Latest reviews

5 Oct 17'

Lynne and Rob Van Brakel reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"Thank you Vicky and Beth - What a fabulous holiday in beautiful Greek surroundings with great company! . We loved the combination of painting and sailing and there was plenty to do at the hotel . Fantastic value . Vicky and Beth are a such a good partnership and make sure everyone’s included and supported both during and outside the art classes . We had some fun nights dancing - Greek style , singing and a quiz night as well as visits to some excellent tavernas by the sea - Shirley Valentine moments were had to celebrate the gorgeous views and ambience ! The hotel does have steps and ramps so you need to be able and willing but our fitness improved as a result as the week went on . Overall a very special experience - thank you - we will be back !"

5 Oct 17'

Roger Kiitley reviewed: Weekend introductory blacksmithing course 'B' at Quinnell School of Blacksmithing

"Excellent course, great fun but hard work! Managed to make things I didn't think I was capable of (with a bit of expert help!)"

5 Oct 17'

Jos Riley reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"What a fantastic day!! I took my daughter for her 30th birthday gift and it was fantastic from start to finish. Jolene is such a lovely lady and spent loads of time with each of us,guiding us through the various stages. My other two daughters came along as well,so we had all the girls together and it certainly was a great day. We can recommend not only the course and Jolene but also her chocolate brownies!! Thank you Jolene."

4 Oct 17'

Marion Baker reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"An enjoyable weekend and my first attempt at blacksmithing! Aaron explained things clearly, demonstrating for the small group and then helping as required when we made the items ourselves. The small group size means that there is plenty of time for any questions and individual help. Aaron is an enthusiastic, patient and encouraging teacher and all of us left with items we could be proud of. I recommend the weekend course even if you have no experience at all and also that you try to stay an extra night or two so that you can appreciate the area as well."

4 Oct 17'

Dan Vacher reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Just finished a day at Firebird forge and enjoyed every minute. Completely new to the craft but felt completely safe with Mort, our very knowledgeable instructor, who could strike a piece of metal like you wouldn't believe! Ratio of instructor to student was perfect at 3:1, atmosphere was always upbeat, no question was too silly. Considering booking a second visit already. Thanks for a great day and a bunch of new skills."

4 Oct 17'

Alan Clowes reviewed: Painting & Sailing ART retreat holiday in Greece for beginners and improvers inc flights & 7 nights B&B ATOL protected

"The September painting holiday in Greece this year was a fantastic experience from the beginning to the end. Vicky's paintings and teaching were excellent, and Beth's organisation made everything run very smoothly, from the travel arrangements to the great meals we collectively had at various restaurants in the local villages. The Leda location was stunning, with lovely greek style villas, and stunning views and locations to inspire the all the painters on the course. Both weeks the groups were all so friendly and great company to be with. I would certainly want to return next year. Well done both of you."

4 Oct 17'

paul clayton reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Great day out with Toni showing me silver clay skills. Useful and very helpful so could start doing it myself. show me different ways and techniques for me to try and build on which i recommend fully for people to try. toni gave a great time and skill to me on the day and with the clay was great price."

4 Oct 17'

Ciara reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Had a really great time on the two day course with James and was amazed and very pleased at what I was able to produce as a newcomer. The turorials were inspiring and James and Alison were very patient and great fun to be around. Look forward to returning to finish the pieces. And such lovely surroundings at the studios - a perfect way to spend a weekend!"

4 Oct 17'

Lynn McFadyen reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"I spent a wonderful 3 hours learning all about candle making with Kerrylyn. Workshop is held in her wonderful kitchen around a fantastic country table. So homely, warm and friendly. She has a natural gift to make you feel relaxed in her home. Really fun activity to bring out your creative side, made me feel like a young girl at school again doing arts and crafts. Great to learn all the tricks of the candle making which Kerrylyn has learnt through trial and error over the years. Highly recommend this workshop, I will definitely be back to attend another one and in the meantime I will be practising my candle making skills !! Thanks again Kerrylyn for a wonderful workshop !"

4 Oct 17'

Esther reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Loved my two days at this workshop. James is so good at sharing his knowledge and demonstrating how to transform a lump of clay into a beautiful animal. I was pleased and surprised by my creations, having been helped and guided along the way by James and his, also very talented, helper Alison. Looking forward to my return visit for the painting and glazing session. I would really recommend this workshop to anyone, experienced or not, who is interested in making animals from clay."

4 Oct 17'

caroline shields reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Kerry was a great host. She made everyone feel so welcome. she was very informative about her technique in making the candles. I would certainly recommend anyone thinking of taking a candle making course, to book one of Kerry's classes. It was truly a great experience."

4 Oct 17'

Mark Wheeler reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"The course was excellent and covered a lot of ground in one day. I took home two attractive and really useful fire tools - poker and fork - which we will use on our open fire. Mort was very patient and helped out when necessary, which was often. Overall it was a great experience and very good value."

4 Oct 17'

Andy Lloyd-Latouche reviewed: Textile design one day workshop for adults with Penny Mason, Birmingham (NO CLASSES UNTIL MARCH 2021)

"Penny is an excellent tutor who provides encouragement and inspiration from the start. This course is a great introduction to textile printing. I feel equipped to have a go myself at home and carry forward the skills I have learned."

4 Oct 17'

Amy Gould reviewed: Annie Sloan Techniques for Colour & Style in Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - Advanced

"We had a fantastic afternoon with Steph! I attended the course with my mum and Aunt and we couldn't wait to start our own projects when we got home! We tried out a variety of techniques on the day (I'm in love with Crackle glaze already!) using the fabulous Annie Sloan products, drank tea, ate cakes and was able to shop in La di da also! (The candles smell divine!) It was a very relaxed afternoon, where you could ask questions freely. I will definitely be booking a future course with Steph soon! X"

4 Oct 17'

Sarah Paterson reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"What a great workshop. A relaxing morning chatting whilst making a candle and firelighters. Kerry makes you feel at home as soon as you step into her home. The hot chocolate and cake were fantastic! I left with my beautiful candle and box of firelighters that I had made and kits to make some candles at home. Do the workshop you will not regret it! I will go back to do another workshop in the new year! Sarah"

4 Oct 17'

Making felt slippers reviewed: Felt art and hand stitch with Marieke Tomlin a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"What a great course! Beautiful location; delicious, healthy lunch and refreshments; excellent, friendly tuition, complete with dashings of science and history (local and global) of felting.... this course takes your knowledge and skills of felting to a higher level. It would be suitable for the beginner or the experienced alike as there is always room for improvement. Marieke and demonstrates the process in an unrushed, clear, step-by-step fashion, resulting in beautiful, unique, warm slippers. The other ladies on the course were lovely to be with. We shared ideas, thoughts and knowledge. Ideas for embellishment were shared and observed. Annie made us feel very welcome, even offering childcare at the end after school pick-up in order to finish the slippers. I would recommend this course to anyone needing an uplifting day...and desiring special slippers! I still feel a warm glow from it nearly 2 weeks later. Thankyou."

3 Oct 17'

Julie reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I'm a complete beginner & had a fab day learning how to make a silver ring & bangle. Lucy is great teacher with a lot of patience. Looking forward to more training days in the very near future."

3 Oct 17'

Abiola Adeleke reviewed: 100% Natural Beauty Product Making Workshop

"Hiya, Hope you and mum are having a great day! Thank you for the class and the information sent, it was very beneficial and I really enjoyed it. ? Abbie xx"

3 Oct 17'

Diane Jones reviewed: Needle Felting - 3D Cats

"Wendy is very friendly and welcoming! I enjoyed the class so much that I am going back to future classes! It's the perfect place to learn new skills and make new friends."

3 Oct 17'

Chris reviewed: Stained Glass Christmas Decs Workshop - half day

"Great day spent with Rachel. Instruction was excellent and fun. Ended up with a piece I was chuffed to bits with ?"

3 Oct 17'

Clare Abrahamsen reviewed: Bespoke Contemporary Fine Art Encaustic Wax Workshop.

"I want to thank you for the truly inspiring encaustic workshop.Not only did I go away knowing some wonderful techniques and a sound basis of encaustic painting but your sharing of ideas was so generous and encouraging.I felt that you understood the approach I have to painting and you helped me to realise this in a new medium.It certainly suits my style and I can't wait to set up my own encaustic equipment.Your helpful information as to where to obtain the equipment economically is a godsend. I loved the medium of wax and pigment,the pace and smell of it all and the magic of it! I was so pleased with my final painting and can recall exactly how each part of it was achieved,a useful reference indeed.I took it to my art class the next day along with your leaflets and everyone was so interested and intrigued. I will spread the word.Thank you,Lyn,for a truly memorable and creative day."

3 Oct 17'

Abiola Adeleke reviewed: 100% Natural Organic Hair Care Product Making

"Hiya, Hope you and mum are having a great day! Thank you for the class and the information sent, it was very beneficial and I really enjoyed it. ? Abbie xx"

3 Oct 17'

Victoria McLafferty reviewed: Needle Felting - 3D Cats

"Wendy was a calm and patient teacher. The room was very well lit and the refreshments plentiful. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and shall keep and eye out for others."

3 Oct 17'

Viv, Sheffield reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners with Green Fox Wild Crafts

"Can’t recommend this course highly enough to anyone wanting to learn how to spoon carve ! Nadine is a great tutor, presenting each stage in clear and understandable steps, and helping build confidence in using the tools involved, from axe technique to the different craft and spoon knife holds. There was an inspiring range of beautifully carved spoons on show to look at and handle, mostly Nadine’s own, loads to get enthused about and time just flew by. After previously spending countless hours alone scraping away at pieces of wood I have at last learned to do it properly! Bretton Hall, with stunning views across the Peak district, was also a great venue for the course."

3 Oct 17'

Aggie Kisielewska reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"This is a fantastic course for everyone - even if you have no experience whatsoever, you will walk away after two days with a fabulous bag that will last you decades, feeling very proud of your work. Everything is explained and shown in a very clear and relaxed way, and Jason and Louise (fabulous people) will be on hand to answer whatever questions you have, and help you with whatever problem you have - with only four people on the course you really feel like you're getting all the attention you need. Great atmosphere, great lunch, great learning experience, I wish I could attend on a monthly basis!"