Latest reviews

Sarah Wallis reviewed: Modern calligraphy workshop for beginners

"This was such a fantastic course, I got such a lot out of it and had so many questions explained. Jessica was a really patient teacher and the lesson was really well thought out. I also got to take home the most lovely personalised starter kit which was such a bonus. Would definitely recommend!!"

Katie Smith reviewed: Freestyle stitching with Harriet Riddell

"Thank you for such an informative, hands-on free motion sewing course in the beautiful serene setting of Phoenix Studios in Oxfordshire. I was a complete novice and was made to feel relaxed and welcome, in spite of a personal lack of confidence. The course emphasised some drawing techniques to apply to your stitched piece. I liked the chance to experiment to music, to learn from each other and to have some individual help when needed. I learnt so much and was amazed at what could be done in such a short time. Harriet is a warm, kind teacher with a natural passion for her unique work which enthuses out of her. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and for me an extra treat to be a part of the whole Phoenix Studios experience. James Ort himself sat down and tried his hand at the stitching course which was a compliment in itself. Thank you for a wonderful weekend. It was a real privilege to attend."

Susan reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I came back across the Atlantic for my third course in May. The stone carving course continues to be an amazing experience, with a tremendous amount of learning balanced with wonderful food and camaraderie. Lucy is a gifted and patient teacher who brings out the best in all her students. She is there when needed, but encouraged independence and creativity. It is an incredibly fun way to spend three days!"

Gabrielle reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Can I just say I've enjoyed my first candle making experience so much, an absolutely fantastic venue and first class hospitality. But wouldn't expect anything less from Julie and Janet who have a lovely Yorkshire welcome. On the course today we had a giggle and thoroughly great time. Would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to have a great day out and learning the skill of how to make candles. Fantastic value for money . Can't thank Julie and Janet enough , I'll be back on another one of your courses in the very near future x p.s The lunch was very nice too. Gabrielle - 4 hours ago - #22878"

Pip Sandrey reviewed: 2 Day forged chef's knife course.

"Cannot rate this course highly enough. Two professional chefs, spent two fantastic days with Steve, making two beautiful knives. Steve's endless passion, skill and patience made the time so enjoyable and the knives we made are truly unique. If you are considering this course, don't hesitate, you won't regret it. Many thanks Steve and the chances are high that I will see you again soon for another knife adventure!"

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Hi Pip Thank you very much for choosing to come on my two day chefs knife course. Yourself and Dale worked really hard, especially on the last day as we worked right through lunch so we could complete both of your knives. It's not a surprise really as you are both used to working in high pressure environments, given your backgrounds as professional executive chefs. I know your knives will give you a life time of service and it was a pleasure to help you both create them."

Sarah reviewed: Marvellous Mosaic one day workshop

"Just spent the day at Lindsey's studio for a one day mosaic course and what a wonderful time I've had. Lindsey is very welcoming, supportive, passes on her knowledge freely and gives you confidence to complete an amazing piece of art to take home. I now feel able to attempt a mosaic at home and have lots of ideas after seeing the large range of tiles, glass and beads available to use today. I wholly recommend this course and Lindsey's homemade welsh cakes! Thankyou Lindsey for a fabulous day."

Lindsey Kennedy Portfolio responded:

"Thank you Sarah for the fantastic review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your day so much, your mosaic was beautiful and extremely well executed! Please do send me photos of future projects as I love to see where people take what they learned during the day’s introduction to the craft. It was really lovely to meet you."

Simon Crozier reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Having recently retired I finally have time to pursue wood turning as a hobby. I found George Foweraker's website 'Artistry in Wood' advertised in the Wood Turning magazine and decided to book a 2 day course before choosing a lathe. I am so glad I did that! George was able to advise me on best choice of lathe and also recommend some turning and sharpening tools. The 2 day course is good value as it gives enough time to cover lots of essential information and to allow me to actually try some bowl turning under George's expert tuition and watchful eye. I learnt a great deal and found both George and his wife Sue were excellent hosts with plenty of tea / coffee breaks and lunch was provided! I came way with 3 lovely bowls (impossible without George's knowledge guidance) and great deal of useful information not least of the safe use of the lathe and the tools, but also sanding and finishing which is so important to achieve a good result. I now feel confident enough to get a lathe and begin to practice and hopefully master the art of wood turning. I would thoroughly recommend George's course to anyone thinking of taking up the hobby. Thanks again George and Sue. All the best and hope to see you both again before too long."

Debbie Clarke reviewed: Multi Colour Lino printing course

"Thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing workshop, expertly taught by Evelyn Polk who created a beautiful example of the technique alongside us. In magnificently inspiring surroundings with delicious vegan cake."

Dan and Lizzy reviewed: One to one pottery throwing class in Worksop

"I bought this course as a present for my girlfriend. It was a brilliant joint activity, Harriet really knows her stuff and makes you feel very welcome. Neither of us had any experience on a pottery wheel since school, but we left with two pieces we were very impressed with! I made a mug and my girlfriend made a little bowl that looks as good as the pottery she buys in a shop. My girlfriend is thinking about doing another course with her dad as we both really enjoyed it."

Paul Cook reviewed: The Art of Marbling One-to-One Workshop

"Have just done the marbling course with Simon. He’s a brilliant teacher and I was amazed at the results I could get after his careful tuition. Would recommend this course to anyone who’s interested in learning a new painting skill."

Gabrielle reviewed: Crafters Cottage venue hire

"Can I just say I've enjoyed my first candle making experience so much, an absolutely fantastic venue and first class hospitality. But wouldn't expect anything less from Julie and Janet who have a lovely Yorkshire welcome. There were only two of us on the course today but we had a giggle and thoroughly great time. Would recommend this course to anyone who is looking to have a great day out and learning the skill of how to make candles. Fantastic value for money . Can't thank Julie and Janet enough, I'll be back on another one of your courses in the very near future x. P.S. The lunch was very nice too."

Allison Strivens reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - 2025 DATES

"Fantastic. Everything is well explained, questions answered knowledgeably. These ladies know their stuff. Thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Mill. Food was fantastic. Looking forward to seeing the results of our efforts. Highly recommend this course."

Sue Barton reviewed: ‘Seaside Cottage Sculpture’ workshop, using driftwood and recycled materials, North Yorkshire.

"Excellent workshop. Very enjoyable and in a lovely location. Melanie and Debbie couldn't have been more helpful or welcoming. I was especially grateful for the lift from the station. I was really pleased with the piece I made and very impressed by the pieces made by the others on the course."

The Seals Whiskers responded:

"Thank you Sue for taking the time to review our workshop , Debbie and I are so pleased you enjoyed the day. We were so impressed by all the sculptures created on today’s course."

Joanna Lewis reviewed: Introductory throwing course

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my course at the clay room and have already signed up to continue. I was a complete beginner and the atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed. The teaching is excellent, with clear instruction that allows you to steadily grow in skills and confidence, while working at your own pace. Highly recommended!"

Linn Fellows reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I recently attended the 1 day course with my friend and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Tom is a great tutor, providing not only practical expertise but also a bit of theory and science too. His enthusiasm for his craft clearly shone through; and his patience and attention to detail enabled me to make a hand held garden fork using a myriad of techniques, whilst my friend made an intricate bracket to hold a hanging basket. A constant supply of tea, coffee and biscuits kept us going; along with a huge bowl of home made soup for lunch - all courtesy of Tom. A huge thank you to Tom for an engaging and absorbing day; and we're looking forward to spending another day at Longdog Smithy later on in the year to make kitchen knives."

Emily reviewed: Interior design masterclass & lunch

"I attending a 1-day course and had a fantastic time. Perfect coverage of theory and practical exercises, great environment to give it a go, even if it's not something you thought you would be going into it! Enjoyed it very much and looking forward to putting my learning into practice!"

Adinda reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"The workshop was excellent, right from the booking process all the way to delivery of the course. There were 4 of us on the course and we had a mixed level of craft skills, but each one of us were pleased with the result. If you have certain design you want to use make sure you have it with you on the day in electronic format."

Terry Porter reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"Very enjoyable and informative experience. Charlotte very friendly and helpful."

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Thank you Terry, glad you had a good day and enjoyed painting your nest of tables."

Eleanor Miller reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"This 2-day course was fantastic. Caroline was a great teacher and such an interesting person to learn from with a huge breadth of experience. I really enjoyed the course and it was a real treat to spend 2 full days immersed in art making while being fortified with delicious coffee and lunch every day. I left the course with a design and printed fabric that I'm really proud of as well as so much knowledge to take back to the school where I work. I can't recommend this course highly enough, and I am looking forward to next year when I hope to try Caroline's lino printing course and spend another 2 days in her beautiful studio."

Derek and Hazel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"What a great day we had! Mat and his wife were very welcoming. He outlined the day over a cup of coffee and then took us to his impressive studio at the bottom of his garden. We began hesitantly but quickly gained confidence from his enthusiastic, expert tuition. He has a very easygoing teaching style, is relaxed and chatty. With his encouragement we managed to complete several pieces ranging from a simple bowl, through cream jugs to attempting a chalice by the end of a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day. From walking in with a degree of apprehension, we walked out having completed so many pieces all thanks to Mat!"

Claire reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"I was lucky to have one-to-one tuition when I attended this workshop in Newcastle yesterday. Margaret was very welcoming and immediately relaxed me into the day. She explained things really well and has lots of patience. It was a full day with lots of coffee and biscuits to keep us going. I didn’t realise that every piece is handmade and found this amazing and now appreciate the work that actually goes into the work Margaret does. She had lots of pieces on display to give me an idea as to what to make. The workshop over ran but she wanted to make sure that I left with the fascinator completed. I haven’t sewn for some time but I think as long as the basics are known then it is suitable for a beginner. I loved the workshop so much I will definitely sign up to another in the future and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Margaret. I would say the half day fascinator Workshop would be brilliant for a hen-do! Thoroughly enjoyed the day! Thank you Margaret!"

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Thanks very much Claire for the review and for signing up to come on the 1 day millinery course! We had a great day and I really enjoyed introducing you to some of the many techniques in wonderful world of millinery. I am really pleased that you enjoyed yourself so much and am already looking forward to welcoming you to another course in the future, meanwhile I have updated the timings on this particular course to reflect the amount of content. I’ll look forward to receiving the photos soon of you wearing your new outfit and headpiece at the summer wedding you are attending later in the summer. Very many thanks again - Margaret"

John Putley reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Fantastic hands-on course with extremely knowledgeable expert tutor, who not only demonstrated it to us en masse, but also came around individually as the day went on to see how we were getting along and helping correct any mistakes. No issue was too small and he was extremely patient. I came away with a skill that I didn’t have when I arrived and an eagerness to do more."

Ellie reviewed: Creative pottery decoration workshop

"I must admit I am not artistic at all, I have been totally blown away by this course. Every week I have come away with something beautiful, my family and friends have been so shocked. The atmosphere is great and very welcoming, it’s fantastic value for money and a great evening! Very relaxed and a great focus on what you want to do. I have already signed up to carry on!"

Christine reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"I loved the textile Landscape course. I learnt a lot of new skills and came away with an abundance of inspiration. Imogen guides you patiently through the techniques but allows you to develop your own style. The whole day was a treat and the lunch was delicious too. Christine"

lynn reviewed: Stained glass one day course for beginners: one-to-one

"The day course taken with Emma was a great day ,she is a good teacher ,fun ,and very patient. At the end of the day you get to take away 2 pieces of your own creation I would definitely go back and do another piece I rate her excellent And certainly recommend her to others Thanks you Lynn"