Latest reviews

26 Jan 18'

Sally Coulter reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"This was an informative course in a very relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Julie shared all her obvious skills in candle making and we came away with everything we needed to carry on by ourselves. The afternoon tea was fabulous. A really good way to spend a Saturday!"

26 Jan 18'

Nicki Black reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The course was fantastic, Richard was extremely patient and very happy to answer any questions I had. I felt that I came away with a new set of skills and a good understanding of the basics. The course was very good value and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. My belt is beautiful and I will have it forever. I will be back to try another workshop."

26 Jan 18'

Luke Maharry reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"This was a really engaging course and i am so amazingly proud of my poker and knife. I really believe that this will be a blade that will last a lifetime and i made it! Steve, John and Spence were welcoming, really hands on throughout the day without doing it for me. I enjoyed every second and the day flew past. Would recommend to anyone."

26 Jan 18'

Chris Cozier reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My wife and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Mort at Firebird Forge. It was a truly amazing experience! Mort asked us what kind of things we were interested in making and, after doing a few sketches, he showed us how to do it. Mort was incredibly patient with us. He demonstrated the techniques we needed to forge our projects before letting us lose with the hammer and tongs. He was constantly by our sides, ready, not only to correct our mistakes, but to show us how to improve our technique. I think the reason that Mort is such a great teacher is because he explains the 'why' as well as the 'how'. This course is very hands on. Mort had me try as many different blacksmithing techniques as my project would allow-he even had me forge welding (which I managed on my third attempt). This course is worth every penny and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn under a master. The moment I get another holiday, I’m booking up again and going back! Highly recommended."

26 Jan 18'

Martin Forde reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A present to me from my daughters. My wife and two daughters had an excellent day with the team. Started by making a poker each then learning lots of new skills. I made a flower container out of old horse shoes, I believe a first for them. We took lots of goodies home after a very enjoyable day. Thanks to you all. Martin"

26 Jan 18'

G.C. reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"A very enjoyable two-day course with the very knowledgable, easy-going and enthusiastic Jon French. A lot of myths busted re wheel-throwing. Jon adapted really brilliantly to the different skill levels and had time for everyone. Group size of ten fine for individual tuition. Good lunch bag and looked after well by Potclays staff. Thoroughly recommend it!"

26 Jan 18'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"This course exceeded my expectations. Jon was a great tutor who never tired of showing us again and again, if we needed! The staff were helpful and the food was lovely. I’d recommend this course !"

26 Jan 18'

Daniel reviewed: All levels mosaic course

"Enjoyed my course so much! Eli is great tutor with lots of experience and knowledge about mosaic, excellent art venue as well."

26 Jan 18'

Alison reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"I would really recommend this course. We made a small purse to get into the swing of things and then had a wide choice of pattern and leather for our main bag which meant we all had something completely different and personal to us. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the skills from Sarah who was an excellent teacher and I am absolutely delighted with the final product."

26 Jan 18'

Yvonne reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"An excellent starting point for learning about mosaics using all kinds of materials. Adela is very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions. The 4 hours flew by. I would recommend Adela to beginner thinking about giving mosaics a try."

26 Jan 18'

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

"A birthday gift, fused glass was something that I had wanted to try for a while and I wasn’t disappointed. Amazing tuition, support and guidance from Siobhan and Dan - energetic and buzzy day. So much to learn and try ! Little bit tricky at first to visualise what the little pieces of glass will turn into but great fun! Great chat with others over yummy lunch, inspired by others, Siobhan’s commissions and their Ashes in Art pieces and jewellery are just stunning. I made 3 pieces that I going to collect on Saturday - got to try out lots of different techniques - looking forward to seeing how they turn out. Would highly recommend - great hosting, lovely venue, excellent day ! Thank you very much :-)."

26 Jan 18'

Nicola Boden reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"I have been on several of Angie’s courses and thoroughly enjoyed them. The courses are relaxing and fun set in her work shop overlooking beautiful Derbyshire countryside. I have completed several projects now including old traditional chairs,more modern furniture,curtains and a footstool made from a frame provided by Angie. Five"

26 Jan 18'

Rachel Sharp reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"Angie is an excellent tutor . She has always been extremely and tirelessly interested in and helpful with any of my projects. The food on the long day weekend courses is superbly cooked by Carl, Angie’s. Husband. Can’t review this with anything less than 5*"

25 Jan 18'

Tricia Ackron reviewed: Introduction to stone setting 2 day course

"The second course I’ve done with Jonathan Deer and thoroughly enjoyed it as expected. Not too many participants is there is a generous allowance of time to practice what is taught and to make an item of jewellery to take away. Everyone was happy to be on the course and receptive to the easy but informative delivery of the course content. Certainly delivered what was promised in a relaxed atmosphere. Would highly recommend this and other courses by the same provider."

25 Jan 18'

David Cruise reviewed: Green wood chair making in Portugal

"Peter is a fabulous teacher. I have done a number of his courses and the idea of taking one in this location in Portugal strongly appeals. I Cannot rate Peter's courses more highly. He is an extremely knowledgeable craftsman, and his teaching is patient, good humoured and always encouraging."

25 Jan 18'

Stone Sculpting reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend and a great way to try out stone sculpture. Sebastian first asks you about your skills and aspirations for the weekend. There is then an explanation of the different types of stone and tools to be used. You have a trial piece of stone to experiment with the various tools before starting in earnest on your real sculpture. Sebastian offers advice and encouragement as you progress (and helps out if you are struggling or break off the wrong bit). The course is run in a lovely rural setting just below the Cotswold hills, it is quite inspiring to sculpt out in the open air (albeit a bit bracing in a cold January wind)."

25 Jan 18'

Guy Keough reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"A genuinely excellent course. Julie was really friendly and knowledgable, and the afternoon tea was excellent. I would highly recommend this course."

25 Jan 18'

Julie Gibson reviewed: Introduction to stone setting 2 day course

"Excellent course, outstanding teacher! Three students including me, learned so much in two days and I came away feeling enthused and excited to make more jewellery. Jonathan's teaching style is informal and fun, he made us feel comfortable from the beginning and like friends by the end. I feel much more capable than before the course and am looking forward to coming back for another course!"

25 Jan 18'

Anne Flint reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"Great course, really friendly and very knowledgable and informative teacher."

25 Jan 18'

Mary Baker reviewed: Two day needle felting a wired armature animal

"What a wonderful teacher, this is my second course now with Karin and each time I have made something that I am so proud of. She is patient, kind and humorous and very encouraging. I thought that I was unable to do anything craft wise and was scared to go on my first course but Karin explained and encouraged and I was delighted with the creature I produced, so much so I booked on a second course and am saving up for the next"

25 Jan 18'

Kim reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"This was a great course and I’m really pleased with my completed basket. I had previously attended a one day workshop with Jane so still very much a beginner. Jane does great demonstrations and explanations of what to do so you get the techniques right and she also provides plenty of one-to-one help. I would definitely recommend Jane’s workshops."

25 Jan 18'

DebD reviewed: Beginners lino printing

"Gorgeous space. Ruth is great fun and knowledgeable, but also friendly and approachable. This one is a little different than some of the other classes, but still enjoyable and a good foundation for future classes. Friday mornings work for me, so I hope to make a term of it. Recipe for the flapjacks please!"

25 Jan 18'

Bee Hodge reviewed: Printmaking summer school at Slamseys, Essex

"This is the second class I have done at Slamseys with Ruth. I wanted to develop some ideas, so even though I wasn't a beginner and some of the other students were, I could just use the space as I needed and work on my own ideas, but the guidance and help was still there, which was helpful as some of the techniques I was a bit rusty on. I took home lots of things and ideas and have already used my lino to make some cards. These all work on fabric too, so i picked up some ink at the end of the class which was good so that i didn't have to go to the shops or look online again afterwards.Do it!"

25 Jan 18'

Searle reviewed: Beginners fabric printing two day introduction at Slamseys

"What a fabulous class. I have learned so many things and bought a kit so that I can keep on going at home which I think I will. I'd like a more advanced class next time so that I can work on some ideas I've had but I think maybe there is one that is scheduled sometime in the summer which does look good and I will book on"

25 Jan 18'

Braughne reviewed: Beginner's screen printing at Slamseys

"Great day - lovely cake too! Very pleased."