Latest reviews

29 Jan 16'

Sue reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Informative, very interesting and enjoyable. Thoroughly relaxing day!"

29 Jan 16'

Andrea reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"I really enjoyed the course. It was easy to understand and I look forward to making candles in the future. Thank you so much."

28 Jan 16'

Chris Green reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have just attended Marks wood turning course and can only give praise and admiration for someone who gives so much knowledge and inspiration in a day. The idea to attend was to develop my very basic knowledge and gain some new ideas to move forward - Marks friendly and relaxed approach made the day so enjoyable I would not hesitate to recommend anyone who has a interest in wood turning to book a day with him - the course notes were an added bonus and true to his word all the information links I requested were emailed over the following morning - thanks again Mark for a great day and I look forward to meeting you again soon."

28 Jan 16'

Charles Butters reviewed: Electric Kilns: Operation, Control and Maintenance

"The course was very interesting, informative and useful. It has given me the confidence to have a go at fixing my own kiln as well as protecting myself from some of the harmful effects of firing. Well worth the money."

28 Jan 16'

Nick reviewed: Experimental Perfume Club Masterclass

"I recently did one of the masterclasses and it was marvellous. Emmanuelle is clearly passionate, is one of those experts who can really communicate with different types of people, with varying levels of knowledge (or none), plus the whole thing is very enjoyable and chic. I learnt loads, it totally opened my mind to the possibilities of perfumery, what things smell like, and I managed to create a perfume that I think is pretty good! The afternoon flew past and there was a really nice mix of people. I felt it was good value for money and think it would be a really nice thing to do next with a group of friends."

28 Jan 16'

Laura E. reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"I've just spent two fun filled days on a wire and mixed media course. The wonderful sculptures made by my fellow attendees... aided and encouraged throughout by James (not forgetting Ben), left me in absolute awe of everyone's creativity. James' relaxed and friendly manner was inspiring. I will definitely try to do more at home. Were it not for the logistics of getting to the studio each time from Essex, I would happily book ALL of the Phoenix Studio courses. Simply brilliant!"

27 Jan 16'

Wendy reviewed: Fused glass workshop - Plymouth

"This is a brilliant workshop! I keep coming back for more and proudly display my creations at home! Sheena always makes me feel so welcome, great to do the workshop with your own group of friends, but really comfortable if on your own as everyone I have met at the workshops have been really friendly! I am already thinking about my next design for a fused glass candle screen and a beautiful glass suncatcher mobile!!"

27 Jan 16'

Pam Wilson reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"What a fantastic course, I wish it could have lasted for more than the two days! James is an inspirational teacher who helped all of us to achieve brilliant results - and I certainly came away with inspiration for many more wire sculptures that I want to do!"

27 Jan 16'

Andrew Michael reviewed: Experimental Perfume Club Masterclass

"EPC is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who loves perfume or is a beginner and wants to delve into the world of perfumery. It will be one of the best ways you could spend on a Saturday afternoon. Don't worry, there are no text books, and the teacher is lovely and welcoming. EPC is about you, the perfumista in the making, but it's nothing without Emmanuelle, who delivers her extensive knowledge and experience with humour and grace (and the nice French music in the background). This class is for men & women and allows you to learn the inner world of perfumery, the meaning of all those names used to describe perfume, the scent/accord families, and most importantly, using your nose like never before and exploring what raw materials like Amber, Bergamot and Musk smell like. Then the fun begins! You create your own perfume from all the materials you liked and you end up with something no one else in the world has. It's a lot of fun and I wear the perfumes I've created all the time with lots of compliments. None of this would be possible if not for EPC and Emmanuelle. Buy your ticket and see for yourself, you won't be disappointed. Oh and Emmanuelle's madeleines are so good they need their own shop in Paris! Enjoy!"

27 Jan 16'

Suzanne and Kate reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"The weekend leather workshop is brilliant. My daughter and I went together and we both really enjoyed it. Bill is such a good teacher and is so willing to share the knowledge he has acquired over the years. The small class size meant Bill could discuss with us individually what we each wanted to achieve from the course and then give us guidance when working on our different pieces. Although described as a beginners' course, the amount we learned in just two days has really given us the skills to produce some good small items. We will certainly be going back again for an advanced class to increase our skills even further."

27 Jan 16'

Tim Cowen reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had two days tuition with George Foweraker, wanting to improve my techniques after about 10 years of largely self-taught turning. The course didn't start too well for me as a left hander, who had always turned left handed. George told me that I had to change to using all tools right handed. I nearly walked out! However, I decided to give it a try and the results, after a slow start, more than justified the change. The speed and ease of turning and the finish on the bowls I made under George's careful guidance were a huge improvement on what I had been able to do previously. I've now had a chance to try his approaches out in my own workshop and have confirmed their value. What with George's advice and the wonderful soup made by his wife, Susan it was a great and very worthwhile two days."

26 Jan 16'

Mike Allen reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"We attended one of John's courses last summer as a work team. Harder than it looks but clearly explained, worthwhile project, a good team day and great fun."

26 Jan 16'

Adam and Melissa reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had an amazing day with Ricky, he is a fantastic teacher and great person. We created several pieces with Ricky guiding us through the process, giving his expert advice, we were amazed at what we achieved during the day and really didn't want it to end. We would highly recommend anyone artistic or not to try this course, it is fantastic, thank you Ricky."

26 Jan 16'

Michael McNulty reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My decision to contact Mark was originally based on all of the reviews I had read here. Having just spent a very long day with Mark (sorry for that Mark), I feel I should now add to these fantastic and honest reviews. I am a total beginner to wood turning (although I knocked out a few decent pieces at school some 50 years ago) but wanted to learn more about it in the hope it would give me an extra skill to compliment my main hobby, building custom fly fishing rods. Mark covered everything in a logical and friendly way combined with enthusiasm and a genuine love for what he does. As I wrote earlier, the day was a long one, finishing around 8pm. It is a credit to Mark that he just doesn't rush anything but makes sure you have covered everything in the syllabus. Everything covered was backed up with excellent notes, very professionally done. I was on the course yesterday and I have already had 2 emails from Mark this morning with numerous links to various equipment and wood turning product suppliers. He supports his students with advice post course, which is tremendous. My advice to any 'would-be' wood turner: don't buy any tools or machinery until you have spent at least one day with Mark Hancock."

26 Jan 16'

Jackie Nash reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Fabulous course with excellent individual support and guidance. Caroline is a great teacher and very encouraging. You will be given loads of inspiration to help you produce your work. Also loads of tea and coffee and the most delicious cake!!"

26 Jan 16'

Paul Flint reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"A really enjoyable weekend with Julian.more excellent tuition.I can easily recommend him if you want to try blacksmithing.can't wait for next time."

26 Jan 16'

Dan reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"Great day, interesting project and wonderful instruction. Couldn't recommend more."

26 Jan 16'

Mike Mason reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Two brilliant days...a great experience. Clear instructions, a relaxed teaching style, and many good tips helped me to produce a couple of pieces that even impressed my kids! The home made bread and soup on a cold day was also most welcome! Thanks again Greg"

26 Jan 16'

Anna reviewed: Craft your signature home fragrance brand: Personalised Workshop

"This was a really fun workshop for a birthday. A lot of time is spent waiting for the candles to set, but Zaga is really knowledgable and gives you lots of info about the candles so it's very sociable. You come away with a lovely homemade candle at the end. Next time it would be great if we could try a few different scents within the class. Thank you!"

25 Jan 16'

Christine Brown reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"this was my first handicrafts course and I thoroughly enjoyed the day.Lena is an excellent teacher and host and it was lovely to meet and chat with likeminded companions.I will definitely continue to improve my welt felling skills now I have had an introduction to this absorbing craft. Lena is very inspiring."

25 Jan 16'

Sally Flint reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"Working with Emma has been an amazing experience! I've always wanted to make jewellery of my own and didn't think it would be possible as I have no experience of my own but Emma is a great teacher. She has so much creative inspiration and brilliant teaching skills which meant I was able to start from the beginning and learn lots of fascinating techniques. Emma is very relaxed and helpful and the studio is well equipped for each student."

25 Jan 16'

Meriel Ackroyd reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"It feels like such a privilege to be able to make something so unique and that I will treasure forever. I've always wanted to make silver jewellery but never thought I'd get the chance because I had no idea where you could do it. But I have finally done it and working with Emma has been an absolute treat! She is so calm and makes the process seem simple even though I'm still amazed I have been able to make something by myself. Emma offers guidance and demonstrates techniques without taking over or confusing you. The workshop is a pleasant place to be and the time goes by so fast. I have only made a set of earrings but desperately want to make more things. I have recommended Emma to lots of friends and family. If this is something you have always wanted to do but thought you couldn't, don't hesitate. I genuinely believe Emma can make anyone into a jewellery designer/maker."

25 Jan 16'

Lauren Mathias reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I really can't explain how great this course is! outstanding for the price. Mark Halliday is a fantastic teacher, he changes his style of teaching for each person, he is an excellent confidence builder and will get you to work at your best. The workshop is in a beautiful rural setting the workshop is fully equipped with everything you need. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in making, the bronze cast process or materials and how you can work them."

25 Jan 16'

Selina Eaton reviewed: Private, One to One Traditional Jewellery Making Classes, York

"I have been to a couple of Emma's classes.. I've always been impressed by how well Emma is able to articulate in a way to describe how to do something, without just doing it for you. She talks you through every step clearly and professionally until you are confident and comfortable in doing that process. She will work with you to achieve your own designs and teach you processes which you can carry on through to other projects. The studio/work space is fantastic everyone has their own work bench and tools. The classes are always relaxed, fun and enjoyable. Infact so enjoyable the 2 hours flies by.. and there's always tea and coffee on hand. Lovely lady with exceptional talents and creative ideas which she is always willing to share."

25 Jan 16'

Alison Best reviewed: Introduction to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Techniques

"I had a brilliant day learning all about techniques to use with the Annie Sloan paint and waxes. Zoe was really helpful and I loved spending the day in her beautiful and welcoming shop. An enjoyable and relaxing day! Would recommend this workshop to anyone interested in gaining a new and rewarding hobby."