Latest reviews

Paul Burt reviewed: Rustic thumb walking stick

"Dave and the Team were most informative with the pace of instruction just right, interspersed with priceless Top Tips on how to make that little difference in making a walking stick that is yours. In addition to the expert tuition based on years of experience Dave readily shared his passion and subject matter expertise for the right tools for the job, of which he has a fair few, some adapted for the purpose. I came away motivated to get the garage cleared out, the workbench set up and stick making underway using the additional materials purchased on the course. My thanks to Dave and the Team for a most informative, enjoyable and productive day and to my wife Sally for purchasing the course for me as a Xmas gift. Dave a warm welcome awaits in Hampshire. Yours Gratefully Paul Burt"

Maria Richmond reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"This one of the most patient teachers I have met on this genre. I know study at University but because of the knowledge she gave me I didn't feel overwhelmed when I started. This is a must for most ages. Enjoy"

Brett Levy reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"I had a amazing day at Creative Nature HQ. The teacher/artist, Stephen, was very friendly and has incredible knowledge of wood carving/sculpture and wood working tools. Stephen started by welcoming me and making me a nice cup of tea. I enjoyed my tea as he gave me a tour of the studio/workshop and its facilities. During the walk around he explained and demonstrated what the tools are and how they are used. After this introduction I was shown how to make a mallet out of a solid piece of Ash. This is a very simple and clever process which was really satisfying to do. After lunch I learnt how strip the bark from a large oak tree trunk. I then got involved in some large tree trunk carving (be warned this is highly addictive :-) ). I sculpted by using a variety of specialist carving chisels and of course the mallet I had made earlier. All in all the day was very enjoyable. The studio is spacious and bright and Stephen was extremely friendly, helpful and knowledgable. Highly recommend this class.......Great day. Thank you Stephen."

Alexa reviewed: Pottery Making Workshop in Lovely Seaside Studio

"We had a fabulous day with Jenny! A very relaxed day which included an introduction to lots of techniques and a go with the pottery wheel (loads of fun!) - we would thoroughly recommend this course and particularly enjoyed the freedom to be able to create whatever we wanted. Thank you."

Epple Bay Ceramics responded:

"Thankyou so much Alexa for this lovely review, it was really great to spend the day with you both getting messy on the wheel and making some beautiful pottery!"

Ali reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"Came for a fused glass workshop as a present from my daughter. I had a great time made some coasters. Everyone was so friendly and helpful will go again. ?"

Ron Irving reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day! I've done metalwork before but not forging - I'm hooked now! Really good tuition from Adrian and Andy with clear demonstrations and plenty of help when it went a bit pear shaped. Debbie does a great job on the catering front with never ending drinks and flapjack and really nice lunch. Overall, we both really enjoyed the day and came away with a couple of completed useful projects. Can't wait to get on another course!"

Magnus Mill reviewed: 3 or 4 stone set silver stacking rings

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough. I bought the course for my girlfriend for Christmas and decided that it would be more fun if we did it together - that turned out to be two great decisions in a row. Sarah is a really great and patient teacher, and we had such a fun and absorbing weekend. The workshop is brilliant, cosy and full of tools and machines that seem alien on arrival but you've got a good working knowledge of before you leave. I'm in no way arty (my partner has all the skills in that area) but Sarah was great from beginning to end, and we both ended up with a beautiful set of stacking rings. We spent much longer in the workshop over the weekend than we had expected, and it was really satisfying to make something from start to finish. Things seem daunting on arrival, but Sarah is such a nice person, and a really patient teacher, that every step just builds a little on the one before, and gradually the finished article emerges. The constant cups of tea and seemingly never-ending supply of biscuits and cake were also extremely welcome. If you've got even the slightest interest in making your own rings, or trying something new, you should do this course."

Laura Murria reviewed: Bird sculpture - clay, paper, mixed media craft workshop

"I’ve done a lot of courses and this was one of the very best! An interesting and varied project. Good for beginners yet everyone was wowed by the result. The tutor Nikki is really lovely. Highly recommended"

NIKKI SZABO responded:

"Hi Laura, Thank you so much for writing that lovely review! It was so lovely having you at the class. As I said before there was a heck of a lot of information to cram in, but you did really well and your bird looked absolutely gorgeous. So definately show it off!! I have now added more dates to the class, so you are more than welcome to bring your friend. It would be lovely to see you again! All the very best, Nikki x"

June thornthwaite reviewed: Two day Silver Jewellery workshop ~ Beginners/ or Ints..~ a 'Quirky Workshop' nr Ullswater & the Lake District, Cumbria

"Melinda was lovely and absolutely brilliant at her craft. She was very patient and positive. She always complimented our work but at same time gave advice and guidance. Annie was also really lovely and made everyone feel right at home. The lunches and cream teas were gorgeous and the property is absolutely beautiful set in an idyllic village. I would highly recommend the whole experience."

Liz reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"Great course! Ian was an excellent teacher, patient, friendly and knowledgeable. And we came home with a lovely stool made of quality materials! Thoroughly recommend."

Helen reviewed: Needle felt landscapes workshop on Orkney, including lunch

"A really enjoyable day Nice to come away with something which you are happy to put out on display Catherine is a very enthusiastic teacher , who I am sure can bring out a hidden talent in everyone !"

Karen reviewed: Aromatherapy workshop

"Very enjoyable day ..where did the time go ? We got totally absorbed in the creative process. Catherine is a very artistic lady and enabled me , a talentless individual, to create some spectacular pieces that I am very proud of . Highly recommend."

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

"A big thank you to Christine, Ali and Pete for a really great day out. Christine gave us spot on tuition throughout the day - an inspiration, and Ali made a delicious lunch, tea, coffee and home made cakes. .what more could you ask for? Zantium Studios is in one of the most beautiful areas of the Peak District with much to offer should you wish to stay longer and explore."

Diane parker reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"My first time going with my friend Lyndsey and I had a great time met nice people, will definitely go again was nervous but Sheena was fantastic, helped me throughout and she makes a nice coffee and cakes x her workshop has lots of ideas to choose from can’t wait to go back again with friends 10/10 ."

Lee Todd. reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day was excellent. The staff were knowledgeable, but also affable, welcoming and very approachable. Being even more feeble than I thought I was, my arm was jelly before we broke for lunch, but i still managed to create a coat rack that looked like a dragon (if i squint at it) and is very usable. While the tasks seemed initially daunting, the smiths were always close to hand and willing to help (like when you can't lift the hammer anymore and they kindly assist while the shaking subsides from your hand) . The food during lunch was very good, with a hearty rustic taste. Everyone was warm and welcoming and i would, and will, recommend it to others. A really fun day."

john knight reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Bowl turning. I have just had one amazing day with Colin, learning how to turn a bowl, tool sharpening and how to process wood. The tuition was brilliant and Colin was so easy to get on with. He instills confidence in you so that you can enjoy the 'magic' of turning. I came away with a beautiful bowl and lots of new skills."

Norman Boyd reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If you read all the other reviews you'll see that Nigel is a brilliant raconteur and knows exactly what he is doing in smithing and I agree. He is friendly and approachable and very giving. The layout of the course follows a pattern I would expect - theory, practice, theory, practice and self-learning time based on demonstrations. I loved the fact he assured us we could not make mistakes but can produce individual works! This is so important for an insecure beginner and here is my minor criticism. I would have liked to see him hovering a bit more to ensure learning had taken place. But that might be the educationalist in me talking! BUT as I say I agree with the other reviews here...and who doesn't like a good story! Thanks Nigel for a very interesting day and my three bits of work!"

Katie Donnelly reviewed: Beginners sewing classes on one to one basis

"Prior to attending a group course I had a 121 session with Bridget and I'm so pleased I did! Not only is she an inspiring lady but I learnt so many tips that otherwise would have taken me a lot of trial and error. Very much looking forward to the group sessions and would highly recommend a 121 with Bridget for any level"

Victoria Allen reviewed: Mosaic making class

"I booked this day course for me and my friend as a birthday present. Dawn was absolutely fantastic, very welcoming and friendly. We had a variety of different items to choose from to mosaic and were then shown how to cut and place the glass after a safety talk. We enjoyed lovely homemade cake and flapjack for a snack followed by lunch- I had a special vegan meal made for me whilst the others enjoyed quiche and salad! Lots of refreshments and good conversation. Thoroughly enjoyed the day and may book the overnight break for my mum in the future!! Thanks very much for having us. Vicki and Anna Xxx"

Karen Sherriff reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I booked this bangle making workshop as part of a surprise for my daughter’s 12th birthday and in her own words “this was the best birthday ever!” Jolene was such an amazing teacher, clearly demonstrating all the techniques needed to make our three bangles, two copper and one silver. This workshop is perfect for all ages and abilities and I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who is interested in a jewellery making experience, irrelevant of age."

Sharon reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"Lovely workshops.. i have done 3 and enjoyed them all. Not forgetting good value for money!"

Ken Bruin reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"Stephen creates a wonderful atmosphere of group togetherness which produces a feeling of working as a team in a safe environment. Guidance, assistance and encouragement provided is there as and when required allowing scope for all involved to feel that they are contributing to a collective objective."

Greg reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Mike is a brilliant teacher with a vast amount of knowledge about how to make a piece of wood into a wonderful implement - he's also an expert in woodlands and trees which serves for great knowledge gathering - so - if you want to know about the entire life cycle of a tree of a particular type and then carve that piece of that tree into a useful utensil - there is no one more qualified. Would definitely recommend. He's a great bloke too."