Latest reviews

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!"

23 Apr 13'

Robert Folder reviewed: Photography Days

"I had a very good day with Sue and Richard and learnt a lot. They gave me a lot of very good information to help take better photos. They listen to what you want them help you from there. I would recommend any one to go on a course with Sue and Richard well worth the money."

16 Apr 13'

Btian Reeds reviewed: A stool making day

"I had a wonderful day making a stool from a spare bit of forest. The leaders show us how and passed on loads of useful tips and advice. It was a real insight, even for someone relatively familiar with wood. The day flew past and I am determined to do another course. The atmosphere was excellent and I came away full of good intentions. For once, I acted on them! I bought a draw knife and a froe (go on the course and you'll find out what a froe is) and set about making my own shave horse. Great stuff and highly recommended"

16 Apr 13'

Derek Snee reviewed: A stool making day

"Wonderful! I wholeheartedly recommend Big Tree Society courses. I have attended two so far and have learned so much from Eoin and Keith - two guys who are passionate about green woodworking and passing on their skills. The courses are great places to share thoughts with like minded people, learn, re-focus and be re-invigorated. I have caught the bug, built a workshop, and regularly use the shaving horse, chair and stool which I made on the courses."

15 Apr 13'

Kirsteen Woods reviewed: A stool making day

"I had an amazing day making a stool out of a tree. It was wonderful learning how to make a functional piece of furniture from green wood in just one day! It is a beautiful setting, with very knowledgeable and truly inspirational teachers. I highly recommend this course - sign up today - it is great value for money, fantastic fun, and you will leave with a great sense of achievement!"

15 Apr 13'

Linda Keith reviewed: A stool making day

"What a fantastic day I had 'down in the woods' making a willow chair! I had no previous knowledge which did not matter at all as the support and guidance was superb and I came home with a unique art piece for my garden. What's more I would love to make another one - a great experience."

14 Apr 13'

Mark Douglass reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have always thought I would enjoy working with wood but with no real opportunity to find out. That has now been rectified as I have just completed Course 1 with Richard and Mark. Course 1 is a most enjoyable fun week in which you are guaranteed to learn an awful lot of wood working skills in Richard's Workshop. A great set up with loads of top quality tools and top quality guidance and instructions. I have completed this course with a massive sense of achievement and a super Spinning Stool which is taking pride of place. I am now trying to work out how I can set up my own workshop and get back for Course 2."

13 Apr 13'

Becky Walker reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"The best craft course I've ever been to!! Jane and her husband, Graham make you so welcome, with amazing home cooked food and a wonderful attic studio to work in. Views over the beautiful midlothian countryside and all the colours of wool you could hope for to weave from. Really inspiring lovely day out, really tailored to all abilities. Can't recommend a days tapestry weaving with Jane enough!"

12 Apr 13'

Sue Kane reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have attended Week One and the followed it with a Week Two Course. I knew virtually nothing about woodworking beforehand but was trained by Richard and Mark in the use of hand tools and power tools. Their teaching was excellent and the small class numbers meant that we were never left waiting to find out what to do next. I thoroughly enjoyed the weeks and have two beautiful pieces of furniture to show for it! Thank you!"

10 Apr 13'

Janet Barnes reviewed: A stool making day

"Great training from great people at a great venue! Can highly recommend - great value for money."

9 Apr 13'

Brian Mahler reviewed: A stool making day

"This should be on your 'things I want to do before I die' list. Great fun, inspirational, gives purpose to life."

8 Apr 13'

Kerrie Walker reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon came to run a workshop for our Touch To See Art Club for visually impaired participants at the Corn Exchange, Newbury. Tactile resources are very important for this group and Simon very kindly provided examples of his work for them to handle whilst explaining the techniques he uses to make them. It was great that he could offer something so hands-on but with the opportunity to learn about the skills behind his work, and that he was so keen to answer their many questions! The group are keen to have Simon back so they can try using some of the braid wheels…thank you for such an informative and engaging workshop!"

5 Apr 13'

David Hunter reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"Undertook this greenwood working course as part of Coppicewood's 6 month woodland management course. Both courses were excellent. The green woodwork course was taught by three skilled and passionate instructors who helped us to get grips with a variety of skills from pole lathing to axe work. The 6 month woodland management course is a life changer. Check it out."

1 Apr 13'

Holly Harries reviewed: Green woodworking at Coppicewood College

"Had a really good experience. I made my very own shave horse to take home. I used Douglas Fir for the bench, Ash for the legs (3) and Willow and Ash for the vice. Chosen from the wood lying on the ground in the coppiced woodland acre just down the path. Personal instruction was at a pace that suites you. I used all the tools and aids provided and was amongst very good company. It was quite cool but only really rained on the last day, but it did not matter as you keep very warm working the wood and you can be under cover when necassary. I loved the smell of the bark and the wood and the different colours, textures and grain of the chosen pieces. Apart from the muddy ground you were working in a very clean wholesome medium. It was 'good for the soul.' I would like to make a pole lathe someday but can have a good go at a number of projects at home now on the smallholding - once I get some basic tools sorted. Thankyou Coppice College and all the tutors for a most worthwhile course. I now feel empowered!"

1 Apr 13'

Cheryl reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Earlier this year I had three days one-to-one instruction with George at his workshop in Burnham on Sea. I am very much a beginner and make slow progress but George has been very patient and has definitely helped to boost my confidence. Last week I turned my first complete bowl at home, alone, without any heart-stopping moments. It may not sound very exciting but for me it is a tremendous achievement!"

30 Mar 13'

Fiona Hill reviewed: Residential Gyotaku Japanese NATURE printing in Pembrokeshire Wales

"I had so much fun on this course: results are awesome. You can be sure you will walk away with a handful of creations you can be proud of. Debs is a great teacher, very patient and encouraging. Children love this workship too - it is a great way to spend an afternoon."