Latest reviews

20 Mar 17'

Bill Kelly reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I work at Blackburn College Lancashire as 3D/Fine Art Technician. I came to Ed's to rekindle my mould making skills supported by the staff development department. I cant recommend Ed enough. Having been connected to the ceramics industry in Stoke for 30 years Ed knows numerous tricks of the trade which he's only too willing to pass on. I took along two models I'd been working on. A sculptural piece in the form of a cat's head and a more functional piece in the form of a lidded box. Ed, masterfully, used these to produce two perfect moulds. I documented each step with my smartphone which will be really useful for college. Ed's a great teacher and easy going company to boot."

20 Mar 17'

Ann wilson reviewed: Annie Sloan Techniques for Colour & Style in Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - Advanced

"Very interesting and informative. I came home with more work planned than originally intended. All was clearly explained. I did consider staying on for the afternoon session but felt it would be better to make use of the detail gained in the morning and will look forward to attending that course at a later date. Thank you very much."

20 Mar 17'

Gail Scott reviewed: One Day Leather Bag Making Workshop

"This is an excellent workshop - both fun and informative. Sarah is encouraging and nothing is too much trouble. She guides you through the process every step of the way in her beautiful studio and just seeing the work she produces and the wonderful coloured leather is inspiring. I came away with a fantastic two coloured business card case which has been well used and gathered many compliments. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone whatever your ability - you will have fun in beautiful surroundings whilst gaining a new skill from an amazing practitioner"

20 Mar 17'

Caroline Drummond reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Sarah really is an inspirational person. Her courses are great value for money and I recommend them 100%. I've got 2 of her books about candle making. The candles you learn to make are fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate to book. Caroline."

20 Mar 17'

Peter Fairman reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Just wanted to write to say a huge thanks to you and Alison for a great weekend course in your Phoenix Studio, such a pleasant venue. You and Alison are such patient teachers and were never too tired to answer any questions the group had. I can’t believe what I achieved with your demonstrations and the really helpful advice and tips given by you both throughout the course. Excellent stress buster too with the best nights sleep I have had for some time ! Thank you both so much and looking to another course soon."

20 Mar 17'

Elaine Green reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Just as previous reviewers have said - this is an excellent day course. Two teen boys dreams come true - bashing metal all day! My sons had a great day and made daggers, hooks and toasting forks. They thought Colin was a great teacher - relaxed and friendly. They were able to get on with the blacksmithing very quickly without too much preamble so it was good value for money. Excellent communication via email with the owners too. Thoroughly recommended."

20 Mar 17'

Charles Brown reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"Extremely well run and thought out course. David Frith is an inspiring presence . I have been throwing off and on for thirty years and was still able to learn new techniques and improve my throwing. A generous mountain of clay to get through and good arrangements for completed work. Fascinating tour of the site; Potclays staff extremely helpful at all times. A great course."

20 Mar 17'

Mary Sotheran reviewed: Felt Techniques: Sampling Day

"What an excellent day.Information provided was very good and clear. Buying your materials pack made it possible to keep the momentum up not needing to stop to find ingredients from what I had brought with me. The four samples I have made all worked well and I am particularly pleased with the 'Cracked Mud samples that I have made which was of leaves. The least successful sample was the 'Nuno Shibiri which has only partially worked -I suspect I was a bit heavy handed initially!!!! I am sending photographs of the finished samples to your email address for your information. Thank you5"

20 Mar 17'

Lesley Browne reviewed: Woodcarving for Beginners and Experienced Carvers

"I joined Ernest's course at the Wooburn Craft School last year, with no previous experience of wood carving. It was wonderful. Ernest is a great teacher and the class was small and friendly so he was there at hand whenever advice was needed. The class was mixed ability: some beginners like me, and others more experienced, so there were also fellow students around to give advice and demonstrate what they were doing - many were producing quite intricate and detailed pieces after attending for only a relatively short time. I would highly recommend this class to beginners as well as those with more experience. I attended the 10 week course evening class, and Ernest was able to be flexible about dates and worked around my planned holiday, so that was very helpful. I liked it so much I signed up for ongoing classes. There are also several other types of craft lessons being offered at the Wooburn Craft School (I've just completed a stained glass course which was running there at weekends) so it's a good idea to check out their website and see what's planned. It's a very welcoming and friendly place to learn new skills."

20 Mar 17'

Wendy Bird reviewed: Making a stained glass leaded panel

"Had a fantastic day on this course. Caryl is a very good patient teacher. We came away with a fantastic stained glass piece. Her studios are amazing, will go back again. It was well worth the travel from Oldham to attend. Would recommend Caryl to anyone looking to try their hand, at stained glass."

20 Mar 17'

Lyndsey reviewed: Snail painting workshop

"Such an excellent and fun course to attend! Using specialist glazes to create fantastic effects enabling to make your style as simple or creative as you like. Definitely recommended!"

20 Mar 17'

Laura Bond reviewed: Annie Sloan Techniques for Colour & Style in Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - Advanced

"I really enjoyed the course, it was great to meet like minded creative people. Due to the versatility of the paint attending the workshop is quite inspirational and you come away with so many ideas for what can be done. I can't wait to attend the second workshop and expand on what Steph has shown me so far."

20 Mar 17'

Keira & Barbara reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I bought this as a christmas present for my mum as she had always wanted to try stone sculpting. Sebastian was a great tutor, he was extremely knowledgeable and is a very gifted artist. We were given a thorough introduction on the different tools and then allowed to practice before starting our own project. Sebastian was very patient and provided help/feedback where needed yet still allowed you to be in control of your creation. A friendly and relaxed work environment"

20 Mar 17'

Beryl Trimby reviewed: Felt Techniques: Sampling Day

"The teaching was clear and concise. Samples beautifully labelled and easy to understand. Tutor friendly and approachable. All in all, an excellent day and I learned tips as to where I was going wrong! Look forward to using the techniques in future."

20 Mar 17'

Carol Clark reviewed: Felt Techniques: Sampling Day

"The first time I had done a bit of Felting was back in the Summer and I must admit I loved doing it. It was only the straight forward kind. It was great to have other ideas and end up with samples of what is possible with the different procedures that we did . I thoroughly enjoyed myself and with Emma's help made it very rewarding, and at the end of the workshop came away very pleased with myself. Thank you."

20 Mar 17'

Judy reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"This course was even better than I expected. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The size of the class was just right. Thank you."

20 Mar 17'

Nikki reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"I loved this course. Not only is it a wonderful feeling to create something , it is also an opportunity to totally switch off . Will definitely be coming back for more. Thank you."

20 Mar 17'

Marta reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"What a wonderful and life changing experience! Sakeena - watch this space - you have changed our lives! We will give Jo Malone a run for her money!"

20 Mar 17'

Victoria reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Extremely pleased with step by step on how todays candles were made."

20 Mar 17'

Sarah reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Simply presented, amiable presenter and very knowledgable. Enjoyed every aspect of the session."

20 Mar 17'

Buky reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"It provided answers to questions that had been bugging me about my candle making experience. It was nice and fun."

20 Mar 17'

Emma Kilvert reviewed: Ceramic family handprint bowl heirloom

"We had a wonderful time creating out family hand bowl. Sarah explained clearly and took us through all the steps. Everything was ready for us and Sarah made it fun as well as easy to do. She was wonderful with our 2 year old, who really enjoyed joining in. Sarah is a great teacher and makes you feel a great sense of achievement. The bowl is beautiful and has pride of place in our home. We have also painted in her studio too, which is always brilliant fun for all of us. Thank you Sarah. We are looking forward to our next creation."

19 Mar 17'

Margaret Anderson reviewed: Hand Bound Leather Journal Workshop

"Thought the day was really organised, very interesting and I enjoyed it very much."

19 Mar 17'

Lou reviewed: Snail painting workshop

"Saz is an amazing tutor she lets you explore your own abilities and your own ideas with expert guidance. The atmosphere is always amazing and the studio has a warm and welcoming friendly feel and the cup of tea ain't to bad either xxx"

19 Mar 17'

Hanna reviewed: Dry stone walling course Lancashire/Yorkshire/Manchester/Leeds/Sheffield/North West

"This is a wonderful experience. Go into dry stone walling and embrace every aspect including whatever the weather can throw at you in rainy saddleworth. I fully intend on using what I have learnt and enjoying the peace and tranquility it brings."