Latest reviews

Ian Rose-Miller reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"Far and away the most enjoyable course I've ever taken! Right from the beginning, Steven is warm, welcoming, funny and friendly. He distils decades of artistry into a few hours, introducing you to a wealth of tools, techniques and types of wood and above all making it incredibly interesting and engaging. It all starts gently enough but before long you'll be utterly absorbed in discovering the Art that lies buries beneath the wood, with expert guidance and encouragement. Thoroughly recommended! Ian"

Rob reviewed: A day of clay

"What a great day! I learned the basics, had opportunity to try new things and ask as many questions as I wanted - and have a laugh with the potter, who is so good at putting people at ease and getting the best from them. This is quite informal but nevertheless, you get to grips with the wheel, different types of clay, decorating. I came away feeling like I had spent my day wisely and well - learned something and had fun. The studio is tucked away in lovely Selsey with parking and toilets (and places for lunch within yards). I'd recommend this hands on course to very beginners, those who are a bit rusty and those seeking to step up their skills."

Hazel Bowman reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Loved it all! I must first of all congratulate Paul on his navigational skills. He responded nobly to an SOS and put me on the right track. The course was a pleasure. Learning about glass was as interesting as the work itself. The hardest bit, before even cutting the glass, was choosing the colours. I would most certainly do it again. The end result is a reminder of a fascinating hobby I should be very happy to take up. Thank you, Paul."

RobK reviewed: Paper marbling with tea & cake

"Attended this workshop back in August. Dina is a fantastic tutor, and there is ample time to practise paper marbling during the workshop. The studio is very well equipped, and everything was really was prepared so that we could just get on with trying things out. Dina was constantly popping around seeing how we were getting on and clearing things up so that we didn't have to break off from what we were doing. The tea and cake was excellent - loved the home-made banana cake. Thanks for a great afternoon, and I learnt a lot."

Karina Shire reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Really enjoyed the day - Theresa was very helpful and friendly and went through all the stages clearly without giving us too much information as she obviously has a tremendous knowledge of the subject.It was lovely to see the sheep out in the field and then card, spin and ply the wool to give us a skein to take home with us at the end of the day.I would definitely like to do more spinning very soon although work may get in the way for the next few months so I may have to do another course once I've bought a wheel - I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone wishing to give hand spinning a try."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Karina. That really made me smile on a dreary, rainy day! I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day, and my little sheep. I really hope that you do continue to spin but realise how busy your schedule is. So get that wheel and allow yourself just a few minutes a day!! Hope to see you again soon. Theresa"

Janice Parker reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Can't praise Matthew enough for the wonderful day me and my husband spent in his studio yesterday. I had done some throwing years ago but nothing spectacular and Phil is a complete novice. Matthew was very patient and catered very well to our different needs. Phil was so excited to actually produce a bowl on his first attempt. We both came away having made several bowls and jugs each. Matthew and his family were very welcoming and chatty throughout the day. Very relaxed atmosphere and even the sun was out. I would recommend this workshop to anyone, beginner or more advanced potter as Matthew has excellent skills as a teacher which he imparts cheerfully and with great generosity. Hope to go again in the not too distant future."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Janice and Phil, I had a great day teaching both of you and seeing you develop throughout the day. It was great to see you throwing with 4 lb plus balls of clay and producing some really lovely forms. I hope to see you again soon. Best wishes Mathew"

Mr Brian Daniel reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having read quite a few reviews for Mark I'm tempted to just put "ditto" ! It was my first "go" at wood-turning and had a great "day" with Mark ... (a very generous "day" too as Mark had no official finishing time and there was no rush to complete the day). Very thorough notes and Mark was happy to follow up with queries after the course. I could write more but much easier to say "ditto" to all the excellent reviews ! Thanks Mark."

Holly reviewed: Woven Heart Baskets

"Had a wonderful morning! Ellie is a great teacher, really laid back and generous, full of useful tips and really good at encouraging creativity. The ladies at seeded were lovely too, my coffee cup was never empty! Thank you for a lovely workshop, will definitely recommend :) x"

Elka responded:

"Hey Holly, thank you so much for coming along, and for the lovely review :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the workshop, your weaving was fantastic! X"

RosStone reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"I had brilliant day with Jill Tisbury on her FiredGlass 1 day workshop. Jill and John make you feel very relaxed and comfortable from the moment you arrive. Her studio is amazing and gives you an instant feeling of calm. Jill's knowledge and understanding of glass is incredible and her art skills are out of this world. Jill helps to inspire you and give you the confidence to create your own pieces of magic. I can't wait to see my work once it all fired. I've already cleared spaces in my sitting room to display it. Drinks were available all day with a lovely lunch and stunning dessert. I highly recommend her course."

Fired Glass responded:

"Hi Ros Great to hear you already have cleared space for your new masterpieces. The kiln is on and doing it's stuff as I type. Glad to hear you enjoyed the day not only in terms of the day but also it's structure and our approach. We hope to see you again in the future. Regards Jill and John"

Tony Linde reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"This was an excellent introduction to ecodyeing with a huge amount of information and production packed into the day. Judy's approach, going from working on small samples up to full size scarves, was perfect. First time I've come back from a course with the family loving everything I'd produced! My daughter is already sourcing equipment for me. Lovely lunch too!"

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"So glad that you enjoyed the course Tony, it was a pleasure to work with you all. You are right, a lot is packed into the day. And I do hope that you get everything set up to start doing this at home - that’s what I really hope students will do. Keep me posted."

Debs Munford reviewed: Ecodyeing - a full day introduction to leaves, rust, heat and fabric alchemy!

"I did the workshop yesterday and what a lovely farewell to summer. Judy is an excellent tutor, friendly and very knowledgeable. She went though the whole process in detail offering advice and encouragement throughout. We all produced a range of different samples on silk, wool and paper and were very pleased with the results. Would definitely recommend, thanks Judy for a lovely day."

Judy P. dye - print - weave responded:

"Thankyou Debs for your comments. Very glad that you enjoyed the day. I do hope that you set it up in your studio and find the space to carry on with ecodyeing."

Helen McGlynn reviewed: Art classes - sculpture

"I have been attending Ivan’s drawing and painting class for a number of years and started as a complete beginner. In his class I have used pastels, ink, charcoal, watercolour, acrylic, gouache, oil and any combination of media. Ivan’s coaching has given me the confidence to work with any medium and any subject. Nothing is wrong and there are no rules. I would encourage anyone to join one of the classes."

Caroline reviewed: Creative pottery decoration workshop

"I have been blown away by the fantastic results I have produced on this course and can't wait to do some more! I went into the course with absolutely no artistic ability and full of doubt, but Gabriella was patient and encouraging and not only do I now possess some totally unique pieces, I was able to create a lovely set of china for my new Grandson."

Gabriella Shaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Caroline, though I would dispute that you have no artistic ability, it was just lying dormant! I would agree you have achieved amazing results, it has been such fun having you join our course, look forward to seeing you again soon!"

Heather Croft reviewed: A day of enamelling on copper

"Had a fabulous day enamelling with Genevieve and two other really nice pupils. Genevieve's passion came through in her teaching and she puts everything into what she does. Her joining instructions were excellent. Her facilities and stock were perfect for what we were doing. Lunch was five star as well. If you are a bit nervous of using kilns - don’t be. It was a safe environment. I came away with some lovely pieces and I’m definitely going to go again. Thank you Genevieve."

Wicked Gen Crafts responded:

"Thank you for such lovely feedback. Having an enthusiastic group of students makes my life as a tutor so much fun and I loved the day too. You made some lovely pieces of work which you should be very proud of. I look forward to having you back for some more creativity."

Lucy reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"This is an excellent course and I would certainly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to make soap. Paula is a very knowledgable and friendly tutor. She makes you feel very welcome indeed. The course is very comprehensive and you leave feeling confident that you can go home and safely make your own soap bars. There’s also a delicious homemade spread waiting for you at the end of the session, which you’ll be ready for!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Lucy, so happy you enjoyed it"

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

"I attended Melanie's batik workshop last Sunday and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Melanie and her friend/colleague Linda both were great and really helpful with all aspects of the process. It was laid back, friendly and a relaxing way to spend the day and I learnt loads. Everyone came out with a beautiful piece, the process is very forgiving so you don't have to be in any way an expert. Going out for lunch was an extra treat. I would thoroughly recommend the workshop and would love to come again if I'm ever up in the North in the future."

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

"I attended Melanie's batik workshop last Sunday and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Melanie and her friend/colleague Linda both were great and really helpful with all aspects of the process. It was laid back, friendly and a relaxing way to spend the day and I learnt loads. Everyone came out with a beautiful piece, the process is very forgiving so you don't have to be in any way an expert. Going out for lunch was an extra treat. I would thoroughly recommend the workshop and would love to come again if I'm ever up in the North in the future."

Pete Portch reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had an introduction to word turning at school many years ago, then I bought an old Record lathe but it sat in my workshop almost unused until I attended a 2-day course with Mark. He is an excellent instructor with a very easy, friendly manner. With his help, I found how much satisfaction can be had turning a lump of wood into a beautiful object. His advice on safety, technique, tools and sharpening techniques was invaluable. His detailed course notes were very helpful as so much was covered during the course that some things slipped my memory! His workshop was well laid out and superbly equipped. If you are interested in learning woodturning then I would unhesitatingly recommend Mark."

Ray Edwards reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Paul said the course should be fun and relaxing and it was. Over the two days I learnt stained glass techniques to produce a lovely piece of art. He provided excellent tuition and advised of the best places to obtain the necessary tools and materials to continue with the craft. I was impressed with Paul's willingness to demonstrate other glass working techniques when asked (especially Tiffany); nothing was too much trouble. Plenty of tea was supplied and lovely lunches in a friendly family environment. I look forward to returning again to learn more about stained glass or glass fusion."

Tracey Austin reviewed: Beginning Watercolour......a day workshop for absolute beginners

"Fantastic course for a complete beginner like me, Wendy took time to come round and explain to everyone on the course and made sure we all felt that we weren’t being left behind. Throughly enjoyed the day and would go back for another course. Highly recommended"

Carla Collins reviewed: Felt Pictures-Painting with fibres - intro to 2D wet felting/felt making

"This is my second workshop with Heather, returning as I enjoyed the first one so much. I got to try out a slightly different technique, still with the all the lovely support and advice that Heather gives, as well as yummy cake! I am so pleased with the finished product, and plan to return soon to do the 3D felting workshop."

Debbie Blenkinsop reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I had a great time today at this workshop. Claire was very welcoming and great in describing and showing me the techniques to make my Metal Clay jewellery, so much so that when I left I went online and bought a beginners kit. It was a lovely relaxing morning/afternoon. I made a pendant which I love. I am looking forward to do another workshop. Plus Daisy the dog was adorable. ?"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"It was a great morning and I look forward to seeing what you make. Thanks for booking and hopefully sort out another workshop soon. Daisy is convinced people are only there to see her !"

R Green reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"It was fantastic! I loved spending time making and relaxing. Thank you ?"

S Allday reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Fantastic - well presented and loads of fun."

G Green reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Plenty of material choice, good instructions, easy to find location."