Latest reviews

Duncan Bell reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Big thanks to Sue and Geri for an excellent introduction to Raku firing. We each glazed 3 pieces of bisque pottery, experimenting with a wide range of colours and designs. Observing the glazing and reduction process was very interesting, and then we all compared our surprising and pleasing end results. I now want to learn a lot more about Raku and perhaps set up my own Raku kiln. It was a fun day of learning which I can thoroughly recommend."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Duncan, we are very pleased that you enjoyed the Raku Workshop and want to continue exploring this method of firing ceramics. We are happy to give you advice and help as an when you need."

Gary McKillion reviewed: Bees for Development Sustainable Beekeeping Weekend Courses 2024

"My family bought me a place on the Sustainable Bee-keeping Weekend course in April 2018. I found the course really inspiring, not only in Bee-keeping but in my understanding of the natural world. The course facilitators were absolutely wonderful, so passionate, knowledgeable and friendly. The presentations were excellent and gave an in-depth guide into the world of bees, from the bee's minute perspective to environmental, economic and geopolitical factors and everything in between! The practical demonstrations with bees, hives, products and hive-making were very good. The opening of hives is weather dependent due to the harm this can do to the bees, thankfully the conditions were just about ok for our group. Our course was held at Ragman's Lane farm which is a wonderful venue with many lovely B&Bs and Inns nearby. The food provided was plentiful and delicious, I've taken a couple of the recipes to enjoy at home. I would highly recommend this course if you are currently bee-keeping or have an interest in doing so. Some of the attendees had been bee-keeping for several years but still found the course to be very eye-opening. I left the course feeling confident that I could successfully keep bees. Thanks so much to Nicola, Janet, Monica, Ingo and Donna."

Niall reviewed: Timber framing courses

"A truly excellent experience. Learned so much in a week. Alan, Mary and his team made us all feel so welcome. Alan is a rare combination of expert craftsman, story-teller, musician, and a true gentleman. Mary's cooking was unsurpassable. As a person with good intolerances, Mary made sure that I never once failed to thoroughly enjoy every meal!"

Philippa Halagan reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Had a fab day and came away with a fantastic bangle! Eat your hearts out Pandora. Thank you Jonathan for providing lots of refreshments on a very hot day. It was very relaxing being on the water and the day just flew. Will be recommending the course to my friends. My bangle has been admired by many."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Well done Philippa and thank you for the kind review. I'm glad you had a good day and are enjoying your jewellery. Jonathan"

Alexandra Green reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Seldom have I seen such glowing reviews as Jo has received here and I am delighted to add one more! I spent a joyful day learning all I needed to know about candle making and came away with a gorgeous bundle of my own creations. The class was small, relaxed and fun. Jo’s knowledge is vast and so generously shared. Lunch in the tea room was beautifully presented and delicious. Thoroughly recommended!"

Alison Chilvers reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Jo knows her stuff inside out and is extremely generous with her knowledge, covering everything you could possibly want to know about candle making - and her warm and fun personality makes it all the better! The lunch was delicious and the day was excellent value considering the amount of lovely items you make and take home. I would highly recommend this course."

Sarah MacAlpine reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"What a fabulous day! I attended this workshop with my Dad to celebrate his 75th birthday. I had never turned my hand to anything like this before and it was great to learn something completely new. Chris is a fantastic teacher and is clearly passionate about what he does. Thank you Chris for a very memorable day!"

Anna Dickens reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Sarah is a very patient , kind and meticulous teacher . l really enjoyed upholstering my french bed with her and was made to feel very welcome . Lovely surroundings and lunch just added to a lovely day . Would absolutely recommend and definitely will be going back myself ."

Sally hicks reviewed: Half day leather clutch bag / ipad case

"I want to go again, that says it all!"

Pam reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Booked this course for a friend for her birthday and decided to join her. Although both of us had no experience working with copper and silver, Jolene guided us through the day, showed us how to use equipment correctly and safely and supported and encouraged us when we neeed it. We are now the proud owners of 2 copper bangles and a silver ring. Can't wait to show our friends and tell them about our fantastic day. Thanks again Jolene."

Stacey Clark reviewed: Make and decorate a ceramic bowl in one session

"My myself and partner did this course last weekend and had such a great time! Josie was a really great teacher - really knowledgeable and so friendly too (and patient!). The group was small so Josie was able to give us each enough assistance with making sure our bowls were how we wanted. The bowls we made were great and we had the freedom to make them how we wanted. Thank you!"

Josie Warshaw Ceramics responded:

"Thank you for your review Stacey ..I glazed your bowls today and their second firing will happen on Friday so they will be ready for pick up very soon . I'm excited to see how your slip and oxide decorations come out with the honey glaze . ..i'll be in touch again soon . Regards for now Josie"

Victoria Lowe reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"Such a lovely way to spend my Saturday! Alice was a great teacher and showed us some really helpful skills. Great introduction to weaving and a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended!"

Gaye Easton reviewed: Ceramic Studio Experience - Sunday Clay Day - Full Day Tutor Interactive Workshop

"Really warm and friendly welcome with an interesting peek into the history of Raku, before discussing the order of the day. Plenty of help and advice throughout the workshop, ensuring we all had a good time and got the best results possible. Came home with 3 amazing pieces to be proud of and can’t wait to go back for more."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Thank you for reviewing the course, very pleased you enjoyed the session. The next step would be to make your own pots to offer to the "kiln Gods" See you soon Best wishes Geri & Sue"

RICHARD CHUCK reviewed: 'Art of Stained Glass' - Oldbury, Birmingham

"I recently did a four day course with Jamal, what a great course , jamals fluid and sensitve way of teaching was great, when searching for a stained glass painting course I felt I needed to have a solid grounding with a true professional and was pleased to find I'd struck gold. I would not hesitate to give Jamal a five star rating ..."

Dave McLoughlin reviewed: Blacksmithing - one to one - Hammer Skills

"Booked this course with Bob and had the best time ever, the course was delivered in an informal but professional manner by Bob, my course was one on one and i had a full day of trying to copy the techniques that Bob not only demonstrated but made them look so easy, as do all master craftsmen. After a full day spent between forge, anvil and hammer i produced a take home piece that i am truly hapoy with, thanks Bob for a wonderful day."

Zoe reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Mum and I had a lovely time with Toni making our silver jewellery. Between the two of us we produced 4 necklace pendants and 2 pairs of earrings (and a Christmas present ticked off the shopping list already!). Really pleased with what we produced and have already had compliments on my two necklaces. Toni was very informative, friendly and supportive - and tolerant of my indecision. Would definitely recommend Toni to others for their first foray into silver clay jewellery making. Thank you Toni."

Wizz reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"Marianne is an excellent tutor. Knowledgeable, patient and encouraging. She taught us at exactly the pace we needed to go. She is very professional, and friendly The workshop is an excellent teaching space - well laid out and well equipt but also relaxed. I was astonished by the quality of what we achieved in one day. Its excellent value for money."

Margaret Horton reviewed: Encaustic Art Beginner with Michael Bossom

"Interested in the Newsletter"

Simon reviewed: Blacksmithing course with Longdog Smithy

"My wife and I attended the 1 day course and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Neither of us had any prior experience, but Toms expertise and patience soon gave us the confidence to use all of the equipment. We both achieved our aims of leaving with a finished piece of work, no rushing, no shortcuts and both had fun in the process. A hugely interesting day with lots learnt, excellent setting, facilities and refreshments. I can't recommend this enough and will certainly look to doing this again."

Bob reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"A thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Very satisfying learning to use new tools and techniques and being able to complete a shave horse. This will be a useful bit of kit at home to help with a number of green woodworking projects I have in mind. Andy is very patient and knowledgeable. Will consider another course in the future."

Teresa Ford reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Brilliant day - lots learnt and great tuition. And the cake wasn't bad either! We all came away with beautiful completed projects and new knowledge. Won't hesitate to book another course and try something different next time. Thanks Jonathan."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Hi Teresa! Well done with your jewellery making and thank you for the kind review. You are always welcome back - even if you don't come bringing gifts! Look forward to seeing you and Josie again. Jonathan"

Mick Guy reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - Beginners Course - 1 Day

"I spent a very interesting 2 days stripping and refurbishing a folding chair. The pace of progress was just right with plenty of opportunities to see how other learners were overcoming any challenges. The calm setting and atmosphere was doubly beneficial to me as I do suffer from PTSD."

Joanna reviewed: Half or Full Day Fused Glass Workshop, Stourbridge

"My daughter and I did the fused glass dish workshop ( half day), and absolutely loved it ! we had no previous experience but managed to produce 2 beautiful glass dishes that we're really proud of. The course is taught in a relaxed and friendly way, with lots of help and cups of tea. we are now thinking about going back to do another glass based course at the amazing Red House Glass Cone in Stourbridge"

Joanna reviewed: Mosaic workshop at Jackie Nash Art

"I did the one day course with Jackie and thoroughly enjoyed myself. In fact I am now hooked on mosaic making! I went back for the 2 day course and now I'm making my onw mosaics at home with growing confidence. The atmosphere in Jackie's workshops is relaxed and fun, she is there to help with ideas, practical tips, whatever is needed really. The refreshments are top quality too! I am so glad I did the workshops and now have a new hobby for life- THANK YOU xx"

Jackie Nash Art responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to work with you and i’m so pleased your now making mosaics at home. Jackie ?"

Caroline Pigden reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I attended with my 15 year old daughter who wished that she could spend more days there. The Phoenix Studio is a beautiful, relaxed and friendly setting for a superb course. Highly recommended for the talented and patient tutors and for escape therapy!"