Latest reviews

21 Mar 17'

Claire Gregory reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"Excellent tuition with everyone getting assistance. Michelle is friendly and approachable. We all got to make what we wanted and go home with a nearly complete piece, with the necessary supplies and knowledge to finish it. I took my finished piece to work today and people have asked for Furzie details so they can book a place on a future course."

21 Mar 17'

Di Fenn reviewed: Felt Surface Techniques: Sampling Day

"A most enjoyable, fast moving and well structured course. The information given both verbally and in note form was excellent. The samples with their explanatory labels were very useful and provided plenty of inspiration. I had undertaken felting courses before but seem to have forgotten how physical the activity is! However with 3 partially completed samples I'm now trying to complete the set. Emma, you gave all the participants an equal share of attention and guidance which is so important. Thank you once again - I'm about to consider cutting along the lines of the resist to reveal the underlying design and I'm holding my breath!"

21 Mar 17'

Annamarie McHugh reviewed: Art Clay Silver Diploma Course - Lori Ridgway

"I started the course with no small amount of trepidation as, although I have some experience with metal clay, I had not employed all of the techniques required within the course syllabus. Not only was my anxiety unfounded but Lori, apart from expertly coaching me in all the required techniques, managed to dispel my self imposed fear of pushing the boundaries with handling the clay. As a tutor, Lori is a genuine mix of calm support, demanding taskmaster and, most importantly, fun. She is warm and generous with her input, effectively managing that delicate balance between allowing independence and monitoring what is being done; she enabled me to grow with the projects. If you are considering this course I would recommend some experience with silver clay first as the syllabus is demanding and Lori, a perfectionist. I can't wait to do another course with her and would recommend her to anyone wishing to pursue this medium as a hobby or otherwise."

21 Mar 17'

Nicky barber reviewed: M

"I went to a mosaic work shop run by maddie Janes in jersey last weekend. I really enjoyed the course, Maddie is a fab teacher with a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide a beginner like myself. Very encouraging and delivery of the course was excellent All materials were generously provided, at times I felt I was diving in to Maddies hidden treasure chest. I used the skills I had gained the very next day with the children I look after -great fun! Thankyou for coming to jersey and inspiring me"

21 Mar 17'

Stacy reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"This candle making course was brilliant. I enjoyed every minute. Julie and Kay are absolutely lovely and taught me exactly what I wanted to know. They also provided lots of helpful tips and hints. I've not stopped making candles since!"

21 Mar 17'

Susan Frier reviewed: Felt Surface Techniques: Sampling Day

"A thoroughly enjoyable day with new and different techniques to try out. It was inspiring to see so many different samples and the lampshade was really beautiful. It's a long time since I did any felt making, mainly due to the amount of elbow grease needed! but the technique with the pipe and rolling is slightly easier than how I had done it previously. Lovely to meet you too, many thanks, Sue."

21 Mar 17'

Steve Feigen reviewed: Introduction to wood working

"I really enjoyed this course, and like everyone on it, signed up for the intermediate one once it finished. Phil believes in hands on stuff, and despite his obvious knowledge provides support and tools rather than lectures, so you really do spend your time doing real stuff, which suited me. We had novices and some quite knowledgeable people on both courses and everyone seemed to get what they wanted out of it so five stars from me."

21 Mar 17'

Heather Wells reviewed: Restoration of furniture and decorative objects

"Paul Tear MBE teaches this class and brings over 40 years of experience with him. I have attended Paul's classes for a number of years and continue to learn new methods of restoring and conserving antique furniture and artefacts. Paul is a very pleasant, kind and patient person and has a great passion for passing on his experience and expertise to help others with their restoration projects."

21 Mar 17'

Gaelle busiere reviewed: Valentine's Papercutting Workshop

"Very nice workshop Lisa is a lovely lady and as it was a small group it was easy to interact with each other's and Lisa was able to help everyone, spend a few minutes with everyone. Papercutting is not as easy as it seems and it was great to learn some techniques."

20 Mar 17'

Vicky reviewed: Clay portrait weekends with Karin Ort

"As a portrait painter I knew this sculpture course would help with my paintings, it didn't disappoint, the studio is gorgeous in an amazing location. Karin is an excellent teacher, passionate, patient and encouraging she helps you every step of the way, thank you I loved it and am thrilled with my sculpture. I am looking forward to the next one! X"

20 Mar 17'

richard martin reviewed: Basic throwing with Jon French

"I attended this course on 13th and 14th March 2017 and found it extremely useful. Since 2014 I had done some throwing on my own wheel both self taught and some other with minimal tuition. Kevin's no nonsense approach was like a quantum leap and was invaluable. I came away with the beginnings of better throwing. I also attended Kevin's glazing course in November 2016 which was excellent. It was also a great pleasure meeting Cait and Richard from Throwdown. I now intend to enroll on one of his intermediate throwing courses as soon as I can find the time. I would also like to give a huge "thank you" to the staff at Potclays for a very enjoyable course."

20 Mar 17'

Tina Watkins reviewed: Felt Surface Techniques: Sampling Day

"Excellent course. Lots of ideas and inspiration. I can now 'see' how the shibori designs I see on the internet are formed."

20 Mar 17'

Angelina Tokkallos reviewed: M

"I was so happy to learn that Maddie Janes was coming to Jersey for one of her Mosaic workshops. I couldn't wait to meet and learn from her. The workshop was extremely fun and had a very relaxed atmosphere but most importantly, it was very educational. Maddie gave me some great tips and taught me to master some new techniques. She provided a lovely variety of materials which got all the creative juices flowing. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and my only problem was that the time went too fast... Maddie's workshop was fabulous and would recommend this to anyone who loves creativity or is looking for something inspirational to do."

20 Mar 17'

Ruth Ronnie reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended one of Sophie's workshops on Saturday, the day was brilliant and completely exceeded my expectations! I was inspired by Sophie and all of the other lovely ladies in my group. We were all completely new to needle felting yet we all produced a wonderful selection of felted dogs. Sophie is so friendly, professional and enthusiastic , encouraging us as we progressed with no pressure on any of us to rush. We were reluctant to put down our needles at lunchtime until we saw the delicious lunch produced by Sophie's Mum, this gave us a reason to pause ready to start again in the afternoon. Like others have stated this seems to be the start of a very addictive hobby, I would definitely recommend anyone to give it a go......."

20 Mar 17'

Paul Chadwick reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Bob picard, who was a very good instructor. Complete patience with me, even when I was struggling. I was made to feel comfortable in every aspect of what we did. Also I would like to add, Bob made me look for my own mistakes, this i believe makes everyone get a better grip on what it is they are doing. I would do it all again, and from this experience will one day open my own forge. Paul chadwk"

20 Mar 17'

Katrina Evans reviewed: Bowl felting workshop

"Rachel is a very patient teacher who has a gift for teaching and giving clear instruction. She allows people to be creative and do their own thing, and is able to adapt to all abilities so can be on hand when you need her, but does not interfere if you want to experiment with support if things don't go quite the way you wanted! Thanks Rachel"

20 Mar 17'

Bill Kelly reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I work at Blackburn College Lancashire as 3D/Fine Art Technician. I came to Ed's to rekindle my mould making skills supported by the staff development department. I cant recommend Ed enough. Having been connected to the ceramics industry in Stoke for 30 years Ed knows numerous tricks of the trade which he's only too willing to pass on. I took along two models I'd been working on. A sculptural piece in the form of a cat's head and a more functional piece in the form of a lidded box. Ed, masterfully, used these to produce two perfect moulds. I documented each step with my smartphone which will be really useful for college. Ed's a great teacher and easy going company to boot."

20 Mar 17'

Ann wilson reviewed: Annie Sloan Techniques for Colour & Style in Upcycling Furniture at La Di Da Interiors - Advanced

"Very interesting and informative. I came home with more work planned than originally intended. All was clearly explained. I did consider staying on for the afternoon session but felt it would be better to make use of the detail gained in the morning and will look forward to attending that course at a later date. Thank you very much."

20 Mar 17'

Gail Scott reviewed: One Day Leather Bag Making Workshop

"This is an excellent workshop - both fun and informative. Sarah is encouraging and nothing is too much trouble. She guides you through the process every step of the way in her beautiful studio and just seeing the work she produces and the wonderful coloured leather is inspiring. I came away with a fantastic two coloured business card case which has been well used and gathered many compliments. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone whatever your ability - you will have fun in beautiful surroundings whilst gaining a new skill from an amazing practitioner"

20 Mar 17'

Caroline Drummond reviewed: Beginner's Candle Making Private Workshop - Marlow, Buckinghamshire

"Sarah really is an inspirational person. Her courses are great value for money and I recommend them 100%. I've got 2 of her books about candle making. The candles you learn to make are fantastic. I wouldn't hesitate to book. Caroline."

20 Mar 17'

Peter Fairman reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Just wanted to write to say a huge thanks to you and Alison for a great weekend course in your Phoenix Studio, such a pleasant venue. You and Alison are such patient teachers and were never too tired to answer any questions the group had. I can’t believe what I achieved with your demonstrations and the really helpful advice and tips given by you both throughout the course. Excellent stress buster too with the best nights sleep I have had for some time ! Thank you both so much and looking to another course soon."

20 Mar 17'

Elaine Green reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Just as previous reviewers have said - this is an excellent day course. Two teen boys dreams come true - bashing metal all day! My sons had a great day and made daggers, hooks and toasting forks. They thought Colin was a great teacher - relaxed and friendly. They were able to get on with the blacksmithing very quickly without too much preamble so it was good value for money. Excellent communication via email with the owners too. Thoroughly recommended."

20 Mar 17'

Charles Brown reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"Extremely well run and thought out course. David Frith is an inspiring presence . I have been throwing off and on for thirty years and was still able to learn new techniques and improve my throwing. A generous mountain of clay to get through and good arrangements for completed work. Fascinating tour of the site; Potclays staff extremely helpful at all times. A great course."

20 Mar 17'

Mary Sotheran reviewed: Felt Surface Techniques: Sampling Day

"What an excellent day.Information provided was very good and clear. Buying your materials pack made it possible to keep the momentum up not needing to stop to find ingredients from what I had brought with me. The four samples I have made all worked well and I am particularly pleased with the 'Cracked Mud samples that I have made which was of leaves. The least successful sample was the 'Nuno Shibiri which has only partially worked -I suspect I was a bit heavy handed initially!!!! I am sending photographs of the finished samples to your email address for your information. Thank you5"

20 Mar 17'

Lesley Browne reviewed: Woodcarving for Beginners and Experienced Carvers

"I joined Ernest's course at the Wooburn Craft School last year, with no previous experience of wood carving. It was wonderful. Ernest is a great teacher and the class was small and friendly so he was there at hand whenever advice was needed. The class was mixed ability: some beginners like me, and others more experienced, so there were also fellow students around to give advice and demonstrate what they were doing - many were producing quite intricate and detailed pieces after attending for only a relatively short time. I would highly recommend this class to beginners as well as those with more experience. I attended the 10 week course evening class, and Ernest was able to be flexible about dates and worked around my planned holiday, so that was very helpful. I liked it so much I signed up for ongoing classes. There are also several other types of craft lessons being offered at the Wooburn Craft School (I've just completed a stained glass course which was running there at weekends) so it's a good idea to check out their website and see what's planned. It's a very welcoming and friendly place to learn new skills."