Latest reviews

11 Jul 17'

Janet & Gail reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Basket in a Day

"Thank you for a most enjoyable day on the basketry course. The food was amazing. Hope to see you soon on another course. Many thanks"

11 Jul 17'

Jayne reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Plant Obelisk & Blue Tit Feeder in Willow

"I would like to thank you both for a fabulous day spent at the Butterfly Studio, learning how to make an Obelisk and Tit Feeder. Our teacher Deb was very good at delivering the workshop. She was able to demonstrate the processes needed to complete the tasks within the time and we all left with beautiful willow items. Deb even showed us how to make some additional items (reindeer), which was an added extra. I appreciated the way she taught, allowing us to work on our own, but also happy to offer advice no help when requested. As for the premises, well they were excellent! I could not praise enough the quality of the food and the regularity of breaks. I came with my friend Denise. We enjoyed it so much that we hope to booked another course in November. Carry on doing just as you do!!"

11 Jul 17'

Lucy reviewed: Mixed Media Techniques in The Studio, Somerton, Somerset.

"I love the workshops and I do hate sometimes missing our sessions as I thoroughly enjoy myself and look forward to creating loads with Constance! Now on the fabric mixed media course, great fun."

10 Jul 17'

Irene reviewed: Wire & mixed media sculpture courses with James Ort

"This has been one of the best courses i have attended. The studio setting is relaxing and nurturing and an ideal environment to explore your creative self and be inspired. James taught us basic techniques based on symmetry and allowing the wires to naturally flow. Over the two days we all created something special and something to be proud of. I will definitely be returning."

10 Jul 17'

Claire Truscott reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day at Jo's beautiful house making a range of candles and trying out new and different scents for each one. I learned a lot about the types of candles and how I could try the same techniques at home, and Jo was just a pleasure to work alongside all day. She sets up her space beautifully for this bespoke and personal (two person only) day, making the whole day relaxing, fun and thoroughly rewarding!"

10 Jul 17'

Sebastian Craciun reviewed: Wheel Thrown Pottery : 2.5 hour workshop

"Great workshop, tons of fun!"

10 Jul 17'

Adam Bushnell reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A superb day with excellent tuition throughout. Highly recommended!!!"

10 Jul 17'

simon webley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Want to get hot and sweaty with strangers in a friendly relaxed atmosphere? look no further. Really interesting and fun day spent with fun and interesting people doing something most people will never get the chance to do. Reccomend it to anyone with even the slightest interst in making things Was a great surprise birthday gift. Unique experience, enjoyed the whole day......just leave room for the cakes"

10 Jul 17'

jacqueline reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"My sister treated me to this course for my birthday and it was brilliant. Aaron was a great teacher and is a very lovely man. I chuffed with how many bits I came home with. being fairly useless at anything arty, it's a real credit to Aaron's teaching and patience that I made stuff I'm really proud of! Very fun weekend. lots of graft but well worth it and very, very interesting. Great sense of achievement at the end of it. Really pleased and I highly recommend this course to others. Thanks Aaron!"

10 Jul 17'

Jean reviewed: Stained Glass Workshop with Gillian & David Wing of Strawberry Glass

"I've done a stained glass work shop. It's great to be able to have a go at something without having to make a huge investment in supplies until you are sure that the craft is for you. So I highly recommend a visit here, you won't be disappointed."

10 Jul 17'

Jo Saunders reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"I had a wonderful morning with Rebecca. She made the inexplicably complexities of weaving understandable to a complete novice. By the end of the session I had weaved a beautiful sample to frame incorporating various techniques. Rebecca is passionate, incredibly knowledgable about weaving (she has a weaving degree) and a patient and thoughtful teacher. In addition, she makes rather good cookies too!"

10 Jul 17'

Mark Jutsum reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My wife bought me a voucher for Christmas to spend the day in Fransham Forge and it turned out to be one of the best Christmas presents I ever had! I have never tried any metal work before but from the moment I arrived, I was put at ease and made very welcome. Nigel Barnett is a very approachable, very patient and very skilled as a master blacksmith. My wife and I stayed for two nights in the shepherds hut (gypsy caravans) on site which was idyllic. The huts are in a quiet forest clearing with all the facilities on site including a kitchen area, showering room and flushing loo etc. To get to these (which are close by) you cross an iron bridged stream, which is very quaint. For those who want to wild camp there is a composting toilet available. The grassed forest clearing gives you space to play outdoor games if you wish and to cook on the various BBQs, fire pits etc provided. Its a great place for families too as there are peacocks and chickens roaming and large sculptures among the woodland. The forge is a working forge with many projects ongoing from small hinges to port cullis iron gates for castles. Working at the forge starts at 8am and finishes around 6pm and during this time instruction and tuition is given to you in basic or advanced levels depending on your previous experience. I came away with 4 items, all included in the cost. My wife was so impressed with my items that at first she didn't believe I'd made them (with a little help from Nigel). These are all yours to take home as a souvenir of your day. I highly recommend it, in fact I taking my friends and going back. Nigel has a show room/shop where you can purchase many items all beautifully made on site."

9 Jul 17'

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

"Absolutely fantastic day with Adrian, Andy and Debbie, brilliant course, brilliant food, brilliant (very talented) people. I will definitely be back soon"

9 Jul 17'

Peta Kennedy reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I have been to three of these workshops and have loved every one. The time just flies by as you are so absorbed putting together your creation. Nicky is very patient and helpful with lots of design ideas from simple to more complicated as you progress. We have also made some wonderful Christmas glass decorations, stars, angels and snowflakes which look fantastic hanging on the tree. I would thoroughly recommend anyone trying out this fascinating hobby and can't wait for my next visit."

9 Jul 17'

Rachel Hollands reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is clearly highly experienced & extremely knowledgable about his craft, I have learnt such a lot in 2 days. I have come home with two wonderful pieces which I'm pretty proud of'! The course is very relaxed yet we still got so much done, it was really fun & insighful, I would recommend to anyone with an interest in working with leather. Thoroughly enjoyed it- thanks Bill!"

9 Jul 17'

wendy Turner reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a thoroughly wonderful day! From the start it was a great friendly atmosphere with 8 blacksmith hopefuls. The tuition was 5 star from both Andy and Adrian who covered all basics, H&S and some great tips to add the quality finishing touches. It was sweaty, educational and most of all great fun, I'm sure we all could have lost quite a few stone if it wasn't for the 'to-die-for' food provided by Debbie (and Adrian's contribution to the home made bread buns) I have come away with a less than perfect coat hook but I love it and I'm proud as punch that I made it. It will go on display in our new home. The key ring will be put to great use too. I would highly recommend any of their courses."

9 Jul 17'

Martin Rivett reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Excellent 2 day course. Full of forging and Nigel's anecdotes. Not only did I make 6 + items, thanks to Nigel's training they where of fantastic quality. Cannot recommend enough, going again in September. If you fancy learning an excellent skill, book now."

9 Jul 17'

Sue Ullrich reviewed: Needle Felt a Picture of your own design

"Very enjoyable day felting. Will be attending more courses, Liz is a great teacher and is very knowledgeable."

9 Jul 17'

Ross Kirby reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Would definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting to experience the amazing work of a blacksmith - even if you're an absolute beginner like myself! I took a two-day course (Friday to Saturday) and I was lucky enough to be able to stay and sleep in the teepee Nigel had built (which was awesome by the way and surprisingly bug-free if you keep a nice fire going!). Nigel's teaching was absolutely superb, I was nervous but incredibly excited on Day 1 and Nigel's funny stories and down-to-earth sense of character helped take the edge off the nerves and enabled me to focus on metalworking and to enjoy every moment spent at the Fransham Forge. At the end of Day 1, I was fortunate enough to finish with three pieces - a fire poker (which had both a twist and alternating twist design along with scroll work) a spade (which also had scroll work) and a pendant in the shape of a leaf. I had never chanced my arm at any form of blacksmithing before, so I was very proud to have these pieces finished at the end of Day 1! Nigel's form of teaching really encourages you to enjoy working the forges with a bit of freedom and not feel pressured by time or skill; Nigel was very supportive and any questions you had he could answer in detail. On day 2, Nigel encouraged us to begin creating projects of our own - which I thought was an amazing opportunity to explore what you can do with support from an amazing teacher. I really want to become a Swordsmith one day, so I thought I'd start small and create a Viking Utility Knife; which would have been used for slicing, carving or cutting. Nigel's form of teaching enabled me to have some freedom whilst working the forge, but he always checked on me to see how I was doing and gave me tips here and there whilst I was working the high carbon steel he had cut for me to use. By the end of Day 2, I had managed to successfully hand-forge not one, but two Viking Utility Knives. As I said earlier, I had never chanced my arm at any form of blacksmithing before - so I am incredibly proud of what I achieved with support from Nigel and I am incredibly grateful; as Nigel has made me more determined to pursue a career in blacksmithing and hopefully one day successfully become a Swordsmith. Even though the electricity had been cut in order to trim trees (which had been growing around the power lines) and poor Nigel was left with the workshop door three quarters open and with no power for a little while during the beginning of Day 1, we stil managed to get forging. I also took the opportunity to explore Nigel's gallery and admire all the metalwork he had done - which by the way is abosolutely breathtaking. Nigel's perception of life in metal is truly inspirational and captivating, all the twisting and turning, patterns and the forgework all done by hand coagulate and form beautiful essences of life that we sometimes take for granted every day. A big thank you to Nigel for teaching me and encouraging me to pursue my dream of hopefully becoming a blacksmith and a sworsdsmith one day. Another big thank you as well to Nigel's friend who I have forgotten the name of but helped keep the blacksmiths hydrated with coffee and tea! A really wonderful course and an incredible teacher - I hope whoever reads this is captivated by what Fransham Forge has to offer and chances their arm at blacksmithing for a couple of days - it was so much fun and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to go and do something constructive and creative!"

9 Jul 17'

Penny reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"I can highly recommend this one day course. Lucy was a fantastic host who provided a lovely lunch while sitting in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. I learnt so much from the course and meant some really nice people. It has given me confidence that I needed. Once again thanks you so much Lucy."

9 Jul 17'

Paul Stafford reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Had a great day and even as a total novice I walked away with a blade to be proud to have forged. Very friendly and knowledgeable team who are willing to pass on all the tricks and tips you need to produce a working, hardened blade. I'll definitely be going back for more."

9 Jul 17'

Thoma family reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just returned from a fantastic family weekend break at Fransham Forge. Did a one day course as a whole family treat (kids aged 16 and 14 yrs), and had a great time. Nigel was endlessly patient, and made sure that we all came away feeling that we'd achieved impressive results. Staying in the Shepherds' huts was perfect - such a tranquil and secluded setting in the woods. Just a shame we didn't bring any musical instruments to have a sing along around the camp fire."

9 Jul 17'

Miss Jane A Rogers reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I went on this course, thinking I would probably be no good at it. But after a beautiful day in a fantastic woodland and with Andy's excellent tuition and patience (and cups of tea) I came away with a mallet, a spatula and a rolling pin. I had a really great day and learned a lot about the different types of trees, etc. Andy's knowledge of the different types of tree and his woodworking skills are amazing, very well done. Seriously thinking about another course - maybe to make a stool! Would definitely recommend this course as an introduction to woodworking"

9 Jul 17'

Jai Jacka reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course is held in a truly unique and wonderfully peaceful location which obviates distraction and is conducive to creating. The small class size meant I had a good deal of one-to-one instruction as I progressed with my work piece and Sebastian was always available to offer good direction and guidance. After short introductions we got briefed on stone-carving tools, their uses and had a go at using them on a test piece of stone. Once confident, you could progress onto your own design and Sebastian was always on hand to guide you through the process, demonstrate techniques and provide encouragement. The two-day course allows plenty of time to get a good sized piece completed and it's a good idea to have a design in mind (or 3D model) before you arrive. There was no pressure and you progressed at your own pace. Tea breaks were at your own discretion and tea/coffee were provided. You bring your own lunch but the course sat down together which allowed time to discuss progress, techniques and get to know your fellow students. I really enjoyed the course, meeting our excellent instructor Sebastian and visiting his unique workshop. Whilst I didn't create a masterpiece I got a great deal of satisfaction from the course, met new friends and now have a real enthusiasm for stone carving which I hope to build upon in the future either on my own but most likely, returning for more sessions under Sebastian's instruction. If you've got an interest in stone carving I would strongly recommend you contact Sebastian and get on one of his courses. Great location, excellent instructor, great course!"

9 Jul 17'

Kate & Nicola reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"We had an amazing day learning to throw and decorate pots with Rowena. She is an excellent teacher and communicator and we felt well supported by her all day. She is also a lovely lady who we enjoyed spending the day with too! We absolutely loved the experience of throwing and couldn't believe how much we learned so quickly. We made some lovely bowls and look forward to using these at home in the future. In the afternoon we also had the opportunity to make a plate using a mould and decorated this using the slip & decorative method of our own choosing. Thank you Rowena for a brilliant day. We hope to return again in the future."