Latest reviews

Linda Robinson reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"Fantastic courses for beginners and advanced in a relaxed atmosphere. Linda who runs the course has a great personality, is very patient and extremely talented. Highly recommended"

Katie Halstead reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"Thoroughly enjoyed my moon gazing hare workshop! Linda was brilliant; kind, approachable and funny too! The day was paced perfectly; just slowly enough that you don't feel you're rushing, but just quickly enough that you don't have time to fiddle about with your creation and mess it up! She gave great instruction and was always keeping an eye out to help anyone that was struggling. Our class was a real mixed bag of skill level, from us (complete beginners!) to a guy that has his own pottery studio (!) and yet we were all really happy with the hares that we created! She gives enough instruction that they all look like hares, but gives you enough freedom to play so that all the hares develop their own little personalities as you make them. Linda was very patient with us and I can't wait to get my little hare home! I would definitely recommend Linda's courses! Such a great day!"

Alex Williams reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Another fabulous day at Tigley Textiles. Such a warm relaxed atmosphere and no pressure to do perfect stitches. A wonderful, finished, framed piece to take away. Definitely recommended."

Gail Thomas reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What a wonderful day, with wonderful people and learning new stitches was so easy. A really enjoyable and interesting day with lots of fun and a great piece of art at the end of it all. Definitely recommend it, thank you!"

Kath Davies reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"yet another fantastic day at Tigley Textiles. Julie is so knowledgeable and helpful and great company and is always pleased with what I achieve!. Thank you."

yvonne bruton reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Another great day! Julie is great at helping and suggesting ideas, but always encouraging and praising everyone's work. Enjoyable day, thank you!"

Jacqueline Farguson reviewed: Paul Siggins mosaic masterclass Leigh-on-Sea

"This is a fabulous course and I must be turning into a 'Masterclass Junkie' as I have now completed my third one! So, if you want to learn a new skill, with fantastically talented and enthusiastic tutors, in a creative and supportive environment, then beat a path to share some time with Paul and Emma at The Mosaic Studio in Leigh-on-Sea. You'll be very glad you did."

Tony P reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A superb day at the forge with Mort. I had hoped to make a simple axe, interestingly, John, the other chap who had a day's tuition came with the same idea. Mort was as keen as us and explained various types of axe head construction before we set to work. Being a historian, Mort was keen that we used authentic design and construction techniques. Mort has a phenomenal historical knowledge so when you're not learning about metal you're learning history! He also has an excellent teaching style, recognising that students may be working metal for the first time, so any criticism is constructive and techniques are worked through step by step. My axe was far more impressive than I had hoped for and I will certainly be back. Thanks Mort."

Helen Smurthwaite reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"An excellent day. Lynne leads you through the processes in a clear and friendly manner, with lots of inspirational suggestions as you go to make two very individual and personal books. Sharing ideas, laughs and delicious cake made it a great day. Highly recommended."

Mark Hardy reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What a fantastic day and what a fantastic teacher. Like many of the reviewers I was given a one-on-one day with Mark as a present. I am a reasonably seasoned 'flat' wood worker but knew nothing about the 'round' wood disciplines and techniques. Mark changed all that! In a (long!) day he was able to distil and impart over 30 years of knowledge and experience that the rest of us can only admire and dream of. This is a master craftsman, talented artist and exceptional teacher at the top of his game. My day spent with Mark was a fascinating, empowering, exciting and joyful voyage of discovery. Mark's enthusiasm for his art and his craft and his ability to both express and funnel this into his teaching is both infectious and inspiring. Thank you Mark for a wonderful experience that has decided me to further explore the 'round' wood skills that I know will enable me also to be a better 'flat' wood worker."

Audrey Clarke reviewed: Spoon carving at Walderchain Wood, Canterbury

"I had a great day on Saturday in the woods carving my spoon, with some lovely company and great tuition from Mark. Lunch was good too! Wonderful opportunity to do something different in a lovely location. I would also recommend it as my fellow spooner has! I would love to have another go."

Walderchain Wood responded:

"Thank you for your review. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and are up for more! All the best Mark"

Liz Williams reviewed: Natural Dyeing & Eco-printing, Highlands, Scotland

"Interesting course, well taught by Rosie. Good food as well."

Anna Kruczynska reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"I booked a one-day course with Andy as a birthday gift for my 14yr old son, and was encouraged to give it a go myself since I was going to be hanging around anyway. I’m so glad I did as it turned out to be an amazing experience for both of us. My son had kept showing me Woodturning demonstrations on YouTube which made me think he needs to experience the real deal. Andy IS the real deal! A real wealth of information and skills. His tutoring style is relaxed and friendly, providing the right mix of demonstration, gentle encouragement and letting you go for it. His workshop is an Aladdin’s cave of tools and equipment all neatly displayed. I could see my son was totally awestruck! The whole day was five-star, topped off with a delicious cottage pie courtesy of Martine, on the decking overlooking a truly beautiful coy carp pond shrouded by various species of bamboo, and surrounded by bonsai trees. My son is now about to embark on the Duke of Edinburgh Award and he wants Woodturning to be his skill section. Need I say more!"

Simon reviewed: Spoon Carving in the Woods (an introduction)

"What a great day, located in peaceful woodland I spent an immensely enjoyable day learning to carve a spoon. Phil really knows his trade and is also an amazing teacher, patient and good to chat with. We started the day with a Lime log and ended up with two spoons.....just brilliant. On top of that there was real coffee on the open fire, snacks during the day and a sausage sizzle lunch......honestly the best course I have attended and great value."

Margaret reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I attended Richard’s tote bag workshop along with my husband. I cannot praise it highly enough. Richard is a great teacher, very patient and very generous with his knowledge, he even gave me advice on how to restore a damaged leather bag that has sentimental value for a friend. We both enjoyed the day tremendously! If you are thinking of booking a course with Richard, don’t hesitate, you’ll have a great day and come away with a lovely piece of leather work. When I took our tote bags to work they caused quite a stir and a sizeable amount of envy with several people asking if I would sell them! I can’t wait to go back and make something else and, in the hours we were with him, he has given me the confidence, advice and encouragement to attempt the restoration for my friend."

Rachel Warrillow reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"I had a lovely time on this workshop last Saturday. Annette is so welcoming and has a wonderful space in her studio with inspiration at every turn! She is so knowledgeable and passionate about her medium. The time flew by and I was really pleased with my finished piece."

Marie Donohue reviewed: Artisan Printmaking Weekend Course

"Very young helpful, relaxed but at the same time encouraging of extending the individual . I would recommend this course strongly"

Lucie Winton Stubbs reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Absolutely brilliant day and I am 1,000% hooked!! Wendy is a great teacher, with a huge amount of knowledge about glass and it's flexibility, flow and limits, but encourages you to push your boundaries as an Artist, which is amazing and hard to find on some courses. She allows you time/freedom to experiment but is always there to help and assist when needed. I highly recommend this course!! Fantastic studio setting also ... love working to the sound of chickens ... makes me feel at home. Lucie x"

Karen Dearn reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"Rachel is a lovely warm person who is gifted and passionate about this craft. It was a wonderful day with 3 other lovely people but we gelled beautifully! A "must" for anyone going to a special event who wants to make something truly beautiful and unique. Thanks Rachel, Suszanne, Mary and Christine, a pleasure to meet you all... Venue perfect. :)"

Alison reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Great day with a fab bunch of ladies and tutor. We learnt a lot, luge day lot and came out with a unique hand made animal ? Trumpet Corner, was fabulous in terms of Location offering loads of parking, great staff and fabulous local and handmade food, what could be better!"

Jan Goode reviewed: Mosaic day workshop on Orkney

"I had a great day and was really pleased with the mosaic I produced."

Jane Stock reviewed: Artisan Printmaking Weekend Course

"The workshop was well organised and a great success. There were 3 people taking part which meant that we benefited from a high level of guidance and input from Nicola which enabled us to make good progress and complete many prints to be proud of. There are ideas and techniques which I will be able to take forward and make use of with textile work and further printing at home. The lunch provided by Nicola was excellent and there was a good supply of chocolate brownies throughout the day!"

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

"I spent a really informative day with Ed, the course was really thorough and I came away with a fantastic moulding of my model - ready for slip casting in a couple of weeks. Thanks again Ed and I look forward to the next course!"

Bridget Kimber reviewed: Handmade cards in Hampshire

"I have been to June Adams workshops three times and I am totally hooked. You come away with all these amazing magical cards that you can't believe you have made. June is so patient and I have so enjoyed her workshops including one for my birthday which was such a surprise. I only wish June lived nearer that I could attend more of her workshops. Yes I would thoroughly recommend one of June's workshops as a Birthday/Christmas etc present."

Cardinal Cards responded:

"Thank you so much Bridget. A chance meeting in Hobbycraft brought us together and I'm so happy you have enjoyed the workshops x"

Fiona Maclean reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Had an excellent time at Margaret’s workshop - this time working on a 3-D object coated with Delft pottery pieces. Margaret is patient, imaginative and a terrific 3-D artist. She has tremendous skill and imagination and is a kind, caring and totally wonderful teacher. She helps you when you are struggling and praises every little step on the way to creating a personal piece of work. Thank you Margaret for all your kind words, terrific teaching, lovely environment and company. Thoroughly enjoyed my course these past two days."