Latest reviews

Fiona H Entwistle reviewed: An Introduction to Glass Fusing

"Dorothy is a fantastic tutor. I had never worked with glass before and was rather nervous, knowing how sharp it can be, however big or small the piece. She explained how to handle the glass safely (including the use of eye protection), the use of various tools and the correct way to keep your workspace clean (use a brush, not your hand!). Dorothy demonstrated the use and results of all sorts of glass so I had a good idea how things would turn out (some glass can look different after firing). She was happy to share examples of her work when I was stuck for inspiration for my creations. I lost all track of time I was so absorbed in creating my pieces. I am so proud of the coasters, window hanging and decorative plate I made. Thank you for a lovely day."

shelley phelan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Having spent an enjoyable day on the Silver Jewellery Boat during the summer with a friend, I returned last Sunday this time with my teenage grandaughter who had admired the stacking rings I had made and was keen to have a go at making real silver jewellery. We got started straight away making a copper chain and pendant. This helped us to develop our skills and to get used to working with the tools. Jonathons’ calm and positive approach was perfect and set the scene for a really positive learning experience on the cosy narrowboat. As the woodburner glowed in the corner we set to work on our silver designs. We made stacking thumb rings and a bangle. The day flew by and we are both delighted with our achievements. I highly recommend the Silver Jewellery Boat experience. It is such a gem of a day in a beautiful setting with expert tuiton."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Dear Shelley Lovely to meet you again along with your granddaughter. You both did very well with your jewellery making. Thank you for your very kind review. Good luck to the rest of your family, with all of your future artistic endeavors! Jonathan"

Lin Barker reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"I attended a mosaic workshop with Diane a few weeks ago having met her at a craft fair and falling in love with her work. The booking of the workshop was easy and the information sent through before the day was comprehensive and left me with no unanswered questions. Everything about the workshop was excellent. Diane was so welcoming, friendly and keen to share her experience and knowledge with us. The venue was perfect, easy to find, plenty of parking and lots of space to work. Diane was a great teacher, giving us confidence to have a go at something none of us had ever tried before and answering all our questions. I had a fantastic day - everything exceeded expectations and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. In fact, I'd love to attend again and continue to practice my new skills!"

Andrew Bradbury reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A really good day out, I had fancied a go at lead work for a long time and this came as a birthday present. There was a nice mix of people who all got on well and Kate was very patient with us and showed us clearly what to do. It was a full day and worth every penny (even though I didn't pay for it!) and I would thoroughly recommend it. I can see it could become quite addictive and a good stress reliever as you do have to concentrate as cutting glass with sharp instruments."

Emma Stubbs reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I treated my mum to a candlemaking workshop at Flamingo House & Studio and I am so pleased I did. My mum and I both enjoyed the afternoon choosing the scents for our soya wax candles and then making them with a glass of prosecco and later some tea and cake. Charlie is absolutely lovely and extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would thoroughly recommend the class to everyone. The other women in the class with my mum and I were also brilliant. All in all we had a great time xx"

Paul reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a fantastic tutor. He is very patient and guides you really well. The time flies by (even though the clocks went back this weekend). I have just done the box making weekend and I cannot believe that a novice woodworker walked out with such a lovely box! It was relaxed and enjoyable. I have learnt such a lot and will be back for sure for more teaching."

Lisa robinson reviewed: Spoon Carving Workshop - One Day

"Excellent tuition in a relaxed setting. First class and 5 star!"

Guy Preston reviewed: Whittling course

"Martin is a fantastic teacher and my friend and I had a great time on the course. The projects were interesting and Martin recommended a number of resources for finding future projects to make. Highly recommended course."

Deb reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I spent the day with Chris last Friday, and the time flew by! I had done some wood turning before with a neighbour and decided to seek some proper tuition, now I knew how much I enjoyed it. The workshop was easy to find and I was welcomed in. Chris had remembered our conversation of at least a month before and had prepared how we would spend the time,making a bowl in Sycamore, concentrating on technique, posture and making nice cuts. I have his words of wisdom ringing in my ears, and loads of helpful tips and advice. Chris is a very patient and encouraging teacher, and gave lots of feedback. When we needed a break there was coffee and gorgeous views of the moor from the windows. I returned home and over the weekend have all but finished making a similar bowl. Thank you Chris for all the tips and encouragement, and I shall be back!"

Bob Missin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a great day with Adrian, Andrew and Debbie in the Forge and actually successfully making something. From someone whose last foray in metalwork was 3 months trying unsuccessfully to file a 2" piece of metal square that is a great accolade. Not only was the tuition great but the food was wonderful as well. Thanks to everyone. Already have a few people interested in coming along to another day."

Lisa reviewed: Leather Lined/Embellished Belt or Dog Collar Workshop

"This was a fantastic day. I came away with a lovely leather belt made from scratch and even learn't how to stitch leather with two needles. Karen Ellis knows her craft and I learned so much in just one day. I recommend this course for anyone thinking of starting to work with leather or just for the experience of trying a new craft. Great day, lovely cakes and a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere."

Sarah Lamba reviewed: Introduction to Candlemaking

"I really enjoyed this class which was well run, giving lots of advice and encouragement. My son has already bagged two of my candles!"

Laura Vogt reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I booked a candle making course for my sisters hen. From the beginning, Charlie was super informative, helpful and friendly. She helped me plan the course and made sure I had enough information to give to the 'hens' that were coming along. The studio is light and airy. The selection of teacups we got to choose from was vast! Charlie helped guide us through the process and was calm and patient. We even had some homemade cake and a lovely cup of tea/coffee whilst yhe candles were setting. Our end products were fantastic!! I highly recommend doing this course."

Alison Butterworth reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"A really great day. I learnt loads and went home with a beautiful leather bag! Highly recommended for both beginners and people with some leather work experience."

Mandy Young reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"This has to be one of the best short courses I've had the pleasure of attending set in a beautiful old mill, a wonderful creative space. Due to the small group it was in effect, one to one tuition. Both Jason and Louise are knowledgeable and passionate about their craft. It was a treat to be taught by such positive, patient people who are genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their skills. Thank you so much for a great two days, I'll definitely return."

Barbara reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A very pleasant day; informative teaching and I now have a super bangle to wear. Brilliant cake also! Barbara."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Barbara Very good letter stamping! Jonathan"

Lesley reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I highly recommend a day on the Silver Jewellery Boat. We had a wonderful day and were delighted with the results. Good cake too! Lesley"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lesley I'm hoping the bangle gift worked out well Jonathan"

Lois reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"What a lovely day the four of us had. We all made some lovely wearable jewellery; 3 bangles and one pendant....all very different. Jonathan was a very patient tutor and his wife's cake was delicious. Thank you both. Lois"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Lois A lovely review from a lovely day Jonathan"

Tess Haynes reviewed: Monthly drink & draw evening class

"Drink & Draw is a rare combination of themed creativity in a like minded group coupled with the freedom to express the artist within whilst sipping a cool wine. The topic gives you focus for the evening and Julie provides direction and support, inspiration boards, project examples and all supplies. The stunning high vaulted studio is warm, welcoming and perfect if you just want to play with sharpie pens and glue or adopt a more professional approach with artist watercolours. Highly recommended but book early as places fill up quickly"

The White Room Art Studio responded:

"Thank you for your review Tess- Not surprised it mentioned Sharpie pens!?"

Peter Threadgold reviewed: Whittling course

"Having been given a gift voucher for this course, I found it both informative and excellent practice. Martin's instruction was clear and concise, covering safety, knife selection & sharpening and basic knife technique with a good choice of practice projects using these skills. a very good introduction to the craft of whittling"

Simon H reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a thoroughly brilliant day in the forge with Alex. I have learnt some wonderful new skills including fire welding, twisting and bending metal to my own designs. Alex is very patient and showed me each technique before letting me create my own effects on the metal. He also manage to photograph some of the action on my phone as proof that I was really making the fire poker that I took home to use that night. Great experience and I look forward to coming back again to expand and practice more blacksmithery."

sue humphreys reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"I have just spent 2 wonderful days creating a stargazing hare in willow. Emma was an excellent tutor. The studio was lovely to work in and the food was lovely home cooked and delicious. I would highly recommend this course and Zantium Studios."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou so much, Sue, for this lovely review. You were a very hardworking group. Hope your hare sculpture is enjoying his new home and is much admired."

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

"This is such a great idea! Fantastic assistance course for Art and Craft enthusiasts! Raya is a very knowledgeable, patient and helpful Tutor. She gives clear step by step instructions and her teaching to tailored to individual student's needs. Her traditional approach to teaching is an asset to the British Art Education System. I highly recommend this course to everyone who would like to study Art in-depth. Aleks"

Jayne Roberts reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"Had a great day yesterday with Matt Le Breton at his dedicated workshop near Silverton. This is my second visit to Matt's workshop for leaded glass and it didn't disappoint. Matt is an excellent teacher who advises and guides you to develop your own project. Just enough help which allows you to make progress If you are passionate about glass and want to know more, learn new techniques in a motivating environment then I highly recommend this course and this fantastic teacher!"

Victoria Morrow reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"Did a one day furniture painting course and it was fantastic. Far superior to anything else you'll find this course is incredibly informative and I learnt absolutely loads. Ollie is passionate and knowledgeable and made it a very enjoyable day. Although the cost may seem high it really is worth the price and you achieve a good finish. I would happily return for the french polishing course and recommend to all my friends."