Latest reviews

21 Mar 16'

Liz Wills reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"I have been playing with clay for a couple of years and done various courses with different teachers. I learnt more on this course than I have on all of my other courses! The tutor, Kevin, was able to answer all questions posed to him, he is certainly passionate about his subject and takes the time to explain each process used throughout the day. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of ceramics and easily handled the different abilities in the class. The facilities provided by Potclays are excellent - and the lunch was really good too! Nice to be able to pop into the shop and buy supplies and all staff I spoke with were brilliant. It was a thoroughly enjoyable class. Basic - yes, but I gained lots of knowledge and inspiration to bring home with me! I am looking forward to booking more courses with Kevin and Potclays in the future, they are really worth it."

21 Mar 16'

Ian watkins reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just completed the two day course with Martin , a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. could not ask for better tuition given at just the right speed, so that anyone could follow now matter what skill level they are at , the home made soup bread and boiled fruit are to die for, I would highly recommend this course if you'd like to learn a new skill"

21 Mar 16'

Mark reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Just spent the weekend doing this course and would highly recommend it. The course is excellent value and the teaching pace just right. You come away with 2 completed projects, spare wood, a knife and you will have had two great homemade lunches too. What more could you want. It would make a great present for someone too."

21 Mar 16'

Richard Godfrey-Cook reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best day ever! So amazing cant wait to do it again. Nigel is so friendly and as wealth of knowledge. Thanks Nigel for great day and thanks to my wife for best bloke present ever."

21 Mar 16'

Ailsa Nurse reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"My husband and I had a lovely day with Dilys, and felt so welcome from the outset. We were both delighted with how much we learned, and by the lovely things we made under Dilys's expert guidance. Dilys is a very patient teacher who pitched the day at exactly the right level for us, making us feel very comfortable and confident. We would highly recommend this course. Thank you Dilys!"

21 Mar 16'

Julie reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A truly inspiring day. Dunja's expertise and teaching style has turned me from a complete novice into someone who is desperate to learn more and get spinning. An extremely good value for money one day course and a lovely day spent in a stunning location."

21 Mar 16'

Alec Lawton reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This is the second time I have been back to learn under Mark. I will likely go again as as much as he teaches it opens new doors and new ideas so I want/need to know more. The facilities provide a no-distraction environment with all the tools and supervision required to turn out some stunning work that anyone would be proud of. After Marks' teaching the realisation of: "I can do this" is akin to discovering opposable thumbs. It fills the student with confidence as well as an awareness to all the challenges a artist will face in the workshop. Thanks again Mark!"

21 Mar 16'

Joanne reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"I'd never undertaken a crafty course before but Gemma and Michelle were fantastic trainers and made me feel at ease. I really enjoyed myself and would definitely recommend their course to anyone."

21 Mar 16'

nicola dixon reviewed: Introduction to Felting

"Just returned from a felting day with lovely Fiona. An excellent experience all round. I learnt to create a landscape, how to make a small animal, observed the creation of spectacular, wall mounted sheep's heads and how to wet felt. The workshop is well kitted out with all different kinds of wool, coloured, curly, soft and rough many sourced from local farmers. The lunch provided was top notch, handmade soup, bread and apple pie and local cheeses for the cheeseboard. The location is unique and would definitely recommend a stay at Fiona's and Robs new shepherds hut if you are travelling to attend a course. Thank you for a great learning experience and an uplifting and fun day :)"

21 Mar 16'

Karen Hamilton-Viall reviewed: Calligraphy For Beginners - "Uncommon Uncials" one day course

"I attended this course in October 2014. It was a great introduction to calligraphy, although a lot of people on the course were refreshing skills they'd learnt previously. Jan is an extremely encouraging teacher with a relaxed informal style that puts you at ease. I was amazed at what i'd managed to produce by the end of the day and how much i progressed. I enjoyed the day so much i started in Jans regular monthly lessons in Thaxted, as did another course attendee. I had foolishly turned up to the day with half the stuff i needed which was kindly supplied by Jan & Anne. I have been on several courses at Assington and it is a wonderful, peaceful environment to learn in. The food at lunch is amazing and a lot of it is homegrown and all home cooked. There is also plenty of tea & coffee. I highly recommend this course."

21 Mar 16'

Garry Rolfe reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A day that was a good balance between training and light-hearted banter. Well worthwhile if you want to learn a new skill and achieve a finished item by the time you leave. Garry Rolfe"

20 Mar 16'

Alison reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A fantastic day in beautiful surroundings . Dunja is a patient and encouraging teacher with a great knowledge and enthusiasm for every aspect of spinning. I learnt so much, and it was amazing to start the day with fleece and end with my very own skein of yarn. I've definitely caught the spinning bug!"

20 Mar 16'

Dean Spencer reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What can I say, one of the best days of my life. My wife bought me the one day course for my 50th birthday as my young blacksmithing hobby was dwindling, due to lack of inspiration. I was a little apprehensive and didn't know what to expect from the start. But Nigel is one of those people that immediately puts you at ease and he is one hell of a character with a great sense of humour. I just hope I can remember at least half of what he taught me. I went back to my wife at the hotel at the end of the eight and half hour day, absolutely buzzing, with my hands full of things I'd made. My forge and hobby have now been rekindled. Thanks Nigel"

20 Mar 16'

Sarah Hargreaves reviewed: Mosaic Making: beginners and improvers

"I've been attending Alex's course since the autumn. She makes it friendly & relaxing. Alex is always on hand with good ideas & useful tips; the small group means that everyone gets sufficient attention & she makes sure we're all always progressing with something! The venue is suitable, accessible & very close to transport. The drop in option is great for those of us who work irregular hours & so can't make every week."

20 Mar 16'

Lucy S reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Brilliant course! Thank you for a great day- very interesting, informative and enjoyable. I recommend this course for anyone interested in making their own blinds or curtains but didn't know where to start. Thank you."

20 Mar 16'

John Dagnall reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I have just finished my leatherwork course with Bill (4 days in total) which was a very enjoyable time. I had no experience at all in working with leather and now feel that I can effectively start my hobby in the right direction. Bill has a great deal of knowledge on the subject from his training and years of working with leather, the products he makes are amazing. Bill also has a very effective teaching method and ensures the course runs at a speed that suits your level of skill / knowledge. After completing a belt Bill then allows you to complete a more complex item of your own design limited only by size and time to complete. If you are thinking of attending a leatherwork course I fully recommend this one."

20 Mar 16'

Ann reviewed: Fine Nuno Felted Scarf with 3D Embellishment Online Class

"Superb workshop from start to finish. Each step of the process explained in detail with lots of help available at all times. Can highly recommend any and all of Lena's workshops as good value for money for the teaching and supplies provided and you will take away some beautiful pieces that have made whilst making lots of new friends."

20 Mar 16'

Kelly Clarke reviewed: Introduction to Annie Sloan Chalk Paint™ Techniques

"I bought this as a present for a friend who had a few pieces of furniture she wanted to paint and I tagged along. I might add that I normally struggle with anything arty or creative but I am now the proud owner of some lovely home painted chairs and terracotta pots due to Zoe's simple and fuss free approach to teaching. The shop is homely and inviting and sitting upstairs next to the warm stove whilst trying out a few techniques only added to the atmosphere. I left full of enthusiasm and with a new found confidence to 'just have a go'. I bought I few decorative items and some extra paint and brushes and the 10% off I received was a nice touch. (Their collection of restored lighting is vast and the chandeliers for sale are quite simply beautiful..) Thank you so much to Zoe and the Agapanthus team, highly recommended!"

20 Mar 16'

Heather whittard-jones reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I treated my husband to a days wood turning course with Graham and it really was fantastic. Graham was a great host who put us at ease straight away, he was able to explain the basics and then let us do the rest with guidance and support when we needed it. We had a lovely lunch (courtesy of his wife) and plenty of stops during the day. By the end of it we had made two candle sticks and a bowl each, and we're both very proud of our achievements. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and loved being able to absorb yourself in a task and work with such beautiful raw materials. We would both love to return again when we get the chance. Thanks Graham!"

20 Mar 16'

Eternal Harmonies reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Sally-Anne worked for us on a Well Women's Day teaching us how to make bells and birdfeeders from willow. It was a really enjoyable activity, great clear instructions and understandable delivery. She has a lovely friendly approach. We will be working together again."

20 Mar 16'

Sacha molyneux reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day, 1 person)

"I had an amazing day working with Graham in his workshop. Very thorough tuition and an inspiring teacher. By the end of the day I was already planning my next session. It has definitely enthused a new passion for me!"

19 Mar 16'

Sharon Murtagh reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Fantastic day. I booked this course as a surprise birthday present for my boyfriend. He made a poker, keyring and also a coat rack for our porch and really enjoyed it. I was kept company by cutie Molly the Jack Russell."

19 Mar 16'

Genine reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I've just completed my 2nd course with Simon, and am now the proud owner of a Gorgeous (even though I say myself), bowl made of beach wood. Again a completely awe inspiring day, Simon even took the trouble to rig up another treadle so I could use both my left and right leg when one or the other got weary!! How thoughtful is that?? A very enjoyable day with a very patient tutor with a good sense of humour and soooo much knowledge. Fully recommend these courses for anyone wanting to try something completely different Thankyou Genine"

19 Mar 16'

Jess reviewed: Crochet for Beginners (Adults) in Putney

"I had a lovely afternoon learning to crochet with Sowmya today. She is a wonderful teacher, patient, friendly and great at explaining and explaining again! It was relaxing and very rewarding to leave with two small items to take home, along with her written notes - I hope to return soon to learn more!"

19 Mar 16'

Tracey reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"Lovely day Needlefelting. Michelle is a great teacher, very calm and offers lots of advice. Definitely worth the money -- great fun.x"