Latest reviews

Roz Pierson reviewed: Traditional glass engraving

"I've wanted to try glass engraving ever since I came across the work of Lawrence Whistler so I was very pleased to find someone who could actually teach this specialised art form. Steve is an excellent engraver and a great teacher and made everything very simple and straightforward. The tools are quite easy to use and the different drills produce different results, but obviously need practice. However it's possible to produce something in one or two sessions andI have a very nice souvenir - I have mine in the form of a glass coaster which is sitting on my table. I shall be continuing my lessons and if anyone else would like to have a go I can certainly recommend you get in touch with Steve. It's a rare opportunity to learn from such a talented engraver, and you never know, it might solve the problem of Christmas presents for your friends!"

Em Howells reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"I treated myself to this course for my birthday, and am so glad I did! Aimee is an excellent teacher, explaining in detail how to get started and offering useful tips throughout the session. She provided everything we needed, which I really appreciated as it meant I could carry on with my new hobby as soon as I got home. Aimee skilfully involved each member of the class in conversation, making sure we all felt included. I felt I had been properly taught, inspired and equipped with everything necessary to begin my papercutting journey. Highly recommended!"

Diane reviewed: Painting course - Intermediate (watercolour or acrylic)

"Always wanted to try watercolour but didn't think I could handle a lengthy course - this was perfect for me because I learnt so much in a short space of time. Cat is so patient, warm & friendly - the classes were relaxed and fun. I'm amazed at what we achieved in 5 weeks... all down to Cat's delivery of simple instructions & need-to-know information. Thank you Cat, for your expertise and for time & money well spent. Highly recommend! Xx"

CatKing Artwork responded:

"Thank you Diane - lovely to teach such enthusiastic students - I hope to see some of your latest masterpieces soon!"

Pat McCaffrey reviewed: Beginners rag rugging - learn the technique of proddy

"A really fun day. We learnt how to make proddy mats and came home with a frame and all the knowledge to finish the mat. Excellent teaching. The venue was magnificent and we were well catered for by Diane the perfect hostess."

Keepershield responded:

"Thank you Pat it was a great day and Billie enjoyed herself too, we are hoping to do another session near Christmas. I hope to see you and your friend then. Many thanks Diane"

Jayne reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"Brilliant! Have attended various one day courses nationally. They're regularly oversubscribed and the tutors although great at their craft, aren't always good teachers...Cue Jonathan: very skilled at his craft and a fabulous teacher. He is very generous with his time and has put a great deal of thought and effort into the handouts he gives to his students. The lunch and cookies provided are delicious too! Cannot fault the day! Highly recommended."

Hannah reviewed: Beginners introduction to modern calligraphy at Rudding Park

"I recently went to the beginners course in Harrogate. It was a wonderful morning, with coffee and breakfast included. Jools and Helen are great teachers and I really liked their approach to introducing you to the skill of calligraphy. Everything was set up for you and they talked you through the steps. I enjoyed it so much I will be doing the improvers and it is great we had a beginners kit to take home to practice. Thank you Calligraphy Harrogate."

Calligraphy Harrogate responded:

"We are thrilled that you enjoyed our workshop, and thank you for your lovely review. It’s really important to us that you have a great experience and we’re delighted you have caught the ‘calligraphy bug’. Hope to see you again soon!"

Philippa Spellmon reviewed: Intro to 3D wet felting; make a small vessel using a resist with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"This is my second workshop with Heather, where she taught us the basics of 3D felting. Once again I found her a patient and informative instructor, whose guidance and enthusiasm is contagious. I’m proud to say my completed 3D vessel was surprisingly good. Thank you Heather. PS: Your home-made cake was wonderful! Philippa"

Shelly Olson reviewed: Developing Small Wire Sculptures in Hampshire.

"I had a very good day! Alison and Liz are lovely helpful people, the barn and surroundings we worked in were lovely. I didn't expect to do drawing as I never have before, but with encouragement I didn't do too bad. The wire structures were smaller than I expected but I made a duck and a swan, then started on a dog, and I was given the rest of materials to take home to finish. I highly recommend Alison and Liz and this course."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Shelly, Thank you very much for your review, really pleased you enjoyed the day . Best wishes Alison and Liz"

David McNaughton reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"A really great day. The venue is lovely with a great cafe around the corner and the course was really good fun. I thought with my level of skill I would be unlikely to go much beyond punching a few holes into leather but with Rosanna’s excellent and patient guidance I was able to produce some pieces that I am really proud of. I would recommend this to everyone, great day out."

Penelope Martin reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Steve Tomlin

"Very enjoyable and informative course. Relaxed pace and safety paramount. Thoroughly recommend."

Charlotte reviewed: Painting course - Intermediate (watercolour or acrylic)

"Cat is a wonderful lady who always makes me feel at ease and more courageous to try new things. Her experience and down to earth nature makes me feel comfortable to ask questions. Throughout my time learning at CatKingsArtSchool(?) I have learnt so many new techniques I can use across a variety of mediums. I had never known how to use watercolour paints before, and learning this skill was exciting! I looked forward to my weekly sessions and putting into practise my newly acquired knowledge. Thank you so much Cat, I will forever be grateful and recommending you!"

CatKing Artwork responded:

"Thank you Charlotte - its been an absolute pleasure teaching you and I'm sure you will continue to develop your painting skills. I look forward to our further adventures in paint! Cat"

Stuart reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"My son and I spent the day with Steve and throughly enjoyed every minute. Steve is a great teacher who loves his craft and that comes through in everything he does. We made two beautiful knives and learnt a lot doing so. I throughly recommend his courses to anyone interested in knife making. Thanks so much Steve!!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Stuart it was a pleasure to have you and Wil in the shop for a day. Great students, great man blades and a great day. ATB Steve"

Geo reviewed: Pottery for beginners in Norfolk

"Booked this relaxing day of beginners pottery as a treat. No experience necessary and it is surprisingly easy to knock up a few pieces during the day. Clare, our host, made us all feel very welcome and we stopped halfway for a delicious lunch. Tea and coffee was on tap all day and there are lots of chairs to sit down if you need a break from bending over your ceramic creation. We were based in Clare’s large barn in order to spread out on two large tables so be sure to wear layers if you feel the cold. To get the best out of the day, have a few simple designs in mind for scratching into your pottery and you can come away with lots of ceramic pieces. I made a mug, a wonky bowl(!), a coaster and ceramic earrings and this was in between chatting and eating cake! Clare fires and glazes your pottery which you collect a couple of weeks later. Highly recommended."

Heather D’Apice reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I really look forward to my Wednesday morning class. It is something completely different to anything I’ve done previously. I have found some parts a little challenging but Martin has been a brilliant tutor with so many helpful tips and ideas and so very much patience! He is very approachable even when I keep needing a reminder of how to do certain things for the hundredth time ! The workshop is well equipped with everything you could possibly need. It’s a really friendly and relaxed atmosphere with all levels of ability. Martin and the other students are so encouraging and never judgemental. We have a real good laugh too. The classes are very well organised and run well which creates a very relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. I would highly recommend Martin’s classes."

Caroline Mitchell reviewed: 3D pyrography with colour workshop in Lincolnshire

"I did the first course with Susan and was keen to do this one too. Pyrography on a flat piece is similar to ‘drawing’ but when working on 3d there are others aspects which need to be considered. The opportunity to add subtle colour also enhances the results. Would recommend."

Sally James reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I recently did the candle workshop with Jo and couldn’t rate it high enough! Such an enjoyable day in a beautiful setting. Jo shared lots of information and tips which made the whole process easy and fun :) Lunch in the lovely tea room below was included as well which was delicious. Would highly recommend this workshop, thank you so much Jo! Sally x"

Rebecca Smith reviewed: Silver jewellery earring workshop with WyeMade

"We had an amazing time making silver necklaces with Ann. She was brilliant at demonstrating and explaining the techniques clearly so that we were all able to design and create beautiful pieces. I would recommend her to anyone!"

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Rebecca I loved your eye pendant."

Helen reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"A really great experience! and a very enjoyable introduction to working with glass. Definitely something I'd like to revisit. Clear informative instruction from Wendy in a very relaxed environment. Beautiful studio setting! Simply put - thank you very much Wendy :)"

Lisa reviewed: Silver jewellery earring workshop with WyeMade

"I had a wonderful day with Ann it was my first introduction to making jewellery! Ann was extremely patient and knowledgeable it was an absolute pleasure to spend the afternoon making my beautiful earrings. I can't recommend Ann enough will definitely book another course!!!"

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Lisa I look forward to the next workshop."

Wendy Cook reviewed: Silver jewellery earring workshop with WyeMade

"I have attended two of Ann’s silver jewellery courses and have enjoyed them both very much. On both occasions I’ve been amazed and delighted at how much I achieved, with Ann’s expert and patient guidance. The first course was with a small group of friends from WI, when we made either a lovely silver ring or pretty earrings. The second course was a family affair. Three sisters and husbands had a great time making a mixture of jewellery items and we were all delighted with our efforts. It was particularly good for the husbands to realise how much work went into making an item of jewellery, thus justifying the cost of handmade items! Ann has a wealth of related equipment and enough of each tool for everyone. No time wasted waiting for a tool to use! Ann’s patience and subject knowledge is second to none and I can therefore highly recommend the workshops she offers."

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Wendy, it was lovely to have an afternoon with your Family. Great fun."

Lorna Dyer reviewed: Silver jewellery earring workshop with WyeMade

"I had a wonderful afternoon with Ann and I made a lovely ring which I wear often. I had never worked with silver before and with Ann's knowledge, instruction, help and patience I was able to create something to be proud of. A thoroughly enjoyable session."

WyeMade responded:

"Thanks Lorna, your ring was lovely and it was nice to see your still wearing it."

Helen Johns reviewed: Silver jewellery earring workshop with WyeMade

"Ann provides expert instruction and guidance in a very friendly informal manner. I went with a small group of friends,as part of a girls day out. We had a whale of a time while making some beautiful earrings that we are proud to wear!! Her new studio is cosy and welcoming-tea and cake were provided! I cannot recommend highly enough- we ourselves will return to make matching necklaces!! As if all that wasn’t enough recommendation, it is really good value for money too!"

WyeMade responded:

"Thank you Helen, I look forward to the next workshop."

Maureen Coates reviewed: 1 day mosaic class with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

"I had a lovely day with Claire and my daughter on the 1-day mosaic course. There was plenty of help on-hand to support with creating the perfect design. I have a touch of arthritis and Claire was helpful in breaking tiles for me as my hands got tired later in the day. It's amazing how quickly it's possible to produce something beautiful, grouted and ready to take away! A great day."

Jane Coates reviewed: 1 day mosaic class with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @Martineau Gardens, Birmingham

"I received a voucher for the 1 day course for Christmas and was fortunate to spend the day with Claire and others on 22 June. I had some basic mosaic skills beforehand but attendees don't need them to be able to get a lot out of the course. A wide range of materials were available along with design resources to help you create your image. I set myself an ambitious target but was still able to complete in the given time. I now have a lovely piece that I have backed with felt and am using on my dining room table as a decorative plate. The day was made better yet by the location, which was Martineau Gardens in Edgbaston. The weather was glorious and we were able to sit outside in the sun to work and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made by Claire. All in all this was a really enjoyable experience that I would recommend to anyone wanting to try their hand at mosaicing."

Tony reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"My son, his partner, my best friend and me all have a birthday within a couple of weeks of each other, what better way to celebrate than spending a day in the woods with Mark and Christina learning to carve spoons. They are wonderful hosts. The course is very gentle and Mark's is a brilliant teacher. It was nice to meet the other carvers, the food was delicious... And we made some surprisingly reasonable spoons. We would all come back again and thoroughly recommend Walderchain Woods."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Tony Glad to hear you all enjoyed the class. It was a lovely day and group did great. Hope to see you here again.. ATB Mark"