Latest reviews

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!"

Jodie Sullivan reviewed: Raku - learn the exciting art of rapid Japanese glaze firing

"Richard has a wealth of knowledge and passion for pottery and he is very welcoming of everyone! I had no idea what to expect from this course as I have never seen pots fired this way so it was very exciting to see how quickly after painting your pots they were out the kiln and cooling. To be able to take them home the same day was amazing! Can't wait for the opportunity to hone in on this technique again now that I have a better understanding of this type of firing. The lunch was equally as wonderful as the company... I'm vegan which I let Richard and his partner know beforehand and they were very understanding and accommodating. I will definitely be doing other courses with Richard and I highly recommend others do the same :)"

Debbie France reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"This was a fantastic present and we had a very productive day. Ricky is a great teacher, explaining the process clearly and offering help when needed. I really enjoyed this and would love to go back."

Andrea Turner reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"This short weekend course was great fun and an excellent introduction to upholstery. It was great to see my own chair and other people's projects take shape and I learned a lot. Philip made it very enjoyable and even supplied fresh coffee and cake."

Sandra Hoeft reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A good and fun course. It would have been interesting and useful to go through the different tools and how they should be used."

Sheila Dempster reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"I had a fantastic day, it had been 40 years since I had last thrown a pot and under Matthew's guidance it seemed like yesterday. I had a very productive day making cylinders, bowls, jugs and dishes and even went off piste throwing different shaped pots I had sketched out myself over coffee. I highly recommend this course for all abilities."

Linda Carter reviewed: ColourWheel art classes for adults - Maidenhead - Thursday

"Really fabulous art classes, great teachers, lovely group of people in lovely venue. I have returned for a 5th term, I would definitely recommend!"

Laura Stylianou reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had been on a long search to find a wood turning tutor that ticked all the boxes. After two years of making enquiries and speaking to various other professionals I realised that I had to find a tutor that would give me detailed explanations, be patient and give me quality time. Being a designer I have a good eye for detail and design but I needed to learn how to start and where to finish. So I came across Marks name and Googled him, I read about him and I was impressed, so I called Mark straight away. We had a lengthy chat, he explained what he covers and agreed that a one to one tuition was most beneficial for me and I signed up, even thought it was a 2.5 hour drive. Mark definitely ticked all the boxes, we covered so much in a day, I learned a lot and took home a fantastic bowl which is what I wanted to make. He is knowledgeable, patient, thorough, calm, enthusiastic, and has a sense of humour. The day exceeded my expectations and I would recommend him without any hesitation. Thank you Mark for a great day,"

Craig reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a great day, Jonathan was very welcoming. Marcelle and I both made pendants, I don’t think Marcelle has taken hers off since we got home. The day was so much fun and the time just flew by, it’s safe to say I have a new hobby and the shopping list for tools and equipment was made that evening. We will definitely be returning to make some rings next time. P.s. I don’t write many reviews, service / experience has to be either dreadful or fantastic, congratulations Jonathan you and boat have topped the fantastic list."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Craig and Marcelle. I'm glad you enjoyed the day and I look forward to hearing more about your developing jewellery making skills. Jonathan"

Ellie Emberson reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"I attended a one day stained glass course on Sunday and loved every minute, the day flew by in a flash. Matt is a fantastic teacher and offers just the right amount of assistance, whilst also leaving you to work on your own so you feel like the finished piece is your own work. He's incredibly skillful and it was a pleaseure to spend the day working with him and the others on the course. I'll definitely be returning to do more glass work....it's very addictive. Let me know when you run your glass mosaic class Matt, I'd love to come along."