Latest reviews

5 May 14'

Richard Payne reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"As a complete novice to wood carving I wasn't sure what to expect from the week-end course in Sussex with Sharon Littley, but it was an excellent introduction to the art. Sharon is a great tutor; knowledgeable, friendly, full of enthusiasm, and able to get a group to 'bond' instantly despite the great range of experience in the room. She organised everything from ensuring the rooms and meals were perfect to some wonderful stories from her carving experiences over the years. I didn't even need to bring any tools as she has everything to hand. I left the course with a piece of work I never thought I could achieve...and am hooked on wood carving now."

5 May 14'

Rosemary Appleby reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"Richard and Eleanor are superb teachers. They inspire and instruct in a way that always leaving you wanting to sign up to more courses. I have attended this course and now have my own small kiln and make small fused glass objects. The fused glass jewellery course was fantastic. I do not count myself as particularly good at design but Richard helps you gently along. I travel from West Sussex to attend these amazing courses - it is worth the travel just to learn more and watch mastery in action. Thank You. I will be back for more!"

4 May 14'

Monique Baines reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Loved the course. Sakeena was a wonderful teacher! Learnt so much in a day and would recommend this to anyone interested in candle making."

3 May 14'

Jodie Delray- Jay Delray reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Was awesome meeting two very lovely people, Nigel and Lee, they looked after us so much and were so friendly and sweet. Fascinating to watch the amazing talent and such a treat to have a go, Jay, (12) didn't want to leave for home he enjoyed the day so much and is looking forward to staying next time in the Shepard hut surrounded by the beautiful wood full of treasures. :-) Fantastic place to go for all. Thanks guys, and see you again soon. Jodie, Jay and Tina. xx"

3 May 14'

Vanessa Stocking Johnston reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"When my friend came up with a suggestion for her big birthday treat I thought, what a wonderful idea!!! And so it was!! I am a local person, with fond memories of working at the Holkham Pottery Shop, so I was even more impressed when the introduction to blacksmithing was based at the wonderful forge and buildings at Longlands in Holkham Park. The location, easy parking, the two red hot fires fires, equipment, memory inducing smell, straight forward tuition and sense of humour made the day all I had hoped for since the booking was made!! I came away with my large shepherds crook style bird feeder and shed hooks, released pent up aggression, a smile, and the desire to order a beautiful hare made by Helen!! With thanks!!"

2 May 14'

natalie dawes reviewed: Fused glass course

"I took this course in March, it was great & I learnt alot. Camilla is a wonderful teacher & very talented."

2 May 14'

Sue Steed reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass in Cornwall

"I am new to glass fusing and Fi is a great teacher and always willing to answer my crazy questions. Highly recommended. And the home made soup was delicious too! :-)"

2 May 14'

Monika reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"I've done a weekend and an evening course. The teachers - Richard and Eleanor - were very supportive with excellent knowledge. I liked the workshop place itself. It's inspiring to create in a place where you see beautifull works on the walls. There was also a possibility to drop in for one evening paying only for that class if there was a place. I liked this flexibility and I'm sure I'll use this possibility in the future. I would reccomend to anyone these courses."

2 May 14'

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

"A great course, set in a sunny studio, surrounded by lots an lots of inspiration, you will find Caroline very attentive with loads of experience encouraging you and enabling you to finish your project. You will be able to laugh and learn all at the same time :)."

2 May 14'

Catherine Lewis reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Agree with everyone a very well organaized, fun creative day where you get to play and learn. Highly recommend"

1 May 14'

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

"I've been lucky enough to have been on two of Patricia's craft courses - one fused glass and a mosaic one too. I thoroughly enjoyed both courses - she's an excellent tutor! She creates a relaxed environment and explains everything really clearly giving expert advice and a helping hand when needed!! I was delighted with the artwork I created on both days and have to say I have become somewhat addicted and that is very much down to Patricia's enthusiasm for her work which she passes onto her students!!"

1 May 14'

helen fothergill reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"loved, loved it. going back at some point. Honest!! A really jolly day. everyone should try it at least once."

1 May 14'

llynda Baugh reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Had a fabulous day with Caroline a few weeks ago. Came home really inspired. Although I am not new to mosaic, I learnt loads. Met some new people and had lunch in the sunshine. Don't get better than that. Plus, she continues to inspire and help me even after the course.fice"

1 May 14'

Rebecca Dunn reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I treated my daughter and I last year to one of Caroline's workshops, she is extremely patient and welcoming. Her studio is indeed a lovely, relaxing place to be. Caroline had all you could imagine in order to create a mosaic and was able to facilitate all the different needs and questions that the group had. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and came away with some fabulous mosaics which are given pride of place in my home. Would recommend to anyone, of any age and any ability. Great fun, great memories & learn a new skill, what more could you want!!"

1 May 14'

Jane visick reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Had a lovely day and learned a lot about picque assiette technique. Great choice of materials and, most importantly, a supportive and fun atmosphere. Haven't laughed so much in a long time!"

1 May 14'

Michele reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"a very good class - small enough for individual attention, well equipped studio, exposure to the various techniques used in fusing glass, a patient, professional teacher, good music on the ipod, copious quantities of tea / coffee and biscuits, welcoming atmosphere and even if you have never worked in glass before, the course will inspire you to sign up for other classes."

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!"