Latest reviews

Stephanie Quirk reviewed: Experimental printmaking in Hampshire

"What a lovely day, thank you so much to Liz, Alison and Andrew. They all worked tirelessly with good humour and gentle encouragement to ensure we all had a wonderful day! The location is beautiful, an idyllic setting for a relaxing creative day. We all came away from the day very happy with our creations, it is so lovely to have something lasting that you can reprint from and share with others. Thank you, I will definitely be on the look out for more courses and recommending you to friends!"

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments. We really appreciate you taking the time to review your day and happy cutting. Best wishes Alison Butler"

Sonja and Lenny Black reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Just been back again for another great glass fusion day. Siobhan is a great character and can bring out the best of your creative side. She is great at getting the best out of you if it is your first time there and if you have been before she will push you harder and you will surprise yourself at your improvement. Highly recommend you give the day a go . ?"

David reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"A day well spent! I learned so much from Julian on the one day introduction to welding. I began the day as a complete novice, having never touched a welding torch, but left with the confidence to undertake some welding projects on my own. Julia is a very good tutor with the patience to help you develop your skills, as he shares his enthusiasm for working with metal. I can thoroughly recommend this course, as I not only learnt much, but also enjoyed every moment of the day."

Doody Blake reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"This was a great introductory course to revamping furniture. I took my sister for her birthday and we spent two days together and Sarah guided us along the way to revamping our furniture pieces. I turned a sewing trolly into a drinks trolly and my sister turned some drawers into a very lovely piece of furniture to put her sewing bits in. It was fun and enjoyable and would definitely recommend to new revamp novices."

Grant Emery reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a classical portrait

"I haven’t done any clay work since my school days nearly 40 years ago and so was a bit unsure of what to expect. However, Sally instantly made me feel very welcome and Miranda took an effective step by step approach for those of us with little or no experience. Likewise, those with far greater experience were given minimal but timely intervention if it was required and additional little tips to take things to a higher level. All done in lovely surroundings and with a great model in Shanice, I really enjoyed all three days and ended up with a special piece of artwork. The number of people returning is a testament to everything that the courses provide and I would love to attend another in the future."

J Williams reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My friend & I attended the Bangle Workshop today and what a fabulous time we had! We made 2 copper Bangles & 1 silver Bangle each, having great fun sorting through the treasurechest of precious & semi-precious gemstones to adorn our work. Jolene the owner was absolutely fantastic, she was very professional and yet very personable in showing us the various techniques of her trade and this enhanced a most enjoyable learning experience. The kettle was always on the boil for cups of tea/coffee and the selection of cakes & biscuits throughout the day were a real treat. Can't wait to go on the next course."

Claire Tripp reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"Had the most wonderful two days transforming an old coffee table on this workshop. Sarah was so lovely and provided such a memorable time sharing her wealth of upcycling experience and I learned so much from her! I met some lovely ladies also attending the workshop and Sarah provided gorgeous lunches and refreshments too. A fabulous two days!"

faith bates reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"Amazing day today with Jude! Such a talented creative with a great, personable teaching manner. I was lucky enough to receive a gift certificate from my other Half's parents as a Christmas gift. Firstly, I contacted Jude to to find out the details and she took onboard what I wanted to make and let me know what was achievable in the timescale. We booked a date, the directions were super clear and included great tips for us forgetful people like "bring your glasses for close up work" etc. Upon arrival I was greeted with coffee and a chat about designs etc. The important safety aspects of the training were recited and we were off into the comfy, warm and well organised rabbit hole of tools. Lots of techniques used, invaluable advice and encouragement given along the way. Fabby lunch to break up the day- I could seriously spend hours bimbling (pottering); I honestly didn't want to stop. I can wholeheartedly recommend this course and Jude's work from my experience. DO go and check out her work and spread the good news!"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Faith, Thank you for the lovely review. You showed a lot of creativity, enthusiasm and willingness to learn...my fave kind of student! A lovely day, thank you. Jude"

Anne Overton reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a lovely day learning different techniques. Also had fun ! Siobhan kept coffee and tea flowing all day. Delicious lunch included. Will be booking again in future."

Annabel Church Smith reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"I really enjoyed my afternoon with Jane. She is a really good teacher and I learnt a lot. I was very pleased with my finished pieces. I would definitely recommend this course."

Gareth Fletcher reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"This was a fantastic course and Jamie is an excellent and supportive instructor. We had a really informative and engaging Saturday and the stained glass window I took away looks great! I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking for a fantastic way to meet friendly people and learn some new and interesting skills."

Lucca sharp reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"I got this workshop as a Christmas present and went along on the day with a friend and another lady, it was a really fab day and Maxine was so helpful! She helped us all decide on what we wanted to do by looking at the images we had brought with us and showing a few she a had made! She was a great teacher and talked through the lampshade making at every step, giving you as much or as little help as you wanted depending on experience with a sewing machine! I absolutely love my lampshade and it’s great to come home with a completed craft at the end of the day which is both functional and useful around the house!"

Adela reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"I am absoulutely thrilled with my lampshade and all the different skills I was introduced to during Max's lampshade workshop, including using her amazing sewing machine, screen printing & of course the magic of putting the lampshade together. Max is lovely, encouraging & patient. Theres so many beautiful fabrics & embellishments to choose from. All under the roof of a perfect purpose built studio. Highly recommend."

Charlie Darlington reviewed: 8-Week Pottery Throwing Course - Hampshire

"Every aspect of this course was great, from start to finish. Jack's tuition was detailed and really easy to understand, but he was also brilliant at letting us just get on and practice so we could develop our own styles. The small group allowed us to get plenty of individual tuition and also created a really warm and friendly environment. I can't recommend this course enough, especially if you're looking for a creative escape from the daily grind."

Immogen floyd reviewed: Unique hand made Lampshade making workshop

"Me and 2 friends had a blast during our day. We varied in skill set from ‘have used a sewing machine’ to ‘I have no clue’. We also had a mix of ideas some structured and thought out, others just a colour idea but nothing solid. Maxine helped us all stretch ourselves and steered us in a way which felt very considerate of our goals for the day....we also got homemade cake and snacky bits which were a bonus. Amazing day. Would deffo book again and recommend."

Max reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"Had a lovely day in Adele’s studio. Although I’d never tried this before i came home with an amazing hand made China mosaic. Really relaxed atmosphere, had a good laugh with the other lady on the course. Would definitely recommend it."

Lorraine Robinson reviewed: Art class for beginners in Harrogate, short course, small class

"The art class is fantastic. I started as a nervous beginner and have now attended 6 terms. There is a friendly and lively atmosphere but at the same time concentration on the topic of the day. There is excellent teaching from Jo and very efficient organisation from Rachel who has everything ready for us and who provides welcome refreshments. They make a great team. I always go home relaxed and uplifted. I absolutely love coming and recommend it to everyone."

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

"I really enjoyed the course, it was so refreshing and therapeutic after spending so much of my time looking after my 2 children. I have done one or two short courses in the past but none like this one, I love the more free technique and this was the first time I'd actually ever seen a kiln! They're usually hidden and locked away so it was good to see especially as firing is quite an important part of the process."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Natalie! So glad you enjoyed your time here. You really got the technique! Can't wait to see them glazed!"

Paulina Toporska reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Thanks Jo for sharing your knowledge with us ! Placed in a picturesque location, interesting, fun and really friendly. We were only a group of 3 so plenty of time to ask advice and chat. Came home with a bag of heavenly smelling candles and few extra bits I bought to try at home. Totally in love with Long Hot summer fragrance :) It's been a great experience and would highly recommend. Thanks for the inspiration Jo x"

Bob Phillips reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I had a day course with Spike and decided to bring my own design. This was a pruning knife with a curved blade. With Spikes guidance this was completed with time to spare. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day, with Spikes easy way and excellent teaching. Highly recommended"

Joanne Baker reviewed: One day -“Lydia shoulder bag workshop” - Swindon Wiltshire

"I had a brilliant day with Rebecca and I made a fabulous bag which I am extremely proud of. Rebecca's instructions were clear, she was gently encouraging throughout the day and it was quite simply a lovely, relaxed and productive day. I learned so much as well and there were plenty of hints and tips throughout the day. I thoroughly recommend and advise anyone who can machine sew running stitches on their machine and want to make something lovely to do this workshop, you won't be disappointed."

Helen reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"Really enjoyed the workshop with Lucy and the other ladies. I learned so much and felt inspired to go out and be more creative. I particularly liked the practical elements where we had a go at mixing colours and coming up with schemes. A very lovely day with delicious cake and lunch! Definitely recommended."

Betty Page reviewed: Table Weaving Taster Day, Julia Davey, Bath

"A very comprehensive introduction to weaving - Ellie was very approachable and helpful, the course was well organised and she had a wealth of resources for us to plunder. I would like to attend another of her courses in the future."

Elka responded:

"Thank you for the review Betty. Great to meet you and i'm so glad you enjoyed the day. Best wishes, Ellie"

Marguerite Robbins reviewed: Needle-felting course with FURZIE at Broadway Tower

"My nieces and I spent a wonderful day on a ‘Felting with Furzie’ course. Everything about the day was good; Michelle is a first class teacher and made the difficult seem easy. We are all very proud of our efforts and plan to do another course soon. Marguerite"

Sarah Whiting reviewed: Lined Curtains - Soft Furnishings Workshop

"Judi - as always - is very patient and knowledgeable. My sewing skills are improving so much with her help and guidance. I am looking forward to making a set of curtains for my daughters new bedroom. All resources needed are provided as well as instructions to take away with you. (Particularly useful with measuring windows) Thank you!"