Latest reviews

1 May 14'

John Adey reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A fun creative day"

30 Apr 14'

Joanne Sahadeo reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"This one day course is memorable for so many reasons, and all of them good! The class itself is held in a lovely, warm, sunlit studio, and the class is facilitated by Caroline who is always eager to help with advice, designs, materials, or a regular supply of tea and coffee. There is never any pressure to get things done, but lots of support and encouragement to help you design and complete your mosaic. I am so pleased that I applied for this course because I have learned a valuable new skill, and made such a great friend in Caroline. I would most definitely recommend her course, you will definitely be glad that you went. You won't regret it! :)"

30 Apr 14'

Oded reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"When I first met Richard, I told him I did not believe I could do anything with my hands, but I badly wanted to work with glass. He replied that I should just enrol on the course and see how it goes. So - I did just that. Having attended the initial weekend courses, I have been coming to the evening classes for around ten years non-stop now. You may well conclude that I have a very high opinion of this seriously well equipped studio itself, but even more - of Richard. Well - yes. He seems to me to be exceptional in a number of ways. First there is that extremely wide range of techniques he knows and can teach. Then comes the reassuring touch he posses while teaching people like me who come to him with no prior knowledge of any technique. This ability is enriched by the unique friendly atmosphere he facilitates with us every week afresh. The place is buzzing with creativity. I have been benefitting greatly not only from all these qualities but also from Richard's genuine sense of curiosity about what each of us is trying to do, and his ingenuity in finding new solutions to unexpected problems and challenges. The only thing I dread is the possibility that, for some reason, he has to close this special place one day. Oded"

30 Apr 14'

Nicky Hinchliff reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Lovely day really enjoyed it."

30 Apr 14'

Terry reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"Have attended several of Richard's one day workshops. Stained glass - a present from my husband, I made an amazing stained glass panel. I booked myself and a friend in for her 50th to make her own jewellery (as a birthday present). We had a fabulous day and the end results were fantastic. Then (my favourite of all) two separate days of fusing glass - one with my daughter for a present. We had a great day and the bowls, plates and coasters were fabulous - even if I say so myself. Richard is an expert with endless patience - groups are small so that you get individual help if needed. A wonderful present for all ages (adults!) with excellent end results - needless to say I will be booking again! Thank you :)"

30 Apr 14'

Sharon Kessel reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"This one-day workshop surpassed my expectations - lots of learning, great fun and very satisfying results. Richard is a knowledgeable and patient teacher who provided useful instruction, plentiful materials and a pleasant workspace. He was able to work with each of us at our levels of skill/experience - advanced, tried it once and back for me, and novices. I am already thinking about taking this workshop again when I can."

30 Apr 14'

jane malvisi reviewed: Throwing on the potters wheel

"Learned so many new things to do with clay and beads, with a lovely easy going lady. I enjoy it tremendously."

29 Apr 14'

Christine Gittins reviewed: no longer avable

"Excellent tuition in idyllic surroundings. I have done two workshops now and enjoyed it tremendously. Highly informative and an opportunity to explore lots of different firing techniques."

29 Apr 14'

Gill Forward reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"Really enjoyed the glass fusion workshop and was very pleased with the plate I made, which now has pride of place in my dining room. I've also attended Patricia's mosaic and stained glass workshops which were brilliant. Having all the materials provided and a good teacher to boot was well worth it. Oh, and the lunch's were very tasty as well!"

29 Apr 14'

Lucille Roche reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"Fantastic course, ended up making a lovely dish to stand a candle on and two matching tea light holders. The course was informative with all materials and a lovely lunch provided. I attended with my cousin and we were so impressed that we are going to complete Patricia's mosaic course in June."

28 Apr 14'

Angie Trius reviewed: Glass fusing with artist Patricia Lee - as seen on BBC1 Home Is Where The Art Is

"We loved the mosaic course with Patricia. It was inspirational and very enjoyable!"

28 Apr 14'

Yidan Chen reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"It was a lovely one-day course. The workshop was mind-opening: the instruction is easy to follow; the tools and ingredients are surprisingly economic and easy to get. I made some body scrub and soaps straight after the course and they were as good as what I made in the course - and they all didn't last long... Sakeena is very friendly and helpful and genius in her area! Highly recommended."

25 Apr 14'

Jennifer Haigh reviewed: StickMaking Classes/ Courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"I knew very little about stickmaking having only previously done a bit of woodwork at school - so a complete novice. Stuart is humerous, very responsive and very patient - needed in my case! He does not bombard you with a lot of info but takes you through the process step by step always willing to answer any questions and redirect you if you go wrong. First class, highly recommended whatever your skill level. Most enjoyable and rewarding to go home with a finished stick. Brilliant."

25 Apr 14'

Val and Claire reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What a great day! Mum and I spent a very enjoyable Sunday making a very impressive basket from scratch. Julie was so patient and helpful. This was not something either of us had done before but we both are hooked and have ordered some willow to have a go at home. It's not a sit back and watch day and our hands did ache the next day but well worth it! I would highly recommend this course. Thank you Julie."

25 Apr 14'

Amy H. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Thank you so much for a wonderful, and I mean REALLY wonderful day learning about bark, fire making and connecting to nature again, and all the good soul nourishing things that we did. I’m very pleased with my container. Mary said that the workshop was one of the best birthday presents she’s ever had!"

25 Apr 14'

Nick reviewed: Professional Furniture Design and Making course

"I found it excellent, very interesting and i liked the furniture i made. I am thinking of trying long bow making next."

24 Apr 14'

john pollock reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"had a wonderful day,working in great space and company.the confidence and knowledge of leaders was so helpful. when you think things are going wrong there, help was great advice soon blew away any doubt.such great day looking forward to another course."

24 Apr 14'

Bob Pix reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just to say thank you for yesterday, I learnt a lot and now just have to remember and put it into practice - I hope my bad habits are not too far gone. Thank you too for putting me straight on the grinds on my tools, no wonder I couldn’t get on with the spindle gouge. Please thank Susan too for looking after us so well."

24 Apr 14'

Pippa reviewed: One day introduction to fused glass

"Hello I would like to know the date of your next fused glass course, many thanks Pippa"

24 Apr 14'

Richard S. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Ruby – I wanted to thank you again for the lovely basket workshop, making coiled grass baskets in the woods. It was so relaxed yet focused, clear modelling with space to crack on and explore with your supportive skills and knowledge on tap."

24 Apr 14'

Guy reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"We came to a children's workshop and I made a picture of a hedgehog. It was fun."

24 Apr 14'

Rachel J reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"I came with my friend for a special children's feltmaking workshop. We had lots of fun and made a felt picture. There were so many different colours we could use and other things like sari silk and bits of bobbly wool to add texture. It took me ages to decide what to do."

24 Apr 14'

Karen Joseph reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"What a fantastic way to spend a morning. I met several new people and created a beautiful piece of felt at the same time. It was really friendly and everything was well-explained. I never knew I could be so talented!"

24 Apr 14'

Marian Burton reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"We had a great day at the course, learning new techniques in a cosy friendly atmosphere. Home made cakes and tea were an added bonus. Great value for money so highly recommended."

24 Apr 14'

Sue Good reviewed: Willow Angel and Obelisk Course

"Got this workshop as a birthday present and had a lovely time. Made a wreath and a heart which I planted up at home. It's now been potted 4 months and it looks fab, fully of shoots and greenery, really didn't believe it would look so good when I potted it."