Latest reviews

2 Oct 17'

Alison Rhodes, Director of Art King's Ely reviewed: Introducing Macrame Knots and Intricate Designs

"I have just completed a superb course delivered by Mary Davies focusing on Macrame. Mary is a delight to work with and clearly has a huge depth of knowledge that she delivers with skill and enthusiasm. I would certainly highly recommend this course and look forward to working with Mary again in the next few weeks."

2 Oct 17'

Joanna Hill reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Peter Lanyon's "Introduction To Green Woodworking" course gives a great all round experience of using traditional hand tools, specialist furniture making tools and power tools to create a unique table or stool. There were 7 people on the course and it was really interesting to see people working with chestnut, sycamore, oak and cherry. They all turned out different. Peter takes you through everything step by step. It was great to split the green wood logs; shave the legs with their unique curves and knots; pick a dusty plank and see it transformed into a beautiful table top; and overcome my apprehension and fear of power tools. I made a beautiful side table and loved being in the workshop and spending the weekend by the sea. It was a fabulous weekend and I'm so pleased with my table. Thank you"

2 Oct 17'

Gabrielle Hall reviewed: Landscape painting in oil & cold wax medium in the Yorkshire Dales

"I recently attended the "Landscape Painting With Oils " workshop with Penny Hunt, in Horton in Ribblesdale, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It was so interesting and inspiring to talk to Penny about her work and the techniques she uses and then put some of these techniques into action. . Though the weather was not great, we had an active day preparing materials before we left the studio and then getting outdoors to loosen up with sketches of the landscape in charcoal, chalk and ancient stone. We returned to the studio, having soaked up the atmosphere of the outdoors and with our sketches in mind, to paint with oils. Later in the day we took paint, boards and necessary materials outside to paint "en plein air" only returning for a little more work in the studio once the rain started again. I was excited by the workshop and can't wait to try out some of the ideas at home. I wanted to loosen up a little in my own painting and not be quite so bound by the actual. I wanted to explore a slightly more ethereal /abstract approach and I felt that Penny addressed what I wanted and gave me ideas. I would recommend this worksop and I am sure I will be returning for more in the future."

2 Oct 17'

Robert and Hima Knapp reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"This has to be one of the best courses I have been on. We travelled from London to do this course. I have always wanted to give pottery a try but concerned about my experience. Mathew put me at ease, he is a fantastic teacher with an easy-going but passionate attitude toward pottery. Both my husband and I are beginners, learnt at our own pace and felt incredibly confident by the end of the day. Mathew showed us techniques in bite size practical elements that we were able to replicate. By the end of the day we had created bowls, cylinderical forms and a cat bowl that were all good enough for us to use at home (the competition also grew between us to make more and more technical vessels haha). I wish I could post you pictures to see how far we'd come. We didn't want the day end. I have already recommended this course to friends and family that have asked about it following a social media post about our day. A BIG thumbs up from us for Dimbleby Ceramics."

2 Oct 17'

Trish Gilbert reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"I knew from a previous course what a thorough and patient teacher Dunja was, she also is able to inspire confidence even in a beginner. This was the first weaving I have ever done and was amazed at what could be achieved in a day."

2 Oct 17'

Frankie Esposito reviewed: Willow Animal Sculpture (2 days) in the Peak District

"Recently, I was very fortunate to be able to participate in the two day animal willow weaving sculpture course at Zantium studios, needless to say I was awfully excited about the two days, with visions of coming away with a beautiful animal sculpture that I'd made myself. I can wholeheartedly say that my expectations were more than met, with the help of Caroline I made a beautiful dear that is now sitting proudly on my front lawn, walkers passing by and neighbours comment on it all the time, and I had a fair few "likes" on facebook also. The two days at zantium were brilliant, the studio was nice and cosy with plenty of space to work, the rest of the group were great fun and we all got on like a house on fire. Best of all were the delicious home made lunches by Alison, plenty of coffee and tea and certainly the homemade cake in the afternoon went down a treat. All in all, it was a brilliant couple of days, well worth it, and I can highly recommend the course. many thanks to all."

2 Oct 17'

Sam Warner reviewed: Creative self discovery

"I have to say I was skeptical at first - being a scientist at heart and having lost touch with my creativity and open-mindedness due to Corporate brainwashing for 20 years. I was so wrong to be skeptical. The course was well thought out, informative, thought provoking, enlightening and to be honest a complete breakthrough for me. It's obvious to me that Sandra has a lot of experience, expertise and teaching hours under her belt. I was able to get in touch with a part of my brain that was fast asleep! I had felt blocked, grey, and lacking in imagination - a dangerous place when you are starting your own business. Afterwards (after 7 weeks) I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. By tapping into different parts of my mind, beliefs, challenging my self-imposed limitations, Sandra was able to demonstrate to me (using the craft as a metaphor) that I have everything I need within myself and that I should give myself more time to be a creative thinker. More time to make mistakes and move through them and more time doing things for myself instead of just doing things for other people. Thanks Sandra!"

2 Oct 17'

Phyl reviewed: Creative self discovery

"I would definitely recommend this course! It allowed me time and creative space to focus on my needs. Through Sandra's gentle and innovative creative development teaching, you are able to access your creativity - whether or not you knew it even existed! Through the different craft projects and feeling relaxed in friendly company, I was able to finally able to identify the way forward for me! Don't hesitate - you will be pleased you signed up!"

2 Oct 17'

Joan Cook reviewed: Mosaic (2 days) in the Peak District

"Brilliant inspirations, beautiful setting, good food, excellent tuition, resources, encouragement and individual support. I was expecting the course to be good, but it was even better - thank you!"

2 Oct 17'

Aimee reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"I have had the best time. This has got me so excited to start making my own candles. I'm going to attend another course here for certain."

2 Oct 17'

Bhavna reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Today's course was very informative. I had not even thought of wax melts so that was very useful. I will take away lots of useful information."

2 Oct 17'

Bob Barber reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Spent a most enjoyable day with Colin at his well equipped forge. I always had a fascination with this ancient art, from watching as a child over the half gate of the village Smithy. I never thought I'd get to have a go until my wife bought me a course with Colin. A real good day working as a dumb beginner next to a master of his craft (though Colin never made me feel that way). At the end of the day I came away with a solid ring top poker, a leaf themed hanging hook and a weed hook to clean between the paving, and most importantly a great sense of achievement! Many thanks Colin ......... I would recommend to anyone. Best Bob"

2 Oct 17'

Mark Alexander reviewed: Hand building creatures at Dorset Centre for Creative Arts

"This was a very accessible course. Very good for beginners and the whole family enjoyed it. Excellent."

2 Oct 17'

Shena McCulloch reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"What a fantastic day! I learned so much and was so inspired I came away with a loom of my own - will definitely be back for the 'Improvers Course'!"

2 Oct 17'

Debbie Clarke reviewed: Wood Carving at Dorset Centre for the Creative Arts

"Excellent teacher. Very knowledgable and helpful."

2 Oct 17'

Jane Riddiford reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"Thank you so much for a truly inspiring day yesterday and for opening a new doorway into our ongoing exploration of the cosmos. It was wonderful to begin to feel the power of the sacred shapes and patterns. Your guidance throughout the day was great ..."

1 Oct 17'

Bethany Woodburn reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I had a very enjoyable day learning the skilful craft of wood turning. Chris is a great teacher, giving as much support as needed to create the desired effect. I highly recommend this as an experience day out and love the fact you make something to take home with you as a memento of the day. Many thanks Chris, I had a great time."

1 Oct 17'

Jayne Cooke reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Fantastic day full of new knowledge and techniques to produce an amazing textile design on a cushion cover. Penny is one of the best teachers in helping you to create your own individual designs. The day was not only fun but extremely informative. Really good value for money, I would highly recommend it to anyone. Can't wait for the next one! Brilliant!"

1 Oct 17'

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

"My wife was scouring the internet looking for a unique 5 year wedding anniversary gift and found Ian's website... and im very glad she did. My brother and I met Ian at his workshop on the Saturday morning, and the first job was to make a wooden mallet out of what seemed an old tree trunk! That was hard work in itself, learning how to effectively swing a hatchet. We then spent the day using various woodworking tools to make a rustic oak table using traditional methods. With a hour or so ledt over, we were also able to make a walking stick each. My table now has pride of place in my living room, the walking stick is used frequently when we're off rambling. Would I recommend this course? Without hesitation! Ian was a great laugh, full of patience and funny anecdotes as we crafted away... oh and tea. Plenty of tea!"

1 Oct 17'

Neil & Lisa reviewed: One day Wedding Rings Workshop Jewellery course for couples.

"We attended the wedding ring workshop run by Sarah, as we wanted something unique and special to us both. The day was fantastic, we both really enjoyed our time and Sarah is a fantastic teacher, with patience and understanding that we had never done this before. We were so happy with the finished rings and knowing that we had crafted them with our own 2 hand made it that much more special. If you’re thinking of doing this, stop thinking and book. I promise you will not regret it. If we could give 6 stars we would."

1 Oct 17'

Aidan Woodburn reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Such a great day spent learning all about the process of wood turning! It was fun, interesting, and extremely satisfying to work with Chris on creating something from a lump of a log to a smooth circular bowl at the end of the day! Chris was a fantastic tutor in each step involved in the process and I came way with a great deal of awe and respect for the craft, plus a proud owner of my own created first piece which Chris assisted me in creating in just the right way: to teach and advise in a safe and calm way for a beginner like me, but also allowing me to add my own slant to the piece and I felt like it really was my own. I would thoroughly recommend this experience to anyone and everyone as it is a great day out, and Chris will be a perfect tutor for people of all abilities and levels of confidence. Thanks, Chris, see you again!"

1 Oct 17'

Megan reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a great workshop and host. Kerry was nothing but fabulous and knowledgeable, I came home full of ideas and newly learnt knowledge about candles and candle making. I couldn't fault the class at all as she had all the details perfect down to personalised name tags at the seats and the seriously good cake! Can't wait for the scent blending class next year!"

1 Oct 17'

Cheryl Davies reviewed: Silver clay leaf course - Lori Ridgway Featherstone

"We had a brilliant day making a necklace from a leaf, Lori is very welcoming and lovely, she is a fab teacher and makes beautiful jewellery. A relaxing few hours producing a unique special piece, will definitely do another workshop :-)"

1 Oct 17'

kerry Allan reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"A interesting delve into the world of jewellery making. Jonathan provided an excellent day all round. Lots of information, instruction, humour and enthusiasm. Homemade refreshments and lunch and lots of info to encourage setting up your own thing. A very enjoyable day. Will be returning to learn how to gem set. Excellent value."

1 Oct 17'

Lee Umney reviewed: Make a Windsor-style stool

"Absolutely loved this course! the time went so quickly. Great atmosphere. Nice surroundings for lunch. Ben is a great, patient and approachable teacher. Could not ask for more. Highly recommend this course or any of Ben's - you will be amazed by what you start off with and what you go home with!"