Surer easy to comment as I think everythihng was excellent on every visit. What this doensn't say is what nice people you and Wal are, and how you make people feel so very, very welcome.

An excellent place to learn how to make jewellery in a friendly and expert environment, and also find beads that are interesting and different.

I have been doing classes and at Off Beat Design since I started as a rank beginner and learning new ideas and techniques. The instructors are experts in their field, knowledgable, creative and most importantly - patient. A great bead shop run by great people. They also carry a range of beads and findings that are both high quality and out of the ordinary.

I would like to say how welcomed I have always felt by you both and the inclusivity of Rachael - even as a young teenager in conversations when we are in the store is not something that comes along often. Coming into your creative space has always been an outing I look forward to and enjoy immensely. I come away uplifted and inspired by two caring, gracious and positive people with an immense amount of knowledge which you so readily share. Added to that usually is a package of delightfully different goodies. The passion and joy you both continue to hold for what you do so well is contagious. I guess for me, the icing on the cake is the patience you show to my endless questions and limited skill at following directions! Who would not want to come to your workshops? I know I have come away fully confident and delighted with my results even if sometimes I have taken twice as long as others! Incidentally, I have gleaned knowledge of line,texture, weight and colour along with lots of little tricks that make it all go together. I know when I have purchased your completed pieces, I have taken them home and studied them carefully to understand the principles that work for that piece. For me it is pure joy - as if I have won lotto!

Wal and Lesley afford the kind of teaching that is rarely found today...they are knowledgable, skilled and creative and open to sharing that with all of their customers. The warm and welcoming approach that Lesely and Wal radiate is one of the delightful aspects of spending time in their company and learning by their side. The items that Lesley and Wal offer for sale are unique, keenly priced and lovingly sourced. I was given the Kumihimo jewellery course as a gift and we call it ' the gift that keeps giving'. It is by far the most rewarding and valuable gift that I have ever received. I now make and sell jewellery in honour of my sister and the whole experience for me, has been life changing because in every piece I create I think of her and I think of the power of making something precious and certainly Lesley and Wal began that journey for me.

I would like you to know how much I gained from my beading classes at Off Beat Design. I took the first class with a little trepidation as I had not undertaken jewellery classes before.
I needn'd have worried. Lesley and her husband Wal, taught me some basic steps, and from these I went on to make hundreds of jewellery items. Beading was good for me and helped me over a very tough time in my life. Not only that, but I went on to sell my creations to friends and acquaintances at afternoon teas which were successful and enjoyable.
I recently completed a class with Lesley and Wal in Kumihimo beading, followed up with another in French Knitting. These are new techniques combining wire and beads to wonderful effect.
I thank Lesley and Wal so much for their "generous spirited" classes, and recommend this lovely couple to anyone who would like to widen their creative interests.

It is always an enjoyable experience to visit your shop. You always have interesting things to show us, which are uncommon and something different.