Latest reviews

17 Sep 16'

Nicola Morse reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I found this course very informative and really enjoyed it. I learned several different enamelling techniques and managed to make three items in the time. Toni was very friendly and helpful and was there all of the time to guide us through what we wanted to achieve. I would thoroughly recommend this day course."

17 Sep 16'

Jo Strong reviewed: Lampwork Bead Making in the flame. VERY VERY Special Offer for 2 people

"My Daughter and I decided to try this craft. From the initial contact with Kim we found her to be very helpful and she explained the course expectations in detail. When we arrived we were greeted by Kim who was very welcoming. All safety measures were explained and a quick demo by Kim and we were off. So much fun and we were very pleased with our beads. The only downside.....very very addictive and I imagine I'm going to spend a load of money on this now!!!!!"

16 Sep 16'

Helen Hall reviewed: Traditional Welsh Quilting with Lesley Jenkins in West Wales

"Really enjoyed my day Friendly helpful Most of all I learnt to do what I have wanted to do for years Looking forward to 2017"

16 Sep 16'

vicki noble reviewed: Glass fusing and slumping (warm glass) in the beautiful Kent Downs near Canterbury

"Absolutely loved it! I went with my sister to do a glass fusing day. There was just the two of us which meant that we got Matts full attention. We both learnt so much and I cant wait to get my bits. Matt was professional but very friendly. My sister and I both teach so I think we are qualified to say that Matt is a really good teacher, patient, engaging and a super host. I will be doing this course often."

16 Sep 16'

Lewis reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day intensive course and have left feeling confident and excited about the future. I am currently taking evening joinery classes and will be recommending to everyone there. Ciaran is a fantastic tutor who goes above and beyond for his students and is clearly very passionate about his work. I can't thank Ciaran enough for the amazing experience and helping me develop my skills. Hopefully I will attend more courses in the future."

16 Sep 16'

Sam Whatley reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Really enjoyed the four day intensive beginners course.Very clear instruction and lots of " hands on " practice. Course gave me confidence to try the techniques and what a buzz when you achieved a very passable result! Nothing is too much trouble for Ciaran. Relaxed atmosphere but steady hard work. You get an awful lot of information,help and experience in one course!"

16 Sep 16'

Keith Anderson reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I really enjoyed the 4 day course ! The location in the Arts Centre is great. We were taught not just how to use the tools but how to maintain them and which ones to buy. Ciaran was so helpful in dealing with my mistakes - my finished article has been much admired and I have the confidence to try and make something on my own once my back and hands have recovered from a hard 4 days !! It is the start to a new retirement hobby and a great refresher from when I did carpentry at school 50+ years ago !"

16 Sep 16'

Simon Wood reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"An absolutely superb course !! Having just completed the 4 day intensive course I can highly recommend it. Ciaran is a great teacher and excellent craftsmen. His knowledge of woodwork is outstanding and he passes this on in a thoroughly enjoyable fashion. His patience, enthusiasm, great humour and plentiful supply or tea makes the days fly by (although his choice in music can sometimes leave a little to be desired). He encouraged us throughout the course, helped rectify any mistakes and was as proud of our work as we were. To top it all we not only came away with a beautiful piece of work but also the skills and knowledge to carry our own woodworking forward. Thank you Ciaran."

16 Sep 16'

Angus Barney Barnes reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course and I totally had an amazing time and a fantastic experience,Ciaran is an awesome tutor and woodworking genius,This course caters for anyone who wants to either build on the skills they already have or a complete novice, Even if (like me) you don't know your axe from your elbo when it comes to carpentry! I learned a lot of skills and techniques over the 4 days and come away from the course inspired and very happy. The course is excellent value for money and even your dinner is paid for along with Ciaran's magic bottomless biscuit jar and flow of tea and coffee! I would 100% recommend this course to anyone and everyone and give it an all round 5 star rating and am looking forward to joining the Intermediate course that he also runs. Thanks for everything Ciaran you're an awesome dude and also thanks to everyone who also attended the course too, a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience (I hope this gets me a discount off the next course)"

16 Sep 16'

Sandra Taylor-Farrell reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I completed the 4 day intensive beginners course in November. I've still not tired of showing off my completed table! I had done a few bits and bobs before, but this course did exactly what I hoped it would do; fill in some gaps in my knowledge and give me a foundation of practical skills that I could then progress from. The workshop is good, and having the cafe on site with free lunch was a real bonus! It was nice to learn with others, too. Ciaran is clearly a very skilled craftsman, and it was a real pleasure to take away even a tiny bit of his knowledge and experience. He got it right in terms of the balance between pushing you, and building your confidence. He very kindly fixed my table when all threatened to go wrong near the end! I guess the mark of a good course is that you want to go back to the next level course and that's exactly what I'll do. Thanks again Ciaran, see you soon!"

16 Sep 16'

John Allison reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4day intensive beginners course and would like to thank Ciaran for a fantastic course. Ciaran passes on his in depth knowledge with great passion and enthusiasm, taking time to pace the course to the individuals requirements . When the course has come to an end you will be tired but so satisfied with your finished work piece you just want to start the next level. Here's to the next course for more new skills and meeting Some more fellow trainees."

16 Sep 16'

Ian Williams reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"The four day beginner’s course is intensive but also very enjoyable. The added bonus being that the satisfaction / sense of achievement from producing a finished piece of furniture comes sooner! Skills and techniques are learnt not only from Ciaran’s very passionate tuition but also from other fellow trainees who (on this course) having varying trade backgrounds are happy to pass on their knowledge. The pace of the course is not forced by the programme timeframe. Ciaran ensures that everybody is given enough time and support to complete each stage whilst also keeping everybody engaged and working together. Ciaran was happy for trainees to begin earlier and or stay later to complete, there is definitely no clock watching."

16 Sep 16'

John Sparks reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just finished the 4 day intensive beginners course. Ciaran is an excellent teacher, very skilled and helpful. It was a pleasure to take part on this course. The course can begin earlier or you can stay later to complete your work. Tiring but highly recommended, Thank you."

16 Sep 16'

Alistair Cragg reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course and can honestly say it has been the best course I have ever done. Ciaran's informal teaching style is great and not only have we left the course with a great looking piece of furniture we also have enough skills and confidence to try things on our own. With only having 5 people on the course you get plenty of time and help from Ciaran when needed. Teas, coffees and mandatory biscuits were plentiful. My body feels achy today.....but it is a good ache and a worthy reminder of the time, effort and plasters (!!) expended!"

16 Sep 16'

Katherine Culshaw reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I've just finished the intensive 4 day beginners course with Ciaran and I have to say, it's the best course I've ever been on. I had very little woodwork experience before I started but now have the confidence to make my own piece of furniture using mortise and tenon joints. Ciaran is an excellent tutor, very patient and a fantastic host. He has an impressive range of teas and caters well for food allergies too. With just 5 people on the course, Ciaran was able to spend time with each of us individually to ensure we understood each task. I can't wait to get started on my own project now, as soon as I stock up on plasters. Then will hopefully be back soon to do the intermediate course."

16 Sep 16'

Adam reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I went from total beginner and no idea to building something I was proud of in 4 days. Ciaran was great - funny, very helpful and ensured the course went smoothly. Learnt so much that is applicable to woodwork but also DIY and definitely want to continue with what I have learnt."

16 Sep 16'

Mark Egerton reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 Day intensive beginners course with Ciaran and I could not recommend it enough. The understanding that Ciaran has for the materials and the passion he shows for his craft is both infectious and an absolute joy to be part of. If you're a complete beginner or have done some woodwork previously Ciaran's relaxed approach to the group ensures his time is given to everybody and you will come away with something to be really proud of . The intensive course is exactly what it says on the tin but you will have some great laughs and meet some really great like minded people. A big thumbs up and a thank you to Ciaran for sharing his time and knowledge with our group and I have learned skills I will treasure . See you on the intermediate course . Mark"

16 Sep 16'

Andrew Turner reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I have just completed the 4 day intensive beginners course. What an awesome weekend. I cannot believe how much I have learned on this course. Ciarán is an excellent teacher and master craftsman. The 4 days are really full on but the atmosphere is laid back and enjoyable. Overall the course was a very satisfying experience that I would fully recommend to anyone interested in learning more about woodworking. I will definitely be looking to build on my newly acquired skills with the intermediate course :)"

16 Sep 16'

Alan Douglas reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"I’ve just completed a fantastic 4 day beginner’s course. A wonderful experience of learning new woodwork skills, while producing a piece of furniture that I can take home with me and be proud of. I had the opportunity to learn in the friendly atmosphere provided by Ciaran, while he shared his wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as lots of drinks and biscuits throughout the day, not to mention the lunch together at the castle park centre. Most of all I now have the knowledge to take home and apply in my own woodworking in the future."

16 Sep 16'

Ramdas Howard reviewed: Four day intensive beginners woodwork course

"Having just completed the 4 day intensive beginner course, I can wholeheartedly say that if you are interested in woodworking - particularly the art of using hand tools - you will love this course. In 4 days, our group of 4 students covered loads of material culminating in a lovely ash and walnut display stand. We began with some basic but fundamental skills; tool care, sharpening, safety, specific tool techniques such as planing and chiselling, marking out and the basic joint of our project – the mortice and tenon. Over the next 3 days we went through each step to construct our piece, each an opportunity to practice skills and learn new ones. At each point Ciaran was excellent; clear in his instructions, easy going and giving just the right amount of support, not too little so you felt overwhelmed by the task, nor too much that felt an observer in your own project. Even as the final day grew well past 8pm, Ciaran was fantastic in staying much later to allow us to finish up properly and I think that speaks of his commitment to his students. Doing this course you will not come away with a piece of furniture that is perfect – however you will have in your sore and achy hands a piece you really will have worked hard to make, with a few simple tools and some new skills, and you will be proud of the end result. For me, the course has given me the confidence to go further and I look forward to investing more time in this wonderful art. Cheers Ciaran! (Also the tea, biscuits, sandwiches, cakes etc were awesome!)"

16 Sep 16'

Stephanie reviewed: Artisan sourdough & rye day

"We both thoroughly enjoyed our day spent baking with Dragan and Penny - it was great fun and we learnt a lot. The course is very hands-on and we made loads of tasty sourdough bread to take away, including baguettes, white, brown and granary loafs and two kinds of rye breads. Penny and Dragan really know their stuff. It was especially useful to be able to get advice and be shown and practice techniques such as proper kneading, shaping and scoring. We covered a lot during the course but the eBooks provided help you to remember all the information when you get home. As well as being suitable for beginners, this course would be good if you've got a bit more experience. If you've experimented with sourdough breads with slightly hit-and-miss results, then this course is ideal for understanding where you might be going wrong and the best techniques to use."

16 Sep 16'

Matilda D reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Fantastic workshop with a brilliant and inspirational teacher. Highly recommend!"

15 Sep 16'

Bridget Castle reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Great course - very well run by Julie (and her husband Bob who came later). Julie explained all aspects of basket making very well and was very patient for those of us who were a bit fingers and thumbs! Pace of the course was just right - not too rushed. Julie spent time with all the attendees making sure we got to complete our baskets without too much trouble. All in all a really good fun course - made all the better with the benefit of Julie's cakes at tea break!!"

15 Sep 16'

Helen Lowe reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"It’s always refreshing to be taught by a tutor whose love of his subject is instantly apparent. In the clean, well organised and spacious studio our tutor, Kevin, began day one with cylinder making. After balling up the clay into perfect spheres he gave a very concise and well paced demonstration of centring, leaving us in no doubt of the importance of that particular skill. We all went off to give it a go and Kevin thoughtfully divided his attention equally between each person in our group of 10. On day two we made bowls and in the afternoon had the opportunity to either turn them or to carry on practising to throw. Throughout the course encouragement , enthusiasm and good humour never waned ... Kevin’s knowledge of ceramics, which he seemed delighted to impart, added a never ending supply of interest. Lunch was fresh, tasty and well considered and another bonus was a brief history of Potclays talk and tour of the factory. I left the friendly atmosphere with a real desire to get practising and return. I would very much recommend this course to a complete beginner or any person who has tried to self teach with out progress."

15 Sep 16'

Helen Wilkinson reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"This was a fantastic course. There were 10 of us working on Shimpo wheels in a pleasant studio over 2 days. Kevin was just amazing - he demonstrated techniques and then we had a go. He then came round and gave us individual help. This meant that although we were a mixed ability group from complete novice to reasonably competent we all got to make good progress. On the first day we learnt to throw cylinder shapes and on the second we learnt bowls and turning. Kevin was a mine of information and full of anecdotes - we tried to to get him so spill the beans on the next series of 'Throwdown' - but he wouldn't tell..... An excellent lunch was provided and special diets catered for. We also had a very informative tour of the Potclays factory. A bonus was the ability to purchase from the Potclays well stocked shop at a discount. We we well taught and it was fun and good value - a great beginners course."