Latest reviews

17 May 17'

Lorraine reviewed: Wet felting with Virginia

"Thanks so much to Virginia for the extra effort she went to arrange a really excellent 50th birthday wet felting session for us four companions. It was such fun, and we were overwhelmed to come away with a completed project. The pace was good and everything we needed was provided. A great range of resources to choose from and a relaxed setting. Lovely hospitality and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. I've never done anything like this before, have no particular ability and came away with something I was secretly (well not now) proud of. thanks again, I'll be back!"

17 May 17'

Maya reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"Absolutely fantastic Class. The tea room was the perfect location, such a nice vibe. Ann is a wonderful teacher, very patient and caring, shes so kind. Such amazing value for money, I couldn't ask for a better experience. In 2hours we had tea, scones and I learned to crochet from scratch one 2 one with Ann. I was an absolute beginner, Ann's technique was very easy to pick up. I went home the same day and made a phone case that looks so good. I would recommend this course to everyone, value for money by far, you won't find a cheaper course. And to Top it all off she does it for a wonderful charity so its all for a good cause. Looking forward to my knitting class on Thursday :)"

16 May 17'

Patrick Kivlin reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have just spent an educational and very enjoyable day with Colin learning the basics of woodturning. He is an excellent tutor and has a relaxed yet informative style. After a short demonstration of each technique from Colin, I was "let loose" and allowed to work on the lathe which means that I went home at the end of the day with some pieces of work of which I am excessively proud. I think that he may have introduced me to a new hobby!"

16 May 17'

Fiona reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Lovely way to spend a morning - the whole workshop was very well organised, Kerry makes you feel very welcome in her home and is a great teacher! Small group, very relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and find out all about candle making while making your own to take home. Really enjoyed it and will definitely recommend to others!"

16 May 17'

Rosie Fearn reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"I can only agree with all the other glowing reviews. A great day; just wish it could have been two so my scarf could have achieved a respectable length. (That is due to my short(!)comings as a pupil, and in no way detracts from the excellence of Dunja's teaching skills.)"

16 May 17'

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

"I enjoyed the course and took away a wool painting I created. Raya is a professional artist who has gathered a wealth of skills working with wool and loves sharing her experience with her students. My wife couldn't believe what I had achieved on my first ever wool painting course using Raya's techniques. It has inspired my wife to book a wool painting workshop with her friend. I thought the course was very relaxing and I would recommend this course to anyone."

16 May 17'

Gail Hart reviewed: One day, one to one stained glass course

"David was a great teacher. Really creative and so patient with me as was a complete beginner. Thank you, David."

16 May 17'

Jan allen reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"What an amazing day. So interesting. Learnt such a lot. Lunch was lovely. Siobhan and Danny are such a caring couple , and loved the dog too. I am dropping hints for another birthday treat so I can go again"

16 May 17'

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

"A thoroughly absorbing workshop. I had never worked with wool before and I had not appreciated what a flexible medium it is. Using fibres in a creative landscape and blending the colours was both both exciting and refreshing with an amazing and colourful outcome. Raya’s patience and skill in demonstrating and teaching was much appreciated. Thank you. John."

15 May 17'

Marcia reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"A fantastic, creative day. Such a chilled environment in which it learn a new skill. Alice is clearly both skilled and passionate about her craft, and is also a very professionl tutor. She is very patient and calm, and this helps to create a great environment in which to be creative. She makes a good cup of tea, too!"

15 May 17'

Ann Jankowska reviewed: Fused Glass and Metals Workshop, Stourbridge

"This course really let's you be experimental and inspired by all of the materials available to you. Jane is an excellent and relaxed tutor with an anything goes attitude and she'll offer experience and advice to bring your ideas, no matter how wacky, to life. Such a worthwhile afternoon and i'do recommended it to all."

15 May 17'

Bonnie reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"My fourth trip to the Phoenix studios and I can honestly say I love going there. Karin and James are fantastic. Not only are they genuinely lovely people they are knowledgeable, patient and helpful! To be able to indulge in two days of total creativity is a treat amidst my busy teaching life. The time simply flies by. Thank Karin once more!"

15 May 17'

Karen Peake reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"I had wanted to do a glass workshop for a very long time - this course was available and the date fitted in with my trip to the area! The whole day was fantastic! - I learnt so much and was able to create several great pieces with the help of Steve and the lovely cups of tea! ... the workshop atmosphere was relaxed which added to the whole experience - best way to spend a Saturday!! Thoroughly enjoyed myself and have spread the word to all who will listen... great course, great place, great people! :) :) :)"

15 May 17'

Helen Morrison reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A lovely inspirational day - keep looking at my machine embroidery sampler today and getting a real feel good factor from having created something I like! Julie's studio is beautiful, inspiring to work in and Julie is a great teacher, encouraging and helpful, sharing so many of her skills and ideas readily. I spent the day with such lovely fellow machinists. Julie is a natural host and provided delicious sweet treats to go with regular tea breaks. Lunch outside chatting and taking in the beautiful peaceful views was the icing on the cake. Thank you also to Julie's husband who met me in the car park to carry my machine in - much appreciated. We worked hard and made the most of the workshop opportunities. Highly recommend."

15 May 17'

Angie and John reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"We had a fantastic time with Rob and his wife Sue who did her fantastic cooking. Rob was very easy and friendly to get on with and so was Sue. Rob taught me (John) a lot of something I have been extremely interested in for a long time and would definitely do again in the hopefully not too distant future. I took along some items which needed Rob's advice about, but he instantly was keen to help and wanted to construct a stand for a large finial I had, which I had great fun doing. The next time will be stands for cast iron tractor seats I have. Yes we had a tour of his anvil collection and they are a sight to behold."

15 May 17'

Samantha J reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Brilliant course and great location. We are going to book the advanced techniques course in the summer."

15 May 17'

Michelle Bernhardi-Toner reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"What a fabulous course this was for an absolute beginner. Philip provided expert advice throughout the weekend to everyone in the class and there were a huge range of skills and projects there. Even though I'd been slightly ambitious with my chosen project, I still managed to make excellent progress and pick up a whole load of new skills in the process. I've not transformed a rather sorry looking antique chair into something I'd be very happy to have in my home. I've already booked a place for Philip's summer upholstery course and can't wait to learn more. A very well spent weekend indeed!"

15 May 17'

Jenni reviewed: One week upholstery courses with Cherry Dobson

"I can thoroughly recommend the 5 day course. Cherry is an excellent teacher and as the numbers are small everyone gets her individual attention and can work at their own pace on whatever project they have brought. The workshop is very well stocked with tools and the huge variety of materials used in modern and traditional upholstery. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and we were well fed with tasty lunches and plenty of tea and cake."

15 May 17'

Denise Reed reviewed: Animal Sculpture Workshops

"Leilah is an inspiration and an excellent tutor. She put on a course specially for the two of us whilst we were spending a few days in Yorkshire. We came away with two wonderful deer which look great in our garden. Thank you Leilah!"

15 May 17'

Margo reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"I've just spent a really enjoyable and informative 3 hours with Anita for a 'one to one' workshop. I'd been making container candles at home and wanted to 'experience' making pillar candles with someone there to show me how to do it and point out what can go right and wrong! Anita is so knowledgeable and willing to share this with you - no matter what basic questions you ask. I learnt so much about waxes, fragrances and candle making techniques and came away with the candles I'd made. The location is great - a big workshop with plenty of room. I'd travelled from some distance away so stayed in the local area which was a great excuse for sightseeing in North Wales. Altogether a great experience that I'd recommend to beginners or those with a bit of candle making knowledge."

15 May 17'

Kim Arthur reviewed: 2 days Mosaic Workshop for Beginners and Intermediate Levels with Nathalie Vin

"What a delight this course was! Not only did it teach me a lot, it was fun working alongside the other students... Nathalie is an inspiration, and she gave me the confidence to pursue the art of mosaic on my own, something I will be forever grateful for. Oh yes, the lunches... YUM!! Don't hesitate to go on this course, you won't regret it."

14 May 17'

Liz reviewed: Valentine's Papercutting Workshop

"A fun, creative , inspiring course. A great starting point for paper cutting which I will definitely continue with. Would love to see Lisa do a Christmas card themed workshop later in the year."

14 May 17'

PhilipWilliams reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a great day I had with Alex! An excellent tutor who expertly guided me through the art of making a wrought iron shovel. I was very proud of the finished article! Thank you again Alex!"

14 May 17'

Richard Aldridge reviewed: Willow Dragonfly Workshop

"Excellent day, great teacher, very relaxing, very creative. Would happily do it again. Excellent value for money as what you leave with would cost you the same amount in any shop."

14 May 17'

Sue Mitchell reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I had an amazing time this weekend. As Philip suggested, I started with a drop in seat. I had never undertaken any upholstery before so this was a challenge. Philip is a mine of information, so helpful and patient."