Latest reviews

Gill taylor reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Helen and John are great tutors. I learned a lot about stone carving, and have signed up for further tutition. Would highly recommend."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you for your participation and your positive review.? Helen"

Karen French reviewed: Beginners Linocut Workshop at Hitchin Lavender Farm, Hertfordshire

"Both me and my daughter really enjoyed the course. Kim was so helpful and created a wonderful space. I would recommend attending especially if you want to learn how to do lino printing."

John reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Thank you so much for a fabulous weekend carving. I loved being down at the mill and my green man looks fantastic. Excellent tutoring, fabulous weekend and great fun. I phoned Helen to book and had no trouble!"

Roger Marks reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"An excellent, practical, course in a splendid setting. Experienced tutor demonstrated and explained clearly and well plus volunteer helpers meant help was always available when needed. All staff friendly and enthusiastic. I felt I'd learned a lot and would do another course there."

Frances Tarylor reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I recently attended a course run by Richard in Ilkley, with a group of friends. The course was brilliant, Richard is very good at what he does, he explained everything very clearly and gave exactly the right amount of support and guidance, but let us get on with it too. He was also very entertaining, and the day flew by. I was so pleased with my wonderful moon-gazing hare. I'm a complete beginner at clay model making, and I didn't think I'd be able to make one successfully, and I know some others in my group felt the same, but we all produced wonderful hares, so full of character. The course was also really good value for money and I would definitely recommend it. We left, planning which of Richard's workshops we want to do next! Frances"

John Morgan reviewed: Beginners 2 full days knife making courses

"Dan & Paddy have a sound knowledge of their subject. Informative and fun. Recommended."

Gill Richardson reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable two days spent in the very capable hands of Carl and Dan. Every aspect of the weekend was well planned and executed, with a beautiful dry stone wall to show for our efforts. Skills were generously shared and a great team spirit built up over regular mugs of hot tea and soup! Highly recommended."

Linden Smith reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Thoroughly recommend this great course. It was set at exactly the right pace and we learnt skills that we could take away and use again. It was great fun and very friendly. The afternoon tea was ideal. We came away with our little bags having had a lovely enjoyable time and learnt a new skill. Anyone looking for a candle making course - go for it - you will not be disappointed."

Mick Woodall reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"A great day learning a new skill in a delightful environment. The course was hands on from start to finish and the course tutor with 3 volunteers, along with a small class of 6 meant that everyone got the support and attention they needed."

Elaine reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"I loved our afternoon spent learning about the miracle that is silver clay. The welcome from Lynn was warm and the small group really bonded well. Anna was friendly, informative and really helpful too. Everyone produced amazing jewellery, I'm really proud of my double star necklace and heart charms. I highly recommend this as a fantastic gift for yourself or others and hope to be back again soon."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Elaine. Thanks for the lovely review. And we absolutely LOVED your double star necklace too! It's always so exciting to see the different jewellery people create from the same raw materials. And we're particularly glad when people surprise themselves with their own creativity (which of course we believe is in everyone just waiting to be released!) We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective one day. With best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Victoria ARTHINGTON reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"My daughter and husband went on this course and absolutely loved it. Lucy was able to teach both of them together even though my husband was a complete novice and my daughter having experience wanted to make a more complex piece. Lucy is friendly, patient, and knowledgeable and made them feel very welcome. The studio is in a beautiful picturesque garden where they were able to sit and enjoy their packed lunch. They are already planning another session. I can highly recommend this course. Thank you Lucy"

Rachel Collins reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"I really enjoyed my afternoon getting my first taster to silver art clay. A note to anyone thinking about a workshop here, you are guaranteed a warm welcome in a warm and friendly creative environment. Met some lovely people. I am already looking forward to the next one. Rachel. X"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Rachel. Thank you so much for your lovely review. I'm so glad that you enjoyed your silver clay jewellery class: isn't it a fantastic material to work with! I hope you enjoy wearing your lovely jewellery. And I'm delighted to hear you felt warmly welcomed. We always aim to create a welcoming, social environment, but it's the people who come to our workshops that bring the space to life. So thank you for being such a great group! We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, Lynn x"

Sandi Lee reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"I have always want to try my hand at wood turning, but never had a true understanding of where to begin and what is involved. I have just spent a great day with Philip and have left having completed my first turned bowl. Philip has a way of explaining things in such a way that an absolute novice has the confidence to use the equipment without fear, but with a sensible respect for what is involved. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone interested in trying this new skill. Great course Philip, thank you for your patience and expertise."

Joanna Mc reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Diane was an excellent teacher - very supportive and encouraging us to practice. She took us through the basics and by the end of the session we each had a two ply hank of fleece to take home. My spinning wheel was in a sorry state when I went, but Phillip patiently fixed it and gave it some much needed TLC. Thank you both for a great session."

Alison Parker reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I have just returned from a wonderful Moon Gazing Hare workshop in Ilkley. The course I wanted to do was booked up so myself and six friends organised with Richard to have our own workshop. It was fun and very rewarding. We were all impressed with the finished hares. Richard, an expert tutor was friendly, fun and very helpful, taking us carefully through each process and taking time to make sure everyone had the attention they needed. We were all complete beginners. I would highly recommend having a go on one of Richard’s workshops. We are talking about doing another workshop with him - I fancy a Highland Cow or maybe a Herdwick Sheep ?......"

Celia Cutler reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"My friend and I had a lovely time learning a new craft, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone who wanted to try it, Chris was very patient (he had to be as neither of us had a natural skill) :-)"

celia cutler reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"My friend and I had a lovely time learning a new craft in a relaxed atmosphere and with very informative expert. Would not hesitate to recommend this course in future."

Ellie Hughes reviewed: Oil Painting for Beginners and Intermediates

"I attended Lee's Floral Workshop 26th-29th March 2019 half time and very much appreciated his organized approach which included initial discussion re: composition and the process of building a painting with a handout to help keep us on track. He is a sympathetic teacher who gave lots of useful guidance. I also benefited from the energy of the other students. Very enjoyable course!"

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Thanks Ellie! Glad you enjoyed the workshop. Lee"

Amina Abaakouk reviewed: Natural soap & cosmetic products workshop

"I cannot say enough how pleasant this workshop was!!!! I really enjoyed it !! learned sooo much in such a short amount of time. It was in a relaxed and very friendly atmosphere. I will go all the way up North from London again to have a workshop with Julie and Janet as I really enjoyed every minute. If you want to learn, have fun and have a great afternoon tea then go for it! you won’t regret it!!!!"

Norah Baxter reviewed: Morning and Afternoon Art Classes for adults - Exeter

"What can I say. These courses are so good I am doing it all again. I have loved course one at Topsham and discovered that I can paint and I can draw, me who thought I could do nothing. And the people I have met have made my Wednesdays. We have had fun and companionship and the guidance of a super teacher in Chloe, who is always encouraging and supportive and never ever critical. If you think you might enjoy an art class, go for this one. You will not be sorry"

ColourWheel Exeter responded:

"Thank you for your lovely words Norah. We are so pleased that you have decided to continue with us on our new course. The class really wouldn’t be the same without you and we are really looking forward to seeing your art skills develop and grow."

Kate Margis reviewed: An introduction to hand embroidery : sew your own hoop art

"I had a wonderful time at the Tread Softly sewing workshop. I had some experience of doing cross stitch before the class but I had never done anything outside of that. I wasn't expecting to learn as much as I did and I'm delighted to say that I now know how to do lots of different types of stitches and I got a beautiful felt hanging at the end of it too... made by my own fair hands! Hannah is patient and very good at explaining things which definitely helped with the more complicated stitches. Overall, it was a delightful morning, I learnt new skills, had lots of giggles and came away from it with a lovely bear felt hanging. I would highly recommend and I can't wait to book onto more of the workshops in the New Year!"

James Shrives reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I thoroughly enjoyed the two day course and was surprised by what I and fellow novices actually achieved in a fairly short space of time with Sebastian's calm guidance and encouragement to 'embrace your inner stonemason'. It was all very relaxed and I would encourage anyone to give it a go. I met some charming people and we had plenty of laughs. Thank you Sebastian."

Margaret Walker reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"My friend and I attended our first half day workshop with Julie as a joint Christmas present. We will definitely be back for more! Julie was very welcoming, there were a myriad of options and everything was very well explained. The time flew by, always a good sign! I am delighted with the decorated “poppy” plate I made as a gift and I know the recipient will be equally thrilled. Thankyou Julie"

Shauna reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"This was my second mosaic workshop and I thoroughly enjoyed this one, much more than the first one I took somewhere else. I found the materials we used to be a lot more 'user friendly' and Maggie coaches you carefully through every step. I often get 'creativity anxiety' when trying a new skill and I never had a chance to feel this here. Her warm chatter and ideas and enthusiasm carry you right on through to a beautiful finished piece. My daughter and I came from many hours away and were offered the B&B option. I had no idea what we were coming to - but this home and garden were amazing! Maggie and her husband truly live the mosaic lifestyle, there is beauty inside and out and they are the most thoughtful hosts. Glorious weekend - and you leave feeling like you've genuinely made new friends."

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Shauna for taking the time to write such a nice review. Your dove slate is one of the nicest pieces ever to have left the studio and I am so appreciative of you sharing with me the importance of the design to you. Every piece in your creation was laid out with such love and care and it was a joy to watch it evolve. Yourself and Katherine were lovely houseguests and I really hope you will come back and see us again sometime.Andy and I both enjoyed having you to stay.x"

Lorraine reviewed: Candle making course (introductory) - in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, Sussex

"Excellent course. We learnt so much. Simon was an excellent teacher. We were so lucky because there were only the two of us on the course, so it was really personal. We made loads of candles and were not rushed away when the time came to finish up. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone thinking about making candles!"