Latest reviews

12 Jun 13'

Rebecca reviewed: Beginners' Metal Jewellery Design

"I've been wanting to do a jewellery course for years now and I'm so glad I've eventually got round to it!! Lisa is a pro - not only is she a super talented jeweller, she is patient, very clear with her explanations and has created a fun and friendly workshop. I've learnt so much already and am now hooked! I'm definitely booking a second course and then another one after that! It's great value for money and I can't recommend it highly enough!"

9 Jun 13'

Ian Sinclair reviewed: A stool making day

"I spent a great day learning how to make a stool, using only hand tools. A canny instructor, great craic, and like minded folk made learning new skills a real pleasure. I have not stopped talking about the course since I got home."

7 Jun 13'

Paul Lattimore reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"What a great way to spend 3 days! It was with some trepidation that I arrived at The Rocking Horse Shop to become a student at the 'Carve a Head' course. I had minimal experience with woodwork having made some small wooden toys, but had never tried my hand at carving. The first thing to be said is how friendly everyone was, only 2 mins after entering the premises I had a cup of coffee in my hand. The teaching technique of Anthony Dew was second to none. You were never rushed, everything from carving techniques to use of special power tools was very well explained. All 5 students ended up with rocking horse heads that we could be proud of. We had learned the basics of a great craft and had some fun along the way. I have the rest of the timber pack and am now looking forward to completing the whole rocking horse. If you have ever considered trying your hand at carving or making a complete rocking horse, then put it off no longer, this is the course for you. I can't recommend it highly enough."

5 Jun 13'

sarah bradley reviewed: Fabulous Felt

"The course was first class. A wonderful teacher full of knowledge but totally approachable, patient and kind. Fantastic materials supplied, a wonderful lunch laid out, fabulous company and best of all, lots of felt making which was decent enough to be framed for my lounge despite never doing it before."

4 Jun 13'

Denise upton reviewed: Fascinators workshop

"I thought I must just write to you to say what a wonderful experience your Fascinator Workshop was for me. I should explain that I am the most unlikely of candidates to make anything - I am not what you would describe as a "craft person" but I so enjoyed your workshop and at the end of it I had successfully made a professional, beautifully made Fascinator, a work of art that I am indescribably proud of and all thanks to your superb tuition. My friends have been truly amazed when I have shown it to them and I just cannot believe that I was able to do such a beautiful thing. I cannot thank you enough for a very entertaining and informative morning, the three hours just flew by and the delicious cakes, biscuits and coffee that you provided were very much appreciated. You are a natural teacher Amanda and I felt that I learnt so much in that three hours. I cannot wait to try another one for your workshops."

4 Jun 13'

Matt Estlea reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Highly recommend this course to anyone no matter what their previous experiences are. Brilliant teacher, interesting to talk to, welcoming, and skilled at what he does. After spending two days with Simon, Ive started looking up plans to make my own pole lathe for the back garden, despite what my parents say, so that I can start some of my own projects in my free time. Cheers Simon!"

2 Jun 13'

Mary Crease reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"What a great day. Christian is a brilliant teacher. We all made a panel to take home. I'm looking forward to the Christmas decoration class."

2 Jun 13'

Jon Crease reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"Brilliant."

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 day course in the South Downs

"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."