Latest reviews

Jane Brown reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"What a fabulous course! Caroline is so enthusiastic and encouraging to all her students. Her own work is astounding and her home and garden are filled with wall upon wall of her wonderful creations. The atmosphere on the course was very friendly and we were all inspired to produce some beautiful pieces of mosaic to take home. Having learned the basic skill it's something that I feel I could confidently do at home now having purchased a couple of simple tile cutting tools. Caroline provided a really tasty lunch and hot drinks and cake were available all day. If you are wondering, 'Shall I book this course?' stop wondering and do it, you won't regret it!"

Jonathan Groves reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I too spent a couple of very enjoyable and informative days with the master mould maker Ed Bentley, gaining valuable insight into that particular aspect of ceramics. Furthermore, to add glaze to the clay biscuit, it's worth noting that within one minute's walk of Ed's studio, for those who need it, there is a very good place to stay i.e. reasonably priced, comfortable and recently opened plus a cosy cafe around the corner all within the Spode site. Ask Ed for further details."

Sandra Walsh reviewed: Needle felt landscapes workshop on Orkney, including lunch

"As someone who has never tried needle felting before, I was amazed that by the end of the day I had produced a landscape picture I felt very proud of! Catherine is a lovely person, great teacher and happy to give you as much (or as little) support as you require. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable day and I would thoroughly recommend."

Henrietta Firth reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"I really enjoyed this weekend even though it has been challenging for me ... I feel like I have learned a tremendous amount. Thank you for your patience ... I'd like to do more courses with you both, perhaps in Feb. 19 ..."

Bob Chambers reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I received a gift voucher from my wife last Christmas and for various reasons hadn't used it earlier in the year, but finally got round to booking a date in November - and am very glad I did! Had a fabulous day in the workshop with Andy, learnt a tremendous amount, found it thoroughly absorbing, and was really chuffed with the little bowl I came home with. As a complete novice myself, Andy made me very at ease and explained everything carefully, without anything seeming laboured or too much trouble. The day simply evolved as we went along and there was never any sense of having to rush or fit a prescribed agenda. It was a real pleasure to be doing something manual and creative that demanded full attention - a fantastic distraction from the normal office-based work routine. The homemade shepherd's pie at lunchtime was a treat too - thanks Martine! Would have no hesitation recommending Andy Browne's wood turning courses - and am actually hoping I might get to go back again sometime... NB: Reckon wood turning can be quite addictive, so think carefully before booking - unless you have space, time and money to invest in a lathe! ;)"

Christine Boswell-Munday reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"Brilliant day and learnt so much, from basic health and safety to cutting glass and learning 2 different ways of creating a piece of artwork. In my case I created 2 wall hangings, but the options are varied. Amanda is a fantastic, teacher and explains everything as you go along and there is plenty of time to put what you learn into action. I was really pleased with the 2 pieces I took home Lunch was great and all dietary requirements are catered for. The workshop makes a great day out with friends or is ideal as a gift voucher and I will certainly return again early next year, to learn more."

Debbie reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Such a wonderful day learning what to do with the fleeces mounting up in my shed! Theresa is very enthusiastic and very knowledgable plus a great teacher. It was fun, enjoyable, interesting and very addictive so I am now looking to get a wheel of my own and will return to improve my skills hopefully with my co learner next year. Thank you Theresa (and Ted) for making my first steps into spinning so positive, I am looking at my sheep in a different way now!!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for a lovely review Debbie. The day was such fun and your spinning was fabulous. I really hope you continue to spin and work through your stash of gorgeous fleeces! Theresa and Ted x"

Hazel Wilkinson reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"This was a great course in a beautiful quiet location. The materials were inspiring and Bridget’s teaching was excellent. As a wet felting beginner I learned so much and created a picture I’m proud of thanks to the right balance of advice and encouragement and individual attention throughout the two days. I’d definitely recommend this course and would love to do it again sometime."

Sue Fraser reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"Having spent the day with Janet I completed a sample cascade Roman blind. I have made ordinary Roman blinds but found Janet's course very informative and her calculation sheet for working out the spacing was excellent. Janet is a very knowledgeable lady and is happy to share her knowledge and advice, The day went too quick having been supplied with lots of tea and home made cake but I left with a sample blind and lots of information. If you want to try making a Roman Blind, Janet is the lady to teach you."

Sam Dredge reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"I spent the day with Bill attending his pepper mill course. I had a brilliant day and came home with something I was really proud. Bill was very patient and guided me through each stage. His workshop was also lovely and warm. Would definitely go again. Thanks Bill."

Ameet Hindocha reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"An ingenious and unified way to bring two cultural traditions together with massive potential for new exploration."

Kelly reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"Adam Tetlow's Integrating Celtic and Islamic Pattern course is completely accessible to the novice illustrator and reveals the hidden bridge between two seemingly different realms of pattern and design. The range of possibility that can be explored through the blending of these beautiful traditional arts is so inspiring! I greatly appreciate Adam, in all of his patience and good humour, as one of the few remaining teachers in this field of study and SAOG Studios for providing a peaceful and supportive space for the inquisitive artist!"

Roger Antonsen reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"It doesn't get better than having Adam Tetlow as your guide into the world of Celtic art while being in the beautiful surroundings of Forest Row. This two-day workshop about combining Celtic and Islamic patters was great. Thank you! We'll be back. Thanks again."

Pat Larkin reviewed: Mount cutting and effective presentation for painters and photographers

"This workshop is excellent. It is very well structured and takes the participants through the whole process of preparing a painting or photograph for an exhibition. Class sizes are a maximum of 4 which makes a very friendly learning environment. There are excellent course notes and Lynne demonstrates and explains very clearly how to measure up and cut mounts. She is very knowledgeable and flexible so that she can respond positively to all the various images that the participants provide."

Christine Smith reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"The course was excellent. I am an absolute beginner and I found the opportunity to learn about the make up of the spinning wheel and how to work with it as valuable as the experience of leaving with a skein of my own wool. The atmosphere is friendly and non judgemental and Theresa is ably assisted by her wonderful canine assistant Ted who is a delightful distraction and purveyor of helpful advice having witnessed a number of classes. I would unreservedly recommend the course and will look back on it as the first step in my journey as a spinner! I hope to go back one day for an advanced session!!!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Christine, thank you so very much. Your review made me laugh and cry at the same time. I look forward to hearing about your spinning journey so order that wheel! I shall pass on your review to Ted and I am sure he will be as thrilled as I am that you enjoyed your day. x"

Judy reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What an inspiring day! Theresa was very welcoming and it soon became apparent that she is very knowledgable and an excellent teacher. In one day I learned more than I could have imagined. The day was well planned and with just two students we had plenty of individual attention. I went away with a skein of wool that I had prepared from scratch - washing raw fleece, carding,spinning and plying it. I would recommend the day course to beginners and improvers - you will have a fun day and learn an amazing amount from Theresa - her enthusiasm for wool is infectious!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review Judy. I am thrilled that you enjoyed your day. You made such a fabulous start to your spinning that I really hope you continue. Do keep me informed of progress."

Shirley reviewed: Photography Days

"What a week! I had no idea what to do with my camera other than turn it on. A week in the company of Richard and Sue and I am ready to take on all manner of photography adventures. I was initially perplexed by the terminology and settings of my camera but was soon put at ease with easy to understand examples and explanations. I would recommend this course for anyone wishing to understand their camera and who want to explore their creativity. Thanks Richard and Sue, a fabulous week!"

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks so much for that, Shirley, we're really looking forward to hearing how your projects work out!"

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"This course is great for anyone who wants a solid introduction to frame loom weaving. Alice is a patient teacher and guided us through the basic techniques. I felt the day really opened up a whole host of possibilities with weaving. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The studios were warm and with the small class size you really were able to learn quickly and get assistance from Alice at each step. I would highly recommend this course. I am planning on returning for the advanced class in the new year."

Alan reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Jamal, the pace was just right to start with no knowledge and finish the day with a completed stained glass panel which is sitting proudly on the window cill at home."

Zoe reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"My mum and I had a great few hours making coasters! Learnt a new skill and had a few giggles, plenty of tea and cake too! Would definitely recommend."

John Flaherty reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Jason and Louise have managed to ignite an interest in pursuing a hobby, very unusual for me and testament to the quality of this two day course where a complete novice with no crafty bones can create a bag from scratch. Fully emersive, hands on and thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Thank you for opening my eyes and showing us the ropes"

Liz Trew reviewed: "Plant a seed and watch it grow with machine embroidery" workshop with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Had a wonderful inspirational day, so inspiring. Can't wait to do another workshop, thank you ."

Barbara Brookes reviewed: "Plant a seed and watch it grow with machine embroidery" workshop with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Lovely ambience, very enjoyable and helpful."

Angie wall reviewed: "Plant a seed and watch it grow with machine embroidery" workshop with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Lampshade workshop, fabulous. Julie is a great teacher and very inspirational."

Carol Mountford reviewed: "Plant a seed and watch it grow with machine embroidery" workshop with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Fabulous day. I have learned so much, thank you!"