Latest reviews

25 Nov 13'

Karen Bisset reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend with James and was amazed at what we all managed to produce. The class size, facilities and tea and cake were all excellent. James is a great teacher and very patient!"

25 Nov 13'

Christine Burd reviewed: Letter carving in stone

"Excellent course and tutor. Complete beginners can really achieve something worthwhile and it is a thrill to achieve your first project. Very satisfying weekend."

21 Nov 13'

Rachel Harris reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop - Two Day

"I loved the weekend. Really felt that I learned new skills and it was a great feeling of accomplishment being able to bring pieces of finished work home. I've got the bug and will be back for more."

21 Nov 13'

Juliet Bennett reviewed: Pottery Basics with Jacqui Atkin

"It was an enjoyable day where I learnt new things and confirmed things I thought I knew but wasn't sure! Thank you."

19 Nov 13'

Jo Priest reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I Just cant say enough about the content and the excellent method Dionne has of teaching. I have completed 3 of Dionnes workshops at home, they are so manageable, she sets out what will be covered, and all the materials you will need in advance. She explains everything in a straight forward easily understood way, in bite sized pieces too, via a short video each day. which can be watched over & over again. Dionne also provides notes to print out too. So you are able to take your at home tutorials at a later date.The support given on line & meeting your fellow students is fun too and really makes you feel a part of the group."

18 Nov 13'

David Fenton-Jones reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I attended one of Peter's 'Introduction to Green Woodworking' courses at Growers Organics earlier in the year. I had a fabulous time learning some of the techniques needed to work with un-seasoned wood. Peter is a very friendly, gentle teacher with the patience of a saint. He made all of us feel relaxed and free to work at our own speed, learning the best ways to use the tools provided as we went. No question was deemed to silly or basic and we all felt comfortable to ask for his advice when we wanted to. I made a beautiful side table, which has pride if place in my home now, and is a daily reminder of the fun time I spent at Growers. I met some lovely people who were fellow students for the weekend. Jo and Charlie who run Growers Organics were wonderfully hospitable too and were a Joy to get to know. All in all I can wholeheartedly recommend that anyone who is in two minds as to whether to sign up for a course or not, to go for it. You will not regret it. You will come away with New friends and great inspiration. A great course, thank you Peter."

18 Nov 13'

Wendy reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Good fun, informative, came away with a head full of ideas and aching feet:-) Highly recommended for the complete novice: no pressure, lots of patience."

17 Nov 13'

Colin Hunter reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Filled with trepidation about the potential result of my first venture into the Woodwork World, it was a relief to be under the expert tutelage of the ever patient Richard and Mark. They were eager to encourage the best from the Students for the week, with tactful tips and imparting knowledge at a rate we could absorb. As a result we all left for home with a feeling of achievement; with pieces that will grace the Living areas rather than be hidden in a dark corner of a Hallway. Passing muster as the respective Families examine the work, with surprise at the result, must be one of the greatest feelings. The enthusiasm from the Course is still running high, with my head full of fresh hope and ideas for independent projects. See you both next Autumn for Part 2!"

17 Nov 13'

Jamie reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Had a great day. Simon was a great teacher and I made something I didn't believe I could. Want to do more - perhaps the 2 day advanced course next year.."

17 Nov 13'

Chris reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"My 14 year old son and I had a fantastic day. Never thought we could make something so nice from a log in such a short time. Simon's teaching was amazing. I would recommend this course to anybody."

17 Nov 13'

Vinny Commons reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"1.lots of good aspects...eg food, /tuition for capable potters ..but some gaping weaknessess..2 I did fill in form and left in on desk so i dont understand..why that wasnt sufficient...?since all potters sat ..on low wheels there wasnt an option to stand ..so we were getting used to new throwing details..and prescribed a position the work was done from[ sitting] but iam a standing thrower.!it was awkward.2 Some people were out of their depths...they could hardly centre the clay.....so i suggest you grade your throwing courses eg beginners/ advanced , even intermediate.3 only one way of wedging the clay was used...most people couldnt do it...so struggled to get a quality piece of clay to work with...why couldnt cut and slam have been set up?..a little more thought required.4..I am stating it as i saw it ...since you asked ..but please remember there were many positives....lastly if you wish , i would be happy to lead a intermediate or beginners course ..if you felt it was appropriate.....Please respond stating that my comments did get through to you ...since i did fill in a sheet that came with the course ..and i dont know what has become of it.? Vinny Common 07808960418"

15 Nov 13'

Yve Peck reviewed: Caricatures in Clay

"Thoroughly enjoyable & relaxed two day course learning how to create a stoneware mural sculpture. Neil Dalrymple is hugely talented & extremely knowledgeable & informative. Neil demonstrated various methods & techniques which could be employed in a wide range of sculptures. The small group enabled Neil to offer sufficient guidance to each individual & everybody on the course created some wonderful work. Overall, the course was very good value for money & I would recommend this course to anybody interested in learning how to sculpt."

14 Nov 13'

Lisa reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Fantastic "hands on" day of learning with great hints & tips! Sakeena is a fun teacher that enables what look like complicated techniques to become simple with her teaching style. Highly recommended!"

13 Nov 13'

neil spalding reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"I have been on at least 5 throwing courses. I have to say that I got more out of this one than any of the others. Very sympathetic tuition."

13 Nov 13'

Jenn Legg reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I loved this concept of learning in my own time, at my own pace, in my space, knowing I had collated all the equipment to continue after the course was finished. Each step was easy to follow and I achieved some fantastic results (I surprised myself) and I have become hooked on the mono printing technique. It contributed to the end of my 6 year part-time journey in a degree in Applied Art. Mixing it with other techniques to make it my own. If your creative it is a need not a want.............. Thank you Dionne xx"

13 Nov 13'

JOHN COMMANE reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"A great learning experience with such a highly skilled and helpful mentor. David is such a nice guy. Learnt a lot of new techniques.The two days flew by. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. The food and refreshments are up to the normal good standard. Thank you"

13 Nov 13'

patricia kumar reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"David Frith is an excellent and inspiring teacher with a lot of sympathy for relative beginners.The course organisation was excellent but the provision of clay was a bit sparse! Luckily David could cope with clay reuse/ slabbing etc and did most of this for us. The only other problem was a worry that the warehouse would shut before we had time to finish our course and tidy everything up. A very enjoyable and productive two days!"

13 Nov 13'

Rosey Paul reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"Great course with David whose throwing is inspirational."

12 Nov 13'

Maura Summers reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I have now participated in three of Dionne's on-line courses. I love Dionne's enthusiasm for textile art and her ability to share her extensive knowledge in such a concise, interesting and encouraging way. I find interaction between other course participants on Facebook a stimulating experience. Thank you Dionne. ."

12 Nov 13'

carole reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I had always wanted to do screen printing, but did not think it was possible without complicated equipment and chemicals. This course proved that it was possible and I learned so much. I particularly enjoyed the breakdown and mono printing as it was suited to what I hoped to achieve for my own work. I enjoyed the structure as it was good for my poor self discipline and the contact with other participants through the Facebook group also proved very useful as the sharing of information brought me up to date with what was going on in the textile world. Altogether a very good experience."

12 Nov 13'

Julie Mackinder reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"I was a bit nervous about doing an online course for such a practical skill but I needn't have worried. Dionne's course was excellently constructed with clear and concise videos demonstrating the techniques and notes to refer to. A Facebook group set up by Dionne for the course was an excellent place to share experiences, to interact with other students wherever they were in the world and to get feedback from Dionne. I have taken three online courses with Dionne and can firmly recommend her as a teacher."

12 Nov 13'

Shona reviewed: Silk Screen Printing

"Took part in this course and loved it. I was totally new to screen printing and was amazed how easy it was to set up at home and have a go. Instructional videos were really clear and the private Facebook Community created for feedback from Dionne and to comment on each others work was brilliant. A great way to learn at your own pace and my only complaint being that it is now costing me a fortune in fabric to keep trying out new ideas!!"

12 Nov 13'

Susie Arnott reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"A most brilliant course! James combined technical detail with art, patience and fun and tea. I am inspired to get a loom for myself soon, and will certainly be back at James' door for further instruction. My scarf has been much admired."

12 Nov 13'

Val Brooks reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"This was an amazing weekend and a wonderful experience. James was SO patient and helpful and to be able to bring the loom home to finish off my first creation was the icing on the cake. I would not hesitate to recommend the course and I do hope to do more weaving in the future."

11 Nov 13'

Cheryl Morgan reviewed: Patchwork Course - 5weeks

"I really enjoyed attending the Christmas Crochet course, I met some lovely ladies there, also our tutor Elizabeth was fantastic, she taught us so well, that I understood straight away what I should do next and she made it made it very simple to follow. I am looking forward to the next course. I feel really confident to start some project on my own now."