Powdermills Pottery

Anne reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"I’ve just completed the weekend pottery course and it was fabulous. For a start, the drive through the most stunning landscape of Dartmoor to reach Powdermills was just incredible. There were three of us on the course, all beginners, and we began the day with our own lovely cafetière of coffee and a chance to get to know each other. After Joss had outlined what we’d be doing over the two days we headed for the wheels. We watched Joss demonstrate building a cylinder before sitting down to have a go ourselves. Joss was a joy to be around, as were my two fellow emerging potters. There was lots of laughter! I very much liked the way that Joss taught as she was thorough, going over the detail of how to do what we needed to do and answering all questions. She was relaxed and funny and so very helpful. She was always available, noticed when I needed help and responded immediately finding something good about my work to praise and celebrate even when I felt I was failing at the task! There was never any pressure to keep up and we just kept helping ourselves to fresh clay and moving on to create the next pot. In-between Joss added more demonstrations so that we were building our skills to create bowls and vessels of various shapes, handles, spouts and lids. It was a fabulous weekend and Joss was my perfect teacher. And my fellow learners were great fun! I’d do it all again tomorrow if I could! "

Powdermills Pottery responded:

" Wow, Anne, thank you! Great to work (and giggle) with you all - definitely a group of expert handle-makers as well as throwers!"

Rafik Taibjee reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"I forgot to mention the setting is stunning and the lunchtime walk was really special with great scenery. We felt really privileged to be there"

Rafik Taibjee reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"Joss was charming. Easy to chat to and learn from. She was great at answering questions and spotting where we needed to work on. But was very encouraging and motivating. We learnt a lot and are tempted to get a wheel now. It would have been lovely to take home a souvenir but she only fires the kiln infrequently for ecological reasons which makes sense. Learning to make a spout and make a complete teapot would be a great way to conclude the session"

Powdermills Pottery responded:

" Thank you, Rafik. It sounds like you have been bitten by the throwing bug! "

Deirdre Conniss reviewed: Learn the Potters' Wheel in a Weekend

"I started the course as a total novice. It was an absolutely practical course. It was only a small group and we were encouraged to start using the wheel from the off. We had unlimited access to clay for second goes where we made mistakes and useful advice on how to avoid them on the next pot. Tuition was clear and easy to follow. At the end of the weekend, I felt confident using a potter's wheel to make useful stuff. The scenery, of course, is a bonus."

Powdermills Pottery responded:

" Thank you for such a lovely review Deidre!"