Latest reviews

Claire Ash reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I enjoyed a fantastic course with Jane.... excellent tuition with amazing patience. As an absolute beginner I was amazed at my results!! Would certainly do another course."

Tim Porter reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"A great way of being absorbed in the moment! And producing something at the end of it. Light touch tuition from Dave worked really well with timely nudges to keep me (and my creation) on track. Worked on a lump of Cotswold stone which transformed from a sleeping dog to a squashed squirrel? to finish as an abstract piece I've called "twins". Great hospitality throughout from Kaye with mid morning/afternoon coffee and cake stops in addition to two delicious mid day meals. A fab way to spend two creative days. Thanks."

Julia reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"Had an amazing day! I’m not very arty, very much a beginner. Found whole experience so therapeutic and relaxing. Just being mindful and clearing your mind felt good. Beats usual mad rushing about supermarket Saturday - highly recommend! Ruth amazing teacher - full of encouragement. Will definitely go again!"

The Arty Silkworm responded:

"Ahh So glad you loved it. The de-stressing thing happens when you are deep in creation... a bonus! Hope to see you soon. Best Wishes Ruth x"

Rob Bell reviewed: Stone carving 1 day introduction course in East Yorkshire at Micklethwaite Studios

"My wife booked me on this course as a surprise as I’d expressed a vague interest in carving. What a day!!! Tracey and Alan are really friendly and his relaxed teaching method is perfect. I carved a Yorkshire rose by following his very clear instructions. Friends and family can’t believe what I’ve done. If you fancy a go at stone carving, and there are lots of designs a beginner can try, then I would really recommend you get in touch with Tracey and Alan. Thank you so much for a great day."

Micklethwaite Studios responded:

"Hi Rob, Thank you for you great review! It is lovely to hear you really enjoyed your day with us, and I'm not surprised your friends and family are so impressed by what you have achieved - you did a fantastic job of carving your Yorkshire Rose. It was lovely to meet you, and we will hope to see you again in the future. Best wishes, Tracey"

Andy Hoccom reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"Booked a one day leading workshop and didn't leave disappointed. Great day and much fun had by all. Jamal is patient and very informative, taking you through all the processes of stained glass required for you to leave with a final product you'll be happy to hang in your home. Tea and coffee on tap too which is an added bonus. Great value for money."

John Hunt reviewed: Contemporary stool making weekend course

"An amazing weekend. Ambrose is a brilliant teacher, always ready to give advice, but equally comfortable to give you space to get your own feel for your project, all delivered with a humorous, laid back, relaxed, friendly approach. I have learnt a huge amount, and discovered I want to learn more. I will definitely consider more of Ambrose’s courses in the future. In addition to great tuition and friendly atmosphere, the course location is beautiful, and the delicious al fresco lunches and cakes cooked by Ambrose’s sister Emily are worth a journey in their own right. Best soup I’ve ever eaten!"

Lesley reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Maggie runs a fantastic workshop for beginners in mosaics. She is patient, supportive and motivational. Lovely garden showing lots of Maggie's work which has given me ideas for my next project. It was great to be able to bring home my own completed mosaic which I will display; thought I'd have so little skill the project would end up in the bin...but not at all, thanks to Maggie's great teaching style. Great cake and soup is an added bonus. I would definitely recommend Maggie's course to anyone who is keen to have some fun whilst having a go. My only suggestion relates to signage. I got thrown off course by a sign at the nearby farm which indicates that only authorised personnel can go beyond that point but in fact Pretty Rubbish Mosaics is just beyond that sign. It would be great to have a lovely mosaic sign showing that the studio is beyond that farm sign. Thank you Maggie"

Les & Lynn reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"We had a great time in Greece this year and met some lovely new friends. Both Vicky and Beth were very patient and great company so much so we have booked for next year. Thank you both."

Simon reviewed: Antique silver spoon ring making class in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter.

"Thank you! This workshop is absolutely brilliant. The tutors are knowledgeable and patient. I was encouraged to develop my ring as I wanted through a really organic process. I learnt an enormous amount during the 4 hours as the ratio of students to tutors is superb. I made a unique ring and pendant from a 1932 silver spoon."

Steward & Mclean responded:

"Very pleased you enjoyed your experience Simon. Thank you for your lovely review."

Emma Braid-Taylor reviewed: Garden mosaic workshop

"I have just completed a one-day mosaic workshop with Lynda and I have come away with renewed confidence and delight at having covered a large terracotta pot with beautiful mosaic. I was a complete beginner and Lynda guided me every step of the way with expert tips and clear experience. She shows you the wide variety of what is possible to make, using her own designs and creations for inspiration, as well as lots of illustrations of other people's work worldwide. She is very knowledgeable and inspires a can-do attitude but, even better, she imparts her knowledge in a very accessible and generous way. The day was great fun, very relaxed, but at the same time full of invaluable information, so that I came away with a sense of great achievement and wellbeing. I will be definitely booking another course with Lynda and cannot recommend her workshop highly enough."

Creating Mosaics responded:

"Emma thank you for such lovely comments. You were a joy to share the day with and to see you grow in confidence from that person who arrived with initial trepidation to someone who left with such joy and enthusiasm and belief in your abilities. You have a natural artistic ability - keep believing it - I do!!. xxx"

Ruth Williams reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had an excellent day learning to make a gold bangle. Excellent tuition from start to finish and I now have a much better understanding of what I should be doing. Lucy is extremely helpful and friendly. Her suggestions and support really helped me to complete my project and I now have the most amazing gift to give my mother. I highly recommend these days and Lucy is so helpful In helping you prepare for the day."

Vera Greensmyth reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I attended a weekend course at the beginning of the month with some friends. Really enjoyed it Maggie was very informative helpful and enthusiastic , providing ideas and lots off great materials ensureing we were all able to complete a piece to bring home. She also provided plenty of tea coffee and cake as well as some tasty soup for our lunch on the Saturday which we were able to enjoy in her amazing garden. Would certainly recommend it to others. Thanks Maggie."

Private reviewed: Lined Curtains - Soft Furnishings Workshop

"Great course.."

Michele Broom reviewed: Natural soap and skincare workshop

"I did the full day course and I'm so glad I did! there is so much crammed in to one day plus a delicious lunch . I learnt loads as Nicola was so organised and passionate about her subject that it was easy to take it all in . I would highly recommend this course and came home with lots of ideas for Christmas makes!"

Alison Scott reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"An excellent day starting with wood selection right through to a completed bowl. Each step was clearly explained and demonstrated. Advice and help were available whenever needed. Ade is a skilled, thorough, engaging instructor, perceptive of individual skills and progress throughout the day. The regular food and drink breaks were most welcome, homemade soup and cakes a lovely treat. Once my muscles have recovered I can't wait to try and make another!"

Muriel reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Just back from 2 days with Maggie. Really enjoyed the course, learned loads and completed a pretty good mosaic to boot. Wonderful teacher with loads of patience and full of ideas. Definitely recommend this course"

Muriel reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Just back from 2 days with Maggie. Really enjoyed the course, learned loads and completed a pretty good mosaic to boot. Wonderful teacher with loads of patience and full of ideas. Definitely recommend this course"

Julie Curran reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Attending Jane's recent hedgerow basketry course was a fantastic experience. As a complete beginner, I proudly finished a beautiful log basket at the end of the three days with the expert, patient, knowledgeable and entertaining guidance of Jane. We were made to feel very much at home by Clare and Olivia, who provided wonderful home baking and lunches. I can't praise the course highly enough and would wholeheartedly recommend it. I look forward to doing similar courses with Special Branch in the future."

Debbie O'Dell reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"Had a fantastic couple of hours candle making with Charlie for my nieces hen do. Charlie was very welcoming on a horrid rainy day. We were made to feel at home. Charlie explained every thing and we all made candles with our own blends of essential oils and colours. I would highly recommend and hope to do it again someday."

Karen reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"Thank you Ruth for a great day with a lovely group of people. Sampling colours and techniques in the morning led to the production of a silk scarf in the afternoon, and everyone was completely thrilled with the results, which were sometimes unexpected but always brilliant! Ruth was consistently supportive and helpful and I'd love to do it again one day."

The Arty Silkworm responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the day Karen. Your scarf wasreally beautiful. I look forward to seeing you again soon for some more Silk magic. Best wishes Ruth x"

Alison Plant reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark's enthusiasm and skill for the craft shone through all day. His meticulous attention to detail ensured that I gleaned as much information and experience as it was possible to pack into one day - albeit a long day. This is an intense day but well worth it. Thanks!!"

Sandra Marie reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course, which was perfect for a complete beginner like me to get a taste of ceramics making. There were only two of us attending the class, which was great to ask questions and have Josie’s full attention. Josie is lovely, supportive and very patient. I can’t wait to see my glazed masterpiece! ;-)"

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

"Ed Bentley is a master craftsman and it was a great pleasure to do block moulding with him. So much so I went back a few weeks later and we made a ceiling rose together. Happily it came home safely and shall gain pride of place in the hall."

James reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What a great day. So much information covered and with someone who has so much passion for wood turning. A wealth of experience gained over the years to be passed on but as hard as he tries it will not be done in a day !! Even though we were there late into the night and I got in trouble with the wife !! Well worth the money, made me feel comfortable and offers a lot of follow up support and advice. Thank you for the experience, I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Nikki dirnberger reviewed: Adult pottery classes (hand building) at Terra Mia UK

"I pre-warned Alba before our workshop that I was coming with my ADHD 13yr old . I was seeing the day as a bonding experience between me and her . I can honestly say it was the best Sunday for years . Alba was a captivating teacher she held our attention all the way through . Both of us loved her teaching style and have learnt so much . But best of all we finished the day with beautiful pieces that we created and a whole set of new skills . I’m so happy and will definitely come again both with my daughter and probably without . Who knew I might be a secret potter at heart !!!"