Latest reviews

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."

29 Jun 14'

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

"Most fun I've had with my clothes on as they say!! A relaxed educational experience and it was so refreshing to be able to put any 'mistakes' back into the fire . . . and start again. The food was also worthy of note - absolutely gorgeous and very plentiful. Debbie and Adrian make an exceptional team. A course voucher makes a different and interesting gift appropriate for almost any adult. You do need to be reasonably fit but Adrian helps anyone who is struggling (me!) Unreservedly recommended."

29 Jun 14'

Brian Hammond reviewed: 2 day traditional silver jewellery making course

"Excellent tuition and advice from Jesa and Al. As always I come away having learned new aspects of Jewellery making This is my 5th visit and I will return in the near future."

29 Jun 14'

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

"Wow! What an amazing day. After a welcoming cuppa and fantastic cake, a quick H&S briefing and down to business. The step by step instruction from Adrian is paced just right for all, and a helping hand if you need it. On top of all that the catering is delicious, homemade and locally sourced. I can't wait to go again!"

29 Jun 14'

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

"Brilliant day. Adrian is an excellent teacher the course is fun well paced and really enjoyable. I was amazed at how quick you start making your own items. The food and refreshments provided were delicous. I would go on the day again just for the sheer fun of it."

29 Jun 14'

Jack reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Great course! It's taught in a great hands on and relaxed style so you can get good practice in with tools and techniques. To top it off you're in a beautiful woodland with great food and company!"

29 Jun 14'

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

"This was a fantastic course in a great location with very accomplished and friendly instruction. As a complete novice I was able to produce a bag that I am happily using and that has already received some great comments. No amount of 'googling' or 'youtubing' is a substitute for the type of hands-on experience that this course offers, and the opportunity to ask questions as they occur to you is invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others. Thanks Gaynor and Enya!"

28 Jun 14'

Jessica reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I really enjoyed my day with Sakeena at the candle workshop, it was really fun and relaxing at the same time and I learnt a lot. I went on my own but I can imagine it would be a lovely thing to do with friends as well. I will definitely be looking out for more classes to do with Sakeena! Highly recommended :)"

28 Jun 14'

Mandie Fountain reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"Had a wonderful day learning all about spinning and we even had the chance to meet the sheep the fleece we working had come from. Theresa is lovely, really friendly and patient she is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. I can't believe I actually went away with a skein of wool at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about carding, spinning, plying etc. The day was great fun, we laughed pretty much the whole day and am now inspired to carry on and perfect what I have learnt. Theresa has lots of plans to develop her lessons and supplies and will be going again soon, once I have had chance to practice what I learnt yesterday."

28 Jun 14'

sandra Humphrey reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"wow what a great teacher so helpful had the most wonderful day and learnt so much . theresa is so knowledgeable and so helpful i cant belive i made a hank of wool to bring home just need to get my wheel and the i will be back for another lesson , i would recommend her to anyone who would like to have a go at spinning or wanting to learnt to spin"

27 Jun 14'

Heather reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"If you are reading this with intrigue - my advice is don't hesitate...just sign up! I started with no jewellery making experience whatsoever - just a desire to create something unique that I could wear myself or gift to friends. Like many of my fellow students I attended a weekend course and became totally hooked. I joined a weekly class 2 years ago and continue to benefit from Al and Jesa's knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm. You could be setting gem stones, designing bracelets and rings within weeks - take a look at the website or Facebook page to see whats possible!"

26 Jun 14'

Ruth Moore reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Had a wonderful day last Saturday with my two sisters learning to make candles with Angharad. What a lovely lady who is so interesting and knowledgable. We were made so welcome by Angharad and her family in their lovely home and I cannot recommend this class too highly."

25 Jun 14'

Lynsey Adams reviewed: 2 day traditional silver jewellery making course

"I was on a course last weekend, and made a beautiful silver spinner ring - with lots of help from Jesa and Al, who are brilliant teachers and lovely caring people. I learned a lot of new techniques and conquered my fear of soldering. It was hard work, but great fun, kept going with endless cups of tea and coffee, chocolate cake to die for, a delicious lunch, and not forgetting laughter all along the way. All in a beautiful countryside setting - what more could you want?"

24 Jun 14'

Matt reviewed: Green wood chair making - 6 day woodworking course in Devon

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course and I can wholeheartedly recommend it. Peter is a natural teacher who can impart a great deal of knowledge and help, and he maintains a relaxed, fun atmosphere. You'll be amazed at what you can learn in just a few days. The outcome is a fantastic, unique chair - I use mine everyday - and have made myself a shave horse so I can continue using the skills that I have learnt."

24 Jun 14'

Katy Thomason-Stewart reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"Such an amazing introduction to the world of glass fusion. Gen works with everyone, no matter their ability, and you come away with 3 gorgeous pieces of glass. This has made me do the workshop twice with different results each time. Being able to relax, take your time, and really experimental with glass made it such an enjoyable few hours. Really recommend this to anyone."

24 Jun 14'

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

"Super venue and hostess keeping us topped up with food and drinks. The scheduled end time had to be extended on both days perhaps because the lovely warm days were not ideal conditions for manual labour, but great for sitting around admiring the view and enjoying a cuppa! Tony ensured everyone left with a working longbow (even in the event of a catastrophic failure) and stepping in to help in the event of any problems."

24 Jun 14'

Hannah Mulholland reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"A fantastic afternoon and great satisfaction at the end of it. Another warm glow when you collect the pieces you have created after Gen has fired them. I am completely hooked now and have made many different pieces including a clock, cuff links, coasters, dishes and earrings to go with my pendant. You will enjoy this course, of that I have no doubt."

23 Jun 14'

Ken from Sheffield reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I went on course one, thinking that I could have skipped it and gone straight on to course two. How wrong I was. Woodwork has progressed since I did it at school. I learnt tons of stuff. Richard and Mark are very capable and patient tutors. It was so good that I attended both courses twice and learnt a huge amount from the revision. Fortunately I have the means to build a well stocked workshop for myself. I could not have done this had I not been on the courses. I am now up and running and trying to reduce the errors in my work."

23 Jun 14'

Roisin Bourne Hill reviewed: Residential Felt Wing making weekend course (Adults only OR Parent and child)

"Although the teaching is pretty 'laid back' we all managed to make a very beautiful set of wings in the time we had. The tutors and host are all very friendly, the farm is great fun and the food is guaranteed to tempt the most awkward appetite; in fact it's quite easy to spend a lot of time munching! Bring clothes you don't mind getting soaked - it's a sloshy business but definitely worth it. If you can't drive, there is a train station very close by and the taxis don't charge city prices."

23 Jun 14'

Ann Lansom reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, 2 tutors to 4 clients..very good ..... No waiting for help ..advice freely given..felt very very happy with the piece I produced ! I would definitely recommend this course. And all in a lovely setting of Clitheroe. Thank you both for a really good day. Ann ."

23 Jun 14'

Susan Watkins reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Humour, patience and creativity Jess and Al have in abundance. Nothing is too much trouble, and everyone is treated like family. One of the nicest places you could wish for to learn and express yourself ,comforted in the knowledge that each piece will be made to their exacting standards. I can't praise them highly enough ."

23 Jun 14'

Mary, Skipton reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"This is an excellent course, a really good introduction to stained glass making. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was great to be able to take home a finished piece at the end. Highly recommended."

23 Jun 14'

Lis reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Having done the beginners course I went on to do this course. This introduces you to more preparation techniques and the use of hand and mechanical tools used for preparing and blending yarns and then moving on to spinning and plying them on different types of spinning wheels... I think I'm hooked! Dunja has a wealth of knowledge and tremendous enthusiasm for her craft."