Latest reviews

Chris Burfield reviewed: Interior styling and decorating one to one day course

"A fantastic course in our home. Michelle took the time to understand what we wanted to achieve in our living room and helped us accordingly. We were able to create a mood board, colour scheme and a short list of wallpaper options. Michelle also recommended a refresh of some of our older furniture which saved us a fortune as we thought we’d need to buy all new. It was a great addition to have Michelle come back the following week to help us with up-cycling our dark wood cabinets in the new colour scheme. Michelle is lovely to work with, is very attentive and goes out of her way to ensure everything is covered. She is well deserving of her fantastic reputation and we will definitely be having her back to help plan our new kitchen diner."

Kathy Paton reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"I loved forging a Seax! I’m a female on the wrong side of 55 and under 5ft but that was no obstacle as Matt is a great tutor. He is calm, patient and knowledgeable and obviously loves what he does. Ali was very attentive, even finding a B&B for me and picking me up from the station! She really went above and beyond in her hospitality! It was lots of fun and if you are a fellow devotee of Forged in fire - you will LOVE it!!!"

Maria Wilkinson reviewed: Candlemaking for Beginners

"I attended this course in October 2018 and had no knowledge of candle making at all . Rob was excellent giving you guidance throughout to make your own beautiful candles and explaining the process of candle making , He had a wealth of knowledge about his subject, and conveyed it well. Classes are kept small so you feel you are given utmost attention. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting to learn the basics of candle making. Cant wait for a follow up course! Maria Wilkinson"

harriett griffin reviewed: Victoria House monthly flower school

"good review"

Gary reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a great day, Lots to learn but with a great Teacher was made easier and more enjoyable, The hospitality was lovely and made to feel very welcome. Will be booking another day very soon. Once again thanks for a great Day"

Wendy Gyles reviewed: Creative metalwork and welding, scrap metal sculpture.

"Good facilities for metalworking, friendly and informative tutors. Thoroughly enjoyable with everybody achieving their vision of a sculpture/piece."

Tony reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I spent a really enjoyable day on Creative Vibe’s beginners glass blowing course just before Christmas. Ricky is a very gentle and patient teacher who successfully taught three absolute beginners to create some amazing pieces of glass art. I would highly recommend the course to everybody. Tony"

Felix Watkins reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"I really enjoyed the spoon carving workshop. It was good learning new skills and Stephen is very welcoming and supportive. You probably need longer than one session to get a finished product but the class is recommended and an excellent introduction to the world of woodcarving."

Emily Goodall reviewed: Mosaic workshops for beginners Adults make a mosaic heart using vintage china

"I took this course on Saturday with my sister in law. We had a great time, Eva was a patient teacher and very welcoming. I'm addicted, i want to go back and do all of her classes. Thanks again for a lovely day Eva."

Jane Marsh reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I did the one day shoe making workshop - I was absolutely thrilled with the results and proudly wear them regularly. Very patient tuition -I am pretty cack-handed on any sewing machine let alone a leather sewing one! I would heartily recommend! Once the team at Green Shoes have your pattern, you can then also order handmade shoes from them at a later date too."

Asa reviewed: Silver clay ring making

"I did this with my mum and had an amazing time! I learned a lot, the teacher was experienced but also patient and it was very relaxed and comfortable. I was incredibly pleased with both the rings I made (one for a friend and one for my mum) and so were they!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Asa. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. We're so glad you enjoyed your ring-making workshop and felt you had learned a lot. You created two very unique and beautiful rings, and it's great to hear that the lucky recipients were happy with them. We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective again. With best wishes, Lynn"

Xanthe Scott reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a great experience - my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and although we started off a little daunted at the thought of bending hot metal we soon got to grips with the techniques under the expert tutelage of John, Mark and Spencer and soon became engrossed in our tasks. It's fairly physically demanding and we ended the day exhausted but very happy with what we produced - we made a pair of candlesticks. Altogether a great atmosphere, lovely group of people - fantastic day!"

Paul Le Baigue reviewed: Blacksmithing course - spend a day in the forge

"I really enjoyed my day with Richard. Lunch great. We were well looked after. I would have loved 2 days!!"

Kim reviewed: Cyanotype workshop (half day)

"In a sentence: a brilliant way to have a creative afternoon, in great company where you actually like the thing you make! I'd never done Cyanotope before but others on the course had and the workshop seemed to work for all. Lucy was really friendly, approachable and provided us with guidance, lots of tips along the way and beautiful materials to work with. I came away with 7 pieces of my own art work that I'd be proud to hang on my wall. A really satisfying way to spend a half day."

Marina Szijarto reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"Deep gratitude to you all for your wisdom teachings and the detailed hands on application of them. Your teachings all came from a place of immense generosity, deep understanding and love. Thank you. The weeks unfolding of the philosophy of craft traditions, the relationship of minerals and colours with the planets, together with sacred geometry patterns and how they all connect was opening for the mind and consciousness. The physical action of touching, washing, grinding minerals, plants & beetles, plus the dramatic chemical reactions, grounded the knowledge in the body and crates a relationship for me with all the materials and tools we used. The making and using of the paints on the sacred patterns was a heart opening meditation that connected all parts of this incredible week - thank you so so much. Thank you also for making space for Darren’s water talk, which was also illuminating, plus the daily poems and prayers which helped set the intention of the room. I wanted to share these words I was inspired to put on social media with some photos after the course “Wild crafting our materials ( both traditional craft arts & healing arts) and connecting our creativity to a specific place on the earth - making relationship with those plants, earth, rocks and minerals and their connections to the planets/ cosmos is all of our birth right, no matter which continent we live on, or who are ancestors are - it is the medicine to antidote the industrialisation and commodification of our world and Re Member our interconnections.” On returning to London ... I felt similar to how it feels when coming back from a meditation or spiritual retreat...only better as now I have some beautiful colours to mark and remember the journey :) I hope to be able to take more workshops with you all ... Thank you again, and warmest regards to you all and your families during this beautiful dark time of year and the rebirth of the seed of light,"

Lee Hannam reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"Thank you so much for last week's course, a truly wonderful weeks journey of shared knowledge and wisdom. The space was held gently and openly as we co-created our pigments and paint and put compass to paper. I feel re-enlivened to colour and to art. Every time I stir my morning coffee I am reminded - clockwise, clockwise!"

Christina Mason reviewed: Beginners 2 sterling silver stacking rings jewellery course

"This was most enjoyable. Great teacher, and good instructions. Loved the whole process. Will definitely be coming back for more next year!!"

Jennah Fitzpatrick reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Enjoyed the day with Jonathan and my family. Never tried anything like this before but I had a fantastic time thank you! Very happy with the ring I made!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Many thanks Jennah for a lovely review - it was a great day. Well done with your jewellery making Jonathan"

Tania Stretton reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A really fun and interesting day that more than exceeded my expectations! I learned so much and I'm looking forward to coming back with some friends. It was lovely and cosy on the narrowboat. Although it was a miserable and rainy day, we were warm and snug in the boat with the lovely wood burning fire. Jonathan is a great teacher, very personable and made us all very welcome - thank you!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Tania Thank you for the kind reviews. It was a pleasure to work with you and your lovely family. Jonathan"

Jennifer Stretton reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I did the jewellery making course with my sister, Mom and Nan. We started the day learning to make chain and small pendants using copper, and how to solder, file and polish the metal. We then progressed on to our own designs in silver and each came away with a piece of hand made jewellery. Jonathan is an excellent and patient teacher and it was a really fun setting on the narrowboat! It was lovely to sit and make jewellery and Jonathan kindly provided hot drinks and cake. Thank you for a fantastic day!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Jennifer. Well done with your jewellery making Jonathan"

Pam wootton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Went on a beginners woodturning course with Mark on 10 December 2018. This activity was always on my bucket list and I can’t praise mark for his patience and all the help and encouragement he showed me. The course fulfilled all of my expectations including a fabulous wooden bowl to take home. I have thought about taking up woodturning has a hobby but I still have many things I wish to achieve on my bucket list . Perhaps at a later date ."

Dawn reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Thoroughly enjoyable course and we were so productive. Jo is very knowledgeable - she knows her candles! Fun day to experiment and create some beautiful wax pieces, topped with a lovely lunch. Hope to book again in the New Year."

Jennifer reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Oh my friend and I had such a lovely time on this candle making course - jo knows sooo much and will answer all your questions and point you in the right direction to start your candle making journey. The candles we made and came away with were fabulous. Loved spending time in the “ tea on the green ” Thanks so much"

Emma Braid-Taylor reviewed: Mosaic Workshop for Beginners, Broadstairs

"I highly recommend this beginners' course. I have been twice now and will keep on going back! Lynda is a delightful person, very knowledgeable and generous with that knowledge. She is full of ideas and inspiration and encouragement. Her studio is situated perfectly in her lovely garden, full of light and surrounded by the beautiful pieces she herself has made or is currently working on, so you absorb the creative atmosphere as you work, while Lynda gives you all the materials you need, as well as invaluable tips and guidance throughout the day. It is great fun and therapeutic too - I absolutely love it - thank you so much Lynda!"

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Emma. You have created three very different and amazing mosaic pieces over the two courses. I am excited to see what you create next time. Looking forward to another enjoyable day with you."

Sam Skeet reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"Jack did an excellent job of running our pottery class. He was extremely patient and instructed us both well. Neither of us had done pottery throwing before but by the end of the session we had both produced pieces to be proud of! Thanks Jack!"