Latest reviews

Ben Jones reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended a 1 to 1 day course with Mark, and very full day to say the least, Mark didn't finish until we had covered everything (even if i did keep asking questions and going off on tangents). A huge amount of information was passed over to me, accompanied by a wealth of informative notes for reference. Mark taught in a extremely clear and to the point manner which I gelled with. Hes a great chap with a lot to say both wood turning and otherwise. I would highly recommend this course to any wood turner both novice and practised. I did leave by the end with some major lathe envy though haha. Thanks again Mark you're a top bloke!!"

Preeti Dahiya reviewed: Intermediate throwing with Richard Heeley

"This course exceeded my expectations. Friendly staff, stimulating shop and good lunch. Course kit was very well thought out. Most of all Richard is a marvellous teacher, very patient, hands on, very skilled. As an experienced potter he knows exactly how to help improve individual potter. My skills have advanced more in two days with Richard than in the last 2 yrs. Couldn't have asked for more. Excellent ??"

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thanks for your review, Preeti! Very glad to hear you enjoyed the course. Hope to see you again soon."

Nicky reviewed: Jewellery workshop for beginners (ring, earrings, pendant or bangle)

"Attending the course was a birthday present and it was really wonderful. Marion was very friendly, patient and encouraging. She explained each part of the process clearly, then allowed us to have hands-on experience of each step under her careful supervision. Her expertise and attention to detail meant I was able to create something I'm really pleased with and proud of having made. Definitely recommended :)."

Karen Brember reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"'An excellent morning in Rebecca's weaving workshop, where I was introduced to the practicalities of weaving, and the pleasures of working with colour and design. Altogether an inspiring morning and I left with my sample of work, greatly admired by friends, and an enthusiasm to learn more. Rebecca is hugely informative and patient in my own learning process'"

Julie reviewed: Pottery Throwing (Group Discounts Available) Lessons in Worcester

"Chris is very patient and a good teacher. He makes sure you leave with a sense of achievement and a couple or more pots, ready for firing. It was good fun and great to have one teacher to just two of us, so we both really learned something and improved, even in our one and a half hour slot. I'll definitely be booking more sessions."

Chris Greening Pottery responded:

"Many thanks Julie. I'm pleased to read you both enjoyed the lesson and are considering developing the skills you gained in the 1.5 hour slot."

Hilary Britton reviewed: Autumn eco printing (on paper) - abitmoreink workshop, Saltaire

"Great day. Sue and Isobel had prepared really well - everything we needed (including plenty of plant material) was available, they had lots of examples to inspire us and the pre-joining information was helpful. Their teaching style is relaxed and friendly, there's a good balance between instruction and encouragement to try different things and they keep to time well. We produced some very pleasing results. The only thing extra I would have liked was a "reminder" sheet of the processes and materials to take away and use in addition to my own notes and photos."

Oonagh reviewed: Intermediate throwing with Richard Heeley

"Wow. What a brilliant way to spend two days. Richard covered so much ground, was clear and articulate in his teaching, and generous and supportive with his feedback. I have come away with more confidence, enthusiasm and clarity about how to improve my practice. Thank you to: Potclays for making this happen; Richard for his commitment, support, talent and expert teaching; and fellow participants for great company and clay chat. ???"

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thanks so much for your comments, Oonagh! I'll pass them on to everyone. Very glad you enjoyed and gained so much from the course, and hope to welcome you back soon. All the best, Becky (Director)"

Sue reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What a great day ! I have wanted to learn to spin for many years & decided that I needed to do something about it, I found Theresa’s work shops which was close to where I lived so booked up. All the way through Theresa was so helpful she has so much knowledge about spinning, wool different sheep breeds etc & a great way of teaching making it easy to understand. I would recommend Theresa’s workshops to anyone who wants to learn to spin it’s a great way to spend a day & learn a new skill."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Sue for your review. It was the first email I opened today so has started my day off beautifully. I was so impressed by your natural spinning abilities and I know that you are going to continue as you are clearly meant to do. As always I am here for advice if ever you need it. Theresa x"

Nicky Brodie reviewed: Beautiful Batik

"I booked "Beautiful Batik" with my partner as a birthday present for him, and a date for us. We had no prior experience of this type of art. It was an amazing treat. Alison's studio is on a beautiful family farm. We got a very warm welcome and were made to feel really comfortable and welcome for the day. We were surrounded by inspiring examples of Batik that Alison had made over the course of her design career. The colour and variety was amazing. We spent the day learning techniques at our own pace and being encouraged to try new ideas and ways of working with the colours to gain different effects. We left with some beautiful, colourful and fun samples of our own. This was a bespoke and wonderful experience. Thank you Alison."

Blooming Designs - Art in the Barn responded:

"Dear Nicky, Thank you so much for your feedback, it was really lovely to meet you both and spend the day teaching you. You both produced some amazing work ! Best wishes Alison"

Dez reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"This was my second course with Denise and I thoroughly enjoyed it. She is an excellent teacher with plenty of patience and a good sense of humour. I'm amazed, even though I have little experience, how great my Hare looks. It's so good to go home with a completed project at the end of the day, and he's such a handsome fella too. It was an enjoyable day from start to finish. Great company and lovely refreshments too. I think I'm hooked, I'm already looking at another course to attend. Thanks Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thanks for the review Dez, very much appreciated. I'm so pleased you're carrying on with the needle felting, and can't wait to see what you do next! Have fun, Dx"

Jill Oxford reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"FANTASTIC I received a craft courses voucher for my birthday and found Caron's one day mosaic workshop course in Mamby. Wasn't't sure what to expect as I haven't done anything like this before but her and her partner were very welcoming and even her mum turned up with some lovely home baking. The day itself was amazing I made a lovely mirror using materials supplied by Caron and she guided me through the full process. I have never tried mosaic before and my husband didnt believe I had made my mirror when I got it home so i was really impressed. Would highly recommend it and i may try one of their other workshops I'm already looking at a glass one with them."

Mayfly Mosaics responded:

"Thank you Jill, It was lovely to meet you and I’m glad your husband liked the mirror you did a great job there, bet it will look great in your new kitchen ?. Look forward to seeing you again ?"

Carn wheatcroft reviewed: Pottery classes in Teesside

"Had a taster session and really enjoyed it, very relaxing I have now signed myself up for the pottery course. Would definitely recommend the taster sessions. Carn"

PoppyRose responded:

"Thank you Carn, so pleased you enjoyed your session. your mug and coaster set are fabulous! Well done. Best Wishes, Louise"

Katie Denyer reviewed: Weekend Traditional Lampshade Making Workshop

"I recently completed the two day lampshade course and absolutely loved it. Sarah is a superb teacher who goes through the lampshade making process in great detail leaving you feeling equipped to have a go. I was very grateful for Sarah’s patience with supporting through the whole process. Th refreshments over the two days are delicious! I highly recommend this course ."

Penny reviewed: Pottery throwing taster on The Potters Wheel (temporarily suspended due to social distancing restrictions)

"Thank you Sharon for the taster session today in throwing a pot, you were generous with your time and knowledge, we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and surprised, with your expertise, to be able to make a decent Pot! Thanks again, will definitely have a go at weaving wicker next time."

Sharon Pottery Classes responded:

"No surprise once we registered your skills in other mediums! I am glad you both enjoyed the experience and it contributed to the ongoing birthday celebrations! Please do look at the willow courses I run here on craft courses or follow the links for my page and further information, it will be great to have you join in the weaving,.. thanks again for the kind review."

Hannah reviewed: Needle felting - woodland creature or bird, or other small animal: (beginners+)

"I attended the introduction to needle felting and had a great day. Salt was a fantastic teacher. She was really encouraging, friendly and made you at ease straight away. The workshop was really good value for money and I will definitely be looking at doing another workshop on the future. Thank you Sally"

Fiona Beveridge reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"We had a fantastic day learning how to throw and hand build pottery. Richard is a great teacher who was very welcoming, patient and explained everything clearly. We came away having made a number of items which we will be returning to glaze in a few weeks. We would highly recommend this as a great day's activity!"

Teresa Longlands reviewed: Lampworking Workshop: Half Day Beginners Workshop

"The course was challenging and fun. Suzanne was an excellent teacher; calm, patient and encouraging. The beads arrived very quickly, as promised. I would definitely recommend this course with Suzanne to anyone who wants to do something a bit different."

Suzanne Jewellery responded:

"Glad you had fun Teresa, thank you for taking the time to write a review."

Alex Dagger reviewed: Learn to carve wooden spoons, beginners and improvers

"Fantastic day spent carving with Dave at the Wood Yard near Tetbury. This was my second beginners spoon carving course, so I came with a bit of knowledge and hopes of improving what I knew. Dave instantly likeable and very relaxed and good fun to be around. He was also really knowledgeable about woodcraft and spoon carving and made time to regularly guide each individual on the course at their own pace offering advice and corrections to our techniques as we went along. He welcomed all questions as we whittled away the hours and gave us regular tea & coffee breaks to stretch our legs and chat amongst ourselves. On request Dave also gave us a really useful introduction on stropping & sharpening your tools which can be a bit daunting for a beginner, until you know how! Hoping to join one of his next monthly spoon club meetups too. Highly recommended for anyone looking to get into spoon carving or any spoon carving improvers too."

Julie reviewed: Beginners Candle Making Course with Afternoon Tea

"This is the second of Paula's courses I have attended (the first was the soap making which I really enjoyed). Paula is an excellent host and teacher. The candle making process was explained really well with lots of information re safety, regulations, suppliers etc given. I really enjoyed making the candles to take home, they look and smell beautiful. Am now looking forward to making my own soy candles. I totally recommend Paula's courses 100%."

Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. responded:

"Thank you Julie! Such a pleasure to see you both here again."

Charlotte reviewed: Modern calligraphy (full day workshop) - Hampshire

"We had a fantastic day learning the art of modern calligraphy with Sunita! Everything was excellent - the tuition, the resources, the venue, the refreshments, the lunch and the lovely, relaxed, friendly atmosphere. I got thoroughly absorbed in the workshop that the time passed so quickly. Calligraphy is a very mindful activity and I will definitely use this new skill in the future. It was the best birthday present!"

Darren Palmer reviewed: Kookie Cats Needle Felting workshop

"My wife and I attended a felting course in September to make foxes as part of our wool anniversary celebrations. From the moment we arrived at the venue which was located in a beautiful rural location we immediately felt relaxed in the quiet, calming surroundings. We were met by Heidi who made us feel most welcome and introduced us to a few regular course attenders as well as total beginners like ourselves. Everybody was so friendly and helpful throughout the whole day and Heidi was especially sympathetic towards extra support I needed from being registered blind. The whole experience was something I never thought I would try but having encountered various physical conditions over the last few years forcing me to realise life’s far too precious and short helping me to appreciate everyday as a bonus and to try more things with an open mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the course as did my wife. I can’t say the foxes we made were the most attractive lol, but it was our first time and attempt which I am sure will improve with practice, but the pleasure gained definitely outweighed our lack of skills. A lovely touch was after the course we had a group photo of everyone holding their finished felted foxes which has since been emailed to us as a keepsake memory. Shortly after this review I will be booking another course and possibly many more after. I would definitely recommend the course. P.s. no shortage of refreshments and cake for cake lovers."

Heartfelt by Heidi responded:

"Darren, I am so glad you and Mandy enjoyed the Workshop and felt welcomed, relaxed and comfortable. It is a beautiful venue, which I am pleased to have the use of. As you probably gathered I have a regular little following of course goers, who have a passion for felting.....and cake ;-) I always try to make my workshops accessible, relaxed and fun and suitable for all, so I am thrilled that you would both like to join me on another workshop, I would love to have you both back. As I mentioned on my Facebook page, I was hugely inspired that although registered blind, you choose a Needle Felting workshop, kept up and made a fox that any newcomer would have been proud of! Heartfelt thanks for taking the time to write a review. I hope you both enjoyed the rest of your anniversary celebrations x"

Robert Young reviewed: Green wood chair making in Suffolk

"The course was a wonderful experience that exceeded my expectations. Over the week my fellow woodworkers and I transformed a number of ash logs into beautifully crafted chairs in convivial surroundings. I had no prior woodworking skills, save some school woodwork from 50 years previously, and was able to manipulate the tools successfully. My sense of achievement was immense and I now have a lovely chair to admire and sit on. A great way to escape life’s stresses. Thanks Stewart."

Mike reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"For once the reviews are true! This course is a great introduction to stone carving and Sebastian is an excellent tutor, providing guidance when needed but otherwise stepping back to allow you to discover your creative side. Despite not having an artistic bone in my body I managed to create an animal sculpture with real personality, thanks in no small part to Sebastian's gentle but enthusiastic encouragement. I'm really pleased with the result and would happily recommend the course to anyone and everyone."

Diana reviewed: Lino Printing on Fabric Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops - Fabric Printing

"A really well planned workshop on fabric printing. All tools and fabric was provided, along with a leaflet to take home as a reminder. I learned a lot and feel ready to try the techniques at home to create my own fabric for soft furnishing in future. Claire was calm and reassuring and created a relaxed creative space. Such an enjoyable day."

Josephine Butler reviewed: Beginners paper cutting session at MAKE, Portsmouth in Hampshire

"I really enjoyed the paper cutting workshop with Aimee last weekend. Fantastic venue and very sociable atmosphere. The giant scones went down pretty well too! So pleased I opted for the cutting pack as well, as I went away inspired, ready to do some more!"