Testimonials

Dear Rachel,

I was about to leap into a franchise when I stumbled upon your website. At first the name Ceramic Studio in A Box didn't attract me because I wanted something... extraordinary. My head was full of ideas that was having ideas of their own which was very confusing.

You slowly brought me over to your side when I made contact and I am so glad I joined your start your own ceramic business course last weekend. I had no idea that the Ceramic Studio in a Box was put together with so much passion and experience and that Ceramic Studio in a Box was exactly what I wanted and needed to make a success.

I am eager to get my ceramic cafe up and running now and have to thank-you so much for your ongoing support. You have been at the other end ready with advise that is worth so much to me. For example - when I found a suitable premises you said. Check the roof. If you didn't say that I would have been out of pocket because sure as you were the building has been taken of the market for structural repairs to the roof now. I continue my search for the perfect location and will make sure that I follow your advise to the dot.

I can't wait to continue this journey with you!

Oh and you make lovely scones. :-)

Talk again soon,

Lindi

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I throughly enjoyed my pottery cafe course with Rachel. I have worked in studios since I was 15 and still learnt loads! I never knew there were so many gadgets to make painting so easy and yet so professional. I will definitely be coming on more of her courses in the future. Rachel has a vast amount of knowledge and I can't wait to open my studio and put her advice into practise!

Rachel Kidd

3rd of July 2012

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Hi Rachel

Holly asked me to say, and I quote, "Thanks for the awesome party. My friends and I had loads of fun, and I'd like to come back soon!"

I loved the soap making theme because it was so different to normal party ideas, and I was genuinely amazed at what the girls managed to make and how professional their finished products looked. They were kept enthralled for 3 hours solid, and at the end were really delighted with what they'd made and couldn't wait to take it all home to show it off! Afterwards they all agreed it was "one of the best parties ever"! It was fantastic, and as for the bath products they produced they made up a fantastic party bag afterwards, the whole experience was great value for money, and fantastic fun.

Thanks ever so much. Holly can't wait to come back, so we'll hopefully see you again soon.

Best wishes,

Clare Rice

8th of March 2012

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We met Rachel in September 2011 and due to the excellent training course she delivered we had our business up and running within weeks. We are still learning and Rachel’s ongoing support and expertise has been just brilliant!

The Bailey’s table top slab roller has been an invaluable asset to us. We are a business that pride ourselves on high quality pieces. In no time at all, this equipment has helped us to produce pieces to make both our customers and ourselves proud. It is also very cost effective!

Thanks Rachel!

Katy and Siobhan

Molly Potters

17th of Januray 2012

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Had my first training session with Rachel in November 2011 and Had my ceramic cafe up and running with Rachel's help in December 2011.
Rachel helped me choose the right kiln and gave me loads of ideas for my studio layout and marketing. Rachel was very generous with her time and skills and gave me tons of confidence and encouragement".

Run up to christmas was MAD, and I am doing well between christmas and new year. The holly and ivy sponges were AMAZING and people loved feeling like artists! Got lots of party bookings and pizza and pot nights doing well am taking bookings for february half term. Have got contacts with after school clubs and playgroups for the new term too. trying not to spread myself too thin while still covering all options. The business is paying its way . Would like to come along to brushstroke class in january, need to keep learning, but will have to check if the afterschool club wants a booking first.

Thanks

Lizzie x
Craft Works

9th of Januray 2012

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Dear Rachel

I just wanted to let you know how very much I enjoyed the course at Croydon recently.

It was such fun and you teach really well. You will be pleased to know I have painted some fairies in a ring and joined them with a garland. I have also painted two robins and two mice. I am really pleased with them. In fact, I have laminated the page so that I can remember how to do them. However, I am still working on the holly, but it will come! Thank you so much for transporting me in both directions. I guess you are doing your course today at home. I feel quite envious. Please keep in touch.

Love Mary

5th of December 2011

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Hi Rachel,

Where to begin. Since I found you on the internet last year, I have learnt so much from you. You are truly dedicated to your customers and you have been very supportive in my quest to set up my own pottery painting business. What is so great about you is that you do not hold back, you will share all your knowledge and experience and also provide honest feedback on my ideas and add in some of your own. I know that if I need you I can call or email and you are always there. Thank you for letting me sit in on some of your parties, this was invaluable and I consider you a friend as well as someone who it is a pleasure to do business with.

Sharon

16th of October 2011

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We spent two really enjoyable days training with Rachel. Thank you. Rachel's knowledge,patience and network of contacts mean the two days are invaluable to anyone wanting to set up a ceramic cafe for the first time. The relaxed atmosphere and flexible approach meant we got answers to all our questions leaving us feeling motivated and ready to get started with our shop in Holland!

Nicola and Wil

5th of September 2011

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"Thanks to Rachel, we feel confident to set up our new business! She has provided us with her priceless knowledge and time. Being trained by Rachel is wonderful, she completely tailors the training to your needs and is emotionally invested in your venture from the first phone call! I cannot recommend her highly enough!

Dawn and Marian
Fingers & Thumbs Scotland ______________________________________________________________________________________

My team and I spent 2 days with Rachel at her amazing studio! Her years of experience running her own paint a pot studio and her natural talents for arts and crafts were invaluable to us. Rachel is a friendly, approachable and lovely person to work with and would not hesitate to recommend her services to others. With her extensive knowledge of the ceramic industry and her on going support, I have found Rachel to be a real asset to my business and a real friend too. Michelle Starling - Owner of Bean & Brush Art Cafe, Sale, Cheshire

Michelle Starling
Bean and Brush Family Art Cafe ______________________________________________________________________________

“I spent two days with Rachel and came away feeling really inspired and brimming with ideas. As well as teaching me lots of practical painting techniques and other skills, Rachel also gave me some great advice about running parties and other events, costings etc. I feel really excited about launching my business and the time I spent with Rachel has given me the confidence to get started straight away”

Thanks again!

Fiona ______________________________________________________________________________________

Rachel’s Training

We have recently attended a bespoke training day with Rachel. We have our own paint it yourself pottery and craft studios and found the day that we spent with Rachel insightful and informative. Through the training we have developed our own knowledge of clay work using Rachel’s expertise and experience. All of the areas that we covered were tailored to our needs and we will be using the ideas in our own studio for forthcoming workshops and events. Thank you for a very enjoyable day! ______________________________________________________________________________________

Chromacolour Fabric Paints

Having used these fabric paints for a number of children's T-Shirt painting parties, we have been very pleased with their performance in terms of their ease of application and the finished effects that you can achieve. The colour range is excellent and vibrant and the ‘paint and wear’ nature of the paint means that it can be easily used in a studio/workshop environment. ______________________________________________________________________________________

Having a new kiln standing idle in our school, we approached Rachel Byass for some training on use and how to get our children into ceramics. Rachel came for the day and provided a bespoke one day course for four members of staff. We are now able to make full use of the kiln and have all learnt techniques in ceramics painting. We are going to hold an art week in school in the coming weeks. All our children will be decorating their own mugs. Rachel is helping us, by supplying all the bisque ware, paints, tools and advise if we need her.
We had a most enjoyable day and some of other colleagues hope to be able to go to Rachel's studio in our summer holidays to learn more and have fun. Thank you for your inspiration Rachel.

Caroline Sylvester
Woolesford Primary School, Leeds.
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Thanks so much for all your help. You have really inspired me and given me the confidence to start my own business. Thanks for letting me loose on your customers too.

I hope their pots come out well or they'll have me to blame! Spending time with the family that came was so much better than being trapped in a classroom with people who don't want to be there! If all your days are like that I can see why you work so hard!

Speak soon,
Charlotte
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Hi Rachel,

Thanks so much for your teaching on Monday. You are very inspirational. I came back buzzing with ideas. Thankyou for letting me throw hundreds of questions at you and for helping me see ways I can improve my business. If you are ever down in the southwest and have a free half day I'd love to find out about specialist glazing and to learn there brush techniques!!

Thanks again I had a lovely day, shame it went so quickly.

Thanks

Katy
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At last last years LIW show we saw Ceramic Studio In A Box and met with both Rachel and Julian and went away with a few ideas to mull over. When we came back home we looked at the possibilities of a Ceramic pottery painting area within our current premises. We identified an area we felt we could use for the new addition to our current offer.We already offered a variety of children's parties and felt this would fit in alongside our current offer and bring a new element with Arts and Crafts based activities. Rachel came out for a site visit and survey and we decided to go ahead with our new venture. We were supported every step of the way either over the phone or in person by Rachel. Our "Pots of Fun" ceramics area situated alongside our soft play and Bowling area has generated a good level of both business and interest within the local community. Training and support from Rachel Byass has been excellent and the range of products available is constantly being reviewed and updated. Rachel has been very supportive and always has new ideas to move the project forward. I can say that the leave of training given by Rachel gets even the most inexperienced artist (me) to an amazing level and it was fun on the way. I am confidant that they will be able to assist you in setting up a profitable and exciting new venture and I would not hesitate in recommending this company "Ceramic Studio In A Box"

Brenda Wardle

Director Bowl N Fun

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What a refreshing change. You are an expert who knows what they are talking about and the bonus was that you were willing to share your knowledge without holding anything back.

For several months our Production floundered due, as it turned out, to no fault of our own.

Then you came along.

You were willing to travel to us and process by process, ingredient by ingredient you oversaw our production from Slip to Firing to Decaled finished product. By deduction you identified where our problem lay and on the way you made suggestions to improve efficiency and presentation, as well as alternative materials and suppliers.

Our experience with you was no less helped by your ability to convey your thoughts equally to craftspeople and, in plain speaking, to dummies.

Together we solved a problem and learnt a lot.

Thank you

Michaelmas Goose Ltd

Producers of Presentation Cider Jars, Loving Cups and Tankards.

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Dear Rachel,

A massive thank you for providing me with the tools and know how to start my own "paint your own pottery" business in Ireland! It's been a long time since I've met anyone with such enthusiasm and excitement for what you do and that inspiration certainly rubs off. Very impressive tuition, you're tips and techniques are invaluable. I really think we'll do well! Couldn't have done it without you

A massive thank you.

Tara

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Hi Rachel

Just to say a huge thank you.

This year I have had some bespoke training both in painting and clay. I attended your free seminar which was every bit as informative and inspiring as the bespoke days.

Rachel's knowledge is enormous, her talent and passion for ceramics gives all of us confidence to develop. Her generosity in her teaching methods is great because she has a wealth of ideas and ability that she shares with us during her sessions at the studio.

The hours pass so quickly and I have spent many a late night driving home brimming with enthusiasm.

I am now glad to say I am the proud owner of my own Kiln, and spent a very informative day training at my house (again, I don't know where Rachel stores all that energy!)

I would recommend any of the products Rachel advises upon including the fantastic range of "Creative Colour" (I too have the full 28 colours) Rachel is so informed and I know that anything she recommends she has tried and tested, and shows how to maximise any product.

Despite having my own Kiln now I know I will regularly continue to attend any training days available because Rachel continues to extend her knowledge of products and technique and I enjoy, the fab company, delicious food and we've had some great belly laughs too!

Thanks again and look forward to next Monday in the studio - "piping seminar."

Allison Williams

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Rachel has run several very successful weekend workshops for us in school. The students are well involved and enjoy the activity. Rachel is an excellent instructor and her enthusiasm inspires and motivates the pupils, and the end product is excellent and always unique.

Lorna Anthony
Deputy Head
Ackworth School
Ackworth
Pontefract
WF7 7LT

Tel: 01977 611401
www.ackworthschool.com

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Rachel helped us set up our ceramic studio after attending one of her bespoke courses. She came to our premises to train our staff and helped them all to feel like they were able to paint ceramics confidently and enthusiastically. She gave us lots of ideas and has supported us throughout what can be a tricky and stressful time! We will be using her for all our training requirements in the future and look forward to learning of her new ideas and products on the free courses.

Glenys and Nils Persson
Coffee and Clay , Skipton, North Yorkshire

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Having been thinking about setting up a mobile pottery studio for over 18 months, I finally decided to do something about it. I looked at various training courses but chose Rachel after reading the testimonials on this site. Over the two days spent with Rachel I learnt more than I thought was possible in such a short time. It was also a fun and enjoyable experience (even though my artistic skills leave a lot to be desired!). Rachel showed us many different techniques and gave us lots of tips on how to promote the business. She also put together a start up package to fit our budget and requirements, staying up late to ensure that we could leave with everything to start the business. On returning home I secured my first booking the same week! This is all thanks to the great training provided and the new found confidence I have due to Rachel's positive nature. Thanks Rachel.

Rhianne

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Half Acres Junior and Infant School, Temple Street - Castleford

Dear Rachel

I am writing to thank you for the ceramics workshops you have been leading in our school. The children who have been involved have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and had the opportunity to learn some new skills and different experiences.

The Foundation Stage parents were thrilled with their "Little Red Robin" Beakers as a memento of their child's first school play - what a lovely idea.

We are looking forward to working with you again soon. I will be discussing your ideas for "5 a day" with Zoe Liddle who is currently putting together a bid to promote healthy eating in our community. I think your ceramics could be an innovative extra dimension to get the message across.

I have recommended your workshops to several of my colleagues so you may be getting more phone calls. See you in school again.

With Regards

Mandy Pickles.

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Hi there Rachel. I just wanted to say a big thank you for the brilliant two weekends .The kiln arrived safely and i cant wait to have it up and running making my own things and i feel i have learned a lot from you and i'd love to come again soon.

Chrissie.

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I've spent two training days with Rachel so far and can't wait to go back for more! Her experience and extensive knowledge of the ceramics industry is impressive, to say the least, and she is happy to share this with her students. She is a very relaxed friendly person with endless patience and enthusiasm, which makes her a wonderful teacher. I've learnt the basic skills needed for ceramic painting, glazing and firing, some great clay building work and brushstroke techniques (even the frustration of my inability to master this quickly didn't faze Rachel) along with practical ideas for promoting the business. The whole day feels welcoming and informal and the lunch provided was excellent. I have been looking for new business ideas to fit in with my lifestyle for some time now, and the ceramic cafe idea is just the sort of thing I've been looking for. With Rachel's positive support I can set up my new venture feeling confident of success.

Jackie Roberts, Wetherby

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Ceramic Painters Pattern Book Review

Dear Rachel, Having recently purchased your book "Ceramic Painters Pattern Book"I have to say as a Decorative Painter this is the most wonderful reference/pattern book. It is inspiring just to leaf through and my head buzzes with new ideas when I look at it. I have used some of the flower patterns especially the Sweet Peas and adapted them for my use with excellent effects as even the areas to be shaded and highlighted are so obvious from the pattern! The variety of patterns has something there for everyone and I would thoroughly recommend this book as a "must have" - I have let my friend have a look at it for a week and I cannot wait for its return!! I also enjoyed the excellent instructions regarding the ceramic side of things. Cannot wait for the next book! - Every good wish Gilly

Thank you so much for a fantastic day on Thursday 10 July 2008. The techniques we used were fantastic and will definitely go down well when I'm promoting my classes, I was extremely impressed with the vibrancy of the colours of the new paint that you are launching (Creative Colour) it's fantastic very impressed, and thank you again for our trial tester pots, a fantastic lunch and really good company, oh how we laughed what a uplifting day.

Jayne Taylor

Pots4u2do

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Maureen Darling, Magnolia Studios (Ceramic Consultant)

I have attended many workshops taught by Rachel and also commissioned her for one on one tuition. Her workshops are well structured and organised and Rachel will always ensure that each student gets the best possible outcome from the session.

As well as being a fantastic and talented artist, Rachel is always willing to share her experience and knowledge unreservedly.

Rachel has a pleasant, easy going manner which makes her sessions very enjoyable as well as educational.

I would certainly, and indeed do, recommend Rachel as a teacher of ceramic art.

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Debbie Smith - Pot Doodles (Sheffield)

Bespoke Training Day - April 2008 & Launch of Creative Colour paint range - 10 July 2008.
After running a mobile pottery studio for a couple of years, I was looking for inspiration and ideas. I certainly found this and more besides. Rachel is full of ideas and tips and is a wonderful teacher. I discovered skills I didn't even know I had!

The Creative Colour launch was very informative and great fun. The new paint range is fabulous and full of vibrant colours. I couldn't wait to get home and try them out!

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Shelley and Lindsay (26th June 2008)

Thank you so much to Rachel for helping us find a talent we never knew we had!

My mum and I wanted to set up a Ceramic Cafe and Rachel helped us all the way. We had brilliant fun whilst learning from the master herself - the woman can even make a great chilli. I would recommend Rachel to anyone wanting to set up in business or just wanting to have a bespoke training session - its brilliant!

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Ghee Tan - Funky Pots (26th June 2008)

I had the good fortune of being taught by some very good teachers in my still relatively short ceramic studio life. Rachel Byass to me is among the best of them. Her teaching is always very informative and practical. She will impart on you her knowledge and skill without any reservation. She has a light-hearted approach which makes a difficult piece feels easy to do. You can't help being affected by her passion and enthusiasm for the industry. Her knowledge and experience in the industry are invaluable which she is prepared to share with you.

I would recommend Rachel Byass as a consultant and teacher in the ceramic industry without a single doubt. Everybody whether they are new or experience in the industry will be able to learn and pickup some knowledge from her.

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Priscilla Carter - Unique Creations (26th June 2008)

Over the past 5 years I have attended many of Rachel Byass's Training courses and I have always found her to be very informative and highly professional. It is clear that to Rachel ceramics is not just a hobby or business, but a passion, and her enthusiasm is infectious. I would highly recommend a training day with her - you will leave having learnt a huge amount on the subject she is teaching plus a whole lot more.

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Michael Vernon, Eire

I have recently attended two ceramic workshops run by Rachel Byass both were a very practical, engaging and enjoyable "hands on" experience. Rachel is a very competent and patient teacher who easily corrected and explained with good humour why I was making my many mistakes, but without criticising my efforts. If you are thinking of learning a craft especially in the ceramic field I would highly recommend you contact Rachel Byass both for her vast knowledge and total professionalism.

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Nancy & Anthony Walsh (15th January 2008)

Thank you so much for an absolutely fantastic day on Saturday. After obtaining training a while back on basic bisque work it was great to meet you for the first time and increase our training to include the clay & silver prints & recap on things we were not doing exactly the right way.

The day was filled with more than we could have ever hoped for and on a one to one basis was invaluable!!

Thank you for making us feel so welcome, for a delicious lunch & the loan of a jumper!!! We will definitely stay in touch & it truly was an amazing day, just listening to your ideas, life with ceramics and personal experiences was worth the money! We have been looking on your website already for more training days.

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Rachel Barber (Wed 2nd January 2008)

I spent the day with Rachel, and I have to say, what a wonderful, informative, and exhilarating day it was! I found Rachel to be friendly, enthusiastic, and welcoming and had a real flair for teaching. I really did have such an enjoyable day.

Over the years Rachel has gained a wealth of professional knowledge, techniques and invaluable tips, both within the ceramics field and business sector, which she was quite willing to share with me, with the outlook of me starting up my own business within the ceramics / pottery painting industry.

Having been out of the industry myself for 6 years I approached Rachel to give me some revision on techniques and new thinking, and I have to say Rachel did just that, and so much more, after only one day spent with Rachel my confidence really returned and she reignited the ceramics fire in my belly!!

I have already approached her with regards to spending further time with her and learning some more new skills, and I am really looking forward to that, I would highly recommend anyone with a keen interest in all things pottery and ceramics to contact Rachel Byass.

What Rachel Byass does not know about ceramics, techniques and pottery painting is really not worth knowing!!

Alison and Lynne of Party Potters (Sun 18th November 2007)

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Dear Rachel

Just to say again how much I enjoyed your course. The two days we spent with you have allowed an idea to become a reality. Your teaching methods and enthusiasm, along with a proven history of expertise in your craft and business has given the confidence to proceed with a business plan of our own. Your teaching methods are very generous and informative. I would recommend your courses, whether it be to enhance a business proposition or for the pleasure of being taught pottery painting by a professional with such a wealth of experience. I am looking forward to continue to attend your pottery painting classes to learn new techniques but also to attend your microwave kiln glass course. I have attended many courses and yours is by far one of the best value I have experienced.

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Scallywags Indoor Play

After recently deciding to offer pottery painting at our Indoor Play Centre we contacted Rachel Byass. This was based on her being recommended by another play centre Little Hoppers.

We have been extremely impressed by Rachel's professionalism and with the advice and support she has given us along the way. After just a two-day course to give us an insight into pottery painting, Rachel enabled us to set up our pottery side of the business in just 2 weeks, which not only included sourcing all the materials including the kiln but also included the training of our staff on site.

Her advice has been invaluable and she has ensured that we have only purchased the items which we really needed. Without this advice we wouldn't have known where to start. In addition to this we were also given advice and guidance on how to market the pottery painting.

The training of our employees has been outstanding and whenever we have had any issues or needed advice we have been able to call her.

I would not hesitate in recommending Rachel to other prospective customers. Her experience in ceramics and her professionalism are outstanding.

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Liz Wood

Just a short note to say thank you for all your help and assistance from the initial costing and planning stages of setting up our ceramic area to starting our parties. Your expertise was an enormous help and on-going support is invaluable.

Your advice and training techniques have ensured all my staff are enthusiastic and confident helping our customers to create their own masterpiece. Even those that don't feel they have any artistic ability have become positive in their outlook, which in turn transfers to the customers.

I am certain that our new venture will be a huge success especially as I feel comfortable knowing that I can contact you if we do encounter any problems or wish to build on our knowledge.

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Martin and June Whitman - Craft Works, Isle-Of-Man

We were introduced to Rachel Byass in 2003. She was the newly appointed Art Director at Country Love Ceramics and we met at an 'Open Week' of teaching seminars designed by Rachel.

That meeting was the beginning of a close working relationship with Rachel. She has visited our Studio on the Isle of Man each year, twice a year since then, and her workshops are a sell out.

Rachel is passionate about what she does. Her generous nature enables her to share her painting techniques as well as the vast amount of technical knowledge she has accumulated over the years.

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Sarah Doyle - Pottery Corner, Manchester

Pottery Corner has been open for 3 and a half years and apart from the basic business training I had not found the time or money to attend any further courses. Having 2 loyal and keen members of staff I felt there was a need to look forward to new products and techniques as well as to refresh some bad habits! So I contacted Rachel, whom I knew by reputation, and she came to do a day of training in my studio. It was a great day, covering all the topics that we wanted and driven by Rachel's endless enthusiasm. Her knowledge and skill is truly impressive and her honesty refreshing.

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