Winter's reviews
Sep 2023
Wheel Throwing Taster Class: Clay Soirée
SO MUCH FUN!the folk that run the studio are so knowledgeable and so willing to help, regardless of your ideas and your level of experience. this is just one of the pieces i made on the wheel, kind of a mini chalice in the 'oilspot' glaze'.a really good idea for a date or as a group!
Sep 2023
Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop with Fresh Food Hamper
what a lovely and welcoming space!our teacher was patient but kept us on a timeline so we could take home all three of our uniquely scented candles!i also couldn't walk past some of the wonderful woodwork that was for sale at the studio as well and bought a tasting board! by the end of the evening everyone was laughing and sharing stories, really a great experience for almost any single or group. definitely wouldn't mind going back!
Sep 2023
where to beginwhat a fantastic experience! no matter what you idea or your desire to learn you're welcome here. i had the opportunity to work with gold for the first time and it was incredibly informative! i can't wait to book in a session again and continue to learn. warning: you will have a hard time walking past all the the amazing completed pieces by the jeweller!sorry for the basic photo but it's the best i can do atm!
Sep 2023
an absolutely fabulous time, the girls are really well educated on all the ins and outs of plant parenting and how to build the perfect extra large terrarium. many months later and it's still thriving! couldn't recommend enough as a solo project or with a group of friends!
Jun 2023
honestly, i think they may have bitten of more than they can chew. a large class and only one teacher. we didn't really learn anything about perfumery i don't know about base notes, middle notes or top notes. and i'm equally confused by candle making all we really did was scramble for scents from an admittedly extraordinary stack of extracts and essential oils, got told how many drops of what to put in, then poured pre heated wax over it all and that was that.i have no idea what temperature it was or what it was made of or how to create a balanced perfume. the space is BEAUTIFUL and the spread of aromas is insane, over 100, but there just wasn't any time to learn or really ask questions. i think this would be absolutely a perfect class if it had fewer students and a solid educational platform for how perfumes are created and/or how candles should be made.book privately.this would be a really good way to do an office bonding session or a family activity i guess i just had higher expectations for the price. if you're spending $200 on one candle, you want to walk away with the knowledge to recreate it.lovely teacher, theres just no way one person can teach that many students in any detail.
Jun 2023
where to begin? two amazing teachers guiding you though a fun and rewarding experience. both myself and my support worker made 'droplet' style open terrariums and had an absolute BALL!we went a little bit overtime because we were just having too much of a good time!unfortunately i don't have a photo of both or terrariums together so i'll just put up mine. this is the PERFECT experience for someone who loves nature, a good laugh and a lot of shiny things! it's a big open space in a garage full of amazing plant based masterpieces, kokedamas, terrariums, and things i do not know the names of, all dripping from the walls and covering every surface, in every possible style you can imagine! would highly recommend for a date, a good time with mates, take a parent/sibling/random friend who helped you move house! all are welcome and all will have an amazing time! couldn't recommend enough!
Jun 2023
Glass Fusing Workshop for Beginners
Meryl! How do I start! Just a born teacher, one of those people who can command a room, answer even the most esoteric of questions AND be clipping glass with a giant pair of rubber tipped steel shear things all at the same time. Its is a MASSIVE space too, so you can really stretch out and spread your creative wings. All day long students come in and out to work on their projects and you get so see some amazingly inspirational works!I myself am a lil bit scared of flying shards of glass (some old hospitality injuries) but though the studio is bright and fun absolutely everything is done safely and meticulously.I myself have some spinal trauma and nerve issues like tremors nope, no worries, have a cuppa, i'll show you how to do what you need to you are welcome here.This is the workshop you want to go to to LEARN and maybe just as importantly laugh. Unfortunately our works are still in the oven so all i have is this photo of some unfused pieces, cute, but they do not look anything like the amazing outcomes!
Jun 2023
Private Silver Jewellery Class: Weekdays
I have been to almost every ring making, jewellery making, silver/gold this and that making classes i can find and honestly, this was the most fun AND the outcome was the most impressive. Sarah is welcoming, joyous and her small but very well stocked space is perfect for private classes. Wether you're needing help with specific techniques on your path to professional jewellery making, or you just want to make a single one-of-a-king piece with your own two hands for someone you love (yourself included people) this is where you go. You will not be judged, you will get realistic feedback about what you want to make and a very calm and professional lady with you every single step of the way.Ask ALL the questions, she's a font of knowledge, no need to sit quietly in a room of 30 students confused out of your mind. These are pictures of mine and my support workers finished pieces, on top of a jewellery making kit i also purchased from her.
May 2023
Mould Making and Casting Course
Irina is an excellent teacher! I often struggle with online classes but she is just one of those people that can convey huge amounts of practical information in a short time, whilst till having it all make sense!I've only done our first class, which was mostly going over a of my goals and current projects so unfortunately i don't have a trove of excellent photos to share, yet! But i have to say one of the best parts about investing in this class and kit is how Irina personally customises the ingredients to best suit your personal specifications! Well worth it and i would highly recommend it to anyone who, like me, is over the mass produced mould for resin making and so forth and really wants so make something unique and personal.
May 2023
This was Winter's second time doing this class
Organic Shape Jewellery Making Class with Stones
AMAZINGLY FUN CLASS! this is my second time attending and i just cannot tell you how much fun it is! if you have never worked with 'lost wax' ring making the gem stetting itslef can be a challenge but never fear HeeCho is there! She is quite possibly one of the sunniest and cheeriest people i have ever met but is also a hawk eye and keeps a vigilant watch over all 4 students to make sure nothing ever goes awry. the smaller space also allows for much more teacher/student time so you get all the attention you need and all your questions answered. UNfortunately as lost wax requires the pieces to be send off for casting i don't have anyphotos of my latest and greatest work so i've attached a photo of my very first gemstone ring made with HeeCho. GREAT for a date, parent/adult child, two mates. Lots of laughs.
May 2023
Sarah is just an amazing human being! i contacted her after seeing her work and asked if she could help me in my learning journey by providing me with more varying materials such as copper as brass.Like an absolute champion she did just that and as soon as we'd figured out all the finer details the box was on my doorstep before i had even thought out my design!She's incredibly available for any questions you may have about how to use the kit, design ideas, advice etc you're not just buying some tools, you're buying access to a very experienced jeweller with a seemingly endless amount of patience and understanding. PLEASE contact her if you unsure of anything, it's a great investment for at home enthusiasts, and remember to BUY YOU BUTANE LOCALLY!
May 2023
Woodturning Workshop for Beginners
all i can say is that this teacher is incredibly understanding, professional and compassionate.i cannot wait to book any again to try and build my dream project!(pictured below)
May 2023
This was Winter's second time doing this class
Blacksmithing Class for Beginners
there are not enough good words to be said about this teacher!he is so patient, yet pushes you to do your absolute best!the environment is brimming with his art and it is such a welcoming space.it's definitely a discipline that requires concentration and listening to what your instructor says, but i would not hesitate to recommend this as your first stop on your blacksmithing journey! or even just to make a beautiful gift for someone you love!
Apr 2023
Glass Bead Making Class for Beginners
WOW! what an experience! this is definitely not a casual 'paint and sip' of situation. the teacher is amazing and her work is just exquisite, but don't be fooled by how easy she make it look! her art is incredible (check the photo!)the first bead you make is going to be the hardest because (at least for me) it's quite an intimidating process! it's like glass blowing bit micro and you really end up falling into another world just you, the flame, the glass and a patient, problem solver with a fast hand to catch you if you start to slip. i can't wait to go back!a few pointers: you need your hands as steady as they can be (i have an essential tremor and i did fine) but go easy on the coffee before you arrive.just concentrate on one thing at a timeIF you do mess anything up, trust me, she's going to notice even before you and teach you how to right it. you're in excellent hands.it really is a very unique experience and i would highly recommend it to anyone wo wants to try something creative, challenging and very fun.
Apr 2023
Blacksmithing Class for Beginners
what an amazing experience! i have wanted to learn more about blacksmithing for many many years and never really knew if it was 'going to be for me'. this is the perfect little class to find out! in my case yes, yes it most certainly is and i plan to do much more of it. if you want to learn more of the old school style of blacksmithing with a patient, expert and occasionally hilarious teacher this is definitely the way to go! i have some disabilities which make certain tasks difficult for me, not an issue! he managed to always keep an eye on everyone and step in whenever help was needed and step back when you were in the groove. he also teaches leather working and his art is just incredible! even if you don't know if blacksmithing's for you, i can guarantee THIS class is!check it out!
Apr 2023
a fun little class in an awesome little space! so much joy and light and openness, and excellent teachers who make you feel so welcome!i am absolutely astonished how much work we got made in such a short time, can't wait to see what everything looks like once its been glazed and fired!definitely going back and DEFINITELY recommending it to anyone wanting to learn anything about clay!
Apr 2023
What an awesome teacher! I have been to quite a lot of lost wax classes now (thus not having any photos of my finished silver rings) and this was definitely one of my favourites! A larger style class but the teacher was able to spend lots of time with anyone who needed it. Really fun and well organised, and a seemingly endless box of tricks that could help out with all kinds of crazy ideas.Alone or with a group, definitely an excellent class.
Apr 2023
at a beautiful lil shop just after the sun had gone down my support worker and i discovered a wonderful evening with a very welcoming and knowledgeable teacher!even better we both walked away with two really beautiful bonsai each and a whole lot of interest in perusing the tradition further.if you like open, beautifully green spaces, dripping with healthy plants and buzzing with gentle conversation, this is the class for you.it's not strict and intense like an old school, traditional bonsai school this is where you go to have fun, learn new things, and find out how incredibly creative you and your fellow students an be!recommend for individuals and groups definitely a great idea to take mum to for mothers day!
Apr 2023
Introductory Glassblowing Workshop
what a fun class! 3 others and i (and our amazing instructor Nick) just had the time of our lives. when you first watch the demonstrations it can be pretty intimidating i mean, it's molten holt glass but don't panic! there is almost nothing you can do that the instructor won't catch and help you out with. each egg paper weight and tumbler is done one at a time in very spacious and incredibly safe conditions, at the end you feel so accomplished. the space is also great because it houses wonderful glass sculptures by the artists who teach there and honestly, i would go back at the drop of a hat. BRING A WATER BOTTLE! it gets HOT.
Mar 2023
What a wonderful crew! They have a studio built in a big beautiful garage with plants everywhere and lots of fun things to play with. I’ve never made a kokedama in my life and they made it so easy I felt like I was an expert by the end! On top of all this I booked last second and they accommodated me no fuss. Very accepting of all people, even fold with neuro-disabilities such as myself. So patient and yet so to the point at the same time! Definitely going to book them in for a terrarium class and see if they’ll show me how to do their amazing macrame too!Cannot recommend enough of your tired of over priced ‘wine on arrival’ hyper-sterile environments and just want to chill and have fun. These ladies are excellent people!
Mar 2023
Leather Journal Making Workshop
Wow! So much fun! Just an absolute joy! The teacher was informative and very precise, but had a way about her that just made everything easy and simple… I must have asked for help a dozen times or more and all the other students would organise materials for each other, ask the question again if the teacher didn’t hear it, I never felt embarrassed or singled out at all. It was a real community vibe in a professional class. I haven’t fully finished my journal as I haven’t decided on my edge design, but you can see clearly from the photo this is THE workshop for soft leather (or synthetic) journal making!
Mar 2023
Gold or Silver Ring Making Class
the teachers were great and really helpful, but it was a massive class! most ring making classes i have taken via ClassBento have a maximum of 4 persons per class i think there were about a dozen. that being said you'll get all the attention you need with 3-4 teachers walking about and helping everyone. it's a much more hands-on DIY experience than some others, you'll use your own lil blow torch to melt the solder, and there are no machine to grind buff or etch for you. you'll be doing it all with you own two hands with hammers, stamps, buffing cloths, files and so forth. it's definitely a more rustic and community vibe and there are no limits on the amount of friends you should bring along. it's less intimate but that means you get the chance to talk to your neighbours and get to know people. i made a ring for myself and one for my father, he loves it. personally i'm a perfectionist so i prefer the more high-tech experience but that's just me. still, AWESOME awesome staff!
