Latest reviews

Karen H reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"Had a fabulous time etching a mirror/lantern and jam jars! So effective. I love my pieces. Jenny is a wonderful tutor and nothing is too much trouble. Thank you!"

Sandy Jerrim reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"Amazing day. Lucile is an amazing teacher and guided us through a full day of learning and making (with timely tea breaks) . Somehow I managed to make a lovely toasting fork so went home very proud of myself. I would strongly recommend this day whether an introduction, a new experience or for the challenge."

Sadie McNeice reviewed: One person - Full day 6 hours sculpture/soldering brazing wire forming course, specialising in insects, fairies

"Went to Roger wanting to be able to form wire fairy/dragonfly wings and solder. After going through the tools and getting fmiliar with stretching/bending wires we got on to soldering. In less than a day I manage to produce a really nice set of wings and went away with lots of ideas for things to try. I've been back and learnt to dome copper sheet and get a bit more advaced with my soldering skills. Roger is a patient tutor who showed me what to do , explaining why we were doing it and then letting me have a go at it until I needed him to step in and help. Got good results and now have lots of ideas of what I could make. I also now have 5 or 6 projects on the go including a full size wire head and several different wing shapes. Would recommend this course for anyone wanting to have a go but put off by how hard they think it is, its really not!"

Jackie Wallace reviewed: Piped cushion with lapped zip

"Janet is such a laugh. Really great company. Very knowledgable and an incredibly good teacher. Her home is wonderful and where you learn the craft is perfect. I came away with a brilliant cushion and the full knowledge and confidence I can make one myself at home without any problem. I would highly recommend this course and Janet. I will be back to learn how to make a blind!!"

mel fine reviewed: Sandcast glass with wire inclusions

"This was one of the best workshops I have been on and it was so lovely to come away with 3 "pieces of art!". The first day was very informal and involved making the small models. We were provided with a lovely lunch and lots of cake. The group was small and intimate. The next day we went to Bovey Tracy and had a wonderful time doing our mould and then having them cast. We were all actively involved in the whole process. WE also had a fab lunch and more cake. All in all a great workshop and worth the expense."

Gareth Summers reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an amazing introduction into the world of blacksmithing! Practically from the moment we arrived we were given a hands-on introduction and were getting stuck in before we knew it. We were very involved throughout the entire day and were encouraged to just get involved and ask for help when needed; both Adrian and Andy are very experienced blacksmiths who were very friendly and approachable and happy to help out where needed. Debbie was on site to provide a constant stream of refreshments and the homecooked and locally sourced lunch was definitely welcome, I think we all worked up a huge appetite as the morning progressed. Everyone involved went to great lengths to make us feel welcome and to provide an entertaining day and they were certainly successful in their efforts. This course was booked for me as a surprise Christmas present and I was very happy to receive it; the snail key ring and dragon coat hook we made on the day have found a proud place in my house. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something practical and unusual and I have already looked into attending another course myself, I’d love to return!"

Rachel Proto reviewed: Clay Day Workshop

"We went as a group of 6 but got so much help and assistance we all had a fabulous time. It was great to try so many techniques without feeling rushed and the end results were carefully wrapped and touchingly returned to us to our delight! Thank you both."

Sue Whelan responded:

"Thank you so much, We are very pleased you all enjoyed it. It's great to have such positive feedback."

Taz reviewed: Glass etching workshop in Devon

"Jenny is an excellent teacher, very knowledgeable but also creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at her workshops. I would highly recommend."

Sarah reviewed: Sandcast glass with wire inclusions

"Jenny was amazing to work with and I would highly recommend this. I started with a glass etching class which was brilliant and progressed onto the 2 day workshop. With Jenny’s expertise I was able to bring my design to life. This would make a perfect gift!!"

Lucy reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Really lovely day with Jo, we learnt so much! Jo is so helpful, and i have been really pleased with the candles i’ve made since too."

Derek Lewis reviewed: Dyeing with Woad

"This was an excellent workshop. Susan has an in depth knowledge of her subject and is presented well. I have learnt a great deal on the use of Woad as a plant dye and I would thoroughly recommend it."

Kelly Anderson reviewed: Stone carving courses in central London

"Very knowledgeable and friendly tutors and it was a lovely relaxed atmosphere in the workshop. I was really happy with what I carved and would definitively recommend to anyone."

Rebecca Barnes reviewed: Beginners Introduction to Jewellery Making

"Both my friend and I really enjoyed this course. Hannah is lovely to chat to and really patient which is great when you're just starting off. She taught us a wide range of different techniques and I love our spinner rings"

Bent & Forged responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback Becky, all the best for 2018."

Lyle Closs reviewed: Stone carving courses in central London

"Great experience and really helpful and considerate teachers."

Rebecca Bennett reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"I attended this course last week. It was absolutely fantastic and I would definitely book onto another. Sarah was so friendly and informative. The environment was relaxed and fun. I learnt about and made a variety of different candles, ones which I will keep and use. I can’t wait to make some more using what I learnt."

Judi Leblanc reviewed: Beginners candle making workshop - London

"This has to be the best course I’ve done this year. Sarah is extremely helpful and clear, she makes it so easy! I came away with a goody bag full of candles, some of which have been given as Xmas presents already.I highly recommend this course to anyone with a wish to make candles. It was only 3 hours long and very informative, the follow up email with tips and source details is also helpful and I’ve already ordered a kit to continue making them at home. Thanks very much Sarah!"

Dawn reviewed: Hand built ceramics: Make your own jug and bowl

"Learnt such a lot on this workshop and am so pleased with the jug, vase and bowl I made. It was really relaxed and easy going, I have hand built before so finished before some others so made an extra piece, all of our work was good and we got lots of individual help at the right level for us all. I've never used body stains or some of the decorating techniques before so that was an interesting way of working. I'm happy to recommend, I'll be going back for more :)"

Poppy Hughes reviewed: Landscape painting in oil & cold wax medium in the Yorkshire Dales

"With very little painting experience since school I was pretty unsure what Id let myself in for, but loved it! Penny was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and really helped me feel confident. We went out and painted around the studio, heading up a little track to get good views. We worked with different textures, building areas of texture into backgrounds before we left the studio so that we were much more experimental and didn't get too fussy. It was a lovely day and has really inspired me to paint more! Thoroughly recommend!"

Nikki Merritt reviewed: basics of photography workshop milton keynes

"I attended this course as I wanted I learn about how to get the best out of my camera (which to be honest I’d just bought because it looked nice and I had no idea how to use it!). From the start I was really impressed with how David dealt with my initial enquiry. He asked me what I wanted to get out of the course, what camera I had and what type of photos I liked taking. On arrival I was again impressed, this time with the venue and the welcome from David - he’s really friendly, very knowledgable but talks you through everything to make sure you understand how to do things with the camera - but most importantly why you need to do those things in order to get the best photos. The structure of the day was well organised and I also felt I could ask as many questions as I wanted - no question was silly and David always took the time to answer them. I have put most of what I learnt into practice already and am truly chuffed with the photos I’ve been taking. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend David and this course."

Bobbi Nixon reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I had a really enjoyable day on the workshop and made my own belt, what more can I say, a really good day! Working with vegetable tanned leather was really interesting, and burnishing the edges was not something I knew about, and also learnt a lot about whats involved in creating a special design belt. Thanks for all the guidance Richard. I love my belt!"

Carol Sheane reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"Super birthday treat with my best friend Carol - Lucy was very patient but let us develop our own designs and her training and attention to detail was excellent. Would fully recommend this anyone interested in making their own special piece of jewellery, even if a complete beginner like us!"

Jennifer Clayton reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"Amazing Day :).. I attended the silver pendant and earring workshop with Jolene and had a brilliant day. Jolene helped me every step of the way, explaining different techniques and supporting me to bring my ideas to life. The workshop is lovely and has a very welcoming atmosphere. I was very happy with my earrings and can't believe I was able to make such a lovely piece of jewellery. Great day and a great place to learn new skills. xx"

Rosie Fenwick reviewed: One day Traditional Lead Stained Glass Course

"An enjoyable day in a welcoming, hard working, yet relaxed, friendly and fun atmosphere. Cheryl is an excellent teacher, full of enthusiasm, giving very clear instructions and demonstrations and striking the right balance between leaving you to work on your own and giving a hand when necessary. The piece I took home at the end of the day has been proudly displayed in my living room window ever since!"

Judy Browne reviewed: Reiki Healing Introductory Course

"I attended the introductory course in November and met some wonderful people. Sally really took the time to welcome us all and I learnt so much as well as making positive changes in my life post course. Fantastic experience and great cake!"