Latest reviews

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

"I’ve known Ed for a few years as he was my tutor at Central Saint Martin’s, London back in 2013. I was wanting a refresher course and time to get involved with plaster again so contacted Ed to tap into his expertise. I travelled from Amsterdam and arrived with my model I needed to cast - then we set to work. Ed is easy to chat over ideas with and the final outcome was great. Cheers Ed, hope to see you in Amsterdam soon!"

Jan reviewed: Spoon Carving in the Woods (an introduction)

"Thank you for a wonderful day despite the weather. I have now warmed up! - I had never used an axe or knife before and was quite nervous. With your support and guidance I feel confident enough to invest in these tools. It was a wonderful way to spend a day and I'm pleased with my first effort. Many thanks Jan"

Elizabeth Foster reviewed: Mokume Gane: polymer clay jewellery making

"My friend and I had a fabulous day learning to make Mokume Gane - polymer clay beads and created lovely necklaces and ear-rings, taught so well by the lovely Jo Hunter! Jo made us so welcome and even made gluten free biscuits especially for me! Jo showed us how to make extra beads from the left-over clay so I can continue my creations at home. I will definitely be continuing with my bead-making and my friend will be recommending this class to her friends and colleagues, locally. Really good value and a brilliant day of crafting! thank you so much Jo!"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"Thank you for that lovely feedback Liz. It was a pleasure to meet you and Jo. If you're down again and want another workshop, just let me know and we can arrange a bespoke class to fit in with your holiday plans."

Elisabeth Mosca reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"I came along with a friend who'd received the weekend course as a gift and had so much fun! Aaron was such a wonderful, patient teacher, who took the time to give each of us (3 on the course in total) lots of care and attention. It's not easy to follow what everyone is doing and keep an eye on us all. However, Aaron showed his experience and knowledge throughout and intervened at only the right moments. I'm still amazed when I look at the items I made! Such a sense of achievement :)"

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Well Bob you’re an amazing bloke. Had an incredible time, learning a variety of new skills. One of the best days of my life. Seriously if you want to get into blacksmithing; try it. You won’t regret it."

Steve Bradford reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Dave Cockcroft at the Woodyard near Tetbury. I learned some great skills, all of which I’ll hopefully apply and improve on as my interest in wood carving continues. The venue was as expected for this kind of course, the welcome was warm, and the day well structured. I felt at ease with Dave, as he has a wonderful teaching style, that allows you a free reign , but at the same time watches over you in case you slip up, or doing something that might ruin your work. Overall, I had a great day, and would totally recommend this course, if like me you’re a beginner, or even a seasoned manipulator of wood....there’s something for all. 10/10"

Paul Swan reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I have just spent a day with Ollie, and have been amazed how much I learned, and was able to achieve, in a single day. Ollie is a brilliant tutor and has an encyclopaedic knowledge of his subject. He is patient and encouraging and has given me real confidence. I am a box-maker, and wanted to add french polishing as an option I can offer to clients in the future. I believe that I can now do that."

Lynne Friel reviewed: Paper Making - Hand Made Recycled Paper

"I attended a paper making workshop with Wendy. She's a great teacher, everything was ready for us and we followed the process step by step with Wendy's encouragement. We enjoyed tea and refreshments whilst discovering the techniques of paper making. We each went home with a mould and deckle and the skills to make paper at home. Can't wait to get started. Highly recommended."

Sarah reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Beginners glass fusing workshops in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"Fantastic one day course. Achieved more than ever thought possible!"

Janet Hood reviewed: Wet felted bowls, vessels and vases

"Another excellent and interesting workshop. Each step was fully explained and demonstrated by Kat who is always informative and fun."

David reviewed: Green woodworking and nature connection in the Malvern Hills

"One of the best weekends I have had for a while. Fantastic time in a magical location where we all had the opportunity to socialize with a group of avid wood enthusiasts and of course learn the basic craft of green woodwork. Tom’s know-how, expertise and teaching skill is beyond par, not to mention Ida’s spiritual and woodland education that together provided an holistic experience. Food, which included 3 meals a day, far exceeded anyone’s expectations allowing some “glamping” notion to the experience. Highly recommended for those who wish to get out of the rat race for a few days and gain some skills which can then be used anywhere. Thank you Tom, Ida and the hospitality team."

Richard David Way reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"This experience was given to me as a birthday present. It was an excellent present. The course was fully hands on and extremely rewarding to attend. Ian is very knowledgeable and very friendly. The course was relaxed and there was plenty of time to complete each stage of the project without feeling rushed. The stool I made now has pride of place in my home and I sincerely look forward to visiting again for another one of his courses. I would recommend his courses to everyone."

Penny reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I have done a little beadmaking before and wanted to extend my range of techniques. Suzanne was really welcoming and knowledgeable, she demonstrated clearly what I wanted to know, answered all my questions and helped me to learn the techniques. A very satisfying day."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed your day, thank you for taking the time to review your workshop. Suzanne"

john Albiston reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"what a great way to spend a weekend. Aaron was a great teacher, helping when ever a guiding hand was needed. i learnt a lot and made some great things. highly recommended."

Lynn Cooke reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"The workshop is very professionally run by Olivia with all tools and materials provided. The standard of teaching is excellent. Olivia has a way of ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of the processes and the highest level which might be achieved. With her artists eye she guides you towards completing a piece of work to the very best of your ability. Never doing it for you but rather explaining how to get over possible problems or design weaknesses. Absolutely recommend the course for location, setting, facilities and teaching."

Wendy reviewed: Half day willow bird feeder/hanging basket course with Joe Gregory

"All of Joe's willow weaving courses attended so far have been enriching and enjoyable experiences. Joe is very approachable and friendly while she has a lot of patience in showing her students what is required to make a successful piece of willow weaving whether that takes a specific form such as a basket or whether it is more of a free form sculpture such as an animal. I would highly recommend Joe and her courses to anyone!"

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks wendy! lovely feedback. xxx"

Naomi reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I had a lovely day wood turning with Chris. This is the first time I have ever tried turning and it was a marvelous experience! Chris was very patient and knowledgeable about it all and I came back with a lovely bowl. It's a lovely day out that I would recommend to anyone. Chris will even give you chocolate biccys and cuppa soups if you were to forget your lunch!"

Steph Woods reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"The clay animal weekend was fabulous. The demos were great and the teachers were so supportive and helpful during my modelling process. I struggled on day one but remembered it's not about the results it's about the learning and creating. On the Sunday I realised I had learned alot already and felt braver and more relaxed, so I just "went for it" and was really pleased with what I created. The environment is so lovely, with great light from the garden accompanied by the cockerel regularly having his say! It is such a beautiful place to be, hang out, create, relax, learn and let go of perfectionist inhibitions! And the people are always so lovely. This was my second visit - I did clay life-modelling last year. I look forward to playing again soon!"

Vernice reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Carole Massey - Christmas Scenes Watercolour, Acrylics or Pastels

"I just wanted to say what a fabulous day I had. The hospitality was fantastic, (note to ones self, start diet tomorrow). Carol was superb, the best workshop I have been on."

Tim Laker reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"A most enjoyable and relaxing 2 hours and came home with a new skill which I will pursue at home, and a lovely pot hanger. Alice was very welcoming and the studio in an amazing location."

Chesca Rogers reviewed: Mini Felt Floral Wreath Kit

"We had such a brilliant day and our wreaths are absolutely gorgeous, I can’t believe we made them. Lyndsey was very patient and clear in her explanations and was so helpful. The lunch and scones were delicious and we felt very looked after. I can’t recommend this course enough."

Janet Blundell reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"A really good day. Julie's planning & teaching skills are first rate. The group was small enough for everyone to integrate & receive as much help as they needed (in my case a bit more! ) enabling everyone produced a basket to be proud of. The cakes were delicious!"

sarah woodcock reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Excellent day, really enjoyed every aspect of it from start to finish. Julie is a really good teacher and we made the most beautiful baskets in just a,day, learning a lot of good techniques and new words. Both Rob and Julie,are very patient and positive. Thank you for an amazing day."

Hilary reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"I really enjoyed this workshop and also found it very helpful. I had done some lino printing at home and Judith showed me how to go on the next stage, adding layers of colour to my prints. A friendly and relaxed atmosphere, even though we were all concentrating very hard! A lovely setting too. Highly recommended."

Kat Tudor reviewed: Bead jewellery making party/ Workshop

"I bought tickets to this Bead Jewellery Workshop for a gift. We absolutely loved it! It was the perfect level of difficulty (we are complete beginners). Lindsay had a huge range of beads to choose from and gave us clear instructions at our own pace. We made a bracket and a pair of earrings and keep showing people are creations days afterwards! We would highly recommend this workshop and hopefully we will book onto Lindsay candle making workshop soon. Many thanks!"