Latest reviews

Angharad Rhys Roberts reviewed: Linocut printmaking at Bull Mill Arts Wiltshire

"Olivia is a lively, very positive tutor , it is fun packed day and everybody leaves the workshop upbeat and happy with what they have produced."

Pippa Mather reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"I received a private day's tuition with Roger as a Christmas present from my parents and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn anything to do with wire-soldering and/or wire sculpture in any form with or without any experience (I had none in this area!). I like to do all kinds of crafts but what makes this a truly unique experience is that Roger is not only teaching techniques you don't learn in mainstream courses but also tailors the day to whoever he's teaching; so much better than the rigid tuition you'd receive with adult education courses. We covered so much, it was a lovely relaxed day and I came away bursting with ideas of what I could make and do with what I'd learnt. I went straight out and bought a soldering iron and I've been using the techniques at home and combining with my hobby of jewellery making as well as creating a few steampunk-style pieces too. Highly recommended for both those who want to come home with a beautiful finished piece after their experience day and those who want to learn the techniques to take with them in future."

Samuel Littley reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Had a fantastic (if a bit chilly) day with John, Spencer and Mark making a poker and a viking knife. Was excellent to get my hands dirty (beats sitting at a keyboard all day!). Great for total beginners; the team are so helpful."

Jodi S reviewed: Stained glass sun-catcher workshop: Hampshire

"Just spent the day having my first ever go at stained glass. From the start of the day (when even successfully cutting the test glass seemed impossible!), til the end of the day, when I finished my 'tulips on a grassy knoll', Rachel was unfailing supportive and positive. All four of us were blown away with what everyone else had achieved and deeply chuffed with our own pieces. The day just flew by, it was totally engrossing and I learned so much - who knew soldering could be so much fun! Would highly recommend, even for people with 'two left thumbs'."

Swanwick Studio responded:

"What a lovely review, thanks so much :-) It was a pleasure teaching you all & I always love watching all the creations develop throughout the day. Well done :-)"

Susanne reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"An enjoyable way to learn weaving. Class sizes are small, so Alice can give a lot of attention to each student."

Julie reviewed: Learn to Felt - An Introduction to Felt Making in Birmingham

"Just loved it!! I was brought a beginners felting course as a present & wasn't sure really what to expect. Emma explained everything, the instructions were easy to follow & she would demonstrate how to do things. Emma was also there to help or offer advice all the way through. I found it really interesting and would say to anyone ,if you have a slight interest give it a go. I went home with my finished piece, which I was really proud of and I'm going to make it into a cushion. Emma was so friendly & helpful I would highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to booking more sessions."

Evelyn Morrison reviewed: Make a spindle-back chair

"Embarking on the course was an adventure since I had never worked with wood before. It was soon obvious that the task was as huge as my lack of experience, and that it would be wise to let myself be carried along - by the process, the instructions, and the material itself. Every component part had to be shaved to size from a freshly cleaved ash log. I felt a like a sculptor facing a raw block of marble. The statement that it would be 'like butter' was met with some scepticism, but then we did discover the wonderful way of working WITH the wood. The meaning of 'going with the grain' was brought home constantly and tangibly. Physically it was hard work, with sore muscles and the occasional blister and splinter. But the repetitive actions and intense focus can soon lead into a meditative state, where you find 'all of yourself' being present, surrendering to the needs of the chair-to-be. Here also going with the grain, metaphorically, and a taste of what 'doing without doing' might be. Peter accompanies through the process with his skills, as well as caring and sensitive presence, quite aptly 'teaching without teaching'."

Maria reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"Thank you for the workshop. I wonder what it was that one was so tired afterwards? I am still pondering how do use the wonderful creation. Just to look at it it has an ordering, harmonising effect. I hope to do other workshops with you at SAOG Studios."

Ellen Bartley reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have attended classes for almost a year. The workshop is well equipped, well organised and safe. I was very unconfident at the start , however the course is well structured and Martin provides clear guidance and advice and encouragement. I really enjoy attending the classes, I have become more independent and confident in stained glasswork and pleased with the things I have made. Highly recommended."

Emma chinnery reviewed: A day on the tiles: one-day mosaic workshop

"it was my first time I'd ever done mosaic tiling, & I was very impressed with my day, the teaching was great , lovely venue & resources to use. Found it very relaxing & therapeutic. Also very pleased with my finished tile ."

Valley Craft Studio responded:

"I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself and managed to relax Emma . I can't wait to help you with the sausage dog mosaic you were planning and hope that Maddison will come with you next time."

Lucy and Aunty L reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"We attended this course on 24 Feb and can highly recommend it. Neither of us had any previous experience of needle felting and yet we came away with beautiful, life like models to be proud of. The setting was beautiful, we were in a light and airy studio in a cottage garden, we had plenty of yummy refreshments and all the equipment we needed. Sophie is a natural teacher - she showed us what to do and then we had a go. She came round to each of us and checked progress and offered help. A few Sophie tweeks here and there kept us on track! We had a fabulous lunch of goats cheese tart with buttery new pots, greens and salad and a to die for pavlova for pudding. All in all a brilliant course. Thank you Sophie and Sophies mum!"

Liz Sharpe reviewed: Beginners Glass Fusing 6 Week Course

"We had a great time learning lots of different techniques - I’m looking forward to moving on to the intermediate stage and trying different projects."

Vikki Nash reviewed: Natural (cold process) soap making workshop with afternoon tea

"I booked this course after completing the candle making course with Julie. It's a lovely day, the afternoon is great & we were catered for well with one of us being gluten free and one being meat free! My house smells lovely with everything I brought home, I would recommend highly. Thanks again Julie & Janet."

Amber Farmer reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I received a mosaic class with Maddie as a birthday surprise and I loved it!! It was the most wonderful day in her workshop. The log fire was going, snow starting to fall and Maddie being such a brilliant teacher. She gave us a quick starter class before allowing us to have a hands on experience making our very own mosaic with access to her beautiful tiles. I would highly recommend to everyone - all ages, men and women. It's such a creative thrill when you have your very own piece of hand made art at the end of it. Thank you Maddie for giving me such a great birthday present it was just perfect!"

Mark reviewed: A day on the tiles: one-day mosaic workshop

"I took my mum on one of Fiona's Mosaic course in February and we both had a great time. Fiona couldn't have been more welcoming. With her guidance we both managed to complete our projects on the one day course. Having seen our mosaics my sisters are now booked on! Despite the snow the studio was lovely and warm plus hot drinks and cake were plentiful! Thank you"

Valley Craft Studio responded:

"Thanks for the lovely review Mark. I hope you and your Mum are pleased with your creations and I look forward to welcoming your sisters soon. Fiona."

The Annie Sloan Complete Chair Makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"We had an amazing day, I went with my daughter and sister-in-law and we all came away with fabulous chairs. It was great fun selecting the paint and material to bring your chair back to life. Steph was brilliant; her explanations and guidance were clear and uncomplicated. She was always at hand to give a little bit of extra advice if needed. I can't believe how much we achieved in a day. The fish and chip lunch was superb and along with the tea and cakes, we felt extremely well looked after. All of us thought it was a fantastic day and I'm sure we'll be back to do another workshop."

Michelle reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Create your own Textile Artwork - Beach Huts

"I recently had a course with Heidi Meier doing free motion beach huts which was really great I learnt a lot, this is my second course at the Art and Craft Days and as always Brian and Julie are always accommodating even down to catering for my gluten free lunch which was fab., great atmosphere. Well done You do a great job guys. Thank you"

Sue West reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"Just a quick note to say how much we enjoyed the course (Weaving the Cosmos: Sacred Geometry and the Art of Hexagonal Basketry). You made us feel very welcome, and we were instantly put at ease by relaxed ambience of your studio. Your passion for the subject was evident and was infectious even allowing for my own lack of natural ability! Many thanks"

LIZ SCOTT reviewed: Beginners Glass Fusing 6 Week Course

"Sarah is ever patient with us and we have a really good time. The frustration is not doing excellent work first time. This is due to our poor skills and lack of experience, and unrealistic expectations! Sarah taught us techniques over a 4 week period. We then chose one or more of those for our final piece for the last 2 weeks. All of these skills are useful and will be used in the intermediate classes I have now chosen to do. And she makes the best homemade biscuits ever!!"

Ron Sutcliffe reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"My wife, Lara, and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend course. Mark and Richard were great hosts and teachers; it's clear to see their passion for what they do. We came away with a couple of lovely boxes to be proud of and an enthusiasm to take the skills and tips we gained into a new hobby at home. Highly recommended."

Ann reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"A very inspiring course. We learnt so much; Daniel and Vija were such patient and knowledgable teachers. The handouts were also helpful. I do feel that the course could be spread out over two days to do it full justice. I must also add that the location of Sacred Art of Geometry - SAOG Studios - is idyllic. I will certainly be attending further interesting courses with you again in the near future."

Liz Morgon reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Had a really good productive time last Saturday and will book on one of your macrame workshops in the summer when I have practised and mastered all the loom techniques you showed us on my lovely loom I bought from you."

Jackie reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"Great course on foiling with my friends. We met two other beginners and had a really enjoyable day out. Cheryl is a fantastic host, and we all felt impressed with what we had made. Great Italian round the corner for lunch. All round a perfect day and I would recommend to anyone."

Miriam Wilson reviewed: Create stunning art using pastels with Kate West

"Give it a try you won't be dissapointed I had a lovely morning with Katie and the small group that attended that day. Course moved at a nice pace and I learnt some great tips. I was by far the most ammateur in the group having not lifted any piece of art equipment since leaving school some twenty years ago!! However the friendly nature of the group and tutour meant that I did not feel intimidated in any way and hope to be going on another of Katies courses very soon. It has given me some passion back and I hope (if I can find the time!!) to put what I have learnt into practice. Thank You Katie :)"

Jane walsh reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"My husband and I were looking for something that we could do together and he found Martin. Without question we enjoy every week that we go and have already booked into our second session of classes. We have learnt so much thru martins extensive knowledge and nothing is too much trouble no matter how many times we ask. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to do something different as a hobby and interest."