Latest reviews

28 May 14'

Jean Chantry reviewed: Scarab Silver Clay Amulet

"I have taken several classes with Tracey. The workshop is very well equipped. Tracey is an excellent teacher, demonstrating each item and technique and advising students, who work at their own pace and sharing tips and tricks. Classes are small or even 1-2-1, suitable for anyone from teenagers to pensioners. I would recommend Tracey and Craftworx to anyone who would like to try working with silver clay or improving their knowledge and technique."

28 May 14'

Dawn Hardy reviewed: Scarab Silver Clay Amulet

"I've done two courses so far with Tracey learnt so much about working with Art Clay Silver & thoroughly enjoyed both of them. Well worth the 434mile round trip! :-)"

28 May 14'

Lori Ridgway reviewed: Scarab Silver Clay Amulet

"I went on a silver clay beginners course, and thoroughly loved every minute of it. Tracey is a fantastic teacher, very patient, and will tailor things to make sure each student gets the very best from her I have since set up my own business making silver jewellery, and I really believe if I hadn't gone on the Craftworx I would not have been able to achieve the quality of work I can now produce. I have booked on the next level course and can't wait"

28 May 14'

Eugene reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"A very good and fun week, I had an excellent time and learnt a lot. Not just making the project but also the lunchtime lectures and the trip to the sawmill. Richard and Mark were great and always at hand, the right balance beteen instruction and letting you work on your own. Will be back for the second module."

28 May 14'

Carol S reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"As an older and complete beginner I was very nervous that I would not be able to get through it all. However I need not have worried Richard and Mark were excellent and the teaching and support they give is excellent. I have learnt a great deal and come home with two excellent completed projects. Much admired by everyone. Thank you."

27 May 14'

Max Medhurst reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Spent a great day with Mort getting an introduction to blacksmithing. Was great fun and really enjoyable but also learnt a lot. Would recommend to anyone who wants to get into blacksmithing or who just wants to give it a go."

27 May 14'

Luke Flatman reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I stayed at Fransham Forge for my stag weekend. We had an amazing time! I would strongly recommend going here and trying this out. Nigel and Lee were both very friendly and accommodating. We started out with a basic project that Nigel showed us how to complete. After this, we could work at our own pace and make anything we thought of. Any mistakes made were quickly ironed out by the professionals! I'm definitely thinking of going back in the future."

27 May 14'

Dave Clark reviewed: Pole lathe course - Make a Mallet

"Very good course! Lots of hands on work using much more than just a pole lathe -axes, Froes, cleaving breaks, different shave horses, draw knives. Experienced and enthusiastic tutor with three assistants so there was always someone on hand for advice and help even with five students on the course. Good effective and efficient demonstrtions of required techniques leaving lots of time for students to put into practice. A lovely team of people - I will be back to attend more courses at this centre."

27 May 14'

Nick Moon reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I first met Mort at his forge when I needed some bolts made for a project that I was involved with. After what seemed like only a minute he had hand forged two very neat bolts. I thought I've got to give this a go. I have never worked with metal other than to put screws into timber or walls so it was great to have a go and try and make something from scratch. I opted for a Viking knife and convert it into a herb chopper. Mort has an original way of teaching that puts you at ease straight away and within minutes you think that you have been a blacksmith for years. His eye for detail is amazing. He was able to explain technical terms and practices in layman terms and also let you get on with your project with confidence. If you have never worked in a forge and feel that maybe you should give it a go. Then don't hold back. Do it. I have never laughed so much. Or learn't anything like it. An opportunity not to be missed."

26 May 14'

Mark Mullen reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"From an artistic door stop to a pattern welded wakizashi, Mort knows how to forge it and he'll teach you how. It really is up to you what you make. Greatly enjoyed learning the basics of blacksmithing all the way up to forge welding (quite impressive how sparks fly while forge welding). I recommend Mort if you want to learn how to blacksmith while making your own pieces with such a top character."

26 May 14'

Charlotte Porter reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"I recently attended this course with Theresa at Spotty Pig Farm and had an absolutely wonderful time. As a complete novice, I have no experience with spinning or even knitting! Theresa is a very patient and knowledgable teacher, as well as making excellent company. This course presents great value and I have no hesitation is recommending it. The course itself was very well organised, comprehensive and conducted in a beautiful setting. There were also plenty of cakes and tea/coffee on hand (fuel is important!). Some of the topics we covered include fleece selection and preparation, carding, spinning and plying. As a result of this course, I feel that I have gone from knowing absolutely nothing about spinning to having an excellent foundation to build upon and I hope to purchase my first wheel soon! Thank you for so much for a lovely day."

25 May 14'

John reviewed: Longbow making - two days

"Tom and James were brilliant instructors, they've taught me a lot, I'll never see a bow in the same light again. The time flew by, I started with a laminated stave and two days later I'm loosing with a bow I've made. I'll be spreading your name far and wide lads, still can't stop grinning."

25 May 14'

Ethan reviewed: Longbow making - two days

"Absolutely amazing weekend! Started with a chunk of wood and ended up shooting my own hand made long bow. Tom and James are fantastic tutors, patient and explained everything in such a way I knew exactly what I was doing. They have a huge amount of knowledge and I learnt so much more than just how to make a bow! I am already planning on returning to do one of the arrow making courses... I would recommend this course to anyone and go again given half the chance.. A custom made long bow can easily set you back over £300 and here you get to make your own custom bow and have dinner thrown in as a bonus! I would give them 10 stars if I could, great job Guys.. Thank you!"

25 May 14'

Richard Feinmann reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I am so pleased with course 1and2 I can make things which I'm proud of thanks to richard and mark. New skills, friendly groups and best of all helpful, skilful teachers I would recommend to all, whether as introduction to new hobby or as a really enjoyable week with something you made to remember it by"

23 May 14'

Ruth Morgan reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"I loved the day - it helped that we had lovely warm sunshine, but it was so peaceful sitting whittling in the woods! I learnt a huge amount both about how to handle the tools safely and about the properties of the wood, and we were well looked after both in woodworking and in cups of tea. I'm very proud of the spoon and spatula I made. Hope to do more."

23 May 14'

simon pedley reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"Good introduction to the skills and tools needed - enjoyed the day and came home with a new spoon and spatula."

22 May 14'

Amy reviewed: Introduction to Greenwood Spoon Carving

"We had an excellent day! Dave and the volunteers were very engaging and made everyone feel welcome. It was a gentle introduction to the tools allowing us time to test their uses and make progress on our utensils! It is surprisingly difficult to carve a spoon and this course gives you a real appreciation for the time and skill that goes into making a good one. I am certainly keen to practice my new skills at home!"

21 May 14'

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

"This was a fantastic day. Instruction was very clear with visual help from pieces around the gallery to demonstrate technique and effects. It was absolute immersion in being creative for the day. I would dearly love to go and do another course it was so enjoyable."

20 May 14'

Elly reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"I went to my first course with Richard on a whim, almost by chance, almost a year ago. And it has changed my life. I've instantly become addicted to glass fusing. One day in his workshop was enough to do that. He is the perfect teacher. I was totally absorbed from the moment I entered the inspirational treasure cove that is his workshop. There are pieces of glass art to inspire you on every wall. The course is expertly divided into timed stages so that no moment is wasted. He doesn't kick everyone out for an hour at lunchtime like other course providers do, so that they can relax. You may take a break or you may continue, not interrupting your inspiration flow, if you so wish. And he's there to help. Nobody gets left behind at any stage and everybody finishes what they start, in perfect balance. Richard makes sure of it. It was only at the end of the day that I realised that I'd been standing for so many hours and that I was physically tired. My mind and soul were in a different dimension, though. I'd fallen in love with glass fusing. Because I don't live in the UK, I had to go elsewhere for glass courses and workshops after that, too, but never found anyone like Richard. I went back to Richard's for glass jewellery and I've already booked his new one week advanced fusing course. I cannot wait! P.S.: Richard's playlist is great, indeed! :)"

19 May 14'

Jeremy Hunter reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Attended this day course and highly enjoyed it, and would recommend it to anyone who is interested to find out if green woodworking is "for them". Simon was very helpful, encouraging and patient which made me feel that much more comfortable doing each task. He has a great manner for correcting mistakes so don't worry about getting something wrong! Again, would highly recommend. This course gave me the bug for traditional woodworking, I am going to save up for the next, two day course, whilst also engaging in more traditional woodworking projects and opportunities because of the day and how much I learnt on it."

19 May 14'

Annie Rogers reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"What an enlivening experience. Started with Maddie as a complete beginner but under Maddies calm and enabling teaching style soon began to learn the ropes, resulting in a satisfying finished piece. All materials were supplied in a fabulous workshop full of stimulating goodies. Thank you wonderful"

18 May 14'

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

"What an amazing day! Caroline is so welcoming, relaxed and encouraging you can't fail to feel at home. There are visual inspirations the whole house through, you can really feel that Caroline is immersed in mosaic, and her enthusiasm when she teaches is obvious. She tailored the course to meet each individuals needs from complete beginners to professionals. I have been making mosaics for years at a professional level and I still came away with some new knowledge. I loved working in a different medium to my norm and Caroline's thoroughly stocked workshop was overflowing with vibrant colours in ceramics and lots of sparkly glass bits for accents. I can't recommend this course enough, thank you Caroline!"

18 May 14'

Elspeth & Alan Platts reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"This was a fantastic day. Learnt a lot, not just hands on spinning (Elaine was very patient with us) but about different fleeces, spinning wheels etc. We have spent the evening looking at the possibility of buying our own wheel!"

18 May 14'

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

"Fabulous day. Totally enjoyable. Caroline is an excellent teacher and creates a great atmosphere in an amazing well stocked workshop. A wonderful selection of tiles, gems and yummy treasure to choose from to create your mosaic. Would highly recommend ***"

18 May 14'

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

"What an inspiring teacher! Doesn't matter if you've never tried mosaic before Caroline guides you through - step by step- and entertains at the same time. It's a really relaxing, rewarding day and you go home with something that you've actually created yourself. Beautiful! (The chocolate fridge cake is also pretty good!)"