Latest reviews

Tim Davis reviewed: Build a Bowl Lathe & Learn to Turn

"What a hoot!!! Four days in Adrians world renowned and envied workshop with the man himself. How can you beat that? By making an utterly fantastic bowl lathe to take home. Then what? You get to make a bowl on it under Adrian’s expert tuition. Excellent tuition, hospitality, cake and craic. Fantastic course. Thank you so much."

Jenny Partridge reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Excellent course, pitched at the right level for a complete novice like me, but flexible enough to cater for more experienced woodworkers like my husband. It was immensely satisfying to create a spoon by hand after axing out a section of a log. Chris has great enthusiasm for his craft, and is very knowledgeable. He shares his passion freely and kindles a love for woodcraft in others. Lainey, Chris’s Mum, provided delicious soup and cake to add to a perfect day. Thank you very much."

Yoke Lunn reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"I booked with Jonathan as a refresher course, having done some silversmithing some years ago and lost confidence through lack of practice. I couldn't have wished for a better day! He was patient, good humoured, and encouraging, helping me punch out silver shapes, texture and shape them and solder them into earrings. Altogether, the day was so relaxed and inspiring, I can't wait to get started in my own studio. I would highly recommend a day on the Silver Jewllery Boat to anyone interested in silverworking."

Claire reviewed: Beginners sewing and quilting at Spools and Scissors Suffolk

"From the moment I arrived at Tracey’s gorgeous cottage I had a most enjoyable day. Tracey was a great teacher who was very calm and patient with me being a beginner and gave me lots of great advice. I still can’t quite believe I made such a beautiful tote bag. A lovely day not forgetting the yummy homemade banana cake."

Jo Brook reviewed: The eating spoon with JoJo Wood

"This was a thorough and well paced course led by someone who knows so much intuitively as well as technically about wood and spoon carving. I left feeling I had been given grounded and tested techniques which if I can adopt will mean my spoon making will produce successful spoons…looking good and functioning for purpose. I am hoping it means if I continue to make more and more spoons I will progress and begin to develop my style based on these techniques."

Richard Walker reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I have always wanted to do more woodwork, and recently acquired my own lathe. Having acquired one I realised the thought of pointing a very sharp instrument at a spinning piece of wood was very daunting. I booked myself onto Graham’s beginners course, and turned up on the day wondering how much I would learn. Graham was very patient with my lack of knowledge, however, I soon got down to work. By lunchtime I had turned my first bowl! After lunch I sanded and polished my bowl, of which I was quite proud. I learnt a few other turning skills, and started on a round box. This was a really enjoyable day, and I now have the confidence to get going on my own lathe. Once I improve the skills Graham has taught me I will be booking myself onto the intermediate course as I am eager to learn more."

Sam and Hannah reviewed: One day silver jewellery designing and making workshop

"We would highly recommend the silversmiths day with Bridget. It has been a really interesting way to learn new skills, get creative and make a unique item for yourself, partner, family member or friend . It will also make it all the more memorable for the person you give it to, adding that personal touch. Bridget was welcoming and friendly and made us feel at ease quickly whilst being great at teaching too!!"

Bridget Bradshaw Designs responded:

"Thankyou so much for your review. It is very much appreciated. You were both a delight to meet and showed some great silversmithing skills. It was a pleasure for me to be able to help you bring your designs ideas to life..and to see the sence of achievment made my day with you both worth while. Your both welcome back anytime you wish. Kind Regards Bridget"

Graham Reader reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"Having just started leatherwork, I found and viewed most if not all of Nigel Armitage's YouTube videos, I then subscribed to his Vimeo channel. You would think that this would be enough to start your own projects, well it is to an extent, but I decided to contact Nigel and book a 1-day course with him. Nigel is a good tutor on video and even better when when one-to-one day with him. His style is to tell you what he needs you to do and possibly demonstrate a technique but lets you gets on with it while observing and, sometimes commenting, but he is always asking you when the task is finished what YOU think. A great day of learning which enhances the video learning. Now though I must put into practice the small tweaks to my leather stitching and design work before asking for another one-to-one. A great day, a great tutor, well worth doing."

Wendy Jago reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Absorbing and rewarding day! Lynne made us very welcome and the small group size meant that we had plenty of individual attention and support. The structure of the day was spot-on, with clear step-by-step demonstrations and illustrated hand-outs so we could go on to make more journals at home if we wished. Everyone had their own set of tools so nobody was held up in a queue! Even the coffee and lunch breaks were placed appropriately between different stages in the process. Plenty of choice of leather, thread and elastic so we could make our books truly personal. The whole structure made it inevitable that we would succeed: brilliant! I've already booked to learn a slightly different technique. Thank you so much, Lynne!"

Sue Watkins reviewed: Willow Sculptural Forms (1 day) in the Peak District

"Fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills from Emma and Alison was a very attentive hostess. We had such a good time we’re booked in for another 2 day course. Well done Zantium and Emma Parkins."

Zantium Studios Ltd responded:

"Thankyou Sue, We loved having you on board. See you again soon!"

Beatrice reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"I've just spent a lovely day making two leather journals. Lynne is a very patient and enthusiastic teacher. She uses gorgeous upcycled leather for the project and it was hard to know which piece I would love the most. I learned a lot as Lynne is a very knowledgeable person who explained things very clearly and precisely. I recommend this course to anyone who loves making things."

Malcolm Graham reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a very enjoyable day with Alex, learned a lot and came away with a boot scraper to get all the mud off after our walks. Thoroughly recommended. A day to remember, thanks Alex! Malcolm Graham"

Lynn Mitchell reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"It was a family treat for my husband, myself and two daughters, and we had a lovely time. Our biggest decision was what to make! Finally, we made our choices and they've turned out beautiful. Julie was really enthusiastic, knowledgeable and helpful."

Simon Reynolds reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I bought myself and my 15 year old son this experience as birthday present to him and and always loved knives and wanted to make one as a present to myself. We actually were the first 2 test customers for a 2 day course to make the knife blade on the first day then make and fit a handle the second day. We both agree it was one of the best weekends of our lives, Graham and David are excellent teachers as well as hosts. They are both very informative and accepting of all ability ranges, they were particularly good with my son who has Aspergers syndrome. If you want a memory for life and a unique knife to keep and use forever then this is a must do course. Can't thank Graham enough for his patience and expertise!! Will go again to make a more complicated knife later in the year."

Simon Reynolds reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I bought myself and my 15 year old son this experience as birthday present to him and and always loved knives and wanted to make one as a present to myself. We actually were the first 2 test customers for a 2 day course to make the knife blade on the first day then make and fit a handle the second day. We both agree it was one of the best weekends of our lives, Graham and David are excellent teachers as well as hosts. They are both very informative and accepting of all ability ranges, they were particularly good with my son who has Aspergers syndrome. If you want a memory for life and a unique knife to keep and use forever then this is a must do course. Can't thank Graham enough for his patience and expertise!! Will go again to make a more complicated knife later in the year."

tim reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My 14 year old son and I really enjoyed the day - learned loads - incredible tools to work with. Very special. I never review anything ever - so it must be good."

Margaret Millgate reviewed: Jewellery Making - Floating Necklace

"Small and friendly class - everyone completed the items. The goods supplied are good quality, the instructions are well thought out and Wendy makes the items along with us and is always ready to offer help if needed.... and there's coffee or tea and biscuits. Lovely way to learn something new."

Sue Staines reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"Arrived at Graham's workshop to a warm welcome. There were two of us on the course, myself a 72 year old woman who had always wanted to learn to "turn wood" and another gentleman. There was a lot of info to get into 3 hours but Graham answered all my many questions and comfortably showed us, in stages, how to create a wooden ash bowl whilst explaining the pros and cons of it all. We also learnt about which type of lathe to invest in for our own use and all was made very interesting for us, even having time to eagerly enjoy a hot drink part way through. I felt I had "had a ball" and Graham pointed out "Yes Sue, a ball and a bowl". When returning home I was asked did you make that yourself and could you do it again and I proudly answered "Yes, of course". I am anxious to continue onto making my own bowls and other smaller items and hope to book a further course soon with Graham. So I fully recommend having a go. Thanks Graham."

Lesley Pound reviewed: Silver jewellery beginners' class - one day

"I spent two days learning silver art clay with Louise and it was very enjoyable and relaxing. Louise is an excellent teacher. She carefully explains each stage of the process and has a very calm and patient approach, which really helped me to learn what was needed. I made several pieces of jewellery and also learnt how to make fused glass cabochons. It was so rewarding to see the pieces develop from the initial rolling out to firing and polishing to the final piece of beautiful jewellery. I have worn my pendant ever since and feel very proud of it. I am looking forward to doing another course. Thank you Louise for a great time. I would highly recommend Louise's course."

Jan Harper reviewed: Beginners crochet course - in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

"Fantastic afternoon . Lynn was very patient and explained everything so well. She did not mind revisiting points if I got lost. Made me feel so welcome as I was very apprehensive. I completed my first ever granny square and it was fun and rewarding to see it take shape. Lynn helped me get going with my first project. I will definitely book another class, it was so enjoyable and rewarding. Lynn is so passionate about crochet and has done some really super work which she showed me. Also a big thanks to her husband who kept us supplied with coffee!! Once again Lynn, a big thank you for an enjoyable afternoon."

Judith Bumby reviewed: Felted flowers workshop

"I would strongly recommend Lena as a teacher. She is clear in her explanations and demonstrations of the skills she is trying to impart and patient in helping students to master them. I was so impressed by the workshop making a beautiful nuno felted scarf on margalan silk last month that I came back for this workshop making a notebook cover and bookmark. Lena is very knowledgeable about her craft and ready to discuss and advise on all sorts of felting questions beyond the current workshop. She is generous in providing a large variety of different textiles to use, which allows you to try out things you cannot do when felting at home. The two workshops I have done with Lena have been very worthwhile in terms of learning skills, having fun and taking home something which gives pleasure."

Helen Clarke reviewed: Build a Bowl Lathe & Learn to Turn

"A really enjoyable 4 days, and what a lovely lathe to take away with us. Adrian is a tremendous teacher, very patient and encouraging and he created a very positive learning environment throughout, more than once helping me stay on track with the lathe building when I felt like it might have been falling off the rails! Also I really appreciated his willingness to start early and/or finish late so that the slowercoaches among us could get the work done and we could spend the last day turning. Unbelievably, we were each given a lovely piece of cherry on the last day to make our first bowls out of. Again the teaching was top notch as we were guided through turning our cleft half of wood into a (very) bowl (-like object!) The venue for the course was ideal, as well as an idyll. The food/refreshments provided (everything homemade) exceeded all expectations and really were a complete treat. Great to leave with everything you need to go forth and turn more bowls, which is exactly what's happened, thank you. Would highly recommend this!"

Ro Evans reviewed: Art classes at Endon Methodist Church

"A brilliant and enjoyable event each week to look forward to. Louise is so talented and offers her advice gently and consistently. We are varied in our talents, from total novices through to others who've worked within the art industry, but everyone's artistic needs are catered for. All of us say how much we enjoy ourselves and, most importantly, how much we are learning."

Denise reviewed: 💜 The Suffolk Silk Scarf Painting Workshops 💜 For FOUR People at The Arty Silkworm, Green Farm, Suffolk ~ Fabulously Creative

"A completely different experience for me. I’m not artistic and would never have thought of signing up for a Silk Painting course, especially having seen the beautiful scarves Ruth has produced. However, she persuaded me to go along and try it, and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. Ruth was just so generous with her time and suggestions – and endless cups of tea and coffee! I not only amazed myself with the scarf I made but friends couldn’t believe I had achieved anything so pretty. There was much encouragement all round and fun to see what other folk had created. A wonderful course and one I would highly recommend anyone to have a go at. A very special thanks to Ruth."

Lin & Andy Burton reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"An excellent day's tuition - well suited to a pair of absolute beginners! Held in Andy's brilliant workshop, plenty of opportunity to develop basic skills and safety awareness, at a relaxed pace. Tea, coffee and a very tasty home-made lunch (thanks, Martine!!) added to the wonderful day. Many, many thanks."