Latest reviews

Paul corfield reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"My wife booked this course as a Christmas present to me. I had such a great day with jake, the whole day was relaxed and I learnt so much from this very talented blacksmith. The day started with a look around the forge with a coffee then straight to work firstly watching jake demo a poker , then my turn came jake was very informative and clear with instructions giving me confidence with what I was doing. A bit on lunch in a charming bistro around the corner from the forge and back to it. I will certainly recommend this course as it was such a memorable day, Jake is a hugely talented blacksmith and such a down to earth guy who clearly is passionate about his craft and I will be booking another day with him to further my skills as a ‘hobby’ blacksmith."

Kay Muir reviewed: Making a mosaic with slate

"I really enjoyed this workshop. Everthing required was supplied from tools and materials to excellent tuition. I’ve put my name down for another days workshop in May. Even though this was my first time working with slate and tiles, I’m really pleased with my mosaic and I can now plan my next piece. X K"

Jenny C reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a fun and creatively productive day. The atmosphere was relaxed and every now and again, it went very quiet while we all concentrated on our woodland creatures as they gradually developed their own character. It has inspired me to find out more about the craft. Would strongly recommend to anyone."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thanks Jenny, delighted you enjoyed your day so much. I know there's a lot of ground to cover in one day but it was fantastic how you all embraced the techniques and went for it! Dx"

Nora reviewed: Very relaxing – make felt ‘inches’ with Margaret Fulwood

"Just to let you know that I did enjoy this class!"

Petra reviewed: Willow weaving - a square lidded basket - with Wyldwood Willow

"I love these courses; the studio is a lovely place to work, people are always welcoming and the food is divine. If only I had time to do more of them!"

Rowan McCarthy reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"I really enjoyed the silver clay workshop. Charlotte was really helpful and patient whilst I made my earings and pendants. The workshop room was quiet and peaceful and it was a relaxing morning. I learnt a lot and would recommend this to everyone who enjoys art and jewellery. Thank you Charlotte!"

Felix & Reuben Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for writing us a review Rowan! We are happy you enjoyed the workshop! You made some fab pieces - well done! :)"

Josef Packham reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"My wife and I had an incredible day with James. He is extremely knowledgeable and his teaching style is very relaxed, meaning you get maximum time in the hot seat! As total beginners, we were shocked at just how much we achieved and the range of techniques we learnt in one session. Fantastic day with a lovely chap. Would recommend to anyone."

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Joe, so pleased you and your wife enjoyed the Ebru workshop. I look forward to seeing some snaps of your framed work in your new home!"

Neil Marshman reviewed: Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day

"Hard work but satisfying, Mark has very helpful and always on hand to sort out problems"

Ian Davidson reviewed: Beginners DIY day course archive

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course during which a great many topics were covered, and useful tips and hints given to make doing the everyday chores/projects around the house, that much simpler to do. Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Would highly recommend. Many thanks David."

Caroline Everden reviewed: 2-Day Leather Bag Making Course

"I had a lovely time making my first leather bag. I was able to make a bag that was exactly what I wanted with support from Rebecca-Jane. Her expertise was obvious and really helped when I made small changes to one of her designs. It was a really friendly and relaxed environment to work in, with all the equipment we could need."

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

"Brilliant furniture painting workshop held in a lovely building at Afonwen Craft & Antique Centre in North Wales. I learnt a lot about chalk paint and Charlotte gave lots of helpful hints & tips along the way. Fun day out especially if you book with a friend or family member to make a memorable experience and you get to take home your new piece of furniture! Bonus :) Many thanks Charlotte Faye"

Charlotte's Country Commissions responded:

"Thanks for your review Faye, so glad you enjoyed your "Paint Your Own Piece" experience in North Wales."

Marie Price reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I attended this course in Sunday 3rd March 2019 and found it to be very interesting. Rob welcomes the group with a very friendly manner which is always a good start. I have previously knowledge of makin candles but at a very novice level. The group was made up of 5 participants which was a nice number for the space we had. Rob was very open to any questions being asked and answered them in a very clear and simple way. I have now come away from the course very motivated to start up this hobby again and I would definitely recommend it to any beginners who wish to learn how to make candles."

The Wax Studio responded:

"Thanks for the review Marie, and I know from your follow-up emails that you are now making good progress with your own candle making at home! all the best, Rob"

Sarah Jack reviewed: Landscape oil painting- composition & imagination with Julie Ann Scott at Sculpture by the Lakes

"I attended Julie Ann’s Imaginative Landscape course and very much came away freed up to be more fluid, imaginative and evocative with oil paint. The exercises she encouraged us to do enabled us all to be more connected to ourselves before painting to uplifting and moving music. As well as teaching us how to capture mist on the hills, sun coming through the clouds and how to achieve contrast with lights and darks, she gave us useful techniques in how to use and clean brushes. We were also all lucky enough to get plenty of individual tutoring within the class where we were all pushed to tackle what was most difficult for us individually and over and over to let go of coming away from her course with a masterpiece but, more importantly, to come away with well established new techniques instead."

Art & Inspiration at Sculpture by the Lakes responded:

"Dear Sarah - what a lovely review, thank you so much and I know Julie Ann will be thrilled that you found her course so inspiring."

gillian fletcher reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"Having previously attended a course run by Margaret I was confident that what I would create on this course would be something special and within my capabilities. Margaret's ability to inspire creativity meant that no 2 hats made by the students on the course were the same, giving us a bespoke piece of millinery at a very good price. Time between each of the sessions meant that I was able to source any 'extras' that I wanted to add, as well as completing homework tasks to ensure I was ready to take on the next challenge that Margaret had planned for the group. I wore my button to a wedding and made sure that everyone who commented on it knew how proud I was to be able to say I had made it myself."

Margaret Woodliff Wright Millinery responded:

"Gillian - thank you for a lovely review. It is always very satisfying when together we work towards helping you create your very own headpiece that you can wear confidently and with pride. In this case it was for your niece’s wedding, and your sinamay button was made to co-ordinate with your outfit, chosen especially for the day. I was really delighted to receive some of the wedding photos and loved seeing you proudly wearing your finished piece at the wedding itself! Thank you again for joining the summer millinery workshop series."

Olivia Burns reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I flew over from Northern Ireland specifically take Kerry's workshop and it was definitely worth my while. Kerry gave me a great understanding of all the basics that I needed to know and also gave me very clear next steps, that I need to take in order to get started. She was very relaxed and friendly which made the class fun and enjoyable. I left the class feeling that my business dream is entirely possible and I am filled with so much energy. Thanks Kerry!"

Sue Beveridge reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"My friend and I had a fantastic day with Tom making a quaich. He went at our pace, showing us skills then allowing us to get on and practice. He fed us knowledge at just the right level to accomplish our task but also to leave us wanting more!! He has a very nice gentle manner and is an excellent teacher. The location was perfect too. Very happy with the experience."

Ineke reviewed: Seasonal wreath workshop

"What a delight this workshop was in the dark days of December. Expert demonstration of wreath construction followed by plenty time space and materials to create a wreath totally to one’s own design. Great fun, great place. The wreath hung outside on my wall for several months after which I removed the decaying greenery and kept the underlying structure for a next time."

Mary Hill Studio responded:

"Thanks Ineke for a wonderful review. So glad you enjoyed the workshop and the wreath lasted so well."

Norman Rogers reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"The three day stone carving course was great and I highly recommend it. Lucy is a wonderful teacher. I learned a great deal and enjoyed the company of Lucy and the other carvers. Lunches were wonderful, with lovely food and lively and amusing chat. The three of us on the course were all novice carvers with very different project ideas which added to the interest. I can't wait to get stuck in to more carving at home!"

Kirsty Stevens reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"Attended the silver clay taster workshop last night- utterly blissful way to spend 3 hours! I was quite nervous attending by myself, but there was an extremely warm welcome on arival and Anna was so lovely that I felt I was with old friends within minutes. The session was so informative and I was astounded with what I made with no skills or artistic talent, and in such a short period of time. I am delighted with my silver necklaces and cannot recommend this course highly enough. I am so keen to experiment with silver clay that I`ve put it on my birthday wish list. Thank you ladies for being so talented, inspiring and just down right lovely- hope to see you again soon. Kirsty"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Kirsty. Thanks so much for your really lovely comments. We believe there's a creative inside everyone - and we're delighted you discovered your inner creative on Anna's silver clay jewellery workshop! We hope your birthday wish comes true so you can continue making silver clay jewellery at home. Keep in touch to let us know how you get on. And we hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Paulina reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"I’ve had great time making my own leather clutch bag! The course was well structured, very informative and so much fun! Richard was very attentive and gave me loads of tips and information through out the whole course. I would definitely recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to learn new skill and have great time"

Carl wheatley reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"What an incredible experience! I booked this as a late Valentine’s Day present for my partner, jack who runs the course/day was very polite and professional. Makes you feel very comfortable and at ease suppling coffee and nibbles whilst explaining what we was going to do and how to do it. With great guidance we created our pottery and can’t wait to get it back. Me and my partner can’t wait to do it again in the future and can’t praise jack enough for everything he has done. It’s an experience which shouldn’t be missed"

Nicki lawrence reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Loved it thank you ?"

Louisa reviewed: One Day Pottery Throwing Course, including lunch - Hampshire

"Such a fantastic day. Jack is a super teacher and gives encouraging support, when needed, whilst also allowing each person to work with a degree of independence. Several pieces can be completed and the locally produced healthy lunch was delicious. I would thoroughly recommend this excellent venue and will definitely be signing up for more in the future!"

Adrian Duthie reviewed: Highland stool making course - Scottish Highlands

"I really enjoyed doing one of Aaron's green woodworking courses last weekend, building a stool. I found it to be a charmingly refreshing change to woodwork as I knew it - rather than striving for factory machine accuracy and working drawing precision, I was guided through working dynamically with the material, exploring its strengths and using the wood's unique features to my structural and aesthetic advantage. I discovered more about the material character, by seeing it transform at every stage. Starting from a chunk of felled willow tree and turning it into a unique craft, I could feel the ownership and pride of what I was doing really come through. Book a course now- you will not regret it! Thanks for a great weekend."

Tony reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great course. Mark and Jay looked after us well. The 2 student to one tutor ration meant that you could always get help. Looking at the example boxes at the beginning was quite daunting but the careful step by step guidance made the process stress free and enjoyable. The course fee may initially seem a bit expensive but it's more than worth it for the training, experience, access to all the machinery, materials etc and the end result of a beautiful box."