Latest reviews

Sheila Smith reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture Course

"I attended the willow animal sculpture course with Sue Kirk last May and came away with a stag which I am extremely proud of. Sue is a brilliant tutor and very talented, I cannot rate her highly enough. The barn workshop is really good to work in and I really enjoyed myself."

Peta Proctor reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"I totally agree with the previous review. Fantastic helpful tuition and support, I went on my own but never felt alone as everyone is so friendly. The trips were great and enabled us to see more of the area and paint in other locations. I am planning to go again next year, looking forward to it already."

Gill Horrocks reviewed: Willow skep hive (Alveari) making - with Bees for Development

"Exciting, practical course — and you get to take home your own willow skep! Chris Parks is an excellent and expert teacher with vast patience. I had never done any willow weaving before so the entire process was new to me. Discovering the history of willow weaving was fascinating in its own right. I hope a swarm will choose my skep as its home next Spring."

Vicki GARRATT reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"An inspirational course! Dr Leo Sarashkin delivers a most uplifting and engaging lecture combining the complex science with the gritty practicalities... reconciling the ideal world of beekeeping with the realistic limitations of the humble beekeeper battling to do their best! I have come away from the course preparing to start a horizontal hive apiary following his ethos. A wonderful course... much recommended!"

Maria reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"Most enjoyable weekend. Covered a lot, the time flew by!"

Dean & Sian reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"We did this course for our 5th year anniversary (wood being the theme), and it was brilliant! Ian was very welcoming, he was encouraging and very passionate about what he does, which was great to be a part of. We learnt traditional woodworking techniques and had the pleasure of using traditional tools throughout the day, which really made you connect with the wood and what you were creating. Using the traditional techniques made it harder work, but so much more rewarding. We left the day feeling really proud of the bench we had made, also aching, but more importantly smiling from ear to ear over what we had achieved. We have great memories of the day every time we sit on our new oak bench and would recommend this to anyone who wants a good day out!"

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"I am currently attending the Watercolour course for complete beginners at Magic Wool Art and Craft Studio and I am enjoying it enormously. I am so lucky to have found such a great tutor, Raya Brown, who is knowledgeable, patient and helpful. She is also a very talented watercolour artist who inspires us with her work. Raya teaches us the very basics of watercolour and guides us through various techniques, materials and methods of painting. We also improve our drawing skills which help us to succeed with learning watercolour. So far I have produced a painting of poppy fields, a landscape with a sunset using wet-in -wet technique and some paintings and drawings of fruit. I am very pleased with my results. Thank you very much Raya!"

Sarah Lickman reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"A thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable experience. Sarah takes the time to explain everything very well and the relaxed atmosphere she creates will bring out the artistic side that you never knew you had!"

Caroline reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"My husband booked me onto the beginners candle making workshop as an anniversary gift and I had a wonderful time. Anita is very knowledgeable and a great teacher and she creates a lovely atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this."

Gill Horrocks reviewed: Treatment free beekeeping in horizontal hives - Leo Sharashkin

"I attended Leo Sharashkin's course for the second time in 2019. He brought new insights and evidence to his approach and is generously interactive with attendees. He is one of the best tutors I have ever come across in any subject and the bees are fortunate to have his knowledgeable advocacy!"

Jeszemma and Ashley reviewed: Silver wedding rings/ wedding (hen) party jewellery

"We have had the best time making each other’s wedding rings. Every last thing was perfect; the location, the tea, the whole experience was top notch. Jonathan’s expertise and calmness was a perfect balm in the middle of wedding-planning chaos. Seriously, I would recommend everyone makes their own wedding rings on this boat, you get to spend the day away from wedding madness and be calm and you get to make something with love for the person you love. I cried a little when I saw how much love and care he put into making mine, I will cherish it forever. The one I made for him is pretty amazing too!! We were both slightly nervous as we were complete beginners, but Jonathon made sure we felt supported and comfortable. He filled us both full of confidence and knew when to sit back and when to step in. We are delighted with our rings, they are unique and really high quality, I cannot recommend this day enough and we will remember it always."

Tom and Debs reviewed: Silver wedding rings/ wedding (hen) party jewellery

"We spent a magical day on the boat making each other's wedding rings. Jonathan guided us through the whole process from start to finish so that we could design the kind of rings we really wanted. It meant the world to us that we were able to be very hands on and do most of the work ourselves. Our friends and family can't believe that we made them - they look so professional! And completely unique. Thank you so much Jonathan for making our big day even more special. An experience we will never forget. Debs and Tom"

Linda Howcroft reviewed: Clay Animal Sculpting

"I was bought the animal sculpting course as a birthday present and what a fantastic day !! I actually made a hare and it looked fab. Sharon is a great teacher, patient and encouraging. My hare will be taking centre stage when I get it home. Would highly recommend this to anyone of any ability."

The Crafty potter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Linda, It was lovely having you join me in the studio, you did fantastic, see you in a few weeks x"

Cecily Nattress reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"I bought a half day beginners workshop as a gift for myself and a family member, having vowed to buy more locally produced gifts or experiences from now on. Communication before the course was fantastic, very informative so we knew where we were going and what we would be doing. On arrival we were treated to a very warm welcome in Suzanne’s lovely workshop, which was very well appointed with a wide range of beautiful coloured glass rods. Suzanne’s teaching style was great, explaining all the health and safety bits and a bit about what she does, before getting straight into demonstrating what we were going to do. As the session went on, we got more confident with the glass and produced some lovely beads. I found the process very hypnotic, definitely good for practicing a bit of mindfulness starting into the bright flame and watching the glass change shape. I’m sure I will be back for another session! Thanks Suzanne"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Thank you Cecily for your lovely review and taking the time to write it."

Sue reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"Very enjoyable ,informative day with surprising amount achieved. Rosanna very well equipped and prepared and a very patient teacher. My husband made his own tool roll and with hindsight and now knowing what is possible if I attended again I would make my own project within that time.Lovely setting and good cafe. A lovely Christmas present,thank you Kate and thank you Rosanna for a really interesting productive intro to leatherwork."

Patsy Deery reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Had a wonderful day with Alice who taught us all the basics but also showed us lots of techniques to stimulate creativity and style. I’ve come home with a lovely weave which I plan to make into a cushion cover. I would very much like to do the follow on workshop soon."

Joanne Davis reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"I recently did the two hour workshop with Teresa, with my mum and sister and we all thoroughly enjoyed it and we were thrilled with what we made. Teresa made it very relaxed and enjoyable and was very patient. I have tried many workshops and I think this was the most enjoyable and relaxing so far. Even if you aren't particularly arty, you can still come away with a lovely piece you can be proud of. A great introductory class and would definitely do again."

Barbara & Carol reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"We went along to the workshop and had a fantastic day. Melanie is an excellent teacher who guided us through every project we did. It was a fun and informative experience and we look forward to attending another course."

Julia Tolley reviewed: Stacking rings Warwickshire

"Fabulously productive day with treasures to take away. Very well taught, Kate addressed all learning needs whether a beginner or more skilled. Most enjoyable day - I would recommend to anyone. Come and have fun, friendly company and a great tutor."

Stacey reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"This course was bought for me as a birthday present. It was fantastic. Sunita was really friendly, welcoming and talented. I would highly recommend it if you have thought about trying calligraphy."

Graham Moore reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"We loved the calligraphy course at Glory Lettering Studio! Sunita is a great teacher, she explained the concepts really well, gradually building up from simple strokes to more complex lettering and words."

Martin Bourne reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"This was my second stone carving course with Lucy in York and, as before, I was both challenged and inspired. Right from the start, as you select your piece of stone through to completing the finishing touches on your creation, Lucy is there to give advice and tailored tuition. It is a totally immersive experience, leavened by good company and excellent lunches. As the class size is small, normally no more than three students, it quickly becomes a collaborative effort. An experience not to be missed."

Patricia reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"I was very satisfied by the presentation of this session . Directions were full and easily understood . Equipment all to hand."

Heather reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Peaceful, relaxing, informative. Thoroughly enjoyed the session."

Jewli reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Very enjoyable relaxed session, all made to feel welcome .Good resources available and equipment -no need to bring anything, except yourself!"