Latest reviews

Elizabeth Dell reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"The course was well structured for beginners. The pace was just right and so were the challenges. The tutor, Ambrose Burne was excellent (and I say that as an experienced tutor). Having another highly skilled blacksmith on hand to provide extra help was more than one would normally expect on a course with 8 participants. Hard work, but thoroughly enjoyable in a friendly relaxed atmosphere. Adding another couple of vices would be a good idea. Liz Dell. HND(Fine Art) TDipIT."

joanna Foreman reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"A brilliant day, as a complete beginner I made a suncatcher and bunting. The workshop is extremely well equipped and Gigha an excellent teacher."

Darcy Cherry reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"This course has been amazing in the depth and breadth of knowledge and practice. The pace, mood and tone was perfect and so enjoyable.I came primarily out of an interest in creating my own paints and exploring pattern, but was blown away by how all this has been rooted in the cosmos and philosophy of a much deeper spiritual exploration (which, as serendipity would have it, is also exactly what I had been looking for in my own art practice) ... I'm interested in all the SAOG courses. I want to do them all!"

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

"This course was a gift from my daughter and son-in-law for a milestone birthday and was a complete surprise. From the outset it was obvious that this was going to be a relaxed (maybe not the right description come 4 o'clock) and enjoyable day with great knowledge, guidance and direction, as well as some stories and 'jokes', from the guys and lovely home cooking from Debbie. Everything was explained and demonstrated well and apart from the odd blister for those wielding hammers for possibly the first time there were no problems!! Was it worth going? - Yes Did I meet some interesting people? - Yes Would I attend another course here? - Yes Would I recommend it to others? - Most definitely Thank you very much."

Dawn Hsmmond reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"Nuno Scarf wet felting....Barbara offers clear instruction and works at a comfortable pace to complete the project. I have thoroughly enjoyed creating my scarf using the Wool / groomed fur from my Huskies....so impressed with how it turned out....I decided to do another workshop with Barbara....this time mixing Husky Wool with Merino....wow so pleased.....Barbara is an inspiration and an Excellent teacher/instructor ....Thank You!!"

Kate Coggins reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture Day with Sarah Le Breton

"A truly amazing course at an excellent venue. Sarah is very enthusiastic about her craft and strikes exactly the right balance between instruction and allowing students to try things for themselves. I came away inspired (but exhausted) and the proud owner of a willow lantern!"

Sarah Le Breton Willow responded:

"Thank you Kate for your lovely review. So glad that you really enjoyed our Willow Sculpture Day together. It was brilliant teaching you and I absolutely loved seeing all the beautiful flower lanterns being created, Sarah X."

Vivienne reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"This workshop was a present for my sister in law, we both had a great time making pendants, Julie was really helpful and friendly and we are thrilled with how our pieces turned out. Would definitely recommend the workshop and we would both go back and do another."

Cheryl Grant reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Absolutely loved my day at Lucy Renshaw’s upholstery day...so proud of everything I did...so helpful...Lucy has given me the confidence to go out and buy a staple gun! I would def say to anyone who has an interest in having a go....Go...you will love it."

Martha Brown reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"My husband and I have just completed a thoroughly enjoyable intensive upholstery weekend with Karen. We couldn't be more delighted with the excellent quality of tuition, how much we learnt and the projects we have completed. As well as being a fantastic tutor, Karen was a great host and ensured we were very well catered for. Lunch, coffee and snacks were delicious as well. We have now caught the upholstery bug and would definitely recommend Karen's workshops."

Paresh reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Richard was a really good teacher, patient and enthusiastic. Me and the other student were able to make some professional looking belts in no time! He also took the time to answer all our questions about leatherwork and I learned so much. Richard has a lovely workspace where it is a pleasure to work. I recommend this course wholeheartedly!"

Lynn Hanford-Day reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"I found this course to be a very fulfilling. It was very rich. I love the mix of different practices, and the combination with geometry. I also enjoyed the mix of teachers. I always enjoy the mix with philosophy and poetry. I prefer this to some teachers who are primarily technicians and not connected to the soul of this practice ... There are lots of other SAOG courses that interest me! I'd love to do the one on labyrinths, and more on Moroccan and Persian Pattern."

Pamela Young reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a pleasant way to spend a morning! I joined Kerry in her comfortable kitchen and learned plenty about candlemaking, mixing scents and how to burn candles properly. The other course attendees were just lovely and Kerry created a cheery, chatty atmosphere that was both enjoyable and relaxing. I recommend this course to anyone wanting to try something different."

Suzanne reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"FANTASTIC!!!!!!! My best friend is gettting married soon and as her maid of honour the duty of planning her hen party rested on my shoulders. I found this candle making course and contacted Jo to see if she would be willing to acommodate a large group of us (9 in total). To my delight Jo agreed to us taking her course and I'm so glad she did! From the moment we met Jo she was the best hostess you could ask for. Nothing was too much trouble, we were made to feel encredibly welcome and the course itself was just perfect! We were allowed to choose from a very wide veriety of scents and everything you made you take home with you! Drinks were always being offered and lunch was amazing! When it got down to learning everything we needed to know the fun didnt stop. Jo joined in with us in such a wonderful way it made it seem like she was apart of our group for the day! Her knowledge of all things candle is amazing and I couldnt ask for someone better to teach us! We enjoyed it all so much there is talk of us going again in future!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you so much for your really lovely review! I had a great day too, such a lovely group of people, I couldn't have asked for more! Thank you xx"

Toni Goodyear reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Absolutely amazing course! Jo was an amazing teacher/host. We had my hen party at Jo's own home. A first for Jo of such a big group (9 in total, courses are normally 4-6). Which I must add was absolutely gorgeous!! Jo was so welcoming, bubbly, helpful, attentive, warm and friendly. Nothing was too much of a problem. The teas and coffees were continuously flowing, also provided with water, flavoured water and nibbles. The course its self was fun but very informative. We all left knowing there was a lot more to candles than we thought! There was so many beautiful scents to choose from! The products you made you took home. Which was amazing as there was so much and very good quality. Lunch was an amazing spread. Including a gorgeous cake Jo had gotten made for us. I couldn't sum up this course with enough amazing words. It truly was an amazing experience and day. We are already planning to come back soon as we loved it that much! Highly recommended without a doubt! Thanks so much Jo we all absolutely loved the course and you too!"

The White Candle Company responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review! It was a great day, with lots of fun and laughter - and I'm grateful I was part of it! Wishing Toni a fabulous day and I'm sure you'll be a great Maid of Honour. xx"

Ghazaleh reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"I enjoyed the course so much, it was full of joy, learning, fun, thoughts. The variety of experiences and lessons were just amazing ... your hospitality and kindness was remarkable. I feel like home, the studio is full of positive energy, I didn't feel how time passed by, if I didn't need to go to sleep, I would have spent 24/7 there!!!"

Patricia reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"The course was simply amazing! I have tears of gratitude just thinking about all I have learned in only five days: meaning, beauty, open-heartedness, sacred act of creation, connection to all that is. I loved the balance of geometry/pattern and pigment making.Learning from Daniel, Vija, Hana and Adam was incredible. Masters in their fields. They openly share their knowledge and craftsmanship with the group.I learned more in five days than in three years of art at university! It is real, connected, practical, loved, and invokes the spirit of curiosity and fuels inspiration. Magical. Daniel was so kind in letting us use his studio, stay later, which was brilliant. I'd definitely like to attend more courses at SAOG Studios ..."

Susan Pearson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a great time . Made to feel very welcome. All instructions explained well. Lovely location and great way to spend a morning."

wilma Keighley reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"I had a day course yesterday together with my friend. Neither of us has even soldered before but we managed to make good clean joins because Roger is a very good teacher. Projects will take some time to finish at home, but Roger was able to tell us the equipment and materials we would need, which are actually quite minimal. Just the right amount of help, shows you how to do it but does not do it for you! I would recommend to anyone who enjoys craftwork of any sort."

High Definition wire sculpture responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you both, you both achieved high quality solder joints and and wire forming, using the secret method i taught you , using magnets i hope you start to make some great creations, be great to see you back in August :) Thank you Roger"

Emma Leighton reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Attended Kate’s Willow Sculpture course today with my 13 year old son. We both had a brilliant day and both produced our own piece, although my son’s was better than mine! Kate was great with both of us , helping and encouraging, my son was especially pleased with his cat! Good value for money and a great day."

Marie donohue reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Really good day with Sarah doing upholstery. Excellent tuition with only 3 in class. Very good catering with drinks and biscuits readily to hand. Great learning opportunity . I would thoroughly recommend"

MODE Upholstery School responded:

"Thank you Marie for your kind review and I’m so glad you enjoyed the day. I will pop the double piping in the post to you this week. Sarah"

Neil Burley reviewed: Mushroom Houses! Full Day Sculpting Workshop with Pal Tiya Premium

"A great introduction to the innovative Pal Tiya sculpture medium. We spent a day making our own (light up) castles using this clay-like substance. Its idiosyncracies took a little getting used to, but through Joe's excellent demonstrations and Bob's infinitely patient explanations, we set to. The class size is small, allowing individual attention, plenty of elbow room and a lot of camaraderie during the makes. All our castles were different and showed off our individuality. Tea and tin foil were on tap, with the added bonus of cake too! I highly recommend the workshop, and took advantage of the generous introductory discount on the product too."

Anna & Andrea reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Louise was a brilliant teacher and really friendly. Had a fantastic time, great experience and well worth the money! Hoping to do it all again, even willing to travel the hour and a bit to do it. Couldn’t recommend it more! Couldnt have asked for a better experience."

PoppyRose responded:

"Hi Anna & Andrea, Thank you so much for your lovely review! It was a pleasure to have you both on the taster and you both produced fabulous pots! Very well done, and thanks for your support of PoppyRose. Hope to see you again, Louise"

Coralie Turpin reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Fantastic day! Lucy was so adaptable to everyone’s ideas for projects, would love to go back. Idyllic setting and lovely food. Very attentive tutor who has all the right tools and materials."

Vicky reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had such a wonderful experience learning to turn a bowl with George for the day. I wasn't sure what to expect and found the whole experience a joy! The workshop was a perfect learning space and George was a fabulous teacher I would recommend to anyone interested in wood turning you wouldn't find better! Thank you George"

Jennie reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Had a lovely weekend in a great setting - the geese definitely have some personality (don't worry, they're behind a fence, but will happily tell you they know you're there!). I really enjoyed learning the process and having the freedom to try out all the different tools to find the ones that suited me the most. Sebastian provides tutelage when you need it and you're able to work at your own pace. Highly recommended."