Latest reviews

Mari reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"Anne is a great teacher, very happy to help out with novices (like me) with great creative ideas but little idea on how to execute them (like me). Very chilled atmosphere and super friendly hobby mosaicists who happen all to be ladies. (Maybe making mosaics appeals more to women?) Highly recommend."

Hilda Tattersall reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"I am a relative new member of the Mosaic class but have thoroughly enjoyed my Friday mornings. Initially I just booked one class to see if I could cope. I am now on my third project. Rather ambitiously I am covering a small coffee table. I took my very first piece of mosaic to a professional framer and he told me it was very good. I thought he was just being kind but he was genuinely impressed with the quality of the work. Anne is an excellent teacher and will offer guidance if needed."

Making Mosaics responded:

"From a tentative start you are becoming most ambitious! It's great to see how you have progressed!"

Linda Bunting reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"Making Mosaics is addictive. I’ve been attending classes for a few years now and really enjoy my time with Anne and the Friday ladies. I’m not especially good at the projects I try to do but everyone is so encouraging and helpful it doesn’t seem to matter what my attempts are like. There is always someone with an idea to help."

Sue reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"Friday is my favourite day of the week now! Anne’s mosaic classes are fun, friendly and full of expert one-on-one help. The great thing is you don’t need any artistic ability to produce gorgeous mosaics you can be proud of. Fab choice of materials to choose from (the biscuits are pretty good too)."

Making Mosaics responded:

"But YOU have lots of artistic ability Sue and it does show! Thanks for being such a loyal class member, Anne"

Bridgeen Donaldson reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"I have been attending Anne's class for over 5yrs now - it's addictive! The classes are very relaxed, with expert tuition from Anne. From the outset you can be creative and learn new skills at your own pace. Like myself, a lot of the attendees are quite proficient mosaicers now and also work at home, but still enjoy the stimulus of working in a group, sharing experiences and feedback, and being introduced to new matetials and techniques. Mosaicing is an opportunity to be absorbed in an activity and completely lose yourself for a few hours, no distractions. I could not recommend Amne's highly enough!!"

Making Mosaics responded:

"You've certainly been hooked! Your work is amazing! Thanks for such a kind review."

Rosie reviewed: Irresistible mosaic ornaments - for gardens year round

"Makings mosaics has been one of my most enjoyable craft experiences. Anne has a wonderful gift for making you feel relaxed whilst teaching you a new skill. A great way to meet new people in comfortable and welcoming surroundings. Hoping to do more classes later in the year."

Making Mosaics responded:

"you are always welcome here Rosie - you've always made the most attractive things - but somehow I don't seem to have many photos of them!"

Kerri Bullett reviewed: Glass fusing private class - fun taster class for beginners

"Thank you so much Sarah, for a wonderful afternoon in your gorgeous (and warm!) studio. I am not creative at all, and I was so surprised at how easy, with Sarah's help, it was to make a couple of decorations and a piece of jewellery. I had so much fun and really enjoyed myself. Sarah is an excellent teacher, and has a wide range of materials to use. I will definitely be booking in again soon for another session!"

Callum Beecroft & Michelle Locker reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils onto fabric

"All in all Liz was amazing. She was a very gracious host who would do anything for us and felt more like a friend than a teacher and we learnt so much. If you're thinking about doing a screen printing course, this is the one! Had this day course booked for us as a Christmas present as we had been on about screen printing for a while. Got all the kit too but didn't know how to use it yet. Liz was amazing, she would talk us through any questions we had, (personal or professional) and there wasn't a sense of trying to rush us. The first part of the day was us really just getting to know each other and seeing what other people had done, techniques used (and meeting the dog). Liz had already put all of the work in to get the designs ready for us to cut out and after we started she never stopped running around after us, cleaning brushes, mixing paints, preparing screens, we really got the sense that she was going above and beyond for us. Lunch was really good as Michelle has a gluten intolerance, this was catered to and we sat and chatted. We printed on t-shirts we had brought with us, of which we managed to make 4 of with differing designs with the help and suggestions of Liz. Then she also gave us bits of fabric to play around with techniques we wanted to try, and honestly some of our tests came out better than our original designs!"

Tina reviewed: Pottery design & decoration three x 6 week courses with potter Pris McGirr

"I attended my first pottery class today. Made to feel most welcome and worked at a pace that was supportive and informal. Highly recommend"

Jane Rogers reviewed: Nuno Scarf - An Introduction to Nuno Felting

"Thank you Emma, we really enjoyed the Nuno felting scarves course. It was good to be in a small group of three as we were able to get lots of help and advice where needed. It was good though that you let us develop our own ideas and skills. We ended up with three completely different scarves in the group. Your knowledge was invaluable and your enthusiasm infectious. Love your garden 'hideaway'. Looking forward to coming again."

Barbara Williams reviewed: Silver Clay Workshop - Taster & Intermediate - Exeter Jewellery Studio

"Had a great time at this informative hands on course. Lovely knowledgeable team and looking forward to booking again soon"

Jane Rogers reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"Thank you Emma, we really enjoyed the Nuno felting scarves course. It was good to be in a small group of three as we were able to get lots of help and advice where needed. It was good though that you let us develop our own ideas and skills. We ended up with three completely different scarves in the group. Your knowledge was invaluable and your enthusiasm infectious. Love your garden 'hideaway'. Looking forward to coming again."

Martin shep reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"This is the second time I have been on a coursewith bob .I enjoyed it so much the first time I went away and bought myself a forge and anvil.After a year on my own I am producing some nicework .I have just had a day with bob learning the basics in the art of making horse shoes , there is a lot involved in just making one shoe , but with bobs patience and guidance, by the end of the dayI was getting the just of it . I can’t recommend this course enough you will thoroughly enjoy it guaranteed ."

Debbie reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"Had a great 3 hours at this introductory workshop. Lynn was a friendly hostess keeping us supplied with snacks, hot drinks and Anna is a very experienced qualified jeweller who guides everyone through the silver clay process and so inspired me that, within a week, I’ve already booked another of her full day workshops. Go along, give it a try!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your lovely review Debbie. We're so glad you enjoyed your workshop, and are looking forward to welcoming you back for the full day course with Anna. I hope you'll enjoy that just as much - and learning those new skills of mould making and stone setting! Best wishes, Lynn"

Julia Salter reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"I had a great day on Saturday now have much more confidence to try new projects. Really liked the relaxed and informative way ran the course. Lots of inspirational ideas and help if you wanted it. Would definitely recommend the course to anyone thinking of doing the course."

Helen Best reviewed: SAORI freeform weaving 2 day beginners' course

"My journey with SAORI started when I came across weaving work by a a previous student of Amanda's. The beautiful work led me to contacting the student who kindly introduced me to her loom and the magical world of Saori weaving. I contacted Amanda and soon had organised to attend a workshop ran at the Village hall in Napton. Amanda is a very inspirational teacher and I quickly began to create my own woven cloth. In the lovely colourful surroundings of yarn in the ideal relaxed setting of the village hall. I own Alpacas and want to incorporate their wool into the loom work. I am so excited to be the owner of a hand made loom which has been made in Japan. I am travelling up to visit Amanda to collect it and spend time with her on her getting to know my loom workshop. I already have many ideas and am looking forward to my journey ahead."

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

"It was brilliant. Richard was really patient. He gave us clear instruction and guide us all the way. We were given a lot of information about leather and how to make other projects."

Tracy Playle reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I’ve known Mark for a few years now as I’ve been on other courses that he runs (all of which I HIGHLY recommend). But this course was outstanding. I had such a wonderful weekend. Mark is so skilled and brilliant at explaining things and not making you feel stupid when/if you make a mistake. You get to add some of your own personal touches and ideas too. The box I’ve come away with is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made and I already have friends and family wanting me to make one for them now too! I need to send them on the course. Thanks so much Mark! Will be seeing you again soon."

Claire Storey reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I purchased the workshop as a present for my 2 daughters and myself. We had a great day. The workspace was cosy and the group is small so you get plenty of tuition. Alice is lovely and a great teacher. We have learnt how to,produce a weaving from start to finish so we can now practice at home. We are planning for more workshops to progress further and produce more advanced weavings"

Sophie Green reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A lovely afternoon. Claire explained everything so carefully and clearly and I was so happy with the cards I made!"

Linocut course with Claire reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire was very welcoming, calm and very clear in her teaching approach, and very encouraging of everyone in the class. The venue was beautiful - a lovely old barn - that felt very arty crafty. Lovely to be able to take cards home that we'd created. Thank you for a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon."

Donna Robson reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"Such a wonderful day. Jenny is a great teacher (and cake baker!) A lovely space to work in and a relaxing atmosphere. Would definitely recommend."

Jenny Ayrton responded:

"thank you Donna!"

Moira Fletcher reviewed: Kookie Cats Needle Felting workshop

"A very useful workshop in a lovely environment. It has renewed my desire to learn more and master the skill. The number of attendees was just so not too many. A very friendly group."

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"That's wonderful to hear Moira and thank you for taking the time to write a review. I am so glad you enjoyed the workshop and it has proved useful to you and given you the confidence to move forward. Wonderful too that you will be joining us for another workshop, I look forward to working with you again :) Heartfelt thanks Heidi x"

Laura reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"A great course in lino-cutting. Great instruction, guidance, advice and support meaning all of the attendees produced lovely cards they were proud of. I will definitely be coming again. Super cake too!"

Nathan reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"A really great experience. Learning to work with wood is one of my bucket list skills and this woodworking course by Ciarán at Cheshire Woodworking launched me on my way. The course was a great blend of theoretical and practical - Ciarán firstly introduces you to a topic, explains the details, answers questions, performs a demonstration and then sets you off to practice. He guides you step-by-step through everything you need to know, from tools to techniques, to wood types and joints, etc. Every question was answered! This all culminates in you building a piece of furniture. I was a total novice but there were a couple of more experienced students in my class and they expressed that, like me, they were constantly learning. Ciarán managed the class so as to ensure that no one was left waiting or wanting - each individual progressed at their own pace. The class was a mixture of men and women of various ages, all of whom were very friendly, fun and chatty – there was a real sense of comradery in the class. Ciarán is a lovely guy, very friendly and welcoming. He developed an immediate rapport with all students. Most importantly, his skills as both a craftsman and teacher were equally impeccable. He has a few great Irish turns of phrase that add to the enjoyment of the course – keep an ear out! The greatest testaments to the quality of the course are that: a) every day the students arrived early and departed late because we were enjoying ourselves so much – the days fly by!! b) I will be booking onto another course and I know that other students from my course are doing the same. Cheers to Ciarán"