Latest reviews

Heather Coulson reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"What can I say? I had absolutely brilliant time on this course. As a complete novice (but with an interest in woodwork) this course was perfect. Mark was clear in his instructions. Also explaining how we got to have the logs in front of us, and giving us a little lesson in the parts of a tree trunk, which I thought was a nice touch. I would definitely go on this course again, and I'm thinking of signing up for the spoon carving course Mark also holds. I think I may have fallen in love with green woodworking!"

Claire Marr reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"My brother Sam had an amazing time with you this weekend. My father was supposed to attend (xmas gift) but sadly he passed away very unexpectedly earlier this year. The furniture Sam produced will therefore always have special meaning for us as a family. Sam told us the course was a very special experience so thank you once again. Kind regards Claire Marr"

Glad Halton reviewed: Leather Bag Workshop - Two day Evancliffe Leathercraft Workshop

"I enjoyed the course immensely and was delighted with the bag I produced. It was an intense course for me, but in a very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of refreshments. Clive and Wendy were excellent teachers."

Jana Mosert reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"The course was great. Really fun and the bag I managed to make is amazing."

Michele Wright reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"My daughter and I have just completed a nano wool workshop with Lena. We are novices and we're a little anxious about our ability to produce a scarf that would be wearable. Within a short time we were reassured by Lena that we would and we did. We both have scarves that far exceed our expectations. They are fabulous and our family and friends can't believe we made them. It was hard work, however I am 71 and have a back problem and found it within my physical capabilities. Lena is a good teacher and makes each stage sound easy. Help was always available. In all we had a fab day. Thank you Lena. We are planning to make more scarves as gifts."

dee gemmell reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery (1 day) in the Peak District

"A fantastic 1 day silver clay workshop in a beautiful venue. I would thoroughly recommend this course, it was fun and informative and the hospitality, excellent lunch and scrumptious cakes in the afternoon were second to none. I will visit again."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou, Dee, for your kind words and this most positive review. So glad you enjoyed your day at Zantium Studios...including the cakes! I will pass on your happy feedback to Lori. Look forward to welcoming you back sometime."

Sandra reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"Lena explained and demonstrated each stage of the the process, whilst also proving many hints and tips to us students on felting and the use of silk. Whilst it was quite hard work, physically, the day absolutely flew by. It was lovely to come away with new skills and a gorgeous new scarf. I can't wait to try again at home! Thanks, Lena!"

Anne A reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I never thought I could paint but was invited to go along to this workshop by a friend - and loved it. The setting was very relaxed and and we were given a good introduction, so by the time it came to putting pencil - and paint - to paper I was ready to give it a go - and by the end of the workshop I had managed to paint a picture worthy of framing and hanging on my wall. In fact, everyone had produced their own masterpiece whatever their 'starting level'. This workshop really does give you confidence to paint, and it was a great way to spend an evening with friends. We had all got to know each other by the end of the evening. Huge thanks to my friend for the opportunity (which makes me think this would make great present for a someone else...). Highly recommended!"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Anne, thanks for the lovely feedback! We hope these social painting evenings will encourage people like yourself who don't think they can paint to come along and give it a go, and - like you - discover they CAN paint after all! Well done. Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Sherry Stone reviewed: Stained Glass in a Day

"Had a great day, to be honest much more than I expected, the day went far too quickly. Went away feeling confident to cut glass and solder, as well as making a very nice stained glass picture to take home and show off. Class sizes are just right and with Justine and Chris being excellent teachers the whole process was well explained but not overly. Plenty of breaks and coffee with biscuits, always good. Would love to go back and do the Mosaic course soon. Thank you for such a great day."

Cariad Glass responded:

"Thank you Sherry, so pleased you had a good day - loved teaching you and hope you'll be back in 2019! Cheers, Justine"

Anne A reviewed: Silver clay jewellery taster with Anna Campbell

"What a fabulous day this was. A group of us had got together to celebrate a (big) birthday and we each designed and made a necklace for ourselves and a special charm for the birthday girl (- before celebrating with a glass of fizz which was included for the occasion!), We all went away feeling inspired to do more - and I have been wearing my necklace ever since. The process was made remarkably easy as we were taken though it step by step. Although it is described as a taster workshop, we all produced amazing jewellery, and its definitely inspired me to go on and do more."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for your feedback Anne. A silver clay taster workshop is a fabulous way to celebrate a special birthday occasion, and we do always include a glass of fizz and cake too for private groups like this one. We enjoy running these so much, and you all made such amazing jewellery - as well as having a lot of fun! I'm glad it's inspired you to continue, and we look forward to welcoming you back to learn some new silver clay skills with Anna! Best wishes, Lynn :-)"

Anne A reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"This workshop is great fun and seemed remarkably easy (but don't tell everyone as I have been impressing friends with presents of my hand-made soap ever since!). This was partly due to the relaxed atmosphere and everyone was really friendly - we chatted over coffee and shared ideas so I never felt I was working on my own. It would also be great to do with a bunch of friends or for a special occasion. As well as fun on the day, it was lovely to have something to take home and use - hand made, designed and packaged by ME! I highly recommend you give it a go."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Anne. We're so glad you enjoyed your glycerine soap-making workshop. It is an easy process to learn, but of course it's all down to you to which shapes you make, and how you choose to gift wrap the soap - and that's what makes it unique! So be proud of your truly hand made soap! Glad your friends are getting to enjoy your lovely soap too, but hope you kept some for yourself :-) Hope to see you back again soon, Best wishes, Lynn"

Anne A reviewed: Multi-coloured screen-printing the photo emulsion way

"I had never tried anything like this before but was amazed by what I achieved. The atmosphere was very relaxed and there was a lovely introduction to the course, which boosted everyone's confidence. Although what we produced was all our own work, there was plenty instruction and help throughout, and I would highly recommend this course to anyone wanting to try something new and a little different."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review. I'm so glad you were proud of what you created, and that the simple drawing exercises at the start helped you. Quite a few people have commented on this: both the artists who run this workshop are recent Edinburgh College of Art graduates, which I think helps. Screen-printing is a great skill to learn, and once you know the basics you can print onto pretty much anything. Enjoy your tote bag and tea towel, and hope your framed print is up on your wall! Best wishes, Lynn"

Elly Watson reviewed: Two day (consecutive) stained glass starter course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"What a fascinating course! Thoroughly enjoyed the 2 full days, and learned so much! Wonderful hosts, plenty of tea and a lovely friendly atmosphere. Cant wait for the next one ☺"

Shirley Twissell reviewed: Stained Glass in a Day

"Amazing to go from knowing absolutely nothing about this craft to producing a fabulous keepsake within a day! We had a fun relaxing day with excellent tuition by friendly and patient tutors. The day is well worth the cost to receive the knowledge and skills necessary to create something of beauty. I would happily go again"

Cariad Glass responded:

"So thrilled you enjoyed it, we had a FAB day with you and hope you'll be back in 2019! Thank you so much for such a fabulous review - cheers! Justine xx"

Brenda Marrow reviewed: Fascinator making millinery workshop Burton-on-Trent

"Highly recommended - had a fantastic day - many techniques learned - had a laugh a long the way - Rachael an excellent tutor with lots of patients - some exceptional fascinators made on the day -"

Helen Nourse reviewed: Cold-process soap making

"A lovely day in a beautiful setting. Catherine is very clear in her teaching and happy to share her vast knowledge. Went home with two batches I made during the afternoon. Would thoroughly recommend."

Pauline Dean reviewed: Mini Felt Floral Wreath Kit

"This was the second course I have been to with Lindsey. Again we had a relaxed and very enjoyable time. Lindsey is a great host and teacher and with endless patience. We thought the whole day with food and drinks was excellent value for money."

Crafting with Lyndsey responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely feedback Pauline."

Olly reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"An outstanding day with Aaron at Ferric Fusion. Having done similar courses in other crafts elsewhere, I have got used to coming away with some utter tat that I daren't show even the most sympathetic friends. This one has been different, though. The things we made were excellent and I am so proud of what I've come away with. Aaron has a great teaching style - you can see his background in teaching and displaying the craft come through. His relaxed nature belies a real eye for detail. The course is an excellent, full day of blacksmithing. With a brilliant sense of humour, he will show you that nothing is unrecoverable in blacksmithing - even if you make a complete hash of the project, he'll tap it back in line! Every one who did the course (5 of us) came away exhausted and buzzing. I cannot recommend this course enough."

Ina Arnadottir reviewed: Pottery/Ceramics one day course at Hotwalls Studio

"What an excellent course! It exceeded all my expectations. Fay is an incredible artist and mentor. She is ever so patient and helpful and nothing is of too much trouble. I left today on a big high and I'm still smiling. Although I have an artistic background, I have never touched base on ceramics and/or pottery and in fact...I left art behind well over a year ago due to unfortunate circumstances. I only just recently got back into it and I can't praise Fay enough for putting my mind at ease and making me feel welcome. It goes without saying that Fay is very passionate about what she does and it shines through in her gentle manner and approach. You will leave this one day course with more pieces then you could ever imagine. I will definately be back for more! Thank you so much Fay xxx"

Arabella Fenwick reviewed: STAINED GLASS FOR HOME AND GARDEN

"I am a total stained glass convert! I thought stained glass was just for churches but how wrong was I! I had a great day on Anna's stained glass workshop and have asked my friends to come with me on the next available workshop. Top banana, Anna! (haha)"

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

"My mum and I took this course today, and brought home two coasters each which we were really pleased with! Fiona is very patient and helpful, going through the various types of tiles and how to cut them, loads of colour choices as well- would recommend this course!"

Miriam Wilkinson reviewed: Lucy Churchill's Stone Carving Workshops

"As a complete beginner to stone carving I felt this 3 day course was long enough to teach me the basic skills and give me time to try them out. It was intensive and quite pressured if you wanted to complete a piece, which I kind of did. Lucy was encouraging and helpful if you needed her but also would stand back and let you get on with it and create something that was all your own. Felt a great feeling of achievement by the end."

Amy reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cornwall

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day at the fused glass experience. Wendy managed to pack a huge amount into the day and the techniques taught and equipment provided meant I managed to create a wall hanging that far exceeded my initial expectations!!! I'd encourage everyone to give it a go, thank you very much!"

R Shakerley reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cornwall

"I had a lovely day, and with excellent tuition made great progress, far more than I expected of myself. It's a lovely, fun thing to do so will tell others to come along."

Fleur Porter reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"After thoroughly enjoying a day course with Chris in 2017, my partner bought me a return visit as a birthday present; I was over the moon! Chris was patient as ever, and building on the techniques from last time, taught me some additional ones and I came away extremely happy with the piece I made. I cannot recommend this course more highly; Chris is a great teacher, with a really good knowledge of his industry and a lovely guy. Sorry Chris - but I loved it so much, I will be back again!!"