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What students have said:

I attended a Moon Gazing hare workshop with Richard and it was brilliant. Nice venue, lovely setting and a good balance of supportive tuition and having the freedom for individual creativity. Richard is an excellent tutor and I am really pleased with my hare who takes pride of place in the window where he can gaze at the moon!

Andrea Petch – 

My husband and I attended the donkey workshop in Farsley. We weren’t sure what we were going to end up with at the start with our lump of clay. But under Richrads expert tuition we needed have worried. We both really enjoyed the day, the company and Richards gentle way of teaching. It was relaxed and absorbing. We both ended up with sculptures that looked like donkeys, it was fascinating and I can’t wait to do another one. Great value for money too.

Liz Howe – 

I booked on the Highland cow course with family and friends. I knew I would have fun. But I wasn’t sure about the quality of what I would have created at the end of the workshop. I shouldn’t have worried. Under Richards gently guiding hand I was totally amazed by my fabulous cow. The whole group were saying what a relaxing fun day. I would love to go back and do the Hare course. During the day two ladies turned up at different times to pick up theirs fured and painted animals. They also said what a lovely time they had and were very pleased with their efforts. Thanks Richard. See you again 🐇🐇🐇

Alison Shaw –  – 

Just wanted to say what a great day we had making our donkeys.
We were total begginers so not sure how we would manage to create anything that resembled a donkey. Sure enough with Richard’s excellent teaching and support we each have a donkey to be proud of.
Would highly recommend Richard’s workshops, good fun,relaxed atmosphere and a great way to bring out your inner creativity.
Looking forward to seeing the donkeys in a couple of weeks.

Pam and Kate – 

I’ve had the most incredible day today with Richard, creating my very own donkey. He is a real gentleman and guided us all through it step by step, all had the same instructions but each piece came out unique and beautiful. I would highly recommend this course. Looking forward to my next workshop.

Julia dodd – 

I was so proud of my hare! As a complete beginner I really was astounded that I was able to produce such a high quality piece. That was down to Richard’s expert tuition. An incredible day – I’m already booked on to the next one. 
Thank you Richard.

Jo Fiddes – 

Loved it! Loved everything about a great day spent creatively under Richard’s expert guidance. He is a very patient and talented teacher who took us step by step through the techniques needed to transform a lump of clay into our own unique hares each with their own character. We did slab work for the body, coil work for the neck and thumb pinch pots for the head and various other techniques to create our hares. Richard is obviously a talented sculptor who knows his stuff and made it all seem so easy. There was a lovely atmosphere with everyone happy to be there, chatting across the table and delighted with their sculptures. The beautiful gentle Tilly dog in her eye catching red onesy added to the fun especially for dog lovers like my daughter Laura & me! So pleased she suggested coming. It was well worth the journey from Northumberland. SCRAP was a great venue and we popped out to the café on the corner for a quick delish lunch. Highly recommend any workshop run by Richard.

Maggie H – 

I went to the resting hare workshop with my mum and we had a fantastic day! Richard demonstrated the techniques to us and then guided us through the process so we all were all supported during each stage. I’d never done ceramics before so it was good to learn a new skill in a fun, relaxed environment. 

Tilly the dog was also extremely welcoming and a very jolly addition to the day! I’d definitely recommend coming to one of these workshops, you won’t regret it!

Laura H – 

Highly recommend Twisted Earth Ceramics workshops if you want a lovely day creating something to be proud of. Richard takes you through the process step by step with humour and patience. Each and every person on the two workshops I’ve done came away amazed at what they’d achieved in the course of a day. We all sculpted pieces that had their own charm rather than exact replicas and I’m sure they’ll all have pride of place in our homes.
Thankyou so much Richard for a very special day!

Dawn Peters – 

I treated myself and two daughters to the highland cow course, as total beginners i didnt expect to do very well but Richard is a talented tutor and took us step by step to produce a highland cow. I enjoyed it so much that i have been on one of his two day courses to produce a larger piece, again he was so patient and helpful. We all are looking forward to attending more of his classes, word of warning….its very addictive!

Debbie Staton – 

My daughter and I spent a great day with Richard making Highland Cows at the light and airy studio next to the Manor House in Ilkley.

I am not at all artistic and have not made anything with clay before, but with step by step instructions, a Highland Cow emerged from the block of clay we started with.

I highly recommend Richard’s workshops.

Jill B –  –

What a total treat the day spent making Rupert the hare was! A day spent doing something just for me, learning a new skill with a wonderful teacher, surrounded by lovely people and having a giggle. In a world where we barely stop to breathe, I would highly recommend you spend the time you do have doing this! 

I came away from the session feeling so proud to have achieved something, all the sculptures the class made, despite being beginners, were amazing! None of us wanted to leave them behind and can’t wait to collect them in a few weeks. 

Thank you for a wonderful day that this very busy working, home educating mummy will not forget in a long time. Xx

Anita Adams – 

My husband bought us a one to one session with Richard, we both had a fabulous day.

We arrived to an array of biscuits and mugs of coffee and a chat about what we wanted to work on. Richard was very open to our ideas and guided us to make them look real. 

I would highly recommend either a workshop or a one to one. I have already booked in another session. 

Thank you Richard and Tilly for a fabulous day.

Gill

Gillian Hartley – 

My wife and i have just spent the most fantastic day with Richard from Twisted Earth Ceramics. 

As complete beginners we had no expectation of producing anything worth keeping, i just thought it would be fun however, with Richards expert guidance, patience and humour both of us managed to produce something that we are more than happy to display.

A fantastic way to spend the day, lots of tea and cake, and something tangible to bring home (once fired).

Chris Hartley – 

I booked a course for 4 friends and I to celebrate my Birthday and we could not have imagined how good the day would be.
Richard is so down to earth and friendly, he makes you feel really relaxed and at home. He goes out of his way to keep the day relaxed so you can enjoy it.
When we arrived we were shown around the studio and offered tea and biscuits before being shown where we would be working for the day. 
We were given a piece of clay and Richard demonstrates each step to you so you can create your masterpiece at your own pace. 
The atmosphere was relaxed and very sociable. 
It was a beautiful day so we all ate lunch outside in his garden and chatted some more before returning to the workshop. You are asked to bring your own lunch as there weren’t any shops nearby to buy food. 
Richard works from a number of different venues so I guess it depends on which one you are booked at as to whether there are any food outlets nearby.
On completion of our masterpieces (we chose to do highland cattle) we were given a date from which we can collect our cows to allow Richard to fire them for us. 
It was such a fabulous, fun filled day doing something really different that I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes ‘creating’ things. 
He said he did dinosaur workshop days for kids and even offers one-one days for those who want to take their new interest to the next level.
It’s an affordable fun day that you should have a go at. We will definitely be back!

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Michaela Kenworthy – 

Hi Richard, 

I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you for your awesomeness today. 
I can honestly say I’ve never been on a course where I felt so chillaxed & supported in achieving the set brief. 

You need to give yourself a massive pat kind on the back( cow kind of course) for today’s sculpture course on how fab the experience was from learners perspective. I feel your enthusiasm in what you do, radiates & projects into your classes, making the whole experience much more rewarding. 

This infectiousness as left me feeling inspired. Idd love to come back & join you again for a different course later in the year

“A brilliant day, can certainly recommend this course and Richard our tutor. He made sure, through encouraging support, that we all created a superb Highland cow. They were all different with different personalities. Richard carefully explained and demonstrated each step throughout the day. I would certainly attend one of his courses again.”

28 Feb 20

“I’ve always said I have zero artistic talent but Richard has proved me wrong. Richard is an amazing teacher who guides you through the day step by step making sure everyone is involved and looked after. If your piece starts to go a bit wrong (like mine did several times) he will come and help you get back on track and you will end up with a piece you are proud of. Loved every part of the day so much so my Mum and I recently went on another course together. You really have nothing to lose, go for it!”

24 Feb 20′ Lydia Dayes

“Richard was a perfect host. He talked our group though how to make our donkeys with patience and in a way that gave us confidence and a donkey not too far off his! Amazing! We had a right laugh doing this as an alternative birthday present. I’d highly recommend it!”

24 Feb 20′ Jen reviewed:

“A very absorbing and enjoyable day making a wonky donkey following Richard’s step-by-step instructions. Materials and tools were plentiful, and after a short demo Richard patiently helped us all to complete our models. Highly recommended.”

24 Feb 20′ Claire Hawkins

“The best course I’ve been on. Thoroughly enjoyed. Learnt loads in a really relaxed way and to come away with a fully finished wonkey donkey was brilliant. I genuinely didn’t think I could make one but Richard talked us through every step. The sculptures are bigger than you think they’re going to be. Already booked to do gazing hare. Can’t wait!!”

24 Feb 20′Gemma

“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t convinced I’d come away with anything that even  resembled a Wonky Donkey but Richard’s step by step method meant that not only myself, but every member of the group left feeling quite pleased with ourselves and our Donkeys. The workshops are relaxed and Richard makes sure that everyone has the guidance they require. I was a complete beginner so questioned my every step but there was no need to. Trust in Richard and you will come away with a fantastic piece of art, lovingly made by you! The perfect way to spend a rainy Sunday.”

26 Jan 20′ Gilly

“Richard is a very supportive and generous tutor, he gives you the confidence to attempt the impossible. I can’t wait to join another of his workshops. The whole group were great and we made some awesome highland cows.”

26 Jan 20′ Ange and Tracey

“What a fabulous day with excellent tuition. First craft of the New Year and if the rest are like this we’re in for a brilliant year. Thank you so much Richard and we look forward to joining you again some time. Regards Ange and Tracey”

2 Dec 19′ Jan Lawson reviewed

“Great course with a very patient and helpful tutor who made sure that no one was neglected and that we all had a finished product to be proud of. This was my 2nd course and I look forward to attending another one before too long.”

3 Nov 19′Tracey 

“Loved the highland cow course and the fact it was step by step which enabled us t o come out with a very respectable clay cow! Richard was a great instructor and helped us only when we were stuck. I would highly recommend this course to everyone, even those who think they have little pottery skills. Thanks Richard for a great day!”

Annabel

“I bought a place on the highland cow workshop for my mum’s Christmas present. We had a fantastic day creating our cows, it was a really friendly atmosphere with 2 other crafters. Richard is a great teacher and has a calm approach to instructing the class and ensuring you are happy with your final piece. He gives the same instruction to all but each cow was very unique and special to the crafter. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone!!”

8 Sep 19′ Pam

“Had an amazing time today making a hare, Richard was a great teacher and I managed to make a good sculpture that did look like a hare.”

28 Apr 19′ katy

“I booked this course for myself and I was not disappointed whatsoever. Richard talked us through the making of an owl and he was an excellent teacher. Richard provided a great relaxing atmosphere which really encouraged everyone’s engagement and creativity. I really enjoyed this course and would recommend it to anyone, even those who would never usually consider any arts and crafts workshops. Just a fabulous ‘time out’ workshop to take you away from your day to day routines.”

25 Apr 19′Frances Tarylor

“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”

24 Apr 19′Alison Parker

“I have just returned from a wonderful Moon Gazing Hare workshop in Ilkley. The course I wanted to do was booked up so myself and six friends organised with Richard to have our own workshop. It was fun and very rewarding. We were all impressed with the finished hares. Richard, an expert tutor was friendly, fun and very helpful, taking us carefully through each process and taking time to make sure everyone had the attention they needed. We were all complete beginners. I would highly recommend having a go on one of Richard’s workshops. We are talking about doing another workshop with him – I fancy a Highland Cow or maybe a Herdwick Sheep ?……”

16 Apr 19′ Gemma

“I have just got back from a residential ceramics and yoga weekend at a beautiful venue in Derbyshire (led by sculptor, Richard, and yoga teacher, Hilary). The weekend was a little treat to myself and a treat it surely was! Richard and Hilary worked really well together and the balance between clay work and yoga was spot on. There was also time to explore our beautiful surroundings and to relax and chat with one another. The course was really well organised but always felt relaxed and fun. Richard and Hilary are very skilled at what they do and their passion for their art is infectious! Besides this, they are both lovely people to be around. I would certainly recommend this residential course to anyone interested in sculpturing/yoga practice or anyone simply looking for a little mind and body nourishment!”

23 Feb 19′ Andrea Petch

“I attended a Moon Gazing hare workshop with Richard and it was brilliant. Nice venue, lovely setting and a good balance of supportive tuition and having the freedom for individual creativity. Richard is an excellent tutor and I am really pleased with my hare who takes pride of place in the window where he can gaze at the moon!”

29 Oct 18′ Liz Howe

“My husband and I attended the donkey workshop in Farsley. We weren’t sure what we were going to end up with at the start with our lump of clay. But under Richrads expert tuition we needed have worried. We both really enjoyed the day, the company and Richards gentle way of teaching. It was relaxed and absorbing. We both ended up with sculptures that looked like donkeys, it was fascinating and I can’t wait to do another one. Great value for money too.”

21 Oct 18′ Alison Shaw

“I booked on the Highland cow course with family and friends. I knew I would have fun. But I wasn’t sure about the quality of what I would have created at the end of the workshop. I shouldn’t have worried. Under Richards gently guiding hand I was totally amazed by my fabulous cow. The whole group were saying what a relaxing fun day. I would love to go back and do the Hare course. During the day two ladies turned up at different times to pick up theirs fured and painted animals. They also said what a lovely time they had and were very pleased with their efforts. Thanks Richard. See you again ???”

1 Oct 18′ Pam and Kate

“Just wanted to say what a great day we had making our donkeys. We were total beginers so not sure how we would manage to create anything that resembled a donkey. Sure enough with Richard’s excellent teaching and support we each have a donkey to be proud of. Would highly recommend Richard’s workshops, good fun,relaxed atmosphere and a great way to bring out your inner creativity. Looking forward to seeing the donkeys in a couple of weeks.”

Annabel

“I bought a place on the highland cow workshop for my mum’s Christmas present. We had a fantastic day creating our cows, it was a really friendly atmosphere with 2 other crafters. Richard is a great teacher and has a calm approach to instructing the class and ensuring you are happy with your final piece. He gives the same instruction to all but each cow was very unique and special to the crafter. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone!!”

 

8 Sep 19′ Pam

“Had an amazing time today making a hare, Richard was a great teacher and I managed to make a good sculpture that did look like a hare.”

 

28 Apr 19′ katy

“I booked this course for myself and I was not disappointed whatsoever. Richard talked us through the making of an owl and he was an excellent teacher. Richard provided a great relaxing atmosphere which really encouraged everyone’s engagement and creativity. I really enjoyed this course and would recommend it to anyone, even those who would never usually consider any arts and crafts workshops. Just a fabulous ‘time out’ workshop to take you away from your day to day routines.”

 

25 Apr 19′ Frances Tarylor

“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”

 
19 Sep 18′Jo Fiddes

“I was so proud of my hare! As a complete beginner I really was astounded that I was able to produce such a high quality piece. That was down to Richard’s expert tuition. An incredible day – I’m already booked on to the next one. Thank you Richard.”

19 Sep 18′Maggie H

“Loved it! Loved everything about a great day spent creatively under Richard’s expert guidance. He is a very patient and talented teacher who took us step by step through the techniques needed to transform a lump of clay into our own unique hares each with their own character. We did slab work for the body, coil work for the neck and thumb pinch pots for the head and various other techniques to create our hares. Richard is obviously a talented sculptor who knows his stuff and made it all seem so easy. There was a lovely atmosphere with everyone happy to be there, chatting across the table and delighted with their sculptures. The beautiful gentle Tilly dog in her eye catching red onesy added to the fun especially for dog lovers like my daughter Laura & me! So pleased she suggested coming. It was well worth the journey from Northumberland. SCRAP was a great venue and we popped out to the café on the corner for a quick delish lunch. Highly recommend any workshop run by Richard.”

16 Sep 18′ Laura H

“I went to the resting hare workshop with my mum and we had a fantastic day! Richard demonstrated the techniques to us and then guided us through the process so we all were all supported during each stage. I’d never done ceramics before so it was good to learn a new skill in a fun, relaxed environment. Tilly the dog was also extremely welcoming and a very jolly addition to the day! I’d definitely recommend coming to one of these workshops, you won’t regret it!”

16 Sep 18′ Dawn Peters

“Highly recommend Twisted Earth Ceramics workshops if you want a lovely day creating something to be proud of. Richard takes you through the process step by step with humour and patience. Each and every person on the two workshops I’ve done came away amazed at what they’d achieved in the course of a day. We all sculpted pieces that had their own charm rather than exact replicas and I’m sure they’ll all have pride of place in our homes. Thankyou so much Richard for a very special day!”

16 Sep 18′ Debbie Staton

“I treated myself and two daughters to the highland cow course, as total beginners i didnt expect to do very well but Richard is a talented tutor and took us step by step to produce a highland cow. I enjoyed it so much that i have been on one of his two day courses to produce a larger piece, again he was so patient and helpful. We all are looking forward to attending more of his classes, word of warning….its very addictive!”

 

Jill B

“My daughter and I spent a great day with Richard making Highland Cows at the light and airy studio next to the Manor House in Ilkley. I am not at all artistic and have not made anything with clay before, but with step by step instructions, a Highland Cow emerged from the block of clay we started with. I highly recommend Richard’s workshops.”

16 Sep 18′Anita Adams

“What a total treat the day spent making Rupert the hare was! A day spent doing something just for me, learning a new skill with a wonderful teacher, surrounded by lovely people and having a giggle. In a world where we barely stop to breathe, I would highly recommend you spend the time you do have doing this! I came away from the session feeling so proud to have achieved something, all the sculptures the class made, despite being beginners, were amazing! None of us wanted to leave them behind and can’t wait to collect them in a few weeks. Thank you for a wonderful day that this very busy working, home educating mummy will not forget in a long time. Xx”

15 Aug 18′ Gillian Hartley

“My husband bought us a one to one session with Richard, we both had a fabulous day. We arrived to an array of biscuits and mugs of coffee and a chat about what we wanted to work on. Richard was very open to our ideas and guided us to make them look real. I would highly recommend either a workshop or a one to one. I have already booked in another session. Thank you Richard and Tilly for a fabulous day. Gill”

15 Aug 18′ Chris Hartley

“My wife and i have just spent the most fantastic day with Richard from Twisted Earth Ceramics. As complete beginners we had no expectation of producing anything worth keeping, i just thought it would be fun however, with Richards expert guidance, patience and humour both of us managed to produce something that we are more than happy to display. A fantastic way to spend the day, lots of tea and cake, and something tangible to bring home (once fired).”

Michaela Kenworthy

“I booked a course for 4 friends and I to celebrate my Birthday and we could not have imagined how good the day would be. Richard is so down to earth and friendly, he makes you feel really relaxed and at home. He goes out of his way to keep the day relaxed so you can enjoy it. When we arrived we were shown around the studio and offered tea and biscuits before being shown where we would be working for the day. We were given a piece of clay and Richard demonstrates each step to you so you can create your masterpiece at your own pace. The atmosphere was relaxed and very sociable. It was a beautiful day so we all ate lunch outside in his garden and chatted some more before returning to the workshop. You are asked to bring your own lunch as there weren’t any shops nearby to buy food. Richard works from a number of different venues so I guess it depends on which one you are booked at as to whether there are any food outlets nearby. On completion of our masterpieces (we chose to do highland cattle) we were given a date from which we can collect our cows to allow Richard to fire them for us. It was such a fabulous, fun filled day doing something really different that I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes ‘creating’ things. He said he did dinosaur workshop days for kids and even offers one-one days for those who want to take their new interest to the next level. It’s an affordable fun day that you should have a g

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