Latest reviews

21 Jun 15'

scott/ryan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel thankyou .a great day Its nice to know that people are still willing to give time to others. we both had a great day.Made a poker and shovel which was good .Made a small acorn key ring . inthe afternoon he asked any ideas of what we would like to make. after some thought made a lantern stand. in learning some skills in the morning we started .in the forge we heated some square bar and done some twisted on one end we curved a arc of 7 inches and heated up end and flattened and made a leaf. Then some round bar same leaf on one end.we then run the bar though a air hammer along to give texture then we wrapped them shorter bars around the main square upright. the base is made from a round cultivator disc which underneath we welded three round balls on for feet.with some squashed tube and a big washer which we hammered impression into .then welded the uprights and wrapped the other leaves around the main square . looks great and a big Thankyou See you soon . Ryan my son has been so inspired he is seriously pursuing a career as an Blacksmith artist Thank you"

19 Jun 15'

Sue Elliot reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Really enjoyed Jane's landscape tapestry course on Wednesday. I had never done any weaving before and Jane instructions were so clear and she made sure everyone had help as and when they needed it. She also provided a very clear instruction booklet and I can't wait to have another go. The day was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed playing - I tend to want to get ahead of myself but Jane was very patient and encouraging and I was very pleased with the piece of tapestry I took home. Jane's studio is so warm and inviting with beautiful views. Food wonderful - Graham very kindly adapted the lunch to suit my dietary needs. Sue Elliot - 17.6.2015"

19 Jun 15'

Anon reviewed: Leathercraft Workshop Belt Making Skills 1 Day Saturday 26th November 2016 Make Your Own Belt Or Dog Collar LAST CRAFT DAY OF THIS YEAR

"This is a must course for anyone interested in learning about how to work with leather, and a really fun day. I completely agree with other reviewers, David was a knowledgeable and patient tutor. He helped us understand about the different types of leathers and their uses and guide us in constructing professional looking pieces to our own designs. One thing that really set this course apart was that David also allowed us to choose our materials from his stock of leathers so we each made something (or in my case several things) that was very unique, lovely and we could be proud of."

19 Jun 15'

Lucia reviewed: Crafting a Candle Brand: A Three-Hour Personalized Workshop

"I found the workshop very relaxing and full of information. It was very useful to have it delivered at beginner level as it was the first time I had attended. I enjoyed the technical and social parts of the workshop and the fact that I was free to express creativity and personalize my creations. :)"

19 Jun 15'

Emma Purton reviewed: Autumn Fascinators Workshop 2018

"An informative and useful course. Beth was attentive and a good tutor. Thank you!"

19 Jun 15'

Joanne Burgess reviewed: Fused Glass 'Bits & Bobs' Beginners Taster

"Absolutely loved this class. Perfect whether you are new to glass work or you know what you're doing and want to have a good play. I've done it a few times now because I enjoyed it so much. The studio is lovely, the cups of tea are endless, and the fun levels are high. Niko will help you with ideas if you want her to as well which is always great. She is a natural teacher and the atmosphere is lovely. It's also nice to do a class in a gallery where there are lots of inspiring works of art on the wall. I've very quickly become addicted to glass work after doing this course!"

18 Jun 15'

David Munn reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A fantastic day - possibly the best birthday present I have ever had. With no previous experience, Mort was an excellent and very tolerant teacher. Watching him demonstrate techniques makes it clear that he is a very talented blacksmith - lots to live up to but no pressure when it comes to your turn! I was surprised, and very pleased, with what it is possible for a complete novice to achieve and I would recommend that anyone who has even vaguely thought about having a go to do so. My billhook will become a treasured family heirloom :-/"

17 Jun 15'

Geoff Pratley reviewed: Greenwood spoon carving

"A really good day despite the rain! Dave and Sam gave excellent instruction and help throughout the day. I learned a lot, a most enjoyable day."

17 Jun 15'

Shelly Fleming reviewed: Autumn Fascinators Workshop 2018

"I travelled from Tamworth which was a 2 hour journey and it was well worth it.Beth explained everything clearly and showed us how to make flowers and petals for the fascinator. All the materials were provided and my fascinator is stunning.I would highly recommend doing this course as you can easily make a fascinator at home after your course.Well worth £25 for such a stunning unique piece."

16 Jun 15'

Stephen Wragge reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"I have just completed a very enjoyable two day course with Julian. Over the two days I made a really nice poker & a bracket for a hanging basket that looks very arts & crafts . My family are very impressed and I cannot believe that I made something so amazing. Julian is a very talented Blacksmith and I could only describe him as the Rick Stien of the Blacksmith world (not that old though). He is an excellent teacher, good company & very patient. I would highly recommend him if you would like to try a Blacksmith course."

16 Jun 15'

Dan Wride reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I was given a two day course by my wife for Christmas and as this is something I had always wanted to try I was delighted and couldn't wait to book it. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the course. I was a little apprehensive when it came down to it but Colin soon put me at ease and before long I had forgotten my nerves. His patience and ability to judge the level at which you are comfortable at whilst also pushing you a little out of your comfort zone was perfect, I learnt loads and hope to continue my new hobby. Very much recommended, thank-you Colin!"

16 Jun 15'

Ray Forester reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a fantastic day spent with Mort who had such knowledge and enthusiasm. Gentle and enjoyable tuition and good value for money. As the day progressed so did my skills and confidence progressing to the makingof a drawknife. I would thoroughly recommend this course and can't wait to return for another workshop and take my wife along to enjoy the day. I would advise all those who do one of these workshops to go along with plans and ideas of what you would like to create. Have a fantastic time.....I certainly did! Ray"

16 Jun 15'

Mandy Sutter reviewed: Greenwood spoon carving

"I very much enjoyed the day. The centre was beautiful, the tutor and his assistant Dave and Sam were great, and the other course attendees were really friendly and good-humoured. Although it was harder work than I expected, I was delighted to make the spoon and a spatula and hope to return for other courses5."

16 Jun 15'

Esther (Colombia) reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"The course was brilliant. I enjoyed it very much. It made me feel confident to start my business. All the questions I had were answered very clearly. I'm very happy with this course. Lovely to meet you."

16 Jun 15'

Yvonne reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Was not sure what to expect but it surpassed my expectations. Really enjoyed the experience. It was such a fun day but learnt a lot about making candles. Looking forward to getting home and experimenting."

16 Jun 15'

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

"A really enjoyable day with excellent and patient instruction giving me confidence to have a go at home to start making some tools and projects. It is astounding how we all converted two 6 inch long pieces of steel bar into a fully functioning pair of tongs that will last a lifetime, we also made a hole punch. We did lots of different techniques on the projects and fitted lots into the day. Just the right level of instruction, letting us get on with it and helping when stuck. Thanks Adrian and Debbie for an inspiring day."

16 Jun 15'

Jackie Lawson-McBrien reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"I loved gleaning some of Pete's wealth of knowledge about shabby chic painting methods in a great relaxed informative way! The variety of chalk paints on offer were amazing, and I managed to turn a plain wooden box into a lovely French themed piece of furniture, complete with Parisian stencil - Merci Pete!"

15 Jun 15'

Margaret Hammond reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpture introduction session

"Had such a brilliant time doing the introduction to Annette's Powertex Courses- so much so that I've booked in straightaway to do her Angel Workshop day. I am so thrilled with my plaque. All credit to Annette for her patience and teaching."

15 Jun 15'

Cyril Wardil reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I had a great week with Richard and Mark 8th - 12th June and learned a lot of tips as well as being encouraged to make a good job of my project. Looking forward to Course 2 in October. Cyril Wardill Derby"

15 Jun 15'

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

"Cracking day, good banter with staff and fellow students, learned plenty, a good insight into how much hard work goes into blacksmithing, food and refreshments excellent."

15 Jun 15'

Chris Farrow reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was recommended to me as both an excellent turner and a very experienced teacher. He didn't disappoint. He was very careful to ensure he understood what I wanted from the day and we spent some time looking through some of turnings to better understand what I was doing right and where I was going wrong. His explanations and demonstrations were very clear whilst ensuring I spent a lot of practical time actually turning. It was certainly a very useful and inspiring day. I am sure I'll be back for more before too long."

15 Jun 15'

CJay reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"Very interesting."

15 Jun 15'

Jonathan reviewed: Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop

"It was a great experience. We will definitely be using our knowledge gained in the future."

14 Jun 15'

Pippa mills reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I went on Sophie's needle felting course with my sister and a good friend. We had become interested in needle felting and had previously had a go at making dogs, but when I saw Sophie's felt dogs on line I just fell in love with them and wanted to know how to felt properly. We travelled a long way for the day from Surrey but it was well worth the trek. We spent a very informative day with Sophie who gave us tips and great techniques on how to make the perfect dog. Throughout the day there were plenty of refreshments and halfway through the day we stopped for the most wonderful lunch beautifully prepared by Sophie's mum. I found the course inspirational and would certainly recommend it to anyone wishing to learn the craft of felting."

14 Jun 15'

Scott marshall reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"I attended a 2 day introduction to wood turning course. It was well worth the money and very informative. The trainer taught me all the skills needed to start wood turning. I would recommend this course to anyone who wanted to start turning!"