Latest reviews

8 Jul 14'

charlie hobson reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"I have done two courses with Alan & Co at Hewnwood, the standard course and the advanced course, I also helped raise the frame from the first course, which was an excellent experience. I arrived pretty green with regards to working with wood, having never used a chisel before. You really learn a lot with regards to oak wood timber framing, the technical aspects of setting out irregular wood, the various joints etc. The teaching is excellent from Alan, Connor and John, they never tire of all my questions! It is a great environment to learn in and you learn fast, the days are full and my brain certainly got a good work out on both courses! The courses were really inspiring for me, I really enjoy all aspects and hope to take the things I have learnt forward. I camped in the woods with a few others, we had fires in the evening and games, such as axe throwing and slack line walking, a few ales and some good live music from Alan and others. The food is exceptional from Mary, unbeatable home cooking. I come away wanting to be a better cook."

8 Jul 14'

Lyn reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Brilliant course! Julie was very knowledgable, excellent teacher and extremely patient. Each different technique was demonstrated and explained fully. We could work at our own pace with lots of help, guidance and support. I had not done any basketmaking before and was surprised at just how lovely my finished basket was.......thank you so much Julie! Oh yes and the cake was delicious!"

8 Jul 14'

Ben Jermy reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Set in an idyllic woodland setting the Hewnwood course is a very welcoming and enjoyable course. The teaching pace is good with plenty of hands on experience. All the work is done with hand tools which makes for a very pleasant working environment and also hones those all important hand skills. Having done some green woodwork and working in engineering timber framing appealed to both my creative and technical side. The Hewnwood tutors all have a wealth of experience and too boot they often stay on after hours for a good old yarn around a campfire. The food is absolutely first class and is plentiful making up for those lost calories. Highly recommend too all."

7 Jul 14'

Joanna reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"A big thankyou to Julie for a great and interesting day learning to make a basket ! Julie is a very talented teacher showing us many different techniques in a small relaxed class , with Julie's patience and guidance I have learnt so much and also have to mention the yummy cakes that Julie made for us ,,,,, Thank you"

7 Jul 14'

Lorraine Bennett reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I dont know where to start! I booked the course with Dilys in order to be able to learn how to teach some basic enamelling to my secondary age students. The amount of help, advice and support I received was incredible. Dilys went above and beyond any prior expectations that I had in mind. She was so generous and so incredibly friendly that I really didn't want to leave at the end of the day. I will most definitely be going back to learn even more, thank you so much Dilys, you're amazing!"

6 Jul 14'

Rob & Philippa reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Rob: I booked a day course with Dilys as an anniversary surprise for my partner. I'm not particularly artistic or creative, but felt that it would be a day that we would enjoy together. I was not disappointed - Dilys made us feel welcome and her enthusiasm, patience and skill ensured that we both had an enjoyable and productive day creating works of art of which we are each extremely proud. The only negative to the day was that it passed way too quickly. We are already booked in for a second day when we will learn further techniques and practice what we have already learnt. This was a perfect way to spend our anniversary - thank you Dilys. Philippa: After weeks of waiting, my surprise was revealed! Rob and I had a wonderful day with Dilys. Neither of us had done enamelling previously but both of us are delighted with our first attempts, and immensely proud to see pictures of them on the Rosy M Design website. Dilys is a patient, supportive and inspiring tutor and we are looking forward to returning for another day of creativity so we can build on our new-found skills. Thank you Dilys."

6 Jul 14'

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

"A really enjoyable day, learned some great new cutting techniques and useful tips....... Caroline is inspiring and talented. I would recommend this workshop for both beginners and more the more experienced who want new ideas and inspiration. Will definitely attend another one. Thanks Caroline x"

6 Jul 14'

Gary Wise reviewed: Advanced Timber Framing Course

"Excellent course that covers the understanding of structure, the material and construction process of traditonal timber framed buildings. Brilliant tutelage from Alan, Connor and John, with fantastic food from Mary. Excellent!!!!!"

6 Jul 14'

Jane and Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I booked this course for a birthday gift for my husband and we weren't disappointed. Nigel was a perfect tutor; informative and patient. He was keen to pass on his knowledge and inspired us by talking us through his own sculptural creations. We had a wonderful day learning new processes and techniques and I'd thoroughly recommend this to any one/couple who enjoy learning practical skills. Thank you Nigel, the sculpture of the Bullrushes looks amazing and nobody can quite believe Steve made it!"

6 Jul 14'

Dianna reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Thank you so much for a really super day, and an amazing end product - my husband cannot believe that I actually made the bowl myself. I have never known a day to go so quickly. Please also thank your wife for the lovely lunch. I am sure my son would like to come so will contact you when I know that he will be available as he lives in London. Thank you once again for a really lovely day. Diana"

5 Jul 14'

Neil Harris reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Just wanted to say thanks for a great days tuition (Sat 05 July), I have learnt so much! Having never turned a thing in my life I was amazed that I was able to take a finished piece home - a lovely walnut bowl, now pride of place on the coffee table! So glad I booked up for the day, looking forward to putting it into practise now. Say thank you to your wife - lunch, coffee and cake all much appreciated! Thanks again George, hopefully be back soon to show you how I am getting on! Neil Harris"

5 Jul 14'

Joann Boxall reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"What a fantastic couple of hours. I learnt loads, the farm and workshop were lovely and the alpacas too. Mia was a great teacher and very friendly."

5 Jul 14'

Ruth Puxley reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Thanks for a fabulous lesson can't belive how fast the morning went and how much I learnt i recommend any of toni's classes she is an excellent teacher"

4 Jul 14'

Fiona Campball reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thanks so much for a truly inspirational and rewarding day. I was amazed at what we achieved, even as complete beginners, and we have now been bitten by the woodturning bug! Thank you both for making us so welcome, and giving us such good teaching with such a successful outcome. We will let you know when we are about to start dealing with our massive fallen turkey oak – poor thing has sprouted, because some of its roots are still in the earth! Thank again so much best wishes Fiona"

4 Jul 14'

Jenny Edwards reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"I attend a glass fusing one day course just before last Christmas and managed to make 6 candle bridges as presents. Richard gives good clear instructions in a relaxed atmosphere, lots of help and guidance even looking up ideas on the internet for inspiration. I would recommend this course to anyone - even if , like me, you have no artistic ability, you can produce something beautiful that you can be proud of. Would be a great idea as a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person."

3 Jul 14'

Lisa Farris reviewed: 1 day traditional silver jewellery making course for beginners

"This is my third course at flux n flame I love this place it's such a great atmosphere to learn in. The tutors always help you make the piece you want. I would go every week if I lived closer :0)"

3 Jul 14'

Doug reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Brilliant. Greystoke Cafe is a beautiful venue, the sun shone both days (which I guess doesn't happen every time) and Annie and her team kept us supplied with lovely food and drink. Tony is a great teacher - explains everything clearly, let's you get on with it and steps in quietly when the grain gets the better of you. I enjoyed it very much."

2 Jul 14'

Nicky anderson reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"I can only reiterate what others have said. After wanting to 'have a go' at some silver jewellery making I found Jesa and al's course and signed up with my mum. We thought we would be simply making the same as everyone else on hour 1 then realised the 'world is your oyster' and Jesa and al will help you to create something beautiful even if you are not hugely creative. They are both endlessly patient, supportive, helpful, creative and what they don't know about silver smithing isn't worth knowing. Once you join you will be hooked! We are now in year 2 and so look forward to each term and class! Highly recommend"

2 Jul 14'

Lynda Hill reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"A great introduction to felting with clear instructions and explanations, plenty of samples for inspiration and friendly company. I've been wanting to have a go for ages and now want to do more! Thanks"

1 Jul 14'

Mike Weston reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"A very enjoyable day spent with a very talented tutor Chris, I spent far too long chatting and not enough time carving my spoon, but hey isn’t that what ‘whittling a stick’ all about? Chris encouraged us to try all the techniques with a wide choice of tools so we could find which worked best for each of us. I left with a spoon shaped piece of wood and a great deal more understanding of the carving techniques needed to finish this off and today I have just picked up a couple of carving knives to add the ‘finishing touches’ to my very own spoon. If you want to see some examples of Chris’s spoons; pop into Saddleback farm shop on the B4494. The woodland location was also superb with Simon keeping us well watered with hot drinks off the fire burning in the background. If you are in need of a Stress Detox day- book yourself on a course you will not regret it. PS good luck with the George Lailey project Simon."

1 Jul 14'

Matt Smith reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Two of us attended the one day spoon carving course at the Vallis Green Woodworking site on Snelsmore Common near Newbury on 26th June 14. Both Simon and our instructor Chris were enthusiastic and keen for us to learn and enjoy our day as much as possible. We both left at the end of the day with the knowledge to choose a suitable piece of wood and the skills to produce a spoon. What a brilliant day which has inspired me for more."

1 Jul 14'

Heidi reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"Spent a fabulous Sunday learning all about spinning from Theresa George. Theresa is a brilliant (and patient!) teacher and I would definitely recommend her course. She knows all about the different sheep and their wool and was able to give me loads of helpful tips for the whole process from raw fleece to finished yarn. I came away from the course not only with a lovely usable skein but with the confidence to continue spinning at home (as soon as I've talked DH into buying me a spinning wheel for my birthday!). Thank you Theresa!"

30 Jun 14'

Lucy Sims reviewed: 1 day traditional silver jewellery making course for beginners

"Well, what can I say, I loved every minute. I made two beautiful unique pieces of jewellery and can't wait to come again. Heidi was a great tutor so helpful and friendly. Thank you Flux n Flame for a fantastic day."

30 Jun 14'

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

"I booked on this course for my husband's Christmas present and we booked a course for June. We were greeted with cups of tea and homemade biscuits on arrival which we had while Adrian went through all the health and safety information and explained what we would be doing during the day. We had a demonstration of our first project which was very well explained but not as easy as it looked when an expert was doing it! Once we had finished our keyrings we had a break for tea and homemade cake before getting onto our next project. Again, the demonstration was very good and Adrian came round to each of us to give us tips and help where we needed it. By lunch time we had completed a leaf hook and we were all really hungry ready for our lunch. The food was very nice, all homemade and local produce. After lunch we were onto our final project for the day, a coat hook with 3 hooks. This project was demonstrated with some different techniques including riveting, but we weren't following a set design this time and could add our own design to it. Overall the day was very enjoyable and we came away with 3 finished items each. We knew it would be hard work physically but it was also really tough to get the metal to do what you wanted it too! Adrian was a very good instructor, friendly and very patient with our beginners skills! The food was all lovely too. We would recommend the course, it was definitely value for money!"

30 Jun 14'

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

"A very good, informative and professional course balanced by friendly and enthusiastic tuition. Impressed by the scope of work carried out here alongside these courses, obviously this work is sought after and I have seen many examples in the area and in outlets. We produced useful items to take home. Plenty of tea/coffee/ refreshments during the day."