Alison and Abi Firing Workshops reviews

Maria Rossetter reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"I had the best time. Abi and Alison are the best!. We did lots of different firings. It was absolutely amazing and seeing the different results we all achieved. Abi and Alison made the course so much fun and very informative. I learnt a lot and would definitely go back again. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves pottery or who has never done any ceramics before. The location was beautiful and the homemade lunch and cakes provided were so yummy! I am so pleased with my pots and I will show them of! Thank you Abi and Alison xx🙂 "

Le.Jack reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

" Abi and Ali, the tutors, are so generous with their time, skills, materials and energy. A wonderful weekend with like minded people, in a beautiful setting. Plus our fired creations were amazing."

Dee Noble reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"A second visit to this idyllic setting for a weekend of fun and friendship. I learned so much from Alison and Abi and appreciated support and friendship from other participants. A wonderful experience."

Nic Long reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"The two ladies were were very pleasant but there were too many people on the course and the time management was poor, first raku firing could have started before the saggar and barrel firings were opened and then second raku firing could have taken place over lunch. There was a lot of time spent waiting around that could have been used polishing pots had the wax been available. No chance to horse hair or feather fire pots."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"We are sorry you were disappointed in our time management. As you can see from previous reviews, we have never had anything less than 5 stars as everyone who has attended realises that raku firing involves waiting around and not leaving kilns unattended. We do not supply wax as it is extremely expensive and would add to the cost of the workshop but we’re very willing to share knowledge of what we have found after years of research to be the best products. We offer all materials, tools, glazes, washes, expertise, experience, knowledge, lovely location and homemade food, and we are disappointed and saddened this wasn’t enough for you. We do not offer horsehair firing unless time permits, it did not this weekend. It is a raku, saggar and barrel firing workshop and you will see that no other workshops offer such a variety of firing methods. Copper wash and naked raku are specific techniques that require waiting for reduction to take place and kilns to reach specific temperatures. We do hope you are satisfied with the lovely pots you took home and how much you learnt with all the different techniques. "

Rosie Johnson reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"We had a truly fantastic weekend with Alison and Abi. The setting is idyllic and the course is well-paced, so it really felt like there was time and space to take in everything we were learning. As a fairly new potter, I wondered if I'd feel self-conscious about my work or level of ability, but I soon realised this wasn't an issue - I think that everyone, no matter how experienced, found they were trying new things and could be truly creative. I learnt so much and am so pleased with the pieces I took home. I'm already planning what I might make for a return booking. "

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Thanks Rosie for your lovely review, looking forward to seeing you again! X"

Andy Newman reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"I've just returned home after an absolutely wonderful weekend of alternative firing with Abi and Alison. Being fairly new to pottery and somewhat socially anxious I kept putting off doing a course. Heaven knows why because this course was fantastic from start to finish. Any ability or level of expertise will get a tremendous amount out of this course. I think mainly due to the two tutors warm hospitality putting everyone at ease and small groups meant plenty of tutor time available to everyone in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. I came away inspired and ready to have a go on my own! To keep learning, experimenting, accepting my failures and rejoicing in my successes. Thank you Abi and Alison."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Delighted you came Andrew, thanks for wonderful review. Alison and Abi "

Saskia reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Fantastic course and perfect for anyone, regardless of ability! Alison and Abi are great teachers and made the workshop very enjoyable. Would love to do it again! "

Matt Ward reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Alison and Abi have extensive knowledge of these types of firings and were happy to share their experience. There were 8 people on my course which seemed like an ideal number and a nice group. I brought my own pots and probably most people who would want to do this course would have some pottery experience to get the most out of it, However, it would be possible for someone with no pottery experience to complete the course using bisqued pots which Alison and Abi sell and have a nice experience and a few lovely pots to take home. It was really exciting to see each others pots emerge from the different firings-the results were fantastic! So pleased with mine, completely surpassed my expectations. The setting is picturesque and the lunches excellent I've already ordered an oil drum on ebay to try some barrel firings of my own! I would highly recommend this course."

Laura Grainger reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"I really recommend this course and also feel it is suited to experienced potters, and those with no pottery experience. There were nice small numbers of about 8 students and we could fire 8-12 pieces. You could bring your own pots and good instructions were sent in how to prepare your pots. Or you could purchase pots. The course was well paced and in a gorgeous setting with lovely food served. I was so happy with my results. Abi and Alison are knowledgeable and helpful and I particularly liked how helpful they were in helping me select which pieces should go in which firing. I felt I received enough one to one attention to improve. My only feedback is that I wish I could have had a go at lifting my pots in and out of the raku kiln as I wanted to try this. Perhaps an advanced class could be made for those who have attended this course? Lovely location, be prepared for narrow roads if you are an inexperienced/city driver. Book accommodation ahead of time!"

Terry reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"The course was absolutely wonderful. Abi and Alison were so kind and generous with their time, their hospitality and sharing their knowledge and skills. We were all able to produce some fabulous results thanks to how hard they worked to ensure that the course was great fun, successful and safe. I have already recommended it to a number of people. My partner bought me the gift of the course for my birthday and it was the best gift ever. I learned so much too. Thank you so much Abi and Alison."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Hello Terry Many thanks for this lovely review. It was great to meet you and delighted to help you on your pottery journey. Hope you can join us for another weekend sometime. Happy potting and experimenting! with best wish Alison and Abi"

Lee Cox reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"I learnt loads on this enjoyable course about raku, barrel and saggar firing methods, not least because not everything was predictable. Thanks to Alison and Abi, I now feel confident to try these myself and experiment till I find my own preferences. I'm experienced in other forms of pottery and am very glad I've added to my knowledge through this course."

Maggie O'Connor reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Beautiful setting, delicious food, two very experienced inspirational potters and teachers, relaxed informal atmosphere. Each of us prepared pots for saggar, barrel and raku firings carried out over the weekend, with practical info about safety, firing methods, kilns, glazes , colouring effects , cleaning and finishing pots , It was exciting and dramatic , strongly recommended"

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Thankyou Maggie!"

Abigail Kenyon reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Really enjoyed the firing weekend with Abi and Alison. It was fascinating to see the different results from the saggar, barrel and raku firing. It was fun to experiment with the different techniques. The setting in Devon was beautiful and the food was delicious!"

Kate Reddy reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"I was really impressed by this course. It was packed with information, activity and comprehensively covered the really interesting art of raku and saggar firing. Alison and Abi were helpful and encouraging at all times managing to spread themselves around a group of 7 very well . A huge amount of effort must have been put into running everything including the delicious food. The setting was in the beautiful Devon countryside which for an urban dweller was very enjoyable. I would highly recommend this course and hope to return again next year."

Elizabeth Colley reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"What a fantastic course! Thoroughly recommended to anyone with or without potting experience! Abi & Alison are brilliant tutors who welcome you to the beautiful setting of Abi’s home & garden in Devon. So many exciting techniques fit in to the two days i felt like a child in a toy shop! You get to produce multiple pots in each technique & I came away with 11 pots- fired & glazed & treated in different experimental techniques & methods. Saggar firing, Raku firing, Barrel firing & Horse Hair firing all fitted into a magical two days of fun. Don’t hesitate to do this course you will LOVE it!!"

Susie Parr reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Together with three friends, I recently participated in this workshop in the beautiful Devon village of Christow. Despite our different skill levels (from professional potter to evening class enthusiast) we all really enjoyed the workshop and learned an enormous amount about alternative firing techniques. Abi and Alison engaged with each of us at exactly the right level and were encouraging and helpful to the more tentative members of our group. Despite being - importantly – very safety conscious, they both clearly enjoyed the fun, drama and surprise of these different techniques, as did we. The weekend was well structured, culminating in an exciting naked raku session plus a demonstration of how blow-torching can transform a copper washed pot. The pots we had brought along were given a new lease of life by these different firing techniques, and we were all really pleased with the results. Abi’s wonderful mill house was the setting for the workshop. We applied the glazes in her studio (made Covid-secure) and the various firings took place in her kiln shed, or completely out of doors. Luckily, the weather allowed us to sit outside in Abi’s garden for coffee, tea and lunch. The home-made soups, brownies and biscuits were absolutely delicious. Being a fan of open water swimming, I was delighted when Abi encouraged me to take a dip in the mill pond by the house - the cold, clear water constantly topped up by Dartmoor streams. She even placed a ladder to make it easier to get in and out. Strangely - even though taking a dip seemed an ideal way of passing the time while the flames and smoke did their work -no-one else joined me. I would highly recommend this course. It was very sociable, really interesting and great fun. I will never forget seeing the glaze drop off the naked raku pots and am now keen to experiment more with that technique. We all definitely feel more confident doing alternative firings, thanks to Alison and Abi."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Thanks Susie, so delighted you enjoyed the weekend."

Peter Bowman reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"As a non potter I attended as the unglamorous assistant of a ceramicist thinking I might not get much out of it - but I was wrong as the 2 days were excellent and enjoyed with a great group of people. Abi and Alison were great and must have been exhausted with all the setting up and continuous questions being fired at them. There hospitality was great with homemade lunch both days and plenty of tea and coffee. Thank you"

Richard Brockman reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Friendly and relaxed weekend amongst interesting people. Lots of different techniques explained and demonstrated. Lovely al fresco catering. We all went home happy ??"

Francine Meaden reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Amazing course! My mum and I attend a weekly pottery class at a local college but wanted to explore the world of Raku firing. This course couldn't have been better! Abi and Alison are both amazing potters and have so much knowledge and experience to share. We explored a range of firing techniques using various materials to bring out beautiful colors, designs and textures. The course was held in beautiful Devon with lots of open space making it easy to distance from the other participants. We all wore masks and I felt very comfortable that everyone else was being 'COVID safe'. Highly recommend this course, I will certainly book on again soon!!"

Leigh Mason reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"This course was brilliant from start to finish. Abi and Alison were great facilitators and we all quickly went from strangers to a chatty, friendly group. It was certainly an action packed weekend but it didn’t feel at all rushed. We were all at different levels in our ‘pottery journey’ so it was nice to share knowledge and skills. Lunch was homemade and delicious and the setting gorgeous. Abi and Alison were extremely generous sharing all their knowledge and I learnt loads and some really good ‘hacks’. Thoroughly recommend this course whatever your skill level."

Stephen Williams reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"My second time doing this workshop. Not that I didn’t learn anything two years ago, it was just that it was so good the first time I was determined to return and introduce a friend of mine who was just beginning her pottery “adventure”. I can only say it was even better the second time around - and on top of everything we were blessed with lovely weather. Abi and Alison are not only knowledgable and experienced in their craft but are friendly and patient and always engaging. They had made strenuous efforts to keep everybody safe in these strange viral times and to put everybody at ease. The whole two days were a joy. Exciting, and inspirational. It’s given me so much more confidence now, to improve on the techniques and skills learned and to advance with a raku kiln of my own. I cannot recommend the experience too highly. No doubt I will be back for another ‘booster’ session in the not too distant future. It’s worth it for the food alone! Thanks to Abi and Alison."

Miriam Farr reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Wonderful setting for a course, I enjoyed meeting both Abi and Alison and learning some new techniques in raku. I had not tried naked raku before and having prepared my own pots prior to the course I was interested to see how they came out. It is certainly a technique I will try in the future. It was a shame that the weather was disappointing (it rained all day on saturday) as we had to spend a lot of time outside. The lunches and homemade cakes were a triumph!"

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Many thanks Miriam, it was a pleasure to meet you and hope you are enjoying out some new techniques. All the best Alison and Abi"

Clover reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"It was a great weekend in Devon for me. Apart from two full days of learning a variety of alternative firing techniques, I also enjoyed excellent hospitality from Abi and Alison. It was like a craft retreat holiday for me! The course is suitable for a wide range of abilities, from total newbies to potters with some firing experience, we certainly had taken a lot home. Highly recommended!"

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Clover, so much fun and laughter and potting talk, very pleased you enjoyed it so much. Alison and Abi"

Robert McGregor reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Thank you Abi and Alison for a wonderful weekend - truly inspirational. Yvonne and I can't wait to try more raku firing. Thank you for sharing your expertise in a friendly informal way. The weather was also superb, enabling us to enjoy good food and share ideas with new friends in your lovely garden. Best wishes, Bob."

Alison and Abi Firing Workshops responded:

"Thanks so much. A great pleasure to meet you both and look forward to seeing you in Chagford too! Alison and Abi"

Helga Lára Haraldsdóttir reviewed: Raku, Saggar, Barrel & Horsehair Firing Weekend Workshop - APRIL 5TH-6TH AVAILABLE - FURTHER 2025 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!!

"Thank you Abi and Alison for the excellent and wonderful weekend doing raku, saggar and barrel firing. The course was certainly worth coming to England to from Iceland. I have taken with me a lot of information on saggar and barrel firing. Everybody on the course produced interesting work and I am certainly happy with my 12 pieces I managed to take back to Iceland in my hand luggage. Well done you two, you have impressed and inspired me with your talent and professionalism. The lunches, the environment in lovely Devon and the group of people were also fantastic. Helga"