Latest reviews

Rosie Scott-Taggart reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"What can I say that hasn't already been said. Had a great time with a patient and humorous teacher. Despite being a complete novice and not artistically gifted, I came away having done some great pictures. Really looking forward to returning for more. The only downside is that Phil doesn't live in my village. I'd have a lesson every week!"

Matthew Grant reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"I’ve done at least eight days of one-to-one glass courses with Jonathan as well as six four-hour small group classes and I cannot recommend him highly enough as a teacher. He’s patient and friendly and very good indeed at coaxing out the best in students – from beginners upwards. He is extremely generous with his knowledge and with his facilities – which are excellent. It’s also very reassuring to be taught by someone who has had such a thorough grounding in the craft himself and then gone on to achieve truly outstanding work of his own. I will most certainly be doing more courses with Jonathan in the near future."

Steph Woods reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"As a complete beginner, I had no idea whether I could do clay-modelling. I collected my piece of clay and thought, "what now?". But Karin patiently came to each of us, encouraging everyone and helping us really look from every angle. The course was in lovely surroundings and it was great chatting over teas and lunch. I was very pleased with what I achieved by the end of Sunday and look forward to collecting my (now fired) piece in the New Year. I will be back to do more!"

Julia reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"As first time mosaic makers my friend and I attended Audrey's workshop at St. Albans Verulamium Museum in November. Audrey couldn't have been more supportive and helpful before the workshop/planning my project, during the workshop itself and also after the event (providing materials and advice as I was a bit over ambitious about what I could achieve in the time). It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and a great location. We can't wait to come again."

Montet Designs responded:

"Hi Julia Lovely to hear your feedback from my mosaic workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed the session and felt supported throughout. Your mosaic creation was fantastic! Be lovely to see you and Su at another one of my workshops."

Anne Williams reviewed: One day glassblowing lesson for beginners

"It’s only when you learn just how many different processes you need to understand to be an expert glassblower that you realise just how patient JONATHAN is as a teacher - and how proud you’ll be of the wobbly treasures you create and then even more so of your later creations. I learnt a lot, laughed a lot and am determined to go back to have another go. Great for anyone who wants to learn a new skill, find out lots about the art and the science of glassblowing and play safely outside their comfort zone with an expert teacher who doesn’t make you feel like an idiot."

Sherra Leung reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I would highly recommend Rosanna's full day leather workshop. I had a delightful day making items with different skills. Rosanna is a friendly and patient tutor who guided us in details. There are many resources on the Internet which acts like a "tutor". However, what valuable is experience, especially with the fact that different people have different difficulities in learning a thing. Rosanna is really a great tutor who is enthusiastic in telling us tips to make our handcrafts better."

Richard Darkin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having no other previous wood turning experience other than from a school D&T project 25 years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Mark. Mark covered a lot of ground during the day with a good balance of theory, technical advice, demonstrations and hands-on experience, and I came away from the day with a beautiful bowl that Mark helped me turn and a strong desire to take up wood turning as a hobby or potential business avenue. Mark is very friendly, calm and helpful, and he generously gave me a lot of tailored advice and knowledge. His workshop is very welcoming and orderly, with the wood burning stove going throughout a cold winter's day. Under Mark's guidance, my initial nervousness about using the lathe soon disappeared, and I felt my confidence and ability in handling the tools, materials and techniques build and build during the day. Mark has also very kindly sent me some very useful suggestions and links for equipment, tools, books and wood turning groups that are local to me. I would thoroughly recommend booking a day's course with Mark, and I hope to do so again in the future."

Liz Rowland reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My husband and I had an amazing time with Mort at the forge. From first email contact, Mort was nothing but lovely. His patience and knowledge as a tutor shone through and from the moment we arrived he was kind, instructive and extremely helpful. Although we were complete beginners he took the time to explain things as many times as we needed, no amount of beginner ineptitude was too much for him and he always was on hand to help correct anything that went wrong. We left the forge with a number of exceptionally beautiful items which had been made with his support and guidance, rather than him doing the work for us, which makes them extra special. He never once rushed us and his calm, friendly manner made us feel immediately at ease in the forge environment. We would thoroughly recommend him to anyone looking to have a wonderful day learning about blacksmithing and ending with some fantastic creations. Thank you very much Mort! From Ben and Liz."

Amy reviewed: Stained glass summer workshop in Hampshire by Stardust Stained Glass

"I came to this course with a friend and we both had a lovely time. Sarah was patient, encouraging and experienced, which has meant we've each come away with three stained glass decorations of which we are proud. I would recommend this course to others."

Kim Ramessa reviewed: Sculpture, ceramics, painting at Lucky Studio - London

"My 11 year old son has been attending the class for over a year and thoroughly enjoys learning all the different and creative art sessions. A good variety of Pottery, painting, paper mache and sketching techniques keeps him busy and interested each week. A very welcoming and all inclusive environment. Lucky is great at building confidence in his abilities by pushing him to try new techniques and materials. Highly recommended!!"

Dave Brearey reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I've been on a couple of Andy's courses now and have massively enjoyed every minute. Andy has the time, patience and knowledge to explain the techniques and process's of blacksmithing in a way that really allows you to learn and progress. Alongside this you will produce an individual knife you will always be proud of, I know I am. Highly recommend"

Scott reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Absolutely fantastic course from environment to skills, technics and advice given. Thanks Jason for a lifelong skill I've always wanted to learn."

Carole J reviewed: Mix Media Quote Canvas Workshop with welcome drink

"Me and a friend took part in the Craft & Quaff taster session and we did the wire forming section of this course and it was so fantastic I'm booking on to this one to learn the other techniques to complete the canvas we were shown on the day (we were shown 3 and they were all so beautiful great for a unique gift). The other people on the course were all a similar age to us (I'm in my 30s) and we all got on really well. The welcome drink for the taster session was an alcoholic cocktail which went down really well after a long day in the office. Becky is a fantastic teacher and so giving with materials and information. Her energy is wonderful and when the session was over I felt so inspired and energized. Highly recommended."

Eileen N. Thomson reviewed: Creative experience workshop

"The 'Taster Session' I attended was excellent. Not only did I learn some new craft skills all made from recycled items - something I have a passion for, but it provided me with the opportunity to focus on my psychological well being and link the two. I will definitely sign up for the full course and I also intend to undertake another taster session. Sandra is a very skilled tutor and I found her most welcoming and the other participants very friendly. I would thoroughly recommend it."

Sinead Hands reviewed: Beginners crochet course - in Trowbridge, Wiltshire

"Fantastic class! I have struggled for years to try to pick up crochet. I am now on my 20 th granny square after a class less than a week ago. Definitely got the hang of it now thanks to Lynn. Very patient and a nice relaxed environment to learn in. I would thoroughly recommend."

Get Hooked with Lynn responded:

"It was great to have you at the class, and I am VERY impressed at how many squares you have done this week!"

Barbara Fowkes reviewed: Necklaces, handmade beads, ancient fresco-style, papiermache recipe

"A short note to say how much I enjoyed today's workshop. Please book me in for the next one. The Bead making, the soup, the pudding, the laughter, and the fun made it a great day"

Ian Crawford reviewed: Glass Fusing & Slumping Weekend - 2 Days

"I found the course very enjoyable. Jude has great knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for glass processes. I learned an enormous amount from her in a very short space of time. I had a particular requirement from the course to learn how to make glass panels for a woodwork project I am currently engaged in. Jude was enthusiastic to help me fulfill my needs and as a result of what I learned during the course I am now in the process of making those panels with her continued help. Something that I never anticipated would result directly from this course. The Course provides all the materials and tools needed to learn and experiment with glass fusion techniques and enables the participant to take home the results of his/her work at the end of the second day. From my perspective an invaluable course representing great value. Thanks Jude"

Amy French reviewed: Fun with Felt Flowers

"An excellent introduction to felt. We both had a great time and have been inspired to do more!"

Manuel Llorca reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was an amazing blacksmithing day. Very entertaining from the first minute. We made a dragon coat rack and a snail key ring. Andy and Adrian are really experienced blacksmiths and they were extremely helpful and nice during all the day. Debbie is also very cool and gave us really good food, coffee, tea, cakes and so on - everything handmade! I received an invitation to attend this course as a wedding gift from my friends last year, so I went alone. I am sure that I will repeat the experience, but next time I will be attending with my wife. She will greatly enjoy it too!"

Pam Wilson reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"My friend and I have just done our second all day course with Phil and are already planning for the third! Laughter and fantastic creative art all day! Phil is an excellent teacher whose enthusiasm for his art form sweeps you along to achieve so much more than you thought you could, and encourages you to learn more ways to develop your encaustic art."

Caroline Fairbrother reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I would highly recommend this course. Rosanna is a great teacher, she is patient and super friendly. We had great fun on the full day course and made 4 lovely items to take away."

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

"As a gift for my dad we had a great morning learning the basics of wood turning. Very enjoyable experience learning something totally new!"

Natalia Elkina reviewed: Glass Fusing & Slumping Weekend - 2 Days

"The course was very comprehensive , interactive and interesting. I refreshed my knowledge in glass fusing and the whole experience was very pleasant. Jude is a great teacher, very attentive and full of positive energy. Definitely will recommend to anyone who ever wanted to learn about the glass."

Diane Swan reviewed: Willow Christmas reindeer

"Excellent course. Victoria is an excellent and patient teacher and we all came away with something that looked like a reindeer. This was a fun day out and definitely was value for money. Would recommend the willow course to anyone, you do not have to particularly gifted at crafting just be prepared to work hard at your creation."

Alfie Hellier reviewed: Clay sculpture, painting : Art Spells Magic Kids Classes

"I went to art spells magic art classes from the age of 4 to the age of 14 and I can honestly say it was one of the best parts of my childhood. Everything about the class was amazing, the skills that I learned, the friends I made and the fun and enjoyable atmosphere that was created. All of these were as good as they were thanks to our brilliant teacher Lucky Rutland. I cannot recommend this class enough."