Latest reviews

Catherine Brown reviewed: Lino printing at Danywern

"I do a lot of courses, and this was truly one of the best. My partner and I had a session with Rachel at her beautiful studio, and she was so accommodating. We wanted to try dry point and screenprinting and under Rachel’s brilliant tuition we both produced something we loved for both techniques. Rachel helped us identify ideas, come up with designs, and execute them. She was so generous with all her lovely ink and equipment. I even got to do some screen prints on cloth as well as paper, and we had a go at screenprint monoprint, that I had never even heard of and is lovely. Lunch outside looking over the gorgeous view. Can’t wait to go again."

Ruth Barker reviewed: Copper foil stained glass workshop

"Samantha is an excellent teacher, providing hands on help when needed, lots of patience and hints and tips :). We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon making copper foil leaves and would definitely recommend the course. leaving with a selection leaves and the experience to try glass foiling at home. Thank you Samantha for a fantastic time :)."

Patricia Macalpine reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I notice all the reviews have five stars and they are well deserved. This has been an excellent course with a brilliant teacher. As a beginner and lacking confidence, Jane helped me produce a beautiful basket. She was aware of what the students were doing and would be at your side immediately if she thought you were struggling. She always found something to praise and built up confidence. Her course, combined with the accommodation, catering and friendliness supplied by Vanora's Cottages made it an excellent weekend. It was so good that I am returning to the next course held by Alyth Craft Tourism."

Alistir Fowler reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"Just spent a very rewarding 2 days at Tom's forge. I asked him to teach me as many blacksmithing techniques as would fit in the time and I could cram into my brain. Tom provided clear instructions, demonstrated each technique, and provided feedback and tips as needed. I learnt so much but never felt rushed or pressured, and have left with a great range of finished items. This course delivered exactly what I wanted. Thanks Tom."

Caro Aird-Rossiter reviewed: Tuesday evening life drawing classes with Jo Harris: beginners & intermediate level (a 10 week course), at the Henley School of Art

"Loved the 6 week life drawing course. I learnt so much on this course, trying new and exciting techniques. Jo is an excellent tutor - very talented, patient and inspirational. Would most definitely recommend this course, and others at the HSA. Looking forward to attending more in the future!"

John Hinchcliffe reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Never tried blacksmithing before or been particularly practical. Adrian and Andy will gentle you through lots of elements of the skill and help you do things you never dreamed you were capable of. Debbie's cooking is first rate and the whole day is full of good food, good conversation and good fun. Brilliant value, will be back!"

Matthew reviewed: Master class in wheel-throwing with Jo Davies - intermediate/advanced level

"I went to Jo to help improve my wheel throwing. The class was great, a real skills eye opener! Jo's knowledge is second to none and she's a patient and clear teacher. after only two hours I'd made massive improvements. Highly recommended."

Jonathan Pearsall reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"Second course with Lucy and I cannot imagine how it could be bettered. I am a reasonably competent stone carver but I learnt new techniques and improved on my existing skills. Lucy really knows her stuff and and is excellent at communicating it to you - a rare crafts person who can also teach! I brought home with me an almost finished piece and very importantly a great sense of satisfaction of achievement. A great 3 days!"

Angela Dewar reviewed: Intaglio printing at Danywern studio

"I spent an absolutely lovely day with Rachel. I learned a lot and it was just what I wanted. I shall certainly try to come again. The most wonderful studio in a sublime setting. I am about to use the work I made into some pices of textile art to show in our Art in June event at The Red House, Hever, Kent, from June 7th until the 23rd."

Rachel Cadman Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you Angela, I loved the work you produced, and can't wait to see what you make with it. I am really glad you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you soon"

hARRIET reviewed: Jewellery workshop for beginners (ring, earrings, pendant or bangle)

"My mother and I did this on the spur of a moment one Saturday. We had the best time, it was so hands on, Marion was lovely and very approachable. She explained everything wonderfully and we got to practise and try out things on copper before committing to a design or a way of doing things. It was a perfect morning activity, it does take a number of hours and is quite intense. You get to use all the tools and Marion is there to support you the whole way. The only advice I would give would be make it bigger than you think, Mum and I made Rings and made them too small, only thanks to Marion's expertise were we able to get them to fit. I would do this again in a heart beat, and even consider for a mothers day gift, girls day out, hen do, anything where you want to do something with a take away at the end!"

Mrs Wootton reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"Organising a first class trip, great accommodation"

Mrs Matthews reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"Wonderful trip packed with magical experiences"

Mr Hines reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"Excellent trip with the highlight being the input from our guide whose knowledge and ideas made the whole trip very memerable."

Mrs Blundell reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"I think this was Arena's first visit to India as well as mine. It was a wonderful initiation into the culture and textiles of this colourful country. Arena always have a local guide on the tours and ours was outstanding in his knowledge of the history and textiles of the areas we visited."

Mrs Hazon reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"Excellent in all respects - itinerary, accommodation, experts and local guide. The local guide, Nagendra Singh, was wonderful and really gave a superb dimension to the holiday with his in-depth knowledge of Indian textiles and his willingness to talk to us about any and all aspects of life in India."

Mrs Dalgliesh reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"The trip to India was a wonderful introduction to the sub continent. A great guide, interesting itinerary, excellent hotels. What's not to like."

Mrs Cohen reviewed: Textile Impressions of India

"Sevice was amazing. Tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, every problem or question was totally taken care of."

Lorraine Newman reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"James put on a workshop especially for us two. He made us feel very welcome and kept us supplied in drinks & Turkish delight. He’s a good teacher, he shows you what to do then let’s you have a go. He supervises you throughout the process and we picked it up quickly. Ebru painting is different to anything I’ve come across before and I would like to have another go sometime."

Mrs Green reviewed: South African National Quilt Festival

"Really good holidays, excellent service from staff, friendly and most helpful. Standard high at hotels, good local guides and tour leaders. Been with them for many years, already booked for two more holidays and I do tell my friends."

Mrs Howard reviewed: South African National Quilt Festival

"The hotels were excellent,with the exception of the Queens at Oudtshoorn.Our guide and driver,Sarah and Isaak were exceptional.Everything was well organised and Karin looked after us wonderfully.I would ( and do) recommend any holiday with Karin in charge."

Mrs Webber reviewed: South African National Quilt Festival

"The fact that only 4 out of 18 on the trip were new comers to Arena, speaks volumes about the company. SA was my 3rd holiday with Arena and I love their Stitchtopia trips. The holidays are very interesting, extremely well planned, we are extremely well looked after without being smothered. It is ideal to holiday with like minded people, and so we generally all get on well together"

Miss Phillips reviewed: South African National Quilt Festival

"Brilliant trip good mix of quilting and sightseeing. The tour guide Sarah and driver Isak were so helpful and knowledgeable"

Jayne Daniel reviewed: Screen printing at Danywern

"I absolutely loved my course with Rachel! The day started with Rachel showing me the silk screen stencil process and in no time at all it was my turn to have a go! She really encouraged me to be adventurous with my ideas and we had such fun choosing the image and colour to create a range of fabric prints and a lovely cushion cover. I was completly blown away by what we managed to acheive by the end of the day and I have had so many wonderful compliments on the cushion cover we printed that I cannot wait to create something else. Rachel is a fabulous teacher and a very lovely lady - I totally recommend her courses and will definitely be back in the future to try my hand at something else."

Rachel Cadman Craft Courses responded:

"Thank you Jayne, that brought a tear to my eye! It was so lovely to meet you and I am not in the least bit surprised that you've had so many compliments, it is beautiful! Hope to see you soon xxx"

Rosalind Wilkinson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex and turned up expecting a few others to be there but no, It was just little old me. Alex is an excellent teacher and it was all very much hands on and although daunting at first, operating the fan for the fire and handling hot metal, after a short while, my confidence grew. I went home with a beautiful Ram’s head poker, which took all day to accomplish, with lots of patient help from Alex I might add, feeling very proud and very tired and very dirty! I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It was quite outside my comfort zone but felt it truly worthwhile and informative and fun."

Sally reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I absolutely loved this course from the moment I arrived. The studio is in a lovely setting. It's well laid out and very organised, in a quirky, relaxed fashion, which put me instantly at ease. It was warm and friendly and even the chickens wandering around made me feel right at home. The course itself was fabulous. James and Alison were amazing. They made it look effortless when in reality it isn't easy, but they were very attentive and were on hand to put us on the straight and narrow and I was amazed at the results, having never done anything like this before. It was quite intense, totally absorbing and a real tonic and I cannot wait to go back!"

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Literally one of the best reviews ever. Thanks too for the lovely email as well. It was great to see your work and style evolve over the course x"