Latest reviews

Cecile Allen reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Lynn's workshop was such a blast! Really worth investing in the day. Resources were well prepared and the instructions incredibly clear. The raw materials were plentiful and I was able to make my own choices, and Lynn was there to teach and guide on how they could/should be used. Making two books meant I could keep one and give one away as a handmade gift. All in all a perfect day. Thank you. Ps. The cherry cake is superb!"

Anna-Lisa reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"I bought this one-day course for my partner's birthday present, but we both had a fantastic time learning the basics of blacksmithing from Tom. He patiently guided us through various techniques and how to use different tools and we both came away having made something we were proud of - my partner made a chisel and I made a dinner bell/triangle. Tom is a knowledgable and fascinating teacher with a passion for history, and looked after us throughout the day with plenty of tea and biscuits and a hearty lunch. I'd definitely recommend this course for anyone interested in learning this traditional skill - it's excellent value for money."

Dawn Mander reviewed: Gemstone Stacking Rings: Silver Jewellery Making

"Really enjoyed this workshop and love my handmade rings! Nina is so friendly and helpful and really put us all at ease. Overall it was a fab way to spend an afternoon and well worth the money. Will definitely be joining for the next level workshop. Thank you Nina!"

Iasthai Original responded:

"Thank you so much Dawn, it was wonderful to meet you and your rings are beautiful! Well done and see you soon x"

Pascale reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"This is a fantastic course and a wonderful day learning how to throws pots on the wheel. Charlie is an excellent tutor, really clear instruction, and a friendly and encouraging approach. He really made the day a pleasure, and made time to help each of us individually through the day. I would wholeheartedly recommend the course and will be looking for follow up workshops so we can carry on learning. Thanks! Pascale and David"

Celia reviewed: Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping

"What a lovely way to spend a morning in such a picturesque setting, learning so much about the fascinating lives of bees and the art of beekeeping from Elisabeth and Ken, who are not only very knowledgeable about their subject, but are also able to convey their enthusiasm for caring for these precious insects. Plus homemade cake, good quality coffee, a delicious lunch with a choice of wines in a relaxed atmosphere with a bunch of friendly people - highly recommended!"

Alan Benson reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Would highly recommend going here either to learn basics or to further existing skills. I have been going here for many years now. Jesa, Al and Heidi are excellent teachers as well as very skilled jewellery designers and makers. I often feel I am “punching above my weight” in terms of what I want to make but am always encouraged to do exactly that - a mark of good teaching - the coffee’s not bad, either."

helen howell reviewed: 2 Day Silver Jewellery Making Course - Ely

"Excellent weekend 2 day course. I learnt so much in a very comfortable environment. Jonathan was a brilliant teacher and his partner were both excellent hosts in every way. Can't believe that I made 3 pieces of jewellery ! Looking at dates for the next two day course on gem settings for this year."

Anne-Marie Acaster reviewed: Colourful stained glass panel making course

"We had a fantastic day at Jo's studio. She was an excellent teacher - explaining everything fully and carefully. There were plenty of designs to choose from and so much variety and colours of glass. We felt very proud and had such a sense of achievement by the end of the day with our panels. We all said we'd definitely like to have another day. Thank you Jo, would highly recommend!"

Jo Snowdon Stained Glass responded:

"Thank you Anne-Marie, I'm really glad you enjoyed your day and were all so pleased with the stained glass panels you made! You're very welcome to come back any time :-) Best wishes, Jo"

Katalin Halasz reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"We had such a great day. We have managed to learn about the basics of enamelling . Rachel is such a patient teacher who helped us all the way through until we finished our pieces. We can't wait to come back to further deepen our knowledge and technique in enamelling."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Many thanks to you all. It was lovely to see your family relax and enjoy yourself! The apple was truly fabulous and the pieces you all made had such wonderful colours. We look forward to seeing you again soon. The deck is now finished and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the garden. Hopefully the weather will be better too. Rach"

Aileen Paterson reviewed: Silver clay ring making

"Thoroughly enjoyable day. Great tuition in lovely and relaxing surroundings."

Dema reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I did the half-day course with my family (including partner, and an 18 and 16 year old) in the Easter holidays, and had a great experience. Yoka is a super teacher, full of interesting facts and stories about pottery: she took the time to explain the history and pros and cons of different types of clay etc at the beginning of the class, and divulged a few secrets of the pottery industry. After that, we took to our wheels and were soon churning out pots to be proud of. The atmosphere at the Siramik studio is very relaxed and we even had coffee and chocolate cake at break time! The morning was over all too quickly. All four of us highly recommend it!"

Cathy Steed reviewed: Castles!- full day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya

"Amazing day. Bob and Joe were excellent teachers and so supportive. Nothing was ever too much trouble. I had high expectations and they surpassed them. I can’t wait to go again."

Maude Humphris reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"I absolutely loved the course: it was an experience rather than just a Workshop! A peaceful and gorgeous location, great company from the Trisha and the other attendees, amazing food and calm, considered, expert tuition. It was such a treat for me, more than I was expecting and I left feeling relaxed and also really proud of my little pots and bowls. Can’t wait for glazing day. Thanks Trisha."

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I have just had an amazing day woodcarving under Nigel’s patient guidance. I was a complete novice but Nigel put me at ease straight away. The day was overcast and cold so with mugs of tea we entered the workshop and were met with the lovely smell of wood, Nigel’s carvings plus the log burner warming the space. I wanted to make a bowl in an acorn shape. As I began to chisel (actually gauge- I now know what a chisel and gauge do :-) I was completely hooked! It was so interesting to try out the different tools suggested for different effects- the v shaped gauge was my friend and saviour! When we stopped for a delicious lunch, for the first time ever on a course I was itching to get back to my acorn! Time flew and tea and cakes were regularly supplied. Would love to go again and now want my own set of tools. My girls and partner loved my acorn. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to try woodcarving. You’ll have a lovely day."

Lisa Potter reviewed: Watercolour painting day - Floral & botanical - with artist Laura Andrew

"We had a wonderful day, made very welcome and put at our ease. Laura is an accomplished artist and teaches from her experience. We had a class in watercolours and painted an iris, however, there were lots of flowers to choose from. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day which passed very quickly. Will definitely be going back for another class. Lunch was very yummy, sandwiches and scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Laura has given me the confidence to believe that I can do this and for that I can say a big thank you."

Andrew reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"This was a brilliant experience, and Ambrose & Aidan the perfect tutors and guides through two days of growing familiar with the material, tools and techniques. Every detail of the workshop felt carefully considered and well prepared, and fun. And you get to make something of value, and something of yourself, that didn't exist before. Very highly recommended."

Julie Smith reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A lovely afternoon. Claire is an inspirational teacher and nothing was too much trouble for her - from ensuring we had the right directions to get to the venue to ensuring we got as many cards as possible printed in the time."

Niki reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"I have just participated in my third workshop - I just love felting, particularly with Karen. It's such a calm, friendly experience every time. Karen explains the process so well and knows just how to help if you need it. The Barn at Houlton is a lovely venue too - did I mention Karen also makes cake for attendees too? I would highly recommend these workshops... I know I'm gushing but I would also say don't stop at one workshop, with felting being such a dynamic process, there's always more to get out of attending."

Rachel reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I had a wonderful morning with Ann learning to crochet. A lovely peaceful morning drinking tea and crafting. Ann made the course fun, interesting and easy to pick up. Looking forward to booking the next course Apologies for the delay in reviewing the course."

Leeds Central Faith and Light responded:

"Thank you Rachel for taking the time to review your workshop. I am glad you enjoyed your morning and hope you have been able to continue with your crocheting. Kind regards Ann"

Sue Clews reviewed: Easel Weasel Wednesday Art workshops - Derbyshire Peak District

"Enjoyed a relaxing creative day at Denise's acrylic painting workshop on Saturday. Denise's professional and friendly approach to teaching and on the spot demonstrations of technique were invaluable and I knew from the start that I was going to enjoy myself and learn new ways of working! Her guidance, attention to detail and wealth of experience and technical knowledge helped me to build on existing skills to produce a painting that was vibrant and enchanting. Denise has a way of enabling you to achieve high standards while still retaining your own style and is sympathetic to all aspects of the artwork you are making so that the work stays fresh and nothing is overworked. Denise also ensured that I was comfortable and well fed and watered ! I thoroughly recommend this tutor to beginners and people of all levels and will definitely be booking another workshop."

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Introduction to calligraphy

"Really enjoyed my day with Panna learning Calligraphy in the beautiful Arienas space that's kindly provided by hostess Lynn. We spent most of the morning practicing our alphabet with both calligraphy pens and pen and ink. Then after a beautiful lunch we got more creative in the afternoon learning how to write within shapes and varying the sizes of our letters. At the end we cut out and arranged our words and letters to create a personal artwork which we got to frame and take home. Panna was endlessly patient with all of us and gently took us through the process in a gradually unveiling way. Would definitely recommend as it was lovely relaxing day spent with like minded people."

Sam reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Amazing day, the course was everything I hoped for. The tutors were approachable, friendly, helpful and truly own their craft. The group we were in also were great; friendly, chatty and all came out with amazing knives. I can't recommend enough and looking forward to attending again."

Sam reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Amazing day, the course was everything I hoped for. The tutors were approachable, friendly, helpful and truly own their craft. The group we were in also were great; friendly, chatty and all came out with amazing knives. I can't recommend enough and looking forward to attending again."

Charlotte H reviewed: Make silver jewellery - one day workshop

"I attended Cathy's silver course recently and would highly recommend it. A fun and relaxed environment to learn in. I was also delighted with my ring, pendant and earrings - all made in one day!"

Dimana Dimcheva reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"I visited the Sunday bowl making clay course with Josie. She has a great studio with a very friendly and nice atmosphere. Josie provided a lot of knowledge and techniques and I learnt a lot from her. She is a very inspiring and talented person that everyone would like to be surrounded by. Will definitely visit her classes again! Thank you, Josie! :))"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Many Thanks for your review Demana. I look forward to seeing you again in the near future perhaps at the Kingsgate Workshops Trust for our Hey Clay open Studios? 18th and 19th of May ."