Latest reviews

Ruth chandler reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"Very informative and enjoyable. The day flew by and we fitted a lot in. Jamie is an excellent teacher and I will certainly be interested in future courses."

Ruth chandler reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop

"Very informative and enjoyable. The day flew by and we fitted a lot in. Jamie is an excellent teacher and I will certainly be interested in future courses."

Vikki Pyatt reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"Went along slightly reluctantly as would not call myself creative by any means, how wrong was I, I had a lovely day with Louise who is very patient! I enjoyed a very therapeutic, chilled and fun session making a house sign and a plate. For those of you have not tried it give it a go! Thank you Lou."

Matt Mewett reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"I attended the full day knife forging course a couple of weeks ago and couldn't recommend it enough. Andy is a great teacher and all round nice chap, he gives clear and insightful instruction without loading you with technical detail and guides you through all elements from start to finish. At the end of the day I walked away with a knife I was incredibly proud of. Would definitely recommend to others."

Emma Nock reviewed: Discover the vibrancy & versatility of watercolours in a 2 hour workshop in Skipton

"I really enjoyed this short introduction to watercolours. I learnt several important techniques and have gained the confidence to get started with watercolours at home."

Kate West responded:

"The main aim of the workshop was developing the skills to work confidently with watercolours, something that you did really well - your mix of gray from tertiary colours was amazing! Good to know you had a successful 'launch' into this wonderful medium and thank you for taking the time to provide this review. Kate"

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

"A really great 2 days; a fun, reasonably simple technique shown in demos, with plenty of one-to-one support as required. The setting is lovely with an enviable studio, perfect for losing yourself into the process. I feel the course would be beneficial whether you're an experienced artist or a relative newbie, with little or no pressure and plenty of encouragement from excellent tutors James & Alison. The other 10 people on the course were also lovely and helped set the friendly, warm tone of the weekend. Many thanks, keep up the inspiring work!"

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh thanks for the lovely review Dan. A big thanks and I am so glad that you enjoyed the course. Looking forward to seeing Kendrick Lemur glazed and finished!"

Lisa reviewed: Mosaic Springtime Wreath in the Forest of Dean/Welsh Border

"Fantastic afternoon. Lovely clear instructions on what to do. Thoughtful comments and help from Rachel throughout the afternoon and finished with a wonderful afternoon tea?"

Russell Sterry reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A comprehensive day spent with Mark introducing me to the wonders of turning wood from A-X (unfortunately had to shoot off at 7pm and missed Y and Z). Very good at glossing over the bits that I knew and dwelling on the difficult areas. By lunchtime I was worried I would forget what I had been shown in the morning but the prompts and hints were there in the afternoon along with clear notes to take home and refer to when the head scratching inevitably arose at home."

Janice Tranter reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I did an upholstery course with Philip last weekend. He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The chair and material I was working on was very challenging but Philip helped me to meet the challenge. I was really pleased with the results and will definitely be attending a further course. Thanks Philip."

Julia Black reviewed: Turn a wooden bowl on a traditional pole lathe

"Although I am not at all ‘crafty’, I managed, with Steve’s wonderful guidance and help, to make a presentable fanbird, and only 4 plasters required. It was great fun and I felt I learned a lot."

joanne Clarke reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"An excellent course, perfect for a novice. Charlie was an excellent teacher and once he had demonstrated we had loads of hands on time with great supervision. If I didn’t live so far away I’d go back and do more."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Joanne Thank you for your lovely response. It was a pleasure to meet you and I hope that you can make it back sometime. I am organising a two day workshop to make teapots on 29th/30th June if you are interested. Many thanks Charlie"

Karen reviewed: Mosaic Springtime Wreath in the Forest of Dean/Welsh Border

"Really enjoyed the mosaic making - absolute absorbing and a satisfying result. And a scrumptious afternoon Testo complete the experience!"

Charlotte reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Such a lovely day! The candle making day was a Christmas present... And we booked just for fun. Jo was very knowledgable and happy to share her expertise and experiences for those wanting to learn the business. I would thoroughly recommend the day to anyone who likes crafts. We made so many candles in all shapes and sizes, which will make good presents, although I'm keeping the 3 wick candle, it's so lovely! Lots of lovely scents to chose from. We were a small group, and I thoroughly enjoyed the day learning a new skill and chatting. We also had lunch, homemade soup which was delicious with bread and some great honey and almond cake, in the cafe downstairs. We were made to feel extremely welcome by Jo in the workshop and Rachel in the cafe. Thank you for a very enjoyable experience."

Nat Alberto reviewed: Textile still life workshop

"Imogen is so very patient, supportive and creative on our recent workshop. What an amazing artist! She helped me to create my ‘masterpiece’ with my limited sewing and artistic skills - truly amazing! Imogen is so giving, a wonderful inspiring artist and she also provided the most scrummiest lunch which added to our day. The day went by in a flash, yet we accomplished some fabulous pictures, thank you!"

Richard Wilmot reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cornwall

"I found the day very enjoyable. The explanations on what to do were excellent. Wendy was very helpful with advice and hints. End product looked pretty good for a beginner. Would recommend to anybody to have a go."

Peter Cotterill reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I enjoyed an excellent day with Adrian and Andy making 2 unique and beautiful (to me) garden flowers. Debbie provided tasty home-cooked snacks and lunch which added to the whole experience. I strongly recommend this Garden Flowers Day to anyone who doesn't mind a bit of hard work to achieve something special!"

John Cooper reviewed: Raise your own copper bowl, two day course

"This was my first experience of making anything since school, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Charlotte was a great tutor, friendly and not at all intimidating. She gave the right level of guidance and then allowed us to get on with the task, offering help where necessary. It was also a privilege to watch her at work. I was surprised how good the copper bowl looked by the end of the second day. I'd definitely recommend the experience to others."

Heather reviewed: Creative pre-wedding workshops in Derbyshire

"I couldn't recommend a workshop with Liz enough! Ahead of the workshop, I had a consultation with Liz to discuss what I wanted to do. Liz showed me various options of what might work and what wouldn't but there was no pressure. We arrived to what felt like a personalised setup, various details had been put in place to make it feel a bit more special. We were instantly offered a good selection of drinks so we could settle quickly. We were constantly doing things, however we never felt too busy to talk. Liz got involved in conversation and felt like part of the group instantly. Lunch was a yummy selection of sandwiches, crisps and a few extras (the mini pork pies were my favourite). The day never felt like it was dragging, everyone I was with left saying how they had had a great time. If you want a proactive yet relaxing step back from the norm, this would be perfect for you."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you for your lovely comments and really pleased that you enjoyed your day. Hope all goes well with continuing making your decorations; they are sure to make your venue extra special. Best wishes Liz Wellby"

Trudi reviewed: Introduction to Sculpture - Characters

"Great day today at Beginners sculpture - highly recommended, great fun and a delicious lunch thrown in!"

Vicky reviewed: Soap making for beginners

"I really enjoyed the soap making course. The location was lovely and Clare and Helen so welcoming. The demonstration was clear and we got to take our soap home. Clare provided an excellent home made lunch of soup, bread and cheese, followed by delicious cake."

Helen Salisbury reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"I recently attended a second workshop led by Karen, so I have now done both the introductory and advanced sessions. Both have been very well organised and resourced. Lots of ideas of things to do and patient, helpful tips, too, throughout the sessions on techniques to include on your picture. Excellent social occasions, too, as it's a great opportunity to chat to fellow crafters and see their approach. All complimented each time with tea/coffee and cake. The venue is delightful, too. A modern barn conversion, well lit rooms and easy access to all facilities for everyone. Can thoroughly recommend these courses."

Liz reviewed: Felt picture making workshop in Rugby!

"I booked the beginners course with two friends before Christmas and we enjoyed it so much that we went back for the Advanced course on Saturday. Karen helped us with our wet felting with reminders of what to do and gentle suggestions for how to improve our pictures. The additional fibres and techniques she showed us have inspired me to get even more creative."

Sayyada Hassam reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed the candle making experience at Rob's Workshop. It was a lovely morning where I was able to experience different techniques. We were all given enough direction to walk away feeling confident to start our own journey and enjoy making candles for ourselves. The session was well organised. It was lovely to walk away with our own :)."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Hi Sayyada, It was a pleasure to have you on the course and thanks for the kind review,. Hope your candle making endeavours are successful! Best wishes Rob"

Caitlin reviewed: One day slab-building clay workshop

"I had the chance to make a clay name plaque for my sister and a present for my mum which she hasn't seen yet. It was great spend half a day with other children, all sharing our learning. Louise was a great teacher."

Rosalind Batty reviewed: 1 day Leather craft course beg/int

"Brilliant course! We did this as a couple to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary (leather!) and had the best time making passport holders for each other. Slim was a fantastic teacher who provided the perfect level of guidance and support ensuring we had fun and were able to complete the project for ourselves. A wonderful home made lunch was included, along with all refreshments, and we got to spend the latter part of the afternoon stitching next to the fire pit which was really relaxing. Absolutely in love with our passport holders and the wonderful memories they will hold for us for years to come. Thank you Slim!"