Latest reviews

Marie Kraus reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended Ollie’s one day furniture restoration course. It was a very enjoyable day, and completely transformed my piece of furniture. I now feel able to take on more projects at home, confident in the process I have been taught. Ollie is very informative, patient and supportive. He matches the pace you need, explained everything fully and demonstrated techniques clearly. A very educational and fun day."

Shirley Janes reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Full Day Beginners Workshop

"I loved every minute of my day with suzanne. Learning different tecniques and producing glass beads with different designs, something I had never experienced before. I got a very warm welcome on arrival and Suzannes style of teaching is relaxed and encouraging which made me feel extremely comfortable to learn the art of lampworking without any pressure at all. I’m looking forward to experiencing the next level course ?"

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Lovely to hear you enjoyed your workshop Shirley, thank you for taking the time to review it."

Judith Harper reviewed: Watercolour Landscapes at the Phoenix Studio

"Excellent delivery on the techniques of water colour, especially on the stages of producing a water colour painting, the palette, the bead, equipment required, planning the composition, tonal values and mood. George used a good selection of visual resources to explain the stages and techniques of water colour painting along with demonstration. Well organised, prescriptive and good technical detail. Providing the equipment was useful, especially a set of prescribed colours to use in time available. The course reintroduced me to watercolours, how to use the "bead" and reinforced rules of composition. It was informative, interesting and I learnt a lot. George's knowledge of the medium is amazing, his teaching excellent and is very approachable, encouraging and helpful. My suggestions for improvement are personal to my own needs - as I found the course very carefully controlled and a little too prescriptive but that is probably what George wanted to deliver. I felt we spent more time watching his demonstrations and talk than hands on and I didn't enjoy the subject matter of the second painting as a landscape. ( dare I say a bit old fashioned and twee). But we did learn techniques from it. Personally, I would have liked something a little more contemporary and, from the notes, expected to have time outside to paint or use the photos we'd been asked to bring. To make the most of the 2 days - could lunch be less than an hour and I would have preferred if the artist had joined us for lunchtime as part of the weekend and for discussion. Always love the Phoenix Studios. Thank you ."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Thanks for the detailed feedback Judith and the constructive criticism. It's much appreciated and will be used in the future. Best wishes, James x"

Jane McCall reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"Paul and Natalie were very experienced and made the learning process comfortable and most important achievable. After learning the technics of cutting and the tools required I then went on to learn the methods in making stained glass projects when sticking glass to glass, for me as a mosaic artist it was wonderful to see the result when putting some mosaic pieces into the frame. I will certainly return to learn more and highly recommend the course to anyone looking to learn this craft I can assure you it will be well worth it."

Rachael Chave reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"I was given vouchers for this Mosaic workshop as a birthday present and I really enjoyed it! Very informative about designs and different patterns you can achieve. Lots of nice colours to choose from too!"

Gillian Hartley reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"My husband bought us a one to one session with Richard, we both had a fabulous day. We arrived to an array of biscuits and mugs of coffee and a chat about what we wanted to work on. Richard was very open to our ideas and guided us to make them look real. I would highly recommend either a workshop or a one to one. I have already booked in another session. Thank you Richard and Tilly for a fabulous day. Gill"

Chris Hartley reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"My wife and i have just spent the most fantastic day with Richard from Twisted Earth Ceramics. As complete beginners we had no expectation of producing anything worth keeping, i just thought it would be fun however, with Richards expert guidance, patience and humour both of us managed to produce something that we are more than happy to display. A fantastic way to spend the day, lots of tea and cake, and something tangible to bring home (once fired)."

Andy Durrant reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a wonderful day with Lucy. It was very enlightening to see and experience the amount of effort that needs to go into all jewellery. Lucy was very accommodating and clearly explained the processes to me for making a ring. I am looking forward to going back and making more."

Steve & Jo Churlish reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely brilliant day !! Colin is a great instructor, really easy to get on with and very clearly a well established Balcksmith. I attended the day's course with my wife (Jo) - we both had a fully interactive, creative and interesting day. This is an absolutely great event for anyone wanting a hands on practical course with no previous experience needed. I will definately be going again at some point. Thanks Colin for a great day !! Steve & Jo"

Jane Renfrew reviewed: Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop

"This was a fabulous course. Sarah was informative and an excellent teacher. She was also very patient and personable and made the 2 days really good fun. I have come away with a lovely skill and a fabulous lampshade!"

Matt Lloyd reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had such a fantastic day! Incredible tuition, always felt like we were driving without ever feeling out of our depth. Ricky is hugely knowledgeable and patient and really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. Have recommended to everyone I have spoken to about it and would recommend it to anyone! Thanks so much Ricky!"

andrew reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"this is a really amazing course and I would recommend it to everyone. peter is an amazing tutor and the whole process of making the chair is made clear and simple from the start. I can't express how fun and rewarding this course is. to be honest I probably would have done it even if I didn't get to keep the chair! this is a great course and I think everyone should do it!"

Ute reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"After having done a full day of carving knives before, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect and that I knew quite a few cuts already. But I learnt so much more from Alan - he's clearly extremely skilful and experienced both in carving and teaching! I had a great time learning from him and do not mind my aching fingers today (it's such a physical craft!) for I have a beautiful spoon to show for it, which Alan even finished for me since I unfortunately had to cut my day short. Five stars for skill, teaching and forthcomingness!"

James Berge reviewed: Furniture Making - Cabinetmaking Fundamentals in East Sussex

"A superb course taught by John who is a excellent teacher and obviously extremely experienced. He made learning the basics of woodworking really fun and enjoyable. I learnt loads and feel so much more confident with the plane, saw and chisel. The supply of delicious cakes and biscuits also helped to keep energy levels up for the entire two days."

Toby Hague reviewed: Furniture Making - Cabinetmaking Fundamentals in East Sussex

"Even at this early stage in my woodworking journey the level of accuracy seemed impossible but with only a day of John's guidance on the tools fractions of millimeter workmanship was being repeatable achieved."

Anne Rowlinson reviewed: Furniture Making - Cabinetmaking Fundamentals in East Sussex

"Very informative. I learned a great deal about the basics of woodworking, discovered the soothing process of planing wood and successfully made a chopping board."

Margaret Thompson reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"Attended a very enjoyable 1 day french polishing course. With Ollie's help transformed a very shabby, old hall table into something stunning! Good notes were provided and the teaching was excellent. Felt I learned enough to be confident to tackle more projects. Ollie was fully supportive at every stage of the project. He was also very good company. I would thoroughly recommend the experience!"

Paula Mccartney reviewed: Reiki Healing Introductory Course

"I am very fortunate to have been able to attend Sally's wonderful Reiki 1 course. I was over the moon with how friendly Sally is and I personally felt right at ease . That's an amazing quality when teaching a course . I would recommend Sally and this course to anyone who is interested . *****"

Raymond Sancroft-Baker reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Not having done much wood turning for a few years I thought I would do a refresher course and Mark introduced me to many new tools and techniques that I can now turn with much more confidence. A most enjoyable experience and Mark took endless trouble and we certainly had a very full day of tuition. He also provided comprehensive notes and links to suppliers. The only problem is that now I think I will have to buy a new lathe!"

Chris & Vince Crompton reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery for Beginners

"A big THANKYOU to Jo for delivering a fabulous course,we left at the end of the day having created marvellous silver pieces of jewellery from this “magic” clay...yes it’s true! We would highly recommend Jo,who shares her knowledge and creative passion both clearly and enthusiastically. We would definitely return for another session. See you soon Jo!"

Jo Hunter Wearable Art responded:

"It was a pleasure to meet you both and work through your ideas to bring them to fruition! I hope Vince, that your colleagues at work are suitably impressed with your surfboard pendant and I'm sure Chris, that you will get lots of compliments on your dragonfly pendant and earrings. Don't forget, that if you're down from the Midlands again and would like another class on a day to fit in with your plans, let me know and we can try and sort something out. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!"

Joy reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Another great day with SallyAnne, this time making an obelisk for the garden. Great fun and excellent tuition again, thank you . Joy"

Rebecca reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"The venue was a little tricky to find, but once we had arrived the day went brilliantly. The studio was light, airy and comfortable to work in. Nicky's gentle approach to teaching allowed us to get to grips with the basics of glass cutting and gain confidence surprisingly quickly. Making a small coaster first gave us the chance to practise these new skills before moving onto a larger piece. Thank you for a great day, I would definitely recommend this course, and Nicky, to anyone wanting to have a go at glass fusion."

Becky reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"It was a really nice chilled out session with coffee and biscuits too :) Really good intro into mosaic, felt I learned quite a bit about the techniques involved too. Would be nice to use the materials for outdoor work next and see the similarities/differences. A nice selection of tiles (lots of glitter!) and Adela even searched out a few extra bits when I asked for ideas/help which was really nice. Thanks"

Petra chuter reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"Myself and my husband Dave had a fantastic day with Kate making our Heron and Hare sculptures. Great fun learning how to turn a pile of willow into something beautiful. Highly recommend to anyone, a big thank you to Dave for the great lunch which was provided too. Great hosts. Thanks Petra& Dave"

Erika Lax reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"This was an amazing thing to do. I bought it as a gift for my younger son who is an artist and loves working with natural materials. I tagged along, more to spend some time doing something with him without the mayhem of the wider family. Ian was so friendly, knowledgeable and helpful that the hours went by really quickly. My stool has pride of place in our conservatory, where we spend most of our time now that we are retired! An added bonus is that I now have lots of Christmas present ideas for that son because he wants to do more woodcraft."