Latest reviews

Margaret Crook reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I went to a half day workshop with my 2 daughters. A new experience for us and a thoroughly enjoyable one. Maddie is a lovely lady, great teacher with a wealth of knowledge and with her guidance and enthusiasm, we all achieved more than we hoped for. It was a great fun day, really absorbing and therapeutic. I'd thoroughly recommend going to one of Maddie's workshops to anyone who wants to try something different as well as those who want to improve their skills. I'll definitely be back to do more!"

Philippa Sibert reviewed: M

"Have recently spent a full day mosaic workshop with Maddie. Was very impressed with the studio facilities. With plenty of input from Maddie I felt confident about using all the materials provided and there was lots of inspiration that helped me to see what was possible. I was able to have access to a wide variety of materials which enabled me to work out my ideas without limitation. Would thoroughly recommend these courses for beginners to those who are more advanced. There is always something to learn whatever your ability and Maddie has all the skills and knowledge to enable you to achieve your goals and work through your initial ideas and make a completed project."

Helen reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"Fabulous day out. Skilled tutor with bags of enthusiasm and a great, supportive nature. Would thoroughly recommend attending one of Rachel’s workshops."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"Thank you Helen. I hope your panel is now in pride of place ? you did a great job with beautiful colours & have given a lovely & thoughtful review. Thank you"

Melinda reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"Fantastic facinator workshop, nice venue, lots of parking, excellent explanation and demonstration by a very experienced tutor, covering all techniques with a wide range of examples to inspire. I created a work of art and will be wearing my showpiece facinator at a wedding next week. Delighted I signed up and would recommend the course."

Paula Corbett reviewed: Fine felted neck warmer workshop

"I attended this class today and I have to say Lena is brilliant. She gives 1:1 tuition to each group member. The class is very informal and fun. Lena provides a lovely apple cake and unlimited tea or coffee. I would highly recommend attending one of Lena's courses, you will definitely learn lots of new techniques."

Kay reviewed: Full day introduction to glass fusing course.

"This was an amazing course. I went with no ideas about what it would be like, or what I wanted to make or how my lack of creativity would impact on the finished product. Amanda was amazing, very welcoming, friendly and encouraging. I cam away having made two beautiful pieces that I shall treasure, but the memories from the day will always stay with me."

Trevor Rymer reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant course. Ade and Andy keep an eye on you and I guess assess your needs. They only step in to advise/help where necessary. Quite frequent for me. It did seem that everyone on the course was well covered by the two mentors who did not seem to mind the diversity of talent and attended with great good humour. The food. Oh the food! Debbie makes great food. Debbie is used to feeding Ade and Andy. No small job! Both of these guys are built like blacksmiths. Beware at dinner time,you may not be able to move too well afterwards. Excellent course. Trev"

Lucy reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"This was a brilliant day! Richard was extremely informative and attentive. It is a full on day with lots of concentrating but very satisfying and interesting. Fantastic workshop and a chance to make something truly beautiful and practical. Thank you for making the day so special! ?"

Jennifer Hoodless reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"This was an excellent day with superb tuition from Chris. I had my own project in mind and Chris had done his research and knew exactly the best way to achieve what I wanted. His teaching style was a good combination of theory, demonstration and hands on experience, he also allows you the to get on with it yourself which gave me a lot of confidence in the new skills I was learning. After the course Chris provided comprehensive course notes and links to tool suppliers and sources of further information. The food and refreshments provided were also excellent and I would definitely recommend this course."

Ann and Barbara reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"My friend and I decided that instead of buying birthday pressies we would do an activity together. The Soapology one day course was brilliant. We are both complete beginners Emma was great going through all the science and health and safety aspects of soap making.She gave good examples to explain the complicated stuff which really clarified the process.After lunch it was all hands on soap making and soon we were trying different essential oils and making different designs and textured soap. Very good value for money Detailed teaching and a takeaway handbook with everything you need to know to make your own soap. And at the end of the day you take home the soap you have made which in our case was three containers of sweetly fragranced soap each. Lunch was provided and Emma had catered for us as veggies. Would strongly recommend this course we had a lovely day and met some very nice people on the course."

Charlotte O'Driscoll reviewed: Saturday Mosaic Making - St Albans - Hertfordshire

"Absolutely loved this course. Audrey and her Mum were fantastic and really helped us all and I got so much out of the day. I have just booked myself on the next course as doing mosaic is very addictive ? Thank you so much for a very special day."

Rhys Schofield reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"One of the best Christmas presents I ever had. After watching forged in fire I wanted a go and whilst they make it look easy on tv it certainly isn’t! Luckily Andy was on hand to show me the way. 2 days later I have my very own seax. I will be back again and would recommend this to everyone. Some are pics and videos (Andy is great at this too) are on my Instagram @rhysids"

Siobhan reviewed: Candle making class & bubbly in Brighton & Hove

"I booked this course for a birthday present for my Grandmother, and we absolutely loved it! We ended up being the only 2 which made it so personal. Charlie was so lovely and kind and really made our day special. We also got to enjoy a lovely piece of cake made by her sister! We can't thank Charlie enough! :)"

Freya F-Smith reviewed: Pottery throwing course, Aylesbury

"A brilliant day learning! patient and friendly teacher with clear instruction, a great way to gain in confidence before going into other classes"

Keith reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Excellent course. Four of us thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour course run by Anita, takeing away a number of candles that we all produced and can enjoy at a later date. Would recommend to all and would definately go again. Thank you"

Helen reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I’ve wanted to try my hand at blacksmithing for many years, and so when a colleague recommended this course, I asked my husband to buy me a place on the course as my Christmas present. I was a little apprehensive when I walked into the barn to find myself the only woman (apart from Debbie) among a group of big guys with beards! But Adrian and Andy reassured me that I’d be fine, and it turned out to be a brilliant day! Everyone has their own anvil and tools to work with, so you can concentrate fully on your piece and get a real sense of achievement when it is complete. Andy was great - when I struggled he was always on hand to help out, fixing the occasional mistake, and encouraging me, to get me on track again. Debbie’s food was wonderful! My son was so impressed with my dragon coat hook, he now wants to do the course himself! I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a new skill, do something creative, and doesn’t mind getting sweaty and dirty, even a 58 year old woman like myself!"

Pat reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"We had the most fantastic time at Rachel’s workshop. I learnt the different techniques used for using Sinamay and made a couple of facinators. Brilliant fun and we would both highly recommend the course to anyone interested and wishing to make a facinators. Big thank you Rachel"

Kerry reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"My mum and i went to the group course and thoroughly enjoyed it! During the morning session Emma went through the science & safety side of soap making. After a delicious lunch, Emma demonstrated how to make soap, using the cold process method, then we got to make 3 batches of soap, using different essential oils and natrual colours. It was a brilliant day all round. Highly recommended course for other budding soap makers."

Philip Murphy reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Everything about the blacksmith experience exceeded my expectations, I spent 2 excellent ( and busy ! ) days with David I came away thrilled at having been able to have followed his professional and inspiring tuition to have been able to produce a much admired and treasured piece of forged metal work. David is passionate at his craft and relates it to his "apprentice" in step by step stages building confidence and competence, thank goodness that the skills of the forge from times past are being carried by people like him to the future, its in good hands . The location at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet could not be more sympathetic as you are immediately immersed within the enclave of what once was a thriving hub of the hand crafted metal products industry of days gone by , but the buildings and contents remain to allow to take a little trip back in time and inspire for what lies ahead on the experience day with David within the whitewashed walls of his 200 year old forge. Loved it ."

Laura Benstock reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"My friend and I spent a fantastic day with Chris and came away with two beautiful bowls. It was a very special day and Chris was a patient and amazing teacher"

Kay reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"The course is very well run and inspirational. It offers a good introduction to stained glass techniques for beginners in the class and encouragement for more experienced students to develop their preferred projects. The atmosphere is friendly and non judgmental which makes for enthusiastic and supportive classes. There are a large selection of books and the website gallery of students work provides plenty of ideas."

Oliver Gilbert reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Ace time. Hard work but worth it. Nice to see the pieces being created before your eyes. Great tutor."

Roger Fairway reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had a blast - good if you have done something before but even a beginner will succeed under such good tuition. Highly recommended."

Jo Foster reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had previously made a knife so thought I would try a bit more. Yes even girls can have a go but you do need to be reasonably strong. Great time. Brilliant tutor. Well recommended."

Tim Lewy reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had a grand time - seeing the items evolve from pieces of metal. Great teacher and really enjoyable despite the hard work! Highly recommended."