Latest reviews

17 Nov 13'

Vinny Commons reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"1.lots of good aspects...eg food, /tuition for capable potters ..but some gaping weaknessess..2 I did fill in form and left in on desk so i dont understand..why that wasnt sufficient...?since all potters sat ..on low wheels there wasnt an option to stand ..so we were getting used to new throwing details..and prescribed a position the work was done from[ sitting] but iam a standing thrower.!it was awkward.2 Some people were out of their depths...they could hardly centre the clay.....so i suggest you grade your throwing courses eg beginners/ advanced , even intermediate.3 only one way of wedging the clay was used...most people couldnt do it...so struggled to get a quality piece of clay to work with...why couldnt cut and slam have been set up?..a little more thought required.4..I am stating it as i saw it ...since you asked ..but please remember there were many positives....lastly if you wish , i would be happy to lead a intermediate or beginners course ..if you felt it was appropriate.....Please respond stating that my comments did get through to you ...since i did fill in a sheet that came with the course ..and i dont know what has become of it.? Vinny Common 07808960418"

15 Nov 13'

Yve Peck reviewed: Caricatures in Clay

"Thoroughly enjoyable & relaxed two day course learning how to create a stoneware mural sculpture. Neil Dalrymple is hugely talented & extremely knowledgeable & informative. Neil demonstrated various methods & techniques which could be employed in a wide range of sculptures. The small group enabled Neil to offer sufficient guidance to each individual & everybody on the course created some wonderful work. Overall, the course was very good value for money & I would recommend this course to anybody interested in learning how to sculpt."

14 Nov 13'

Lisa reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Fantastic "hands on" day of learning with great hints & tips! Sakeena is a fun teacher that enables what look like complicated techniques to become simple with her teaching style. Highly recommended!"

13 Nov 13'

neil spalding reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"I have been on at least 5 throwing courses. I have to say that I got more out of this one than any of the others. Very sympathetic tuition."

13 Nov 13'

Jenn Legg reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I loved this concept of learning in my own time, at my own pace, in my space, knowing I had collated all the equipment to continue after the course was finished. Each step was easy to follow and I achieved some fantastic results (I surprised myself) and I have become hooked on the mono printing technique. It contributed to the end of my 6 year part-time journey in a degree in Applied Art. Mixing it with other techniques to make it my own. If your creative it is a need not a want.............. Thank you Dionne xx"

13 Nov 13'

JOHN COMMANE reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"A great learning experience with such a highly skilled and helpful mentor. David is such a nice guy. Learnt a lot of new techniques.The two days flew by. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. The food and refreshments are up to the normal good standard. Thank you"

13 Nov 13'

patricia kumar reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"David Frith is an excellent and inspiring teacher with a lot of sympathy for relative beginners.The course organisation was excellent but the provision of clay was a bit sparse! Luckily David could cope with clay reuse/ slabbing etc and did most of this for us. The only other problem was a worry that the warehouse would shut before we had time to finish our course and tidy everything up. A very enjoyable and productive two days!"

13 Nov 13'

Rosey Paul reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"Great course with David whose throwing is inspirational."

12 Nov 13'

Maura Summers reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I have now participated in three of Dionne's on-line courses. I love Dionne's enthusiasm for textile art and her ability to share her extensive knowledge in such a concise, interesting and encouraging way. I find interaction between other course participants on Facebook a stimulating experience. Thank you Dionne. ."

12 Nov 13'

carole reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I had always wanted to do screen printing, but did not think it was possible without complicated equipment and chemicals. This course proved that it was possible and I learned so much. I particularly enjoyed the breakdown and mono printing as it was suited to what I hoped to achieve for my own work. I enjoyed the structure as it was good for my poor self discipline and the contact with other participants through the Facebook group also proved very useful as the sharing of information brought me up to date with what was going on in the textile world. Altogether a very good experience."

12 Nov 13'

Julie Mackinder reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I was a bit nervous about doing an online course for such a practical skill but I needn't have worried. Dionne's course was excellently constructed with clear and concise videos demonstrating the techniques and notes to refer to. A Facebook group set up by Dionne for the course was an excellent place to share experiences, to interact with other students wherever they were in the world and to get feedback from Dionne. I have taken three online courses with Dionne and can firmly recommend her as a teacher."

12 Nov 13'

Shona reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"Took part in this course and loved it. I was totally new to screen printing and was amazed how easy it was to set up at home and have a go. Instructional videos were really clear and the private Facebook Community created for feedback from Dionne and to comment on each others work was brilliant. A great way to learn at your own pace and my only complaint being that it is now costing me a fortune in fabric to keep trying out new ideas!!"

12 Nov 13'

Susie Arnott reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"A most brilliant course! James combined technical detail with art, patience and fun and tea. I am inspired to get a loom for myself soon, and will certainly be back at James' door for further instruction. My scarf has been much admired."

12 Nov 13'

Val Brooks reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"This was an amazing weekend and a wonderful experience. James was SO patient and helpful and to be able to bring the loom home to finish off my first creation was the icing on the cake. I would not hesitate to recommend the course and I do hope to do more weaving in the future."

11 Nov 13'

Cheryl Morgan reviewed: Patchwork Course - 5weeks

"I really enjoyed attending the Christmas Crochet course, I met some lovely ladies there, also our tutor Elizabeth was fantastic, she taught us so well, that I understood straight away what I should do next and she made it made it very simple to follow. I am looking forward to the next course. I feel really confident to start some project on my own now."

11 Nov 13'

Fran Quinn reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"I loved this course, Cathy takes you from handling the raw fleece to spinning your first skein, she is patient and thorough. I really recommend this course."

11 Nov 13'

JILL LEDWIDGE reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"Fun, friendly, expert tuition and encouragement. What more can I say."

11 Nov 13'

Rosemary Tyler reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"I have been to Cathy course, just out of curiosity and was hooked. I now have my own wheel and have encouraged other to go to Cathy's course."

9 Nov 13'

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

"Siobhan is fantastic - really kind and friendly which makes it so easy to learn the techniques from her, as you don't feel silly asking questions! (And she makes a good cup of tea too!) She had the patience of a saint in working with us all - complete strangers of different ages, abilities and ideas of what we wanted to achieve from the day. I would thoroughly recommend going to do this course, and am sure I'll be back at some point to do some more :) For those who don't drive it also great that the transport links are so good."

8 Nov 13'

Tony Webster reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I attended this course as a complete beginner and was delighted at the confidence that Richard and Mark gave me in one week. They achieved the perfect balance between giving help and advice when it was needed and leaving me to have a go by myself. R & M showed great patience and good humour and created a very warm and easy working environment . I made a step stool which I was very proud of and would recommend the course without hesitation or reservation to anyone who is, or thinks they may be, interested in woodworking."

8 Nov 13'

Nigel reviewed: Make Scented Candles & Tealights

"Fab course if you wish to learn all about candle making; it covers so much and you really do learn all that you need to know to be able to do it by yourself. Had a really good day and felt totally inspired by the experience and cannot wait to make my own products. The teachers are lovely and knowledgeable - am thrilled that I made the effort to go on this course - highly recommended."

8 Nov 13'

Joan reviewed: Mosaic Workshop

"I'm not arty and needed a lot of help. I was guided through my choice of project and the best colours to use with sensitivity to inspire confidence. I got exactly what I wanted which was to spend a day in good company trying something new. Time just flew by - it was very absorbing and much freer than I'd expected. And there was a really tasty home-cooked lunch."

7 Nov 13'

Rowley reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Excellent tutor, from novice to experienced student Sharon has the ability and knowledge to make your choice of carving in what ever form become something special. Thank you Sharon for your time, patience and instruction."

6 Nov 13'

Nicola Barnes reviewed: Make Scented Candles & Tealights

"Really good value. Had a great time and learnt loads. Really happy with my candle (smells lovely) and wax tarts - can't wait to start making my own."

6 Nov 13'

Darna reviewed: Make Scented Candles & Tealights

"Fun day, learned a lot and got to make a fab candle and wax tarts to take home"