Latest reviews

Derek reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"I did this course with Bob and thought it excellent, you get a good insight into the trade whilst also learning all the basics. I made a couple of holdfasts for my work bench in the afternoon and a lovely decorative poker for my fire, Bob knows his trade very well and puts you at ease from the start. If you're interested then I would highly recommend this course."

Jacquie Easton reviewed: Watercolour Art & Spa 2 day full board learn to paint @ The Flackley Ash Hotel Rye Sussex

"Brilliant weekend, would highly recommend it, suitable for all ages and abilities, groups, couples, singles. I had not picked up a brush in 30 plus years and was super nervous. But I needn’t have been - Vicki was a brilliant teacher. Will definitely be looking to attend other events or workshops in the future."

PHILIP MORGAN reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Had a splendid day with Graham. He is a very good tutor, and has a well equipped workshop. I left with 2 pieces i am well pleased with. Highly recommended. Phil"

Marijke Munro reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"My daughter and I had a wonderful weekend making a clay portrait. It was something neither of us had done before and I was a bit apprehensive at first to be able to make anything resembling a face but it was just magical, features come to life under your hands with of course the expert tuition of Karin who would just exactly help where and when it was needed. The group was really nice too, we had good chats over a cup of tea and during lunch. I got the bug for sculpting now and will do more of it in future, it is truly so much fun. Can wholeheartedly recommend this experience!"

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"What a cracking review Marijke! Thanks for taking the time to write it and we are so glad that you both came to spend the weekend with us! bw, James and Karin"

Eileen Ward reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Great time had today. My first attempt and very pleased with the outcome. Alice is very approachable and the studio is ideal. Plenty of tea, coffee & biscuits. Food at The Canteen very good as well. In all an excellent day. Thanks Alice. Eileen x"

Karolina reviewed: Weekly pottery/ceramics classes

"Booked a taster session for 6 people to try a bit of pottery. Alison was very accommodating and a great teacher. Lots and lots of things to use and learn. good bit of fun as well. Would love to continue with regular classses as Alison is an amazing teacher and a lot of fun as well! ?"

Janet reviewed: Fused glass workshops in Cornwall

"This was an inspired birthday present from my husband who also attended the course. We were both very impressed with both the teaching, encouragement and the finished results. Wendy made it a fun day and it passed too quickly. Wish we lived closer, I can't wait to do it again."

Charlotte Goldsbury reviewed: Fascinator making in Wellsborough nr Nuneaton

"Throughly enjoyed the whole day, even better than I expected! Learnt so much, and Rachel is so attentive. Had such a fab day and can't wait to get making some more now with my new skills"

Karolina reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Had a lovely time at a taster session on the wheel. Very relaxed and Louise was great to talk to. Definitely interesting to learn about different techniques about throwing as well as decorating. Lovely shop and people. ?"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, Karolina, it is greatly appreciated! It was great to have you both on the taster and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the experience. You have both created fabulous pots. Well done and thanks! Louise"

Tracey Spraggs reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"Really grateful to Vicki and Beth for their guidance, faith and encouragement. Not having painted since school I was slightly apprehensive but I needn't have worried. They chose a beautiful relaxed environment in which to inspire, the other guests of were lovely and supportive of each other and the tuition was excellent. It's true to say I am now motivated to continue painting and will sign up for another Arty Party Break for sure!"

Vicki Cooper reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"A great course and beautiful nourishing environment. Caroline is a very talented craftswoman and a caring and attentive teacher. Her step by step guidance and enthusiasm for each of our projects carried us all through the course to produce a menagerie of beautiful animals. I would highly recommend this course."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou so much for your warm and positive comments. You were a buoyant and talented group. Lovely to meet you, Vicki - I hope your willow horse is enjoying pastures new and receiving many admiring glances."

jacqueline hollis reviewed: Recycled China Mosaic Workshop Full day /Half Day

"Everything we needed was supplied, the talk was informative and helpful and there was plenty of time to produce some work. Adele was very welcoming and friendly. The only thing that dropped a mark is that the seating was a bit uncomfy for a 3 hour sit."

Moon Hare Studio responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, I am glad you enjoyed the mosaicking. I am sorry to hear you were uncomfortable on the seat, I had hoped the alternative chair I found had helped. If I had known you were still uncomfortable I would have hunted down a cushion! I hope it won't put you off returning in the future. Best wishes, Adela"

Peter Townley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"An excellent and informative day. My wife organised as a Christmas present, much better than the usual "item". Mark is patient, and explained everything in a logical and structured way, even to a complete novice, like my self. I leaned a great deal and recommend the course for any interested wood turners"

Maureen b Cunningham reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Adela was a very good teacher. She took everyone's needs into consideration. I throughly enjoyed my session and learnt loads of new techniques. Thank you."

Moon Hare Studio responded:

"Thank you for your kind review. It was lovely to spend the day with you. Best wishes Adela"

Barbara Chapman reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I really enjoyed the course! It was really informative and very interesting, and I really felt like I learned a new skill. I will definitely be doing more. My only thoughts were that I think it should be an hour longer so that we could have completed our designs. Thank you"

Moon Hare Studio responded:

"Thanks you for your lovely review. It was lovely to meet you, I have thought about your feedback and I will be offering longer, all day mosaic workshops in the future. I hope you can come to one! Best wishes Adela"

Alan Clowes reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"I have to endorse ever thing I wrote about last year. Great teaching. Organisation, painting and partying . The location was even better than last year. I go for two weeks because the first goes so quickly. It is so great to meet friends who you met last year, and all the new friends I met this time. Here’s to next year."

Harrie reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"This experience was everything we had hoped for - enjoyable, friendly, relaxing and productive. Both my partner and I had a fun time learning to shape, solder and polish our silver rings. The location, the barge and the company were lovely - as were the cups of tea and slices of cake provided. Jonathan was a friendly and patient teacher and we came away having had a thoroughly good time. Will definitely go back for more jewellery making fun."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you for your kind words - it was lovely to meet you both. Well done with your jewellery making. You're welcome on board anytime. Jonathan"

Beth Cowley reviewed: Upcycling Paint & Paper Decoupage Furniture Workshop Experience: Spend Two Days with ReVamp Boutique

"Really enjoyed the workshop, up cycling a boring bedside table to be something new. With the help of Sarah we all created something lovely from an old piece of furniture. I met some lovely people and and loved the whole weekend! I would highly recommend the course!"

Julie Coll reviewed: Hare sculpture - mixed media course with Nikki Szabo

"Many thanks for a brilliant weekend. I am very proud of my hare and having shown it to friends and family others have said that they would love to give it a go. I've never done anything like this before and was very impressed with the patience and encouragement provided by Nikki."

NIKKI SZABO responded:

"Thank you Julie, It was really lovely meeting you. Your hare (Peter) looked great! I loved all your origami products. Very inspiring! Thanks again for bringing them in to show me. As I mentioned, I will be adding more one day workshops onto the website so hopefully see you on another one of my workshops?! Have a lovely week! Nikki x"

Kim reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Elaine was a fantastic instructor! I had never used a spinning wheel before this weekend and now I am completely addicted to this craft with the intention of purchasing my own spinning wheel so I can card and spin my own wool. The setting was beautiful (despite the rain), the lunch was delicious, and the company was excellent. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about wool, carding and spinning. Thank you Elaine!"

Shelly McLean reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"I have just attended a one on one leather workshop whereby I had the opportunity to make a bag of my own design (Sarah also had plenty of excellent designs to chose from). From the moment of arrival I felt put at ease and the pace of the workshop suited me really well. I had no prior knowledge of sewing or leather making and I am really thrilled with what I achieved under the skillful eye of Sarah. I would highly recommend this amazing day which takes place in a lovely workshop in beautiful countryside and you get a cracking lunch and coffee as well. Cannot wait to start using my unique bag!"

MARGARET KELLEY reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"What an amazing experience! I really enjoyed the one day course with Janice and Jean, and have come away with a huge number of ideas I would really like to try in the future. The course was very well organised and paced. Janice and Jean demonstrated different techniques very clearly and were on hand to explain and support our efforts throughout the day; guiding but also allowing exploration. I was able to make bigger pieces in the afternoon and try out another technique. A homemade lunch (soup, freshly baked bread and cakes) was a real bonus."

JJ Fused Glass responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words, Margaret. It was a pleasure to meet you both. I’m so glad you enjoyed the way we teach - and our cooking! We look forward to you collecting your pieces of art, and your return for more exploration. Janice."

Kirsty reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a one day course, after being given the day as a gift. What a fantastic and exhausting experience. Nigel is a patient, friendly teacher and full of stories to keep you entertained and put you at ease. He clearly goes above and beyond to share his craft and his passion is infectious. I would love to return next year and learn more. Thanks to Maxine and Nigel for a great day."

Sarah Burdett reviewed: Felted spring wreaths or garlands.

"I really enjoyed this course. Rachel and Rhian were fantastic teachers and they created a lovely relaxed atmosphere for us to work in. We had a choice of what we wanted to work on when and then after being shown examples and techniques we could get inspired by all the beautiful colours and start on our own designs. Rhian and Rachel were always on hand to show us new techniques as we went along and I thought the results were absolutely gorgeous. I really enjoyed admiring everyone else’s work as much as I enjoyed working on my own and I was really chuffed with what I made. Throughout the day I was either utterly engrossed in what I was doing, happily learning something new or chatting and laughing with the others on the course. It was a lovely relaxing two days, I’d thoroughly recommend the course and I’m hoping to be back on another course soon. Thanks Rachel & Rhian :)"

Topsy reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"“Oh such fun “a great day making Harry Hare. Denise is an excellent tutor who easily instilled confidence in our ability. I felt a real sense of achievement as the felt transformed into my new long eared friend. I love learning new skills and meeting new like minded people with food and coffee included and this course certainly met all my criteria. Happy days. Thanks so much Denise"