Latest reviews

Dejan James Gregor reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"Caroline and Mark have delivered the most outstanding course on bronze sculpturing, I could not even imagine it will be that great! Professional attitude, fully of experience and helpful in shaping ideas into art and not interrupting the thought process. The course gave me a good understanding on the process and effort required to create beautiful art. Being in the middle of Wales is inspiring to come back and will do. I can highly recommend!"

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

"Tracey did an amazing job at teaching me to make a bag in four and a half hours ! I had not used a sewing machine for years. I was empowered to be able to do what I was clearly taught to do. The teacher was very patient and practically showed me what to do. I was always free to ask any questions I wanted to. The location was great, quiet and a very good work space for using a sewing machine which was provided. There was plenty of natural light. I am really pleased with my bag and can't wait to show my friends."

Keith Simmonds reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Had a great day at the forge. Neil was helpful and patient, going at our pace, offering encouragement and advice and helping us to understand how to work hot metal. I never knew I would be so proud of a poker! I would recommend this to anyone."

Meg Harris reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Thank you Julie for a really lovely day. Such a gorgeous setting and wonderful studio. I've done machine embroidery before but never without a hoop- it's so liberating. Thank you?"

Kathy offerdal reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"This has been a most enjoyable day. Julie was so patient and gave very good instructions with demonstrations. Looking forward to trying the techniques when I get home."

Joyce Annetts reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I've learnt a lot today. Fulfilled all expectations and happy to have completed my sampler with generous support from Julie. Thank you very much!"

Louise Chipp reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Such a lovely day with like minded people. Julie provided clear instructions with a wealth of fabrics and embellishments to make our pieces look really good. Thoroughly enjoyed myself and will definitely come again!"

Jane edwards reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"What a wonderful day! Learnt lots of techniques and top tips for free motion embroidery. Also worth a mention is the fabulous setting of Julie's workshop studio. Could not fault anything about today- home made cake was delicious! Excellent, excellent, excellent- thank you!"

Julie Allison reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"Three of us went along to the course not quite knowing what to expect and all of us were a little nervous. There was no need to be - we had a splendid time. Jules was so patient and helpful and explained everything so well - anyone would 'get' it. The whole thing was very relaxed and the bigger group we were part of were lovely. It was amazing how - after the explanations of the different possible techniques - everyone just dived in and had a go. I was delighted with my new earrings and would thoroughly recommend this to anyone."

Rachel Martin reviewed: Beginners Freehand (freemotion) Machine Embroidery Workshop

"What an inspiring workshop! I started the day full of trepidation and nervousness about sewing without a machine foot (it must be difficult), but ended up confident that I could go home and produce all sorts of wonderful pieces without any further help. Meg was a clear and enthusiastic teacher. I totally recommend this course to anyone who has some sewing experience but fancies producing embroidered work which is unique and admired by all!"

Ruth Coote reviewed: Try Enamel workshop - suitable for all abilities

"Had a lovely morning with Teresa (and Maddie) making a pair of lovely dragonfly ear rings. Teresa is is a patient teacher, and her work is beautiful. I would highly recommend this workshop and a visit to her studio."

Steve Peach reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"Scott and Sue (and my new best friend, Max) were friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable. The opportunity to try out a huge number of tools was invaluable; I learned what I liked and disliked. The same goes for different finishes, oils, dyes and so on. Highly recommended! Also, Glastonbury is well worth a visit, especially if you are vegetarian or vegan."

Barbara Millar reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Booked for a girlie weekend and had a fab time. Jo welcomed us into her beautiful home and we had a great few hours playing at 'making candles', with lunch included (lovely soup - Jo). And if that wasnt enough, we visited the local Farmers' Market in Lavenham the following day and bought some more candles from her. Great market, great producers - great recommendation Jo. When are we all going on holiday together?!!!!!"

Claire Roberts reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I bought this for my daughter for Christmas after we both became hooked on the Great Pottery Throw Down. We both had a fantastic afternoon. It was much, much more difficult than it looks (of course!) but Nadia dealt with our many questions (and vast mess making!) with considerable patience and good humour. Lovely setting and modern equipment - highly recommended!"

Carola Martin-Smith reviewed: Batik for Beginners

"I would give this course 10 stars if I could! Jan is a brilliant teacher - and so inspiring. She makes you think you can achieve anything. As a complete beginner in all things to do with textiles, I found this SO reassuring. Jan's teaching style is lovely - relaxed and informal - lots of laughter and fun which encourages creativity. Whatever level of experience you go in with, she tailors her teaching to you as an individual. Jan works hard to use techniques that re-cycle and re-use all sorts of bits and pieces and so you don't have to buy expensive equipment when you want to carry on doing what you've learned at home - very refreshing. I've taken a few of Jan's courses now and I have loved every one of them. The surroundings are stunning, the studio is warm and welcoming and the catering is out of this world. I always feel like I've had a lovely long holiday after I've been there - don't know how else to describe it - it's magical! All I can say is, if you have the opportunity to go - grab it - you won't be disappointed - and you will probably get hooked!"

Jules Ruiter reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"What a fabulous course and wonderful 50th Birthday present for my best friend. We both took part as I simply couldn't resist being left out of the day and gaining an insight into such an intriguing artisan craft. Jonathan is an engaging and highly skilled teacher. Patience is definitely his middle name. His enthusiam and passion for creating beautiful, unique and perfect pieces of glass art is simply contagious - we want to fill our homes with his exquisite pieces! The techniques he showed us were inspiring and only being beginners we were so amazed at the number of pieces we made on the day. Couldn't recommend his classes more highly and can't wait to book our next lesson - if he will have us back of course!"

Natalie Roberts reviewed: Pottery throwing workshop Saturdays or Sundays

"I booked this course as a Christmas present for my 11 year old and i to do together. The course exceeded expectation and we had the loveliest afternoon. We all had a wheel each so a full afternoon throwing and Nadia was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and nothing was to much to ask. She also makes a delicious chocolate cake! We will certainly be returning for another afternoon. Thanks so much Nadia."

Christine Andrews reviewed: Learn how to create classical and contemporary sculpture in clay

"I love this course! Dean has enabled me to understand sculpting techniques, encouraged me to experiment with form and finish effects and introduced me to the world of professional sculptors. Creating is a deeply satisfying and fulfilling experience which Dean is able to guide and enhance individually throughout the sessions. Tea, coffee and always cake in good supply, time flies and, I’ve made new friends!"

Steven Bews reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I would gladly recommend this course to anyone interested in arts and crafts. I booked the full day course as a birthday surprise to my wife who is an experienced seamstress but inexperienced in working with leather; nevertheless with our tutor's guidance she was able to make a beautiful bag. I myself have no experience in working with materials, but benefiting from Rosanna's experience and her excellent teaching skills, I was able to fashion a leather case for my tablet computer. I would like to thank Rosanna for her patience and expertise, the relaxed manner she has meant that we thoroughly enjoyed the day and have even talked about attending another of her courses in the future; we are both looking forward to the release of her book later in the year. Steven and Rudo"

Charles B reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"This was an excellent course. On the first day we dismantled our pallets and built our projects. On the second we experimented with different finishes, built a palette (not pallet!) of the results, and learnt some basics about incorporating wiring into our designs. Scott is an excellent tutor, engaging and supportive. We worked at our own pace and the days were very hands-on. The days were very full and we had our money's worth. This was a really valuable weekend's work and I am delighted I chose this course."

Maggie reviewed: Batik for Beginners

"I loved this course! I was delighted batiked fabrics I created and with the transferable skills and techniques I learned. Jan is an outstanding teacher. The course was well designed and no previous experience was needed. The class was small, we each had plenty of Jan’s attention. Jan facilitated a positive group experience with opportunities to share ideas and learn from each other. The variety of marks and designs we produced was impressive. I enjoyed two whole days of creativity and fun in the inspiring surroundings of Jan’s studio and stunning highland scenery; Jan’s delicious cooking was a bonus."

Karen Steel reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Have recently been lucky enough to attend a candle making course with Jo and 2 girlfriends of mine - we had such a lovely time - Jo was immediately so warm, welcoming and friendly - we felt we had known her for years. Candle making is very therapeutic, room is full of beautiful smells and while we ate Jo's home made soup you can look out over her garden and into the fields to watch the beautiful highland cattle in the next field - wonderful day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Debs reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop

"I had a great day! Just the right balance of structure, inspiration, teaching, advice and freedom to be individual and creative. Excellent, thanks."

Arts a Flutter responded:

"It was a pleasure to have you both, you are very talented students and you created lovely pieces."

Dale reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Course was a gift from my wife last year, really impressed and very enjoyable day spent with Nick who is very knowledgeable and patient teacher. Would definitely recommend and the bowl I made was described as "Less rustic than I was expecting" by my wife which I took as a compliment!"

Chad Gowler reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"Really enjoyed the day, got to play with lots of different techniques and made something lovely to take away at the end!"