Latest reviews

24 Jul 14'

Shiralee Taylor reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"Absolutely brilliant weekend. Learnt so much and had a cracking time with Eoin and Gail (the instructors/tutors) and the rest of the students. Plus, I got to take home a chair that I made, from scratch. Our creativity was allowed to run riot and even though we made chairs the same way, all four of us went home with very different, but functional chairs. I'm still a bit in awe that I did it, a testament to the exchange of skills and knowledge from Eoin and Gail - it is very much a hands on course, and is full on, but worth every blister."

22 Jul 14'

Libby Hadden reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"This course is amazing, I would recommend to anyone that wants to know more about blacksmithing and try their hand at creating something of their own, mort is very talented and has a great way of teaching. Will keep my creations (knife and S-hook) for years to come."

22 Jul 14'

Lee reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Brilliant day! Had this day bought as a birthday gift and it was a gift that will last with me forever. Such an experience to try my hands at such a skilled trade. Seeing how Mort creates such amassing things was fantastic, you can really appreciate the art. Mort was a great teacher and very patient with a complete novis. Even on the hottest day of the year and then adding the heat of the forge he made time to help when things weren't going to plan and made the day very enjoyable. Made a great knife with a leaf pattern which I was very happy with. Would definitely do this again."

22 Jul 14'

Tony Kirtland reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Just finished a 2 day course with Colin. I started as a self taught beginner with bad habits and a complete lack of correct technique. I can honestly say I have had a brilliant 2 days being put right. He has a great relaxed manner of teaching and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also came away with some nice projects. Definitely recommended."

22 Jul 14'

Barbara Bryant reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"A thoroughly entertaining 2 hour session each time I go. encaustics is an amazing technique with always pleasing results........Not too hard for beginners and lots to learn for the more advanced. Phil is fun to be with and a brilliant tutor. Location is lovely!"

22 Jul 14'

Maggie Biddlestone reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"The course covered all that it claimed it would.Elaine is obviously a committed spinner and her enthusiasm came across in her tuition. Being offered a range of wheels to spin from was helpful also.The day was very relaxed and we were given plenty of time to learn to spin.Unfortunately I personally found it a lot harder than it looks and need much more practise before I master the art!"

21 Jul 14'

Pat Culley reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"Just back from my third encaustic wax session with Phil finding the time spent to be exciting and creative in a different sort of way. Phil is an excellent and patient tutor with a good sense of humour. I'm learning new techniques every time we visit, coming away with pleasing results each time. Thanks Phil!"

21 Jul 14'

Lorna Walsh reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"I showed up to the class with no knowledge of silver clay, or any idea what I wanted to make, and I came away with a keyring that I carry with me everywhere and enough confidence to try another project. Sara provides all the kit and know-how and, because she's an artist herself, she can help you design & create something special. I can't recommend this class highly enough!"

21 Jul 14'

Sally Newell reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"This is a review of the Nuno felting course held on 20th July. I really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot. Sarah is very easy going and a good teacher . She had ample supplies for us to buy and use if we needed them. Everyone else on the course was friendly and it was great to spend a day with like minded people."

21 Jul 14'

Lisa Butcher reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"Following my experience of the Introduction to Glass Fusting Taster session I haven't looked back. Totally hooked! You make three pieces in two hours - all of which you can take home with you after fusing in the kiln (so usually a week or two later). Gen is so patient with students of all levels and shares her extensive knowledge for those of you who are interested. Try it and you too will be hooked..."

21 Jul 14'

Laura reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I received this candle making workshop as a gift and I have got to say it was just as fun as I was hoping it would be. Sakeena was a fantastic teacher with a great humour which really made the day enjoyable! I've learnt a variety of techniques and how to use different waxes and scents and I am now planning to stock up on my own supplies in time to sell them for Christmas. This workshop covered so many different ways to make candles that I now have the confidence to start creating my own. Thank you Sakeena I will defiantly be back for the intermediate workshop!"

21 Jul 14'

Polly reviewed: A stool making day

"Had a brilliant day on a Stool making course run by Eoin with help from Gail. You couldn't ask for more helpful (or patient) instructors. Everything was explained thoroughly and then they just let you get on with it. There is such a sense of achievement to be gained from a course like this. Thank you for a wonderful day!"

20 Jul 14'

Guy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We had a very interesting day at the Forge, and learnt a great deal about blacksmithing from Mort. Mort is a very enthusiastic teacher, and you get stuck into the practical side very quickly. Everyone came away with something they had made, which is a nice way to remember the day."

20 Jul 14'

Dominic reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I spent the day at Firebird Forge as part of a stag party of seven. Mort was able to get us all working within half and hour and coaxed some unexpectedly competent pieces of ironwork out of everyone by the end of the day. He is highly skilled, very knowledgeable and extremely engaging. We all had a fantastic day and now have a profound respect for the craft of Blacksmithing."

20 Jul 14'

Jamie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I went to Mort's forge for a stag do and must admit I was very unsure how the alternative to paint balling or go karting would go and was more then pleasantly surprised. Mort is a master crafts man with an impressive knowledge of blacksmithing. He explains all the processes and techniques very clearly, and even with 7 guys in the forge working at the same time, was able to get around to everyone and give advice and help when things were going wrong. Everyone walked away with something. Very worth while."

20 Jul 14'

Tim Cartwright reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fascinating! I am still amazed that I managed to make anything! Mort was the perfect tutor and was at hand to guide me through the processes that he taught us whilst we were with him. Watching Mort work was quite amazing, to create such delicate and intricate items out of a plain steel bar was a sight to behold, he also has some very interesting family history stories!"

20 Jul 14'

Henry reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I took 6 friends to spend the day with Mort. Great success. Mort's knowledge and talent was quickly evident but what impressed me the most was the way Mort treated a bunch of novices. After a quick but vital tutorial it was all hands on and everyone could work at their own pace. Nothing seemed too much trouble for Mort. Lovely setting. Fascinating workshop. We'll be talking about this trip for years. Many thanks Mort!"

20 Jul 14'

Sylvia Dodds reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"I've been having lessons with Phil for the last few months, having never tried encaustic art before. I have found Phil to be a very involving and innovative instructor who can always find new ways to inspire and instruct a novice to create pieces of art. My sessions with him have enabled me to produce some works that have been admired by many. His sense of humour is infectious and makes the time spent learning with him a pleasure. I would highly recommend Phil's courses to anyone wishing to learn more about this absorbing art medium."

20 Jul 14'

Eileen reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very enjoyable day. Course itself was run in an accessible and informative way, left with ability to use the strategies straight away and with confidence. Candles made on the day were of high quality and the wide range of both styles and types of wax used added to range of experience given. I would recommend this day to those with a love of candles whether interested in making their own longer term (for themselves or as gifts to others or business) or just wanting to know more about how candles are made. It was great value for money."

19 Jul 14'

Diz Swift reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Our children bought a two day course for my husband's 70 birthday - and I was allowed to go along too! Nigel was so welcoming and regaled us with tales his life; it was all so informative. Nigel is a very good teacher; he is relaxed, encouraging and forgiving of beginners' mistakes. We made items in mild steel, pure iron, bronze and stainless steel - with a lot of guidance. It was a great two days and we learned a lot. Nigel is a true artist and a gentleman."

18 Jul 14'

Chris Ivory reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"I completed this course earlier in the week. Fantastic! Tuition is clear and easy to follow, and Jan is on hand to guide you through any techniques you may find tricky and offer alternatives where appropriate. Can't wait to see the result. As a practicing fine artist, I enjoyed stretching my repertoire and discovering a new area of work to consider. I would recommend this course for any stage in the artistic journey, from beginner to pro."

18 Jul 14'

Mark Howell reviewed: Timber framing courses

"What can you say; if you are looking for a timber framing course then I don’t think that you could choose a better one. Alan is a master craftsman, from making his own musical instruments to building the largest of timber frames, the quality and skill of his work displayed is evident to see. The group sizes are up to a maximum of 8 people and therefore there is plenty of opportunity for 1 to 1 tuition from the ‘master’ himself. All carried out in the middle of a beautiful woodland, where at no additional cost you can pitch your tent. There are ample supplies of restaurant standard food all provided by the lovely Mary and in between times you can enjoy a bit of archery and axe throwing! The evenings were spent around the camp fire at which Alan displayed his talents playing his own musical instruments-brilliant! So if you are looking for some serious instruction or a fun week, either way I would thoroughly recommend this course."

18 Jul 14'

John Whaley reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Very we'll organised, course material well presented with a agenda that allowed you experiment as you progressed. Excellent one to one tuition when required. We'll organised from beginning to end with a excellent lunch break in the middle. I would recommend the course, and I will be back with my wife in tow, next year."

18 Jul 14'

Aileen Fraser reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"My first day's course was an inspired birthday gift. What an enjoyable and exciting day it was. Tactful expertise, attentiveness and plentiful resources to further inspire, in relaxed informality, allow you to feel confident that anything is possible. (A lovely lunch, home-made baking and refreshments are included too). I had also been given one of Jane's home kits, which I used the following day to start my second tapestry (the kit has everything you need). One framed work completed, and another to continue at home, and a huge sense of achievement and anticipation."

16 Jul 14'

Flower essence training- essences for the soul reviewed: Introduction to Flower Essences and the Intuition

"I have taken part in a number of Rachel's workshops and have found them to be life changing. Her style of teaching involves everyone in the group, from the first minute I felt enveloped in calmness which is an amazing place to learn. I have always come away with tools that seamlessly integrated into my life, tools that I use every day. I work with Rachel's Lightbringer essences along with other ranges, but it is the Lightbringer range which myself and my clients are most drawn to. The essences have improved and enhanced my life in so many ways that it would be difficult to list them. I can only say that attending one of Rachel's courses is a massive treat incorporating lots of fun, lots of healing and lots of light."