Latest reviews

1 Jun 13'

Ann Bartlett reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"I had a most enjoyable weekend and was delighted with the result. The studio is light and very well equipped and was a joy to work in. Christian is a very relaxed and patient tutor and made me feel able despite my mistakes. I'm looking forward to evening courses.5"

1 Jun 13'

Jeni Watkins reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"I was a little nervous going on the weekend glass painting course as I hadn't attempted anything like this for a long while. As soon as I arrived I was made welcome and the atmosphere was laid back. Christian is a very innovative and marvellous glass artist with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Passing on his knowledge and allowing everyone one to be as creative and or technical in their approach. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone whether you are a student, someone who has never embarked on a creative activity or like myself trying to awaken that creative spark you feel you once had. Hugely beneficial and totally enjoyable and all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Don't think about it...DO IT!!!!! Loved it!"

1 Jun 13'

Gill Short reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Lovely workshop, making pots and then raku firing in the garden Good tutor learnt a lot will do more"

1 Jun 13'

Liz Blackwell reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"I went along not knowing what to expect and was delighted with the whole process. We made a stained glass panel in a day having not done anything like it previously. The standard of teaching is superb and you are encouraged at every stage. I loved it!"

1 Jun 13'

Liz Blackwell reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"I really enjoyed that whole process of making my own panel and would recommend anyone to go along. The whole experience fills you with enthusiasm to learn more- I also will be going to the evening classes and next steps."

31 May 13'

Debbie Thomas reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"So glad I went on this weekend. Christian is an excellent tutor with lots of patience. Didnt want the weekend to end. Hoping that the evening classes do start up as I will be signing up for that!! Would recommend to everyone"

31 May 13'

Barbara reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. The small class size makes a big difference for such a practical course and Christian had loads of helpful tips and advice. Looking forward to the 'Next Steps' weekend course."

31 May 13'

Liz Cunningham reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"A very enjoyable two days learning some of the basics of weaving and being able to see such a vibrant working studio. Had a lovely range of yarns to choose to work with, a little more time to see how to finish a woven piece would have been good. James was very enthusiastic and welcoming and made sure the course was informal and flexible. Would recommend this workshop."

31 May 13'

Maria reviewed: Tilemaking with Richard Miller of Froyle Tiles

"A great course, as well as a great day out. Richard was inspiring in his enthusiasm and extremely helpful, freely sharing his knowledge. He brought lots of information in the form of books, and sample tiles from his own firm. The initial presentation was really interesting. Lunch was sumptuous, although I would have preferred to have had a shorter lunchbreak and more time on the course. The only other thing was that the tables were rather too wobbly for comfortable working. The day went quickly - too quickly - and I went home feeling motivated to experiment with the new techniques, and happy to have met some other people with the same interest as I. Really enjoyable, good value for money."

30 May 13'

Jo and Eildh reviewed: A stool making day

"We had an amazing day, a few wee sore muscles the next day but well worth it. we loved the day and are inspired to do more courses and start some work at home to. Enjoyed learning about the importance of sustainable forestry and how we could be involved locally in it. We'll be back :) J&amp;E"

27 May 13'

Gavin Yuill reviewed: A stool making day

"An excellent day, excellent tuition, excellent setting. A real eye opener into how to work with would. I would certainly like to try more, and it would definitely be at Buy Design"

26 May 13'

Sue Hallissey reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Dilys has a vast knowledge of all aspects of enamelling. She is endlessly encouraging and has honed a superbly equipped small studio in which the atmosphere is relaxed and positive. Dilys skilfully tailors her teaching to the needs and experience of her students. She is an inspiration as a teacher and a person. A day with Dilys is a treat for both beginners and those of us continuing to learn."

24 May 13'

Hannah Paulley reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Dilys was so lovely and a great teacher. I enameled two pendants which i love and ilearnt a lot of techniques. I would highly recommend."

23 May 13'

Penny Woods reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I attended a day course with my friend for her Birthday treat (she is very creative & I knew this would be right up her street!) and we had a lovely day. I am not very creative but after a few hours spent with Dilys I had released the creative me with had made the most Beautiful enamelled key rings & necklace. Dilys is passionate & her creative enthusiasm for this art is the first thing I noticed. Dilys was very patient and shared with us the many techniques that can be used to create diffrent effects. The courses are fantastic, an absolute must for anyone! Would definitely recommend - Thank you :)"

23 May 13'

Catherine Brown reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I first attended one of Dily's courses three years ago, since then attending many more. Dilys is a 1st class teacher who is passionate about this craft with the amazing ability to nurture and encourage the best out of you. As I have experienced this course is equally ideal to take part as a group or to do on your own as it is so easy to become totaly absorbed in the whole process. I have all ways been amazed at what I have achieved -Pendants, necklace, plaques etc, this is a very enjoyable and rewarding day and one that I would definitely recommend."

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."