Latest reviews

Susie Vittay reviewed: Porcelain Masterclass with Richard Heeley

"I attended this course last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. Richard is an excellent and insiprational teacher, his knowledge in porcelain and any other aspect of ceramics is amazing. The fact that he readily shares all this is humbling. I think this was the best masterclass I have ever done. Thank you again, Richard and Potclays."

Potclays Ltd. responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review, Susie! Very glad you enjoyed Richard's masterclass. We'll be sure to pass your kind words on to him."

Karen reviewed: Small needle felted animals or pictures

"My friend and I spent a day with Barbara making our creations; my friend made a gorgeous Jemima Puddleduck and I made a Hare. We had a lovely day. Barbara is a relaxed and kind person who generously shares her expertise in a really humble way. She made us both feel comfortable and embraced the quirkiness of our creations. Indeed, we both loved that she did not try to 'fix' what we had done, but allowed our work to be just that: our work. We had an absolutely lovely day and would thoroughly recommend her courses."

Feltworld - Creative Arts responded:

"Thank you for such a lovely review Karen. Your hare and Jemima look fabulous ?. I do feel that it’s important not to take over my students work lol. I must admit that I have to keep my hands tied behind me sometimes unless I’m given permission to fix of course!! Merry Christmas"

Jane Donald reviewed: Paper Marbling Class Full Day at Portsmouth Museum

"An extremely interesting and enjoyable workshop along with my daughter. We learned a lot and laughed a lot too. James has a relaxed way of teaching his craft which encourages you to learn more. I thoroughly recommend doing one of his workshops, they are fun!"

James Mouland Ebru Studio responded:

"Thanks Jane it was my pleasure to meet and teach you and your daughter, you are most welcome to return for fun and laughter!! James :)"

Rachel Faulkner reviewed: Felt Lampshades

"I enjoyed making lampshades with Emma. Though I have done wet felting before (via Emma’s felted vessel workshop) I thought this would be interesting to try out as I enjoyed the other workshops I’ve had with Emma and I was in need of a lampshade for my house. She sent emails on what to bring to workshop, e.g. photos or drawings for inspiration. Emma is very thorough with her explanations and shows you all the steps you need to take at a good pace. She often has some great tips on what works and what doesn’t and showed different lampshade examples and felted samples. It’s always a friendly and supportive atmosphere at her studio. There was another lady at the workshop and Emma split her time equally between us. I received worksheets explaining all the stages we’ve been through and was sent some images she took during the workshop. I was very happy with my finished lampshade and with all the support I was given I feel confident to have a go again. I would encourage anyone to attend Emma’s workshops with a great teacher and lovely company. Thank you Emma I always have such a good time learning new techniques with you"

Emma Jackson (Silversoles - Felted Textiles) responded:

"Thank you for your generous review Rachel - so glad you enjoyed the course and enjoyed the workshop expereince."

Kate McGee reviewed: Two Day Hand Spinning Workshop in Norfolk

"This was an excellent weekend. I wasn't sure that I would be able to go from being a complete novice to producing a skein of yarn, but I did! Theresa is an excellent teacher, breaking down the process into simple steps that made sense, and combining them gradually together. She was able to give each of us individual attention, and help everyone at the level that they needed. There was plenty of time to try out different wheels, and to find the one that suited you best. I have now bought myself a spinning wheel, and hold Theresa entirely responsible!!! Theresa looked after us brilliantly - there was always food and drink there, and the weekend flew by. I would wholeheartedly recommend this course, and any others that she runs - I am sure that you will not be disappointed. I feel that this may not be my last visit to The Spinning Barn. Thank you Theresa for your help, your patience and your expertise!"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Kate, thank you so very much for your review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the weekend and found it inspiring. I knew from the start that you were determined to spin however determination was soon overtaken by natural ability. The fact that you have already bought a wheel has filled me with pride. This really sums up why I love what I do and I can't wait to see your progress. I am always on hand for help and admiration! Xx"

Carrie miller reviewed: Wet felting expressive landscapes in wools and silks

"Judi explained every stage in the process very clearly with awesome colours of materials, wools and silks to choose from. She also spoke of the different felting and ancient history of the craft. Very entertaining. She should write a book! Highly recommended. Going to try more at home."

Andy Page reviewed: Upholstery course - bring your own project

"My week course with Polly was brilliant, I turned up with a rather knackered vintage chair which it turned out needed rebuilding from scratch (I had to rebuild springs, original straw and horse hair stuffing even before getting to the finesse of the hessian, wadding, calico and top material layers). I went away having had a fun week, the chair 90% completed and with the confidence to complete it at home. Polly has an infectious encouraging, positive and friendly style which made the experience very rewarding and enjoyable. I couldn't recommend her and her courses more highly."

Pat Preece reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I went to the beginners woodcarving course on 7/12/19 and I was totally transported for the whole day. The atmosphere in the workshed in the woods is totally unique (and warm thanks to the wood burner). Nigel is wonderfully patient and an excellent teacher. I carved a Celtic trefoil relief onto the side of a door wedge (my choice as that’s what I needed at the time). The lunch was delicious and the drinks and snacks were very welcome too. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the basics of woodcarving. It has set me on a path to more projects. I absolutely recommend the course. I’m hoping to go again next year when I am a little more practiced in the art."

Sonia moore reviewed: Drawing Tai Chi - 1 day workshop - Worthing West Sussex

"7 December 2019 Life Drawing: The model was absolutely lovely and had some wonderfully graceful poses. The afternoon was enjoyable learning a new art technique and made a good change of pace from the morning as Life drawing is quite an intense day. I find that I could do with a couple of extra breaks in the day when just life drawing."

Art with Tricia responded:

"I'm glad you enjoyed sketching our new model and I'm sure she will be back next year. The afternoon printing was a nice change and everyone produced some great work. The whole day life drawing is often lots of drawing and even more concentrating! But its great to see how student's skills improve even over one session."

Pat burford reviewed: Drawing Tai Chi - 1 day workshop - Worthing West Sussex

"I really enjoyed this course. We had a very natural model and the afternoon was fun. I learnt a new hobby with the lino cutting. Tricia is a very patient and kind teacher who is willing to show you how to put things right when you go wrong. I will certainly be looking out for other courses"

Art with Tricia responded:

"Thank you for your feedback. I'm glad you enjoyed the session and in the afternoon got a taste of a new medium, with the lino cutting! Todays model was lovely.....I'm sure you'll see her again on another course."

Gail Clarke reviewed: Private or private group silver jewellery making / silversmithing workshop half-day at Silver Designed Personally

"I chose to attend a 1:1 workshop with Sara to make a memorial pendant to match an existing piece of jewellery. Sara is patient and takes her time to explain each process and tool. Within 2 hours, under Sara's excellent guidance I was able to achieve far more than I expected and left with a beautiful pendant in memory of my dad. I can't recommend Sara enough."

Silver Designed Personally responded:

"Gail, thank you so much for your review and it was a pleasure to help you make your lovely pendant in memory of your Dad - such a lovely idea."

Kathryn Wilkinson reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"I found this course extremely inspirational. I learnt so much about machine embroidery and how it could be used to create a “masterpiece”. Dionne is an excellent teacher and I look forward to doing more of her courses."

Danuta Perryer reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"We had a lovely taster session at Loam Pottery. The afternoon surpassed our expectations! When Jack showed us the goal for the class (a small pot) we all scoffed at being able to produce anything like that... but with Jack's expert guidance, we all produced 3 pots that we could be proud of. Jack is very skilled at teaching the use of the potters wheel and by the third pot, we almost felt like we had completed the final piece completely independently. Thank you, Jack!"

Tamsin reviewed: Nuno felt a silk scarf in fine merino wools and silks with Judi Binks

"I really enjoyed learning how to make my scarf with luxurious nuno silk. I have it hanging on my wall! Fabulous fun and I want to do more. Great lesson :-)"

Felting in Devon responded:

"Thank you Tamsin. So glad you like it. Xx"

Paul Bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Just a quick note to say 'Many Thanks' for the great day I spent with George, Sue and Jax on Saturday. This was not my first occasion with George but every occasion is a new experience. It was good to meet Jax whose brilliant sense of humour ensured we all had a laugh whilst learning. This coupled with George's usual top notch knowledge and training style and Sue's catering and easy conversation made for yet another lovely day. Apologies for insisting on creating a different piece to Jax but I am sure you enjoyed the challenge! LOL"

angela kelly reviewed: Resin Christmas Bauble Craft Workshop

"Superb course run by Claire learning how to use resin to make lots of different items - I chose baubles. Brilliant set up where Claire talks you through what to do and then you make your own baubles. Printouts provided by Claire to take away to remind you what to do/not to do. Really nice relaxed set up with a lovely cup of coffee and lots of friendly chat. Claire is very patient and is really good at giving tips and advice to you. I've followed up with Claire after the course with lots of 'how do I' type of questions and she's answered them really quickly. I'd really recommend this course if you're looking to start working with resin. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for any further courses by Claire. Thanks Claire."

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Many thanks Angela! I’m looking forward to seeing what you make in the future!"

Val Campbell reviewed: Two Day Hand Spinning Workshop in Norfolk

"What a great two days. I took my old spinning wheel which had got the better of me ever since I bought it. Theresa, with the support of the other ladies, persevered and encouraged me until I produced a skein of yarn. Never thought I would make it. What a sense of achievement when the brain, head, hands and feet all work together to make what Theresa told us at the beginning of the weekend, we would achieve. Thank you Theresa for your patience, enthusiasm and knowledge. A wonderful two days."

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Thank you so much Val. I am so pleased that you enjoyed you weekend, I know I did too. I can't tell you how happy I was that you really persevered with your wheel and produced a wonderful skein of yarn. I really hope that you were inspired to continue and learn to love your wheel again. If I can ever be of any help please just ask. Thank you x"

Lois reviewed: Lino Printing Day with Oxford Linocut Workshops

"Claire was an excellent teacher. Both knowledgeable and encouraging in equal measures. The work we produced looked amazing even though we were all beginners. Would happily recommend this course."

Anne Dinsdale reviewed: Two Day Hand Spinning Workshop in Norfolk

"I had spun before but not for about 30 years and felt in need of a 'refresher' before taking it up again. Theresa was very welcoming to all 5 of us and the course proceeded very much according to the plan as described in the booking details. The atmosphere throughout was friendly and informal but nonetheless Theresa was a great teacher. She showed us the different new techniques and answered all our various questions with much patience and we had time to assimilate and practice at each stage. We had the chance to try out different types of wheels and also handle different fleeces and yarns. Tea and coffee flowed freely and we had some delicious cake and very warming soup. Above all it was a very informative, happy and enjoyable weekend. I most certainly look forward to visiting the Spinning Barn again. (In addition to the above, James went beyond the call of duty and very kindly attempted to revive my very neglected elderly spinning wheel.!)"

The Spinning Barn responded:

"Anne, thank you so much for such a lovely review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed your time here and I would be delighted to welcome you back at any time. I was so delighted to see how quickly your skills returned after way too long away from your wheel. Some people are just meant to spin and you are definitely one of them. Do let me know how you get on over the coming weeks and also when your new wheel arrives!! Best wishes and happy Christmas xx"

Tracey Price reviewed: Christmas cupcake decorating

"I had such an enjoyable morning decorating Christmas cupcakes, going home with 6 cakes that looked (and tasted ) amazing. Thank you so much to Jane for sharing her expertise and knowledge in a friendly and professional manner. Thank you to Paul for making the tea. I was made to feel very welcome, whilst learning a new skill. If you want to learn a new skill, or develop an existing one you definitely need to attend one of the future classes. I fully recommend Tara House Bakery. Thank you."

Tara House Bakery responded:

"Hi Tracey, Many thanks for your very positive feedback. I am pleased you enjoyed this class and hope to see you at future events. Kind regards, Jane"

Ed & Ann McNamara reviewed: Forge your own silver spoon, two day course

"We did this course as part of our Silver Wedding anniversary celebration. It was a great couple of days and we managed to produce a unique silver spoon each for us to remember our anniversary by plus having a nice weekend in Sheffield. Charlotte is a great teacher balancing out letting us discover how to work the metal and helping us as we went through the process. We both feel like we really learnt a lot and would recommend the course to anyone."

Tatyana D reviewed: Pottery wheel throwing and hand building full day

"Brilliant workshop with Richard! My daughter was absolutely thrilled to use the pottery wheel for the first time and with Richard's guidance we have made beautiful pieces of pottery. Can't wait to go back for a glazing session! Definitely recommend the course as a family adventure or individual experience."

Sarah Cowan reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"Absolutely fantastic experience. Wendy you are a fabulous teacher and your patience is second to none. Lovely small group today which made the whole experience so very enjoyable. Will definitely be booking a full day course in the near future. Thank you again, Sarah x PS: I think this may be the start of a new hobby :)"

Gill Griffiths reviewed: Thread illustrations: stitch masterclasses, Janome HQ Stockport, nr. Manchester

"I absolutely loved this course. I learnt so much both technically and artistically. Dionne is a very inspiring teacher. I will definitely be looking out for more of her courses."

Lynn reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"I had a fantastic day. Lovely environment and excellent teacher. The time went so quickly and I learned so much. Lots of encouragement and fantastic ideas. Can't wait to get my glass work back. Wendy is an inspiration and so patient, welcoming and kind that you can't help but enjoy the day and celebrate what you have achieved. Thank you so!!! much. A pleasure to have been taught by you :) x"