Latest reviews

Eddie reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day, would recommend this to anyone wanting a go at blacksmithing, perfect gift bought for me at Christmas."

Pippa & Nick reviewed: Three legged stool making and pole lathe introduction at Coed Tylluan near Cardigan

"Such a fun couple of days and we’ll never look at wood in the same way again! Wil is an amazing instructor and we learnt so many new skills and techniques we didn’t know before. Really happy with our stools and they have pride of place by our fire at home. Hopefully we’ll be back again at some point. Really recommend to anyone visiting West Wales."

Miu reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"I attended John’s course which was held at Mudchute City Farm in London. It was my very first introduction to dry stone walling (although I had always been curious about it!) and I found it to be a great way to learn about this ancient and very practical craft. John truly took the time and care to share with us his knowledge and experience in the art and technique of dry stone walling. The small group I was with worked to build a 2m x 1m wall and we were all very proud of completing our wall satisfactorily by the end of the workshop! A day well spent."

London School of Dry Stone Walling responded:

"Hello Miu - Thank you for attending the DSW workshop and particularly pleased you felt the day was 'well spent' from your first introduction to DSW, we must be doing something right. It is always interesting to see how people interact with the stone and juggle around with it before finding a suitable piece and a place it will fit. It is time consuming and takes some practice to develop a feel for the stone and natural eye. I wish you well for any future DSW activity you may undertake. Take Care, Best Wishes - John"

Colin Anderson reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"One of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I've ever had! I've been an avid watcher of 'Forged in Fire' for several years, and commented to my wife how much I'd like to make my own knife - and so, for my 50th birthday, I was given vouchers for a course from friends and family. I did my research, and booked my course with Spike, based on the excellent reviews on this website. Spike's communication was excellent throughout our correspondence, and I booked a two-day knife making course with the intention of making a kitchen knife; something of which I could make good use following my experience. The cost was £250, for two full days of one-to-one tuition with all materials etc provided. I personally find this to be extremely good value. Please bear in mind that Spike's courses are extremely popular - weekend courses are booked for months to come. I was able to sort dates for week days, and still had to wait for a couple of months. Spike adheres to a very strict cancellation policy, which I feel is absolutely fair - it's his living after all... I would recommend getting in touch as soon as possible, particularly if you have vouchers with with a run-out date. On the first day of the course, Spike started with a safety brief, which of course is extremely important as you will be forging metal at extremely high temperatures. All requisite safety equipment is provided, and suitable footwear/clothing must be worn at all times Spike illustrated every concept of forging, before letting me get stuck in. We started with my billet of high carbon steel, which was heated in a coal forge, then 'drawn out' to a suitable length before starting on the tang (the thinner piece to which to handle is attached). Spike then demonstrated how to create the curvature of the blade by hammering on the anvil. At the end of the first day, I had created my basic blade shape. The second day comprised of several techniques - 'quenching' (hardening), grinding to shape, heating and punching a hole in the tang for the pin, attaching the handle etc...all done in a traditional manner with no power tools (other than the belt-grinder). What really impressed me was that Spike never took my work from me to start each process - he demonstrated forging techniques on a different piece of metal - this really was going to be a knife that I made. Throughout the course, I really enjoyed talking to Spike. He's a very easy-going and incredibly knowledgeable guy. There was so much that we chatted about which aided to a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. At the end of the course, my only disappointment was that I didn't get the handle finished - I had the daunting task of shaping the wood at home. I'd never done woodwork before. Spike instructed me what to do, and with a couple of hours work on the following day, my knife was finished. I was absolutely delighted with the final result - a fully functional (and very sharp) kitchen knife that will last for many years. My plan is to look after it well and leave it to one of my children whenever 'that time' comes. As I have two children, I will most definitely be booking another course with Spike in the future..."

C Bartlett reviewed: Jewellery making with silver clay - one day beginners workshop

"Well explained instructions and assistance. Good supply of equipment to use. I made lovely items of jewellery which are much admired by my friends and family."

Miguel Ottmann reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Great fun, Mort's a brilliant teacher and the experience was ultimately very satisfying."

Kim Holt reviewed: Candle Making Workshop at The Recycled Candle Company

"A truly unique and fun filled day. Great tutors and fascinating information. Hugely enjoyable even if you've never previously had an interest in candle making!"

john chappell reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Very good course, Mark is an experienced cabinet maker. I would recommend this course."

Stevie Collin reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"I had the best day with Jonathan, he is funny, friendly and very generous with his knowledge. I have been to other workshops and this one was by far the most informative I have been on. It makes a big difference to be taught by someone with a teaching background. The day was well paced and at no time are you left wondering what to do next. I left feeling excited to try my new skills and to increase my tools with recommendations rather than guesswork."

Les reviewed: Make a shave horse at Sallerton Wood

"What an excellent way to spend a weekend. Andy is great at imparting his knowledge, patient and kind in his encouragement. My fellow students were great, we all had a marvellous time, we met as strangers and left as friends. This is all down to Andy's hospitality. We were well fed, and drinks were always available. The setting is brilliant, with a variety of trees, and a lovely stream which passes right beside the dining area. It is truly magical. The cost of the course has to be the bargain of the year as far as I'm concerned, as you get to leave with an eminently useful piece of kit. Anyone would be hard pressed to even buy a kit that you would have to assemble yourself at this price. Yet here, you can go home with something you have made yourself. There is an immense feeling of pride and satisfaction in that. I can recommend this course to anyone, no matter what you think your skill level may be. Andy will ensure that you can get it done."

Sallerton Wood responded:

"Thank you very much indeed for your very generous review, Les. We're delighted that you enjoyed the course and the surrounding woodland environment, and on top of that made some new good friends. It would be good to see you back at Sallerton Wood again before too long."

Sally Lloyd reviewed: The Drawing Circus comes to Towersey

"My daughter and I took part in the drawing circus for the first time this year and despite the searing heat it was the most amazing day! The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming, the other participants were friendly and there was an air of excitement and an artistic buzz. The models were professional and yet not intimidating. This was my daughter's first attempt at life drawing and she is now hooked. The master classes with Jake Spicer were really helpful. We came home with a pocket full of drawings and a desire to find a regular spot to be able to develop our skills. Looking forward to being able to participate in further workshops at the Phoenix studio."

Kelly reviewed: Weather proof fairy house from up-cycled materials

"Great workshop and you come home with something you made entirely yourself! Nici tells you what you need to know and lets you spend the workshop being as creative as you feel, as well as giving some creative tips that you can take home. Lovely atmosphere and a fun afternoon whether with friends or family or out on your own."

Goblin Dreams responded:

"Thanks Kelly, glad you enjoyed yourself x"

Mary reviewed: Chocolate Discovery Day - Workshop 1 - A Beginners Guide

"My children booked this course for me as a birthday present. What a lovely day. Margaret is so full of information and has created a brilliant, fun, busy (tho. relaxed), experience day. Lovely home made food and lots of cups of tea to keep you going. And the bonus is coming away with beautifully packaged parcels of the fruits of your labour, extending the experience as long as the chocolates last!!! Thank you Margaret."

Confetti Chocolates responded:

"Thank you so much for the review, it was a pleasure to have met you. I hope you go on to make some more lovely chocolates now you have the basic skills."

Karen reviewed: Weather proof fairy house from up-cycled materials

"I never thought I was very creative but really fancied having a go. Nici was great and so patient with me. I have made an awesome little fairy house and I am so chuffed with it. Whatever your skill level I would highly recommend this course."

Goblin Dreams responded:

"Thanks for your kind words Karen, Glad you enjoyed it :) x"

Delyth Morgan reviewed: Lino printing landscapes

"I had a busy and enjoyable day. Lee is a great teacher and offered help and advice when needed. The setting is relaxed and company friendly. Wonderful artwork all around to inspire. Lunchtime soup and brownies were most welcome. I'm pleased with my final print and I feel confident enough to work at home. I should love to return and learn more."

Lee Wright Artist responded:

"Thank you Delyth. I am glad that you enjoyed the day. Lee"

Sam reviewed: Weather proof fairy house from up-cycled materials

"Fantastic workshop, clear instructions in a fun and relaxed environment and produced a great item. Good to do something different, would highly recommend."

Goblin Dreams responded:

"Thanks Sam, was great to see you create :)"

Simon reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Really great course which delivered everything it promised. All processes clearly explained, questions answered comprehensively and leather making processes monitored and tweaked as we worked. Jason and Louise ensured that not only did we learn everything that we expected, but they also wanted to ensure that we had all created something beautiful by the end of the course."

Graeme Hook reviewed: Beginners 2 full days knife making courses

"An enjoyable and informative two days. I went as a complete beginner and learned a great deal. Paddy is a great teacher. Recommended."

Nicky Calthrop-owen reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"This upholstery course was excellent. Lucy is a talented, inspiring but at the same time kind teacher. She creates a relaxed and welcoming environment. The venue is a beautiful rural idyll to escape to and Lucy’s home cooked lunch and cakes are delicious. I feel I’ve learned a lot today having upholstered an old rocking chair with Lucy’s help and guidance. Lucy has great style and I will be back for more on the interior design courses!"

Steve reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I arrived as a total beginner and left with so much knowledge, guidance and experience that Mark's course is essential for anyone wanting to experience, begin or improve their wood turning. Mark will tailor the day to your needs and development. The day was full on and none stop with advice on everything and more from lathes and equipment (and what to avoid!) to books, local clubs near my home to offer me more support and guidance and obviously plenty of hands on turning practise. Mark is always near-by to let you fully develop your feel for turning but also to guide you the moment should the need arise (it did!). The advice alone made the day worth while, (I asked lots of questions!) but with what I accomplished on top of the experience, made it into a brilliant day. I would definitely advise anyone to do it!"

Kathryn reviewed: One day Mosaic workshop Moon Hare Studio, Devon

"This course was great. Adela took us through different mosaic laying concepts, gave us a chance to practice and taught us how to cut glass tiles into varied shapes. She was very generous with the beautiful materials. We came away with our own gorgeous individual creations to treasure. And a thirst for more mosaic adventures. Thank you Adela!"

Ian Mathews reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Andy is a very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient instructor. As a complete beginner I really enjoyed the interesting and informative day, courtesy of a birthday gift from my wife. With plenty of guidance on the technique and good habits required for wood turning I was delighted that I was able to create a beautiful bowl from what in the morning started out as a lump of wood. I would highly recommend this course, particularly for those like myself who have spent too much time in the office and not enough time creating something with their hands. The setting was lovely and the facilities spot on. Highly recommended. I plan to come again and then perhaps kit out the garage with my own lathe!"

Lesley Statham reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have really enjoyed my first foray into stained glass making. Martin is an excellent teacher and very patient. It is very therapeutic and I will miss the classes over the summer break. I look forward to returning in September ."

Julie reviewed: Christmas Candle Making with afternoon tea in East Yorkshire

"This candle course was so nice from start to finish, met some lovely people with plenty of handmade items to bring home. Had a great lunch and now have the info I want to do the soap making."

Izzy Martin reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I appreciate Martin’s patience and ability to increase one's confidence in developing skills beyond personal expectations. I enjoy the classes and want to learn more."