Latest reviews

19 Feb 16'

Erica Melton reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"An excellent course! Kevin is a knowledgable and generous tutor. Having started on the Monday with no skills whatsoever, I can now confidently centre clay on the wheel and make a cylinder or bowl. The course was well equipped, each student had a wheel, plenty of clay and Kevin was able to help us all equally (and according to ability). Lunch was lovely and there was plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits. The staff were welcoming and helpful. I would definitely return for another course."

19 Feb 16'

Sarah Massie reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"This was my second workshop as I enjoyed the first one so much. It is such a great creative experience in a small size group so that you have plenty of tutor Steves advice and attention. Steve is great fun really knows his craft and is great at coaching you to get the best product and experience from the day. The grand opening of the kiln on Sunday is a great experience where you see the stunning transformation of your work into fused glass. I am really pleased with my unique pieces of glass that now have pride of place in my home. I would thoroughly recommend this course."

19 Feb 16'

Mary Hill reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"I did a six week course and we had a detailed timetable as soon as we arrived but were told it was flexible. The first week looked a bit boring but NO we learnt how the kiln worked and when we had a pile of greenhouse glass that we have been cutting to learn how to use the cutter and to cut various shapes not just straight lines we made them into designs that were then fused. The result was wonderful. Who would have thought greenhouse glass could be so beautiful. Then tack-fusing which was like gluing glass together so that we kept the texture. Again with good explanations of the changes in kiln settings needed. We were then let loose with full fusing. Flat pieces to begin with and then bowls and dishes. An inspiring six weeks."

19 Feb 16'

Sally Wigginton reviewed: Leathercraft Workshop Belt Making Skills 1 Day Saturday 26th November 2016 Make Your Own Belt Or Dog Collar LAST CRAFT DAY OF THIS YEAR

"This was a fantastic course and completely exceeded my expectations. David and Linda were fantastic tutors and made us feel very welcome. Also great value for money... Will be going again. Highly recommended."

19 Feb 16'

Stephen reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Many thanks again for the outstanding wood turning tuition & one of the highlights of the training was definitely the excellent sandwiches prepared by Susan. Very friendly and easy to follow approach to training Wealth of wood turning knowledge readily imparted Good mix of techniques & flexibility to introduce other relevant skill that arise on discussions with the trainee Very useful advice on wood turning in general, pitfalls to avoid and exposure to the unlimited potential for creativity! Possible improvement in skill development: if the objective is to learn & develop skills then it might be better to practice on a disposable piece of wood & repeat exercises until skills is better understood & mastered. e.g. my objective was to learn and hone skills not to produce a bowl. Having said that the unique beech bowl I came home with is stunning & an excellent example of what can be produced in a few hours! I take delivery of my lathe next week & after spending a fortune on it , training & new tools I'd better start some intensive practising. Anyway I thought your tuition was excellent & I'll definitely be in touch for a follow up tuition and an introduction to texturing techniques later this year. All the best Stephen"

19 Feb 16'

Alison Jerwood-Morris reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have done a few fused glass days with Helen and will return again. It's great fun, relaxing and I've made some nice pieces. Helen is an excellent teacher, and very friendly. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend."

19 Feb 16'

Paul Hearne reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"What a good day. Jason is a really ace guy with a talent for teaching and a passion for doing so. I've been wanting to get started with leatherwork for ages and Jason's one-day course taught me more than I could have hoped for."

18 Feb 16'

Natasha phipps reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have done 2 courses so far, Helen is an amazing teacher and let's you explore your creativity whilst being there to guide you through one of the most addictive crafts I have ever done. I cannot wait to go back for more."

18 Feb 16'

Colin Sturgeon reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"Helen was more than accommodating in designing a course around my needs and experience (or lack of) within the world of glass. Helen is an excellent tutor and would recommend anyone attending a course with her."

18 Feb 16'

Elaine MacGregor reviewed: Glass Art - two day course in stained glass (traditional leaded or copper foil "Tiffany" technique)

"Just had such a lovely weekend with Matt and one other student, doing a 2 day glass fusing course. Absolute beginner but Matt made me feel I could achieve anything. She was inspiring, patient and encouraging. There were only two of us in the class so we had all the support we needed. She helped us to work at our own pace and using our own style. Matt just gave us the knowledge to work safely and some inspiration from her own work and then let us explore and discover how to work with glass. I was delighted with the end products that I've seen and I'm itching to see the final pieces coming out of the kiln this week. Thank you Matt for a brilliant weekend. I hope this inspires others to have a go."

18 Feb 16'

Janice Moore reviewed: Finger Knitting and Craft Lessons for Children in London

"Zoe came home today with 5 beautiful pieces of work that she is extremely proud of! She was very excited to tell me about the enormous selection of wool that Sowmya had, with so many different colours to choose from. One particular little bracelet that Zoe made, is woven with 4 different colours and has a diagonal stripe pattern to it (I think it might be what is known as Braiding). It's something that we have tried together at home, but without success. Sowmya showed Zoe how it's done "properly" (Zoe's words!) and she is very happy about that. I was introduced to Sowmya through a friend, and we exchanged a few emails before Zoe went along. I felt very confident that Zoe was going to be in loving hands, and with someone who was clearly passionate about her craft. I was amazed that the price included the cost of materials and a lovely wholesome snack. Incredible value for money. Without a shadow of a doubt I will be booking again, and I wholeheartedly recommend these craft classes to any parent interested in giving their child something a bit different to do during the holidays."

18 Feb 16'

Becky Coward reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have completed several courses with Helen. Each time she teaches me something new I feel thrilled that I am capable of creating it. She is a wonderful teacher and knows how to suggest tweaks to get the most out of any project. I highly recommend her to anyone who wishes to learn something new and creative. 5 stars!"

18 Feb 16'

Jude Faulkner reviewed: Creative Spring /Christmas Gift Wrapping Workshop with Lunch

"Jo's courses are wonderful and relaxing, a love treat. Highly recommended."

18 Feb 16'

Jill Lofthouse reviewed: Creative Spring /Christmas Gift Wrapping Workshop with Lunch

"I have been on two of Jo's courses, the beginners and advanced one. ( We called it advanced, Jo said it was another wrapping course, but we preferred the idea of being advanced wrappers). Both were very relaxed, friendly but professional at the same time. She advised us of potential pitfalls of the items we were wrapping and gently guided and advised us through the day. I returned home with presents that wowed my family, who now demand help with gift wrapping for special occasions. I would have never been able to do this without the help of Jo. I have recommended these courses to all my family and friends, who have thoroughly enjoyed the occasion themselves."

18 Feb 16'

Genine Ferguson reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I've just returned home from the basic pole lathe course, proudly showing off the fruits my labour, a dibber and flowers. An excellent day, Thankyou very much. Simon has excellent teaching skills plus a Lot of knowledge. If your thinking of trying something different, Definately try this, you'll love it :0))"

18 Feb 16'

Ulrike Sieglohr reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"The 2-day workshop at Potclays cannot be praised enough. Kevin is an outstanding teacher and whatever your ability, thanks to his clear technical instructions and practical help, you will have made sufficient progress by the end of the course to be able to throw cylinders and bowls (the necessary skills for making any vessel). You will be inspired, and you may even feel confident enough to buy your own wheel and convert your shed into a studio. Moreover, if you haven't got that possibility - and if you live in the area - you can hire a unit a Potclays with a wheel for a reasonable daily fee (which I will do). The lunch is tasty and plenty, and the factory director James Otter will offer you an interesting personal guided tour of the factory. The staff too are very helpful with general and specific advice. Thank you."

18 Feb 16'

Ireen Hudson reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Treated my husband to a day's wood turning as a birthday gift and decided to join him. We were both lathe virgins but were shown the various techniques by the wonderful Graham! Over the course of the day, (which included a delicious lunch cooked by Chris, Graham's wife) my husband and I each made a bowl from beautiful pieces of walnut. We are thrilled with what we achieved! Graham is absolutely lovely; an excellent tutor who instructs with endless patience and humour. The day flew by and we learned so much about types of wood and the way they react to being worked on, the various chisels and what each one does, and all the techniques needed to shape our lovely bowls from two chunks of wood. We cannot recommend this course enough and will most definitely be back for more. You must try this!!!"

17 Feb 16'

Matt Hatter reviewed: Traditional gate hurdle making course at Moreton Wood Herefordshire

"Paul was a great tutor he helped me make a fantastic side gate using traditional hurdle making methods. Highly recommended"

17 Feb 16'

Tamsin gear reviewed: Chair Seating in Natural Rush

"An absolutely wonderful and very memorable weekend! A beautiful venue in Ullingswick near Hereford. Jo was a very patient and thorough tutor, as well as being warm and welcoming. I shall definitely be looking out for more courses and events and Moreton wood. Thank you for a wonderful weekend Jo!!"

17 Feb 16'

Jo & Alison reviewed: Jewellery Making & Silversmithing - Weekly Evening & Daytime Courses at Studio Budgie Galore Sheffield

"Fantastic course and fantastic teacher! Will be booking another course."

17 Feb 16'

Pam Rogers reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"This has been a most enjoyable 6 weeks. I have learned about the science of glass fusion which is fascinating and explains the process and why things happen - such as air bubbles! Mattt has explained working with glass–the safety aspects as well as how to use the cutters and has always been there with encouragement and design ideas. We (it has been a class of two) have had the run of her wide range of materials and I have been delighted with the pieces I have produced. It has been the bright spot of the week."

17 Feb 16'

Jill Lauriston reviewed: Silver Jewellery Day Workshop at Studio Budgie Galore, Sheffield

"A very full day, with so much information and equipment provided. I didn't think one could learn so much in one session, and take home some very respectable pieces of work."

17 Feb 16'

keith reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"A great day out. Col is a good instructor and easy to get on with. Even though my skill level is none existent Col is patient He even provides beer for lunch. Well worth having a bash!!"

17 Feb 16'

Mandie reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"Last evening I went to the 1st session in a 6 week Glass fusing course with Sarah and what a lovely experience. Sarah is an excellant teacher, encouraging, caring and creative, putting us all at our ease from the start, giving me the confidence and the belief that I can and I will achieve each weeks tasks. Looking forward to week 2 and of course Sarahs wonderful cookies! Thank you Sarah."

17 Feb 16'

Rachel Savill reviewed: Jewellery Making & Silversmithing - Weekly Evening & Daytime Courses at Studio Budgie Galore Sheffield

"Julie Ann is a friendly and supportive teacher who is able to manage her time effectively across a class of different capabilities. Class members learn a new technique each week and are advised on how best to use her tools and get the desired outcome. Julie Ann encourages the class to be creative and openly celebrates each class members jewellery pieces; creating a warm and welcoming environment for all that take part."