Paddock Studio Pottery reviews

Brian reviewed: Pottery taster course one-to-one in the South Downs

"Throwing pots with Rowena was so good that I went back for a second session. She is a really good teacher, explains things clearly, helps correct your technique and wobbly disasters in a friendly easy going way. What's especially nice is that she frequently checks that her way of explaining things works for you and adapts that style to suit you. My confidence grew really quickly, and I felt like I was making real progress. She has some lovely pottery on display with beautiful glazes. Can't wait to see how my pots have turned out after they've been fired. This has been a truly worthwhile experience. Thank you Rowena."

Paddock Studio Pottery responded:

"Thankyou so much Brian for taking the time to write a positive review.Glad you enjoyed the making of more bowls.I'll be in touch when they are fired.Thanks again .Rowena"

Camilla & Jack reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We booked a day pottery course with Rowena as our Christmas present to each other and couldn’t recommend it more! We loved how we got straight into throwing bowls as soon as we arrived and Rowena is a fantastic (and patient!) teacher. We spent the last few hours of the day making tiles and platters which is something that I have always wanted to do, and it was so interesting learning about all the coloured slips! We live locally so decided to come back and glaze our items which was so much fun, I’m so excited to see how they all turn out! Thanks so much Rowena!"

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

"I was given Rowena's 3 day pottery course for my 30th birthday this year, and it was absolutely amazing. Rowena really knows her stuff and I felt like I learnt so much from her. She was patient and also gave me the freedom to give things a go, and the 3 days flew by. I loved every part of the course and would love to find a way to continue learning with Rowena in the future. I was really happy with how many different pieces I got to make and wouldn't hesitate in recommending Rowena and her courses to anyone."

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

"I had a fantastic day in Rowena's studio on a one-to-one day course. I hadn't done any pottery for nearly 20 years and had never used a wheel, but Rowena is very patient, encouraging and great at explaining what to do (and giving a helping hand when needed!). I made 3 small bowls on the wheel and then spent the afternoon decorating a bowl. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to booking another day to practise the skills I learned."

Celia Carleton reviewed: Pottery taster course one-to-one in the South Downs

"My daughter and I had a brilliant two hour session with Rowena, both using a wheel to produce a couple of pots. It was great to have detailed tuition from such an expert. Rowena gave a very clear demonstration and helped us every step of the way as we attempted our first pots on a wheel. Rowena was very encouraging and made us both feel relaxed and welcome. We each produced two pots within the session and were able to choose a glaze which Rowena will put on before she fires them. I would definitely recommend the course to others. we would forward to collecting our pots once they have completed the drying out and firing process."

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

"I cannot recommend Rowena highly enough. I had a three-day, one-to-one course with her. I’d only done pottery at evening classes about twenty years ago and had no experience of using the wheel. I learnt to make bowls, dishes, a jug and several mugs with her expert tuition. She is so patient, such a good teacher and great company too. I’m hoping to go back for a day or two soon as enjoyed it so much."

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

"My friend and I had such a great day with Rowena! She was incredibly patient and very informative. She guided us brilliantly but let us experiment with our own Ideas on which shapes to throw/what to make. We were left with a number of pieces we were really pleased with. We also had a real laugh with her; the atmosphere in the studio is really relaxed and fun. I'll definitely be back!"

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

"I had a fabulous day with Rowena learning to throw pots, the course was informative and hands on taught in a warm, friendly and patient manner. I enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and watching and learning from a talented artist. I am thrilled with the pots I managed to throw under Rowena’s guidance."

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

"I did a two day one to one throwing course with Rowena. It was fantastic. I learnt a huge amount and because I had two days with her we not only covered making various shapes but had time to turn some bowls and make some handles. Highly recommend it for beginners or those wanting to become more proficient."

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

"Buyer beware. If, like me, you become ill and want to re-schedule she throws the cancellation policy at you and you forfeit the whole lot. So don't get ill!!!!!"

Paddock Studio Pottery responded:

"To all customers, In response to the review by Sue Garrett: it was a very late cancellation on the night before, which meant it was not possible to offer the date to any other customer. Therefore, it was decided to not refund the cost of the day's course. I am a tiny business which cannot afford to lose a day's pay. I try to accommodate for very serious events such as hospital appointments, deaths, or births, but I'm afraid I can't account for every situation. I hope that most people will understand that it is generally accepted that a late cancellation will result in forfeiting the course fee. Rowena Williams The cancellation policy can be seen on both websites: Www. Thepaddockstudiopottery.com Www. Craftcourses. Com"

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

"My mum bought me the day course with Rowena for my birthday. We stayed in lewes over night and the day in the pottery. I couldn't recommend rowena enough i learnt how to throw where step by step made 4 bowls in the morning. Mum found she couldnt use the wheel so Rowena taught her how to do a coil pot. She is an amazing teacher, very easy to talk to makes you feel comfortable. Myself and mum could sing rowenas praises and will think of another trip next year. I cant thank you enough rowena. :0)"

Helen and James reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We did a 1 day course with Rowena - one of us a complete novice and the other with a CSE in Ceramics from a long time ago! Neither of us had ever thrown a pot or used a pottery wheel before. Rowena demonstrated how to use the wheel and then guided each of us patiently through our first bowl. She is a very encouraging and patient teacher and gets the most out of students via praise! She achieves the perfect balance between providing enough support but also encouraging independence and confidence. With her support and many instances of her 'saving' our efforts we produced 4 bowls each. In the afternoon we made and decorated tiles and a bowl which was also good fun. A really great and inspiring day. We would totally recommend Rowena to anyone wanting to have a go. Also just a great day out and escape from it all. We will definitely be returning to see if we can build on our efforts. Thank you Rowena"

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

"I completed a 4 day one on one course with Rowena last week, and I could not have been happier. Rowena laid out a 4 day plan based on my skill set (10 months experience at night classes). I cannot believe how much I have advanced in the 4 days. Having someone critically advising the things that you're doing wrong, made such a difference. Within my week, I made straight sided vessels with lids, vases, mugs with handles and plates. Lids and handles were never my forte, but I feel more confident in attempting now. I cannot recommend enough, any number of hours or days with Rowena if you want to advance your existing throwing skills or just beginning. Wonderful company and atmosphere. Just do it!"

Kate & Nicola reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"We had an amazing day learning to throw and decorate pots with Rowena. She is an excellent teacher and communicator and we felt well supported by her all day. She is also a lovely lady who we enjoyed spending the day with too! We absolutely loved the experience of throwing and couldn't believe how much we learned so quickly. We made some lovely bowls and look forward to using these at home in the future. In the afternoon we also had the opportunity to make a plate using a mould and decorated this using the slip & decorative method of our own choosing. Thank you Rowena for a brilliant day. We hope to return again in the future."

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

"My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our day course with Rowena. She is a really good teacher and we were surprised that we were able to throw five pots each. The decorative work in the afternoon was fun too. The day passed very quickly. Lewes is an interesting town and there are plenty of places to get lunch. I would definitely recommend this course"

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

"Spent a great day with Rowena. No messing about... straight on to the wheel. As a complete novice Rowena's excellent teaching skills meant I was making 'reasonable' pots in no time. I'd highly recommend this course, its incredibly relaxing and a lot of fun."

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

"Booked a full day course with my husband to try throwing a pot. We had a fantastic day with Rowena, who was very patient with our efforts, ended up with five pots each as well as having a go at different decorative techniques. Rowena is a great teacher, you are on the wheel very quickly, the day just flew by. For lunch there is a great fish and chip shop a short walk away as well as Lewes High Street."

Jason & Sarah reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"What a perfect day! Rowena is brilliant, such a great teacher - Sarah and I learnt so much during our one day introduction to Pottery, we couldn't believe how much we had achieved in just one day. We left totally relaxed and brimming with confidence, and wanting to go on and make even more obscure pots! Very much looking forward to going back to see Rowena to pick up our collection of finished pieces. Simply amazing, thank you Rowena! Jason & Sarah"

Adam & Marzena reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My girlfriend and I did a one day course with Rowena and we absolutely loved it! Rowena is an excellent teacher, she's very knowledgeable and she can explain everything clearly. We really enjoyed our course and we highly recommend it!"

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

"What a fun 2 hours!! My daughter brought the 2 hour experience for us as a gift as I expressed an interest in trying pottery after seeing a pottery programme on the television. We were both absolute novices but Rowena the tutor put us at ease immediately. First she helped me create a bowl while my daughter watched and then we switched roles and I watched on. She explained things very clearly and demonstrated what she was saying making sure we understood what we were trying to achieve at each stage of the process. When it came to the second pots we made Rowena talked us through what to do each stage and sat between us ready to lend a hand when needed and happy to sit back and encourage us when we were doing ok. We never quite mastered the art of centering but luckily we had the brilliant skills of Rowena on hand to help with that stage and when asked she stepped in again to sort out some wobbly sides but otherwise she really let us go for it. At the end of the session it turned out Rowena would glaze and fire the pots for us for collection in a few weeks. Really would recommend this course, such a sense of achievement when we created a real pot that looked like a real pot thanks to the excellent tuition!"

Martin & Jane Clift reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Rowena is a wonderful teacher, very experienced and knowledgeable. Ready to jump in to save your work or to let you go as far as you dare. We spent two days laughing and learning to throw and decorate pots and tiles. She works hard to make sure you can achieve your potential. We loved our time at Paddock Studios. We highly recommend Rowena."

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

"My daughter and I did a two day course with Rowena in her pottery. We had lots of fun and achieved a great deal in a short time. The first day we learned how to throw pots on the electric wheel. Then we decorated some tiles as practice for finishing our pots. The second day we learnt how to turn the bases of our pots and then set about decorating them. Rowena is an experienced teacher who expertly guides her pupils and enables them to get the most out of the experience. She has a patient and charming manner. My daughter and I agreed that the world needs more teachers like Rowena."

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

"My friend and I have just had the most fun learning to throw pots with Rowena on Saturday. Rowena got us going straight away on the wheel and before we knew it we were making bowls! Amazing. We grinned and laughed the whole day. We will definitely be back for more and it was well worth the drive down from London. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Such a wonderful feeling of achievement and to be able to learn from such a skilled teacher. Thank you so much."

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

"I was given a whole five day course. I have had one of the most brilliant times of my life, learning to make pots, - throwing and coiling. Rowena is a fabulous teacher, morphing smoothly into a coach as you get the hang of it, encouraging you to experiment and push your ideas. I had my coil pot project going on in the background which I could work on each day whilst learning a new skill. The weather was kind to us so we had a really memorable day building a kiln outside and doing a Raku firing with fire and sawdust and the excitement of revealing jewels of colour and texture as the cinders were washed off. I cannot rate this highly enough. Also, if you are interested in history Lewes is fascinating place to explore while you are there"

Careen and Graham reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My husband and I attended a 1 day pottery course. Never having done pottery before we had a low expectation of what we would be able to produce. The day was absolutely fantastic, Rowena was such a great teacher, extremely helpful and provided calm expert guidance. We had a really fun time, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were absolutely delighted with the pieces we were able to produce. We would highly recommend this course."