Latest reviews

15 Jul 17'

Abi, David and Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Wow! What an amazing day we had. From the moment we arrived to the minute we left we were looked after. Amazingly skilled guys Adrian and Andy, who introduced us to what we were going to be doing, gave plenty of support during the day and awesome tools and materials to use. There was more than enough challenge to really get your teeth into the art of blacksmithing. There is also the bonus of a home cooked lunch to die for (Debbie - YUM!) - had we not had an afternoon of banging metal to be getting on with I think we'd have all had a full-stomach nap. All in all an amazing experience, met some lovely people and we will be back for more. Go on this course, it is fantastic."

15 Jul 17'

Sarah reviewed: Interior design and decor; evening crash course

"Another fabulous day with Lucy Renshaw. This is the second course I have been on, a great introduction to interior design giving you lots to think about and go away and play with colours and design. We were lucky with the weather again, sunny and warm sat outside for a lot of the day. We did loads of painting, as well as putting ideas together using materials. We are all looking forward to a follow-up day in autumn, many thanks"

15 Jul 17'

Mark Bullivant reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fantastic day, highly recommended. I'll definately be back. Many Thanks"

15 Jul 17'

Greteli reviewed: Chair making course at Sallerton Wood

"This is a superb course! With a well-equipped workshop in a beautiful setting where the materials are sourced from the surrounding woodland and with knowledgeable tuition from Andy who loves every aspect of green woodworking... nothing could be better! I am immensely proud of my chair and longing to return!"

15 Jul 17'

Alison & Dion reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Unbelievable experience... We attended the beginners class and we were given a health and safety talk before we jumped into the fun part. As the day progressed Ricky gave us a choice on what we could produce next. We created four different pieces each, using a variety of methods. Ultimately this gave us a wide range of things to take away that we now display proudly in our home. The day was fantastic, Ricky was brilliant at explaining everything but also allowing us to really get stuck in and involved. A very knowledgable and great teacher, Ricky made us both feel very comfortable. We would definitely recommend this to anyone who has an interest in glass blowing because its well worth the money and a great experience!"

15 Jul 17'

Margaret Taylor reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"A great introduction to weaving. An interesting explanation to the loom and how it is set up and then you have a go! Rebecca answered my numerous questions very patiently. It was great to try out different patterns and to come away with a piece of woven material that I had done. I'll be back to weave another piece again."

15 Jul 17'

Liz birchall reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I loved the tile course and coil pottery deinol is a excellent teacher looking forward to doing alot more"

15 Jul 17'

Keith Needham reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I attended 3 day course with my partner. The course was personalised completely for our requirements - we got exactly what we wanted from the course Colin is undoubtedly a subject matter expert and an excellent tutor and maker of tea! We had a great few days with Colin, learning lots and spending time with a person who clearly loves this creative artform. Go spend some time in beautiful Devon learning and creating beautiful items. Keith."

15 Jul 17'

Sarah Hendrickx reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have just spent 3 days learning with Colin and have found it a genuinely enjoyable experience. From having no knowledge of woodturning at all, I am now desperate to get my own lathe and start creating! Colin is not only very experienced and knowledgeable about his subject, but also a good teacher. He was patient, interested and constantly on hand to guide with plenty of positive words about every mishap (or 'design opportunity' as he calls them). I would thoroughly recommend working with Colin."

15 Jul 17'

Mary reviewed: 1 day mosaic workshop South Warwickshire

"An excellent workshop day in Anna's purpose built studio. Lots of ideas and materials to choose . Anna was welcoming, friendly and very knowledgable with boundless patience. A lovely rural setting. Very pleased with my finished birdbath and shall return for my next project. Thank you."

14 Jul 17'

Andrew Walker reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"I loved everything about this day. Chris guided us through the process with a wonderful teaching style and real enthusiasm for the craft. I was in no doubt that I was learning from a master. The pace of the day was just right with suitable attention to tea breaks. The conversations with Chris and my fellow student throughout the day enhanced the enjoyment of the course. Best of all, the day reawakened the long dormant enjoyment of lathe craft that I first remember in school woodwork class forty years ago."

14 Jul 17'

Tracey c reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Basic Embroidery workshop. Thank you very much it was very helpful. Regards Tracey"

14 Jul 17'

Poppy reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"I really enjoyed the goldwork embroidery workshop with you. It was so nice to learn a new skill, especially one which I hope to use in my A Levels. Thanks for your patience and it was really nice to meet you."

14 Jul 17'

Marilyn Baker reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"As Director of the Braemar Creative Arts Festival I can confirm that every review I have read from the participants of Maggie's festival classes over the last 3 years has been 5 star. Several of the people consequently signed up for more of Maggie's Magic workshops at her studio. We invite her back to our Festival every year as we know her classes will quickly be fully subscribed...she is truly inspirational."

14 Jul 17'

Carol Hutton reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I have been to a number of sessions in Maggie's studio and also to all three Braemar Creative Arts Festival Mosaic courses which she attends in support of this community based arts venue. What a gem Maggie is - kind, patient, technically spot on, creatively inspiring of others, exuberant in nature, genuinely caring about her students welfare, and completely in awe of our efforts & the results no matter how odd some of mine have turned out to be :D You may enter a complete novice not knowing one end of a tweezer from the end of a glass cutter, or a Leponitt from a Smalti. When you leave with your first pieces completed you will also take along the self-confidence with a range of manual skills & 'tool familiarity' to tackle anything she throws at you at your next session, and you will truly believe in your own abilities. A BIG part of Maggie's ethos is to use discarded bits and pieces from local charity shops, friends cast-off & broken household 'junque', and her very own "Rubbish Fairy" who is part of the grass-roots recycling movement. OldTown Steading's garden is a showcase of mosaic-ed artworks created from literal rubbish and it is incredibly inspiring to view regardless of the season. It is 2 acres and utterly delightful Madness, Mayhem and Magic. Green Recycling box WELL ticked and who would have thought such beauty rise from the ashes of rubbish ??? She has taught me so much technically about mosaic-ing, and even given me the self confidence set up a small studio space of my own in a spare sheddy, but part of the fun and experience is in being with other like-minded people under Maggie's caring and attentive eye. And she puts on a lovely lunch for us too :) Who could ask for more???"

14 Jul 17'

Jane Stewart reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"Brilliant tutor and the course was great fun. Relaxed atmosphere and very thorough information. Very absorbing and satisfying. I would definitely recommend this course."

14 Jul 17'

Julie Whitehorn reviewed: Textured Felt: Cushion Panel, Clutch Bag or Book Jacket

"Having attended a previous course with Emma I was eager to return for more, it's a really enjoyable experience in a lovely peaceful garden studio. The felt book jacket was a great project to design, make and complete (!) within the 1/2 day workshop. Arriving without an idea of what would be involved, with discussion we were straight into planning and choosing different fibres from a wonderful array to create our own unique cover, all under excellent guidance and fuelled with coffee and cookies. Then on to dyeing the pieces after deciding on colours and like alchemy our beautiful creations emerged. There was even time to add stitch and create a lovely co-ordinated book cover tie. I can't wait for the next day!"

14 Jul 17'

Sheila reviewed: Embroidery for beginners

"Wow. The Goldwork course was fantastic. Rosemary made me feel so comfortable and I achieved far more than I expected in the two days. I'm going to book the Stumpwork next."

13 Jul 17'

Jo B reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"Lesley ran a pot making workshop for a hen party I organised. It was a great session; fun, relaxed and we learnt stuff! I love my pot and have so many ideas of things I want to try!"

13 Jul 17'

Lynda Ashton reviewed: Kate Morrell willow sculpture courses

"An excellent day's course. Relaxed and very informative, with very exciting and pleasing results. Being able to work outside in Kate's lovely garden was an additional bonus. Kate was able to direct and support us in a very calm and creative way, whilst Dave provided very welcome food and drink support. Would thoroughly recommend the day."

13 Jul 17'

William McElroy reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Graham is really knowledgeable and experienced and this shows in his teaching..... A very good day and leant a great deal,so much in fact I am looking to buy a lathe for myself as I enjoyed it that much. Thank you Graham...."

13 Jul 17'

Linda Whyman reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I attended ancouple of courses that Maggie ran and loved them! The only reason I could not follow up with more was that we moved away. Maggie has so much enthusiasm and is a brilliant and inspiring tutor! She has a wealth of materials and gives 100% to ensure everybody achieves. Maggie inspired me and gave me the love for mosaicing, which I now continue here in France. Thank you Maggie! Don't hesitate to sign up for her courses!"

12 Jul 17'

Graham reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"I have done this course twice now and have loved doing it. Maggie brings out your creativity with her boundless enthusiasm. I recommend this course for all those that want to fulfil their artistic ambitions via mosaic. If you are stuck for ideas or ways to make your ideas reality, rememer this mantra - trust Maggie."

12 Jul 17'

Helen Woodall reviewed: Silver clay jewellery course in Shaftesbury, Dorset

"I spent a lovely morning with Fiona learning about silver clay and how to handle it. Fiona was so patient and helpful - guiding and advising but leaving me to create my own jewellery. She picked leaves from her garden which I used to texture my pendant and earrings, and there was enough clay to make a little matching charm as well. I was amazed at how good the finished products were and they have been greatly admired by friends and family. I really enjoyed the workshop and have already signed up for the next level."

12 Jul 17'

Sheila Fraser reviewed: Mosaic and Glass Art 2 day Course

"Maggie's workshop really is fabulous. No experience or ability in art required because Maggie's enthusiasm is contagious and encouragement, inspiring. Suitable for all ages too. I'm definitely going back for more :-)"