Latest reviews

Alan Buckle reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"Had a really enjoyable morning. I was a total beginner. Jack was patient and his instructions and advice were very calm and clear. He was always close by to help when things went wrong, which was not too often! Watching a pot rise before my eyes was a very satisfying experience. I am looking forward to seeing my pots glazed and finished. Will certainly do more as I enjoyed it so much. Thank you Jack and thank you Laura who gave me the course as a present."

Marion Thrower reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"My daughter, my granddaughter of 21, teenage grandsons, and I have been on various courses run by Brenda, and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Brenda's courses are for all ages and abilities. Between us, we have covered a wide range of subjects, including faces, Christmas and Autumn wreaths, pots, 3D heads and figures and, at this moment, two of us are looking forward to making The Green Man! Brenda is such a good teacher, so encouraging and positive. Her explanations and instructions are very detailed and clear so that even a beginner gains confidence under her tutelage. Her welcoming and lovely, calm manner makes everyone feel that they can succeed. But most of all, it is such fun!"

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Hello Marion, Thank you for such a kind review. It is always wonderful to see you and your family and I look forward to seeing you next week."

Ben reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course was set in beautiful peaceful surroundings and although we were lucky with the weather, it would have been a very calming meditative experience regardless. Sebastian has a very calm relaxed approach to leading the sessions and after an interesting introduction and background to the course with a quick practise on scrap stone, we were left to be as free and creative as we liked with any of the tools set out available to us. The area had lots of beautiful carvings and sculptures to draw on as inspiration made by Sebastian, but setting your aim low to start with is best. Its tiring work, but very meditative and I found myself losing track of time as I was so engrossed in removing little pieces of limestone here and there on the block provided. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone and everyone to have a break from work, feel good, calm your mind and have something to show at the end of it. Great course."

Hannah reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"‘This was a great beginners course. Diane’s teaching was relaxed which worked well with participants progressing at different rates. The added bonus of generous spinning wheel maintenance was brilliant, I left with my wheel working far more smoothly as well as an idea of how to use it! Blaze Farm is a lovely venue too."

Amanda Button reviewed: Ceramic sculpture for all abilities in Kent

"Brenda’s workshops are an excellent introduction to ceramics. Brenda provides friendly and knowledgeable instruction so that you can explore your creativity and learn at the same time. Brenda’s classes are small and friendly and she quickly puts everyone at ease. I would recommend her classes to anyone who wants an instructive and fulfilling introduction to ceramics."

Brenda Burgess Arts responded:

"Thank you so much for your really kind review Mandy . i always look forward to seeing you and your sister and always love seeing what you make ... and talking chickens!"

Rohen reviewed: One to one pottery throwing class in Worksop

"Had a great time being shown the tricks to create a pair of lovely cylinders on the wheel by Harriet. Very relaxed, friendly atmosphere and the time just flew by. I'm not a complete beginner but I needed some tuition to correct my skills on the wheel and this was achieved very easily. I'd recommend the experience to anyone. I'll be going back to collect my pots which are going to be glazed and fired as they are just brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed the time. Will take another class at some point in the future , to expand my skills."

Laura reviewed: Taster pottery throwing lesson (various dates)

"We had such a great morning. Beautiful, calm setting. Fantastic, clear guidance through the whole process by Jack. Excellent refreshments. Couldn’t ask for more. Many thanks"

Richard Brassington reviewed: Knife making tuition - Wiltshire

"I did the two day knife making course and enjoyed every minute of it. Graham's teaching style is excellent and because he makes a knife too you can physically see each step along the way. He was always on hand and aware if any steps weren't quite right, without feeling like he was watching over my shoulder. He also provides a decent lunch and good conversation! I'd recommend the course to anyone (and have done loads in the few days since I did it!)"

Catrin Hanks-Doyle reviewed: Screen printing using paper stencils onto fabric

"Liz Ryan was a great teacher and the course was fab. Liz supported us via email in designing an image suitable for the screen printing process before we arrived. When we arrived in the inspirational space full of colour and ideas, she gave lots of support throughout the process; along with tips and suggestions for further experimenting. I have since bought my own screen printing kit to try some more at home. Thanks Liz! Lovely lunch too!"

Briony Pillman reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"I so enjoyed the day screen printing workshop I did with Ria. She is a brilliant teacher and I learnt a lot. Ria went above and beyond to make things work for me. It was a fun relaxing day and I came away with 2 cushions that I am very pleased with. I have already been recommending her to my friends. It’s a great day out!"

Amanda Steenkamp reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Steven is a likeable, engaging tutor and the session was most enjoyable, thank you. The method of carving a spoon and the explanation of how to use the tools was spot on. I definitely recommend the class if you’re looking for something different and relaxing."

ALEX EASTERBROOK reviewed: French Polishing & Woodcare - 2 Day Beginners/Intermediate Workshop

"Oliver was a brilliant teacher and I found the whole experience very rewarding, relaxing and satisfying. I’ve now signed up to the advanced course. Communication was great, we learnt the processes in depth and it was a great atmosphere. Would recommend!"

David B reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Excellent experience, crammed a lot in to 2 days and very happy with my achievements. Got a lot of help and guidance from John and Helen who never stopped. Highly recommended."

Jane Taylor reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Enjoyed the stone carving tuition so much I've signed up for more. Their patience with beginners was outstanding and I was so pleased with what I achieved. Highly recommended."

Allyson Morris reviewed: Pyrography Delites

"Excellent course. Jane was really friendly and helpful, and I’m so pleased with the things I made. Everything is included, plus a lovely cup of tea and scones. I thoroughly recommend and I hope to go again."

Helen Beeston reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Very enjoyable day and so pleased with my bracelet, bangle and rings. Lovely to have the opportunity to try so many skills and making."

Jennifer Deverill reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A lovely way to spend a day. Excellent instruction (very friendly) and a good finished product to take home."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Jen - lovely to meet you and your lovely family. Jonathan"

Georgia Deverill-Skelding reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Very good day, lots to learn. Made a beautiful bangle."

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Georgia - well done with your bangle making and thank you for choosing The Silver Jewellery Boat. Jonathan"

Gill taylor reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Helen and John are great tutors. I learned a lot about stone carving, and have signed up for further tutition. Would highly recommend."

The West Riding Stonecarving Association responded:

"Thank you for your participation and your positive review.? Helen"

Karen French reviewed: Beginners Linocut Workshop at Hitchin Lavender Farm, Hertfordshire

"Both me and my daughter really enjoyed the course. Kim was so helpful and created a wonderful space. I would recommend attending especially if you want to learn how to do lino printing."

John reviewed: Green Man stone carving in Yorkshire

"Thank you so much for a fabulous weekend carving. I loved being down at the mill and my green man looks fantastic. Excellent tutoring, fabulous weekend and great fun. I phoned Helen to book and had no trouble!"

Roger Marks reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"An excellent, practical, course in a splendid setting. Experienced tutor demonstrated and explained clearly and well plus volunteer helpers meant help was always available when needed. All staff friendly and enthusiastic. I felt I'd learned a lot and would do another course there."

Frances Tarylor reviewed: Create a ceramic animal sculpture with Twisted Earth Ceramics at Ilkley Manor Studio

"I recently attended a course run by Richard in Ilkley, with a group of friends. The course was brilliant, Richard is very good at what he does, he explained everything very clearly and gave exactly the right amount of support and guidance, but let us get on with it too. He was also very entertaining, and the day flew by. I was so pleased with my wonderful moon-gazing hare. I'm a complete beginner at clay model making, and I didn't think I'd be able to make one successfully, and I know some others in my group felt the same, but we all produced wonderful hares, so full of character. The course was also really good value for money and I would definitely recommend it. We left, planning which of Richard's workshops we want to do next! Frances"

John Morgan reviewed: Beginners 2 full days knife making courses

"Dan & Paddy have a sound knowledge of their subject. Informative and fun. Recommended."

Gill Richardson reviewed: Premium experience package dry stone walling for beginners

"A thoroughly enjoyable two days spent in the very capable hands of Carl and Dan. Every aspect of the weekend was well planned and executed, with a beautiful dry stone wall to show for our efforts. Skills were generously shared and a great team spirit built up over regular mugs of hot tea and soup! Highly recommended."