Latest reviews

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!"

17 Jan 17'

Joanne France reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

17 Jan 17'

Melissa Moody reviewed: Clay sculpture workshops - Monday evening

"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'

Joyce reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"This has been the best course that I have attended. It was fun, informative and a great tutor. I wish all tutors can be like her."

17 Jan 17'

Ada reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Well structured introduction to all things candle making. Thanks."

17 Jan 17'

Heather reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"The course has shown how fun it can be and a simple way of making candles. Working with children, you need to keep their focus. The simple and easy way to make candles with children is ideal."

17 Jan 17'

Tom reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very friendly, laid back - great atmosphere."

16 Jan 17'

Sheena Thomas reviewed: Glass fusing class - powders and enamels

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, Sarah kept us busy and the time flew by. I would definitely recommend it."

16 Jan 17'

Lally Quayle reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"I had such fun! Once you have done this course you can rag rug as Elspeth explains the steps so clearly. She gives you the confidence to have a go. I recommend this course whole heartedly."

16 Jan 17'

Karen Willis reviewed: Full day pottery workshop, hand building and throwing in the New Forest.

"What a wonderful day! My partner and I have just completed a one day workshop with Claire and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Claire guided us (very patiently) through several techniques including using the potters wheel. Claire very carefully managed our time with her so that neither one of us were waiting to make our next item. Refreshments when we arrived and the light lunch were very welcome and just right. We both made several items including bowls, coasters and nightlights and will be returning soon to collect them once they have been fired. Give it a try you will be surprised as we were what you are able to create."

16 Jan 17'

Martin Lane reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A most enjoyable and inspiring day. Mark is an excellent tutor; patient, clear with his instructions and imparting a wealth of knowledge and advice on equipment, technique and safety. I attended a one day course and came a way with a real sense of achievement, having a had a thoroughly good day. Pieces of spare wood have far more potential than I once thought. Now for the purchase of a lathe and tools with which to realise their potential ! Many thanks."

16 Jan 17'

John Nuttall reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Great course learnt so much from Charlie."

16 Jan 17'

Vanessa reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Really had an excellent day. Jo was lovely, her house amazing and the candle making experience has really given me the bug to carry on learning. Such good value I brought away so many lovely candles etc, which I made myself. I have been a Yankee candle addict for quite a while, but the fragrance from the ones I made with Jo are just lovely. Thank you again Jo for a truly lovely experience. Highly recommend"

16 Jan 17'

Tirion Roberts reviewed: Steam-Bending Courses in Cumbria

"Tremendous teacher, I would highly recommend this course to anyone. Very inspiring, i am still messing about with steam boxes made from kingspan in the garden bending any piece of wood in sight! Charlie is to wood bending what Jimi was to Fenders, 100% rock and roll and a really nice bloke, get on it."

16 Jan 17'

Christine Taylor reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I attended Jo's candle making course as a bit of fun with a friend. I enjoyed the whole experience, Jo's house is amazing and a very relaxing environment to learn a new skill, and her hospitality is outstanding. Jo is certainly very knowledgeable and made the process very straight forward, more so than I initially thought before attending. The course is value for money as you not only come away learning how to make candles but with a bag full of goodies which you have made yourself. I would 100% recommend Jo's workshop to anyone who is thinking of a new hobby or business."

16 Jan 17'

Claire Pearce reviewed: Holiday ceramic sculpture workshop for children 8+ (and adults)

"My two daughters, aged 8 and 12 both thoroughly enjoyed the sculpture workshop over the school holiday. They wanted to go each morning and were both very pleased and proud of what they made under Beatrice's expert guidance."