Latest reviews

3 Jun 16'

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

"I loved my weekend at Phoenix Studio. First Phoenix studio is a lovely space to be in, light and airy with lots of tea and biscuits whenever you need a break. The other people on the course were friendly and there really was a warm supportive atmosphere. I had very little experience of working with clay, especially compared to some of the others and was a bit worried at the start when I saw what we were about to embark on! However, no need to worry, James explains things very clearly and balances allowing you to find your own way and being on hand whenever you need some extra help. Everyone finished the weekend with two amazing sculptures and a massive sense of achievement. Best of all, it made me believe I could make things and I have been more creative since as a result. I have just booked the wire course which I am very much looking forward to!"

3 Jun 16'

Peter Perrin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks once again for the great wood turning day that myself, Stephen and David had. It was most enjoyable and everyone has been very impressed with the bowls that we made. Our appetites have been wetted and I am sure that we will take it up as a hobby once we can finance the necessary equipment."

2 Jun 16'

mary copeland reviewed: Green wood creative seating course (6 Days)

"What an absolutely fantastic course!! Peter is a most excellent teacher with so much knowledge and creativity to share, he really pushed the boat out with all of us creating completely different unique seats guided by his wonderful expertise. I cannot recommend this course enough, it is set in such a beautiful location, close to the sea, and Peter guides you along the way to produce a beautiful work of art that you can enjoy for many years to come. For me, it has really sparked a love for green woodworking, a totally absorbing and therapeutic art form, creating and working with this beautiful and natural material! Thank you Peter! I'll be back!"

2 Jun 16'

Rachel Vestey reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Theresa is absolutely lovely. In one day, which flew by so quickly I couldn't believe it was over, I learned to spin. I took home a skein of jacob and white wensleydale (I think) and a mini skein of angora which I had carded, spun, plied, niddynoddied and washed. It was three weeks ago and I still can't believe it. Since then I have bought a wheel and all the accoutrements and am spinning and weaving my spinnings which are actually quite smooth and even. I would recommend this course to anyone."

2 Jun 16'

Ben reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Myself and my girlfriend enjoyed an absolutely excellent day with Colin at Strawberry Steel. Colin is a brilliant teacher and had an answer for every single one of the many questions that I had! His ability to impart his knowledge and skills to us was incredible and we learnt a huge amount from him! He was able to cater to all of our needs and we went away with many different items that we will always treasure. We asked to be able to make a knife or an axe and were able to make both! If there is something particular that you want to make, ask him and I'm sure that he will be able to deliver. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in blacksmithing. A fantastic day and it has inspired me to take this up as a hobby in my own time."

2 Jun 16'

Vanesa reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"What an excellent find!! Sowmya was everything I was looking for. Kind, patient, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. I took my own books and she taught me to read the patterns, observed my technique and assisted when needed. I left knowing almost every stich and so happy with my flower and star!! I'm sure i'll be going back for more!!"

2 Jun 16'

Rachel Blunt reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"I came on this course as a complete craft novice with no idea what to expect and had a fantastic day in the large and spacious workshop. Steve was instructive and extremely patient with us all to the very end of the day, he was keen to help us create something we would be proud of by listening to each individual and it made such a difference being in a small group of 5. There was no limit on materials or glass. It was a welcome break for lunch at the pub but we were all keen to get back to our designs after. We returned the following day to see what we had all made and take our treasures home to show off to the family! Definitely to be recommended."

2 Jun 16'

Christine Thomas reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"What an amazing day! I really enjoyed every moment especially seeing my friends working here as well for the first time. The excitement waiting to see the kiln opened on the sunday was magic. Steve is a brilliant glass maker, artist and designer. a true inspiration to anyone wishing to undertake this workshop. Even though this is the second full day workshop I have experienced it was just as exciting to do. He is so good at: encouraging with continuous support, clear and concise instruction & heaps of patience . Steve is incredibly generous with skills, knowledge and with all materials to enable you to produce your own unique 'works of glass art' Worth every penny."

2 Jun 16'

Andrew Leong reviewed: Two day leather work course - bag making

"Thank you for the weekend, I loved it. Back to reality today - I was gutted not to be back at your workshop."

2 Jun 16'

Louise Pope reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"Great day with Jonathan last week. It was such fun and I learned a lot about jewellery making in a short space of time. Patient tutor and knows his stuff!"

1 Jun 16'

Caroline reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"Really learnt a lot about soap making with a personalised service. Enjoyed the lunch too."

1 Jun 16'

Elissa Renouf reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I enjoyed a brilliant day with Jamal. He is a Master Craftsman, consummate artist and excellent teacher. His knowledge and expertise are immeasurable and he understands and communicates the technical - and historical - aspects of his craft very well. Jamal took time to really understand what I was trying to achieve,and what made me tick , and structured our session in an fascinating and helpful way. Above all it was a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with him and share his passion, and also to meet his delightful and talented family. I am looking forward to working with Jamal again when my project is underway and I need some expert help - but mostly to keep the connection. I recommend him very highly."

1 Jun 16'

Steve reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Thank you for such a wonderful weekend of digging, potting and fire-making. We all had such a blast, and learned LOADS. Arthur practised his spark making all the way home in the car, and has continued this morning at the breakfast table… He’s going to have worn out his flint by the end of the week. We will be back again for more adventures. Steve (family wild pottery)"

1 Jun 16'

steve carter reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery One Day Tailored Workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"I booked a place for my wife on Rosie's one day workshop, to mark her 60th birthday. Sue was unsure about exactly what she wanted to make and a bit nervous about her jewelry making capabilities but she drew a few tentative designs of a geranium flower and thought she'd make some earrings . We met Rosie at her workshop, she made Sue feel very welcome and chatted about her design ideas, deciding to use the bloom idea for a pendant with silver for the petals and copper for a central boss. Several silversmith skills were involved in this, Rosie showed Sue what to do and helped out where things needed and expert eye. Sue greatly enjoyed her day, it was exceptionally good value. Rosie was a patient and supportive tutor. Sue now has a unique, lovely silver bloom pendant which she is very proud of. Rosie's workshop is ideally located in the countryside if you're interested in wildlife, fishing, photography etc. there are lots of options available. There are several charming market towns to browse around within 30 mins, so I found plenty to do too. Recommended!"

1 Jun 16'

Matthew reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Great day with Nick. He was knowledgeable, calm, relaxed and good fun. Really built up my confidence and focused throughout to increase my skills. Spindle work in the morning, a lovely lunch and then bowl turning in the afternoon. I will probably now look for my own lathe and then book another day with him."

31 May 16'

K Murray reviewed: Stone Carving Workshop

"A great weekend course. Really good introduction to letter formation, how to draw and set out and letter cut. Enjoyed the mix of theory and practical, and had enough time to try letter cutting on slate and limestone. Friendly and encouraging tutoring, and delicious food! Many thanks to Olly and Rosi"

31 May 16'

Keith meredith reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What can I say, a really enjoyable day and a pleasure to be taught by a very knowledgable tutor. The course gives a great insight into basic wood turning and at the end of the day you end up with a work of art. Thank you once again for a fantastic day (Bev loves the bowl)"

31 May 16'

Linda Bruce reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"The beads that I made a couple of weeks ago have just arrived. I am very pleased that they turned out so well, I thoroughly enjoyed my lesson and would highly recommend it to others."

30 May 16'

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

"Have just finished a course with James. Excellent and fun. Great opportunity to explore my creative side. Looking forward to going back to finish off my work by glazing my sculptures. Course was well balanced with instruction, demonstrating and hands on. One word of advice - prepare! Although James has reference material best to take your own. Alison who also help guide the students is lovely! Both James and Alison seem to know exactly what works when help is needed. Thankyou James and Alison for your patience and making the weekend an enjoyable experience."

30 May 16'

Sheila reviewed: Knitting Courses, Workshops & Lessons in Surrey

"I went on the beginners course and it was really good - by the end we had made a fancy scarf and a hat and were able to carry on at home as we had all the basics. I've also been back a couple of times to work with Vicki on specific patterns that have more complicated techniques. She has the patience of a saint! She is really knowledgeable and creative and always encouraging!"

30 May 16'

Liz reviewed: Crochet Lessons and Workshops in Surrey

"I asked Vicki about lessons when I was there for a childrens workshop in half term. She was really encouraging as I was a bit nervous as I'm left handed and my Granny struggled to teach me when I was young. We booked a 1:1 lesson and it was brilliant! Vicki offered the option of teaching me left handed but we agreed to go right handed as I want to be able to teach my girls. I learned so much in just an hour! I've been back 3 more times now and Vicki is really flexible about when I can come in and what we learn. I've actually made myself a beanie already - brilliant!"

30 May 16'

Viv reviewed: Kids Craft Workshops - School Holiday Fun!

"I took 3 children to the pom pom course and they had a really good time. They each made something different that suited their personalities and were encouraged to be really creative."

30 May 16'

Liz reviewed: Kids Craft Workshops - School Holiday Fun!

"Such good fun! I had a brilliant time as well as the kids! We did button art and there were hundreds of buttons to choose from and inspiration pictures to get us started. Vicki, the tutor, is fun, patient and imaginative. Well worth going on one of these - the kids were really happy with their pictures and both have them in pride of place on their bedroom walls."

30 May 16'

Rowan reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I was a bit nervous about booking this course, as I have never done anything like this before, but Chris soon put me at my ease and I had a very enjoyable and productive day. He explained a lot about wood that I didn't know before, and his sense of humour helped me to relax and enjoy myself. The proper use of the woodworking tools was well explained and safety issues were well catered for. I produced a nice bowl out of sycamore wood, which I was very proud to take home. I would certainly recommend one of Chris's tuition days - good value and good fun!"

30 May 16'

mary albanese reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"This was a great course. Gaynor and her assistants were very patient and generous in sharing their considerable knowledge and skill. I loved every minute of it."