Latest reviews

SARA SHEPHERD reviewed: Clay modelling - sculpt a classical portrait

"This course appealed to me as I wanted to learn how to sculpt a face so I can apply the techniques to cake making. I have learnt how to use clay (which I was a complete novice to), use of tools, how to look for lines to help build the model, the importance of muscles in getting the correct shapes and many more techniques. Miranda Wakeman is a brilliant tutor who instructs you through every stage and pointing out areas that need 'tweeking' so you come away with a life size facial sculpture. I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 days at this site, the room was very airy and comfortable, parking is available and the hours passed quickly. I would highly recommend this course and are confident you will not be disappointed with the result, many thanks to Sally who organises everything."

Sandy Blackmore reviewed: Shabby chic and upcycling

"A totally fascinating course - I came away with so many ideas I don't know where to start.....!! I learned all about mixing different paints, waxing, finishing, decorating, decoupage, stencils and making my own chalk paint from practically any left-over paint I might have - and much, much more. So much information was crammed into the day and gave me a whole new perspective on just how varied and interesting "painting" can be. Extremely interesting, a whole lot of fun and highly recommended."

Kate Johnson reviewed: Drawing Tai Chi - 1 day workshop - Worthing West Sussex

"Interesting and challenging days - especially enjoy the slightly longer poses."

Art with Tricia responded:

"Kate thank you so much."

Lynda Harris reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"This was an excellent course and we achieved so much more than expected largely due to Olly giving everyone the confidence to believe we could do it. Both Olly and Rosina were excellent hosts and Rosina must have worked really hard to provide us with wonderful food and plenty to keep us hydrated. Olly is an excellent teacher, motivating and patient and always good humoured. I don't know what I expected but this course gave me a real insight into stone carving and a lovely example of the craft to bring home and display. Very many thanks to both."

Vicky Thomas reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Love what we do, Martin is patient and helpful and I enjoy the other participants and everyone's willingness to share ideas"

glen stanbury reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris is everything you could ask for in a teacher. So knowledgeable, explains everything well and is just a lovely bloke. Enjoyed my day with him from start to finish and ended up with a lovely bowl that I never thought I'd be able to make in 1 day on my first go. Would recommend this course to anyone and everyone. Fantastic fun."

Gary Bentley reviewed: 1-to-1 tailored course with one of the UK's leading glass artists Jennifer Barker, at the Cheshire School of Glass

"I would class myself as an experienced glass artist, but Jen has brought many new techniques to the table and answered all of my recurring niggles; she really knows her stuff. As an added bonus, the course is dog friendly. I would recommend Cheshire School of Glass to anyone; no matter how experienced you think you are! Cheers Jen."

Katy Roberts reviewed: Surface Techniques in Glass with the Cheshire School of Glass

"Excellent! My Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed our class with Jenand came away really happy with the glass panels that we made. Jen is a great teacher and has so much knowledge and enthusiasm for the topic, it was definitely infectious as we want to try making more things now! Would recommend the class to anyone as a fun day out that also gives you a greater appreciation for the skill and craftmanship involved. Best regards, Katy Roberts."

Andrew Hunter reviewed: 'Glass for the garden' with the Cheshire School of Glass

"I have been to other glass fusing courses, but this is by far and away the best to date. Jen has so much experience and makes the course fun and interesting. I will be be booking another course and recommending it to my friends. Thanks Jen."

Andrew Summers reviewed: Beginners stained glass workshops using copper foil.

"We asked Jo to come to our premises in South Yorkshire for a team building day. There were six of us so Jo told us that she would have to adjust the workshop slightly to allow everyone to have a go at soldering. We were offered a great selection of pre-cut glass to design our lightcatchers. During the session Jo was able to explain the history of stained glass and we all found her delightful and informative. We were all given a go at soldering (harder than you may think) Later on, Jo asked us if we would like to have a go at cutting glass. Great fun but it really is a skilled task. My team enjoyed their day immensely and I felt that it bought us all together. Highly recommended, thank you#Andy"

Nico reviewed: Make a Windsor-style stool

"Brilliant course. I am very inexperienced at woodworking and a pretty bad DIYer, so it is to Ben's credit that I managed to bring home such a lovely object! Ben is very patient and spend time with you to be sure that you are not lost. All his explanations are very clear and I've learned a bit about trees. I strongly recommend this course, I now everyday sit on this very comfortable stool I have done with my own hands, great stuff!!"

Anne Fernweh reviewed: Hand-Spinning & Natural Dyeing Retreat, Highlands, Scotland

"I enjoyed every minute of this course. Each day was beautifully balanced between hands-on learning activities and leisure time to walk the stunning landscape, knit, read or just enjoy the company of others on the course. It had something for everyone of all levels and Rosie was an extremely patient, accommodating teacher. It was wonderful to look back at the end of the week on all that we had accomplished and covered in such a short time. It was very hard to leave!"

Nicky Butler reviewed: Felted flowers workshop

"I have now done two courses with Lena. One on nuno felt, and eco/ botanical printing. Lena is a very thorough teacher, and you will learn correct techniques that work (although part of the fun of eco printing is experimentation!) The courses are "full on" but fun. Bring a notebook to record techniques and results for the future. A camera or mobile phone can be useful for before and after photos too. Lena's very good for answering any follow up questions you may have afterwards. Enjoy!"

Trevor Linkin reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"I approached the course with an open mind ,not really believing i would be able to master the art of wood turning . Nick encouraged me from the outset his patience and excellent teaching skills built up my confidence .he never rushed me and answered all of my questions with enthusiasm and interest . I was given all of my work to bring home from the initial novice practice batons to my beautiful hand carved bowl . I would thoroughly recommend this course run by Nick to anyone interested in this craft and also those who are merely thinking about it,I thouroughly enjoyed my 2 days . Thank you so much Nick for sharing your skills and knowledge with me and in helping me to choose a lathe as well . Also a really big thank you to Jane for the lovely lunches as well ."

Gail reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have attended at least four of Martin’s courses, I think!! I’m not certain how many because it feels like a normal part of my week! I enjoy ‘crafty’ things anyway but had never tried stained glass before. The first few weeks were challenging and I can’t say some of my skills are much better now, but that is not to do with Martin’s skill as a teacher. As a teacher myself, for 40 years I can spot a ‘good un’ a mile off and Martin is one of these. He immediately puts you at ease, quietly and with humour leads you through the process of producing something magical. He never gets frustrated, however many times you need reminding about techniques, he’s supportive when you want to try something left of field and helps you achieve the ‘picture in your head’. He’s helped me produce pieces I never ever thought I’d be able to make and even improve my soldering - not an easy task. There is always a happy atmosphere in his well equipped workshop, with everyone interested in each other’s projects, I’ve signed up for another course in September - can’t wait!!"

Helen Morgan reviewed: Fascinator hat making - gorgeous spirals millinery workshop

"My friend and I had a truely wonder day with Racheal.she was very welcoming, she is an excellent teacher, and made us feel at ease. Racheal help us with lots of encouragment, helped us to try out new techniques and skills. I was so happy with my Fascinator!! I think I've found a new hobby. Thank you Racheal. Id love to do more workshops soon."

Pippa Shay reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I had such a wonderful weekend learning how to carve stone. We were blessed with amazing sunshine and it was so delightful carving in the shade of the orchard. Sebastian is such a relaxed, encouraging and inspirational teacher. He didn't interfere but was there with advice and his wisdom when needed. I learnt so much over the two days and actually left with a sculpture that looked like I had imagined it might. I wish I lived next door as I would be there every day chipping away at more stones. I highly recommend Sebastian's course and I will return to play with stones again soon amongst the magic."

Duncan Bell reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Big thanks to Sue and Geri for an excellent introduction to Raku firing. We each glazed 3 pieces of bisque pottery, experimenting with a wide range of colours and designs. Observing the glazing and reduction process was very interesting, and then we all compared our surprising and pleasing end results. I now want to learn a lot more about Raku and perhaps set up my own Raku kiln. It was a fun day of learning which I can thoroughly recommend."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Duncan, we are very pleased that you enjoyed the Raku Workshop and want to continue exploring this method of firing ceramics. We are happy to give you advice and help as an when you need."

Gary McKillion reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"My family bought me a place on the Sustainable Bee-keeping Weekend course in April 2018. I found the course really inspiring, not only in Bee-keeping but in my understanding of the natural world. The course facilitators were absolutely wonderful, so passionate, knowledgeable and friendly. The presentations were excellent and gave an in-depth guide into the world of bees, from the bee's minute perspective to environmental, economic and geopolitical factors and everything in between! The practical demonstrations with bees, hives, products and hive-making were very good. The opening of hives is weather dependent due to the harm this can do to the bees, thankfully the conditions were just about ok for our group. Our course was held at Ragman's Lane farm which is a wonderful venue with many lovely B&Bs and Inns nearby. The food provided was plentiful and delicious, I've taken a couple of the recipes to enjoy at home. I would highly recommend this course if you are currently bee-keeping or have an interest in doing so. Some of the attendees had been bee-keeping for several years but still found the course to be very eye-opening. I left the course feeling confident that I could successfully keep bees. Thanks so much to Nicola, Janet, Monica, Ingo and Donna."

Niall reviewed: Timber framing courses

"A truly excellent experience. Learned so much in a week. Alan, Mary and his team made us all feel so welcome. Alan is a rare combination of expert craftsman, story-teller, musician, and a true gentleman. Mary's cooking was unsurpassable. As a person with good intolerances, Mary made sure that I never once failed to thoroughly enjoy every meal!"

Philippa Halagan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a fab day and came away with a fantastic bangle! Eat your hearts out Pandora. Thank you Jonathan for providing lots of refreshments on a very hot day. It was very relaxing being on the water and the day just flew. Will be recommending the course to my friends. My bangle has been admired by many."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Philippa and thank you for the kind review. I'm glad you had a good day and are enjoying your jewellery. Jonathan"

Alexandra Green reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Seldom have I seen such glowing reviews as Jo has received here and I am delighted to add one more! I spent a joyful day learning all I needed to know about candle making and came away with a gorgeous bundle of my own creations. The class was small, relaxed and fun. Jo’s knowledge is vast and so generously shared. Lunch in the tea room was beautifully presented and delicious. Thoroughly recommended!"

Alison Chilvers reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Jo knows her stuff inside out and is extremely generous with her knowledge, covering everything you could possibly want to know about candle making - and her warm and fun personality makes it all the better! The lunch was delicious and the day was excellent value considering the amount of lovely items you make and take home. I would highly recommend this course."

Sarah MacAlpine reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"What a fabulous day! I attended this workshop with my Dad to celebrate his 75th birthday. I had never turned my hand to anything like this before and it was great to learn something completely new. Chris is a fantastic teacher and is clearly passionate about what he does. Thank you Chris for a very memorable day!"

Anna Dickens reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Sarah is a very patient , kind and meticulous teacher . l really enjoyed upholstering my french bed with her and was made to feel very welcome . Lovely surroundings and lunch just added to a lovely day . Would absolutely recommend and definitely will be going back myself ."