Latest reviews

Sam reviewed: Pottery course for at home pottery

"Hugely enjoyable ! Something I'd always wanted to try and was bought as a gift for me. Sue and Geri are really friendly and knowledgeable have helped me try new techniques and encouraged and inspired me. I've made lots of different pieces which are functional and it makes me proud to use them. I love coming to Fired Thoughts, always fun and the time flies by!"

Alice Ellis reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I was so excited about spending the morning with Rebecca and having a taster of what loom weaving was like. The workshop did not disappoint! I had a great time and learnt so much. Rebecca patiently walked us through the technicalities of loom weaving (the set up of which is way more complicated than I imagined) and then we had lots of time to get weaving! I would highly recommend this workshop and am now excited to learn more and have another go!!"

Alison Chantrey reviewed: Needle felting workshop - Create your own woodland creature

"What a great day! I'd never tried needle felting before. I didn't think there was much chance of producing such a cute animal as Denise had in the images, but it's a testament to her skills in needle felting and teaching that I am now the proud owner of a pretty cool Frankie Fox. It was a really relaxed atmosphere and we had lovely food too. I'm wondering what excuse I can come up with to book another session in soon. Thank you Denise."

Crafty Gal responded:

"Thank you SO much Alison, I loved how your confidence grew as the day went on, and your fox started to appear to you! He was SO cute. Denise x"

Avril Finnie reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a fantastic day yesterday at Lucy’s 1-2-1 tuition workshop. Even though I am a complete beginner I was able to produce a silver ring and earings to a professional quality thanks to Lucy’s tutoring style, expertise and motivational encouragement. I will definitely be going back."

Sarah Hobohm reviewed: Oil painting day - In the artist's studio with Laura Andrew - Lincoln

"The Painting Day was a great experience in the lovely art studio setting. Laura's expertise and encouragement meant that everyone produced a painting and learnt a lot along the way. I have been inspired to continue with art and drawing and would highly recommend the course."

Penny Trinder reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a course for myself and my husband way back in October last year. As Chris is so popular we had to wait till June this year for our days training. We were not disappointed. The forge is in an idyllic countryside setting near to Birmingham and looked just how you would expect a Blacksmith’s workshop to look. Chris is very welcoming with a quiet assured manner. He is young and enthusiastic but also very knowledgeable and patient with newbies. Having never lifted a hammer in anger, let alone held onto red hot metal, under his tutelage I managed to turn out a hand forged keyring that was suprisingly like the example shown. My husband went on to also produce a poker of which he is extremely proud. We would definitely recommend Chris’ course to anyone who wants to have a go at this fascinating craft. You would be amazed at what you can make out of metal and fire."

Lynne Shields reviewed: The Annie Sloan complete chair makeover Workshop at La Di Da Interiors

"Had a smashing day. There were only a few of us as it clashed with the Royal Wedding, but it was a real treat as well as an opportunity to learn a new skill. I will have more respect for the chairs I sit on now I know just how much work goes into making them comfortable. Steph was helpful and knowledgeable and it was lovely to see the old chairs turn into such lovely items."

Lois reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"This is an excellent workshop. Julie is a clear, thorough and patient teacher, a good communicator and a really nice lady! We were six beginners with varying levels of dexterity and confidence, but by the end of the day we had all made really good baskets, and I think we all feel we have learned well enough to carry on the craft at home. There was practical demonstration; lots of hands-on-help;teaching about good,safe practice; discussion of varying styles of basket work and the different willows and how they should be worked. I learned so much, am thrilled with my basket and had a super -fun day. Thank you Julie."

Angela Inglis reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a lovely morning with Kerry and learnt so much! Looking forward to putting what I learnt into practice at home."

Fran reviewed: Weekend Pottery Throwing Course - learn the potters wheel

"I had a great time at the clay studio making pots both on a wheel and by hand, very proud of my creations. You don't need to be that arty go give it a go have some fun Imogen is so friendly and will helpful."

Pam Wilson reviewed: Silverclay beginners jewellery workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne

"I have just left Claire's house after a brilliant afternoon learning all about silver clay, I made a pendant necklace in a heart shape and textured and two other pieces to add to further lessons. Claire is very welcoming, friendly and can translate her enthusiasm to you so you come away wishing you could have stayed longer and made more. Thank you Claire"

ToDot Handcrafted Goods responded:

"Thank you so much Pam I had a great afternoon showing you all about the basics of silver clay. You made some lovely pieces!"

Marie reviewed: Print Making workshops at the Ruskin Glass Centre

"Spent a few hours away from it all in Mike's peaceful studio. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and would highly recommend this workshop to both beginners and established printmakers. Mike is an excellent tutor."

Sandra Watson reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Brilliant, informative course. Content was excellent . Kerrylyn was a patient tutor . Thoroughly enjoyed this and would recommend her to anyone"

judith gray reviewed: Willow weaving - a square lidded basket - with Wyldwood Willow

"Really enjoyed the course - enough challenging content for the 2 days and yet achievable. Loved the venue with delicious lunch outside under the tree - very civilized."

Helen Bradley reviewed: Sword making course

"Andy was very welcoming and talked through the process in detail. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I'm very pleased with the end product."

Annabel Faraday reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Thank you again for two such wonderful days of creative discovery, earthing and connectedness. I especially appreciated your careful pacing and clear explanations of the whole process, with time also to just stop and take stock, reflect and celebrate. I just can't wait to do Level 2."

Michael Warman reviewed: Piano Lessons

"Laura is very patient and calm, gently encouraging one to keep going. Lessons have changed and adapted according to the mood of the moment and we have mixed up practice and theory. I needed some help to get back into playing the piano for pleasure after years without having one. Have definitely improved within and between lessons. Some of her suggestions were really helpful. Very relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. Would definitely recommend!!"

Julia reviewed: Beginners Candlemaking for Two - Anglesey, Wales

"Booked a morning candle workshop with a friend and we both found the class very interesting. We were taught how to make a variety of candles and were able to choose the colours and fragrances for ourselves. Anita gave us lots of great candle making tips and I would now feel confident about making my own candles at home. Very enjoyable and highly recommended."

Margaret N reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"A second great day spent with Lucy, this time learning about wax modelling. Great way to learn more specialist skills and expand the range of techniques I can use. Thanks Lucy!"

Gerald Abrahams reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"Superb all round . The setting , the tutelage, the food and tea - all superb. A greatly enjoyable and rewarding day at a good pace . Thoroughly recommended !"

John reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Just home after a fantastic day with Nick. Hard to believe that a complete novice like me can have such fun turning wood and go home with a really lovely bowl to boot! I already have requests from other family members for a bowl of their own! Many thanks John"

Petra Saunders reviewed: Willow weaving - a square lidded basket - with Wyldwood Willow

"I love it: great setting with a relaxed welcoming vibe. No matter what your level of skill is Amanda is always there to support you. Courses are well organised and the food is lovely. Well recommended."

Ceri Bailey reviewed: Willow weaving - a square lidded basket - with Wyldwood Willow

"An amazing course, can't believe we managed to make the hampers that we did! Amanda was very patient at teaching us, and there was plenty delicious food to keep us going through out the day as usual! Would definitely recommend, gives you a whole new appreciation for the level of skill and craftsmanship that goes into each willow piece!"

chay hedger reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended a one day course with Alex as a present from my wife and had a fantastic time. the day was very relaxed in a great setting. I feel that i learnt such a lot and really appreciated the way Alex explained things and demonstrated on a sample and then let you have a go on your own piece. it was nice to achieve such a lot in a day and then take home what you'd made. I would highly recommend a day with Alex to anyone regardless of experience as he has so much to share. I aim to book another day to take things a step further."

Gary Spruce reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"The "Introduction to Green Woodworking" course did not disappoint. Peter's blend of hands on teaching with quiet encouragement made the weekend both rewarding and relaxing at the same time. What I liked particularly was the freedom to follow one's own ideas (within the time constraints) and the ability to choose the materials to suit. I made a coffee table out of a beautiful piece of elm with ash legs. I have years of experience working with wood at home and as a recently retired DT teacher, but I was still able to learn a lot from the course. Peter's obvious love for the materials and processes used shines through. The processes are a joy - as someone said on the course, "the travishing is ravishing". I was truly sad to end the weekend in the beautiful setting of the Devon Green Woodworking centre. It was well worth the trip from Cheshire and I'm sorely tempted to return for another longer course. Thankyou Peter"