Latest reviews

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."

Kelly reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"Never heard of silver clay to make jewellery before so was fascinated to see how it was done and it turned out I really enjoyed the class on it. Jo is a wonderful teacher who helps you to design and make earrings and a pendant. Her demos were easy to follow and she gave very helpful advice to perfect my pieces. I spent a enjoyable and relaxing day making jewellery and would definitely go to more workshops run by Jo."

Myra Briard reviewed: Morning and Afternoon Art Classes for adults - Exeter

"Really enjoyable classes in a lovely, relaxed environment, but that is not to say we do not work hard - we do! Chloe and Joanne give us so much stimulation, support and encouragement which increases our confidence greatly. I think the End of Year exhibition showed how much we all love the course and are looking forward to next term."

ColourWheel Exeter responded:

"Thank you so much Myra for your lovely words. Have a great few weeks off and get ready to “work hard” again in September as we have got some brilliant lessons planned. Our art exhibition was indeed a lovely way to finish off our first year and to see how much everyone has developed and learnt."

Joshua Harris reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"This course is a fantastic start for a newbie looking to get a practical understanding of the tools and a few of the base skills of the craft. I'll be booking in my second experience soon and can't wait! The knife you make will be aesthetic and useful. Thanks John, Spencer and Aidan for some top instructing."

Ann Christie reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great introduction to weaving last Saturday when I attended Alice's course - she explained everything very clearly and patiently - we were all complete beginners. It is a fantastic way to learn the basics and given me the confidence to have a go at home - which I am now doing. So thank you Alice for inspiring me and I look forward to future courses to learn more. Alice's studio is in the middle of Old Portsmouth which I had never visited before and I really enjoyed exploring as well."

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

"The hare sculpture day was part of my mini-hen weekend. I wanted the weekend to leave us with a reminder (apart from Prosecco overload!), and wow what a result! We now all have our own funky hares as we decided to go a bit crazy with the designs – mine is called Beyonce as she has a rather generous posterior! I can’t wait to show her off! We all thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was so relaxing and fun. A great day out – I would definitely recommend it and Jo is a lovely teacher!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"What a pleasure it was being part of your hen party weekend ;-). I loved the ‘funky hares’ and I’m sure they will ‘toasted’ to frequently. Have a wonderful wedding and I wish you every happiness for the future."

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

"What a fantastic day! Not only did I come out of the workshop with a personalised sculpture which I would be happy to display in my home, I also learned how to design and develop a piece of artwork which was immensely satisfying. A great way to chill and socialise, and I now feel confident to try other artistic things. Would thoroughly recommend!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for your comments Pauline, your running hare was fabulous!"

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

"I have just completed the Hare Workshop Day and it was amazing! I had so much fun creating my own masterpiece. It was a fun, relaxing atmosphere and who knew, with Jo’s guidance, I would be taking home my own Hare to display. I shall be booking again."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Rachael! So glad you had a great day and thank you also for sending me a photo of your hare in ‘pride of place’ on your sideboard ;-)"

Anon reviewed: A year of preserving

"good tuition, good atmosphere"

Susan Swann reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"Thanks to Denise for her expert guidance during the recent "Standing Dog" needle crafting course at Bonds Lifestyle. It was a pretty intense but highly enjoyable day. Denise's calm nature and obvious artistic skills took us through each step to ensure that everyone achieved a model dog well above their personal expectation to take home. I would recommend this course to all, those new to needle felting and those who are already hooked on this craft. Great to meet new people, the location was perfect and food service plentiful and of good quality."

Skye reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"I was given Rowena's 3 day pottery course for my 30th birthday this year, and it was absolutely amazing. Rowena really knows her stuff and I felt like I learnt so much from her. She was patient and also gave me the freedom to give things a go, and the 3 days flew by. I loved every part of the course and would love to find a way to continue learning with Rowena in the future. I was really happy with how many different pieces I got to make and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Rowena and her courses to anyone."

Chris Sweeney reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I've been interested in wood turning for some time, however, due to work commitments I've not been able to pursue it. Like so many before me, I had the most enjoyable day with Mark at his workshop in Pershore. A long, intense and informative day after which, thanks to marks excellent teaching technique and patience, I came away enthused and motivated to pursue my interest in wood turning. As a keen enthusiast, but total novice, I needed to learn as much as I could about wood turning before jumping in and incurring unnecessary expense only to find that it was actually not for me. I therefore looked around for a suitable "introductory" type course from which I could gain the insight I was seeking. I contacted Mark with regards the content of the course and was advised that it could be "whatever I needed" to give me the insight I required. Mark is a very good teacher and a good communicator so I had no difficulty in understanding the concepts that needed to be explained. The approach was structured, friendly and informal, so that in one day we covered the use of the basic tools, the lathe, tool sharpening and maintenance along with the necessary Health and Safety requirements. All in all it proved to be a very interesting day and I left the workshop wanting more. I would recommend Mark Hancock to anybody who is interested in turning wood into something beautiful."

Diana B. reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"It was the most wonderful day....really well planned and sorted to give us the very best of the time we had...I was just astonished at how fast the time went....I so rarely loose track of time ...and that shows just how powerful and absorbing the making became."

Diana B. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"It was the most wonderful day....really well planned and sorted to give us the very best of the time we had...I was just astonished at how fast the time went....I so rarely loose track of time ...and that shows just how powerful and absorbing the making became."

Clare reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Came back a second time and brought friends! This is a really excellent course and Dave pitches it just right. You’ll come away feeling like you learnt a lot and had a lot of fun."

Carol 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.

"What a fantastic course! I feel so inspired by Raya's expert tuition. I have learnt so much within a short period of time- some watercolour techniques, how to compose the subject, how to sketch in the open air, etc. I feel a lot more confident using different materials and can create quick sketches as well as longer studies of landscapes! Thank you so much, Raya. I will be back for your watercolour course in September to advance my painting skills. Looking forward to it. Carol"

Peter Arthur reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Having seen Colin demonstrat at my local club in West Sussex which I found very interesting the family as part of my 70 th Birthday present the family gave me a days tutoring with Colin, as a self taught turner I found the day very beneficial to me we started with sharpening of tools the on to techniques,after coffee we moved on to spindle turning witch was very helpful the finished the day by sorting out my problems when bowl turning .Colin has a wealth of information which he is very happy to pass it on to his students, I can thoroughly recommend this course, thanks Colin for making my 70th Birthday such a memorable one ."

Dawn reviewed: Needle felt your dog with Crafty Gal

"I had wonderful day with like minded people, chatting and crafting our feltie dogs. Denise was a brilliant teacher, nothing was to hard and she made sure we were all happy with each stage of the creation of our dogs. The results where impressive, we all managed to produce a miniature likeness to our own dogs, they were all so cute. The setting at Bonds was so peaceful and relaxed, the lunch and tea time treats where tasty and just what you need to keep up the concentration level. I highly recommended this course, even if you don't have your own dog and you would like to do one off special pressie for some you love."

Kate Montague-Hellen reviewed: Machine knitting for beginners

"I really loved this course- the perfect balance of relaxing fun and learning a new craft! And I made a beautiful new scarf! I've signed up to the intermediate session!"

ruth cochran reviewed: Beginners 1 Day Traditional Stained Glass Course

"Absolutely brilliant. Myself and my husband went along to the one day workshop. Gill was brilliant, she was knowledgable and extremely patient. The whole day was set out fantastically and with lunch!! We learned more in 2 hours than in 12 weeks on another evening course!!! So thrilled with our glass panels. I cant believe I can now cut a circle!!! Very tempted to go back and learn Christmas decorations next. Well worth the money."

Gill Rogers responded:

"Hi Ruth & Steve Thank you so much for your very kind words, it was so lovely to meet you both and I had such a fun day with you both! Hope you enjoy your beautiful stained glass panels and hope to see you again sometime in the near future! All my very best wishes, Gill x"

Anna Debbage reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I simply loved this weekend course. The ratio of two tutors to four students worked really well, there was someone to step in and help or advise whenever it was needed. Both Mark and Richard were very gentle and calm in their approach and the energy of the weekend was ideal for a sensitive soul. It was also a lovely space to be in - and for me personally really helpful to see the setup, as I'm hoping to set up a workshop at home but had been lacking confidence and know-how. The course has, I believe, given me the confidence to go ahead and do it. I also was pleased that I could get on at my own pace without pressure to keep up with other people, and stop for a break anytime I wanted to. Stepping outside the workshop is to step into a beautiful, tranquil setting of fields and hills and sheep and trees and sky..... I'm delighted with my box - and with the whole experience. If you're after learning some key skills and coming home with a beautiful, professional box you've made yourself, go for it!"

Ruby reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"A fantastic course, thanks so much Jack! I booked the course for me and my friend and we both had a really enjoyable time - Jack was lovely to talk to and a fab teacher. I think the course is great value for money, as a lot can be accomplished in the time even if you are a beginner. Excited to see our finished pots in a few weeks!"

Elaine reviewed: Outside Workshop: Get started with DSLR creative photography(Beginners level)

"This course helped me to understand my camera more and use it more confidently and creatively. Sally is very knowledgable and has time to ensure everyone is learning about their own camera. The venue is great for creativity and the ambience Sally creates is relaxed and friendly. I would definitely recommend this course"

Lisa Robinson reviewed: Bev Caleno – Tuffet Making Weekend at Old Bank Studios

"The course was excellent and very enjoyable. Bev, and husband Nigel, were so welcoming and friendly. Everything was well explained and broken down into a series of simple steps, resulting in perfect Tuffets for everyone. A lovely working environment, lots of tea and coffee throughout the day, with lovely home cooked lunches both days, and the opportunity to work with like minded people. What could be better? I can highly recommended the course and hope to do another before too long. Thank you Bev and Nigel."

Old Bank Studios responded:

"Thank you Lisa, it was a real pleasure to have you at our studios and what a beautiful Tuffet. Bev and Nigel"

Kelly reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Had a fun and creative day with Adela. I have always wanted to do a course in Mosiacs and when I read about Adela’s course, I thought it was ideal and I was not disappointed with the course. I liked that Adela gave information sheets not only on the different styles of mosiacs and instructions but included where to go to buy own mosaic bits and pieces. Adela was very encouraging and helpful with tips on my mosaic. Would definitely go back again."