Latest reviews

31 Jan 16'

Carole Pollock reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"Great 3 days spent with Laura; Laura is a fab friendly, informative, helpful and encouraging tutor. A incredibly well stored workshop or an Aladdin's Cave may be a better description. I learned the basics of glass fusing, made some great pieces of fused glass, had lots interesting conversations, a few laughs and Laura's enthusiasm and guidance has ensured I will definitely take up this craft! Many thanks to a talented lady."

30 Jan 16'

Carolynne Pritchard reviewed: Traditional stained glass painting for beginners

"Nathalie is an excellent tutor who encourages with enthusiasm and endless patience. The course structure left me feeling that I had achieved something and I'm looking forward to the follow on course."

30 Jan 16'

Natalee reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"I've had an excellent day with Emma. She was welcoming and knowledgeable about soap making and offered loads and advice and tips of the trade. I feels confident enough to go ahead with my own projects. Excellent day Thanks Emma"

30 Jan 16'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a lesson with Mark before last Christmas and visited him again to follow up the last lesson, couple of weeks ago. This was so good and important because I could confirm whether or not I was woodturning in the right direction. This time I brought my own tools. He had helped me when I ordered those. Actually he emailed me with a list of all the essential tools, which made me not waste my money on paying for unnecessary tools. During the lesson, he corrected my posture and gave some tips when I was struggling. Also I had a time to grind and sharpen my tools. As I am planning to have my own workshop, he also gave me a lot of information to get the right machine and other equipments. Many thanks Mark!! It was another best of the best lesson I have ever had. I hope to see you again."

30 Jan 16'

Faith Mercer reviewed: Traditional stained glass painting for beginners

"I would highly recommend Nathalie's workshops. Excellent course, facilities and value for money."

30 Jan 16'

Jana Bezzina reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Me and my boyfriend were really looking forward to the Candle making course and it certainly did not disappoint. Angharad was very helpful when I first contacted her about the course, she provided me with a few accommodation suggestions within the local area and even posted a beautiful handmade voucher so I could surprise my boyfriend. Her house was easy to find with the directions provided and is set in beautiful countryside with lovely views and no distractions. Angharad was very friendly and welcomed us to her house, even made us a delicious soup along with homemade bread for our lunch. The candle making was fun and interesting. Angharad explained all about the different types of wax and we were able to make various candles using our own chosen scents and colors all of which we were able to take home. Both of us had an excellent day and would definitely recommend the course. Thank you"

29 Jan 16'

Donna reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"I loved everything about this course. Susie's work and studio are very inspiring. She is a wonderful teacher and was very happy to answer any questions. I stayed in the accommodation there and it was a relaxing haven away from my hectic family life. The lunch was delicious too! I will recommend this workshop to everyone!"

29 Jan 16'

Lissy reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"Really enjoyed everything about this 2 day course. Susie is an inspiring teacher and provides a good balance between instruction and encouragement. The workshop has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and her directions to find it were spot on. The delicious lunches were an added bonus. I'm so pleased with the cushion cover I've made and would love to go back to do another course."

29 Jan 16'

sophie reviewed: Wet-on-wet oil painting face-to-face workshops

"Karen is fantastic at what she does, she is a great teacher and makes you feel comfortable and welcome. Supplying all the paint and brushes you need to recreate some beautiful Gary Jenkins paintings. karen teaches how to paint in all different ways to get different effects and the results are beautiful and best of all I could take my paintings home to show my family and friends. I highly recommend karen as I was a beginner and haven't done much painting in the past and she went through step by step and in a lot of detail so I could create a piece of art work I could be proud of!"

29 Jan 16'

Sophie reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"There are no words! A truly exceptional and informative course held in a professional and friendly manner. I'm absolutely thrilled with the day. Great value! Thank you."

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!!"