Latest reviews

Beth Fraser reviewed: Beginners Weaving Workshop in Brighton

"Really friendly atmosphere. I found some parts of the weaving quite tricky, but there was a good balance of group teaching and one to one so we managed to get the hang of it! Great way to spend an afternoon."

Susan Adams-mcmillan reviewed: Intensive beginners silver jewellery weekend

"I was given this course as a Christmas present and wow! Lucy made everyone feel very welcome and had a lovely style of teaching her craft. She taught us various techniques such as using and threading hacksaws, cutting copper and silver, bending, making stacker rings, pendants, earrings, warming metals to make them malleable, soldering (different types for different adhesions of metals, how to calculate ring sizes prior to making, how to use power tools, sanding techniques, oxidising techniques etc. To be honest, at times I felt like a kid in a sweet shop as I came away with stacker rings, earrings, pendants, a wider barrel type ring and I made them all myself. Lucy also provided a lovely lunch on both days. This course is exceedingly good value for money and makes a wonderful gift. I now have some skills that I can practice at home and make gifts for other people and myself. Thanks, Lucy you're a star."

Anna Forsythe reviewed: Beginners Weaving Workshop in Brighton

"Went with a couple of friends, and had such a lovely time! Could have easily gone alone as all were so friendly. Was great to be guided through something creative and with my hands and then get to go home with what I had made. We got to choose our technique, colours and fabrics. Shiv is a babe host, and clearly talented at what she does (she showed us her loom and how she makes all her beautiful fabrics) We had prosecco during, but others were happy with tea - highly recommended for an afternoon in Brighton!"

Chloe Hole reviewed: Make a textured wrap ring

"We had a great time at the workshop and came away with two beautiful and unique rings. Rose is very relaxed, but knowledgable in her craft and open to any questions we had."

L and D Ryder reviewed: Carving & sculpture workshops

"D: This was great; I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot of techniques. The workshop has helped me understand art in a different way. It improved my own woodwork and drawing skills significantly. I really recommend it! [L: I got the full-day woodcarving workshop with Gareth as a present for my husband (‘D’). He’s been interested in whittling and woodwork for some time, but is still a beginner and looking to learn more. He had a fantastic time, learned a lot, came home excited to do more, and was extremely proud of the carving he made!]"

Sarah Newth reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"We had a brilliant day with Chris for my daughter's birthday. He very kindly made us a tailor made course and managed to squeeze five people into his workshop and garden! We were there from 11-4 and took it in turns to use the wheels and a little hand building. What stood out to me was the incredibly thoughtful organisation. Every detail - down to a lovely lunch was planned out. Chris started out by demonstrating basic throwing and then patiently guided each of us through making our first pot - or saucer in my case!! By pot 3, nice little bowls were being produced despite us all being beginners. After lunch we went out in the garden and enjoyed some messy play with slip to decorate our pots. I would highly recommend Chris as a teacher - he is patient and very encouraging. He even made each of us a bowl to decorate in case ours didn't turn out."

lorraine makepeace reviewed: Willow Hare/Rabbit Workshop

"As always Victoria was a very informative instructor with loads of patience. I learnt so much from the Hare class - I had made a reindeer before and thought that everything I learnt I would remember, but you forget so many things its worth going to a few classes to learn different techniques and refresh the memory. Victoria also has a few things she sells like the fab wool in so many different colours - that too has inspired me to get the felting going again! Thank you Victoria for a fab day - good luck for the future. Lorraine M"

Chrys reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"A thoroughly enjoyable day with Raya and girls. Thank you, Raya, for your patience and clear instruction and for the lovely selection of materials you provided, which enabled us all to achieve such beautiful results. The Bevere Gallery is a good, cosy workshop venue with a great creative vibe and they serve delicious lunches too! At the end of a pleasant day we were all able to frame our pictures and leave with happy smiles and a piece of artwork to cherish!! We will be back, Raya!! Chrys"

Angela Bradley reviewed: Natural Vegan Cold Process Soap Making

"I really enjoyed the course :) Lily knows her stuff and will assist with any questions and was ready to help out at any time. I would recommend this to others who would like to try but have not got the knowledge required to kick start a new hobby. I also met some other wonderful enthusiastic people too. The venue was light and spacious and I didn’t feel rushed to complete the course. Lunch and coffee hit the spot too, plus you get to take home 2 different soaps which I can't wait to try. Thank you Lily :)"

Alison Davey reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I attended Zenia’s bunny making course yesterday. There were 5 of us, lovely friendly atmosphere with refreshments. Xenia demonstrated each part of the process with very clear instructions, and we also had pre-made models to look at. Xenia is a very patient teacher and guided us through the whole process. We all took home cute little bunnies and I am very proud of mine. I would highly recommend The Lady Moth’s workshops, it was great fun and you will come out with a great sense of achievement. Definitely want to do more."

Nat Alberto reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Imogen was amazing, demonstrating and suggesting techniques to develop my idea for still life all with patience of a saint. Imogen is extremely talented and gifted, but is very supportive to those of us who have limited artistic experience. The day flew by and was immensely satisfying and fun! Thank you for being so kind and supportive it was one of the best days I’ve had this year! Thank you x"

Magda reviewed: Willow basketry with Annemarie O'Sullivan - Fully Booked

"Thank you for a wonderful weekend of making. It was nourishing on many levels. It was wonderful at last to make it to one of your workshops. I hope the beginning of many more. You have a wonderful set up there in the heart of Emerson. It was also lovely to finally meet Annemarie {O'Sullivan}."

Suzanne Howarth reviewed: Beginners crochet workshop

"I attended this course 3 weeks ago and it was excellent. It was well taught in relaxed surroundings. The craft centre is a fabulous place and lunch was amazing!"

Anne Stobbs Thompson reviewed: Willow Hare/Rabbit Workshop

"Third course I’ve been on with Victoria , great day, smashing teacher, lovely work space, brilliant end result. Problem now is I need a bigger garden to accommodate all the willow sculptures. Can’t recommend it enough ?"

Jo Wightman reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Just had a fantastic day with my Mum learning how to make beautiful nuno felted silk scarves. Barbara is very knowledgable and enthusiastic and there was plenty of individual tuition and support as neither of us had felted before. We learned a lot, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the company and came away with 2 stunning individual silk scarves that we will wear with pride! Thanks Barbara :-)"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you Jo, I am happy that you and your Mum had a lovely day. Your scarves looked fabulous, I do hope you get continued pleasure from wearing them :-)."

Anna Francis reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Not only was Ed’s skill in mould making astounding, but he really is such a brilliant and patient teacher. I felt that I learned so much from the session, and more than that had a brilliant time! Ed was able to really understand what was needed and ensured by the end of the session we had made a really beautiful mould, which I can’t wait to use! Highly recommended to other artists that need to develop this skill."

Ling Tan reviewed: Beginners’ Stained Glass, One Day Course, Llandeilo, Wales - archive

"Fantastic course! Simon was very supportive, patient, kind and encouraging. It was a pleasure and privilege to be taught by someone who is clearly passionate and skilled at his profession! Thoroughly recommend this course and look forward to going back at a later date."

David reviewed: Timber framing courses

"I rarely leave reviews on anything online but the quality of my experience during two weeks at Hewnwood prompts me to do so, if only to add yet another excellent rating. Imagine: you are located at the edge of a small but ancient forest, on a big field of tall grass with undulating green mountains and woodland all around. Everywhere you can sense the presence of sheep and offroad vehicles. Just inside the forest amidst a soundscape of bird songs lies the secret Hewnwood base camp, a magical place of that will imprint itself into your memory forever. During your stay here you will become part of a pleasant rhythm that characterises the philosophy of the Hewnwood crew. You rise when you feel fit and stop when you feel content with your creation. You learn at your own speed and contribute according to your interest. You eat in abundance some of the most glorious dishes you have ever tasted, enjoy consistent world class hospitality and get to laugh every single day, guaranteed. There is also some timber framing on the side, to justify these gatherings of strangers in a beautiful, healing environment. The humans that invite you here and teach you to build beautiful wooden structures that last centuries will take care of you as part of their tribe. They built this place for you to prosper, whatever the reason or duration of your stay. If you read this, treat yourself by signing up for this experience. Not enough cash? Ask, and maybe you can work something out... ✌️"

Rhian Brice reviewed: Beginners’ Stained Glass, One Day Course, Llandeilo, Wales - archive

"Absolutely fantastic day with Simon and the other students. Lovely informal setting at his studio. I was made to feel very comfortable from the start and was given loads of encouragement throughout the day, which flew by. Would recommend to everybody and I would love to attend further courses."

Nick Anderson reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"A well run and informative creative day. Barbara is not only a good teacher but a welcoming host who made the day so enjoyable and the new skills easier to grasp. I would recommend this course to anyone looking for a new craft challenge. ?"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for your kind and encouraging words Nick, I love my job and I hope this shines through. Lynn's scarf looked lovely and your picture was fabulous. I hope you both keep up felting as well as enjoying your other activities. Best wishes"

Sophie reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"The Gyotaku workshop was inspiring and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. Thank you to Deborah, who was generous with her time, and really interesting to speak with about this art form. I am really happy with my prints and loved that I had lots of opportunities to be experimental with them."

Cheese + Pickles Design Studio / Henry Hedgepodge Academy responded:

"Thank you! Come again anytime to visit @HedgepodgeART. Stay in touch, would love to keep up with your GCSE portfolio work! Debs"

RAdhika reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Great hands on course. John was knowledgeable and a wonderful inspiring teacher. Thanks for a brilliant memorable day ! And will look at stone walls in a different way .."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Radhika thank you for your review and very happy you enjoyed the day. It can be daunting at first, but to let you have 'hands-on' experience early in the workshop, i think helps as shown in the progress after lunch. Certainly check out the other places where you will find DSW around town, you will now find them interesting. Take Care and Best Wishes, John"

Ian Boxall reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Excellent!!! I had such a great day, Mort is very friendly and was an amazing teacher who was great at explaining everything we needed to know. I was in a group of three, and everyone had a brilliant time. We all went home dirty but with a smile from ear to ear. The day went extremely quickly, and I plan to return to expand on what I learnt and create even more difficult items. Thank you for a wonderful day."

Patrick Deen reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Really interesting course. Very well presented and demonstrated. John was extremely engaging and friendly, as well as knowledgeable. He spent time and talked with each person on the course. His guidance was instructive and interesting as we worked through the day and developed our skill (or at least our very basic beginner skills!). The venue worked very well in terms of getting to the site as well as the amenities available (ie cafe / toilet etc). It was the right length of time (you felt you learnt something and delivered an end product but did not get bored / feel you were there for an excessively long time). The general course was pitched at the right level. The material post course material given to us also provided a useful way of finding out more about dry stone walling. All together it made for a great day. Thanks Patrick"

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Patrick Thank you for your constructive feedback, you developed a 'natural eye' during the day and was good support for colleagues. The feature developed really well after lunch and 'topping it off' was a delight for us all. You became a good 'juggler' of stone to get the right fit, face and 'batter' when putting it on 'it's bed'!! I hope you find Gloustershire walls much more interesting. Take Care and Best Wishes - John"

Paula Wilson reviewed: Upholstery and cushion covers with Jo Walton

"Jo has been invaluable in improving my sketchy knowledge of traditional upholstery. Her teaching approach is hands on with a thorough explanation of each stage, and I have learnt so much in the three weeks I have been attending her drop in classes. I can't wait to get back to continue my learning experience..."