Latest reviews

Sarah B reviewed: Introduction to Block Lino Printing in Cambridgeshire

"Wow, what a fabulous day. Hard work, busy and intensive, but so worth it. Judith is a great teacher, a perfect balance of teaching techniques and practical activity. Judith is really supportive and encouraging, she is extremely approachable and friendly. The six hours went so quickly and I came away with thirteen A4 prints of my original lino cut in different colours and on different backgrounds. The workshop location was easy to find, minutes off the A1 and in a beautifully converted building with easy parking. Real coffee, tea, yummy biscuits and cake too. Highly recommended."

Roland Askquith-Ellis reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. Perfect setting, a good brew or two from the wood fired kettle and more importantly some brilliant tuition on the craft of green wood working. Simon is a great teacher with a vast amount knowledge that he has a passion for sharing. I'll be going back."

Darrall Wilson reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop

"What a great way to spend a day. Our host, Catherine was patient and encouraging in equal measure, she allowed us to explore our ideas and helped develop them into wonderful finished items that at the start of the day I would not have thought I was capable of producing. I would recommend to anybody of any age or skill level, experience is not required. Interesting topical chat and plenty of tea on tap all held in a wonderful old mill."

Jo and Richard reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"My husband and I had a fun day learning to make leather journals with Lynne The whole day was really well structured; allowing progress at our own pace, plenty of timely advice and suggestions and a pause for tea and cake. Lynne's tuition ensured we each completed two different journals during the course, with lots of lovely options to ensure each was truly individual and special. A lovely day, at a gentle pace that delivered both completed projects and the knowledge to try it again at home. A great course!"

Ridereau reviewed: Make your very own clutch bag/small tablet device case/sleeve

"The workshop was really interesting. You learned a lot about the leather. Richard is really nice. He shown a lot of technique. You go back home with your own creation. It was a real pleasure to do this workshop. Louise"

lynn chapman reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"My friend and I really enjoyed a creative day with very good teaching. Small friendly group atmosphere, very good lunch, we both came away with good stained glass panels and a sense of achievement. Would thoroughly recommend."

Sarah Murray reviewed: Wet felted picture workshop - Teesside

"I really, really enjoyed this workshop. Hellen was an excellent tutor, very supportive and explained everything clearly so even a complete beginner such as myself could bring home something to be proud of. The selection of materials is second to none and I would definitely recommend this. Thank you."

Margaret Bone reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"A thoroughly enjoyable day! Clear instruction, a well equipped studio & a supportive & encouraging atmosphere. We talked, laughed, cried & painted. My painting now has pride of place on the wall at home."

Jennifer reviewed: Shine Brightly - Intuitive Tree Painting class

"I’m almost finished my Shine Brightly Intuative Tree and as always I’m loving the experience. Kas and the group are always there every step of the way for help or advice if required and together your work can be interpreted as you wish. A wonderful experience can’t wait to do another one ?"

Jennifer reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"I have worked with Kas for a while now and she has helped me become an artist. I loved painting my tree of life and it proudly hangs in my hall and I look at it every day and it gives me a warm glow every time I look at it. Kas can see things in my work which to be honest sometimes I can’t see and together we work through issues. Painting has given me a new lease of creativity, I have painted so many pieces now and I’m so proud of myself. I would never have started without the help of this lovely woman ?"

Nick reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Really good, genuinely hands-on taster for this ancient craft. You quickly get going with the simpler pieces, and the things you make are really your own work. I made some marble/pebble/paperweights a military grade bauble and a tall and thoroughly usable G&T glass. Jon is a great source of information about the craft, with impressive experience and portfolio. Highly recommended! And lunch cooked in the kiln. All in a real working studio, next to a river."

Karen cruicks reviewed: Fisherton Mill in Salisbury - Claire Demetri Glass Fusing Workshops

"Fantastic morning with Claire and learnt so much about techniques I could use with my kiln. Would highly recommend this course to anyone who either is a total novice or has some experience of working with glass. Thank you for a wonderful morning"

Sally Rowney reviewed: Leather Workshop One - on - One

"I had a wonderful day with Sarah making a rucksack style handbag. I had great communication before the day (which was a Christmas present) from Sarah asking about likes and dislikes, colours, what kind of thing I was interested in making etc. Sarah even offered to get in leather of a colour that I wanted (if I knew what colour I wanted before the day) so that I could make in a colour of my choice. I didn't know what colour I wanted, so gave her my favourite colours and she had all of them available on the day. I can't remember exactly how many colours of leather were availbale on the day, but it was more than 10, probably closer to 20. Sarah was interested to learn what type of thing I wanted to make and asked me to email her pictures. So I sent her ones of the type of rucksack style handbag that I liked and ones I didn't like with some notes, so that she knew which bits I liked/dislisked and why. The workshop space was lovely, tidy, roomy and light filled. It was a lovely space in which to work. It was quite obvious Sarah was used to teaching people with a wide range of skills and quickly adapted her instruction and style to match my skill level. Her work as a university lecturer, combined with her nature, has given her the skills to set people at ease and take away any fears and make it a very enjoyable experience. Lunch was lovely - bread rolls filled by Sarah, cakes, fruit and crisps. Tea/coffee/squash/water. Biscuits available if wanted at morning and afternoon break times, along with drinks. I have already told my husband he can buy me another workshop with Sarah any time he likes as I enjoyed myself so much. I would highly recommend the 1:1 workshop day with Sarah. Sally"

Sarah and Chris reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My husband and I attended one of Mark’s one day courses recently and both came away with fabulous little bowls! We had to rearrange our original booked course because of the snow and Mark was really accommodating, fitting us in on Good Friday! We were both complete novices, and I was a bit apprehensive about damaging either myself or Mark’s equipment. But Mark was really patient, answering my many questions and talking us through what we would need to set up as hobby ‘turners’. His experience and knowledge is huge, and well demonstrated both in the practical help he gave us and in his advice. The bowls we made in the day surpassed my wildest expectations and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Fabulous, if very long, day. Well worth the money and the trip to Pershore!"

Paul Newton reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"I took my first course with Nigel about 3 months ago and it immediately improved the quality of the items I was making. The aim of this one-day course was to learn some new skills and to cover some general leatherworking topics as well. Nigel tailored the course to suit my needs and concentrated on a few topics that would result in the biggest improvement for someone with my level of experience. These areas included: showing me how to make more precise patterns that reduce the scope for problems later in the build, how to get the most out of my new KS Bladepunch stitching irons, and how to improve my edge finishing. I also had a lot of general questions about things that have cropped up over the past few months. These include things like which leather and furniture to use to make specific items, and where best to source these from. Nigel gave me his undivided attention and answered every question I had, including some crucial information that I could not find anywhere else despite spending hours watching online tutorials. I would highly recommend this course whatever level of experience you have at the moment. I plan to book another two-day course in a couple of months time as it represents such a good investment for anyone serious about improving their skills and knowledge."

Alasdair reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"We had a great time doing this course. Andy was a really good teacher, and can tailor the course to most levels of experience. He'll also make sure you leave with a bowl you'll be pleased with!"

Chris reviewed: Paint The Tree of YOUR Life art & personal development

"As always, felt held and supported making my tree with guidance from Kas. Was able to make connection with my life as the tree evolved and discover some surprises. Having also participated in a live group with Kas I know she caters for all levels of ability and has an intuition as to how much to input. I would thoroughly recommend Kas's workshops to anyone wishing to explore their creativity and themselves. Fabulous experience and one to repeat..."

Matthew Davies reviewed: One to One Silver Jewellery Tuition

"I completed both a two day introduction to silver jewellery making and a one day stone setting course with Jonathan. These days were full of amazing instruction and practical demonstration - I was then able, under Jonathan's careful guidance, to create a pair of rings and a sapphire-set bangle: I am incredibly proud of all three of these (my wife and I have not taken the rings off since the day I made them! Jonathan's courses acre structured so that anyone, with any or no experience is able to access them with ease. Coming to these courses as a complete novice, I am pleased to say that I have been inspired with the confidence to take the craft further myself. Jonathan himself is a font of knowledge, and it was amazing to be taught by someone who clearly has a passion for his craft. He was so giving of this knowledge and passion, and it was clear from the outset that he wants others to enter the trade (he wasn't selfish about it at all, but recognised the need for others to enter the profession). The lists of tools and instructions he provides students with are a valuable source of information regarding starting up. It took me all of an hour after having left his workshop to buy my first tools and materials. Thank you, Jonathan!"

Jude Moreland reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"My daughter and I had a one-off lesson with Chris (my birthday present from hubby). We spent a very enjoyable time throwing pots. Chris demonstrated all the steps and was very patient when I forgot what to do! He explained everything very clearly and was very helpful. A great evening. Thanks."

rosalind crawford reviewed: Free Taster Intuitive Art for Healing & Well Being art class/free group

"Kassi’s insightful and thought provoking course taps into a deeper level of being, encouraging reflection on what’s going on at a subconscious level. Kassi is a lovely person dedicated to helping others realise potential, express thoughts, fears, joys, intentions of the heart through explorative art . What could be better than that? Highly recommend"

Natalie & Jan reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"“My mum and I simply had the most fun and creative day doing our wax workshop with Lyn. We both got totally hooked on the joy of encaustic wax and are really looking forward to doing it again - Lyn was so helpful and lovely to spend the day with too.”"

Emma reviewed: Mosaic making class

"A very enjoyable day! Dawn was extremely welcoming and well organised. There was an excellent selection of animals/shapes to mosaic and it was very helpful to have so many completed examples to use for ideas and for inspiration. Very good selection of colours and finish of tiles. Refreshments were provided throughout the day. The cake was especially delicious. We also looked at the bed and breakfast accommodation, which is best described as delightful! Thank you to Dawn for a superb day-I am now hooked on mosaics!"

Jacqui du Rocher reviewed: Shine Brightly - Intuitive Tree Painting class

"This course has been a journey for me both in my learning to express myself through paint and colour and in my inner journey as Kassi gently guided, and continues to guide me, through my feelings and all the different things that have been coming up for me as I paint my tree. It is a wonderful course and Kassi is so patient and helpful. My art has really burst into life, after being very tentative at the beginning, and I have learnt to let go and trust my intuition. It's also about having fun and I am really enjoying it!"

Claire reviewed: Beginners Arm knitting workshop - make a chunky knit throw, Newbury

"Attended this course earlier this year....was a lovely evening and I left with a gorgeous knitted throw thanks to the guidance of Sophie. I can highly recommend, even if you are a knitting novice like me!"

Forest and Dot responded:

"Thank you Claire for your lovely review! It was great to have you onboard! I hope you enjoy your arm knitted throw!"

Meg Neill reviewed: Creative Paper Cutting (1 day) in the Peak District

"A really great day at a lovely place, Christine was a excellent tutor, and I very much hope they put on a follow-on course for 3D paper cutting in the future. Good cakes too!"