Latest reviews

Kamome reviewed: Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"Due to an up-coming exhibition, I urgently needed to learn about mount cutting, but Lynne taught us mount cutting together with framing, which in fact one needs to learn for proper presentation of the work. Lynne pays absolute attention to the details, and even when I made a mistake, she showed me how to recover from it. Lynne also gave us plenty of practical and valuable information which cannot be found on the internet, based on her many years of experience. It was a workshop conducted in a warm and very friendly atmosphere, and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day."

Heather reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"Really enjoyed this class! It was fun and interesting and Julie was excellent host & teacher...also loved meeting the fluffy cat & shy dog! Recommended."

Sally reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Highly recommended. Had a fabulous day creating a piece to be proud of. Had some fun, some laughs & a lovely lunch. Thank you ShabbyAnd..."

Lynda reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Fantastic day, really enjoyed learning a new skill and techniques, would love to come again. The host/teacher was just brill, funny and very patient. Will be buying paint, wax etc. very soon. Many thanks."

Helen and Julie reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Came away feeling inspired, learnt lots of new techniques in a friendly and informative atmosphere, would highly recommend."

Caroline reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Had a really lovely day. Learnt a lot and looking forward to doing another project. Many thanks"

Ann reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Super day - learnt a lot & lovely to have a creative day."

Lynda reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Very informative, friendly happy day."

Gillian reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"The taster course was perfect! An ideal way to find out about all the very many ways these techniques can be used and a good grounding in the basics. A lovely informal atmosphere, but very productive too. Many thanks."

Jennifer reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"What a wonderful day! I learnt so many techniques but particularly for me how to distress furniture to create the 'shabby' look. Ann was a marvellous host & extremely informative."

Rosita reviewed: Autentico one day furniture painting workshop

"Beginners Workshop - loved - loved - loved all of it!! Hilarious group of people to spend the day with and I've learnt lots too!!! :-)"

Melanie reviewed: Autentico advanced techniques workshop

"I enjoyed learning the new techniques and quite excited about trying them out now. Enjoyable class."

Diane reviewed: Autentico advanced techniques workshop

"Just completed the advanced course, fantastic day, very friendly, fun & informative. Fabulous, thanks Ann"

Mike Tomson reviewed: Tool sharpening

"I learnt about a wide range of tools both carpentry and green wood related. We learnt a simple and easily applicable approach to all tools which will not break the bank.. but requires practice and commitment. This was great. There were occasions when it would be helpful for the excellent facilitator to make sure that the participant does the work and he comments on ways to improve our technique. Dave saved time and got better results by doing things himself but possibly we could have learnt more by getting our hands even dirtier!."

Deborah Martell reviewed: Felting and natural dyeing craft holiday in the Highlands of Scotland

"I attended a weeklong fleece to felt course in May 2019, which included room and board, a sheep shearing demonstration, foraging for natural dyes, fleece washing, picking, carding and spinning. Hand dyeing fleece, silk, and cotton with natural dyes, botanical printing, wet felting, and needle felting. Anyone interested in these topics, whether a beginner or experienced will benefit from the knowledge of the instructors and the interplay with other class members. The instruction was very hands on and easy to understand and follow. Interesting historical context was included when appropriate. Instructors were very open to questions and to sharing time saving techniques. Our accommodations were very comfortable. Meals were well prepared with a focus on health, flavour, variety, and aesthetics. Our lessons on washing, carding, and dyeing were at an off-the-grid croft; an interesting setting to learn about and experience. Sustainablity practices were evident at the farm, at our accommodations, and in our course instruction. Access to outdoor walking was available all week. I thoroughly enjoyed the structured class time and the hours in between. As a visitor from America, this was a wonderful immersion opportunity for learning about Scottish history, customs, and current culture --in addition to all the class topics that I mentioned above. If you are interested in fibre arts, you won't regret taking a course with Rosie!"

Wild Rose Escapes responded:

"Thank-you for your review Deb, and i'm so glad you enjoyed your week with us. I hope you enjoy the next part of your travels. Many thanks Rosie"

Rose Choules reviewed: Hide camp - deer skin into buckskin

"The week with Jessie and Jane was one I'll never forget. It delivered far more than I expected, as the process of learning how to naturally tan a hide was one thing, but working within an interesting group of people, camping in such beauty (the bluebells were out), and conversing with everyone while we worked created some real magic and connections. Jessie and Jane are easy, friendly and giving teachers who I can't wait to see on the next course I'll attend (oak bark tanning rabbit skins). I am already recommending this course to anyone I think will be interested, and look forward to making something special with the hide. Thank you so so much, I feel entirely enriched. It is what I was searching for, for many years; this understanding and appreciation of how our ancestors made items of clothing for themselves in the wild. You two are my heroes!!!"

Mike Todd reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I very much enjoyed my taster session with Louise. I've never worked with clay before but Louise was very patient and helpful and made me feel at ease very quickly. I will definitely be back!"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your review Mike, your mug is fabulous! A excellent first pot! Best wishes, Louise"

Narendra reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Wonderful studio space and venue - very inspiring place to work and study. Loved the range of materials amd techniques and having the opportunity to create lino, plaster and gilded labyrinths ... the bringing in of all the connections and references is a wonderful part of these workshops and courses ... nicely paced - covered a lot of things. Thanks very much for openess and hospitality!"

Nadeshda reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Loved the variety of techniques that were introduced. It was very inspiring to experience the different labyrinths and art of constructing. I found the information on the sacred numbers and their connection to labyrinths fascinating ... Amazing to be able to gild and take so much from the course home ... it was an incredible atmosphere of the place and the Studio with so many amazing drawings, books and materials. Delicious cookies and cakes! Thank you. I feel inspired ... incredible opportunity to walk the labyrinth to complete the workshop ... Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom and warm heartedness with us."

Karen reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Thank you so much for this inspiring and contemplative time. As someone who hasn't picked up a compass, a paintbrush or a linocutter for over 30 years I spent a lot of time comfortably out of my comfort zone! And what a revelation it is to work with gold leaf! The geometry was fascinating and the skeleton of the labyrinth is as beautiful as the finished article. As a words person I could have spent a lot longer discussing the symbology and significance of the geometry and the labyrinth but immersing myself in the construction and embellishment was a wonderful way to learn. I am very much looking forward to sharing a new depth of the labyrinth with my clients as we explore their rites of passage. Thank you, thank you!"

Maynard Haverly reviewed: Box or tub making

"Nigel's mastery of his craft, I would dare say, is second to none, and his passion for what does transfers to his instruction. In his classes, there are no questions left unanswered. If verbal explanation does not solve the issue, then he will take your spot and physically demonstrate what is to be done. What more can one ask for? The character of his personality is such that it allows him to teach with patience and without intimidation, and his sense of humor at times neutralizes those moments when one is letting their seriousness overtake them. If you want the " meat and bones" of leather work married to structure, a class with Nigel will be much to your appreciation."

Harry MacLean reviewed: All day intensive jewellery class for beginners, St Andrews

"Relaxed atmosphere making really nice gifts for yourself or family members."

Sandra burley reviewed: Wire sculpture course - birds in East Yorkshire

"I was quite apprehensive before going on the course as I had never done any wire sculptures before. I needn't have worried as the day was really enjoyable. It was a small group with a very relaxed friendly atmosphere, good tuition and help and encouragement where needed (plus cake, always helps). My hands are a little arthritic but it wasn’t as hard as I thought, a bit tiring towards the end but we all managed to achieve what we set out to do. I made a curlew which has received many compliments already. I will be back to create more wildlife. Thank you Sue"

Lynn reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"I attended a taster session and loved the experience and what I made so I joined the weekly classes. I have been attending 7 months now and have made some lovely unique pieces for myself and gifts that have been very well received. Louise is a great tutor and with her help, ideas, inspiration and expert guidance has helped me turn my ideas into pieces of art. I would highly recommend her classes"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Lynn! It is a pleasure to have you in the class and your pots are always fabulous! You have a definite flair for pottery. Thanks, Louise"

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

"Such a good day trying something new and really being able to get your teeth into it. Great hospitality and food as well. Highly recommended."