Latest reviews

10 Dec 16'

Mark Eden reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had an awesome day, blacksmithing with Col! We have come away having had lots of fun and hard work with a plethora of weird and wild things made of metal! Colin is a wonderful teacher who is supportive, attentive and enthusiastic-if you think you've had a disaster, he just goes with it and comes up with innovations to improve the original! So, we've got lots of hooks, fire tools, key rings, a toilet paper holder, a toasting fork, candle holders, wine glass holders and an amazing one handed bottle opener, as well as projects to be continued!"

10 Dec 16'

Suzy reviewed: Fused glass jewellery - weekend 2-day course - Develop your glass jewellery making, design and cold working skills

"This is my 3rd course with Eleanor and as usual it was excellent. She is a friendly and knowledgable tutor and has a wealth of knowledge that she eagerly shares. She guides without influencing your work so the pieces you create are yours and original. There is an abundance of materials you can have a go with, so all you need is a bit of imagination and you are set. I would encourage anyone who has thought about trying to make jewellery to go and book a course with Eleanor. I had a brilliant time."

10 Dec 16'

Bev Wilson reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"WOW! If you're wondering/contemplating...stop and book it NOW! If I can do it, so can you! What a fabulous weekend! It was fun, rewarding, relaxing, stimulating (can it be both?-yes it can apparently!)exciting, therapeutic...just wonderful. I shouldn't have put it off for so long! Karen is a fab teacher and everyone on the course was so friendly and kind. It was great to be learning and achieving in such a lovely nurturing environment."

10 Dec 16'

Natalie Stanier reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"I can't recommend this course enough, I had a fabulous 2 days, the Craft barn is lovely venue for the course the log burner kept us toastie & warm. I had lunch both days at the visitors centre which was great. Sue was a fantastic teacher & made the course exceptional & I was so pleased with the Reindeer I made its something I can treasure for years to come."

9 Dec 16'

Garry Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a fantastic day learning basic blacksmithing from Chris and would recommend anyone to book a lesson. Chris is happy to answer any questions about smithing and gives a choice of things to make in the afternoon. Time permitting. Couldnt ask for a better teacher. Will book again in the future."

9 Dec 16'

Shauna Fitzpatrick reviewed: 1 Stone setting ring beginner course

"I really enjoyed this class. Sarah is great at setting you at ease and giving you the confidence to get hands on straight away. She's encouraging and patient and is clearly a very creative and knowledgeable jeweller. She did warn me that it's addictive and from the very start I was hooked. I will be recommending her and her courses far and wide and will certainly be back for more. If you want to get stuck straight in without having to attend hours of night school and want a fun, creative afternoon or two, I would highly recommend Sarah. It's a real blast being able to wear your beautiful piece of jewellery home."

9 Dec 16'

Andie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I arrived fairly trepidacious as I'm small female and well over 60... but I had an absolutely brilliant day. Mort suggested gently that I could attempt something far beyond my expectations and with his patient help and encouragement I brought home a beautiful door knocker that I would have been delighted to have bought at a craft fair. I learnt so many techniques from scratch, and loved stoking the fire and hammering with all my strength. As for the fire welding, white hot and showering sparks, it was thrilling and magical. Top it off with his stories and historical knowledge, I had a fantastic time."

9 Dec 16'

Meg Serjeant reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"I so enjoyed this course! Despite having never modelled/sculpted in clay before I found the course a revelation. Karin is kind, patient and calm, even when things go wrong and she shows you how to remedy problems. I eventually produced a head of which I was proud, and having found the whole event warm and friendly, and the weekend went by so quickly, it was sad to leave at the end! I would definitely like to do another course next year and would recommend it to anybody."

9 Dec 16'

Peter Stothart reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"This course exceeded all my expectations. As an absolute beginner I was afraid I'd be out of my depth. But thanks to Karen's encouragement and relaxed tuition I actually produced something I'm quite proud of. What a lovely surprise to discover something that I can enjoy improving for years to come. Loved every minute and will be back soon."

9 Dec 16'

Jane howe reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I had a great time on the weekend bag making course. It was fun, very well organised and the teaching was excellent. I was amazed that I had made a beautiful leather handbag at the end of the two days. I would highly recommend the course."

9 Dec 16'

Shells Patel reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A wonderful day.....creative and cathartic at the same time . Learned loads....made new friends and thoroughly lived Caroline...who is not just superb at what she does but is also a great comedienne. ...so much fun and laughter ......and went home with a piece of artwork . I'll definitely be returning and would recommend to everyone ."

9 Dec 16'

Joe Gilmour reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"What a lovely day I had on the gypsy basking weaving course with Sally Anne. The course was well organised and very interesting. I have always wanted to try willow weaving, and was not disappointed when I finally got the chance. It is not easy but, with Sally Anne's encouragement and great teaching, I have made a willow basket I am proud of (when I look at it now I still can't believe I made it!)."

9 Dec 16'

natalie reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Thank you Ruby for such a lovely weekend. I really felt the benefit returning to work on Monday, it's been far too long since I've sat round a fire in the woods! You're a very natural teacher, and I'm so grateful to you for passing on your crafts and knowledge."

8 Dec 16'

Jo Harris reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"I've done a few courses at the Phoenix Studios now, but I always come back to this one. The guidance is excellent, the models are always top notch and the Studios themselves are just the nicest place to visit and create in! I can't recommend this course more highly - Karin is a wonderful teacher and I've never seen anyone go home with anything less than brilliant work - even those who've never tried sculpture before! One warning: it IS addictive..."

8 Dec 16'

Cari Dawson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Excellent course, the best I have been on so far, very good tutoring on a tricky design of chair! Do expect to work hard, but hugely satisfying to take home your dream chair. Lovely lunches, and most important plenty of tea and biscuits. Try a course, you will not be disappointed!"

8 Dec 16'

richard martin reviewed: Glaze Application with Kevin Millward

"I attended this course on 1/12/16. Kevin delivered a detailed and at times amusing course which I found extremely helpful. Not much time was left for inspection of my own examples of glazing disasters at the end but throughout the day Kevin had painstakingly and generously answered many questions from the attendees. I am still trying to locate an authentic "pint weight" measure ! I hope to register for one or both Kevin's throwing courses next spring."

8 Dec 16'

Sarah Jane Beaumont reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"Venue was lovely. Michelle was helpful and patient. I really enjoyed learning a new crafting technique, so therapeutic and the day flew by!"

8 Dec 16'

Alistair Kirk reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Peter Wood is one of the best craft teachers I have experienced. His Windsor chair course is educational, fun and immensely satisfying. I was a little apprehensive before the course with the prospect of using "primitive" tools (pole lathe, draw knives, adze, etc.) to make the chair but with Peter's guidance and a bit of work I am extremely proud of the end result."

8 Dec 16'

Tom Main reviewed: Platinum Palladium Print Making workshop

"I had been looking to take a platinum palladium printing course for a while but couldn't find one suitable until I came across Richard's website. The quality of his prints blew me away. This is a great one to one workshop, relaxed and very informative. I don't think any of my questions went unanswered and I asked a lot. I came away with the knowledge that Richard had set me on the correct path and I'm now producing my own platinum palladium prints successfully. If you are looking to add to your photography skills this is one workshop that needs to be covered."

7 Dec 16'

Roberto Aguilar reviewed: Platinum Palladium Print Making workshop

"I took this private course a little over a year ago. This has been a life changer for me. It was so inspiring that I decided to start printing myself and start a small darkroom. I simply fell in love with the process and this has to do with Richard, the instructor, who took his time to thoroughly explain every step. Any question I had was also answered fully and I would recommend this course to anyone."

7 Dec 16'

Alexey Janes reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"I have been messing around on the pole lathe for many a year but never got round to actually making a full Windsor chair. I visited Greenwood Days about 3 years ago on the day of a sharpening course and was immediately impressed by Peter and his facilities. I came all the way from Northern Ireland special to attend Peters 7 day Windsor Chair course because of how highly I rated his knowledge skills and experience. I am so glad with the whole experience and the chair I made is now proudly housed in my brother's sitting room in London. I waited 15 years to actually go on a proper Greenwood chair making course, if you have an interest then don't make the mistake I did in leaving it so long. Book on the course today! I couldn't speak highly enough of this course or of Peter and would recommend it to the novice, improver or expert. Alexey Janes"

7 Dec 16'

Rob reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"Came in as a complete novice and had an great time learning the basics. The fundamentals of the lathe, basic tools, cuts and finishing expertly delivered. Left with a pretty good bowl for my efforts. All round a great day. Highly recommended."

7 Dec 16'

Charlotte reviewed: Glass Fusing with Enamels Taster Class - Make a Tealight Curve

"I booked this course for a friend's Hen Do because another friend had enjoyed the course previously. We had a fabulous time with Steve and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The process was fascinating and we all loved creating our own individual masterpiece"

7 Dec 16'

Tony Hutchinson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Well where can I start My children bought this for me as a 60th birthday present. Something I have always wanted to do . Peter is a well know teacher in his craft . Peter is a very patient person as you can imagine he has some character s on his course . Set in a wonderful woodland It was also handy for me as I stayed in my camper right next to the wood , which I can Recommend Food a variety of Peters soups or his daughters, 7 days of none stop graft but the reward of making this fine Windsor chair will stay with me . I can say to my grandchildren I made that and plan to hand it down . Now looking at which course to go on with Peter again , Thanks Peter Kind regards Tony Hutchinson Stafford"

7 Dec 16'

Jon Murphy reviewed: Woodturning courses in Norfolk

"I just completed the one day course on wood turning and have graded it excellent. As a complete novice I was made to feel very comfortable with the instruction. The content was comprehensive and taught me everything I need to know to start this hobby. Nick is extremely professional in his approach and takes time to ensure that you understand everything he shows you. He taught me several techniques and at the culmination of the day I ended up with a very nice wooden bowl. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in starting to wood turn. The facilities are excellent and Nicks wife prepared a very nice light lunch."