Latest reviews

Diane Smart reviewed: Beginners spoon carving taster session

"I had a lovely day, the course was engrossing and the instruction excellent. Superb"

Louise Thomas reviewed: Create Wire and Metal Christmas Decorations at The Slipper Studio in Derbyshire

"Thank you Liz for an absolutely brilliant day. From the moment I arrived I felt very welcome and my apprehension quickly dissolved in the warmth of your welcome and light and airy studio. Your introductory pack was carefully and thoughtfully presented, your instructions clear and inspiring. You made everything seem possible even for a complete clumsy novice. I came with no preconceptions only the desire to learn how to be creative, never having had any previous training but a great longing to be more creative and practical. The day was very enjoyable, great fun and most of all inspiring , I have already planned to make some more birds and metal decorations for Christmas gifts. My confidence and imagination have been ignited. I am looking forward to attending more workshops with you next year."

Liz Wellby - Artist, Teacher & Maker responded:

"I am really moved by your thoughts and comments. Thank you. So pleased that you got so much from the workshop and looking forward to working with you again. I hope your friends and family appreciate the gifts you are making for them."

Heather Bridson reviewed: Full day mosaic workshop for beginners - Meriden, West Midlands

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day learning how to design and make a mosaic with Anne. It was a day full of concentration, yet very relaxing and informal. The setting, the delicious 3-course lunch and friendly company all contributed to making the day incredibly enjoyable. I learnt a lot from Anne and was very pleased with my finished mosaic. I would definitely recommend this workshop. Thanks again Anne."

Nina Hollington reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"As a photographer, I wanted to learn more about embedding my images in wax and exploring ways to create texture. Lyn planned her day course with me meticulously - she was in touch prior to find out exactly what I wanted to learn and made some very helpful suggestions to maximise our time together. On arrival, she had prepared various birch panels for our experimentations and also printed my images on to a variety of papers so I could see what difference that would make in the final piece. We managed to complete four pieces, but it never felt rushed or overwhelming. In fact, Lyn made sure I had all the information as printouts and she spoilt with lunchtime nibbles, which was a lovely bonus! I look forward to future courses with Lyn - she’s a wonderful teacher with a warm, generous personality. Highly recommended."

Sarah L reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"This one day course was just what I was looking for. Not quite a beginner but wanting to perfect and revisit each stage of the throwing process. Charlie’s knowledge and instruction as exceptional. I was impressed by his ability to tailor to all levels. I will be recommending this course to others and look forward to other day courses offered by Charlie."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Hello Sarah Many thanks for your review. That is very kind of you. Kind regards Charlie"

Norman Kelsall reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"What a GREAT DAY, proper hands on from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and day, the time flew by. I have never done any metalworking before but with excellent friendly tuition and guidance from Jake managed to make some pretty nice pieces ( If I do say so myself ). I was amazed at what stunning pieces of art, by Jake, can be achieved in metal. He is a very talented and a natural teacher. Thank you for a very memorable day and WILL recommend Jake and and his course to anyone who wants a terrific first taste of the blacksmiths art. A**** All the best for the future."

Steve Mayhew reviewed: Painting and Drawing one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"I went on this course having selected from the vast range of courses listed. As a relative novice, I found Penny's teaching style to be just what was required. I learnt new techniques and methods and went away feeling fulfilled and enthusiastic to develop my learned skills. Thanks Penny for a great day."

Penelope Designs responded:

"Hi Steve Thank you for your review and I'm so glad you enjoyed the day. Maybe see you at a further course in the future. Best wishes, Penny"

Michelle Norris reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"Tom was an excellent teacher, with the ability to share his knowledge and enthusiasm in a fun and informative way. We had a great day, learning the basics of blacksmithing, leaving with objects we’d actually made ourselves. Brilliant!"

Elaine Mcnicholas reviewed: Beginners candle making private workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"I attended this course in October and loved it. Very well organised and informative but all done in a relaxed way. I made some lovely candles and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've come away with lots of good information and handy tips and a good memory of three hours well spent. Thanks Sarah"

Tom reviewed: Axe or bladesmithing weekend workshop – 2 days making your choice of a seax, bushcraft, bowie or chef knife

"Thoroughly enjoyable weekend just had bashing shaping and grinding metal. Matt and Ali were very welcoming into their home, thank you so much! Matt was a very enthusiastic and patient teacher and a fellow Skyrim fan! Ali provided some much needed and freshly baked bread and cake after some hard graft. Can't recommend it enough, loved it!"

Sue reviewed: Botanical lino-printing workshop - Cheryl Manderston

"What a enjoyable Saturday spent in the lovely surroundings at Pure Artwork Studio. Lino printing now is nothing like it used to be in school years ago!.. Cheryl was a great teacher in cutting and design! The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly... nice lunch too! Recommend this workshop, tutor and location. Will defo go again!"

Amanda reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"Jennifer is an excellent teacher. She is super organised and she keeps things moving at the right pace. Even though it can be a little overwhelming at first seeing the loom set up, things become clear just as they need to, so it makes it very suitable for absolute beginners. Before I knew it I was off to the races weaving up a storm. It's such a thrill to see the sample growing and to have such a lovely piece of fabric to take home. I am seriously hooked now. I've just booked in for the intermediate course with Rebecca next year."

A Cheveralls reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"Thoroughly recommend this beginner's day. Well explained and thought out sessions so you got a real overview from preparation of clay to final pot throwing. Great teaching with attention to detail and support for all abilities."

Charlie's Pots responded:

"Thank you Alison It was lovely to meet you today and look forward to seeing you again soon. Charlie"

Judith reviewed: Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination

"Adam humbly reveals the universal codes of creation through his systematic navigation through the pathways of the Celtic Mind ... Celtic Pattern, Geometry and Imagination course participant (Nov. 2018)"

Pete Grugeon reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"My wife and I learnt to do blacksmithing with Tom and made a billhook. It was a brilliant experience and I can't recommend it highly enough. We might come back and make some more tools. We love the billhook!"

William Roach reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Had a great time and learnt so much about the trade, would recommend spike to anyone who is looking for a great day blacksmithing."

Alison Day reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Have attended a few of these workshops now and really enjoyed every one of them. Jean and Janice are both great, always on hand to offer help, guidance and support. Days always fly by and great that still getting to learn new techniques. Lunch is always lovely. Looking forward to our next session."

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you Alison. It’s always a pleasure to see you and your variety of friends on the workshops. I hope you feel your work has improved over the period you’ve been attending the workshops - we certainly do! We look forward to seeing you next year with yet more techniques to learn."

Herbie Shine reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I recently did Nicky's full day fused glass course. I've never done glass fusing before but thought it looked interesting. Nicky is a friendly helpful tutor. She gave us a quick talk through the process the let us loss. I did 6 items over the day all simple abstract designs. Nicky was good at advising what to do but let us get on without being interfering. It was a small group, 4 to start with, 2of the group were only doing a half day. This was a really enjoyable introduction to glass fusing and it would be good to do more. It took just under 2 weeks for the fired glass to be collectables. I'm very happy with the course, with how Nicky taught us and with my piece's."

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

"I went up to Stoke for a 2day mould making course with Ed. I enjoyed it a lot and Ed is very thorough and a great teacher. Would recommend!"

Helen reviewed: Contemporary Furniture Refinishing & Upcycling with Woodcare - 1 Day Beginners

"I spent two enjoyable days attending a furniture painting course with Ollie and found it very professional and informative. He was very patient and has given me the confidence to continue with upcyling my existing furniture. This course is very good value for money."

Ruth Monk reviewed: Fascinator making millinery workshop Burton-on-Trent

"I had a fabulous day on 20th October. No previous experience is needed, the day was well paced with excellent tuition demonstrating the various techniques needed to create our own fascinators. highly recommended and have now booked on the intermediate course to learn even more skills. thank you Rachel"

Kim Davies reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"A fantastic morning felt making with Barbara. A fabulously patient and knowledgable tutor. Im definately going to come back and learn more!"

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Kim, I look forward to you attending another day and seeing what you create next :-)"

Emma Basudev reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"This was a wonderful course, provided by Jamal, who was at every step, positive, encouraging and passionate about the medium and your capabilities. His experience is exceptional and his work and studio inspirational. Completing the 4 day course with Jamal and Christine was an absolute pleasure. I feel as though I have learned so much from the course and confident to try and make other pieces in the future. I would definitely recommend this course and enjoyed the soothing and relaxed atmosphere that was created. Thank you Jamal and Christine for a fantastic few days."

Nigel Hoy reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Firstly, thank you so much for your time yesterday - I really enjoyed it so much!!! Also, thanks so much to Susan for all the lovely food and tea, which was very welcome. Furthermore and as you requested, I have produced the following review of my experience, which I would be happy for you to use in any way you think fit and hope it's OK for your requirements? “Yesterday, I visited George Foweraker for a one-day woodturning experience. On arrival, I was immediately offered tea and biscuits and made to feel very welcome. Once inside his workshop, George set about explaining (with diagrams) the various properties of wood. This was very interesting and helped me to understand why cutting procedures had to be made in certain ways in order to ensure a good quality finish. George then set me to work on the lathe with a piece of oak, which was hard to work. However, with a lot of guidance and patience, George helped me make the first tentative cuts. Gradually, my bowl began to take shape and all too soon, it was time for lunch. Susan, George’s wife, produced a wonderful lunch of hot home-made soup, delicious ham roll and more tea. Time, after lunch, was spent refining the shape of the bowl, sanding it, adding texture and colour and then finally giving it a coat of protective lacquer. At the end of the day, I realised I had produced a very decent product and something that I was actually quite proud of – thank you George! Overall, I had a brilliant day and considered the whole experience excellent value for money. Furthermore, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this training to anyone with an interest in woodturning or to anyone else wishing to pursue this creative hobby further”."

MARILYN HOLE reviewed: Silver Jewellery Workshop

"As a complete beginner to using the tools etc I found the class really interesting, I'd definitely do another. I would have loved to have seen more of Jenny's work, maybe an introduction right at the beginning with a coffee and examples of her work to see what we can aspire to! Thanks, Marilyn"