Latest reviews

Mary reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"I have been taking part in this course...Raya Brown is a fantastically encouraging, informative and knowledgeable tutor who knows how to teach! I had dabbled with watercolour and thought perhaps it might be too basic, but I could not have been more wrong!! The first lesson gave me a real appreciation for "how to draw with a pencil" and since then we have used many mediums including pastels, charcoal, coloured pencils and next week watercolour. I realise how much I DID NOT KNOW!! I have learnt so much and the process has been enjoyable not a chore. I have even enjoyed doing my homework!!! If you at all interested in art take the opportunity to take part in this course you will not be disappointed ! Well done Raya Brown...I will be sad when the course finishes but looking forward to perhaps a summer school, landscape week and oooh painting/drawing holidays!!!"

Priya Haughey reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"It was my first workshop on Scrapbooking and I absolutely loved it! Linda is superb as an organiser, always helpful and efficient. I had lots of opportunities to do my own thing, learn new techniques and get really good tips. The people in my group were fantastic - generous with advice and tips, their crafting stuff and so very friendly and warm. It was a welcoming, supportive and most of all, fun environment. I would absolutely love to go back - I've already signed up for the next two workshops! My only advice would be - be quick to apply! Places get filled fast, which is no surprise, given how wonderful and experience it is."

Creative Scrap metal welding reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Absolutely amazing course! These two young women have huge amounts of knowledge, skill, and fun! You are well supervised, but also given free rein to try things out independently. I have now, well and truly got the welding bug thanks to these amazing women. (Wish I could move in!) VS"

Georgia reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"As someone who also teaches workshops it was super enjoyable to actually learn something! Alice was really lovely, and a good educator and my mother and I both enjoyed it very much! I'll certainly be looking to do some more of Alice's workshops."

Nina Ward reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Wow what an amazing two days I’ve had! My husband bought this as a birthday present and the family calendar simply said “KEEP FREE” under my name. I think it’s probably the best birthday present I’ve had to date. Nigel, what can I say, thoroughly entertaining throughout the 2 days, patient, creative, thoughtful and extremely knowledgeable, a true artisan and artist. I learnt so much and made so many things that are now in our home. The machinery that initially looked intimidating, I hadn’t given a second thought to by the end of the first day (apart from the “flat noodle maker” the hammering machine that I swore wouldn’t defeat me on day two!). The forge and grounds are a labyrinth filled with machinery, materials, tools and art. The grounds are particularly peaceful, like a retreat, and a great contrast at lunchtime, to the noise and busyness of the forge. Thank you so much Nigel, I will definitely go back to learn more."

Corina Walker reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"I have enjoyed two wonderful days with Trisha in her pottery shed. The first learning the methods of working with the clay and the second learning how to glaze the pieces I had made. Trisha is a brilliant potter herself and her own wonderful pieces along with her very relaxed way of teaching I found really inspiring. The whole day is a truly relaxing yet very informative experience. Topped of with great coffee, homemade cake, and a delicious lunch. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who has never worked with clay as well as to potter's looking for an inspirational experience. Thank you so much for two wonderful days Trisha and I hope to return soon."

Carol Keir reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Had a fantastic 2 day workshop at Pretty Rubbish Mosaic last weekend excellent, and thank you Maggie for all the coffee and soup you provided!!!"

Pretty Rubbish Mosaics responded:

"Thanks Carol for coming to my workshop and for taking the time to write a review. It was a joy to watch you creating your lovely floral wall hanging.Come back and see me"

Gail Shepheard reviewed: Private One to One Stained glass by Le Breton Traditional (near Exeter/Crediton/Tiverton)

"Had a great time learning glass painting and stained glass, great courses to get you into this subject."

Kim quigley reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"We had a wonderful morning with Kerry,she made us feel very welcome, Kerry makes you feel at easy as soon as you meet. She answered all our questions, with no trouble at all we learnt a lot I did the business work shop, it has given me the confidence, to continue my project and believe in myself thank you Kerry warmest wishes Kim x Kiera"

Angela Knight reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"This was a really enjoyable and informative day. Susan is very knowledgeable and the course was exactly the right balance of learning and practical hands on experience with a relaxed atmosphere. The small class ensured Susan gave everyone the support they needed. Would thoroughly recommend."

Linda Parker reviewed: Make you own fan bird

"We really enjoyed the day making a wooden spoon. Steve is an excellent teacher, explaining very clearly each step. He gives lots of individual attention and is really encouraging. It’s a super experience and great fun."

Claire H reviewed: Make you own fan bird

"Highly recommended course and very good value for money. I'd made a spoon by the end of the day which flew by, completely absorbing so much so I was surprised when told it was nearing the end of the day. I now have the knowledge to carry on at home and start a new hobby."

Helen reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"I did the full day (5 hour workshop) with James. It was fantastic! I've already done a fair bit of marbling and was really looking to develop my skills - this workshop definitely helped me to do this. I took away technical knowledge, new techniques and some very lovely pieces of marbling. I can't wait to put my new skills into practice at home. It was definitely worth the two and a half drive to take part! Thanks James"

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"It was lovely meeting you and your mum and you both produced some really good work, can't wait to see what you produce at home with your new skills!"

Jo Snow reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a brilliant time with Siobhan in her fabulous studio at the Forge Gallery. I wasn’t sure what to expect but Siobhan was a great teacher. She took us through the creative process step by step so even as a complete beginner, with limited artistic talent, I was able to produce some lovely things. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and will definitely be back for more. Highly recommend this course"

Jo Read reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"A thoroughly enjoyable day! I not only learnt how to solder & braze but lots of helpful hints and tips which will save time and make my creations more professional. I have two projects to complete & a head full of new ideas. Roger taught me that attention to detail is key when my usual approach is less structured. I look forward to trying out my new skills."

Lucy and Aunty Lesley reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"Neither of us had ever done Mosiacs before but we both managed to produce some very pleasing pictures and a pit. The location is beautiful with a new timber room in the garden, where the course took place. There were stacks of tiles and other sparkly and shiney things to choose from. We had a scrumptious fresh quiche lunch with salad and potatoes followed by carrot cake. Anne is very friendly and helpful. I would totally recommend the course - not only did I learn something new and come away with some lovely things I’d made, but it was a real treat to spend all day crafting in good company."

Lesley Smith reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I attended this course last week with a friend. We had a really great day learning the techniques to produce 2 x copper and one silver bangle. Jolene was professional and fun teaching us all of the necessary steps to complete our bangles. Attaching semi precious stones was harder than we had thought - but gave pretty finishing touches to our bangles. I am sure that we will both be back to learn more!"

Sioned reviewed: Seasonal wreath workshop

"Great course, convenient venue and very lovely flowers to work with. Mary provided excellent advice and was very encouraging. Would definitely recommend to people of all abilities (having never done anything like this before!)"

Mary Hill Studio responded:

"Hi Sioned, Thanks so much for a lovely review. It was great to meet you and glad you had enjoyed making your beautiful wreath. Mary"

Anne Jones reviewed: 2d needle felted pictures

"Excellent workshop, highly recommend. We were taught and supported through the processes of needle felting, wet felting and embellishing of our projects including machine embroidery. We each produced amazingly unique pictures and it was great to watch each other’s develop. The atmosphere is very friendly, relaxed and supportive with plenty of one to one support available when required. Rachel is an excellent knowledgable teacher and mentor and I will definitely be returning for further workshops hosted by Rachel"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much Anne, It was a fabulous course to run and so inspiring to see such a variety of styles and images come from the workshop. The bravery of those attending to try new things and pinch ideas from each other was fabulous and enabled everyone to move forward confidently, even making major changes to pictures along the way! I hope to see you soon on the new workshops coming out soon Rach"

Sian Downing reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"Many thanks for a very enjoyable day, Susan. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the process of dyeing with woad and was very pleased with my finished items. Your instruction was clear and concise and allowed us plenty of time for the practical, hands on experiences - thank you!"

Helen Cooper reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Another super weekend. This is the 4th year my best friend and I have gone. Excellent value for money. I have met some lovely people over the years and look forward to seeing some of them again in June. Highly recommended x"

Jason Wheeler reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Excellent day! Professionally run but relaxed and fun. After half an hour of hammering away at my piece of steel it looked very like a piece of steel with dents in....but miraculously I managed to turn it into a lovely, and extremely sharp, kitchen knife which I used the day after! Highly recommended, I will definitely go again!"

Jason Wheeler reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Excellent day! Professionally run but relaxed and fun. After half an hour of hammering away at my piece of steel it looked very like a piece of steel with dents in....but miraculously I managed to turn it into a lovely, and extremely sharp, kitchen knife which I used the day after! Highly recommended, I will definitely go again!"

Yin reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Fantastic fun days with Gary in the forge. Learnt so much and bought home 2 wonderful pieces. Already booked next course. Cannot recommend highly enough."

Mary Savage reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"3rd weekend away. A great time as usual. Loved the breakout sessions and the friendly atmosphere with likeminded people. Plenty of advice and stock available and it went all too quickly. Had to book for next year and only sorry I can only make one a year."