Latest reviews

Alison Driscoll reviewed: Embroidery kits with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Hereford

"A wonderful relaxing day in the Worcestershire countryside - sitting and just stitching! Julie is an excellent tutor , so patient and knowledgable. I thoroughly recommend this course. The kit was great too with everything you need to finish it off at home if you run out of time. I learnt so much and came away totally inspired!"

Tess Wakeling reviewed: Geometry of Morocco and Al-Andalus

"I had a wonderful time on the ‘Patterns of the Alhambra’ course with Daniel. It was a treat to have the five days to fully immerse ourselves in the patterns and meanings behind them. I found it fascinating to learn how these designs were constructed and make connections between patterns found in palaces, churches, mosques and celtic sites all over the world. Daniel would also regularly blow our minds with knowledge linking what we were drawing with our pencil and compass to the cosmos and the laws of the universe. We produced a lot of work over the week, and I even made one of the designs into ceramic tiles which were then fired and glazed. I have come away with a whole portfolio of designs which I will now continue to work on, as there are infinite possibilities in these patterns and how to multiply the tiles or add colour. I loved this course and hope to come back to the Scared Art of Geometry Studios again, Thankyou."

Maeve reviewed: Stained Glass Weekend for Beginners

"I attended Jude’s introduction to stained glass course along with my 19 yr old daughter and three other novices. It was a fantastic weekend and we both came away with completed leaded panels, feeling very proud, and with a greater appreciation of the art form. Jude is an inspiring, passionate and patient teacher. It was a pleasure to spend the weekend in her fabulous workshop. I would highly recommend the experience."

Kirsty Forman reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"Susan's dyeing with woad workshop was a well- paced and well- organised day leaving me satisfied and more confident in continuing to dye with woad at home. Susan is knowledgeable and friendly and enabled each participant to develop their expertise, and experiment with the fibres and textiles we had prepared beforehand, as well as with some textiles available for purchase from Susan. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning and experimentation and your teaching Susan and would definately recommend the course to others. Thank you!"

Brenda Stafford reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"I have joined 4 so called art classes in the past but learnt very little. Wish I had known about ColourWheel 3 years ago? I joined this art class 2 years ago with my friend Marilyn. I am being taught so much? I am here to stay!!!"

James Oxley reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I attended this course so I could add French polishing as a finish to the guitars I build. Ollie was a very good tutor and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him if you are interested in the art of French Polishing."

Justin Miller reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am a keen woodworker at home and some friends kindly gifted me a one day course with Mark for my 50th birthday. I had no real preconceptions going in to this, but I have to say that I had a really brilliant day with Mark and felt that I learnt enough to enable me to pursue woodturning on my father in law’s lathe with a fair degree of enthusiasm. Mark is a patient tutor who explained things clearly and in a manner that made it easy to understand and put the techniques in to practice. His skills and knowledge of his craft and the wood itself were evident throughout the day. The day spent with Mark has enjoyable and has given me the drive to take woodturning up as a hobbyist. Following the course Mark emailed me a a large amount of information about the tools that I will need, where these can be purchased and details on some local woodturning clubs. The course was really worthwhile and good value."

Mel Davies reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Great experience, thank you Jonathon. Highly recommend the day and would love to do more. The lovely relaxing location made the day even more enjoyable and I still can't believe I came away with my own silver ring!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Dear Mel. Thanks for your kind words. You did really well - despite your poorly arm, and it was a great day. Now get yourself a few tools and take them along with you on your travels! Jonathan"

Jo Taylor reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"A very informative, hands on and enjoyable day. Susan created a friendly and relaxed environment but also delivered a well planned and organised set of activities - allowing us all to learn how to create dye baths from both Woad leaves and extract. The accompanying notes were comprehensive and a choice of materials were available to practise several different dyeing techniques. We also dyed materials brought from home. Susan is an experienced dyer and teacher and I definitely recommend her dye courses."

Bev and Lee Watson reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"A thoroughly enjoyable, informative and rewarding weekend. The knowledge, expertise and passion shared by our instructors was truly invigorating. That much so, we have joined the DSWA and can't wait to embark on our next challenge. It was an absolute pleasure to spend the weekend learning skills that have been passed down through generations. Despite a brief encounter with the hailstone the sun shone through our team all weekend. Thank you to all the instructors for their patience, dedication and encouragement! We had a wonderful weekend. We're looking forward to our next meeting :) Many thanks Bev and Lee Watson"

Edna reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"You would have thought that after a year of one to one tuition from Lucy there would be no surprises. Well under Lucy's tutelage I realise I'm only scratching the surface in terms of knowledge and skills I always look forward to the next date that she can fit me in and inspire me once again"

Julie Malone reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"My Mum and I have been attending Poppy Rose to make a pot on the wheel. It’s been on Her bucket list for years! We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience, our pots didn’t look too bad once they were painted! Louise was very helpful, patient and encouraging. I will be Recommending Poppy Rose to others. Thanks again for having us."

PoppyRose responded:

"Hi Julie, Thank you so much for your lovely review, much appreciated, and it was a pleasure to have yourself and your mum for your taster. Have fun with the rest of the bucket list! Best wishes, Louise"

James reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a brilliant day. I would highly recommend this to anyone - those with experience or not. Mort is extremely knowledgeable which is evident throughout. From initial ideas and design to the finished product - Mort is on hand to give positive guidance when needed - necessary when making the number of mistakes I did! With his support I was able to complete the project and had an achievement I could take home - a bonus to finish off an awesome day. I will hopefully book another day soon."

Phil Hughes reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"The day went so quickly and met our every expectation and more. It was a delightful inspiring introduction to the art of blacksmithing based in a beautiful landscape at Blue Foot Forge. Pete Smith was bounding with knowledge and enthusiasm for his art but was able to demonstrate what to do so clearly and effectively. It was very refreshing to meet both Pete and his wife, Heather, who are ethically minded people intent on making life more sustainable and rewarding. Pete made blacksmithing so much fun, we actually went away amazed to find we had actually made two useful tools/holders under his careful supervision. Heather has made a fine garden and provided an excellent lunch. A day to remember thank you Pete and Heather Phil Hughes - July 2018"

Mark & Katharine reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"We had a fantastic day with Chris, trying many of the different blacksmithing techniques. Chris is a great teacher, explaining everything clearly, demonstrating & gently correcting, so that we both made a lovely keyring. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day which I would highly recommend."

Carol reviewed: Dye Recycled Materials + Create Mixed Media Embellishments

"Fun, novel, interesting & relaxing day. Its inspired lots of new ideas and we left with lots of things to create art works with. It's also good for reusing plastics instead of throwing / recycling them. ?"

Jessica Grady embroidery artist responded:

"Thanks Carol - glad you enjoyed the day!"

Elisabeth Stokoe reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"The courses were well prepared and presented in a friendly atmosphere. We touched on all the various media (water coloring, pastels, acrylic and others). It gave us a good base to continue on our own. The location is easily accessible with easy parking and pleasant facilities (cafeteria with good food and pleasant terrace. The courses are excellent value for money. I followed the courses for the second year running. I highly recommend these courses as an introduction to drawing and painting."

Tracey reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Great Course! Fully Recommend! Learnt Loads! Thanks for everything!"

Jimmy Kelly reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Great course. I have done the beginners and intermediate stained glass workshop and thoroughly enjoyed it. So stimulating and therapeutic. I hope to go on to do the advanced class and work on my own design."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks Jimmy, it was pleasure having you, hope you are enjoying the summer with your stained glass bespoke terrarium!"

Debby Benjamin reviewed: One day stained glass workshop London for beginners and enthusiasts

"Wonderful experience. Fun, both challenging and relaxing! Definately want to do another course with Tejal, she is charming, determined to share with you her passion for working with glass, a great teacher, encouraging you gently to find your own ideas. I hope to bring my mother and neice for their birthday presents."

GlassSeasons responded:

"Thanks-you so much, really appreciate your comments and I am glad you enjoyed and accomplished your desired design within time:)"

Rita Kaszas reviewed: Make silver jewellery - one day workshop

"I attended a one-day course at Cathy's workshop and I loved it! Cathy is a great teacher, she explained everything clearly and helped when it was needed. Instead of telling me what to do, she guided me which resulted me making my first two pieces of silver jewellery that I'm proud of! I would certainly recommend Cathy's workshops to anyone who is interested in jewellery making."

Jane Herve reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Phillip is an excellent teacher, very patient and makes time for everyone on the upholstery weekends. Would recommend."

Sharon Chambers reviewed: Painting with wool & silk fibres - Feltmaking

"I had a really lovely day on Barbaras wet felt making day. I made a floral piece of felt which i turned in to a cushion cover. I will be booking my sister and i onto another course to make a felt scarf and then a bag ...oohhh i think I have caught the felting bug lol. Thank you very much Barbara x"

Jane Hurst reviewed: Embroidery kits with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Hereford

"What a great way to spend a day ... slow stitching, with excellent tuition, good company and homemade cake. I was an embroidery novice and now have the confidence to go further. Thank you Julie!"