Latest reviews

23 Mar 13'

Sarahthompson reviewed: Tilemaking with Richard Miller of Froyle Tiles

"The staff were very friendly and helpful. the table layout trapped one in, as I mentioned and you needed a rubbish bin earlier, however the equipment was good and space was fine. Resource material was good. Content of course was good, I learnt a good deal. A bit more structure would be good as people tended to get information in groups and I wasn't sure what we were going to be doing so I could plan my time better. However we had plenty of time and it was relaxed and the tutor was enthusiastic and approachable and helpful. Lunch was very nice but if the fee could be less I would have a plainer lunch. I am not so bothered about that. Yes, it was value for money. I would recoment it to others. To improve, I can't think of anything other than the above."

21 Mar 13'

Wendy Cronshey reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I went to one of these work shops a few years ago and loved it. I loved it so much that I enrolled in a course with the local adult education thinking it would be much the same. What a mistake that was, I learnt more in one day on Helens course than in 3 months with the adult ed course. I also left Helen's course with some beautiful items and nothing I would show the dog from the other course. I would highly recommend this course as it is money well spent and a great fun day"

18 Mar 13'

Huw Jones reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I had a great day on Simon's course, introducing me to wood turning. He was very welcoming from the initial cup of tea, right through the whole day. Simon's enthusiasm and patience with me as a learner gave me a great experience, and inspired me to progress further. I now have my own lathe and do my own projects, and I have often called on Simon to give me advice and help as I get more experienced. I would highly recommend Simon and his courses."

12 Mar 13'

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

"This is fun. You get involved in hands-on technology, and the mysteries of fusion. You will never feel the same way about glass again - what you can do with it, it's properties and it's possibilities. And Siobhan guides you through it, lets you do your own thing, motivates you. Highly recommended!"

11 Mar 13'

nafie kurti reviewed: Sewing Class for adults - children

"very good!!"

11 Mar 13'

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

"I had no idea what to expect, and had a wonderful and full day...Siobhan is a very good and patient teacher....i think this is very good value for money and am looking forward to my next one!"

10 Mar 13'

Tony Gunson reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"A brilliant course Tony soon turned apprehension into confidence with a relaxed teaching style that suited all abilities, putting everyone at ease. The setting for the course and all the staff were brilliant. After a truly enjoyable three days carving the head for a large rocking horse I first made the little rocky chair horse for my grandson and then went on to complete the large rocking horse. The staff were helpful throughout always willing to answer any questions I had. Tony Gunson Did course 27th October 2012"

9 Mar 13'

Andrea Young reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"Having recently attended two days at Potclays seminar 'Pottery Throwing With David Frith', I just had to say what an enjoyable and inspiring time I had. So much was achieved in just two days. Techniques included: throwing, turning, pulling and attaching handles, slip decoration, faceting, decorative pattern and mark making, and techniques for larger scale pots. David demonstrates first, and then gives plenty of individual attention which makes the course suitable for all abilities. The venue was excellent, and everything you could possibly need was provided. Highly recommended!"

8 Mar 13'

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

"This was one of the best Christmas presents ever. I had an amazing day, Siobhan is a great tutor and I am truly astonished at the results I achieved. I will go back :)"

7 Mar 13'

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

"A really full learning day, gained lots of experience in the use of glass. I had made some huge assumptions in the making of moulds and was able to rectify my practice and produce, with Siobhan's expert advice, some excellent results. Also had time to design and make a good wall panel. Well worth making the effort, so go ahead and do it!"

28 Feb 13'

Lesley Mallyon reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"I have now attended 2 work-shops with Susie and loved every minute. As a total beginner I found the basic instructions easy to follow and was enthralled by the process, loved the 'twill'. Susie is a very creative weaver, so plenty of ideas and inspiration and I was soon exploring the possibilities of wrapping and hole making, then adding in other materials to create wall hangings. The 2 friends who did the course with me persevered with the basics and I have to say that although I was delighted with my results I was also very envious of their cushion covers."

22 Feb 13'

JOHN COMMANE reviewed: Glazing and Firing

"The course was very well run. I gained a vast amount of knowledge. All questions were professionally answered and solved many problems I have encountered over many years. The techniques demonstrated were most enlightening and executed expertly. What a great team of experts you have at POTCLAYS. The breaks and lunch were well timed and food excellent. THANKS"

19 Feb 13'

Martin Swaby reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"As an enthusiastic amateur I had never thrown anything bigger than six inches. As a small group there was plenty of hands on experience and personal attention which had me making faceted and lidded jars and 12 inch vases using the two piece throwing. In two days I had advanced more than the previous six months and inspired to further progress and success. David's style of teaching was friendly and effective making this a most enjoyable and productive two days. Highly recommended!"

17 Feb 13'

Geoff Dickson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have just completed both courses - "Tools and Things" and "Wood and Things" back to back. The last time I tried woodworking was over 40 years ago when I was about 12, so I was a little apprehensive about my lack of talent. I needn't have been. Both Richard and Mark were very good tutors with loads of patience and an eagle eye to stop you before you did anything stupid. I now have the confidence to embark upon new projects and am considering a few of my own ideas to create something really bespoke for my own home. I would recommend these courses to anyone whatever your level of skill. I have attended many different courses during my 30 year professional career,and I can honestly say this is the only one I've never wanted to end. I left with a sense of achievement I have not experienced in many a year."

13 Feb 13'

Peter Robinson reviewed: Fan Bird Carving

"I was a complete novice but had a really good day on this course. We started with no knowledge at all and by the end of the day were making our own fan Birds, granted not quite to Steve's excellent standards but given time !! One has to dream. Steve's teaching is a very relaxed easy to follow with nothing being too much trouble to explain. I would recommend this course to anyone who has the slightest interest in wood. A thoroughly enjoyable day in delightful surroundings."

11 Feb 13'

Sheila Daines reviewed: Machine Embroidery City & Guilds Level 1

"Looking forward to meeting you at Bee Crafty on Sat 9th March. I attended the 'social stitching ', weekly,and haven't found a better place for enthusiasm,commitment,and friendliness,in all the years of sewing. Now is the time for me to try something new ----- help !!"

8 Feb 13'

Peter Wood reviewed: Fan Bird Carving

"I had a great day on this course, I had wanted to have a go at making fan birds for some time but things always got in the way so I booked a course with Steve. We were lead through the process one step at a time following Steve for the first bird then had ago at the second ourselves making some silly mistakes but by the third we were getting the hang of it. I can definitely recommend this course."

8 Feb 13'

Rolf Buwert reviewed: Fan Bird Carving

"I would commend this course to anyone interested in wood, art, craft or culture. Steve was an excellent teacher, providing an ideal, safe, environment in which to learn. All tools and materials were provided and we could all go away with at least one finished fan bird, and the confidence and skills to continue making them in the future. This is one of the best one day courses I have attended."

1 Feb 13'

Lesley Crawley reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"I first saw Christian's work at a major contemporary craft and design show and loved the modern take on a traditional skill so I was keen to try the taster day when I saw that he also ran courses. In a 'full on' day I learned how to design for stained glass and select different colours and textures of glass to make a sizeable panel constructed with traditional lead canes. Christian provided all the necessary materials, demonstrated each step thoroughly, and was on hand to provide one to one help as and when required. It was a fabulous day and really awakened a passion for glass in me. It was also so good to take home a finished object. I've already booked on another course to expand my knoweldge and wouldn't hesistate to recommend it for anyone wanting to explore working with glass."

26 Jan 13'

Joy Frampton reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"I have seen Susie's work and have admired it very much. I just wish there were more days in a week. Good luck with the course."

25 Jan 13'

Christine Smith reviewed: Willow Work: Small Willow Sculptures

"Willow Work at Flatford Mill"

23 Jan 13'

Melissa Jackson reviewed: Glazing and Firing

"A very informative and in depth course. Covering a wide range of areas, including some very technical detail on glaze components, which may not necessarily be for everyone! Overall a great day and certainly informative re firing faults and causes."

22 Jan 13'

louise schrempft reviewed: Electric Kilns: Operation, Control and Maintenance

"an excellent course, so informative and usefull, i have been able to maintain my kilns with confidence ( with a little back up from my friendly electrican) and understand firing processes more deeply than was ever covered at uni. its a must if you want to run your own studio."

22 Jan 13'

Mrs Suzie Hall reviewed: Electric Kilns: Operation, Control and Maintenance

"very helpful and interesting"

21 Jan 13'

Pat Lockwood reviewed: Caricatures in Clay

"Excellent course. Very informative and interesting. I enjoyed it very much."