Alistair Stirling reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I completed a very full day course with Mark two days ago. This was a very well prepared introduction for a novice to wood turning. Safety was emphasised throughout which was both essential and reassuring. Explanation was systematic and entirely logical. All queries were carefully considered with clear response. Demonstration was step by step and progressed at a comfortable rate despite some (predictable ) errors on my part. Comments were constructive and helpful. Learning materials to take away are detailed and useful. A recommended shopping list is provided and necessary to avoid considerable confusion given the multiplicity of options. Overall a very worthwhile day and I anticipate foundation to establish a long term enjoyable new skill . Sincere thanks to Mark."

Steve Sharpe reviewed: Copper fold-forming jewellery workshop

"David is an excellent teacher. Clear, supportive and enthusiastic. It's incredible what wonderful organic shapes you can be producing within a very short time. Great fun, super technique, highly recommended."

David J Lilly responded:

"Thanks for the great review."

Clare Younger reviewed: Introducing winter millinery - evenings - Newcastle NE1

"I have attended Margaret’s hat class for a Dahlia button. I much prefer sewing to glue gun but the process is quicker and fun. I really like 4 weeks classes instead of 3 as I''m slower and get frustrated. I'm enthusiastic at least. Margaret is professional and fun and I’ve met some lovely people at her home. More classes next year are always welcome. Join her adventure and talents and you will enjoy yourself."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Clare! Your latest felt perching cap style headpiece is a stunning collection of three multi coloured dahlias! Fantastic results! I’m looking forward to welcoming you to the next millinery course."

Linda Arch reviewed: One day silver clay course at Gallery in Heswall, Wirral

"A most enjoyable day. I came home with 4 very attractive items, even though I had no previous experience. Georgina gave excellent guidance, made suggestions, but also allowed me to develop my own ideas."

Maureen reviewed: 10- week Introduction to Soft Pastels online zoom art course with live tuition. Suitable for complete beginners and people with some experience in Art.

"A thoroughly enjoyable course. As a beginner I received so much help. I was quite apprehensive before coming, but did not need to be. It was a great learning journey alongside other people, who were very creative and friendly. Raya is a delightful person, very supportive and a joy to be with. I would recommend this course to any beginner. Maureen"

Jane reviewed: Collage illustration workshop

"Emmeline was an excellent and inspiring tutor, with lots of ideas, positive encouragement, oh, and amazing cakes and tea which kept coming. Highly recommended course!"

Jane Woolley reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"Excellent course, lovely small groups, which caters for all, whatever your experience. Thoroughly enjoyable, with a happy friendly environment!"

Pearl Yoon reviewed: Limelight Studios Glass School

"Hi Derek and Amanda, I want to express my biggest gratitude to both of you. Ever since I booked the course two months ago from South Korea, I have been excited and looking forward to it. Your course managed to instantly make me forget about my tiredness and jet lag from a long haul flight. I was filled with hope and joy each day of the course, and the final result was a vision come true. It was also an incredible opportunity to meet and learn from Amanda in person, especially after having followed and admired her artwork through discovering her on Instagram many months ago. This course has guided me through my first formal experience with the glass panel paintwork, and I truly appreciate your technical skills and expertise. I couldn’t recommend your course enough to fellow beginners as I express my sincere gratitude for your patient guidance and professional warmth. Kind regards, Pearl"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Wonderful having you join us on the course all the way from South Korea, and really great to see your work and hear that you enjoyed the experience so much. Best wishes Derek & Amanda"

John Hollingbery reviewed: Limelight Studios Glass School

""This 3 day course was truly inspiring. I went from knowing nothing about stained glass to turning the ambitious, complicated design I had chosen into a finished panel that I am delighted with - all in those 3 days. I learned so much about all the processes and was taught how to apply them in a very practical, hands-on way. I absolutely loved the whole experience. Very friendly group, excellent workshop with everything one needed and great teaching. Thank you." John"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi John, it was a complete pleasure working with you over the three day course, and delighted you got so much from the experience. Loved what you made. Best wishes, Derek & Amanda"

Jill Hollingbery reviewed: Limelight Studios Glass School

""What a fantastic glass course! After 3 days of intensive learning and beavering away, I came home with a completed A3 size stained and fused glass panel, of which I am immensely proud. I am not artistic, but Amanda and Derek are such amazing, patient teachers, that they enabled me to complete exactly the panel I wanted. I recommend whole-heartedly this glass course for everyone." Jill"

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi Jill, we are delighted you enjoyed the course so much and thought your work was fantastic. Such a pleasure having you join us over the three days. best wishes, Derek & Amanda"

Wendy reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Batik textile workshop in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"A great day out. I really enjoyed doing batik. Melanie explained the processes well and was helpful with advice on colours and design. It was a very enjoyable experience with a lovely memento to take home. Lunch was delicious and helped make the whole event feel very indulgent. Would recommend very highly."

Candice Pell reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I highly recommend this glass blowing day. Ricky was patient and a great teacher. Everyone is highly impressed with the items I made (bowl, ball, sculptured piece and a hanging air plant holder). The course was great value for money. Thank you Ricky!"

Min Raisman reviewed: 8-Week Pottery Throwing Course - Hampshire

"Having done a 10 week course with Jack, I am back for more! I have had several pottery lessons over the years and Loam has been my best experience. As others say - Loam provides a lovely, peaceful, uplifting space and Jack's tuition is thorough, easy to follow and he's very patient! It's perfect for a beginner or improver."

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."