Latest reviews

17 Jan 17'

Athena and Huon reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I booked this as a 21st birthday present for my son. What a brilliant day. My son was beaming non stop and had a fabulous time. He was also great at it. Myself, not so good but not awful either. I too had a great day and our bounty was shown to all at the actual birthday party the following weekend with great comments received. The magic fairies were also brilliant at giving my steel an extra hit or 2 to improve the finished article! (Thanks Colin). The experience truly lived up to all the rave reviews and we took home loads. I would recommend this day to anyone and everyone."

17 Jan 17'

Ann Wilder reviewed: Copper courses run in a Blacksmiths forge - basic sheet copper skills including foldforming

"What a fantastic experience. As a group of four family members we enjoyed a wonderful fun-filled day. We learned so much from Lucille who is brilliant at teaching and encouraged us to explore the joys of making something out of copper. She helped us all individually and nothing was too much trouble. We are all delighted with our copper pieces of work and would highly recommend this course. We would love to do this again - or even the blacksmithing course as Lucille is an expert blacksmith. Her sense of humour and easy going approach made it all the more enjoyable. Loved the forge."

17 Jan 17'

Johnny Hawkes reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"it was an amazing course, intense, imaginative and very inspirational. Steam bending is the opposite to fine dovetails. Its Art + science + bodging & Charlie makes it viceral. He is a great teacher, happy to share his knowledge and considerable skills. He also likes aiming seriously downhill on a longboard. If you Feel the need for Speed and want to bend it, Charlie is ya'man"

17 Jan 17'

Hildegard Baker reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Charlie's "Make-a-chair-in-a-day" course in June 2016 appealed to me for a number of reasons although I had some doubts whether I would actually go home with a chair which would stand up and support me. To my amazement I did! I am a practical kind of personal but without any woodworking skills so initially I felt a bit out of my depth among more experienced participants. Charlie and his assistants were always there if I needed them in order to move on to the next stage but I really appreciated the freedom to experiment and find out things for myself. There was a good, friendly atmosphere on the course which gave me the confidence to slowly but steadily complete my chair. I also really enjoyed the work environment, a massive old stone barn, overlooking the beautiful countryside of the Lake District. How better to spend a day?"

17 Jan 17'

Sandra Hopes reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"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."

17 Jan 17'

Sally Newton reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Another excellent course with Lucy. Really enjoyed learning how to decoupage and Lucy's artistic eye really helped me to produce a great tray which I'm really proud of. Her knowledge is extensive and she is always so warm and helpful. Great teaching, great environment and great food!!"

17 Jan 17'

Georgina reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"I have just completed a glass fusing day course with Sarah and thoroughly enjoyed it. The day was well structured, there was enough information to get us up and running without being overwhelming. Sarah gave clear demonstrations of techniques and was on hand to help everyone throughout the day. I am hoping to book on to another course in the future."

17 Jan 17'

Marie Gruenewald reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Thank you for your inspirational, excellent tuitition, Beatrice! My daughters (13 and 10) love your Sunday morning workshops! The created sculptures are amazing! Highly recommended! Best, Marie"

17 Jan 17'

Sue Sherrington reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I've just had a wonderful day weaving with Alice. There were 4 of us on the course and Alice was very attentive, which meant that we had individual help as soon as we needed it. Her instructions were very clear and I was really pleased to come home with my tapestry, and excited to do more and finish it. I have just booked onto the next course and am looking forward very much to another creative day."

17 Jan 17'

Jennie Hopkins reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"My son (13yrs) and I attended a couple of sculpture workshops last summer, and we both had a lovely time. Beatrice is brilliant at encouraging children of all ages, to really consider what they are doing, and getting the best out of them. I would recommend the workshops to anyone, they are such fun, and such an enjoyable experience."

17 Jan 17'

Linda Foster reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Really enjoyed this course and managed to get my project completed within the 2 days. Philip has great knowledge and is patient throughout the entire course. Great to see what other people are working on as well. Would definitely go back."

17 Jan 17'

Jan reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"We spent a super afternoon with Julie creating a machine embroidered sampler. Julie was endlessly patient and an excellent teacher. The environment is very cosy and welcoming with beautiful examples of work everywhere you look. I would recommend this to anyone."

17 Jan 17'

Veronique Olvervfolver@gmail.com reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"Went to Sarah's Saturday workshop and really enjoyed it. Sarah is a great teacher and even when talking to another student saw when we needed help and was very patience with all of us. She managed to sense how proficient we each were, the class was relaxed and we all had time to make our masterpieces. The equipment was excellent and we had an abundance of paints and colours."

17 Jan 17'

Sophie Bell reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Beatrice has taught my daughter Emily , and has also taught many of her friends. I can speak for them all in saying that they love doing sculpture with Beatrice, and are incredibly proud of what they produce.Although the sessions are 3 hours in length I am always amazed by how enrapt they are in what they are doing when I arrive to collect them, I have been very impressed by Emily’s progressing she’s started, I know from Emily that Beatrice is very good at teaching them the basic skills at the outset, and at encouraging them to develop their own ideas, and to have the confidence with their imagination and ways of expressing themselves. She is a very kind and patient teacher who is passionate about what she dosed I would not hesitate to recommend her."

17 Jan 17'

Rosemary Johson reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Olly (18) and I SO enjoyed our morning with you yesterday and wanted to thank you very much! It was a wonderfully relaxed, happy environment with just the right amount of help and supervision. Bringing your gifts and knowledge of sculpting and teaching together meant that we benefitted greatly!"

17 Jan 17'

Sarah Guthrie reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"At our Home Ed group in Suffolk we organised all sorts of workshops, one of which was sculpture.Beatrice led a relaxing and enabling workshop with a group of about 20 children which managed to span all ages and abilities. She had the knack of giving non-intrusive pointers, suggestions, advice – a little tweak here and there which made the child feel as though they had come to this by themselves, An important aspect of her workshops is that she provides inspiration, a range of sources and illustrations, and without laying down a programme leaves the child to ponder and experiment with background support. However, she is also realistic and will explain what is involved in aspiring to an ambitious idea! Not afraid to point out what is going wrong and how to correct it. We all had an inspiring time and I still have a beautiful little camel made by one of the youngsters (who has gone onto be an artist – not that it is about end goals). She’s a natural teacher, patient and with a sense of humour. And – important, such a good sculptor. I envy you! wish she was still in our area,”"

17 Jan 17'

Michelle Koster reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"Beatrice has been inspiring and teaching my son Tom for at least seven years. Free from the restrictions of the national curriculum, she has gently guided him through early steps, a very creative and abstract period, and on to some extremely accomplished pieces of sculpture. They adorn all the surfaces of my house, and are a real solid example of his developing mind and skill. He is now using what he learns with Beatrice for his GCSE work in school, and we hope that he will continue to be influenced by her as he moves on to A level. Several lucky family members and friends treasure pieces that he has made under Beatrice’s professional expertise and guidance. He has always really enjoyed his sculpture sessions, and continues to turn his vast imagination to what he will do with the next lump of clay. With her extensive knowledge, Beatrice has always managed to provide the practical information he needs to turn his ideas into art works. She is a wonderful teacher and mentor for him.”"

17 Jan 17'

Claire P reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"Our family (2 adults + children aged 9 and 11) attended 2 days of summer workshops and had the best time. Beatrice is an encouraging and patient teacher and we all learned a lot and created things we didn’t think we were capable of. And yes it was great fun for all ages! highly recommended"

17 Jan 17'

Joanne France reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"My friend and I had a really enjoyable day. The group was small, about six of us ranging in age from about 14 to seventies, making for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We were all completely absorbed in our projects, with Beatrice on hand providing support, timely insights and technical advice whenever needed, all in the beautiful environment of her sculpture-filled garden. The time flew and I came away feeling completely inspired. A truly satisfying experience, which I would highly recommend. Thank you Beatrice, it was wonderful!"

17 Jan 17'

Melissa Moody reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"These classes are brilliant , Beartrice is an excellent tutor , good fun, good learning and very good value for money ! I'm well and truly hooked , had never done sculpturing before until about 6 months ago"

17 Jan 17'

Lisa Yeung reviewed: Weekend ceramic sculpture workshop (one day)

"We enjoyed a birthday sculpture workshop with another family to celebrate my son's 10th birthday. We were a cosy group of five people -2 adults and 3 kids - and it was the perfect size. A fantastic way to engage kids in purposeful activity under the encouragement and tuition of a skilled sculptor that is Beatrice Hoffman. Highly recommended to kids and adults who are interested in experiencing the joy of creating clay objects with their hands."

17 Jan 17'

Ruth Marciniak reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"My 11 year old son and I did a two day workshop with Beatrice. She is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable, inspiring, encouraging and patient. She is also very intuitive in knowing how to provide the right support to get the best from an individual. The workshop is a lovely space to work in."

17 Jan 17'

Lisa Young reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"We enjoyed a birthday sculpture workshop with another family to celebrate my son’s 10th birthday. We were a cosy group of five people -2 adults and 3 kids – and it was the perfect size. A fantastic way to engage kids in purposeful activity under the encouragement and tuition of a skilled sculptor that is Beatrice Hoffman. Highly recommended to kids and adults who are interested in experiencing the joy of creating clay objects with their hands."

17 Jan 17'

Caroline Richens reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"What a fantastic activity for children and adults alike. My daughter has loved the pottery mornings and wants to do more. Beatrice is always encouraging to pupils in their ideas while offering excellent advice on how to achieve success in sculpting."

17 Jan 17'

Rosmary Johnson reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"Olly (18) and I SO enjoyed our morning with you yesterday and wanted to thank you very much! It was a wonderfully relaxed, happy environment with just the right amount of help and supervision. Bringing your gifts and knowledge of sculpting and teaching together meant that we benefitted greatly!"

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