Latest reviews

28 Oct 14'

Karen Burnett reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"I had a great day and learned new skills. I hope to be back next year to try a different course."

28 Oct 14'

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

"What an excellent weekend. Everything was perfect - great bunch of people. I would definitely do one again."

28 Oct 14'

Rachel Burch reviewed: Advanced throwing masterclass with David Frith

"I really loved this course. I have been throwing for 3 years and felt it was at the right level for me and really moved me on. Initially I was daunted by the amount of clay we threw with (around 2-3 kgs) but I made huge progress and am delighted with what I am now able to do. David was a great teacher, really I would have liked one more day. Potclays were great, next time have a pile of batts available for us to buy at home time please! Two sinks with only cold water was not enough for 10 of us, it would be good if you could improve on this. I bought lots of the clay we used on the course, it would be great if there were opportunities to try out some of your other clays too. Many thanks."

28 Oct 14'

Ken Bromage reviewed: Green Wood Creative Seating - 6 Day Course in South Devon

"This was my first venture in green wood (definitely not my last) and it was a great experience, Peter is an exceptional tutor and I cannot recommend this course highly enough, the location is also stunning. This is a hands on practical course and you come away with the fruits if your labour. Word of caution you cannot 'pop' to the shops so don't forget lunch!"

28 Oct 14'

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

"I enjoyed this course so much! We were patiently guided through the skills needed to make our bags, from the cutting and hammering (noisy but fun!) to the hand-stitching and burnishing, with good humour from everyone involved. I'm now telling anyone who will listen about my new bag and the fun I had making it. Thanks to Gaynor, Enya and Elizabeth!"

27 Oct 14'

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

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The instructions were excellent and at the right level. The materials were of a fabulous quality. I really cannot say any more I was so thrilled with the course, I cannot stop talking about it and it has given me the impetus to continue with leather hand sewing. Enya and Elizabeth were a delight to meet and so healpful."

27 Oct 14'

Jennifer Sweeting reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"We spent Saturday with Julian making a poker, toasting fork and fire brush between the two of us. We really enjoyed the day, it was extremely hands on, and the pieces we made are very professional looking and look great by the side of our fire. I'd definitely recommend this course and may go back for another session, when my "bashing" arm has recovered!"

27 Oct 14'

Julia Horton-Powdrill reviewed: Online textile surface pattern design workshop

"Deb's use of colour is inspiring. She is a great teacher with masses of original ideas."

26 Oct 14'

Graham & Judy Massey reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"We have just had our third two day session with Sharron. What an excellent tutor - and SO enthusiastic. looking forward to being able to join her again at some point in the future. whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced carver, Sharron will have lots of help and advice to share."

26 Oct 14'

Fiona reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"I have been on both basic felting and 3D felting course and thoroughly enjoyed them. I even came away with a beret that looked like a beret! Sarah is extremely patient and very knowledgeable . Had a brilliant time! Thank you."

26 Oct 14'

Carolyn Watkins reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"I spent 3 days with Rowena, learning to throw a pot for the first time, learning how to mould wares, mould and fix handles and experimenting with new kinds of decoration, especially working with slip. Rowena was an excellent teacher, gradually building my confidence, and tailoring the pace and content very well to my interests and skills. Great to be in Lewes too as the town itself and the surrounding scenery are pleasant to explore and an inspiration for decoration. Thank you!"

26 Oct 14'

Charlotte Boersma reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Several years ago I had the privilege of being tutored by Ed Bently at the Glasgow School of Art - Ceramic Design Degree course. Ed introduced us then to the world of designing plaster models as a base for making of plaster moulds and (re)production of ceramic objects. In april of this year it was the time to make my first commercial plaster model. Easy choice: Ed. With three other GSA graduates I enjoyed Ed's taylored 3-day Plaster Mouldmaking for Slip Cast Ceramics at Moniforld's Craft Barn. We had three really great days of super professional model making, mould making, design talk, tutoring, idea swapping, eating, drinking and shere fun. And of course I am now producing like a mad woman! :-) With love from Amsterdam, Holland"

26 Oct 14'

Phil W reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I recently attended a two day course run by Sharon for our local U3A. Sharon is an excellent teacher who makes you feel comfortable whatever your standard and we were shown a wide range of carving techniques using our own tools wherever possible. We were also shown how to sharpen tools - it was worth it for that alone!"

25 Oct 14'

Jim Quinlan reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"A Superb introduction to leatherworking by a great instructor. Bill has a wealth of knowledge and experience and the enthusiasm to get it across. The course gives you all the basic skills you can absorb and the confidence to put it into practise. Well worth the course fee and leaves you wanting to do more."

25 Oct 14'

Stephen Beasley reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"An excellent 2 x days, I'm amazed at how much was achieved in such a short period of time. Bill's teaching style is natural and his enthusiasm for the art comes across within minutes of meeting him. His patience with a "senior novice" was remarkable and all helped by a sense of humour. Apart from Bill the other three members of the course were really good company and added to the overall enjoyment."

25 Oct 14'

Ginie Scott reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Something I have always wanted to do and I am so glad I went on Julie's basket making course, I loved every minute of it.. so interesting and rewarding. It was a really enjoyable day and I would highly recommend it. Julie is an excellent teacher and with her patience and help we all managed to complete our baskets. I know I will treasure mine ! Julie is not only a brilliant basket maker/teacher but a pretty good cook as well !... all the cakes she provided were absolutely delicious !.. What a great day !"

24 Oct 14'

Brian Paterson reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"Would definitely recommend this course, a fun, creative and thoroughly enjoyable weekend with some lovely people. With his friendly and supportive style, James is a natural teacher and helps you create sculpture you can be proud of. Look forward to my next time at Phoenix."

24 Oct 14'

Elizabeth reviewed: Leather Mask Making

"The one day workshop was organised very well, equal time was spent with each of us and we were given so much information on the type of leather we were using, tools and techniques, and tips if we were to try mask making at home. It was a very relaxed atmosphere and I was really surprised that we were able to successfully create and finish a mask by then end of the session! I had a great day and would really recommend this course to everyone, even if they've never worked with leather before! It was such a great experience!"

23 Oct 14'

Simon reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I booked this course after meeting Mort at a craft fair and through his enthusiam I thought I'd like to give that ago, so I booked it, and what a fantastic day Mort is a great teacher, full of enthusiasm and his knowledge on the subject and his attention to detail is superb. All I can say if you are thinking about booking then don't wait just do it! Hope to come back soon. Thanks"

23 Oct 14'

Evelyn Hillier reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"James is an inspirational teacher, helpful & encouraging. When I first went to the Phoenix Studio I had no notion of being any good at ceramics: I was keeping my friend company on her course, but I continue to go back... I have developed my own style and ideas on how I want my pieces to appear; I'm still not very good but that's down to my essential lack of talent rather than anything else! It's always great there, and it doesn't matter whether you are good or bad at what you are doing as everyone's pieces have validity and indeed, artistic value - everyone is different, thank goodness. And the constant supply of tea and biccies helps the creativity flow as well!"

22 Oct 14'

Jean Foley reviewed: Mosaics for the home and garden

"If you've ever wondered how on earth the romans created those magnificent mosaics, and thought 'I couldn't do that', I can honestly recommend this course. You'll soon be creating mosaics you'll be proud to display in your house, as well as solving the Christmas present problem for that awkward Aunt and Uncle who seem to have everything! If like me, you can't draw anything, it's not a problem. Frances is a brilliant artist, who will take you through the entire procedure from beginning to end, and will indeed, even draw the design you want. This is a fun course for anyone wanting to try something new, whilst at the same time, giving you an opportunity to meet new people. One word of caution though. Once you try this course, you'll be hooked forever! WOULD I RECOMMEND THIS COURSE - YES DEFINITELY"

22 Oct 14'

sarah langton reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"had a great time, thoroughly enjoyed myself. I had a bit of experience previously but had forgotten a lot and Helen gave me confidence and great advice and direction in a friendly and interested way. She really is a superb teacher, I learnt more from her in one day than I had in the past over several sessions with someone else. Will definitely return for another class."

21 Oct 14'

Phil Helmore reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"I have wanted to do this course for quite some time and after finally finding the time I was worried that my expectations would exceed reality. I need not have worried, reality far exceeded expectations. Peter's workshop was the perfect venue tucked away in beautiful South Devon, it is the perfect location. Peter's calm instruction and patient coaching make him the ideal teacher. He conveys his passion for greenwood with enthusiasm and great knowledge. Two enhancements I would suggest would be:"

21 Oct 14'

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

"The course that I experienced has completely changed my approach to my own creativity. It's laughable now that I was so worried about my lack of artistic flair. James has perfected the balance of being inspirational but at the same time sitting back and allowing you to develop your own style. If you have any doubts about any stage of your work, he will 'chip in' and show you how to overcome the problem with his typical laid back style. I now attend one day a week and produce a steady flow of commissions thanks to James encouragement. There'll always be someone one stage ahead and one stage behind you and this gives you the perfect environment for creativity."

21 Oct 14'

Bob reviewed: Green Wood Chair Making - 6 Day Woodworking Course in South Devon

"Have wanted to make some greenwood chairs for ages, glad I chose this course as a starting point. Peter is an excellent tutor, unflappable, and has an answer for every 'challenge' (mistake). Lovely setting, a thoroughly enjoyable week in good company, the end products were really impressive!"