Latest reviews

Di Parker reviewed: Introduction to mosaics / further adventures in mosaic workshop

"Had a great day, so relaxing. Learnt a lot about mosaics and Kate was a great teacher. Would highly recommend the day if your interested in making mosaics."

Gillian Freeman reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I attended this workshop in October as my children had bought me a voucher as a surprise birthday present. I had no idea what to expect but had a really great experience. Eleanor is a very patient, kind and enthusiastic teacher who took care to ensure that everyone was supported and encouraged. I certainly did not expect to make 7 different pieces in one day! I loved the experience and would recommend it to anyone."

Jen Leighton reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Absolutely fantastic handson course. Aaron is an excellent and patient teacher who is also very generous with his time and knowledge. Nothing is too difficult for him and he is happy to encourage your individual creativity. My husband and I and my 2 sons did the 2 day workshop as a birthday present to ourselves and we all cane away very inspired and happy with what we had created with Aaron’s help. We made some amazing candelabra, a full length coat stand and very cute seahorse hooks and other types of hooks and even some knives. It was a wonderful experience . Thank you so much Aaron. We loved our time with you."

Stella Blay reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"This was a great session! Ian's enthusiasm for his craft shone through and his patient and gentle teaching provided great encouragement. He made sure that I achieved a fantastic result that I could be (and am!) proud of! It was fabulous to work with traditional tools, well loved and maintained; to be shown how to use them properly and then see the results. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone wanting to liberate their inner crafts(wo)man! You will be amazed at how well you do, and you will take home a completed piece of furniture that will last a lifetime. Thank you Ian for a great time!"

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Spent a fantastic day learning about marking out, sawing, chiselling and making a lap joint. The day flew by with the help of Bill’s expert guidance and patience! Ended up with a neat six piece wooden puzzle. The day was well planned out and everything was explained clearly. Even had a go on the bandsaw and disc sander for the first time! I would definitely recommend a course with Bill. Will be back soon!"

Natalie Lane reviewed: Everlasting pumpkins- 1 day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"Lovely venue surrounded by nature. Hosts could not have been more helpful. Tea and biscuits provided all day! Joe and Bob were very adept at sculpture and took us through the day skilfully. Help and advice was given throughout the day as needed, but we very much got to create our own sculpture. The Pal Tiya is an amazing material, extremely malleable and easy to apply. Looking forward very much to the next course! Hares please! Highly recommended!"

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Multi-coloured screen-printing the photo emulsion way

"I had done Screen printing a very long time ago and this was a perfect day for getting back to something I really enjoyed. As an artist I work in paints in a realistic way. Jody really helped to get me to open up and explore the fun/child artist in me. I loved what I created and the day flew by too fast. The atmosphere was relaxed and Lynn supplies a superb lunch. Would recommend for anyone who want a bit of time out to explore something new."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Suzanne. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. We do get quite a few people who are coming back to screen-printing after a long time - though not all are working artists like you! We're so glad you were pleased with what you created, and to hear the day flew past. That's what we hope for! Best wishes, Lynn x"

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Make a bespoke Macramé bag

"I really enjoyed my evening with Nichole learning Macrame and was delighted with my finished wall hanging. Nichole was so patient with all of us as we repeatedly asked how to do a certain knot again! Loved the ambient environment with relaxing music and meeting new people. Would definitely recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Suzanne. Thanks for your lovely review. Nichole is a great teacher and very patient with all of us as we try to master the basic knots. Your plant holder looked amazing, and features in some of our online photos and video! (Thanks for giving us permission to use them.) Hope it's got pride of place in your home - send us a photo of it hanging up if you've time. Best wishes, Lynn x"

Kyle Ware reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I was lucky enough to receive this course as a gift from my wife, I had a GREAT day... For anyone wanting to learn about Blacksmithing I thoroughly recommend Mort, the day started with him showing us the different skills that can be used and we were then asked what we would like to make, one we drew up a couple of sketches we spent the day heating and shaping the metal into the two knives I'd set out to make, thoroughly enjoyed! If you're reading, Thanks Mort! ** tips for anyone going along - take some lunch... its hard work! and Do some research on some item you might want to make, a door knocker, a candelabra, a wine stand... anything! If you can make it in the 6 ish hours you have then no doubt Mort will help.**"

jane pickles reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"An excellent day out for 4 good friends looking for something new exciting and different, with very little or no experience or expectations beforehand. We each have very different artistic viewpoints and this was reflected in the variety of work we produced - all very different an interesting. Amanda was an excellent tutor who took us carefully through each of 2 processes we learnt and gave us plenty of ideas and inspiration into what to attempt. She showed many examples of what was possible and of past student's work. (perhaps a little too much choice here - it is possibly best to go with a few ideas). Good attention to health and safety, and very tasty homemade refreshments and lunch. Looking forward to an intermediate course please Amanda"

johanna Mcneil reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"I attended this course a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it . What a treat to try something new and create a beautiful bespoke pice of art. very relaxing and Diane was so helpful and taught us all the skills we need to go and have a go with confidence after the workshop."

Denise Brown reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Recently completed the residential course and had a fantastic time. From the wonderful welcome on arrival, I knew it was going to be good! The accommodation was cosy and warm, and the food was amazing (the warm pancakes were my downfall). Jane is an absolute master at her craft and she led us through the stages with humour and amazing patience. The group were great fun and we really got into the spirit of it - all producing beautiful baskets by the end. We also got the opportunity to have a go in a coracle on tranquil Loch Clunie, which I would highly recommend...unforgettable! All in all, a super well-organised course run by an enthusiastic expert. I’m already pencilled in for Jane’s coracle making one!"

Zora reviewed: Printing on clay

"Zoe is an excellent tutor and she always love to share creative techniques and ideas with everyone. I really enjoy the courses with Zoe very much, she inspired me a lot in craft area!"

Zoe Lloyd responded:

"Thank-you for your review Zora and I really hope to see you again soon!"

Timothy Vale reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Attended one of Les wood turning courses this week and It was one of the best and most enjoyable things I have done. I came away with a desire to continue it as a hobby and a oak burr bowl that surpassed my expectations. Les is a great teacher he understands, and can simply explain any aspect of the process. and the one to one tuition was great. Highly recommended, Thank you Les."

AMITA reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Tejal really knows her stuff, and is very good at explaining the steps in creating a stained glass piece. It's great to learn from a real expert, who also has high standards and wants you to really learn. A lovely person to spend the time with, generou with her time and resources. Thanks Tejal :)"

GlassSeasons responded:

"thank you:)"

Preeti dahiya reviewed: Pot throwing on the wheel for a Half Day

"I thoroughly enjoyed my throwing session with Richard. His instructions were very clear and as an expert thrower he could correct my technique on the spot. Highly recommended"

Becky Mear reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"My mum and I had a lovely morning learning about silver clay and were thrilled with the pieces we made. Claire was very welcoming and we found the class relaxing, informative and really good fun. Something a bit different that I’d booked as a Birthday treat for my mum but definitely something we’ll carry on now we’ve got the basics! Thank you Claire ?"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"I had a great morning too! I loved the way the two leaves were combined as a pendant! Nice to meet you both"

Jess Fox reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"Angie's 2 day course was absolutely wonderful. From the moment I stepped through the doors I felt extremely welcome and at home. I brought two very similar chairs with me and we managed to do both, one with modern and one with traditional techniques. The class size is perfect, you are never left waiting long for some advice or next step and she encourages you to come and watch your fellow upholsterers whilst she helps them so you are constantly learning. Angie is an excellent tutor, with a fantastic workshop (includes a little stove for warmth!) in an amazing location. She also keeps you well fed with brilliant home made cakes! Thank you Angie!"

Helly W reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Rebecca's approach for a beginners workshop was perfect & absolutely what I had hoped for. She provided just enough detail regarding the how of weaving to bring me to the loom understanding, in a very satisfying way, the basics to give it a go. I genuinely felt Rebecca wanted to share both her knowledge and her love of weaving with me. What could be better in a teacher. Loved it. Want to do more. Without hesitation recommend Dobby & Rose beginners workshop and thank Rebecca for such a lovely experience."

Carol Cotter reviewed: Free-Machine Embroidery 2 Day Workshops with Joanne Frankel Contemporary Textile Artist

"A brilliant two days. Well worth the journey down from Anglesey. Studio was well equipped and lovely and warm. From the initial design through to the completion of various samples there was plenty of guidance and clear instructions given throughout, whilst allowing for your own ideas and interpretation."

Jade reviewed: Beaded jewellery workshop - suitable for all abilities - Worcestershire with Teresa Kent

"I have attempted to make some amateur jewellery for myself in the past, and this course really helped me to improve my knowledge and skills! There is a lovely atmosphere in the Lappelli Studio due to the wonderful teacher, Teresa, who was very friendly and patient as I clumsily scattered beads all over the table!! Thank you Teresa!"

Jade reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Fantastic taster session yesterday with Teresa: I decided to have a go as I knew nothing about enamelling previously, now I think I'm hooked! Teresa was very knowledgeable, friendly, and patient, which made the experience even better. I now have a unique dragonfly pendant to show off! Can't recommend this session and Teresa enough :)"

Lucy and Pete McCormick reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"We both loved this course. It was delivered in stunning surroundings and with great knowledge and a really friendly atmosphere. It is done in easy steps with demonstrations and help all the way so that you really get to understand the tasks and learn how to use the tools correctly. Do it, you won't regret it!!"

Andrew Hilton reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I had an enjoyable and instructive day with Bob. He takes you through the fundamentals, with a concentration on getting the basic techniques right, which is an essential foundation for everything that follows. Then in the afternoon we made a couple of pairs of Blacksmith's tongs to take home. Everything is explained well, with a demonstration followed by putting it into practice yourself. I really recommend this day, either to try Blacksmithing out, or to enhance your techniques. There are plentiful cups of tea and Bob is a really nice bloke. What more could you want !"