Latest reviews

Jane Castle reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"My husband and I had a wonderful morning learning how to throw a pot with Sharon. We were warmly welcomed with coffee and biscuits before being introduced to the potters wheel. After a quick demo it was then hands on, and to our amazement we did actually end up with bowls that we could be proud of for our first attempts. Many thanks, we had a great time."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"Thanks so much Jane for your review, it was a pleasure to meet you and your husband and literally watch your confidence grow as the potting went on during the morning. I am glad you were pleased with the experience."

Janet Goatlu reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Great day. Nice welcome, delicious tea, coffee, cake and plenty of water. We stripped the seat right back to the frame and were taught to start from scratch with webbing all the way to calico and then the final material. Also did 2 coats if ASCP on chairs and then waxing techniques. All in all, a very thorough day. Only slight criticism- we could have done it in a slightly shorter time, but perhaps due to letting paint dry sufficiently...? Thank you to Steph. Best teacher out there!"

Patti Sowa reviewed: Sewing Retreat Devon

"It's impossible to do justice to the weekend but I will try! I can't recommend it highly enough for a perfect blend of sewing, pampering and retreat created by the magical warmth of Yvonne, together with Rosemary (wonderful nurturing, cakes and food!) and Simon (chauffeur, milk tray man and snow rescue!). We all arrived, excited and also with the varying degrees of confidence and nerves that always come with doing something new and with people you do not know. Some of us knew no one before we arrived, others used it as a chance to catch up with an old friend but the warm welcome from Yvonne meant that everyone bonded very quickly over tea and cake. We settled in to our lovely rooms and were greeted by personalised gifts from Yvonne on each bed - a lovely surprise. The sewing room was perfectly set up and Yvonne's ability to create an atmosphere of trust meant that all of us felt comfortable learning from each other and even I (a complete beginner!) made a fantastic lampshade that I love. The retreat element of the weekend emerged naturally as the trust in the group grew and made it really special with lots of sharing all sorts of wisdom about life as well as sewing. The hot tubs and walks provided a change of pace and the talks added variety without any pressure to take part if the sewing project was your priority. Everyone achieved so much under Yvonne's gentle and positive teaching. Beautiful location, beautiful people that brought out the best in all of us. We didn't want to go home and I don't think we will ever forget the weekend. Thank you all!"

Diana Williams reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"This week I have been expertly guided by Lucy to create unusual resin work together with one of my favourite techniques - reticulation. I produced two silver reticulated pendants and a pair of earrings. I can't wait to wear them as they are so unusual. Lucy's attention to detail ensures that each and every piece you create with her is finished to the highest standard."

Ian Rushton reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Hi Mat, Thank you for a wonderful day, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed the day, your company and hospitality. I was amazed how quickly I picked things up after 45 years, since I had last had a go on a wheel at school. This was all down to you. Your studio is excellent and your ability to explain all elements of the art of throwing are second to none. I have already recommended the course to numerous people and I will arrange a return visit after the wedding."

Karen Urwin reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"I booked 6 lessons with Chris and enjoyed every minute. Chris is a skilled teacher, very encouraging, explains everything really clearly and helps you produce beautiful pieces of pottery. I came away with an assortment of mugs, bowls and little vases, a full set of clay stamps (which were fun designing!) and a knowledge of how to throw, slip and decorate my creations. I am hoping to now join a community pottery near home where I can continue my new passion."

Oh God.. back again!!! reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"3rd time back !!!! Can't help ourselves. such a great day out and we learn more each time. Siobhan pushed us both a lot more this time and we came away with works of art that look great on our wall. There is soo much to learn and every time you go you realise just how talented Siobhan is and what a great hostess she is. Highly recommend this day, but, be prepared to get addicted !"

Jody reviewed: Wet and Needle Felted Dragon for Chinese New Year

"We had such a fun day! I am so pleased with my stingray fish. Although I didn't get him finished on the day, I know what to do to finish him at home. I think I just picked something too complicated to get done during the workshop hours, but I will finish it and send in a photo! He's going to be so cool! Thanks for a lovely day Rachel and Rhian, I learned a lot!"

Jenny reviewed: Introduction to Mosaic

"I joined Hannah at her Introduction to Mosaics day and it was excellent! Hannah herself is really nice and friendly and really put me at ease, helping me to design my mosaic and advising me on the colours and shapes to use (she has a wide of variety of mosaic tiles to use). Hannah also showed me how to use the tile cutting tools and how to grout a mosaic (giving me some grout powder to take away with me). I would really recommend this course!"

Kelly Rider reviewed: Spring Cushion Crochet Workshop

"I really loved taking part in this course, the tutor Sarah was amazing and explained how to do the pattern when I got stuck. She's very patient, and able to go at all paces. I joined as part of the BBO project to help me get out and be around people, the group was small of all different levels. Would highly recommend."

James Bauer-Mein reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"Having completed this course and the fundamentals part 1, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I had no experience with hand tools or joinery and thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the course. The atmosphere is very relaxed. All the tools are explained, not just in use, but what makes a good tool, how to sharpen them, what to look out for when buying regardless of budget. I will be going back for more."

Lynne Wilson reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"A great birthday treat! Great to work in a creative environment with such good support. Lucy has lots of expertise, ideas and has a relaxed and homely place for you to work in. The day flew by, I loved sharing it with my daughter, friend and another crafter. I left with something that far exceeded my expectations! We plan for this to be at least an annual experience - can't wait Thank you so much Lucy."

Richard reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"This was a most enjoyable and informative day with great group of people. The tutor was highly knowledgeable, yet the atmosphere was informal and friendly, with a like minded bunch all keen to learn. The small group of just six plus the tutor made this a great learning opportunity and all questions, basic or not were answered fully. Be prepared to take your turns on a gigantic set of bellows! You'll learn enough to gain the confidence to have a go at smelting at home without a significant outlay on equipment. This is a rare opportunity that I'd waited some time for but it was definitely worth it and I can't recommend this course highly enough."

Jane Wells reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"Really good introduction to stone carving. Helpful intervention and advice. Appreciated being allowed to express myself and my choices were supported. Truly relaxing weekend spent with some lovely people."

Judith reviewed: Art and craft of labyrinth

"Thank you so much for your warm, open, inviting welcome to sacred geometry. I loved every moment of working and playing under your kind and patient guidance ... I loved the mystery of your enquiry and your bringing us to wonder and bringing wonder to us. What a journey of discovery this course has been!"

Hannah Harris reviewed: Spring Cushion Crochet Workshop

"Loved every minute of it. Enjoyed learning new skills. Sarah is a wonderful teacher and so patient. Lovely atmosphere created by Eliz and CLP and all the learners. I surprised myself that I could create something beautiful after only just beginning crochet recently. Thank you so much."

LindaE Attewell reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"This is a great course in a lovely setting. Nicola explains everything very well and supplies all you need. There are examples of work to inspire you. I made a dish and coaster. I am so pleased with them. All my friends are very impressed! I would definitely recommend this course, the time just flew by. I'll definitely be going back ... thank you Nicola."

Wayne groom reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"Yet again trading post did it again for me.hell you lot are great helpful and most of all fun fun fun. Great group, superb instruction (even when he spent most of his time assisting with his first ever square legged stable) .May have to come again as my 6 year old has claimed it as hers and does everything from eating breakfast on it to her colouring books. Thanx guys, great time and have been recommending."

Sarah Lohmann reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"The perfect introduction to weaving - a supported practical experience with a great outcome. I did not anticipate the speed with which the fabric grows, nor the quality of the fabric produced; it's exciting to see how one could progress to produce lovely tweedy patterns. I'm excited by this and look forward to taking it further."

Maggie harris reviewed: Wet and Needle Felted Dragon for Chinese New Year

"Very good course, lovely group, shame there were not so many courses in Pembrokeshire. Tutor very helpful, fun class."

Katy Williamson reviewed: Spring Cushion Crochet Workshop

"A lovely way to spend a Saturday in the company of like-minded people while learning new skills. I liked the way that everyone could choose their own colour choices of wool and we were free to progress at our own pace, so as not to keep faster stitchers getting fed up or slower ones panicking that they couldn't keep up. Coffee, croissants and chocolate cake were all enticing bonuses too. I'd definitely return."

Fiona Todd reviewed: Spring Cushion Crochet Workshop

"I went on the course as part of the bbo project, to help me get out and meeting people. I really enjoyed the project and actually did a proper c2c ?? I would definitely recommend any of these courses."

Karen reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"Fabulous day - very therapeutic process. Not what I was expecting at all! Great teacher - patient and inspiring. We all finished our pictures and everyone overjoyed with the results. Our wool paintings all looked so different. We will invite Raya again to our group to teach us felt making. Looking forward to your next class, Raya. Thank you very much. Karen"

Yvonne ( Redditch) reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Another really enjoyable day and another masterpiece! Thanks for a great day!"

Alex williams reviewed: Embroidery Hanging-"Stitch for the Soul" with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A fabulous way to spend a day! Such an inspiring teacher and environment- you won't want to leave! I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and can't wait to come back. Thank you!"