Latest reviews

Sharon reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Silver Clay Jewellery Workshop - An Introduction to Silver Clay

"I attended Fiona’s course on the 16th March and thanks to her grace, patience, excellent advice and generosity in the usage of her tools and kiln I’ve never looked back (accept for the memories when looking at the pieces I made). I highly recommend her course if you’ve never tried making jewellery using metal clay before. This course introduces you to using fine .999 silver clay that, once fired (via kiln or torch which Fiona demonstrated to my class) produces a beautiful hardened piece of jewellery be it a pendant or set of earrings that you created yourself. Fiona gave each of us a small piece of regular polymer clay to practise on in order to give us a good idea of how we could envision our pieces to be shaped. There was no real time constriction, and everyone in my class including me enjoyed ourselves. The amount of silver clay given to each person was also enough to create (at least for me) approx. 4-5 small pieces. She provided an abundance of tools, patterns and textures for us to use at our leisure and for a small fee even gave us an option to have a silver chain if we created pendants. The whole experience was encouraging and very educational for me having been invested in making metal clay jewellery. The price of the course is very reasonable, in fact the best around. The workshop took place in a rather small studio space but still gave us enough ample room for about 8 students, and the venue itself (Fisherton Mill) is a lovely setting with a chance to be inspired by the galleries on display plus a cafe where you can chat to fellow enthusiasts. Long story short; the venue, Fiona’s tutelage and outcome of making your own personalised jewellery without the fuss of soldering and tinkering that you’d normally get via goldsmithing is worth the price of admission."

Stephanie Bridges reviewed: Still life painting course

"I had an amazing time on this course, learning so many different techniques and methods. Lesley's teaching style is really relaxed and I was so happy with the work I created during the two days. Would highly recommend."

Previous Attendee reviewed: Landscape painting courses

"“I find Lesley’s work inspirational and it was great to watch her in action, how she actually approached her work and executed it. Lesley gave really helpful feedback throughout the day that I’m going to put into action and take forward into my future work. It was a great day with really friendly people that I’d love to repeat.”"

Laurence reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really enjoyed this course. Great instruction, and facilities. Hat's off to Debbie, Adrian and Andy for a lovely day, the small group worked really well with enough space to work and plenty of tools to go round. I was amazed at how quickly we were able to make our first piece (I put it down to good teaching :)). And it really set you up for the next project. Thank you all."

Jill reviewed: Green Man! 1 Day Sculpture Workshop Using Pal Tiya Premium

"Lovely day with Joe and Bob learning a new medium. Both guys are great teachers and the atmosphere at the studio is super."

Wendy Allan reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cornwall

"Thank you Wendy for a very enjoyable and informative day. We learnt so much and you were a very patient teacher. I really recommend this course."

Alison Cox reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cornwall

"Lovely welcome. Good clear instruction and lots of practice. Doing the design - lots of help how to implement it. Lots of colours to choose from. Good group, did the day course. Time just sped by. Wendy, thank you."

Nicky reviewed: Textile landscape workshop in Dorset

"Thouroughly enjoyed this workshop, having learned a plethora of new skills to try at home. So many lovely materials to wade through ! Not to mention the very tasty lunch and cups of tea. Imogen is a very patient and talented artist who was keen to allow us to make our creations - thank you."

Emma H. reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I spent a wonderful day with Lucy in her beautiful studio. (She also has a beautiful garden!) Her knowledge and creativity are inspiring and she is an excellent teacher, knowing when you need her and also knowing when to step back. She is fabulous company too and a pleasure to spend a day with. She made me feel very welcome in her studio. Lucy provides lots of help and guidance before the class and documents the day so you have a lovely record of what you did. I am amazed at what I managed to produce in a day and would love to return again."

Pauline Rogers reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"I attended this Pottery Workshop recently, as an absolute beginner. I had a most enjoyable day. Lorraine was so thorough in her teaching and had so much patience. I found the course very enjoyable, I managed to make 6 pots. The "finishing" of the pots was very calming and therapeutic, an excellent experience - I would certainly go again and recommend it to all ages. Many thanks Lorraine."

Woodsetton Art Pottery responded:

"Many thanks for the great review. Follow me on Instagram or Twitter to hear about more open for all ages and new evening courses coming up etc. Best regards Lorraine"

Jo Martin reviewed: Advanced glass fusing - vitrigraph stringer workshop

"I've been on a few glass courses with different tutors so Bev included making vitigraph stringers on a full day's course with me as it was something I had never tried. Bev has so much knowledge that she just loves sharing with others whether they have no experience or lots. I learnt loads from her and had so much fun making the stringers - I was amazed by how many we made. When Bev says bring a big bag to take them home she means it! Overall I loved my time with Bev and now need to find an excuse for another day with her."

Beverley Bunn Glass Art responded:

"Lol - yes a large box or bag is not an understatement! So glad you enjoyed making the stringer and I can't wait to see what you do with it!! Thank you for the lovely review x"

Helen reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop day at Silver Designed Personally

"What a treat. I was a little nervous going on my own but had a fabulous day. Sara is really welcoming and the one to one tutoring is excellent. It’s harded than you think so it was great to learn new skills and make a unique piece of jewellery; when people admire it I can say I made it. Sara’s workshop and gardens are so pretty and relaxing and it was a pleasure to meet Misty the dog. I would really recommend this day out a real treat."

Alison reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Textures in Nature' with Jo Dix: a 'Quirky Workshop'

"I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Silver Clay day on 8th June. Jo the tutor was excellent, offering the right amount of guidance and help throughout the day and I'm thrilled with the pendant I made. Also the food was brilliant and a wonderful addition to a great day. I would certainly recommend you to others and will look out for the new dates for maybe more silver clay....maybe a class for those who have already done one, or for the silver jewellery course. Thanking you"

Chris Griffiths reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Brilliant day! Well organised & Martin provided very clear instructions plus he was very encouraging. I would definitely recommend the course to others."

Jo B reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Came with three friends for a 50th Birthday celebration, Charlie was very welcoming and friendly. We had a really great time and lots of fun. If your looking for a different gift for someone or looking for something different to do would highly recommend. Thank you Charlie ?"

Annie Corcoran reviewed: Weekend upholstery class in Tarland, Aberdeenshire

"A brilliant introduction to upholstery - Michelle is a fantastic teacher who makes learning a pleasure. She gives plenty of individual tuition, is amazingly patient and creates a lovely atmosphere for her students. Classes are small and students bring their own projects so not only do you learn techniques for your own piece but you learn from the work of others. I would highly recommend classes with Michelle - I have already booked my next weekend !"

Kenyon-Roberts Upholstery responded:

"Hi Annie, Thanks for your lovely review. It really was a great weekend, with amazing results achieved by all. Look forward to seeing you again next month."

Maggie Burrows reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just wanted to say thank you so very much for making us feel so welcome at your lovely home on Thursday. Meriel and I had a fantastic day and we were so pleased with our bowls. As you know I was feeling very nervous but I really needn't have, because you were so good at explaining everything and very patient and supportive."

Claire Nisbet reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Kerry’s class was excellent. She was a warm, friendly host and the number in the class meant interaction with everyone. She made everyone feel very welcome in her home and was full of great tips and ideas. Highly recommended!"

Liza Fowler reviewed: Children's mosaic course

"My children really enjoyed this session. Learnt a lot of new skills. Rachel presented the session very well in a professional yet friendly manner. Would definitely recommend"

Rainey Community Creations responded:

"It was lovely to meet your children. The elephant was beautiful. Hope to see you on more courses."

Sally Mills reviewed: Advance needle felt animal - characterful mice

"I had a very enjoyable day making a felted hare with Maxine and Cath. Starting with a very friendly and informal welcome, we set about learning the basics of needle felting and began creating our own hares from the bundle of wool in front of us. Everything was explained and demonstrated very clearly and any questions were answered as they arose. I found the whole experience to be very relaxing and therapeutic and was super happy with the little creature that I took home! To anyone who is thinking of having a go at needle felting, this is the perfect workshop for beginners and I would highly recommend it. Thank you Maxine and Cath."

Reg reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Spent a great day yesterday with a superb teacher (Martin). The course managed to cater really well for a wide range of abilities and previous knowledge as well as experience of working with glass. Martin is clearly very skillful at his craft and is an excellent teacher. He paced the day well, demonstrating every step and allowing everyone time to practice before moving on. He was constantly there for support and advice whilst still allowing us to learn at our own pace. We all came away with a well made piece of stained glass. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, learnt a great deal and would without reservation recommend this course for anyone wanting an introduction to the lovely craft of Stained Glass making."

Gillian Greenshields reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a lovely way to spend a Sunday morning, sitting in a beautiful kitchen with lovely people, learning how to make a soy candle, choose fragrances and blends, chatting about why it's important to trim the wick and burn your candle properly, highly recommend. Oh and added bonus of homemade crumble and amazing coffee!"

Lesley Sinclair reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I had a wonderful day at the candle making course this morning .... who knew you should cut your candle wick each time you use a candle! Learned loads, Kerry was a fantastic, knowledgeable and enthusiastic host. Would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to spend a very relaxing morning creating lovely candles. A+++"

Kerry reviewed: Beginners Soap Making Course

"My husband and I attended the soap making workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it! Paula is lovely. She is friendly, approachable and extremely knowledgeable and it felt like a real privilege to learn as much as we did from her. On our arrival we were offered some refreshments and then sat around the table while Paula provided us with detailed notes and explained some of the theory, processes and science behind soap making. Then it was time to get stuck in and have a go at making our own soap, which was so much fun! While we waited for our finished soap to harden enough to be able to take home, we were treated to a wonderful afternoon tea and had the chance to ask Paula further questions. I would highly recommend Paula's soap making workshop!"

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Kerry. I am so glad the course made your long journey worthwhile."

Dom Rudd reviewed: Leather Belt Bag Workshop

"I had a fabulous day with Richard...I was the sole participant and am very grateful that it still ran with just me. I'm really chuffed with my leather belt bag. I wanted it to fit a pair of mini binoculars and a bird identification book and we adapted the size and fittings to suit how I wanted to use it. I learnt so much about leatherwork...I have made a few things myself in the past and wish I'd been to Richard first... and I'm now feeling really confident in where to go for the best leather and kit, how to design and set out ideas, and then to make things. I have a design in mind already. I found Richard's teaching style really engaging. He has a great balance between instruction, information and letting me get on with things. I never felt rushed and I always felt that I could ask questions if I was unsure about things. His approach is to equip people with the skills and confidence to be able to head off on their own and make things. I highly recommend Richard's courses. I'd like to do his 2-day skills course."