Latest reviews

20 Nov 15'

Tom reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Always wanted to have a go at blacksmithing and I think this was probably the best introduction I could have had. Alex is clearly a very gifted blacksmith (and very nice bloke); his style of instruction is patient and clear and there is no time wasted - from the start you are at the forge and hammering away. Embarrassingly proud of the rams head tongs I made - could not recommend this more highly."

20 Nov 15'

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

"Very enjoyable few hours spent learning how to use chalk paint and waxes. Pete was happy to spend time helping me with any questions and queries I had. Learnt lots and had fun doing it."

19 Nov 15'

Paul & Louise reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We both had a very enjoyable day learning some glassblowing techniques and making some creative pieces. Ricky is an excellent instructor and gave all the guidance for us to achieve more than we thought possible. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

19 Nov 15'

Vicki Jordan reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Great course, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Diane is a very patient and friendly teacher. I'd never tried spinning before but managed to come home with a skein of my own spun wool. I've definitely got the bug... :-)"

19 Nov 15'

Linda Johnson reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Small class of seven, Diane is a good teacher and I went home with a skein of 2 ply I had spun not bad for a beginner! Venue is very nice and food was good."

19 Nov 15'

Morgan Scoble-Rees reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"Pete Smith was my tutor and mentor during three years of study at the National School of Blacksmithing in Holme Lacy, Hereford. By the end of those three successful years I took away a triple distinction and a life-long friendship and admiration for Pete. In my humble opinion he is one of the most talented men I have ever met. I am still in awe at some of the things I have seen him create and I still can’t work out how he managed to do them. His creation of the Solar Eye was nothing less than a piece of wizardry. It’s hard to understate the influence he has had on me, and my future career, and he is a truly inspiring figure. I honestly believe this man only has good to give and he is absolutely generous with his knowledge. Hand on heart Pete Smith has changed my life for the good and I hope he will continue to do so."

19 Nov 15'

Benjamin Kroll reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"After waiting a mere 20 years to learn the trade I had always dreamt about, I had the pleasure of training under Pete at Hereford college's Blacksmithing & Metalworking course in 2011. I’m glad I did. Pete’s training approach is calm, hands on, no nonsense (the good kind) and to the point. He understands the metal-working processes in great depth and applies them with an exceptional amount of skill, some even say wizardry ... you’ll find out why. The way Pete demonstrates techniques and processes is easy to follow and clearly explained. He encourages note taking, but more importantly expects students to pay attention to what he is doing during the demo. Students' questions are answered patiently and always with a sense of ‘try things out for yourself’. Pete encourages you to try and learn from your mistakes as problem solving is a key skill; not just for blacksmithing. While the training at Hereford college is a mix of old & new, Pete favours traditional techniques over their modern counterparts where ever possible. If it can be done by traditional means instead of a grinder, welder & co. you will learn how to; or at least be told how. You thought you'll need flux to fire weld? You’ll see you don't. You thought you’ll need a belt-sander for a smooth tool finish? You’ll see you don’t. You thought you knew about sun-dials and stonehenge? You’ll see ... I enjoyed every day of it and wish I could have done two more years. I highly recommend training with Pete for anyone interested in learning the King of crafts from one of its masters."

19 Nov 15'

James Livesey, 24, Student, Sydney, Australia. reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"I had the privilege of being a student of Peter Smith for two years at the National School of Blacksmithing. He taught me to make my first ever pair of tongs. For two years he was involved in my metalwork education and was always an inspiration and role model for me. He has a wide knowledge of all things metal, from the scientific side of blacksmithing to the creative and aesthetic side. Whenever Pete had a spare minute and worked on a fire I was always keen to see what magic he had created. When I talk to people about the blacksmith I want to be in twenty years time I use Pete as the level of skill I can only dream of; the way he thinks and his ability to picture form and function in his head and then apply his skills to create true art is incredible. I am truly lucky to have been a student of Peter, and will always remember his gentle and kind manner."

19 Nov 15'

Leszek Sikon from Poland reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"I have found Pete to be a great teacher that has a incredible amount of knowledge, he is passionate about his work and has a natural talent to explain complicated processes to his student/ I have been his student for the last two years and I'm confident that I wouldn't be as good of a blacksmith without his guidance."

19 Nov 15'

Chris Lane (Welder, fabricator, sculptor) reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"I am a fabricator by trade but in my spare time I make sculptures/ornaments etc. I have been fabricating for around 18 years and thought that I was pretty good at what I do! One thing that I hadn’t done was blacksmithing. As a way to enhance my work and add another ‘string to my bow’, I decided to look at doing a course in blacksmithing. I found that there was a night class at Holm Lacey Campus. This is where I met Pete, has he was the lecturer. Just from talking to Pete for a few minutes I could tell that he was very passionate about the art of ‘smithing’ but, it wasn’t until he gave us a demonstration that I saw the talent that he had! I was hooked! Pete made it look very easy! (That’s the sign of a great craftsman) When it comes to teaching, Pete is very patient and has the able to see the fine details that is required, where to stand, how hard to hit it, how hot the material is etc. When you might be getting frustrated because it’s ‘just not working’ Pete just as the knack of explaining in a way that you can understand. A truly talented craftsman and great teacher!"

19 Nov 15'

Katie Louise Surridge. reviewed: Three day blacksmithing course

"In September (2016) I will be going back to study blacksmithing at Hereford and Ludlow college for another year. It was during my first year that I had Pete as my tutor, and he was the one to take us through everything we learnt. He has such a huge wealth of knowledge about blacksmithing and was a great tutor both practically and when discussing techniques away from the forge. For me there was a lot of frustration at first and he was really patient and kept encouraging me so that my confidence grew. I really enjoyed having him as a tutor as he totally understood what my interests were, I was coming from an art background and wanted to learn blacksmithing as a way to take my art practice forwards. Pete was really understanding of this and helped me on this journey. What i love most is that you are bound to learn a lot more than just blacksmithing in every lesson."

19 Nov 15'

Katie McLennen-Dobson reviewed: Three day blacksmithing course

"Pete taught me blacksmithing for a year. I started as a beginner having never worked metal and with low confidence in my ability. Through out the year that Peter was my tutor my confidence grew. He helped nurture a rounded view of the processes involved, from the first design to the completion of the artefacts. Pete was always available and enthusiastic to help and never made me feel like any question I asked was a stupid one. He also steered me toward self learning, giving me the freedom and ability to experiment for myself using a variety of techniques he taught and an eagerness to share any knowledge he had. His confidence in his students ability and capacity to learn transferred to me, giving me the foundation needed to push myself out of my comfort zone and really try new and exciting things. He helped work through frustration of not getting a process straight away, patiently coaching me through the process one on one. I felt like Pete tailored the teaching to me, picking up on my weaknesses and strengths and working on both with me."

19 Nov 15'

Tiffany Solanki reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I went along to this workshop, not quite knowing what to expect but, hoping to enjoy a day of creativity. Sophie was the loveliest person and so patient with her teaching. She arranged for her partner to pick me up from the train station, nothing was too much trouble. The cottage was amazing, so peaceful and the lunch by Sophie's mum-fantastic! I had no previous experience of felting but had been wanting to try it for some time. I feel I learnt so much and was surprised at how much I could do. I would recommend this workshop to anyone."

19 Nov 15'

Mark Dobson reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"A great weekend. All the materials, tools and help and tea and cake you need to make a really nice bag. Very well paced, not rushed so you can take the time to get things as good as you can, and everybody finished - there's nothing worse than leaving a course with a bag (ha!) of bits. Back home and lots of compliments and disbelief that it wasn't stitched by machine... Thank you Gaynor and Enya! P.S. Gaynor - the bike clip works, keep it short!"

18 Nov 15'

Steve Matthews reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon was friendly, relaxed and full of interesting information. He was an excellent tutor and I thoroughly enjoyed my day with him."

18 Nov 15'

Joan Ward reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"I attended Lenas Wet felting course to hopefully learn the basic techniques of wet felting. Lena is a very warm person and welcoming person who explained the basic techniques to the group in general and then went from person to person giving each one the individual attention they needed. I came away from Lenas course, with a beautiful felt image, and feeling confident that I could try wet felting at home. I am happy that I attended the course and met such a lovely person and had been part of a friendly group. I can highly recommend Lena and her course."

18 Nov 15'

Robin reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Glassblowing is something I had wanted to try for a few years, and the day spent at Creative Vibe certainly didn't disappoint! Ricky was a fantastic teacher, very easy to understand and great at explaining each new step in the process, allowing us to create more and more complex pieces throughout the day. The small class size (more time spent in front of the furnace!) and lovely location helped make this a fantastic day. Would definitely recommend to anyone!"

17 Nov 15'

Judith Shaw reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"My friend and I had a wonderful morning in in Elspeths's warm and welcoming kitchen. Good company, lovely tea and biscuits and a new craft learnt. Elspeth gave us clear and expert tuition in the different kinds of rag rugging and after a short practice provided all the materials needed to create a ragged masterpiece. We all made a good start on our chosen piece and Elspeth was happy to provide help if we hit problems finishing our item at home. thanks a lot for a lovely morning and a new craft."

17 Nov 15'

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

"We have just had a great day out with Adrian and Andy learning some of the skills of the Blacksmith. This was a surprise birthday present for myself and son in law George from my daughter Sarah. ( A bit like being contestants on the Generation Game). Adrian and Andy are masters of their craft and are also very good and patient tutors . I am currently in the process of negotiating with my wife were the dragon will be located . ( The garage is looking favourite at the moment . Some people just don't appreciate art ) Also special thanks to Debbie for feeding us hungry workmen. The lunch provided was really nice especially the crumble. Thanks to all, David Newton"

17 Nov 15'

Claire Cochrane reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Many thanks for a wonderful day Jason. Your workshop day is a fantastic experience for anyone who wants to learn to work with leather. I was completely inexperienced and by the end of the day, with thanks to Jason's encouragement and patience I managed to produce a lovely finished item of which I am very proud. Thanks again Jason for all your help. Hope to be back in the future for the 2 day workshop."

17 Nov 15'

Camilla Stewart reviewed: Pottery / ceramics / wheel throwing full day

"I really enjoyed my day. I last experimented with clay when I was at primary school over thirty years ago so was a bit nervous but I had no need to be. Lorraine was a great teacher and explained things step by step very clearly. She is also clearly a skilful potter and was able to draw on her years of experience to help me turn even my bumpiest of pots into something beautiful! She really put me at ease. It's fair to say I was hooked by the end of day and am already wondering when I can go back again and do some more. Thank you!"

17 Nov 15'

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

"Following a warm friendly welcome and a cuppa, a brief health and safety talk, there was a quick demonstration of the first task, of making a key ring and the techniques to be used, it was down to hands on metal bashing. Adrian and Andy visited each person giving helpful hints and tips on a one to one basis. No one was rushed, everyone was able to work at their own pace. The morning and afternoon sessions were split by an excellent lunch provided by Debbie. At the end of the day everyone had produced a keyring and dragon coat rack. I had always fancied having a go at blacksmithing and did this as a birthday present to myself. Totally recommend anyone giving it a go. All I need now is to find time to fit in the next course."

16 Nov 15'

Ken Bromage reviewed: Green wood tables workshop at Lambside Farm - Week 1 (6 Days)

"This was the second course I have attended and both have been excellent. As a complete novice at green wood furniture making I confess to being apprehensive, my fears were unfounded and I cannot recommend Peter as a tutor and mentor highly enough. All round a great experience in an ideal location and enormous fun, the learning packed into the courses is enormous and leaves you wanting to try experimenting on your own. I constructed the Patio Table and my son the nest of tables. Make sure you take lunch the nearest shop is 5 miles away!"

16 Nov 15'

Charlotte reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"I can't think of a better way I could have spent that grey, rainy Saturday morning - Elspeth has a great passion for this craft and clearly knows her stuff, she was very generous with her knowledge, tips and advice and also tea, coffee and biscuits! I thought the course was very good value as all materials were included and you could take enough home with you to finish your chosen project. If you think rag rugging could be your thing, this is the best place to start."

16 Nov 15'

Ginny Kirsch reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is not only deeply knowledgeable (there must only be a handful of leather craftsmen in the UK with his depth of knowledge) but also a brilliant teacher. He can literally make anything from leather to the highest standard and is great at communicating / demonstrating processes. I don't think that you could find a better instructor if this is your field of interest. The course was interesting and fun, no going through notes. Bill teaches on an ad hoc basis in order to keep relevant to individual interest. I will be back to try to try and absorb more of his skill - sadly I acknowledge it would take years to learn his level of craftmanship, this coming from a fellow ex-Cordwainer! How I would love to learn everything he knows!!"