Latest reviews

27 Jan 18'

Oli Foulds reviewed: A General Leatherwork Skill Day

"Hands down the best course I've ever been on. In anything. Solid 5 stars. Perfect for the beginner, this is a fantastic hands-on experience mixed with the theory behind it all and a fascinating history lesson thrown in too, all set at a pace that gives you plenty of time for it to sink in. It's amazing what you can learn to do in a day! I walked through the door with no knowledge of leatherwork whatsoever but over the next few hours I was able to go through the core techniques and then actually put them all into action and produce something that I will be able to keep forever. Nigel's friendly, patient, expert guidance all the way made it not only a great learning experience but an absolute joy from start to finish. The day is centred entirely around what you want to achieve and I couldn't fault a single thing. Outstanding tuition in a beautiful craft - I would strongly recommend this course to anyone who wants to give leatherwork a go. This is absolutely the way to start."

27 Jan 18'

Deborah Oxberry reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"My friend and I were interested in doing this course, but we have limited availability owing to work (and other) commitments. Claire was very accommodating and offered a course for just the two of us. We were both totally new to silver clay work, and found the course interesting - it was hands-on and we managed to come away with pieces that we had made and more importantly, that we could actually use. Claire was very friendly, and we enjoyed meeting her dog Daisy, who made us very welcome too! Claire had a lot of equipment for us to use and gave us lots of tips in case we wanted to try using silver clay at home, including written information for us to take away."

27 Jan 18'

Oli Foulds reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

27 Jan 18'

Helen Dowson reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"I would really highly recommend this course. Anne explains, demonstrates and then helps you to have a go yourself, and by the end of two hours I could crochet! I am absolutely delighted, and am already very happily making a blanket. I am planning to take a friend soon for her birthday, and will hopefully get some more pointers myself then too! The cafe is a lovely location, and the coffee and cake just add to the great experience."

27 Jan 18'

Hannah Shepherd reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"I had a great day in a lovely, laid back and fun day. The instructor was really friendly and had lots of tips for making candles cheaply at home. I came away with five candles and lots of tips. Brilliant day."

27 Jan 18'

Rhona hobson reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Lucy is incredibly knowledgeable. She has a great teaching style and it felt very like we worked together. She is informative and thoughtful in her approach. I have been hobbying for some time and working with Lucy has given me the confidence to move on to the next step of casting. The documented photos of progress are great reminders and the resources Lucy shared super helpful. Great to learn from a fabulous craftswoman like Lucy."

27 Jan 18'

Sharon Carson reviewed: Hedgerow basketmaking holiday

"i had a great weekend at Basket weaving. Jane was so patient & passionate with us all. The atmosphere was contagious. For my first time i was impressed, I would be interested to book another course ."

27 Jan 18'

Annette Hales reviewed: Silversmithing Jewellery One Day Tailored Workshop at Brightsmiths: One to One tuition

"I had a lovely and rewarding day at Brightsmiths Workshop which is located in a beautiful setting. Rosie is an excellent teacher and I learnt through a wonderful hands on experience which helps with retaining processes taught. She teaches amazing attention to detail and so the silver ring I made was so well finished. My husband was very impressed and tried hard to find a join- which of course he couldn't !! I really want to return to learn more skills and would fully recommend a day here to anyone who wants to learn this craft."

26 Jan 18'

Michael Spinks reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I recently had a days tuition with Nigel. During this time we covered stitching, pattern making, leather cutting and tools. To start with the improvement in my stitching has been, in my opinion, transformational. I can't recommend that highly enough. Next we covered pattern making, cutting, edging all areas I sought to improve. Essential to avoiding costly mistakes on the more expensive leather. Nigel is wealth of knowledge and extremely open about tools, suppliers on the market. It was an invaluable days training, which I hope to repeat."

26 Jan 18'

Tony reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"My partner and I, with four friends, attended the introductory stone carving course given by Sebastian last weekend. I was keen to try stone carving as this is a material that I have no experience of working with at all. It was intriguing working with Bath Stone (quiet a soft stone) and pleasing results were obtained rather more promptly than I had thought was possible. It was a strangely compelling task and the time flew by. Sebastian is a very supportive and enthusiastic teacher and allowed each of us loose to develop our own projects, some of which were well planned and others purely random (such as my own). Despite some cold and wet weather the workshops were sufficiently warm. Conditions are a little basic owing to the relatively remote rural location of the workshops. Moderately aggressive geese guarding the route to the lavatory did cause some consternation among some of the attendees. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone interested in trying stone carving for the first time. It is certainly an activity that I would try again."

26 Jan 18'

Will reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Just got home from a great day with Julian! We ‘forged’ (sorry) a great working relationship and I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day. Never done black-smithery before and Julian was very patient resulting in me leaving with a most impressive toasting fork that I can honestly say that I produced myself! I wholeheartedly recommend this course ... he makes a cracking brew too!!"

26 Jan 18'

Katherine Tubby reviewed: Denim jeans - be the designer!

"I really enjoyed learning how to draft a pattern from an existing pair of well fitting jeans and make a new bespoke pair. Angela is a wonderful teacher-very easygoing, relaxed and clear in explaining how everything fits together. We very much enjoyed hearing about her experiences working in the industry and also found it interesting using her industrial machines and learning about all the other pieces of kit available to the professionals. Since attending the course I've been able to continue fine tuning my pattern using old fabric, and am heading out now to buy myself lots more denim. It was a great course in a fascinating workshop. Thanks also to Angela's husband for sharing his experiences and also making tea! Highly recommend this course."

26 Jan 18'

Sally Coulter reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"This was an informative course in a very relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Julie shared all her obvious skills in candle making and we came away with everything we needed to carry on by ourselves. The afternoon tea was fabulous. A really good way to spend a Saturday!"

26 Jan 18'

Nicki Black reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The course was fantastic, Richard was extremely patient and very happy to answer any questions I had. I felt that I came away with a new set of skills and a good understanding of the basics. The course was very good value and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. My belt is beautiful and I will have it forever. I will be back to try another workshop."

26 Jan 18'

Luke Maharry reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"This was a really engaging course and i am so amazingly proud of my poker and knife. I really believe that this will be a blade that will last a lifetime and i made it! Steve, John and Spence were welcoming, really hands on throughout the day without doing it for me. I enjoyed every second and the day flew past. Would recommend to anyone."

26 Jan 18'

Chris Cozier reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My wife and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Mort at Firebird Forge. It was a truly amazing experience! Mort asked us what kind of things we were interested in making and, after doing a few sketches, he showed us how to do it. Mort was incredibly patient with us. He demonstrated the techniques we needed to forge our projects before letting us lose with the hammer and tongs. He was constantly by our sides, ready, not only to correct our mistakes, but to show us how to improve our technique. I think the reason that Mort is such a great teacher is because he explains the 'why' as well as the 'how'. This course is very hands on. Mort had me try as many different blacksmithing techniques as my project would allow-he even had me forge welding (which I managed on my third attempt). This course is worth every penny and offers a fantastic opportunity to learn under a master. The moment I get another holiday, I’m booking up again and going back! Highly recommended."

26 Jan 18'

Martin Forde reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A present to me from my daughters. My wife and two daughters had an excellent day with the team. Started by making a poker each then learning lots of new skills. I made a flower container out of old horse shoes, I believe a first for them. We took lots of goodies home after a very enjoyable day. Thanks to you all. Martin"

26 Jan 18'

G.C. reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"A very enjoyable two-day course with the very knowledgable, easy-going and enthusiastic Jon French. A lot of myths busted re wheel-throwing. Jon adapted really brilliantly to the different skill levels and had time for everyone. Group size of ten fine for individual tuition. Good lunch bag and looked after well by Potclays staff. Thoroughly recommend it!"

26 Jan 18'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"This course exceeded my expectations. Jon was a great tutor who never tired of showing us again and again, if we needed! The staff were helpful and the food was lovely. I’d recommend this course !"

26 Jan 18'

Daniel reviewed: All levels mosaic course

"Enjoyed my course so much! Eli is great tutor with lots of experience and knowledge about mosaic, excellent art venue as well."

26 Jan 18'

Alison reviewed: Two day leather bag making course

"I would really recommend this course. We made a small purse to get into the swing of things and then had a wide choice of pattern and leather for our main bag which meant we all had something completely different and personal to us. I thoroughly enjoyed learning the skills from Sarah who was an excellent teacher and I am absolutely delighted with the final product."

26 Jan 18'

Yvonne reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"An excellent starting point for learning about mosaics using all kinds of materials. Adela is very knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions. The 4 hours flew by. I would recommend Adela to beginner thinking about giving mosaics a try."

26 Jan 18'

Vicki reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"A birthday gift, fused glass was something that I had wanted to try for a while and I wasn’t disappointed. Amazing tuition, support and guidance from Siobhan and Dan - energetic and buzzy day. So much to learn and try ! Little bit tricky at first to visualise what the little pieces of glass will turn into but great fun! Great chat with others over yummy lunch, inspired by others, Siobhan’s commissions and their Ashes in Art pieces and jewellery are just stunning. I made 3 pieces that I going to collect on Saturday - got to try out lots of different techniques - looking forward to seeing how they turn out. Would highly recommend - great hosting, lovely venue, excellent day ! Thank you very much :-)."

26 Jan 18'

Nicola Boden reviewed: Upholstery and soft furnishings 2 day course

"I have been on several of Angie’s courses and thoroughly enjoyed them. The courses are relaxing and fun set in her work shop overlooking beautiful Derbyshire countryside. I have completed several projects now including old traditional chairs,more modern furniture,curtains and a footstool made from a frame provided by Angie. Five"

26 Jan 18'

Rachel Sharp reviewed: Three day course in upholstery and soft furnishings

"Angie is an excellent tutor . She has always been extremely and tirelessly interested in and helpful with any of my projects. The food on the long day weekend courses is superbly cooked by Carl, Angie’s. Husband. Can’t review this with anything less than 5*"