Latest reviews

Sue Granshaw reviewed: The Expressive Portrait with Oliver Bedeman, 10/11 August

"I was completely new to painting portraits and to using oils. I learnt so much from Oli. He has a professional but gentle teaching style that not only conveys techniques and method but inspires confidence. I was particularly challenged by Oli’s use of background patterns and feel inspired to develop my own work. Thank you, Oli!"

Marina P reviewed: Relief carving & sculpture in hardwood with Alister Neville: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Relief Carving in Wood Workshop Me and my boyfriend recently attended a 1-day workshop at the Cafe, it was a wonderful experience, we will definitely repeat next time we're around Greystoke and maybe try another workshop. Alister was an excellent teacher, patient and kind and very able...we were both so pleased with our pieces at the end of the day. The food, homemade and organic, was fantastic and the service received during the day couldn't have been better. I 100% recommend it to anyone around the area, even if you're not a cyclist! The perfect place to enjoy a quiet tea and eat some delicious scones."

Toni Gibbs reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"I absolutely love this class. I’ve been attending now for more than three years and have achieved so much more than I would have imagined when I first started out. Jan and Angela are great teachers and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. It’s the highlight of my week!"

Sandra Whaites reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Zenia is an excellent tutor. Everyone on the course enjoyed it and we all finished our items in the course time. Lovely venue and the benefit of parking on site in Cambridge is great. Looking forward to the next course."

Sue Ashworth reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"I will be starting my 4th term on the course in September. I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every session I have undertaken. Jan and Angela are so knowledgable and encouraging. The classes are so friendly, in fact the social aspect is an added bonus. I have learnt so many skills whilst working on various projects. I can not recommend the course highly enough."

Vicky Spencer reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"I absolutely love attending Manorhouse School of Upholstery. It’s such a lovely relaxed atmosphere where you can meet and chat to other like minded people and it’s great to see all the different projects students bring along. Jan and Angela are fabulous teachers. They are patient, knowledgeable and make learning upholstery fun. They are able to advise on any project that students bring along no matter how varied. The school caters for any level of competence and covers both modern and traditional techniques. I’ve attended leisure classes elsewhere but here you’re taught attention to detail and how to do things properly! Highly recommended."

Linda Patterson reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"I am about to start my third year with Jan and Angela. They are both so helpful, knowledgeable and patient which is needed given my limited skills. They offer advice and assistance, both bringing their own experience and approach to any project. The course members are friendly and helpful and there is a really nice atmosphere each week. I would recommend anyone gives upholstery a go - it's great fun and the sense of satisfaction when you finish a project which is a joint effort with Jan and Angela is fantastic."

Jenny reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great time on the introduction to loom weaving course. With Alice’s help I was able to pick up the basics quickly and managed to complete a wall hanging to take home with me at the end of the day. If you are interested in learning to loom weave I would highly recommend this course!"

Emma Gould reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"I have recently done the intelined roman blind course and I am really happy with every aspect of the course. I was made to feel really wellcome by Janet as she is such a lovely lady. She has taught me every step how to make blinds and I have returned home and made another blind which I found really easy to do following her notes that she gave to me. I also had a delicious lunch and really enjoyed my day."

Lynn and Lucy reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire was such a excellent teacher, very informative and patient. - we did lino cut prints on cards. The moment you walk into her studio, you are surrounded by Claire's amazing work and warm energy. She was so encouraging and patient with us all and through her support and guidance we were able to produce a piece of work which we were thrilled with. It was a very informative afteroon and we are now inspired to do more creations at home. It was all very well organised from booking the places on the course to the details of how to get there on the day! We will be booking on Claire’s other fabric printing course too. Thank you again for an enjoyable afternoon, the drinks and cake/biscuits. Very much appreciated."

Melanie fox reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"Took my two boys for a workshop yesterday and we all had a fantastic time. Lou was very patient and excellent with the boys. They have been asking when they can go back again. Thanks for making there day special x"

Sugi Ceramics responded:

"Thanks Mel for attending with your two lovely boys. It was great to see them really engrossed in what they were doing - it was lovely to have them back for extra time finishing their painting. :)"

Robin and Nicola Jones-Ford reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery One Day Tailored Workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"We had a wonderful day with Rosie at her workshop making some beautiful silver pieces. Rosie was creative, patience, friendly, knowledgable and very encouraging as we were both complete novices. We were delighted with the pieces we made and they will take centre stage on the mantle piece. It was a lovely way to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary !"

The Brightsmiths Workshops responded:

"Dear Robin and Nicola Thank you for your lovely review. I was very impressed with your natural skill levels and creativity it was very enjoyable to teach you both & fun to make something different . Thanks too for allowing me to be a small part of your Silver Wedding Anniversary Celebrations. I hope your beautiful pieces will always remind you of a happy day. Congratulations and many more happy anniversaries to come. Kind Regards Rosie Price The Brightsmiths Workshops"

Ian Neale reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"I would highly recommend it, a brilliant two days."

Jackie Andrews reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"Had a fabulous weekend course, wonderful setting, great company, Derek is a fabulous teacher, very patient, clear and helpful. Would definitely do it again strongly recommend."

Wendy Andrews reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day

"What an amazing weekend. Thank you, Derek. You are an incredible artist and your passion for what you do is inspiring. I learnt so much this weekend and with your teaching and guidance, have made my own piece of stained glass. Great studio, great company and great hospitality. :-)"

Kathryn Newman reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"I attended Derek's one day glass painting taster day and it was a very educational and inspirational day learning from a master in the trade. Lovely to work in his studios and the setting was beautiful. Made to feel very welcome."

Steve Carlton reviewed: Machine knitting for beginners

"I had an ace time learning to knit on a machine with Kandy! My experience/ability level was sub-beginner, if that's possible, but by the end of the workshop I'd made myself a lovely scarf to take home with me. A lovely way to spend a day. Looking forward to going along to another of Kandy's workshops when I get the chance. Would definitely recommend."

William Bennett reviewed: Develop camera confidence: a six module programme to get you off Auto

"Thoroughly enjoyed this excellent course. Sarah is patient, knowledgable and a brilliant teacher. By the end of the course I was confident with using my DSLR on manual all the time. I also learnt to look at the world differently and my composition has improved. Still learning, of course, but Sarah put a great foundation down. Would recommend to everyone who has a DSLR camera that never comes off Auto!"

Lindsey Brown reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Sebastian is great and allows you the freedom to create something amazing, giving advice here and there. Wonderful location, rural setting. Don’t expect luxury but adventure instead! Exhilarating! I love what I made and it takes pride of place in my garden. Stone sculpture is dusty, wear old clothes. Definitely recommend the venue!"

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

"Really great 2 day course. Professional excellent tuition!!!! Welcoming and open hosts. I highly recommend this course."

Andrew Appleby reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"I had a great day today rekindling my love of painting with Denise - who was so helpful and encouraging. Denise is a fabulous artist who works with all sorts of styles and materials so whatever your personal style is or whatever materials you prefer to work with, she can help with tips and guidance. She helped me a lot with colour choices and mixing. Relaxed, friendly and therapeutic - what a great way to spend the day - thanks Denise ?"

Sally Taylor reviewed: Pottery experiences with Fi Chappelle from FICH ceramics

"Fi is a good kind patient teacher. She explained the pottery techniques well and the use of the pottery tools to me clearly . Pottery throwing was harder to do then it looked as she made it look so simple. But it was a good beginners start course to learning the skill and one I would like to continue. Sally"

Colleen Abell reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"Thoroughly enjoyed this needle felting course - needle felt your dog - with Denise. I had never tried needle felting before but with Denise’s clear guidance and advice I was able to create a mini version of my dog that I am so pleased with! It was a really enjoyable day, with a lovely group of people, great venue at Bonds, good food and I would highly recommend."

Sarah reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a fabulous day in a fabulous setting. I really never expected to leave with such a wonderful hare that I am proud to display as I had told Jo, our teacher that she would have her work cut out with me!!! It is such a simple but effective technique that you can’t go wrong with. Jo was a great teacher, keeping an eye on us all, correcting us if needed but she will only give you as much or as little help as you want. The art studio is set in a wonderful and beautiful garden and Jo made us all feel so welcome."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for your great review Sarah! It’s a privilege to be involved with someone discovering a hidden talent ;-)"

Lynne Merryland reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"An excellent days experience. Clear and helpful instruction. Lots of good information backed up with clear notes. I was very impressed by Theresa's consistent and helpful attention throughout the day. I really enjoyed her heart felt enthusiasm for her flock and their wellbeing. I didn't get to meet them which was a shame, maybe next time. Well worth the very reasonable cost and I thoroughly recommend it as a way to see if spinning is something you would like to learn."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your review Lynn. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day and was delighted to see your progress on your fabulous wheel throughout the workshop. I really hope you are able to put your re-discovered skills to use and enjoy your new hobby. I'm here if you need any help."