Latest reviews

21 Apr 14'

Gilly Robertson reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"A first class introduction to working with green wood delivered in a friendly, informative manner which could be understood by someone like me who was only vaguely familiar with the tools & terminology. I have a fabulous chair, made by Me,of which I am extremely proud. All credit & thanks to the team delivering the course & to my fellow attendees who were excellent company. Have already booked next venture!"

21 Apr 14'

Tim Hughes reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"The learning experience was ensured by the skill of the explanations and assistance, and for me the balance of supervision and letting get on with the job was well judged. The other students were good company and great all round start to green wood working. Thinking of the next box: despite all the possibilities of a different outcome, I still have 5 functioning digits on each hand and foot!"

20 Apr 14'

Marian Aldridge reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have enjoyed wood carving with Sharon for many years And regard her more of a friend than a tutor. Sharon has Patience with everyone, never reprimanding you if your work is not quite right but cleverly adjusting your work so that it looks good. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons as it's my time and look forward to it. Thank You Sharon"

20 Apr 14'

Sue Falch reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My son, Will (14), had the most wonderful experience working with Nigel over the last 2 days. He has learnt so much and is very pleased with what he has made (I will send photos). Will is already making designs for things he would like to start at school and this experience has inspired him and absolutely captured his imagination! Thank you very much indeed Nigel for your patience... I don't think William will ever forget his time with you (he also loved staying in the beautiful shepherds hut)."

20 Apr 14'

Dipika reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Excellent workshop for a novice like me to candle making. Clearly explained, lots of useful tips on different types of waxes, methods and associated tools. Fun, creative and flexible. Very friendly tutor, would definitely recommend to freinds and family. Can't wait to get started!"

20 Apr 14'

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

"As a venue, Greystoke cafe is excellent for courses and workshops. Annie is a wonderful host and the food is delicious. Lovely surroundings and a relaxed ambience. Highly recommended for a stop off on your travels or a range of activities."

20 Apr 14'

Pete Thompson reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"We had a great day on this course. It was run in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Siobhan is a riot and very knowledgeable and ready to explain and guide throughout the day. The time flew by. Highly recommended."

19 Apr 14'

Andrew Robinson reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I would just like to say how much I enjoyed my day’s woodturning with George. Particularly rewarding was the opportunity to have a go at some decorative work (ebonizing and grain filling with gold) which felt quite artistic! George is relaxed and patient and I found his overall teaching style to be very encouraging. I now feel inspired to take the plunge, buy the kit and set up a lathe at home. Many thanks to you George! Andrew Robinson, Bucks."

19 Apr 14'

Anita reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"The course that Sharon ran at Higham Hall in Cumbria was wonderful. The atmosphere is always so friendly and we have lots of laughs as well as being taught the very complicated art of relief wood carving. I am looking forward to the next time Sharon is in Cumbria."

18 Apr 14'

Liz Allen reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I had a gorgeous few hours making candles and learning all about how to make them in the future. As well as beautiful candles, you also come away with a comprehensive guide which summarises everything you have been taught. Sakeena is a great tutor - passionate about candle making - and really keen to share her ideas and skills to give you the confidence to make candles after the course. I was a complete beginner but am now planning on making some for all the tables at my sister's wedding."

17 Apr 14'

Vicky White reviewed: Amazing encaustic art for two people Day Course

"Did the 4 hour session. Had an excellent time, for me learning a new art form in a very friendly, relaxed atmosphere. I learnt lots & produced work that has been admired by family. Phil is an excellent teacher & very encouraging. I enjoyed all the techniques shown.Would highly recommend & I would go back for additional sessions."

17 Apr 14'

Louis footman reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I have just got back from a fantastic day with Simon where I was taught some great new skills. The pole lathe taster course is excellent. I would recommend it to everybody. Simon is a great teacher and immediately made me feel comfortable. He "office" in Snelsmore common is the perfect location for such a hobby."

16 Apr 14'

paul reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Me and the lads had areally enjoyable weekend, your sheppard huts are great Nigel. We`ve told our mates all about your brill machinery, such a lot to take in, your patience with us was much appreciated. My fiance loved the flower you helped me make for her, she`s insisting I have to come back and make some more, in fact she loved them so much she wants some as centre pieces at our wedding next year. I think i need your help with that if she wants them done in time. Ha, Ha, please send me any future events going on, I will be back in a few months for some more instructions from the master. Thanks Nigel . You were great."

16 Apr 14'

debbie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a brill weekend, Nigel your a great teacher, so patient, i got some smashing pics of the beautiful things we made, my friends are all quite envious and they have all been given your phone. I would highly recommend anyone, male or female, who would like to work with a PROPER ARTIST and learn something completely differant, for fun or as a gift to someone you love. Go on you`ll have a brilliant time and next time I want to stop in the sheppard hut, they are really beautiful. Your skills are great Nigel, thanks to you and your staff. See you all soon. Thankyou again. Debs."

16 Apr 14'

Carolann reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My friends and I had such a fantastic weekend with Nigel assisting us all the way to help create some wonderful things, what a fantastic blacksmith you are. We would highly recomend the great hospitality we were given, the 6 of us had a memorable Birthday weekend doing something completely differant. WOW..........Nigel you are a great artist and an even GREATER teacher. We are all coming back for round 2 in a couple of months time. THANKYOU........."

16 Apr 14'

Debra Stuart reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"Fantastic inspiring day - I learned loads. Great company and fab food. Jane helped me advance my existing skills and gave me some excellent tips and shortcuts. I would recommend this course to beginners and experienced."

14 Apr 14'

Cleo Scrivener reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"The day course is wonderfully informative, educational and fun! I was surprised how quickly we learnt to create pieces, and Helen's resources seem endless. If you've ever stood in a craft shop wanting to try everything you see, but couldn't afford to buy everything, this day course allows you to craft away to your hearts desire without any material outlay. I made 7 items, used lots of materials, gained experience, had the lovely Helen on hand at all times to answer my questions and guide me, and made personalised gifts for my friends and family - what a bargain!!! There's a reason this lovely lady is always booked up. Please do not hesistate to book this course."

13 Apr 14'

Eirwen Malin reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"The weekend stained glass course with Christian Ryan was very good and thoroughly enjoyable. The objective set was challenging but achievable and could be tackled with different degrees of complexity according to learners confidence/skill/ambition. Everything was very clearly explained and demonstrated and Chris, the most genial tutor has the ability to know when to offer assistance and when to leave the learner to get on with it. Having just 4 on the course was very good with plenty of moral support form other learners and no hanging around waiting for help. All in all a great 2 days - thank you very much Chris I would highly recommend the course to craft beginner - like me - or for those who are more practised crafts persons."

13 Apr 14'

Morne Lippiatt reviewed: An Introduction to Glassblowing: Half-day Saturday courses

"Adam is extremely patient and an excellent teacher. The class sizes are small so you get a lot of attention and Adam demonstrates all the techniques used on the day a couple of times so it sinks in. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute!"

11 Apr 14'

Jady reviewed: Make Scented Candles & Tealights

"I attended all 3 levels - beginners, intermediate and advanced. Compared to other lotion, moisturiser courses, makingskincare.com's was by far the best - Jane is v knowledgeable and so helpful, even after the class. Her facebook group Making Skincare which has over 2,400 members includes cosmetic chemists and microbiologists and has also been a great help so if you can't make it to the course, do join the group and get some great free advice (oh and her website also has free lotion, conditioner and soap tutorials too)."

10 Apr 14'

Hatty reviewed: Candle Making Class

"I agree with all the other reviews. The class was a great experience and lots of fun. Farah is an excellent teacher and will definitely recommend her."

10 Apr 14'

Matthew Page reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My 12 year old son and I spent a relaxing and educational day at the forge. We were both complete novices, but learnt loads and came away with some very cool products made with our own fair hands. Both of us were very pleased with the results and will undoubtedly return for more. Thanks, Mort."

10 Apr 14'

Pete reviewed: Candle Making Class

"The wife made me tag along and I actually really enjoyed it, learnt a lot from a very fun teacher."

9 Apr 14'

Eda gumush reviewed: Candle Making Class

"Farah was a great teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. Would recommend her to anyone interested in candle making."

9 Apr 14'

Jonathan reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Received this wonderful day as a present from my wife. I was apprehensive as the day approached and not quite sure how I would cope. However there was absolutely nothing to worry about. Aaron is a superb teacher and very patient. He dealt with the difference in abilities within our group with ease and ensured that we were all able to achieve our goals. I was really thrilled and proud of the items that I made and will remember the experience for a long time. Thank you"