Latest reviews

Celia Carleton reviewed: Pottery taster course one-to-one in the South Downs

"My daughter and I had a brilliant two hour session with Rowena, both using a wheel to produce a couple of pots. It was great to have detailed tuition from such an expert. Rowena gave a very clear demonstration and helped us every step of the way as we attempted our first pots on a wheel. Rowena was very encouraging and made us both feel relaxed and welcome. We each produced two pots within the session and were able to choose a glaze which Rowena will put on before she fires them. I would definitely recommend the course to others. we would forward to collecting our pots once they have completed the drying out and firing process."

Katherine meiklejohn reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Such a lovely setting! Really enjoyed it! Wholesome and interesting! Looking forward to the festive workshop already! X"

Ella reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"I attended the class on Monday 1st April and had a fantastic afternoon with Anna and Lynn. Anna put us at our ease straight away and was there to give all the help and advice needed. I would recommend this course for anyone wanting to try a different craft, it is great value for money. All my friends are amazed at the earrings I made on my first attempt. Thanks"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Ella. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review. And I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the workshop so much. I'm not surprised your friends were amazed at the earrings you managed to create on your first time working with silver clay - they looked fabulous! Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. With best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Tom Booth reviewed: Two day blacksmithing course

"I attended Julian’s two day course and it was amazing! We made a tree form bird feeder. Julian showed me how to use the forge, control the temperature of the metal and how to shape it. His knowledge and experience is vast and he was generous with his time. Over the two days we worked together to forge all the parts for the feeder. Julian was friendly and an excellent teacher, I would have no problem recommending him to anyone of any experience."

Jan Page reviewed: Mosaic workshop in Hornsea coastal town

"I had never tried mosaic work before but loved it. Tamar was very patient, her instructions and guidance were clear and she keeps the participant numbers low (max of 6) deliberately in order to give individual attention. I didn't know anyone else on this one day workshop but as we were all learners the ice was soon broken along with the tiles. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to create something unique and all the equipment is supplied so no need to worry about what is needed."

Mosaic Mosaic responded:

"Many thanks for your kind comments. Glad you enjoyed it. x"

Jennifer Seeley reviewed: Week-day (Three Day) Bobbin Lace Making - Daytime Mixed Lace Workshops (Stoke d'Abernon, Surrey).

"Had a fantastic day learning Idrija Lace with Tina on 31 March 2019 and look forward to more workshops. Very comfortable venue, friendly and relaxed people and an excellent teacher."

Tina's Bobbin Lacemaking responded:

"Hello Jenny Thanks for both attending the workshop, & leaving a review on the website. I am very happy that you enjoyed the day as well as trying Idirija Lace. Looking forward to seeing you sometime in the future as a lace workshop."

Gael Mcguigan reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I recently attended week one and two consecutively. From first stepping through the door I found myself surrounded by a dizzying array of hand and power tools, and this was just in the first room! After feeling a little apprehensive that I might not be up to finishing a project to the standard of the pictures seen on their CraftCourse site, Richard and Mark with their relaxed demeanour and boundless knowledge quickly settled any nerves and over the course of each week I gained so much confidence and knowledge I’m still processing it all a few weeks later. I thoroughly enjoyed both weeks and can’t recommend them enough to anyone wishing to take up a new hobby. If you have no prior experience or are wishing to expand on your existing knowledge and have been pondering about doing the course, stop pondering and just do it, I guarantee you won’t regret it."

Denise and Chris reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"Jude is an excellent teacher and differentiates to all abilities! Despite my ineptitude I was able to produce a beautiful stained glass panel and Chris showed more creative flair but love it too. Long days, adapted so that you could finish your piece. Be warned, I was slumped for most of the next day! But what a sense of achievement. I have recommended Jude to many friends already."

Jean Bowden reviewed: Basketry Workshop: Discovering Coiling at the Oxmarket Gallery

"As a beginner I found Mary to be very cheerful and encouraging. Her knowledge and experience is expansive and she provided many resources for inspiration. I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing day making my coiled basket work and as hoped, it will spur me on to learn more techniques and projects. Thanks Mary for inspiring me to enjoy a new craft"

Sandy Frost reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"I loved my 3 days sculpting with Lucy. She enabled me to follow my intuition and feeling about the stone and what began to emerge from it. But also could advice me practically on use of tools and technique when needed. This was my second time and I found it quickly came back to me and I was so obsessed! In between food and conversation flowed. Lucy's home based studio and garden were interesting, beautiful and inspirational. Thank you Lucy! We will definitely be back! Sandy."

Julie Johnson reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I can highly recommend this course. Chris is a fantastic teacher and made the day a fun and rewarding experience. As a complete beginner I was a bit nervous about how I’d manage - especially having almost zero upper body strength. Chris guided us through each stage of the process keeping it simple but varied and interesting. At the end of the day I felt quite proud of what I’d achieved - which is a reflection of the excellent teaching. Thank you, Chris!"

Faith reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked this course because Chris has so many excellent reviews, and after my friend and I attended today, we can really see why. Chris is an excellent teacher and very patient and encouraging, knowing when to advise and when to stand back. Highly recommended."

Marie reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I had a wonderful time on the three day green wood working course. We were blessed by a beautiful first day which made spending time in the woodland even more special. The last day, we lit a fire to keep the chill off our hands. Lovely knowledgeable people, really inclusive and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended for restbite, reguvination and sense of well being."

Cate Dearn reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Had a fantastic day in such a warm and friendly environment. Penny is a knowledgeable and patient teacher who helped me to create some designs that I could feel really proud of having started the day as a complete beginner. Delicious soup and cake topped off the perfect day. Thank you Penny."

Mary Povah reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I enjoyed the beginner's fused glass workshop at the beginning of March so much that I went to the next level workshop at the end of March. Mel is an excellent teacher and makes the craft accessible to everyone, whatever your artistic talents, or lack of them, may be. Plus lovely lunch and cakes!"

Gill Gerrard reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A really enjoyable day. Jo was very friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and the lunch was delicious. Came away with lovely candles, melts and wax hangings. Would recommend this course to anyone."

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Gill. It was lovely to meet you and I wish you all the best for the future. x"

bram hulsman reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Very good course, i really enjoyed it. Dave is a good teacher, everything is explained and displayed nice and clear. Takes time for everyone individually. Definitely recommend for both beginners and improvers!"

Colin Merry reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"I have been on a few courses of this type but this was different, the people are very helpful and patient and I was really pleased with the items I bought away and the 3 days that I spent learning some new skills. I would highly recommend spending time with these people and I will be signing up for another course. Many thanks to Dave and his Brilliant volunteers"

Jackie reviewed: Mosaic class

"What a lovely day I had with my daughter at Dawn's mosaic course. It had been bought for a present and not being very arty I was a bit unsure of how I would do. Dawn made it so user friendly and inspiring with ideas and examples for us to look at. The group was friendly and relaxed, added to well thought out and tasty food. My end result was such an achievement, it will be hung in pride of place in my home. Thanks Dawn :)"

Jigsaw Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Jackie, you are so welcome xx"

Keith Bradley reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"My wife bought my friend & I a one-day stained glass course & we both had an excellent time! Patricia is really helpful & friendly, & provided us with excellent tuition & some top notch grub! The course was well designed, taking us through all the basic techniques in her very well equipped workshop. Everyone went home with a finished stained glass panel, & I would heartily recommend Patricia & her courses to everyone! Keith Bradley, Derby"

susan brownhill reviewed: Needle Felted Hares / Bunnies (1 day) in the Peak District

"I recently attended this course at zantium studios. What a brilliant time I had. The location was beautiful, the house was adorable and homely. Alison was so very welcoming. The course tutor, Von, was very nice and the class of 8 of us were all ladies, who were a great laugh. I learnt a lot on the course and came out with a lovely hare, which I am very proud of!. The lunch and cake, which Alison so beautifully made for us was absolutely delicious!. I definitely want to go back to zantium studios to learn more crafts. Thankyou to everyone involved in making my day there so special and great fun!"

Joanne Davies reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Really good course, learnt lots and Jo was friendly and helpful. Lunch was a lovely homemade soup. Would recommend highly"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for your review Joanne. It was lovely to meet you. Best of luck in your ownward experimenting!"

Tim Hodge reviewed: Introduction to green wood craft - a two day course

"The best fun I've had for ages. Dave and his team, Pete, Kay, Dave (#2) and Rachel were incredibly knowledgable, patient, friendly and keen to share their skills. The teapot was bottomless and the biscuit supply endless. Based in hundreds of acres of ancient woodland, the location is absolutely ideal with a cafe next door, easily accessible loos and plenty of cover if the weather should turn bad. We basked in early spring sunshine for three days and I was surprised at how quickly the time passed. We all went home clutching really useful items made using our newly-acquired skills. The course covers basic woodland management, safe tool handling and sharpening and a wealth of bodging skills. Whatever your current level of skill, I thoroughly recommend this course."

Girlie Day reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"There were four of us for the day and we had a wonderful time. Jo explains everything as she goes along and you come home with some really great goodies. Lovely lunch as well. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies having a go for fun or maybe starting up their own business. Many thanks Jo from Jackie, Cathy, Claire & Jodie"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Was lovely to meet all you "girlies". Glad you had a lovely time. Best wishes for the future. x"

Liana reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"My friend and I were looking for a course to use the vouchers we got for our birthdays and I can say we could not have found a better place. Time flew by as we tried (and fairy succeded I may add) to shape the clay in what was to be our bowls. I chose to make a yarn bowl as I didn't really need a normal one but a yarn bowl definitely comes in handy. Josie was super nice and explained everything very well. The place is very comfy and intimate and she provided us with everything we needed. I would definitely like to return to make a smaller version - however, I am sure it will not look anything like the one I already made. And that's ok :) Seriously, if you're looking for a fun yet chilled Saturday morning, this is the place. A piece of advice - make sure to cut your nails otherwise you'll get really annoyed trying to get the marks off the bowl :)"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Liana...maybe see you again for a Hey Clay workshop ?? Or perhaps to make another bowl ?"