Latest reviews

1 Jan 14'

Jane Baker reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"Brilliant course! Excellent tuition and company. I was so pleased with my beautiful stool that I gave it to my daughter for Christmas. She loves it. I went on the course with some friends and we had such a good weekend. Creative, productive and fun. Highly recommended."

1 Jan 14'

Nigel Gross reviewed: Introduction to green wood furniture making - two days

"I attended this course last year. I surprised myself by coming away with a really beautiful table. Peter has a lovely style of teaching, a dry sense of humor and great attention to detail. What I particularly liked about the course is his eye for the design of the piece - he shares his thoughts but leaves you free to make your own choices. The tools were great and we used superb materials from the local area. I learnt so much and have since made myself a shave horse, and intend to go on his chair course this year."

1 Jan 14'

Richard Lowery reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended one of Nigel's courses and was given a large amount of time actually forging coming away with useful ironwork and a thirst to do more. The accommodation is good with basic facilities to cook and a number of close hostelry's. I understand that new accommodation in showman vans are being constructed to support the new courses to help people assemble Shepherd Huts--cant wait!!"

31 Dec 13'

John Rutland reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a 1 day course in Blacksmithing with Nigel at Fransham Forge in September 2013. I would rate the training as first class; the tuition was adapted to my interest and level of skill with most of the instruction being hands on. I came away with some nice pieces which have been much admired by my friends and family! Nigel has a wealth of experience in all aspects of metal-working and the forge itself is equipped with amazing tools and equipment.I definitely look forward to going back for more tuition."

30 Dec 13'

Suzanne Thomas reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have done 2 courses with Helen, both excellent! Helen is both patient & well organised! Looking forward to do more!!! Suzanne"

29 Dec 13'

Elspeth Corrie reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have done two, and booked a third, course with Helen making fused glass bunting and then Christmas light catchers. She is patient and encouraging, and is good at letting you do things for yourself, but always willing to advise and help when asked. She has really inspirational examples to show, is generous with time and materials, and I'm already plotting my next designs!"

29 Dec 13'

Andrea reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"What a fabulous day! I had a great time at the fused glass workshop yesterday, making three surprisingly substantial pieces. Helen is clearly a very talented artist and a skilled teacher too. Her easy-going style had us feeling creative in no time and my friends and I are all chomping at the bit to collect our masterpieces and book ourselves into another workshop with Helen. I can't wait!"

29 Dec 13'

Pauline Davidson reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"I have attended 3 classes so far with Helen and am totally hooked. She is an excellent teacher - inspiring, patient and so very friendly. I will definitely be attending more of her classes in the future, and introducing my friends to this great craft."

29 Dec 13'

Kathryn Evans reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"Cracking course (not literally). After my first course I was hooked, been back a few times and built upon my skills. Helen is an excellent teacher and also brilliant with kids, I took my 11 year old and he enjoyed it so much he wants to go again and there are not many craft courses that appeal to boys! Planning a few more sessions for this year and even looking to set up a Rotary Club session."

29 Dec 13'

Julie Clancy reviewed: Kiln formed glass day workshop

"Spent an amazing day with 2 friends at Helen's house. I was stunned at how many different pieces we were able to make and how many different techniques she taught (and re-taught!) us. Helen is fun, patient, encouraging and so creative. We were made very welcome in her lovely home and I am sure this is only the start of my glass fusion journey. Can't wait to go back and collect my masterpieces. Great venue for small workshops, fantastic teacher, amazing value for money - highly recommended."

27 Dec 13'

Tom reviewed: A stool making day

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a Saturday. I felt motivated from the outset thanks to the wonderful environment in which the workshop takes place and the awesome teachers Eoin and Gail who patiently guide you through the different skill sets for working with green wood and in the end building a stool. Met some great folks, we had a laugh, we got creative and what a feeling of accomplishment at the end when you leave with a work of art under your arm. I absolutely recommend this class to those wishing to ignite their creative side!!!"

27 Dec 13'

Mim Barnes reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"So good I did it twice! Julie is a patient, clear and thorough teacher. Everything's provided, so there's no waiting around for tools, and with just six students you get the help you need when you need it. It's extremely satisfying to make something beautiful and useful in a day and I'm very proud of my baskets. The home made cakes are excellent too! Altogether a really lovely way to spend a day - highly recommended!"

24 Dec 13'

Juliana reviewed: A stool making day

"A lovely day working with wood in an attractive courtyard with supportive companions and alert leaders - as soon as anyone needed extra help and guidance, it was there. We were reluctant to stop for lunch as we were so involved in trying to shave rough wood to smooth round legs. Lots of laughs too. I think were all surprised and delighted with what we had created."

22 Dec 13'

Donna Attias reviewed: Hand spinning workshops - Norfolk

"Excellent day. Theresa was very patient and helpful. A huge amount of fun and lots of laughter. Feel inspired to continue. Thank you."

21 Dec 13'

Jan Gasson reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"Was given a one day course for a birthday present. Had a brilliant day - instructive, creative and great fun."

17 Dec 13'

Debbie Collins reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Julie is a very good and extremely patient teacher. The day was thoroughly enjoyable and I was so proud of my finished basket. I would really recommend anyone to take the course, it was a day well spent and a real pleasure."

17 Dec 13'

Juliette Oxford reviewed: A stool making day

"This course was arranged for me as a birthday present and I couldn't have asked for anything more enjoyable. I loved learning new skills lead by the excellent tutors Eoin and Gail, and making a stool all by myself ( with a little bit of help to make the holes ). Every time I look at or use the stool I feel so pleased. Thank you Big Tree!!"

17 Dec 13'

Chris Hellawell reviewed: A stool making day

"Had a wonderful day, learning new skills and meeting some lovely folks. Felt so motivated and creative afterwards that I was truly inspired to do some things to make a difference in my life, thanks in no small part to a super chat with Eoin in the pub after all our hard work. The stool has been re-wedged and is as sturdy as ever, taking pride of place in our living room. Many thanks."

17 Dec 13'

Michael bairstow reviewed: A stool making day

"Book now, you wont be disappointed, I had a Great day, i cant believe I actually made proper furniture out of some bits of tree !! If you want to get away from it and create something with your own hands i cant recommend this highly enough"

16 Dec 13'

Jono Ellis reviewed: A stool making day

"I went from zero practical experience to having made 2 stools in one day! :) The course was great - outside in the courtyard working with a range of tools to take green wood from logs all the way through shaping to be stool legs. The day was a good mix of chat and work and I definitely came away feeling like I'd learned enough to give this a go myself. Many thanks to Eoin and Gail - great teachers."

16 Dec 13'

Stuart Martin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"My first experience day was in July. This magnificent forge is at one end of the quadrangle at Holkham estate's 18th century farm complex. Roger patiently taught me the basic skills and I set to work at one of the two anvils by the large forge with him and James nearby to give advice, encouragement, and cups of tea. At the end of a really enjoyable day, I had proudly created a poker with a fancy handle and hook to hang it on; a wedding present for my neice with their initials stamped on. I was so enthused that I came again with my brother in October (see his comments below) and will be returning for further tuition."

16 Dec 13'

Stevie Nash reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Sue and I had a brilliant day making our baskets. Julie is a lovely person and a great (patient!) teacher. Both of us really wanted to carry on, but time let us down. We hope to do another workshop in the future. Definitely recommended."

14 Dec 13'

Mary Holder reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I thoroughly enjoyed Julie's basketmaking course and found her to be extremely helpful and professional. We all managed to complete our baskets to take home and would recommend taking the course. A lovely lady and a pleasure to be taught by."

14 Dec 13'

Alistair Martin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Complete novice and bought for me as present. Had a really great day in the fantastic setting on the beautiful Holkham estate. Roger and James very patient and took me though the basic skills. Mastered a poker by lunchtime and, aided by an excellent lunch at The Victoria, a hook rack was fashioned by end of play. All together a day to remember and I would highly recommend it to anyone."

12 Dec 13'

Lesley Ward reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Very good day. Felt more like working with friends than being in class. Never spun before but I have now bought a wheel and have started working on my own fleeces. I feed as though I am gaining a skill and have gained a friend."