Latest reviews

John martin reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Just finished a 1 day Viking knife making course with John and had an amazing time. Our group was small and it was the hottest day of the year, and I still had a good time. We were made to feel welcome and I learned a lot. John and his guest tutor Alex had a wealth of knowledge and were keen to impart as much as possible and I hope he takes up his invitation to join Forged in Fire. Hope to join him again some time to do another course (maybe on a cooler day)."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi John thanks for review and nice to get feedback that we can share . I will let young Alex know you appreciated his help as well. I dont think I will take up the offer to do 'forged in fire ' as its entertaining to watch on tv but after the session we had in the heat I dont think I would enjoy it . best wishes John"

Terry Allen reviewed: Timber framing courses

"A splendid way to find out more about the craft of oak framing. Alan and the team bring a highly skilled and enthusiastic approach to teaching the techniques surrounding the tradition. Coupled with unbelievably great food, pleasant woodland surroundings and all-round good companionship I cannot recommend this course highly enough to anyone with the slightest interest in wood and woodworking."

Helen Jenkins reviewed: Landscape (plein air) painting Malton

"I thought the course brilliant."

Jane Jones reviewed: Introduction to Amigurumi crochet in Henstridge in Stalbridge, Somerset and Dorset (beginner level)

"Our day yesterday was brilliant. The group number was good, the venue lovely and Sally herself was a kind, welcoming and patient tutor. Our day was marked by lots of laughter which for me means participants were relaxed, and consequently in a good place to learn. Acquiring any new skill is initially a challenge but Sally took away the fear and was incredibly patient. I am already looking at booking my next course with her and can’t wait for it. Five star in every way!"

Harriet Kent reviewed: Enamel Pendant & Beaded Necklace Workshop

"Brought my friend Julia for this session and we were both incredibly pleased with the jewellery we made. Teresa was a lovely teacher who took us through all the steps in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Overjoyed with the session, thank you!"

Angie Hatchett reviewed: One-to-one mount cutting for your next exhibition

"I had a very productive day on this course. Lynne is an excellent and patient tutor. I was new to cutting mounts, although I've done a fair amount of straightforward cutting, I have never before used a beveled cutter. I returned home with three mounted pieces, one of which was an etching I'd done many years ago which had been spoiled by being stuck with non archival tape to a board. I'm very happy to say that it has been rescued as best as it can be and is now safe for me to frame. I did get confused at one point, but Lynne was at hand to put me right. She is a very encouraging tutor and I would certainly recommend her courses."

K c reviewed: Online Build a Creative Wellbeing Journaling Habit in 6 Weeks

"Very informative, relaxing workshop in a beautiful setting. Highly recommend"

Angie Hatchett reviewed: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"I had a most enjoyable day yesterday. Lynne is an excellent and patient tutor. I have come home with two lovely leather books - I had to go and give them a little pat this morning, just to make sure I'd not dreamed them up. It was an extremely hot day and Lynne did her utmost all day to make sure that myself and the other student were comfortable, with fans and drink etc. She also provided a delicious home-made cherry cake and we enjoyed a morning break and, having bought along our own lunch, we sat in her pretty secluded garden. I would recommend this course unreservedly."

Frances Lee reviewed: Spoon carving workshop with Steve Tomlin

"Had a great time, learnt loads and enjoyed the day. Really pleased with my spoon!"

mark reviewed: Footstool making workshop - weekend

"Great course! Unlike some courses where you basically stand and watch, this course you get to do everything yourself which was great. Jacqueline is very patient and gets things across very well. Highly recommend this course. Left with a footstool to be proud of."

Brenda Hunt reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Your course was bought for me as a birthday present and was a most enjoyable morning. Your set up is very pleasant, light and airy and you explained the craft very well and were very encouraging. Thank you."

Annette Mirfield reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"Attended a course on Friday 28/6 with husband and 2 daughters. It was such good fun. Lorraine has such a lovely pleasant personality and was so helpful, informative and patient. Loved the whole day. Want to do it again."

Sarah reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"I have always wanted to attend this weekend. I spent a while trying to decide what to carve (before I attended). Dave selected a piece of stone that he though would suit my turtle design. He helped when asked and gave great technical and artistic advice. The atmosphere was relaxed with good music. The lunch and refreshments were amazing. I would recommend this stone carving weekend and am very pleased with my finished turtle."

Julie King reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle, Gr Manchester

"Had a fab day today, lovely meeting people with the same interest. Jo was amazing and explained everything to us stage by stage. I keep looking at my footstool and thinking I can't believe I made that!! Had loads of compliments from family and friends and would highly recommend this workshop."

The Boho Shed responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments Julie. It's so satisfying for me to show you how to make something from scratch and see your delighted faces at the finished product. I look forward to seeing you at the Painting Workshop in August."

S Clarke reviewed: Life drawing in Leeds

"My drawing has improved since I joined the Saturday People and I've enjoyed making new friends and being able to work together for exhibitions. I like this group because I only pay for the sessions that I can attend and don't have to buy a block of lessons. I also don't have to take my own easel and drawing board because the studio is already equipped with them. Every fortnight suits me because I couldn't commit to a weekly class but fortnightly is enough to keep up my skills."

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"Thank you Ria for a most enjoyable day screen printing in your lovely studio. Ria is a super teacher who is friendly, informative (without overwhelming us!) and supportive throughout the day. The course was perfect for those new to screen printing and I was very pleased with my final result and went away feeling very happy and exhausted. If you want to try a screen printing technique that you can replicate at home, this is the course for you. Thank you again, Ria."

Vicki Hawkins reviewed: Upholstery for Beginners Workshop - in Cheadle, Gr Manchester

"Lovely day with lovely friendly people at the footstool upholstery workshop today, this is my first class with Jo and it was most enjoyable, highly recommended."

The Boho Shed responded:

"It was a pleasure to have you and your lovely Mum at the workshop Vicki. Having such lovely attendees makes the day a great one. I am delighted you enjoyed it. Me too!"

Peterp reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I’ve been meaning to do a course like this for ages and was going to do a course in Bristol, but never quite got around to it. Then my wife bought me a one day course for my birthday. I’m glad I waited now as I just loved Jamal’s leading course. He has such a cosy workshop in his back garden which has everything we needed to complete the day course. He’s such a great teacher and took us through every step of creating our first piece. I even surprised myself! Just shows how good Jamal was at explaining the various techniques. I would highly recommend this course."

Oli Darlington reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Really enjoyed the taster day. Really nice atmosphere, and Aaron was great - super friendly, very knowledgeable and happy to help when things went wrong. Would recommend!"

brendan reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Interested in blacksmithing? Definitely do this course, lovely people, lovely food and a top notch experience making things with hot steel. Plenty of help if you need it and plenty of space for being left to do your own thing, just the way things should be taught in a friendly and fun way. Highly recommended by me."

Rachel Davies reviewed: Gelli Plate Printing Workshop by Clare Cosens

"Well it's my second visit, which says it all, and I've planned another for next month because Clare's workshops make great gifts! We've had a lovely morning and have tons of gorgeous prints on heavy paper, tissue and today we even tried some fabric. I plan to work into them now in sketchbooks. You don't need to be an art teacher to love this workshop, but its also great CPD for getting ideas for schools projects."

Sonia reviewed: Introduction to screen printing

"My daughter and I spent a lovely day enjoying learning to screen print with Ria. Ria is a lovely lady, keen to share her knowledge and ideas and very generous with her time and supplies. Her teaching approach is open and relaxed and no matter what your skill level, you will not only have a lovely day if you attend this course, but will definitely go home with an accomplished piece of work, which you can choose to complete on the day or finish off at home. The location is good for parking and lunch in the café can be recommended too. I would recommended this course and if like myself you have never done screen printing before and are unsure at to whether to go or not.......... just go............what have you got to lose??? Keep your mind open and enjoy your day !!"

Carol McCabe reviewed: Pottery/ceramics wheel throwing (full day)

"My sister and I attended Lorraine’s workshop yesterday and had a wonderful day. Lorraine is an excellent teacher guiding us and supporting us each step of the way. Having not done this before I was amazed at what we achieved and we’re looking forward to seeing the finished glazed pots. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly and Lorraine’s Mom’s Lemon Yoghurt cake was delicious. The day was so enjoyable and great value for money."

Anna Archer reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"What an excellent day! Loads of information and plenty of help and advice. Siobhan is great at putting people at their ease and encouraging them, but at the other end of the scale will also push you to achieve more than you think you can. Would happily recommend this course and will return."

justin reviewed: Bladesmithing experience day

"I have just done the one day course. I cannot recommend highly enough. Steve is a natural and patient teacher, allowing you to step outside your comfort zone during the process. For me teaching is all about drawing out something which is already inside; this kind of parallels the way we drew out knives out of the lumps of metal that they began as. He keeps everything flowing, has loads of interesting stories, and a real depth of knowledge in his craft. Some of the technical pieces he has around the workshop in various stages of completion are super geeky (in the best possible way!). The whole process was immensely satisfying, watching the knife come to life through each of the steps is brilliant. If you enjoy working with your hands, if you would like a knife that feels like a part of you - that you forged yourself - then look no further. Sometimes five stars are not enough...."

White Tiger Knives responded:

"Justin you and Dan worked your socks off, in lets be honest pretty warm conditions on your blade smithing day. You both created beautiful knives and I am really pleased that you enjoyed your day so much, thank you. ATB Steve"