Latest reviews

John Keane reviewed: Glass painting taster day

"It was an amazing experience to attend this course. We received a warm welcome and were soon put at ease in the calm relaxed atmosphere. There were 3 of us on the course ranging from complete beginner to some experience. Derek has a vast wealth of knowledge in this field and a great way of imparting information through demonstration and encouraging us to experiment with techniques. We all completed 2 painting projects which were fired in the kiln during the day, which were able to take home at the end of the course. I would strongly recommend the course whether a complete beginner or more experienced painter. We all came away with new knowledge in this fascinating medium. Thank you Derek."

Derek Hunt Artist responded:

"Hi John, It was really good to meet you and share some painting techniques. As you had already done some glass painting before coming on the course, it was great to be able to show you some additional ways of getting a particular effect or result using other mediums and tools. It's a real pleasure to share knowledge with someone who has a passion for the craft and wants to learn. Keep in touch and all the best for now, Derek"

Chris Gee reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"This weekend course was a sixtieth birthday present from my children, my son and daughter attended the course with me. None of my family had ever been involved with Bladesmithing, but with the aid of our hosts Graham, son David and grandson Declan and their wealth of engineering experience and knowledge, they were able to guide us through and skills our final knives. Their explanation and communication enabled us to work the steel for the knife and also the wood for the handle. Skills and memories which will remain with my family and I forever, and we all have a unique and personal knife, one of the best experiences I have had."

Will Organ reviewed: Whittling course

"Just attended Martin’s Whittling and knife skills course which was brilliant. Just 4 of us so we all had a good amount of Martin’s time and he steered the activities so that we all got something out of it even though we were naturally at different levels of existing experience. The chatting as we worked brought out a lot of useful information about wood and how to work with it. I particularly benefited from seeing knives he used (and have bought one of these from a website he recommended as it is better than the one’s I have battled with at home). The instruction on sharpening was good - it is something I have not been able to get write before. Well worth the money"

Hannah Ellicock reviewed: Soy wax candlemaking workshop

"I really enjoyed Juliette's course. It was the first candle making course that I have been on. I found it really interesting and informative. I feel able to have a go at making my own candles at home now. Juliette is a great teacher and welcoming host in her beautiful home. I throughly recommend this course."

Sarah reviewed: Experimental textile workshops in London | Forest Hill

"My son and I had a great time on Nicole’s screen printing course and made some lovely prints. Nicole is a lovely lady and a great teacher. This was a very enjoyable course I would highly recommend. In fact my son and I are planning on booking ourselves on it again. Thank you Nicole."

Collette reviewed: Calligraphy at Cartlands Tearoom, Kings Heath B14

"This course was excellent, it was relaxed enjoyable and we finished off with a lovely lunch . Loads of knowledge to take home"

Sally Hughes reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia is an excellent teacher. The email sent in advance provided clear instructions for finding the workshop, how the day worked with refreshments and what size of image we would be working with. This enabled me to arrive with sketches ready to work into a design for the day. The workshop places were ready when I arrived with everything needed for the day. We were welcomed with tea, coffee and biscuits. We started on time with an introductory explanatory talk that included very useful examples of her work including the lino blocks supplemented by examples of prints by professional artists and students from earlier workshops. These were both informative and inspirational. Then we started the day's work while Olivia came to each of us giving personal tuition. These individual and tailored sessions continued throughout the day with occasional whole group guidance as our progress moved through the processes to printing. Everyone completed their designs to printing stage; some people producing a number of prints. Olivia encouraged those of us who had not finished the number of prints we wanted to stay on after the ending time. The day was very successful. I achieved my objectives and happily recommend this course."

Serena Woodcock reviewed: Burnt Fen Alpacas - Amazing Alpacas Spinning and Weaving Workshop

"I'd really recommend the spinning/weaving workshop with Julia and Annie. They both have their own tips and experience to help you learn both skills. I liked the combination of yurt for spinning and studio for weaving, in addition to the great company and lovely lunches but also last but not least the alpacas! What lovely creatures! Just a wide range of experience in two days! If you fancy trying out the spinning and weaving, they are great teachers and you have something to take home at the end. I will be definitely going back to have afternoon tea and cake with alpacas and buy some more wool for weaving."

Selina reviewed: Linocut printing workshop in Warwickshire at Bonds Lifestyle

"What a fantastic workshop learning all about linocut. Alix was an engaging teacher - generous with her time and knowledge. We learnt about the different types of materials, inks and equipment before cutting our own designs. We each produced 6 finished prints that we were thrilled with. I would recommend this course to complete beginners like myself or to folk with previous linocut experience. Thank you again Alix (and JC!)"

Alix Almond Art responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Selina, it was great to meet you at the weekend, and you should be really proud of your print. Alix"

Hannah reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"This workshop was everything and more I hoped it would be. I finished the workshop feeling really inspired and eager to do more linocut art. A great day."

Claire reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"What a fabulous, fun, candle making experience we had! Charlie was a wonderful host, so friendly and knowledgeable, she made us feel so welcome. Definitely recommend. She gave us all the information we need to make candles at home. Lovely lady!"

Suzy reviewed: Mosaic class

"Thank you for the lovely day! Dawn has done everything possible to make people on the course feel like welcomed guests. (Going so far as to make a delicious vegan chocolate cake that I could have, which was very kind and inclusive) Creating the mosaics was a very absorbing and inspiring activity, and Dawn's guidance and her setup of the materials available made the experience feel really exciting. The course has definitely left me feeling compelled to try Mosaic again. Strongly recommend!"

Jigsaw Mosaics responded:

"Thank you coming to my mosaic and giving me such a fab review. Great to meet you both x"

Michelle reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"I was given the Linocut Printmaking Workshop as a gift and what an amazing gift it was, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The day was well planned and broken down in to sections to suit all abilities, including a beginner like myself. Olivia was warm and welcoming and the whole atmosphere of the day was perfect. The guidance and motivation she gave to each individual was excellent. I came away from the workshop extremely pleased with what I had achieved and I feel that I have been provided with the skills required to continue printmaking. Thank you Olivia for such a great day."

mandy walden reviewed: Burnt Fen Alpacas - Amazing Alpacas Spinning and Weaving Workshop

"I attended one of these wonderful 2-day workshops earlier this year. It was a fab contrast between day 1 in a cosy, fairy light bedecked yurt where Annie and Julia showed great patience in helping me to spin my first ever skein of beautiful soft alpaca yarn, and day 2 in Julia's light and airy studio I the city where I learned to weave. What did I love? The gorgeous Burnt Fen alpacas, the excellent lunches, the skilled tutoring, the great company, the lovely settings, my finished product, having the time and space to enjoy two days of creativity and learning a new skill. What didn't I love? Nothing, except having to go back to the day job afterwards. I enjoyed it so much my husband and I are going back to Burnt Fen for another spinning session later this year!"

Karina Horn reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Fantastic afternoon, I have learnt so much today. My Easter Bunny is very sweet. My 1st Rabbit. Zenia is a very calm, patient and talented teacher. It was a pleasure to meet her and the rest of the group. I am looking forward to my next workshop with Zenia. Thank you."

Jen reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"I booked the 2.5 hour pottery throwing workshop as a birthday present for a friend. I really recommend it, we had such a fun afternoon! Cannot thank Jack enough for his calm and clear instruction and for being so lovely and friendly - he makes a great cuppa too! Such a beautiful studio as well. I'm sure we'll be back :-)"

Rachel reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I recently attended a one to one 'Throwing Wheel Workshop' day with Mathew for a birthday gift from my partner. It was the best gift ever - I had such an amazing day. Having been a little apprehensive beforehand, any fears were soon alleviated from the moment I arrived. Matthew and his wife Rachel welcomed me into their home and Mathew very quickly put me at ease in using the wheel. As the day progressed, my confidence grew and I managed to make 6 items (3 bowls and 3 jugs). I was amazed that they even looked a proper shape! I learnt so much in a day and it was so therapeutic and a good distraction from life's stresses! I'm looking forward to seeing the finished products once they have been fired. I would highly recommend the day to anyone. Mathew's instruction, humour and patience really helps to make the day so relaxing and enjoyable. Thank you Mathew."

Dimbleby Ceramics - Studio Pottery Courses responded:

"Hi Rachel, Thank you for the lovely review. It was great to meet you and partner and chat over lunch. The beautiful forms that you created on the day have now been fired. If you can e-mail me at sales@dimblebyceramics.co.uk with your mums address I can drop them off for you later next week. If you want to collect them yourself let me know. Best wishes Mathew"

Lara Shaddick reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"I did the one day suncatcher course yesterday and can't rate it highly enough. Lots of workspace in a lovely workshop, plenty of good kit, relaxed atmosphere, great tuition whatever your ability - it's a total escape from the world for a day."

Jan Hopper reviewed: Residential two day machine embroidery workshop

"What a fab weekend! Ruth is a great teacher and a great host. Even though I sew for a living, Ruth taught me a great deal and made it fun. Ruth’s home is beautifully cosy and inviting - just like Ruth. Thank you again and hope to see you soon.t"

Nicolae Toma reviewed: Two day leather bag making workshop

"Very great experience making a leather bag with a professional London artist. Rosanna is very patient, I enjoyed the course over two lovely days in her cosy workshop. It was my first time ever making a bag, and it turned out very well. Thank you Rosanna."

Emily reviewed: Paint your own piece - furniture workshop - North Wales

"Had a fantastic workshop with Charlotte on Saturday. I learnt all about the different chalk paint techniques, managed to transform two dated pieces of furniture and had lots of fun doing it. Charlotte really knows her stuff and offers just the right amount of support. The atmosphere was relaxed in the beautiful craft centre, the only struggle was trying not to buy too many cakes from the amazing restaurant! Fantastic day, will definitely be back! Thanks Charlotte"

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"You did an great job on your pieces Emily. So glad you enjoyed learning all about the chalk paint and different decorative techniques. You are a natural painter, well done! :)"

Rhian reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"We went as a group of friends and had an excellent day. It was fun and informative. Allison is very knowledgable and keen we knew the background to the ingredients. We had lots of hands on time to enjoye the process of making a variety of organic products. We were thrilled to have a variety of lovely balms, oils, creams and toners we had made to take home with us. Thoroughly recommended."

Enamelling reviewed: Enamelling - Flowers and Hearts

"Enamelling is great! So is Rachel as a teacher. This course was in a very lovely setting which really sets the mood and scene for creativity, it is so much easier to feel creative in a woodland garden. The pieces I made are much better than I thought I could or would and I am really pleased with the results."

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much, I am glad you enjoyed yourself and it was great to have such good weather to make the garden shine and inspire you further. Your pieces were beautiful and it was wonderful to have the chance to explore lots of methods during the day. I look forward to seeing you again on the next step of your journey in enamelling."

Chris Harper reviewed: Intro to 3D wet felting; make a small vessel using a resist with Purr & Wag It, Tabletop Workshops

"I had a great afternoon learning the basics of felt 'painting' in a small friendly group. I am not artistic in any way but Heather had a good supply of materials and tools. She taught us the techniques and also had suggestions to help us individually. By the end of the afternoon I had mixed colours and used the textiles to make my first felt picture."

Rod Haggarty reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. David is patient and extremely helpful in guiding beginners. To be able to produce an item after just two days of carving is highly rewarding. The lunches were fantastic and the mid-morning and mid-afternoon tea breaks (with brownies) were most welcome. I definitely plan to revisit and try a more ambitious project. This course is a definite must for the aspiring stone carver."