Latest reviews

16 Mar 16'

Jane reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"I really enjoyed the course. John takes you through the stages and skills needed to build a wall. He then patiently shows you in practise how this works. You leave at the end of the course having created something. Recommended."

16 Mar 16'

Gemma Keenan reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"Had a great day with Jonathan and learnt loads about jewellery making. I managed to make some lovely earrings and have some ideas about a pendant that I want to make. It was a really good experience (and the biscuits were lovely) and I came away with lots of extra materials. Well recommended"

16 Mar 16'

David Giachardi reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Ricky is an excellent and confident tutor, who explains everything very clearly in relaxed surroundings. With only one other person on the course, the interaction was very personal and friendly. It is a lovely location, even, as on this day, in the pouring rain. It was good to attempt the various techniques, and develop the control needed to make the pieces. There is an intriguing set of specialist tools, and task-specific jargon to match. It was a splendid day, with something unique to show for it at the end: "all my own work " - with lots of help and guidance from Ricky! This was a Christmas present from my daughter - "for the Dad who has everything" and for whom it is impossible to buy a present. But with this she really hit the target - it was an absolutely brilliant day. I thoroughly recommend this course: unusual, creative and very satisfying."

16 Mar 16'

Liz reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"We loved it so much, we've done 4 different classes. The trainer \ student ratio is ideal, and we felt supported, but not smothered - perfect!! The venue is great - spacious enough, but with Gemma + Michelle's work around the workshop, it's really inspiring - as you can tell, I'm an avid fan! Can't wait for the next session!"

16 Mar 16'

Tim reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I've been doing a good bit since my course with George and am really enjoying the improvements of technique he suggested. I've done several bowls since we met and they're much better than anything I've produced before, and the work is a great deal easier and more enjoyable."

16 Mar 16'

Emma reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Great fun definitely picked up the glass bug. Good class really easy to follow and fun to do. Easy to get addicted too. Thank you both for a great day."

16 Mar 16'

Steph reviewed: Private Workshop - Make a Pair of Beautiful Fused Glass Coasters with Gemma Truman & Michelle Keeling - Manchester Craft and Design Centre

"Really enjoyable day. Everything was clearly explained and the small group allowed for questions and ideas as needed. Thank you both very much."

15 Mar 16'

Val reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Fantastic day. Learnt far more than I expected from fleeces to spinning . Elaine had so much patience. I was really pleased to be able to come home with my own spun yarn. I only wished the time didn't go so fast."

15 Mar 16'

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

"This course was great from start to finish. From an extremely warm welcome to great tutors, home-cooked and hearty food(Thanks again Debbie! Was yummy!) to plentiful supply of tea and coffee, the beginner's course made for an outstanding day of learning! I was bought this as a gift as a 30th birthday present after being interesting in having a go at blacksmithing for a while, and had a brilliant day learning the basic techniques and having my first taste of forging. The two tutors, Adrian and Andy were knowledgeable and encouraging with both the information needed at each stage and tips for how to improve, or in my case adjust when mistakes were made. The course was attended by a greatly diverse group of people, of a range of ages and throughout the day there was plenty of chances to chat and get to know everybody. The level of instruction was such that within a very short space of time we were picking up the techniques needed and were straight into making the first of the items that we got to take home at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, and highly intend to book in again to do one of the follow-on courses!"

15 Mar 16'

Lorraine reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"Great weekend spent upholstering a dining room chair. Philip is a great teacher and very patient.. It was very good to have a mix of absolute beginners and some more experienced as the newbies got to see other projects and increase our knowledge of the subject. Philip would facilitate this by gathering us all to demonstrate particular materials and techniques. I felt Philip was very patient and managed to give each of his students the guidance and time needed to continue with our projects. I learned so much on this course and thoroughly enjoyed it. We had a lovely group of people which added to the enjoyment. Do not hesitate to book one of these courses."

15 Mar 16'

Jodie reviewed: One day mosaic workshop - Lincolnshire

"I have done several courses with Caron, she is amazing and it really is such a joy to learn how to make mosaics with her. Also brought my friend a course at Christmas and she loved it!!"

15 Mar 16'

Nichola Naylon reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I travelled through the beautiful, snowy Staffordshire countryside to spend a fun, informative and rewarding two days mould making with Ed. I had previously learnt the principals of mould making and slip casting at university but as that was over ten years ago, I felt I needed to brush up on the details of my knowledge. Ed is extremely patient with no question, idea or problem too big or too small for him to devise a workable solution, filling in all the technical details I'd forgotten as we worked. Ed boosted my confidence and inspiration to take the skills I learnt on to improving and developing my practice. Set in stunning countryside Ed's knowledge, skill and attention to detail mixed with a fun, calming environment was the perfect, inspiring weekend, a creative retreat."

15 Mar 16'

Sarah Brooks reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"One day course, March 2016 at Fransham Forge I echo all the comments below, and the 5 star reviews. I loathed metalwork at school – six weeks of filing the same key ring! – but would happily spend all my free time here. You’ll have a great day and surprise yourself with what you can make, it’s very satisfying. The whole atmosphere of the forge/workshop is like a feast for the eyes, packed with hundreds of bits of intriguing equipment, floor to ceiling, and more huge power hammers than are surely really necessary (they all are!) plus a giant press (think that’s right) that barely clears the roof and is topped by three spinning discs the size of dining tables. Make sure you have a look around the wagons and sculptures outside too which are beautiful. Between four, we shared two furnaces and had an anvil each so no frustrating turn-taking, plus guided use of power hammers, and a rotary wire brush for polishing. Nigel himself is extremely good value as an engaging teacher with a bottomless well of stories. I re-told the one about keeping composure in front of the W.I. to my little boy, and he went from Monday morning school misery to uncontrollable giggles, for which I’m very grateful! If you’re going to take the course (and why wouldn’t you?), bear in mind in cold weather it can be very cold inside, despite the fires, so take extra layers as it’s a long day. There is a kettle and microwave available for tea breaks /warming up lunch if you wanted to (I don’t think this is mentioned in the details.) Note to the sisterhood: I have the arm muscles of a marshmallow – didn’t make a difference. Turns out it’s more about close observation and control than brute force!"

15 Mar 16'

Juliet Spence reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I was a bit nervous about learning silver jewellery making as I’d had a few bad experiences in the past with courses with too many people enrolled and not getting any attention from the tutor. After a session in Ely though, all my nerves went away. Thanks for a great day and the experience, I even came away with a beautiful ring. Your enthusiasm, knowledge and experience are very evident and you are a patient tutor, letting me learn through doing things and helping when needed. Brilliant!"

14 Mar 16'

Teresa Marks reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I've just had a wonderful weekend at my first ever upholstery workshop and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Philip was our teacher, who is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable and has a lovely, gentle manner in his approach. He nurtured us all through the interesting challenges our individual pieces of furniture gave us and I never felt like I was getting anything wrong. The class is never bigger than 10 people which seems a great size - you get to learn different techniques through demonstrations on everyone's else's pieces, yet still get as much one-on-one time with Philip as you need. Upholstery must attract lovely people as it was such a great group, so willing to help and share. I could not have asked for a better introduction to upholstery and I can't wait to do more. I hope to visit another of Philip's classes in the near future. Do not hesitate to book."

14 Mar 16'

Mick reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"If you are curious about stone walling then this is a great place to start. The class has a very easy going and friendly atmosphere, and John is a great laugh as well as being mega helpful. If you are not sure that stone walling might be for you, a few minutes of watching John constructing a wall might change your mind. Very cool."

14 Mar 16'

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

"I had such a good time and never thought I would be able to make the items I did. Andy and Adrian are really good at judging how much help we needed, without stepping in too frequently. It was amusing to realise just how expert they are when a demo that took 5 minutes kept us busy on the task for an hour...I guess much practice makes perfect. The food made by Debbie was just great. Great to try something completely new and combine bashing the hell out of the metal with delicate and subtle touches! I loved it, laughed a lot and will definitely sign up again. Thank you."

14 Mar 16'

Steve Malthouse reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"My weekend working with Aiden was an illuminating woodworking experience. On Saturday morning we were given a rough 2" slab of Ash which apparently we were going to turn into a square, flat beautiful bread board using only hand tools ! On Sunday evening when i looked at the exquisite mirror like finish of the board i just thought to myself 'if i'd been shown this on Saturday morning and was told that i'd be making it, i just wouldn't have believed it was possible'. Would recommend this course to anyone."

14 Mar 16'

Sue reviewed: Lampwork Beadmaking Full Day Introduction For One

"My daughter and spent an enjoyable day, we learnt several different techniques, and feel confident that we know enough to start, albeit, tentatively, out on our own. Ruth couldn't have been more encouraging."

14 Mar 16'

Ray Gillman reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the Part 1 course in November 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Aiden is clearly an expert in his field but freely shares his extensive knowledge with enthusiasm and humour. I am in my late 40's and had not turned my hand to any carpentry since school but came away confident that I could do what the course had set out to teach me. I fully expect to attend all of Aiden's other course offerings."

14 Mar 16'

Gemma & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had a brilliant day yesterday with Adrian & Andy. They were so patient and knowledgeable, taking us through step by step what we would be making. They definitely make it look easy! We made a dragon coat hooks & snail keyring, which we were very proud of. We left The Forge feeling proud, achey, full of cake and ready to make more! Big thanks to Debbie for the yummy food. We will definitely be back!!"

14 Mar 16'

Stuart reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I had the pleasure of attending a woodworking course in September 2015. I'm a DIYer and I needed to improve my skills to undertake a big project at home. During the weekend we looked at the skills I needed and also planned the best way to tackle my project. Aidan was flexible in allowing me to structure what we focused on to most beneficial. Aidan is a great teacher and a real craftsman with what can be achieved in woodwork. Highly recommend a course with Aidan to anyone looking to improve their skills."

14 Mar 16'

Stephen Eddington reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I booked the beginner's class for my wife and myself as her birthday present, and it was a fantastic way to spend the day! I'm definitely not artistic, and was amazed at what I managed to produce after only a day being taught by Ricky. My wife's eye for colour showed in her pieces, and we were able to combine efforts on an final piece in the afternoon. Ricky gets you straight into the practical side after a safety talk and explanation of the materials, and within the first hour you will have gathered your first glass. Always ready with help and guidance if things go a little unexpectedly, Ricky quickly gets the measure of your confidence, which builds equally as quickly under his tutelage. We could have kept going well into the evening, but all great things come to an end. I collected the results yesterday, and we are over the moon with them. Thank you Ricky for a great day, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Creative Vibe for your introduction to glassblowing."

13 Mar 16'

Julia Clayton reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Thank you Sally Anne. Really enjoyed making the willow wreath and looking forward to booking on another of your courses soon."

13 Mar 16'

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

"An absolutely brilliant day! Everything is explained really well and help and advice given throughout the day. We learned various techniques and how to use different tools. Everyone was very friendly. The food was amazing! And there was plenty of it. It really was a fantastic day and I would do it again. I would also recommend!"