Latest reviews

28 Nov 14'

Gwenda Dinsdale reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I really enjoyed the weekend. I had no prior experience of working with leather, although I have done dressmaking and a little upholstery, so I was a bit concerned that other students would have had more experience than me. But I thought that the standard of teaching was very good, with allowances being made for the differing standards of competance of the students. Gaynor was especially skilled in helping me find alternative ways of doing some of the work when I found it difficult due to arthritis in my hands. She was also very positive and encouraging, which made for a lovely atmosphere. I would love to do another course - Perhaps a one day "Make Another Bag" course?"

27 Nov 14'

tak reviewed: Powertex figure sculpture

"I was so thrilled that I found Allison's 1 day Canvas Workshop. As I don't consider myself 'crafty' I was worried that it may be too advanced for me. Allison was great though and provided great advice and assistance and I was able to produce a fantastic canvas that is in pride of place in my daughter's bedroom! Excellent and abundant resources to choose from. A great day - thoroughly recommend."

27 Nov 14'

Stuart King reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I have just attended a 2-day course with Nigel and it was absolutely fantastic. I have a reasonably stressful job and I was able to completely switch off and think of nothing but what I was doing. Nigel is a top chap and I loved hearing his stories. I was very lucky as the first day was 1 on 1 with Nigel and then on the second day a couple joined. However, this did not detract from the attention Nigel gave me, he just moved around a bit faster! We made some great pieces and Nigel was very patient in explaining what to do. I stayed overnight in one of the shepherd huts in the grounds which was lovely and warm and cosy. When I left I was so relaxed and recharged ready to face the daily grind of work again. I thoroughly enjoy myself and will definitely be back. Thank you Nigel."

26 Nov 14'

Shaun McCabe reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The 1 day blacksmithing course I did with Nigel was brilliant and he is an absolute character! His stories were hilarious and he was so welcoming. Me and my girlfriend stayed the night of the 7th November in one of Nigel's shepherds huts, despite the cold weather it was perfectly warm and cosy! The next morning we started, this being my first try at blacksmithing I was eager to learn but also a little worried about what I'd be able to achieve in 1 day. Nigel has a fantastic knowledge and I felt completely comfortable even as a beginner! He let me know it was totally up to me what I wanted to make and although I hadn't come along with any ideas his shop is full of plenty!! Spent a lot of time actually at the forge as it was 1 on 1, a lot more than I thought I would which was definitely a bonus, another bonus was using the power hammers! I enjoyed the day so much I'm going back to college to learn it as a profession. 10/10."

26 Nov 14'

Nick Solanki reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"I recently spent two days on a course with Bill. I (some time ago), served an apprenticeship as a joiner so I knew I had some skill working with my hands. What Bill did was to renew my appreciation for the skill required to produce a quality product using traditional skills. His knowledge is supreme, his manner so affable, and at the end of the course I felt privileged to have learnt new skills, and a few trade secrets from someone who obviously loves his trade and is a master of it. highly recommended."

26 Nov 14'

Alison Whittaker reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"This course turned out to be everything I hoped it would be. Diane has a lovely, easy style of demonstating her craft and within minutes we were all beginning to have a go at spinning. A couple of group members had brought wheels with them, which they had already bought but not been able to get working properly. Diane's brother patiently analyed the problems and fixed them. Diane made spinning look effortless. Our laughable early efforts soon improved, because of her enthusiatic encouragement. By the end of the course we had all spun two bobins full of wool and plyed them together into a skein of wool to take home. A throughly enjoyable day which left all of us with a great sense of achievement. Brilliant!"

26 Nov 14'

Rob Hall reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A very interesting day spent with George turning this bowl, I enjoyed the learning process from start through to sanding / finishing. A very high standard of tuition and advice. I would highly recommend a course here to anyone. Many thanks George and Sue for a warm welcome. Regards Rob"

25 Nov 14'

Amy Lowson reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I had such a great time at the weaving course. My aim was to learn the basics so that i could attempt to try this at home myself (no doubt returning for another class to stop any bad habits!) and i have certainly achieved this. I managed to go home with a finished piece after a full day of teaching (and eating of lovely food). I fully intend on getting a frame for myself as a Christmas present. Great atmosphere and a patient teacher!"

25 Nov 14'

Shelagh reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"The journey to Firebird was fantastic as we drove through trees of orange and mist shrouded hollows. Mort's knowledge of the surrounding countryside was amazing and made the day for one of us, when he said that Poo Corner was literally, round the corner. His patience with 3 fairly pathetic females was first rate, matched only by his bravery as he held the chisel close while I wielded a 4lb hammer. Thankfully, missing both his hands and head, he's gone on to teach again. Oh yes, and the blacksmithing bit was good too!"

24 Nov 14'

Toni reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A thoroughly enjoyable day. A very relaxed and informative day with a few laughs thrown in too. Mort was very patient and provided support ithout making me feel like a complete plank . I will definitely be back in the new year..."

24 Nov 14'

Alison Francis reviewed: Pottery / ceramics / wheel throwing full day

"Attended the day with very little experience of working with clay. Had a wonderful time and managed to complete several pots during the time. Lorraines teaching style is practical, relaxed and informative. She manages to get the balance just right between giving you possibilities of what you could do and having a go and seeing what happens. I will certainly be going again and can highly reccommend the day to anyone interested in giving ceramics a try. Thanks Lorraine"

24 Nov 14'

helen Jones reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"fabulous class, detailed introduction and instructions and was then able to create exactly the piece of jewellry i wanted too."

23 Nov 14'

Anne Baruch reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Relief carving course at Higham Hall 27-31st November: This was my first carving course with Sharon and it quickly became evident that many others on the course were returners- very reassuring. She quickly put us new comers at our ease and lead an inspiring and supportive class encouraging self direction and individuality but offering generous help and instruction when needed. The opportunity to work 9 to 9:30, with generous breaks for meals and rest when needed, over 4 days was wonderful in the beautiful relaxed setting of the Lake District. I hope to return next year"

22 Nov 14'

Laura McNamee reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"I had a wonderful day at Jane's tapestry workshop! We started off getting to know the group over coffee and cake. Then throughout the day, Jane provided helpful and encouraging advice and we also got inspiration from looking at each others work in a relaxed atmosphere. Jane's husband Graham did a fantastic job providing us with lovely home cooked food! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone. It would make a fantastic present. I am already looking forward to my next course!"

22 Nov 14'

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

"Tea, cookies, cake, no sword :( but a dragon instead. 5/5 would hammer metal with metal again."

21 Nov 14'

Fiona SMITH reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Sekeena Thank you for such a wonderful fun experience. I really enjoyed your workshop and keen to get on board with another. Sekeena - you have such a wonderful story on your journey to where you are today, thank you for sharing this with all in the class. Candle making is just so much fun and you were very patient with us all. I'd highly recommend this class."

20 Nov 14'

Sharon Frewin reviewed: Felt a landscape

"I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Sarah gave us a great introduction to the process of nuno felting. She gave us a demonstration of the technique and provided us with a wide and beautiful range of materials. We were then let loose with Sarah keeping a watchful and encouraging eye. I came away having had a great day, learnt a new skill, made new friends and a beautiful scarf. I would definitely sign up for another workshop and recommend to anyone."

20 Nov 14'

Jayne Gordon reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Thank you Maddie for a lovely creative day. I have learned lots of new ideas and techniques and got my mosaic mojo back !!!!"

20 Nov 14'

Peter Preston reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I'm 62,recently retired and was keen to learn more about working with wood. Have made some functional objects, such as a chicken-coop, using recipes from the net but have only ever worked with soft-wood and most of my constructions involve lots of 4x2, numerous screws,few right angles and no finesse. I was apprehensive as I drove 300 miles to the course that I would be out of my depth and would feel very stupid all week. However, as are all the best teachers, Richard and Mark were very understanding of our different capabilities and right from Day one, with their expert guidance I began using all the tools . I'd never used a sharp chisel in my life and it was a revelation how one could up one's game with decent tools. I was concerned with my inexperience that I would get less time on the big boy tools but we were soon all using the lathes, band saw , pillar drills, routers and sanders with careful guidance on safety. The lunch time lectures were fun and very informative , preceded by munching our sandwiches outside (weather permitting), with a beautiful view over the fells. My family were shocked by the quality and finishing of my spinning stool when I returned home ( I am usually considered a percentage player for my domestic projects) so they felt Richard and Mark had not only improved my skills but taught me that 'good enough' could be bettered. Thank-you very much Richard and Mark for a very enjoyable, stimulating but non threatening course in a beautiful situation. I stayed in Amber Nook which is a lovely log cabin and a great base for doing some fell walks before the course."

19 Nov 14'

Chris Brickell reviewed: Wood turning courses in Dorset

"Mark is not only a superb woodturner, as can be seen from the work shown on his website, but he is also an intuitive teacher. I went to him as complete novice and left able to turn a reasonable bowl on my own. After a bit of practice I intend to return to Mark for a little more advanced stuff. Thank you Mark.5"

17 Nov 14'

Matt Hobbs reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris is a really friendly and very knowledgeable person when it comes to wood carving. He taught me so many new ways to improve my carving as well as how to handle an axe safely and with skill! The food was amazing! A winter home made soup which I could easily have eaten all of it! What I liked most any the workshop was how at every stage of the spoon carving he was able to provide great advise, tips and tricks. Chris - thank you so much for a wonderful day! Worth well more than the course cost! Will happily go again."

17 Nov 14'

Loraine & Chris Waites reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Travelled from Manchester to Birmingham for Caroline's brilliant workshop. It is great fun, very well organised, and there are lots of inspirational resources. Everything you need is provided, Caroline demonstrates the techniques and provides individual help. The day flew by, and lots of lovely work was produced. Well worth the journey, and highly recommended."

16 Nov 14'

Pernilla reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Really fun, informative and relaxed day course. Learnet the basics of candle making. Small class was a plus!"

16 Nov 14'

Amy reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I had an absolutely fantastic time at the mosiac course. Really inspiring and exciting. The time went too fast! I am already thinking about what I could make next time!"

16 Nov 14'

Barbara Seel reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"A fantastic course. I enjoyed every minute of it. James is a wonderful teacher making sure everyone grasps the basics and then being on hand to provide plenty of guidance (and patience) to keep you on track, whilst giving you the freedom to be creative and do your own thing..... and get hooked! Luckily you can keep going after the course as he lets you borrow the loom after the weekend to carry on and finish your scarf at home and without any pressure. I can only recommend it."