Latest reviews

22 May 13'

Eileen Charleston reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"My daughter and I have attended 2 of James' courses and would happily return for another. He is patient, cheerful, enthusiastic and fun while passing on his expertise, which is considerable, in a very user friendly way. James' courses are good in that they are suitable for absolute beginners or more experienced weavers since he has plenty of equipment or is happy for you to bring your own loom and everyone can work at their own pace. If you're not from Edinburgh, or even Scotland, it's a lovely location for a weekend or summer course."

21 May 13'

Malcolm Chisholm reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have attended both of Richard's courses. You gain experience of using lots of different tools and machines in the process of making a beautiful piece of furniture. I made two oak tables, both of which have been well and truly admired. Richard also gives lunchtime lectures that complement the practical sessions. He and Mark guide the students every step of the way. I strongly recommend these courses to anyone interested in working with wood."

21 May 13'

Kate reviewed: Beginners' Metal Jewellery Design

"I am part way through he beginners course and it is fantastic!. Lisa is an excellent teacher and the atmosphere in the studio is relaxed and friendly. I have learnt loads already and am definitely signing up for more after the course ends. I can't praise this course enough!"

21 May 13'

Steff Lewis reviewed: Beginners' Metal Jewellery Design

"I started with Lisa as a beginner, and I've continued for over 2 years since then. Lisa is a great teacher, and it is amazing what you can make, even if you think you have no artistic skills whatsoever."

21 May 13'

Marie Band reviewed: Beginners' Metal Jewellery Design

"I've been a student at silverhub for over 2 years now, covering both the beginners classes and moving on to more advanced techniques. This is a great course and Lisa clearly explains everything and encourages you so you achieve a lot. You will learn all the basic techniques eg soldering, roll printing etc and it's a very relaxing environment with plenty of cups of tea ????. Well worth it."

21 May 13'

Lorraine Ranaldo reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Dilys is a great teacher, passionate about her craft which she loves sharing with you. I have attended a few of her courses and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Enamelling is an exciting craft and you will be amazed at what you can produce. I have made jewellery, pictures etc - I am not very arty but was able to produce some fantastic pieces. An enjoyable day that you won't want to end....:)"

20 May 13'

Femke reviewed: Beginners' Metal Jewellery Design

"I did a beginners course at the Silver hub studios in January and absolutely loved it. I've learned a range of new techniques such as soldering and texturing copper. Lisa, the teacher, was very helpful and good at explaining everything (and offering us lots of cups of tea)!"

20 May 13'

Elise king reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"When I signed up for this course I had no idea what to expect or if I would enjoy it...when I arrived I was given a warm welcome accompanied by tea and biscuits... This was continued over the 2 days... James demonstrated every step of the project in a logical uncomplicated way, this was great because it's a complicated craft..there are bundles of different wools to choose from and plenty of colours, it's exciting choosing your colour scheme... I chose quite a straight forward weave and James was on hand to talk me through the pickles I got myself into. I personally loved the course I found it relaxing and informal and couldn't wait to go back the next day and weave some more, in fact I signed up to go back in Sept to do a more advanced weave."

19 May 13'

Nicole reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"I will admit I was a little nervous about doing this course but by the end of the weekend I wanted to come back and do it all again! Everything was fun, well explained and of course the amazing hospitality! The only thing I would say is for those who easily get cold is to maybe bring an extra jumper as the open studio was a little cold. Other than that I think there should be more courses like the one James teaches as finishing the weaving course is rewarding- especially when you get to see your own scarf!"

19 May 13'

Carolyn reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Excellent weekend. James breaks down the process into easily digestible chunks and guides you through each bit, making sure you are comfortable with each step before progressing. He has a wide range of colours of wool to choose from to design a scarf and by the second day you are happily weaving. What is great is that the expectation is that you will NOT finish by the end of the weekend so there is no time pressure. By the end of the second day you are weaving confidently and can then take the loom home to finish at your own pace. Because there are only 5-6 people in the class, James is able to give everyone the attention/help they need and manage the different speeds of progress. The atmosphere is very informal, friendly and welcoming with tea/coffee/biscuits available whenever anyone wants."

16 May 13'

Petra Rohr-Rouendaal reviewed: Raku with John Wheeldon

"The Raku course was very good. I enjoyed learning about two different types of Raku firing and it was good being able to go home with a sample pot. John Wheeldon was extremely helpful and answered all our questions. One suggestions- inevitable the participants will buy equipment from you and it would be better to have a least two staff members at hand to take our orders during the time we had to buy. Some of us missed John's teaching because we were queuing up to place our orders. Generally there was a bit too much time waiting around. Maybe we could have had a print out about the Raku technique we could read while waiting? Lunch was great and it was good to meet other people interested in the Raku firing."

15 May 13'

Karen Smith reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"Exceptional tutor, equal amounts of cheer + work...with a cosy scarf to end it all! Loved this course."

14 May 13'

JOHN COMMANE reviewed: Raku with John Wheeldon

"Right from the beginning the course was highly informative and easy to understand. John made the day very interesting and the final results were excellent. Time seemed to pass so quickly as we enjoyed the magic of RAKU. The facilities were very good and an excellent choice of food at lunch and a good supply of drinks all day. Thankyou"

14 May 13'

Stephen Williams reviewed: Raku with John Wheeldon

"Interesting course. Lots of waiting around though (understandably). A little more information on the history, science and practicability of the process would have been useful."

13 May 13'

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

"An incredibley Inspirational day that was fun, full of knowledge, and where I found a creative edge within myself that I did not know existed. I was quite nervous about attending, but Siobhan had a manner that made me feel really comfortable and able. Thoroughly enjoyed and would certainly recommend."

13 May 13'

nicholas ODH reviewed: Processes of Making

"best short course of 2013"

11 May 13'

Michael Obodia reviewed: Weekend stone carving courses on the beautiful Welsh/Shropshire border

"Very much excited and glad."

8 May 13'

Fran Gregson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Richard is brilliant at challenging you just enough,so you get satisfaction from your work without feeling out of your depth. There is always another way of doing things if anything is a problem. Very relaxed but with great respect for safety, and his dog, Ash. is great too."

26 Apr 13'

Sue and Charley reviewed: Mouldmaking for Slipcasting with Ed Bentley

"As complete mould making novices, and having never been on a course at Potclays we did feel a bit apprehensive before arriving. But the staff made us very welcome and Ed swiftly put us at ease. We have now successfully used our moulds and have spent the last couple of days making more. All in all a very rewarding day worth every penny. If you book yourself on the course be sure to pre order clay and a bag of plaster to take away with you. Thank you Ed and Potclays we will definitely be back."

26 Apr 13'

Niky reviewed: Mouldmaking for Slipcasting with Ed Bentley

"I had a great day. The course was a brilliant introduction to mould making. Ed demonstrated various techniques, encouraged each of us in our own attempts and was generous with helpful advice and experience to ensure each of us produced our own mould/s. My mould is nearly dry enough to be used. The Potclays team were, as ever, extremely helpful and provided a great lunch and break-time refreshments!"

25 Apr 13'

Jo Menneer reviewed: Introduction to silver jewellery making workshop with Diane Lee

"I attended a silversmithing course with Diane. I absolutely love my ring and feel very proud that I made it myself. Diane was a great teacher – very clear instructions and a fun delivery. I will definitely recommend her to my friends!"

25 Apr 13'

Adrian Ford reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I can thoroughly recommend Simon's day course in green woodturning using the pole lathe. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about an ancient skill at your own pace under the expert guidance of someone who's clearly enthused and knowledgeable about his subject. The whole experience was so relaxing you lose all sense of time, and the setting (at Snelsmore) is idyllic."

25 Apr 13'

kate m reviewed: A stool making day

"The stool making course I attended was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and really empowering for a complete novice. I walked away with a sense of achievement and an insight into a surprisingly broad range of woodworking techniques. The courtyard setting is beautiful and the teachers inspiring and fun. Our common sense of purpose as a group, and our shared experiences as we saw our projects develop brought a real sense of community and sharing to the participants. We all left with big smiles on our faces, and I still look at my stool with a sense of pride!"

24 Apr 13'

Margaret reviewed: Mouldmaking for Slipcasting with Ed Bentley

"Course: Educational, useful, valuable. General: Well tutored. Good fun. Food: Surprisingly good. Recommendation: Have already recommended it to many."

24 Apr 13'

Mike reviewed: Mouldmaking for Slipcasting with Ed Bentley

"This course was both great fun and very useful. It catered very well for a wide range of experience. Ed did a brilliant job of working with all the attendees on an individual basis, interspersed with appropriate demonstrations for the group. The course delivered exactly what it promised and was good value for money. As usual the catering was well up to the outstanding Potclays tradition!"