Latest reviews

Siboney Grant reviewed: Christmas Vision Board- Design your life a creative journey of self reflection

"A group of friends from work did this workshop last year as something different to do together in the run up to Christmas. It was such a fun experience, a great atmosphere, and Belinda really made us feel at ease to explore our hopes and dreams. I loved my vision board, it really helped me to focus all year. I would definitely recommend."

Laura reviewed: 1-to-1 Organic Skincare Workshop at Maid in the Meadow

"We had a wonderful day - a really fun learning experience and the products have been lovely to use since. Alison was a great teacher and the studio was a brilliant space to work in."

Maid in the Meadow responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Laura and I'm so glad you enjoyed your day and are enjoying using your lovely organic skincare products. Best wishes, Allison"

Spencer Pullin reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Myself and a friend attended the course with David and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was great that he taught us the skills whilst actually making our first piece rather than practicing on bits of scrap first. We both came away buzzing about it and made a J hook plus a unique bottle opener that was immediately put to use as soon as we got home! Would recommend 100%."

Susan Irwin reviewed: Introduction to making your own lingerie at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"Great evening in a fabulous location and I learnt new skills. Didn't seem rushed at all and had plenty of time to chat and compare skills. Thank you"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Susan. Thanks for your lovely review, and we're so pleased you enjoyed your evening. We always try to leave time for people to relax and chat since our workshops are also planned to be provide people with some 'time out' from everyday life. It's also why we keep numbers low so our lovely artists and makers like Hazel have plenty time to provide hands-on help and support and share their skills. We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective one day. With best wishes, Lynn"

Emma Yabsley reviewed: Half-Day Jewellery Making Workshop for 2

"What a wonderful Half day workshop. I was amazed that we had the choice of making a bangle, earrings, ring or a pendant as we only had 3 hours. I came away with a beautiful pendant and as a beginner I was thrilled with what I had made. Thanks Linda for a great time. . Maybe the 1 day workshop next time? I highly recommend this workshop."

Linda Sandeman Jewellery responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was really lovely having you there and seeing you achieve such a beautiful pendant!"

Rachel Morley reviewed: Create Christmas Stamps at The Slipper Studio in Derbyshire.

"What a wonderfully relaxing day in Liz’s cosy Slipper Studio! Plenty of attention to detail, all materials and equipment provided and excellent tutoring. Despite already knowing how to make relief prints I did learn some new skills and especially enjoyed learning how to make the paper sculptures. We were also treated to the most excellent biscuits and plenty of hot beverages throughout the day! All in all a workshop very well delivered. I would definitely recommend it. Thank you Liz! Rachel x"

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Really kind of you to say so. Look forward to seeing you back at The Slipper Studio."

Megan Burcham reviewed: Create Christmas Stamps at The Slipper Studio in Derbyshire.

"I attended the Christmas stamp workshop. This was a wonderful welcoming experience from the outset. Liz our tutor provided all the equipment necessary for a successful and informative day. She had amazing attention to detail and provided copious refreshments. I would highly recommend a course with Liz."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"Thank you. Lovely to work with you again."

Anne Goldsbury reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"This was a well structured and fun course. There were only 4 on the course which allowed for the tutor to give us all plenty of time and attention. The range of options for ingredients was excellent. I am now using my soap and it is a really nice product which smells delightful in the bathroom. I shall certainly go back to make some more when my stock runs low."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Hi Anne, Many thanks for your lovely review - glad to hear your soap is smelling gorgeous and you are enjoying using it! Nic"

Heather reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"I don’t usually leave reviews for anything but i just wanted to encourage other people, who may be even a little interested, to try one of Sandra’s courses! I have been to a few of her upholstery classes over the last couple of months and most recently i booked in for one of the lampshade making classes. Going along to these small group sessions is a really enjoyable way to spen a day and Sandra is a such lovely, warm, knowledgeable and patient person to learn new skills from. Can’t recommend it highly enough!"

Phil Sutcliffe reviewed: Copper Christmas decoration making, half-day course

"What a fantastic day. My granddaughter and I had a wonderful day working with Charlotte. Charlotte was patient with us, as we learnt to use the tools to make our Christmas decorations. When ever we needed help and advice she was there and encouraged us throughout the day. The finished decorations look amazing and this is down to Charlotte’s wonderful instructions and encouragement. Tea, coffee and biscuits are readily available throughout the course. My granddaughter has already insisted that this becomes part of our annual Christmas preparations. Having seen the finished pieces and listening to us talk about what a wonderful time we had, my daughter wants to join us. If you only book one craft course a year make it one with Charlotte."

Bea Chrystal reviewed: Introduction to making your own lingerie at The Arienas Collective in Edinburgh's historic New Town

"A very relaxed workshop, expertly organised in a beautiful setting. Hazel is clear and concise, explains and shows every stage of the process, I didn't feel lost or confused. Perfect for beginners and the result is surprising - the end product looks unbelievably professional. I left feeling rested, not something I expected, like an evening spent with good friends. I will definitely book further workshops with Arienas and Hazel."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Bea. Thanks for your lovely comments. I'm so glad you were happy with your knickers. We thought they looked incredibly professional too! It's amazing what you can achieve in a few hours with the right help, and we love sending people home with something they're proud of. We're based in a home because we wanted to create a relaxing and welcoming environment, so it's so lovely to hear you went home feeling like you'd spent a relaxing evening with friends. That's what we hope for! Hope to see you back soon. Best wishes, Lynn"

Julie Turner reviewed: Mixed Media Textiles

"I had a wonderful, relaxing day at Dawns tutorial in her lovely studio, which was shared with some very nice like minded people and a very tasty chocolate cake! I felt like a child in a sweet shop with so many wonderful things to explore from fabric paints to huge bungles of fantastic fabrics , pretty and versatile papers, and inspiring mood boards to browse through. I was amazed and very happy at what I could achieve with Dawns guidance having never done free machinery or mixed media techniques before, highly recommended!"

Ester reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"It's been an absolute pleasure to meet Kerry and have the opportunity to do a workshop with her. The beautiful kitchen welcomes you with a fragrant lovely smell of her own candles burning. Wooden logs with essential oils and everything ready on your seat, taking care of the smallest detail with her design labels, care bag, notes of the workshop, pencil, digital scales, etc. She has lots of knowledge from her own experience that she shares in a really easy way to understand and this is done when you enjoy a nice cuppa or coffee. Once you do the candle and is left to set she also offered an amazing homemade apple crumble. After that, it's time for your own blend that she explains with detail. Finally, she let you know about bad candle burning, how to avoid tunnel in your candles at home, the minimum and maximum length of time to burn a candle at home, etc. A highly recommend workshop for anyone that likes this craft and I can guarantee that it's so therapeutic. I definitely can't wait to practice my new skills I have learned today."

David Gill reviewed: Wood carving introduction for adults - one day

"Very satisfying and enjoyable. much to my suprise turned out a half decent carving of a kingfisher. My family were impressed if not a little suprised. Admittedly I received welcome help and encouragement from Jason. I was impressed by the work turned out by my fellow participants. Recommend to anyone even if no previous experience. Thank you Jason. The family now await my next project!"

Simone Anderson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a wonderful way to spend a morning! Kerry was so welcoming & hugely informative, who knew candle making would be so interesting & scientific! Her attention to detail was exemplary, everything looked so beautiful when we arrived & obviously smelled amazing. Learnt loads & am now raring to get going on making candles at home. Would highly recommend this course, looking forward to the next one!"

Emily Underhill reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I would certainly recommend this course. To have two days to experiment with throwing and turning was a great experience - although challenging at times! Jon was an excellent teacher, who was very patient and helpful."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Many thanks for your review Emily! We're glad you enjoyed the course."

JMD reviewed: Belfast beginners crochet courses

"Great idea to combine crochet and afternoon tea. Lovely, relaxing way to spend a Saturday afternoon."

Sally White reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a fun informative course. I feel like a knowledgeable candle guru ready to Spread the word- don’t forget to trim your wicks. Would thoroughly recommend this workshop."

A Sutcliffe reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"I attended the full day knife making course last weekend and it was a great experience. Something everyone should have a go at and both Andy & Dave are great teachers to go over the process start to finish. Highly recommended"

Julie reviewed: Two-day Silkscreen Printing Course: Design and Print Your Own Fabric £170.00

"I can highly recommend this 2 day screen printing course. In was made to feel so welcome in Caroline's beautiful home and workshop full of her designs. If you don't have any ideas, it's not a problem as there are books to inspire you. It was such a great feeling seeing my print from my first sketch to adding the final screen of colour. I came away with so many ideas and very inspired to carry on printing. I will definitely book another course."

Kay Coe reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, excellent tutor and excellent venue for doing the course. Would recommend to anyone wanting to try a course at The Discovery Centre. Would agree with comment above about a handout at the end as there was so much to take in. Would also suggest the instructor has a folder with suggestions/ideas as to what to make as I had no idea what I wanted to make and also the dimensions of possible structures."

Sally Goldsmith reviewed: Willow Plant Climbers & Obelisks

"Lovely day with patient and inspiring tutor. I'm fired up now to do more! Only improvement would have been a handout as my memory not so great!"

Martine d'Hotman de Villiers reviewed: Introductory soap making workshop

"I attended both the soap making, and skin care workshops. Both were excellent, and I had a great time. I loved using the products when I got home. I also made soaps to give as gifts, which were gratefully received by family and friends."

Boo Cottage Botanicals responded:

"Thanks Martine for your lovely review! Glad to hear you enjoyed using your products, Nic"

Neville Sanderson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I'm 73 and the last time I did woodwork was at the Grammar School in the 1950/60's so to say I was a bit nervous was an understatement. I thought there's no way I could make a box remotely the same as the ones on show in the workshop..... but how wrong I was !!!!! I made a very professional box of which I am so proud. The mitred corners were 95% perfect and the fitted lid with its hidden hinges looked very impressive. Our tutor Mark was the reason I did so well. He was good at explaining each step and showed us how to safely use all the various tools and machinery. I have booked another weekend course for next year.To anyone who is interested I would say "Have a go like I did". You will enjoy it. Thank you Mark for all your help and guidance."

Sue Bardwell reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"This was an excellent experience. Richard's relaxed approach to teaching made the day seem like a friendly chat with someone who loves what he does and is full of knowledge which he is very good at sharing without becoming a bore. The time sped by, the class was inspirational and I love my belt. Can't recommend this course enough. Sue"