Latest reviews

1 Jul 18'

Philip Murphy reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Everything about the blacksmith experience exceeded my expectations, I spent 2 excellent ( and busy ! ) days with David I came away thrilled at having been able to have followed his professional and inspiring tuition to have been able to produce a much admired and treasured piece of forged metal work. David is passionate at his craft and relates it to his "apprentice" in step by step stages building confidence and competence, thank goodness that the skills of the forge from times past are being carried by people like him to the future, its in good hands . The location at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet could not be more sympathetic as you are immediately immersed within the enclave of what once was a thriving hub of the hand crafted metal products industry of days gone by , but the buildings and contents remain to allow to take a little trip back in time and inspire for what lies ahead on the experience day with David within the whitewashed walls of his 200 year old forge. Loved it ."

1 Jul 18'

Laura Benstock reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"My friend and I spent a fantastic day with Chris and came away with two beautiful bowls. It was a very special day and Chris was a patient and amazing teacher"

1 Jul 18'

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

"The course is very well run and inspirational. It offers a good introduction to stained glass techniques for beginners in the class and encouragement for more experienced students to develop their preferred projects. The atmosphere is friendly and non judgmental which makes for enthusiastic and supportive classes. There are a large selection of books and the website gallery of students work provides plenty of ideas."

1 Jul 18'

Oliver Gilbert reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Ace time. Hard work but worth it. Nice to see the pieces being created before your eyes. Great tutor."

1 Jul 18'

Roger Fairway reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had a blast - good if you have done something before but even a beginner will succeed under such good tuition. Highly recommended."

1 Jul 18'

Jo Foster reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had previously made a knife so thought I would try a bit more. Yes even girls can have a go but you do need to be reasonably strong. Great time. Brilliant tutor. Well recommended."

1 Jul 18'

Tim Lewy reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had a grand time - seeing the items evolve from pieces of metal. Great teacher and really enjoyable despite the hard work! Highly recommended."

1 Jul 18'

Tom Locke reviewed: Design and Forge Your Own Knife, Sword or Axe

"Had a brilliant time - lot of hard work but well worth it to see the end results. The tutor is an expert in his craft. Highly recommended."

1 Jul 18'

Marion Eyre reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"Enjoyed a fantastic day on the 1 Day Introduction Course to Silver Jewellery Making. Jonathan is passionate about jewellery and obviously enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students. I was amazed at how much I accomplished during the day and was thrilled with the ring I produced. I am looking forward to attending the stone setting course later this year. Thank you for your hospitality, Jonathan and also the refreshments and homemade lunch. I would highly recommend the experience."

1 Jul 18'

Caroline Adams reviewed: Natural dyeing course in Pembrokeshire

"I enjoyed the course very much and learnt a lot from Susan. She is a great teacher with a wealrh of knowledge in her craft. I will do another course when I am able."

1 Jul 18'

Mrs Gill Anderson reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making - Ely

"I so enjoyed the 1 day introduction to silver jewellery. Jonathan instantly made me feel confident and his passion for his craft was infectious. During the day we handled different techniques with lots of teaching that was backed up with printed handouts. The work space was comfortable and Jonathan looked after us beautifully with tea, coffee and an excellent lunch. I came away with a pair of lovely earrings and am looking forward to another course (stone setting) later in the year. He is an excellent teacher and I would thoroughly recommend this course."

30 Jun 18'

Emma reviewed: Children’s mosaic class with Caron King

"Fab time had by my two (6 & ? and made some stunning frames!"

30 Jun 18'

Andrew Stewart reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Ade and his team were fabulous and informative. At no point did you feel that they would take over and finish your piece they really are keen for you to do it yourself . I would highly reccomend the taster course . Really great food too and plènty of it . I will be back again!!! Thankyou for a great day."

30 Jun 18'

Sadie Dean reviewed: Percher hat making - blocking for beginners millinery workshop

"I had an absolutely amazing time today on this fascinator making course. Rachel is an excellent tutor explains everything really clearly and she is always at hand to help with any queries you have. I came away with a love for sinamay and making fascinators. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to make a custom piece."

30 Jun 18'

Ian Arnott reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great day the forge with Adrian and Andy. I love the dragon coat rack we made, it now takes pride of place in my man shed. Debbie makes a great lunch, the cheesecake was out of this world. Would love to go again and learn some more skills. Am already wondering how to convince the wife to let me get a gas forge! Thanks for a great day."

30 Jun 18'

Elizabeth Waller reviewed: Basket weaving for beginners - make a round basket

"We had a lovely day making our baskets and we had quite a sense of achievement at the end. We had two very usable baskets to take home and had thoroughly enjoyed our time with Emma finding out what goes into basket weaving and learning on the job. It was also a joy to meet the alpacas! Thank you."

30 Jun 18'

Bob Douglas reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had an excellent days tuition from Mark. He is easygoing and encouraging. Due to the days tuition, I have decided to go ahead with taking up the hobby. Mark has sent me lots of valuable information on getting started and also on wood turning clubs in the Midlands. If you are thinking about taking up wood turning I think Mark is best placed for starting you off."

30 Jun 18'

June from Grantham reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A fabulous day of happy stitching and thrilled with the results- will be back!"

30 Jun 18'

Claire from Grantham reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"An amazing day, a brilliant tutor. Great to Finish a project in a day. We will be back."

30 Jun 18'

Val from Worcester reviewed: Embroidered landscape with words, with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A fabulous "slow" stitch day of happy stitching- learnt lots too! Thanks, I will be back!"

29 Jun 18'

Late Singleton reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I’ve done fused glass workshops as well as the stained glass course and absolutely love it! As a beginner it’s taken me a while to get the techniques right and thanks to Martins incredible patience and encouragement I am continuing to create lovely glass pieces I am very proud of. I highly recommend Martin McAssey Glass."

29 Jun 18'

Marika Fox reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I had an amazing day at the forge with Mort. I had never done anything like this before, Mort was a great teacher and really knew his stuff. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to try something different, but it's also great for people who already have skills. There are only two of you, so you get a lot of one on one teaching. Thank you Mort."

29 Jun 18'

Meem Bernau reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"Martin is a brilliant teacher, calm, unflustered, clear when explaining different processes, patient, and always positive and affirming. The purpose built studio is equipped with everything needed by each student without having to share. This is a fantastic course."

29 Jun 18'

Barbara Norton reviewed: Stained glass weekly classes in Sheffield (South Yorkshire)

"I have signed up for my third course with Martin starting in September. He has created a lovely relaxed place in which to study this craft. Always welcoming, friendly and patient, Martin encourages you, supports you and nothing is too much trouble for him. “Don’t worry, it’ll be alright, I can sort that for you” are words that spring readily from his lips, if things aren’t going as they should. I thoroughly enjoy the sessions."

29 Jun 18'

Kamran Farooq reviewed: Two Day Stone carving course, Gloucestershire (Cotswolds)

"This course was excellent. The class sizes are small (3 people when I did it) and so we all got lots of time with Dave. The introduction to the tools and techniques was very thorough and we were then left to let our imaginations run wild. Dave was on hand to continually monitor progress and offer advice. Kaye, Dave’s wife was also on hand to provide fantastic coffee and cake breaks as well as massive lunches. Overall, I was very satisfied and pleased with my stone carving. I’ve still no idea what it is but it takes pride of place in my conservatory. Highly recommended."