Latest reviews

19 Jan 17'

Sandra Hopes reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have really enjoyed your Sculpture Workshops, I have learnt such a lot. I know I have mainly made heads, but the wealth of knowledge you have is tremendous. You have put me right many times. It all goes in though and I remember it all. The time goes really fast when we are in sessions. I look forward to making many more heads all a bit better than the last one, I look forward to the next term."

19 Jan 17'

Sue Blenkinsop reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have been a student under the tutelage of Beatrice Hoffman for some years. She is a rigorous and empathetic teacher, bringing out the best in students with encouragement and vision. I have learnt so much and value her criticism and wide knowledge of her subject and art history."

19 Jan 17'

Sarah Ingham-Clark reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"I have been attending Beatrice's workshops for a number of years and never fail to gain something from them each time. She has an unfailing eye for what works in a sculpture - her criticism and instruction allow you to make the most out of your ideas. If I worked in isolation at home I would not be pushing myself to the same extent nor be so happy that I was progressing."

19 Jan 17'

Chris Cross reviewed: Daventry sculpture classes for adults at the Parker E-ACT Academy

"Beatrice manages to further her students’ skill sets while at the same time encouraging original work and growth of the individual’s imagination. This results in an enjoyable and fulfilling experience and there is even something to show for it when a project is finished!"

19 Jan 17'

Melanie Butcher reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Myself, sisters and mother attended the bangle workshop in January as part of my mums birthday celebrations. We loved it from the snug cosy workshop with so much to look at, to the delicious home made brownies, copious cups of tea and Jolene's welcome guidance and encouragement. We all created 2 or 3 bangles that we were more than proud of and are a great keepsack of mum's birthday. This is a great workshop to do and we will certainly be returning!"

19 Jan 17'

M.Utting reviewed: Calligraphy: four-lesson correspondence and/or zoom courses with Gaynor Goffe

"A very reasonably priced day with an excellent calligrapher and tutor. Gaynor has a talent for moving you along at your own individual pace and most pupils achieve a piece of writing by the end of the day."

19 Jan 17'

Jane hanks reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"Another brilliant craft day, such a lovely setting at Lapstones to spend a day, with a scrummy lunch to break the concentration. Michelle is a super tutor, so relaxed, letting us enjoy ourselves while giving us tips along the way and just when we feel we have made our pieces Michelle gives them that little twist which makes them come alive giving them a character. Can't wait for another opportunity to meet up with like minded people another day."

18 Jan 17'

Terry Wickenden reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"I had a really enjoyable day today with Rosanna and I was very pleased with the range of items I made . She is a great teacher and with her help and guidance I was able to achieve a very satisfactory finish and to make more than I expected. A fun day in a beautiful rural setting with a great lunch - this course was a present I will remember!"

18 Jan 17'

Pip Russell reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Absolutely brilliant. I am the least artistic person and I love these courses and the fact that I come away with something that looks wonderful. Such good evenings and as one finishes I am booking the next!! Ali also came and worked with our Cubs making Christmas trees and they were all so proud of what they had achieved. She was so patient with them all and kept them interested and enjoying the session. Cannot recommend Ali highly enough."

18 Jan 17'

Jennifer Burton reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"I really enjoyed the course in Ledbury with Michelle. It was definitely worth the 2 hours drive I had to get there. As I was totally new to needle felting I felt quite nervous but that soon changed. We had a lovely group on the day and Michelle was and is a great teacher. To start of with I felt a bit unsure but bit by bit I grew in confidence and I am happy to say that I love the squirrel that I made. As soon as I got home I got onto the computer to order lots of needle felting stuff because I'm definitely not stopping now. Got so many ideas, so this was only the start of my felting journey. Thank you Michelle for a lovely and inspiring day. It's one of the best things I have done in a long time."

18 Jan 17'

iain thomson reviewed: Woodturning Course in North Yorkshire with Philip Greenwood RPT

"I contacted Phil with a specific interest in turning my own fishing floats. From my first enquiry to the day I arrived Phil was very helpful. A great warm greeting on the day I arrived. Nice grub at lunchtime and great support from his wife. The day was fantastic and exceeded my expectations. Lots of advice and support throughout the day. Nothing is rushed and he is so easy to get on with. my advice don't think about it just book it!! And on my first day out using a float he helped me with 19 trout, 15 Grayling and a chub! Hows that for a positive review Phil cheers Mate!!!!!!!"

18 Jan 17'

Robert Finch reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Having passed Charlie's workshop while on a walk and poking my nose into see what it was all about I decided to sign up for a course (in 2016) It was all I expected and more. Very 'hands on', selecting and chopping the trees, trimming the wood in preparation for steaming, bending small and large pieces - team effort; with some theory thrown in and an opportunity to make something to take away. A very full day, came away done in but very satisfied with the whole day."

18 Jan 17'

Linda Cash reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"This life sculpture course was the second weekend course my partner and I have one at Phoenix Studio - the first being a clay animal sculpture course with James Ort. Both this course, with Karin, and the one with James have been great fun, with very good tuition. The studio itself is lovely too, very light and airy, and the atmosphere very relaxed, although everyone is concentrating hard. We had an excellent life model, and Karin was able to help everyone individually as well as as a group. Although I had worked wth clay years ago as an art student, my partner is a complete beginner, and produced a good piece of work on on both weekends. Highly recommended."

18 Jan 17'

Rick Wheaton reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"This was my first steaming course with Charlie, and I'm already looking forward to the next one. His enthusiasm and expertise swept everyone along, and Charlie made sure we all played a part. I learned an enormous amount in the day, and had a lot of fun doing it. Most importantly, steaming has now become a "tool" I can confidently use in my own workshop."

18 Jan 17'

sarah ingham clark reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

18 Jan 17'

Kath Lowrie reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"Thanks Sarah. I enjoyed my day & enjoyed working with a friendly bunch of people. Nice that it was a small group. Lovely to have plenty of equipment & choices of what to use. Thanks for clear explanations of the basics & your friendly encouragement. I have some hearing loss so missed some things you said but that is my fault as I have to get used to being clearer & explaining that I need to see you face to hear properly for lip-reading. I would be interested in possibly doing another day but I would like to be a bit more prepared for what I wanted to do. I would like to have seen some samples of your own work to understand your style."

18 Jan 17'

Paul Ellis reviewed: Platinum Palladium Print Making workshop

"I did a one day workshop with Richard a year or so ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had previous experience and Richard was a knowledgeable instructor taking care to go into details. I would have preferred longer on making digital negatives but as it was only one day we concentrated on the actual print making. A very enjoyable and worthwhile day."

18 Jan 17'

Stefan Trenkwalder reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"I highly recommend this course. It was a great day and I learned a lot. First, when I contacted them, they were very flexible as to time. I was their only student on a Monday, which created a great learning experience (2 teachers & 1 student). After arrival, they asked me what I would like to do, which is great because you can make something that you can actually use and like (of course, it should be feasible). [So I recommend, look online for something "small" and "simple"] Robin and Daren are skilled, knowledgeable, friendly, and great tutors. I've never done blacksmithing before, so we started with a simple object to learn basic procedures. Soon after, we started my project (in my case a herb cutter/Mezzaluna). Robin and Daren also looked for good materials that make the item long lasting. So, that you get the best possible :). In the evening, we finished (sharpened, coated) it and then took it home with me. It is also nice that lunch and a snack are provided. The food (vegetarian) was delicious and it was a very nice and welcoming environment. Robin gave me also a small tour around his anvil collection, which was quite impressive. One last remark: It is quite remote. If you have a car, that is a bonus. But, I'm sure that you could reach it without one."

18 Jan 17'

Nicky Harris reviewed: Needle felting course with FURZIE at Trumpet Corner Tea Rooms, Ledbury, Herefordshire

"What a fabulous day. I enjoyed the whole experience and thought that Michelle was a great teacher giving us all individual attention, when needed. The location at Trumpet Corner was super and Jo and her staff looked after us all admirably. Very good value for money and I'm now addicted to Needle Felting! Thank you Michelle."

18 Jan 17'

Antonia Jenkionson reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"My child enjoyed the sculpture workshop immediately - it was a sociable and informal atmosphere and he achieved real success in a very short time. I would strongly recommend this course"

18 Jan 17'

Ros Caffyn reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Izzy really enjoyed your sculpture workshop. She really liked the fact that she could be freely expressive but with lots of technical and moral support from you. She found you to be friendly and approachable and the class atmosphere both relaxed and fun. She also liked the fact that you had so many resources in the room that she could call on for inspiration."

18 Jan 17'

Sue Blenkinsop reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

18 Jan 17'

Claire Havey reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Beatrice is an excellent teacher, incredibly patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I came to her class as a complete beginner after visiting her studio during Art Weeks. Beatrice was so friendly and welcoming I just wanted to give sculpture and clay modelling a go. As a complete beginner I’ve found the classes to be really friendly and supportive. Beatrice is an excellent teacher: she sees things in your work which you weren’t aware of, and she helps you develop your skills so you end up with a really nice piece of work - something which you can be proud of. Doing the actual sculpture / clay modelling is very therapeutic and relaxing - I would recommend it to everyone as a great way to alleviate stress."

17 Jan 17'

Clare Billany reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"A fantastic flexible and friendly course which I can not recommend enough. I called Karen out of the blue for a chat about my project and the type of fabric I should buy, she was so friendly and helpful I enrolled straight onto the course. It's been fantastic to take along my own project, karen's very knowledgeable and tailored the sessions to what I wanted to achieve, even gave me little tasks to do before the next session, which was just what I wanted. 4/5 sessions down and I'm coming to the end of my project, I'm really going to miss it and can't wait to find the next project to move onto."

17 Jan 17'

Richard Morgan reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I really enjoyed the two day course with Philip. He is knowledgeable, informative and very patient. He really encourages you to ask questions and explains things to ensure you get the most of your time. I will definitely be hoping to move onto a bigger project and maybe attend a couple of weekends."