Latest reviews

2 Dec 16'

Cliona Snow reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"One of the best courses I've ever attended. I spent the first of the two days in a group of five throwing pots and trying out the various clay techniques, which Lorraine expertly taught and had the patience of a saint with us all! I was keen on glazing my pots the second day and Lorraine made sure there was a date that suited me to do this, despite there not being a full number of students that day. This was the most relaxing day I've had in a very long time and I highly recommend it. My resulting pots are all different, unique and very special. So much so that I can't give any away as I'd intended! Will definitely be back again. Cliona Snow"

2 Dec 16'

J Young reviewed: 2 day Traditional Upholstery Intensive Course- London

"I spent the most wonderful weekend working on a piano stool and it was very rewarding and therapeutic. I have already signed up for the weekly drop in sessions to work on my dining chairs."

2 Dec 16'

Liz Wills reviewed: Introduction to Glazes with Jacqui Atkin

"This is my third course at Potclays; my second with Kevin. I have been playing with clay now for a couple of years as an enthusiastic beginner. I have been struggling with glazing and ruining the items I've made by bad glaze choices, application and a general lack of understanding. I was in desperate need of a 'glazing for dummies' type course and this was it!! A brilliant introduction to glazes, which covered everything I have been doing wrong. I can't wait to get back to my garage and weigh my glaze and have another go, as I feel so much more confident I now know what I'm looking for in regards to consistency and application. Utterly brilliant, well worth the money, the five hour drive and overnight stay away from home. The potclays staff all round are just great - always helpful and personable. These are the only courses I feel I need now and I've already booked myself on the beginners two day throwing course next year :-)."

2 Dec 16'

Pete Johnson reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"We both did not know what to expect as my son booked this day course for my brother and myself as a present, (he had already attended it previously with his girl friend) We both had a very interesting day learning just what you can do with metal if you heat it up enough. Colin was a good instructor showing you how to do something but then letting you get on with it yourself under his supervision. He started by asking us what kind of thing we wanted to do, we opted for a fun day to make a few bits and learn quite a lot but with no pressure. For a really interesting day out you would be hard pressed to beat this. Highly recommended."

2 Dec 16'

Lizzie reviewed: Sterling silver beginners pendant making jewellery course

"I met Sarah when my husband took me to her house for a birthday surprise lesson to make a necklace. She gave us a warm and friendly greeting and made some yummy cookies. She is passionate about what she makes and she is a wealth of knowledge. Her work shop is so well kitted out, I came away envious. The lesson was fantastic, I learnt so so so much with knowledge and practically. I came away with lots of food for thought. I love my necklace I made. I would 100% with out a doubt recommend Sarah to anyone. Fantastic lesson, thank you."

2 Dec 16'

Blair Smith reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I can't recommend this course enough! I did the 10 week beginners course and although I had done a little bit of woodwork in school about 10 years ago, I haven't done any since so was coming into this with no idea what I was doing. Ciarán is a great teacher and I would love to do the next course, and will definitely carry on making stuff."

2 Dec 16'

Katherine reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"I recently finished the 10 week intermediate course, having completed the intensive beginner course in April this year. Ciaran was as helpful and patient as always. His positive and happy demeanor, along with a constant supply of tea and biscuits, ensures the classes are very enjoyable. I am proud to have brought home my second piece of furniture, with gorgeous joints, that I can say to family and friends 'I made that'. I was a complete beginner just a few months ago and can now do dovetails, mortise and tenon mitres and much more. I also know I don't need loads of expensive tools to carry on. Well done Ciaran on yet again another fabulous course."

1 Dec 16'

Sandra Lane reviewed: Tambour beading: a haute couture technique

"Lucky enough to have done a beginners class with Ms Wring two days ago. It was a small class there were only two of us but the way it was taught has me practicing and hooked on it for a long time. I travelled to Bristol from Gibraltar to take this course and it was worth every penny spent. The setting for the classes at Love Stitch Studio is excellent with loads of natural light and a friendly atmosphere. Audrey is a very good teacher. Coffee, tea and biscuits were available throughout the day. The pack we received with the kit provided is a great starting point for a beginner the instructions given where clear and although there were two students we worked at our own pace and Audrey moved us along at the right pace for our individual needs and we were able to take home what we produced. I would recommend this class to any beginner it covers a bit of the history and the very basic essentials in a interesting and instructive way. Will return to do a more advanced course in the future."

1 Dec 16'

Joanne reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I had a really enjoyable weekend on this course, the atmosphere was great fun and very relaxed but with excellent tuition from Gaynor, Hannah + Elizabeth. It was a great introduction to leatherwork and I learnt a lot in two days and have a lovely bag. I'm hoping to return for another course next year."

1 Dec 16'

Marie Hubbard reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I first tried Ali's workshop through work and loved it so much I booked her for my birthday party. She is very patient and helpful across all age ranges (from 2 to 80!) and with Ali's guidance the results were spectacular. It's excellent value for money - I can't recommend highly enough."

1 Dec 16'

Colin reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Previously attended furniture course in the same workshop. It has been revamped and the new layout lends itself to the function with more room in the central area. Mark was well prepared for the course; more than ready for the students and our questions about the project. His teaching style is quietly confident; courses without the dramatic effect are so much more enjoyable by all parties, Able to share knowledge in a workshop environment, underpinned by his experience; nothing phased him. His belief all of the potential problems can be resolved; basically reinforcing the belief that Tradesmen get things done rather than admitting defeat. Two days well spent in a frosty Penrith; coming home with a sense of achievement and a beautiful lined Jewellery box as evidence to all of those doubting the potential for such a short course. Thanks again Mark, it was like coming home to a welcoming, stress-free family atmosphere. I might come on another Course, and will definitely pop in next time I am in the area."

1 Dec 16'

Denise Williamson reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"My daughter and I had a brilliant afternoon making willow Angels. Sally-Anne is a very patient and motivating teacher and we each came away with angels we are proud of. The relaxed and comfortable surroundings of Sally-Anne's delightful home added to the pleasure of the afternoon."

1 Dec 16'

Sharon Humberstone reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"David and I had a wonderful weekend. Dunja was a very good and patient teacher. It was my first experience at weaving yet I came away with enough confidence to carry on at home. I would definitely recommend this course."

1 Dec 16'

Linda Yeoman reviewed: Willow hearts and flowers

"I really enjoyed this course, the time just flew by and I came home with some great willow Christmas decorations. I will be recommending this course to my friends."

1 Dec 16'

Brian Henham reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"As an amateur wild-life photographer wishing to mount my own photographs for display, this was an ideal one-day course. Lynne is an excellent teacher who covers the subject professionally and in great detail, whilst at the same time making the learning process great fun. All the necessary equipment is provided at your own workspace, together with instruction sheets and diagrams. The subject is covered in a clear, concise, easy to assimilate fashion before you start to put what you have learnt in to practice and cut your first mount. Breaks for coffee and delicious home-made cake, provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in which to get to know your fellow students. By the end of the day it is exciting to see your own pictures properly mounted and most satisfying to realise that you have done the work yourself. Lynne provides a detailed Suppliers List for you to take home and has some equipment and board which you may purchase if you wish. An excellent course."

1 Dec 16'

Julia Weiss reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I recently attended the 1 day mount cutting course and found it extremely useful. I had previously attended a picture framing course in London which only touched on mount cutting so wanted to learn more about it. Lynne is an excellent teacher and has the patience on an angel. The tips and techniques that she teaches are well thought out and easy to understand. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn and understand how important having the right mount is to show pictures and photos off."

1 Dec 16'

Juliet Luff reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is a GREAT teacher, he taught us loads in the short amount of time we were there. He was happy to answer all the random questions we shot at him, and it was really fun! And we came away with a gorgeous belt, bag and the skills we need to make many more goods in the future :) Thank you so much. I highly recommend this course and Bill!"

1 Dec 16'

Marilyn Gerson reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"So, second time, left with a started lazy Susan and masses of motivation from an excellent teacher. Colour, design, angles, thank you Dionne."

30 Nov 16'

Stephen Edworthy reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"I can highly recommend attending this introductory course. Both Daniel and Abby are excellent tutors and create a wonderful atmosphere. All four attendees quickly settled in with each other and were soon comfortable and confident. Daniel and Abby are without doubt highly skilled and keen to share their knowledge. Stephen-November 2016"

30 Nov 16'

Gill reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Stained Glass Christmas Decorations

"Many thanks Brian & Julie and to Carole for such an enjoyable day on Friday 25th November with good company, an excellent menu and successful hand made products to take home. I hope to meet you again to take part in another rewarding session at The Butterfly Art and Craft Studio. Gill"

30 Nov 16'

Jenni reviewed: Rag Rug Workshop - Half Day - London

"Had a brilliant time learning all about rag rugging. The course was really well structured with just the right balance of teaching and time for practice. Elspeth was a great teacher, really engaging and well informed."

29 Nov 16'

Jan reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"I had a thoroughly enjoyable day at a Dionne's. Her instructions are easy to follow and you get stuck in almost straight away, there is plenty of help and encouragement, and the time absolutely flies. I feel I have learned enough to embark on projects at home. Ample coffee, biscuits and cake, though you don't want to stop to enjoy them! If you're thinking about trying this, I say go for it, you'll have fun and learn something new at the same time."

29 Nov 16'

Jane Seddon reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"Have just spent a Fantastic day with Jean & Janice at their workshop. The group of people that attended were brilliant and made myself and the other two newbies feel very welcome. It's like sitting in a room that is a cross between Aladdin's cave and an alchemists lab...you want to try everything but don't know the formula !! The ladies were great at explaining the basics (including the very important health and safety) and soon had us working on our first piece. I am still chanting the mantra of 'tin sandwich' and keeping my fingers crossed that the pieces I worked on turn out ok ! After a delicious lunch of homemade soups and breads followed by cake , we carried on with making , in my case a bowl ( other people worked on different shapes) All too soon it was time to finish. I can't wait to see how my first attempts turn out. O.k. I hold my hand up , I am hooked , I have booked to go again. I can't call myself a glass fusionista yet but who knows !!!!!"

29 Nov 16'

Zoe Watts reviewed: Stained glass copperfoiling - beginners course - Witney, Oxfordshire

"The workshop was a gift from my brother. We both attended and made our own individual pieces. He designed his own holly leaf wreath and I designed a square mirror. We gave Ros a rough idea in advance what we've like to create and the colours and she had these colours available to view when deciding on final piece. Ros was both patient and supportive with us both, and offered assistance without taking over our work. Our session over ran, this did not bother us as we were just eager to finish our pieces and take them home to show them off. My hobbies are craft based. This was so much different but lovely to learn a new skill. I'd like to return one day maybe once I have my own house to create a unique piece. I would highly recommend Ros, she has all the time in the world to support you from beginning to end. A long but thoroughly enjoyable day. Thank you"

29 Nov 16'

Rebecca reviewed: Friday mosaic making

"A rare opportunity for me to get creative which I very much enjoyed. Audrey brings lots of examples and a great choice of quality materials to inspire. She provides everything you need to explore this medium in whichever way you choose, as well being an invaluable source of friendly and knowledgeable "mosaicing" advice to help you make the most of the session. It was relaxed, friendly, inspiring and a really lovely way to enjoy a morning doing something arty and unique. I am very pleased with my mosaic creation and I'll definitely be back for more ... Thank you."