Latest reviews

Diane Hinchley reviewed: Free-machine Embroidery Workshop with Dawn Ireland

"Another fantastic workshop and day out learning new ideas and creating our own masterpieces...Dawn is there every step of the way including looking after us all serving coffee and homemade cake. Can't wait to re book onto another workshop. Thank you Dawn"

Sallie Field reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Les provided my husband and I with 4 hours of expert and friendly tuition. We were both able to come away with a beautiful bowl - far more professional looking than i ever thought possible. Les is a fabulous teacher and the one to one nature of the course really helped. We both thoroughly recomend this course and both are enthused to go back and spend more time learning this skill."

Kathryn reviewed: Bespoke Interlined Curtains

"I really enjoyed the roman blind course with Janet, she is really knowledgeable about everything to do with blind making and I really learnt a lot and got some great top tips too! I am excited to now put it all into practice and make my own blinds and banana bread too! Many thanks and will be sure to share my triangular blind when it is made :)"

Simon Rouse reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"From the moment we knocked on Mathew's front door we found a warm welcome and a great communicator. Mathew went out of his way to establish a friendly informal tone, quickly understanding our expectation of the day. As a couple we started the day with a litle trepidation; I hadnt touched a potters wheel for more than 30 years, and my wife had no previous experience at all. Mathew skillfully coached us both simultaneously, spotting our mistakes and showing us how to correct them as we went. Our confidence grew rapidly as our pots took shape in front of us. We achieved far more than we expected, with 6 pots each now waiting to be fired and glazed (all included) The whole experience was loads of fun and we're keen to return very soon to learn more. Thanks so much Mathew !"

Trudi de la Mare reviewed: Community Group Felting course

"The needlefelting workshop I attended tutored by Rachel was well run and fun. Rachel explained each step clearly and made the procedures clear and easy to follow. It was one of the most enjoyable workshops I have attended and Rachel's time management was excellent. She planned the day so that we were happily employed throughout the day and all completed our chosen animals. It was a very good experience , one which I would like to repeat"

2 Inspire You responded:

"Thank you so much. It was a total pleasure. I loved the arrangement of body parts on the table beside you!"

Rose macefield reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a portrait head

"I absolutely loved this course; I learnt so much and was over the moon with my results. Miranda is an expert in the industry and an excellent teacher who guides and encourages you every step of the way. The venue is light and spacious and is organised by Sally who is most welcoming and helpful. I didn’t realise there was a course like this so close to home, I will certainly be attending more ? I highly recommend this course to beginners and more experienced sculptors."

Pete and Louise reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Amazing experience throughout from learning about the course and booking to getting in the studio. We had a fantastic day with Mat who's such a friendly and enthusiastic teacher. We've already recommended to a couple of people and would recommend to anyone looking to throw a bit of pottery!"

Jacqueline Inwood reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Fabulous 2 days. Phillip is very skilled and an excellent teacher. I took 4 dining chairs and finished 3. I got better with each one. Really good to see other projects and to learn from them. Two students were returning with a more ambitious piece as they clearly rate Phillip highly. I think i can carry on with simple chairs for now but can see me going for another course in the future. I filmed some of his techniques on my phone and have been able to look back. Just great."

Louise Haigh reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"I am happy to leave Jane and this wonderful course a glowing review. We were incredibly well- taught and well-looked after throughout our three days together. Jane is inspiring in her love for her craft and her wonderful skills. She passes on her knowledge in a quietly authoritative way which gives an inexperienced beginner, such as myself, great confidence and pleasure in what we were doing. I was amazed at the fantastic quality, artistry and aesthetic charm of the baskets we were all able to produce by the end of this course. I am afraid I am gushing - but I feel the course more than deserved it!!"

David reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Very good day well managed and supported by two encouraging blacksmiths a lot of hammering in the heat of the forge and filling food supplied. Thanks"

John Holman reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Just come back from a very informative and enjoyable day,with Christopher my son, on a day course with Chris Smith learning some of the basic arts of blacksmithing. Chris was very patient with us, explaining the reasons for working in a certain way. The day culminated in us both taking away a piece of work that was recognisable by our wives. All in all an enjoyable day."

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

"Wonderful and inspiring day where I learnt so much! I would definitely go again and would recommend to anyone"

Louise from Shrewsbury reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Julie is wonderful! Relaxing and creative day."

Michelle from Lichfield reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A wonderful relaxing day. Thoroughly enjoyed and would like to do another. Thank you."

Pam from Worcester reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Fabulous! I so enjoyed myself. A wonderful day! Must do more. Many many thanks."

Val from Rugby reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A very enjoyable day. It has taken away the fear of machine embroidery, leant a lot!"

Anne from Rugby reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Really enjoyable course. Learnt lots of useful techniques, will be returning to do Dragonflies and Hares."

Judith Franklin reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"The most amazing 2 days! Jason and Louise are inspirational teachers whose passion is infectious. Through their patient, careful tutelage I managed to produce a beautiful bag that I will treasure. I had never done any leatherwork prior but the course has been carefully designed to accommodate all levels of experience and build confidence. Highly enjoyable and rewarding. The best present my husband has ever bought me."

Debra Willison reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I took an old wingback chair and wanted to learn how to recover it. My recovering was a quirky one. So I called before I signed up to the course to check first. Jo explained " normally on your first attempt, nothing huge( mine was) no checked material ( I did) leather not advisable (I did)". But Jo was great, she asked me to send pictures so she could advice and I explained I was crafty minded, she gave advice before I even signed up to the course. Jo was always there to advise and assist throughout the day and explained each step, but also allowed you to get on with it, so you were learning by doing it. I picked up a lot of new skills not just from doing my chair but from all the other people on the course too. I also changed my mind on my fabric choice on the first day. But my chair was brilliant I loved how it turned out. The whole weekend was nice and relaxing and your so close to the York town centre and all the street cafes. Totally recommend it!"

Sarah Allsop reviewed: Stained Glass - Leaded Light (3 days) in the Peak District

"My second stained glass course at Zantium Studios with Lili, this time learning about leaded glass. The course was fabulous; Lili is fantastic, so patient and encouraging. I would highly recommend any of her courses. Zantium Studio's light and airy craft studio is a perfect place to learn a craft. Alison is lovely and welcoming, and really cares about what you've achieved on the course. And of course the food and cake is delicious!"

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Delighted to have you back, Sarah. Thankyou for returning to us for the Intermediate Level Glass Course. I will pass on your compliments to Lilian. She is such a dedicated tutor - we feel very lucky to have her here. Enjoy your new-found skills and your glass."

Jamie Pennington reviewed: Two day axe and felling course

"Great course! Very knowledgeable and skilful tutor. Learned how to use and maintain a variety of axe types. Covered a lot of different techniques from felling to carving and how other tools can compliment axes for use in all sorts of tasks. Amazing how much we got through even though it rained so much!"

Sofia reviewed: Printing on clay

"Zoe is a wonderful teacher and I learnt so much from working with her. She demonstrated a lot of innovative and beautiful techniques and I love everything I've made with her!"

Zoe Lloyd responded:

"Thank-you for your review Sofia, I hope to see you again soon."

Mark reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"What a fantastic way to spend the weekend. This was a lovely course and Sebastian ran the course in a way that was very relaxed with plenty of positivity and guidance where needed. Set in peaceful (if you ignored the occasional noise from the geese next door) location with great views. I was very impressed with everyones work by the end of Sunday and never expected to achieve so much myself. No need to have any idea of how to carve stone (or any other material) all you need is a 'have a go' attitude."

Mandy McClenan reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"I attended Rachel’s 1 day course with my Sister last Saturday and cannot recommend this course highly enough. As someone who suffers with social anxiety I was beyond nervous at the prospect of learning something new and spending a whole day with people I didn’t know. One of the many reasons I chose Rachel’s course was that she keeps her group sessions to 4 people. The small group meant that Rachel was able to give us all the opportunity of 1-2-1 support during the course when we needed it. Rachel is a friendly and warm person who puts you at ease within the first few moments of meeting her. A practicing artist with many years of experience she is very open to sharing her tips, ideas and expertise, whilst supporting you to explore your inner artist. There is no pressure to be a master at the craft and you learn at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed environment. Rachels passion for the craft of stained glass pours from her every pore and her studio is awash with a huge choice of glass that you are given the opportunity to work with and examples of her own work. You are given the opportunity to use your own designed template or opt for one of Rachel’s tried and tested templates; I opted for the latter, but my Sister chose to design her own – there is truly no pressure either way. A truly amazing day and the start of a new and addictive craft of stained glass for me! ? Thank you so much Rachel for a wonderful and inspiring day. :)"

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you so much Mandy, so many kind words ?. I think we all had a great & enjoyable day. ?"

Jane reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"An extremely enjoyable day at Lucy’s cosy home learning new upholstery skills, chatting with some lovely people and eating delicious soup and cakes - a perfect way to spend a Saturday. Lucy was most attentive and very knowledgeable in a relaxed setting and I was very pleased with the progress I made on re-upholstering my vanity chair. I would love to return for another workshop."