Latest reviews

Julian Stacey reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I had a very interesting and productive day with Mort at Firebird Forge. Excellent day, I highly recommend this course! Thank you Mort."

Niki Bodell reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"I can 100% recommend Melanie's fused glass course held at Creative with Nature in Todmorden. As a novice on the subject, I found her tutoring easy to follow and relaxed. All materials are provided for the pieces you make and with lunch and refreshments thrown in, this is a very reasonably priced, fun day. The booking process was straight forward and Melanie is a good communicator throughout. Please go and do the workshop.. You will LOVE it!"

Beth reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I have to say that I was pretty amazed with how my painting turned out. I had previously done a wine & painting class where it was much more prescriptive and everyone paints the same picture. This class gives you the option to choose your painting and learn a bit more in the process. Also, I can confirm that it's great for all levels - I have very little artistic talent but still managed to make something worth framing."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Beth. Thanks for your lovely feedback about the art and wine evening! We're so glad you found it just right in terms of the mix between instruction, and leaving you to develop your own style of painting. We think Suzanne has got the balance just right so that the class works for those who have never picked up a paint brush before, as well as those who would like to develop their skills, or give acrylic paint a try for the first time. Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective again soon. Lynn x"

Michael reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Greg is a natural teacher, which means he imparts knowledge clearly and he does so with patience. I made a lot more progress in the two days than I had expected and I was very pleased with the two pieces - candle-stick and a bowl - that I produced. I would be delighted to return for one of the more advanced courses when I've built up some experience with the skills I have learnt. I would recommend the course to anyone starting out in woodturning."

Edd Rayner reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! Just about the best way you could possibly wish to spend a week doing anything. This is the second course that I have been on with Alan, Connor and Sid; their generosity of spirit, patience and understanding makes them master teachers as well as master craftsmen. There is something about their "way" that creates a great team atmosphere where everyone is "in it together" with a clear collective aim. Great location. Oh, too much Cider, cheese, beer and lovely food: Si richly deserves his enviable oak frame!"

Ann Pugh reviewed: Stained Glass in a Day

"The day went so quickly. From start to end it was so interesting. Informative, friendly and helpful. Chris and Justine have such a passion for Cariad glass that they embrace you into their magic bubble. What I achieved by the end of the day was truly amazing. I will definitely be returning to do another class."

Cariad Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Ann! You are quite right, we are incredibly passionate about what we do and I'm so glad that our enthusiasm has inspired you to come back for more courses - thank you so much, we will see you again soon! All the best, Justine"

Joe O'Hara reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"I have attended two courses by Gigha ( copper foil and Mosaics ) and I would highly recommend them. Gig is a great teacher and explains everything fully. She is always on hand to help and give inspiration. The workshop is great and the atmosphere is very relaxed. You can help yourself to tea and coffee ( nice biscuits supplied ) and Gigha also supplies lunch. At the end of the day you will come home with something you can be proud of. Five stars."

janemt reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I took a 3-day course with Nigel in Berkley. It was fantastic! He taught a thoughtful and systematic approach to leather projects from beginning to completion enabling me to level up my skills and results. I'm not sure how long (if ever) it would have taken me to get there on my own. The course was worth every penny."

Sharon reviewed: Circular sock knitting machine 'Sock School'

"I learnt so much about sock-making, ribbing, the heel, the toes, invisible seaming and also about the machine itself. Anne’s teaching expertise made all the difference to how much I could take in over a day. I dropped stitches and panicked slightly but Anne ensured me that these mistakes are a necessary part of the learning process. The machine worked so smoothly that it was obvious it was well-maintained and loved. The yarn we used was great quality too! Anne couldn’t have done any more to make it more enjoyable with a lovely healthy lunch including home-made biscuits and cake and thoughtful touches. We had breaks throughout the day for tea/coffee and biscuits or cake . It really felt like a much-needed treat! I returned home feeling so glad that I had taken the course. I love my gorgeous purple and green socks that remind me of heather. I have no hesitation in highly recommending Anne’s Sock School to anyone interested in learning how to use a circular sock machine!"

Steve Holbrook reviewed: Stained Glass Leaded Panel in New Romney, Kent

"I really enjoyed the relaxed feel to the course, from the off we were all made to feel very welcome and in more than capable hands. The studio was very bright and comfortable, with plenty of space and had everything we required for the course. This was all included in the cost. Yolanda, our tutor was very clear and concise about all aspects of what we could expect to achieve from the day. There was plenty of one to one tuition and help when required as well as lots of good advice. Lunch and afternoon tea were very impressive."

Tom Thomas reviewed: Pottery Tuition ~ Learn how to Throw on the Potter's Wheel, Slab-build and Coil in 1 Full Day's Attentive Teaching

"It was fun/Amazing I loved it ? Sonya is very helpful and fun"

Sonya Ceramic Art responded:

"Hi Tom, thank you for commenting on your time spent with me creating with clay! It's been a pleasure working with you and your Dragon in particular! Until next time..."

Eddy Lawton reviewed: Pottery Tuition ~ Learn how to Throw on the Potter's Wheel, Slab-build and Coil in 1 Full Day's Attentive Teaching

"My son has done a couple of projects with Sonya. The first time he went with an idea of a present he wanted to make for his Godmother. He looked up the picture of a frog lazing on a lily leaf. The project was split over several days. He started with using the clay to form and create his lily leaf and frog. Next he painted it then returned to glaze it. Sonya allowed Tom to lead the sessions and helped him create his own idea with guidance and support. This was an amazing and positive experience for him. We are now on his second creation of a Dragon. Sonya was able to provide a theraputic and nurturing environment which allowed my son to flourish. I can not recommend her highly enough"

Sonya Ceramic Art responded:

"Dear Eddy, thank you for your review! I was so pleased to help Tom with his Frog project. It's always a pleasure to meet children who have such a zest for creativity and ideas and Tom certainly knew exactly what he wanted to create, which helped the whole process along nicely. He's been a pleasure to work with and I look forward to completing the latest Dragon project too!"

Simon reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Booked onto the course as a present, cant recommend it enough, had a great time and learned so much about the process. well worth it!"

Paula Worrow reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"Toni is an excellent teacher and really welcoming, my friend and I did the beginners enamelling course and had lots of fun! We made 4 pieces each using the different techniques Toni taught us, and we are really pleased with the results! I will definitely be booking another course and would highly recommend to others :)"

Lalage Knight reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"I don't consider myself at all artistic, but enjoy art in many forms as an observer. I was browsing the Goddington House website for something else entirely, noticed this course and thought 'why not?'. By break time, I was feeling rather hopeless to say the least, but with Brenda's encouragement, excellent teaching and help, by the end of the day I felt that I'd achieved something that, if it survives the kiln, I wouldn't mind showing to friends and would be happy to display at home. I'd certainly do the course again. Thank you Brenda."

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Lalage, it was lovely to meet you and I am so pleased that you enjoyed our time together. Your finished piece is something to be proud of and I look forward very much to our next time . Kind Regards, Brenda"

Sandy Huskisson reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I had an amazing day and Caron is one of the friendliest funny people I have ever met. I have the bug now and can`t wait to start some projects. I would definitely recommend this lady.."

Mayfly Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Sandy was lovely meeting you to. See you in a week or so ?x"

Ivora reviewed: Learn to papercut at Wattle and Daub, Godalming in Surrey

"Attended this course at Godalming with a friend, neither of us had done any paper cutting before. Lovely way to spend a Sunday morning - learning a new skill, having a chat plus tea and cake. Great instruction and enthusiasm from Aimee . Would definitely recommend"

Howard Houlston reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I had done a small amount of carving prior to seeing Chris presenting at a show and was impressed by his obvious knowledge and skill, and so decided to sign up for a one-to-one course. I'm very glad I did - Chris' teaching style is very approachable and the steps he describes for fashioning the blank with an axe and then finishing with the knife are easy to follow and certainly helped me fix a few problems I had been experiencing previously. The homemade lunch and afternoon cake provided by his mother in a beautiful rural setting were also excellent. In summary it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I would definitely recommend to anyone else with an interest in getting into carving or taking their skills to the next level."

Harry Rowe reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"i was bought a day at the forge with Alex as a Christmas gift and it's probably been the best present i have received! Alex is a great teacher but also just a very nice chap. i made a large candelabra. from entering the forge alex is getting you familiar with what you will be doing and how to do it. after initial demonstrations for each stage of the build i was largely left to it so i could learn for myself with alex there to advise which was perfect for me. i had a brillaint day and would highly recommend it to anyone who has even a passing interest in blacksmithing. i can now say i have the bug and will be looking to do more very soon!"

Linshao reviewed: Custom Leather Working Course

"I took a 3 day basics course taught by Nigel in Berkeley, CA. Nigel is an amazing teacher! His teaching style is clear and efficient. He cares about your learning and is generous with his time and takes care to answer all your questions. I had a great experience in his class and walked away with many new skills and feel inspired to be more creative with my leather working. If you have a chance to learn from Nigel, do it!"

Julie reviewed: Art + Wine evenings

"I attended this workshop in July and had an excellent evening. Suzanne created a very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, and catered to all ability levels. Every single one of us was amazed at what we were able to create! This was such a fun alternative way to spend an evening out with a friend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Julie. Thanks for your lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed your paint and wine evening. The class is great for beginners...but also fun for those like you who have painted before! We loved your finished piece :-) Hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. Lynn x"

Martin Rae reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What an absolutely fantastic day I had with Chris. I received this day as a birthday gift and what a great gift it was. Chris was an absolute inspiration and a thoroughly excellent instructor, it’s hard not to feed off his enthusiasm. Time was spent explaining the do’s and don’ts along with the forge design etc. then it was down to work. Chris explains every step through example and makes sure you understand completely before handing over the tongs and hammer. I can not recommend this enough, a real must do. I will certainly be back."

Graham Pears reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had a really good day. Great value for money. I have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone with even just the slightest interest in woodwork. All the tools and materials were provided and the right balance of tutoring. Nice and relaxed and most importantly great fun. Alan and his good lady were perfect hosts and everyone on the course were well catered for."

Jim reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"What a fantastic day in a beautiful setting with such friendly, patient, passionate and knowledgeable teachers. I can't wait to it again!! Not because I was particularly proud of my spoon but because I had enjoyed the process and methods of making it so much. By lunchtime you become completely immersed in the craft and switch off from the outside world. Thank you Mark and Jill"

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for you review. Glad you enjoyed your day. Lots more classes next year if you do fancy a return trip."

Marion Marks reviewed: Bead making with Millefiori style Polymer Clay at West Country Creative in Lifton, Devon

"I did the one day millefiori bead making workshop with Jo. I was the only student and feel very privileged to have had such expert tuition all to myself for a day. I was a complete novice but left with some beautiful beads, jewellery and plenty of ideas and ambition for my next projects. Eager to sign up for the next course!"

West Country Creative Ltd responded:

"Thank you for your review Marion - I'm glad you left with lots of inspiration! I love teaching and hopefully, enthusing people 'to make' and I'm so lucky not to be governed by class sizes - when a class gets a booking, even if it is just the one, it runs!"