Latest reviews

Fi Axford reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"Fabulous course in a fabulous studio with a fabulous teacher - 100% recommended, you will be hooked."

Jenny Domerecki reviewed: Mokume Gane: polymer clay jewellery making

"I had a brilliant day with Jo and came home with a stunning necklace and earrings that all my friends are admiring. They are very impressed I could make the beads myself on just a one day course. Jo does offer two other bead making courses and I'd really like to try both of those too, now I've got the bug. Jenny"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Jenny, thank you for your feedback. I really enjoyed the day too. Your colour choices were lovely and I'm so pleased that your friends like your necklace and earrings as much as we did!"

Mary Archdeacon reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Thank you for a most enjoyable and informative day It exceeded my expectations Jo is a very good Teacher warm friendly clear instructions at every stage a lovely home made lunch Came away with my home made candles and wax melts Would highly recommend"

Rod Hewson reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I really enjoyed my bowl turning course and Adrian's relaxed but incisive tuition. I doubted we could complete a bowl in the time but we all managed it with a bit to spare. Quite an achievement I think but one Adrian seemed to have no doubt we could do and did. Great fun."

Getzi Green reviewed: Silver jewellery workshop for beginners with Jude Karnon

"Had a wkd time here, very down to earth person and professional, nice meal and tea through out the day. Couldnt of met a nicer person. GG"

Jude Karnon Jewellery responded:

"Thanks Gets for your great review. I'm glad you had a great day :) Jude"

Lianne Bole reviewed: Painting with beeswax & dyes - Batik Pictures

"I had a fabulous day learning how do do Batik with Barbara. She is an excellent teacher and everything was supplied. Due to her expert guidance, I left with some pieces of Batik that I will frame and hang in my home."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for an encouraging review Lianne. Your four season tree is fabulous. Looking forward to seeing it framed."

Jonathan reviewed: Bowl carving day Green Fox Wild Crafts

"I've done a couple of courses with Nadine now. She's very engaging and a natural teacher. It's a great way to learn new skills and relax at the same time :)"

David reviewed: Painting with wool & silk fibres - Feltmaking

"I’ve now been on a couple of Feltworld courses. A recent full day batik course resulted in a beautiful picture that is now framed and on my wall. An earlier felt landscape course also resulted in a lovely piece that I’m in the process of framing. In both cases the knowledge and friendliness of the instructor made for an excellent creative day. Highly recommended."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for an encouraging review David. Keep creating :-)."

Melissa reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a brilliant experience with lucy! she is a very good tutor and teaching is to a high standard i was able to take in and understand everything as she lets you take it at a standard pase! And i feel this helps you take it all in i highly recomend and will be goin back !!"

Martin Gledhill reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"An absolute dream of a course. Just enough over two days to turn out a finished bag. Never overwhelming, always informative and clear. Guides you on the road to wanting to take things further. Jason is patient and very clear on all instructions. I fully intend to persue leather work and Jason is always there for contact and advice. I would even go back on an additional course for furthering my dream to work leather."

Di Parker reviewed: Introduction to mosaics / further adventures in mosaic workshop

"Had a great day, so relaxing. Learnt a lot about mosaics and Kate was a great teacher. Would highly recommend the day if your interested in making mosaics."

Gillian Freeman reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I attended this workshop in October as my children had bought me a voucher as a surprise birthday present. I had no idea what to expect but had a really great experience. Eleanor is a very patient, kind and enthusiastic teacher who took care to ensure that everyone was supported and encouraged. I certainly did not expect to make 7 different pieces in one day! I loved the experience and would recommend it to anyone."

Jen Leighton reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Absolutely fantastic handson course. Aaron is an excellent and patient teacher who is also very generous with his time and knowledge. Nothing is too difficult for him and he is happy to encourage your individual creativity. My husband and I and my 2 sons did the 2 day workshop as a birthday present to ourselves and we all cane away very inspired and happy with what we had created with Aaron’s help. We made some amazing candelabra, a full length coat stand and very cute seahorse hooks and other types of hooks and even some knives. It was a wonderful experience . Thank you so much Aaron. We loved our time with you."

Stella Blay reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"This was a great session! Ian's enthusiasm for his craft shone through and his patient and gentle teaching provided great encouragement. He made sure that I achieved a fantastic result that I could be (and am!) proud of! It was fabulous to work with traditional tools, well loved and maintained; to be shown how to use them properly and then see the results. I would strongly recommend this course to anyone wanting to liberate their inner crafts(wo)man! You will be amazed at how well you do, and you will take home a completed piece of furniture that will last a lifetime. Thank you Ian for a great time!"

Nicola reviewed: Introduction to Furniture Restoration at Craven Conservation

"Spent a fantastic day learning about marking out, sawing, chiselling and making a lap joint. The day flew by with the help of Bill’s expert guidance and patience! Ended up with a neat six piece wooden puzzle. The day was well planned out and everything was explained clearly. Even had a go on the bandsaw and disc sander for the first time! I would definitely recommend a course with Bill. Will be back soon!"

Natalie Lane reviewed: Everlasting pumpkins- 1 day sculpture workshop using Pal Tiya Premium

"Lovely venue surrounded by nature. Hosts could not have been more helpful. Tea and biscuits provided all day! Joe and Bob were very adept at sculpture and took us through the day skilfully. Help and advice was given throughout the day as needed, but we very much got to create our own sculpture. The Pal Tiya is an amazing material, extremely malleable and easy to apply. Looking forward very much to the next course! Hares please! Highly recommended!"

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Learn how to screen print using paper stencils

"I had done Screen printing a very long time ago and this was a perfect day for getting back to something I really enjoyed. As an artist I work in paints in a realistic way. Jody really helped to get me to open up and explore the fun/child artist in me. I loved what I created and the day flew by too fast. The atmosphere was relaxed and Lynn supplies a superb lunch. Would recommend for anyone who want a bit of time out to explore something new."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Suzanne. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review. We do get quite a few people who are coming back to screen-printing after a long time - though not all are working artists like you! We're so glad you were pleased with what you created, and to hear the day flew past. That's what we hope for! Best wishes, Lynn x"

Suzanne Higgs reviewed: Make a bespoke Macramé bag

"I really enjoyed my evening with Nichole learning Macrame and was delighted with my finished wall hanging. Nichole was so patient with all of us as we repeatedly asked how to do a certain knot again! Loved the ambient environment with relaxing music and meeting new people. Would definitely recommend."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Suzanne. Thanks for your lovely review. Nichole is a great teacher and very patient with all of us as we try to master the basic knots. Your plant holder looked amazing, and features in some of our online photos and video! (Thanks for giving us permission to use them.) Hope it's got pride of place in your home - send us a photo of it hanging up if you've time. Best wishes, Lynn x"

Kyle Ware reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I was lucky enough to receive this course as a gift from my wife, I had a GREAT day... For anyone wanting to learn about Blacksmithing I thoroughly recommend Mort, the day started with him showing us the different skills that can be used and we were then asked what we would like to make, one we drew up a couple of sketches we spent the day heating and shaping the metal into the two knives I'd set out to make, thoroughly enjoyed! If you're reading, Thanks Mort! ** tips for anyone going along - take some lunch... its hard work! and Do some research on some item you might want to make, a door knocker, a candelabra, a wine stand... anything! If you can make it in the 6 ish hours you have then no doubt Mort will help.**"

jane pickles reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"An excellent day out for 4 good friends looking for something new exciting and different, with very little or no experience or expectations beforehand. We each have very different artistic viewpoints and this was reflected in the variety of work we produced - all very different an interesting. Amanda was an excellent tutor who took us carefully through each of 2 processes we learnt and gave us plenty of ideas and inspiration into what to attempt. She showed many examples of what was possible and of past student's work. (perhaps a little too much choice here - it is possibly best to go with a few ideas). Good attention to health and safety, and very tasty homemade refreshments and lunch. Looking forward to an intermediate course please Amanda"

johanna Mcneil reviewed: China mosaic workshop with China Petals

"I attended this course a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it . What a treat to try something new and create a beautiful bespoke pice of art. very relaxing and Diane was so helpful and taught us all the skills we need to go and have a go with confidence after the workshop."

Denise Brown reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"Recently completed the residential course and had a fantastic time. From the wonderful welcome on arrival, I knew it was going to be good! The accommodation was cosy and warm, and the food was amazing (the warm pancakes were my downfall). Jane is an absolute master at her craft and she led us through the stages with humour and amazing patience. The group were great fun and we really got into the spirit of it - all producing beautiful baskets by the end. We also got the opportunity to have a go in a coracle on tranquil Loch Clunie, which I would highly recommend...unforgettable! All in all, a super well-organised course run by an enthusiastic expert. I’m already pencilled in for Jane’s coracle making one!"

Zora reviewed: Printing on clay

"Zoe is an excellent tutor and she always love to share creative techniques and ideas with everyone. I really enjoy the courses with Zoe very much, she inspired me a lot in craft area!"

Zoe Lloyd responded:

"Thank-you for your review Zora and I really hope to see you again soon!"

Timothy Vale reviewed: Learn to turn in Snowdonia, North Wales - Full day

"Attended one of Les wood turning courses this week and It was one of the best and most enjoyable things I have done. I came away with a desire to continue it as a hobby and a oak burr bowl that surpassed my expectations. Les is a great teacher he understands, and can simply explain any aspect of the process. and the one to one tuition was great. Highly recommended, Thank you Les."