Latest reviews

12 May 14'

FIONA SUTHERLAND reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day. Agreat atmosphere and I felt I learned a lot. Very pleased with the finished piece I brought home ready to hang. Everything is supplied, including much food which is beautifully home made."

12 May 14'

Kim Bull reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"I attended a one-day workshop and had a fabulous day. I had absolutely no experience before attending but still managed to produce something I was very pleased with. Jane was extremely patient and inspiring. She was very hospitable and made us all welcome. Not to mention keeping us fed and watered throughout the day! It was great to spend the day with Jane & her pets in her lovely home. The relaxed atmosphere and setting certainly helped put me at my ease. The day flew by and I would definitely attend again. Thanks Jane!"

12 May 14'

Amanda Taylor reviewed: Tilemaking with Richard Miller of Froyle Tiles

"A thoroughly enjoyable 2 days - very intense and very relaxing at the same time. Richard is an excellent teacher whose obvious passion for his subject is infectious. His flexible approach - letting us explore ideas off-piste - was very productive. I know I have come back full of ideas and plan to try some more tile development work at home. If PotClays could make this a 2-part workshop where we could glaze our fired tiles in the second part that would be brilliant!"

12 May 14'

Carol Thomas reviewed: Tilemaking with Richard Miller of Froyle Tiles

"A fantastic two-day course with an excellent tutor who provided the opportunity to tryout and practise new skills. I will continue these at home. The course had structure but it was really great that there was still flexibility to follow group interests (which we did) and as a result I am going to tackle creating tiles for a fireplace. Lunch was great - much extra learning and discussion carried out over a variety of food. Richard was friendly, approachable and helpful and his pre-prepared tiles were much appreciated. Improvements - wobbly tables caused problems! I am hoping that Potclays might consider putting on a follow-up course. Highly recommended."

12 May 14'

Katie Hopp reviewed: Vintage Summer Vase Flowers

"I had a one to one course with Holly to learn how to make a handtied as a gift and a centerpiece to put on my table for a dinner party that evening. It was a fantastic day, lots of knowledge and help. A really relaxed and fun atmosphere, it was great and I would book another one soon!"

11 May 14'

Heather Belmonte reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I spent a lovely day yesterday at Jane's tapestry weaving course. As a complete novice I did not know what to expect, but Jane was an excellent and patient teacher. I am quite chuffed with the framed tapestry I bought home. The coffee, cake and lunch were also wonderful, thank you Graham!"

11 May 14'

Jane Binks reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"James welcomed us to his bright, roomy, new studio, with warmth and coffee. It's like a sweety shop, shelves of jewel coloured wools, collections of crockery, books I wanted to read - bliss! But we were there to work! There's more to this scarf making than I realised - James was always patient, enthusiastic, and fun. There was plenty coffee, tea, and biscuits, and at lunchtime it was great to be minutes from The Water of Leith and The Shore. Once we had done all the preparations, (most of day 1), we started to weave, and James showed us a variety of patterns. Once you start this, you don't want to stop! It was great to finish off at home, and I enjoyed playing around and experimenting in my own time. James showed us how to finish, and also sent us the instructions, and now I'm finished! Everyone admires my scarf - I am so chuffed. Thank you James!"

10 May 14'

Ian Crofts reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought this day for my Dads 60th Birthday. Nigel provided an enjoyable, relaxed and informative day which my Dad thoroughly loved. An over night stop in the Shepherds Hut is a must and Nigel's hospitality and friendliness was much appreciated. Would definitely recommend and value for money too. Big thankyou Nigel."

8 May 14'

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

"What a super way to spend a Saturday. I really enjoyed learning a new craft and I came home with two mosaics which I have proudly used to decorate my shed. They look great - "Thank you so much, Caroline"."

7 May 14'

Lucy Murdoch reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"First course that I've been on with Sharon, and I certainly was not disappointed. A really great week-end, and I was so-o-o-o glad to have been able to sign on for the third day (bank holiday). Sharon is an excellent teacher, brilliant at getting different techniques across, and explaining different aspects of wood-carving, from sharpening tools, to guidance on tools and equipment, as well as the carving itself. She is not only an exceptional wood-carver herself, but is able to impart that knowledge and make it fun. The time flew by despite many hours in the workshop, but it was all laced with fun, laughter and relaxing conversation with Sharon and with the others on the course. The majority were 'regulars', but v. friendly and welcoming to newcomers like me, making me feel at home right away, and part of the group. Thank you to everyone, but especially Sharon. Lucy"

7 May 14'

Dante Eales reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An amazing day. Nigel is inspirational and the level of tuition is first class. The day was tailored to my own learning curve, and friendly tuition helped me quickly gain confidence in a new skill which I look forward to developing further. It was a very productive day having made several lovely items, which have been greatly admired by everyone. The forge is set in beautiful countryside surroundings, and there is also a chance to see some of Nigels own work set out in the surrounding woodland. I cannot rate this course highly enough - an absolute must for anyone with an interest in this trade. An experience day would also make an ideal present."

6 May 14'

Mike Goodrick reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a fantastic day I had, with lots to do, advise and help all the way, nice friendly guys with great skills to help you with your project, would definitely do this one again. Fantastic day thanks guys."

5 May 14'

Sasha Dunn reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"Richard is a brilliant tutor with a seemingly endless wealth of expertise. I've attended both the one-day and evening sessions and have always left Rainbow Studios with a brain full-to-bursting, tired but creatively charged-up, and chuffed to bits with what I've made. Richard guides with a gentle hand when needed, allowing you to follow your own path but making sure you always come away with a piece of glass you're proud of, no matter what your level! The studio itself is well-stocked and hung with many pieces of glass providing inspiration and reference points. I'd highly recommend taking a course at Rainbow Studios - you'll also hear some brilliant music from Richard's vast iPod collection - Radio Paton."

5 May 14'

Sarah Saunders reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass in Cornwall

"My friend and I spent a lovely day with Fi, on a glass fusion course bought as a Christmas present by my husband. What a great way to spend a day, learning an interesting craft and creating something very unique. Fi was very helpful, patient and fun. The day flew by, with a lovely lunch as well. Would highly recommend this course to everyone."

5 May 14'

peter lanyon reviewed: Funky Wire Workshop

"Fabulous introduction to working with wire and found objects. Becky started us with some simple techniques to join wire and form it into different shapes, but the real beauty of the course is the way she guides you to combining found and brought along objects to create something really personal and unique. I'd highly recommend this course."

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"