Latest reviews

9 Jul 17'

Peta Kennedy reviewed: Fused glass day course - beginners/intermediate

"I have been to three of these workshops and have loved every one. The time just flies by as you are so absorbed putting together your creation. Nicky is very patient and helpful with lots of design ideas from simple to more complicated as you progress. We have also made some wonderful Christmas glass decorations, stars, angels and snowflakes which look fantastic hanging on the tree. I would thoroughly recommend anyone trying out this fascinating hobby and can't wait for my next visit."

9 Jul 17'

Rachel Hollands reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Bill is clearly highly experienced & extremely knowledgable about his craft, I have learnt such a lot in 2 days. I have come home with two wonderful pieces which I'm pretty proud of'! The course is very relaxed yet we still got so much done, it was really fun & insighful, I would recommend to anyone with an interest in working with leather. Thoroughly enjoyed it- thanks Bill!"

9 Jul 17'

wendy Turner reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a thoroughly wonderful day! From the start it was a great friendly atmosphere with 8 blacksmith hopefuls. The tuition was 5 star from both Andy and Adrian who covered all basics, H&S and some great tips to add the quality finishing touches. It was sweaty, educational and most of all great fun, I'm sure we all could have lost quite a few stone if it wasn't for the 'to-die-for' food provided by Debbie (and Adrian's contribution to the home made bread buns) I have come away with a less than perfect coat hook but I love it and I'm proud as punch that I made it. It will go on display in our new home. The key ring will be put to great use too. I would highly recommend any of their courses."

9 Jul 17'

Martin Rivett reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Excellent 2 day course. Full of forging and Nigel's anecdotes. Not only did I make 6 + items, thanks to Nigel's training they where of fantastic quality. Cannot recommend enough, going again in September. If you fancy learning an excellent skill, book now."

9 Jul 17'

Sue Ullrich reviewed: Needle Felt a Picture of your own design

"Very enjoyable day felting. Will be attending more courses, Liz is a great teacher and is very knowledgeable."

9 Jul 17'

Ross Kirby reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Would definitely recommend this course to anyone wanting to experience the amazing work of a blacksmith - even if you're an absolute beginner like myself! I took a two-day course (Friday to Saturday) and I was lucky enough to be able to stay and sleep in the teepee Nigel had built (which was awesome by the way and surprisingly bug-free if you keep a nice fire going!). Nigel's teaching was absolutely superb, I was nervous but incredibly excited on Day 1 and Nigel's funny stories and down-to-earth sense of character helped take the edge off the nerves and enabled me to focus on metalworking and to enjoy every moment spent at the Fransham Forge. At the end of Day 1, I was fortunate enough to finish with three pieces - a fire poker (which had both a twist and alternating twist design along with scroll work) a spade (which also had scroll work) and a pendant in the shape of a leaf. I had never chanced my arm at any form of blacksmithing before, so I was very proud to have these pieces finished at the end of Day 1! Nigel's form of teaching really encourages you to enjoy working the forges with a bit of freedom and not feel pressured by time or skill; Nigel was very supportive and any questions you had he could answer in detail. On day 2, Nigel encouraged us to begin creating projects of our own - which I thought was an amazing opportunity to explore what you can do with support from an amazing teacher. I really want to become a Swordsmith one day, so I thought I'd start small and create a Viking Utility Knife; which would have been used for slicing, carving or cutting. Nigel's form of teaching enabled me to have some freedom whilst working the forge, but he always checked on me to see how I was doing and gave me tips here and there whilst I was working the high carbon steel he had cut for me to use. By the end of Day 2, I had managed to successfully hand-forge not one, but two Viking Utility Knives. As I said earlier, I had never chanced my arm at any form of blacksmithing before - so I am incredibly proud of what I achieved with support from Nigel and I am incredibly grateful; as Nigel has made me more determined to pursue a career in blacksmithing and hopefully one day successfully become a Swordsmith. Even though the electricity had been cut in order to trim trees (which had been growing around the power lines) and poor Nigel was left with the workshop door three quarters open and with no power for a little while during the beginning of Day 1, we stil managed to get forging. I also took the opportunity to explore Nigel's gallery and admire all the metalwork he had done - which by the way is abosolutely breathtaking. Nigel's perception of life in metal is truly inspirational and captivating, all the twisting and turning, patterns and the forgework all done by hand coagulate and form beautiful essences of life that we sometimes take for granted every day. A big thank you to Nigel for teaching me and encouraging me to pursue my dream of hopefully becoming a blacksmith and a sworsdsmith one day. Another big thank you as well to Nigel's friend who I have forgotten the name of but helped keep the blacksmiths hydrated with coffee and tea! A really wonderful course and an incredible teacher - I hope whoever reads this is captivated by what Fransham Forge has to offer and chances their arm at blacksmithing for a couple of days - it was so much fun and I'm so happy I had the opportunity to go and do something constructive and creative!"

9 Jul 17'

Penny reviewed: Conscious Interior Decor; For holistic living

"I can highly recommend this one day course. Lucy was a fantastic host who provided a lovely lunch while sitting in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales. I learnt so much from the course and meant some really nice people. It has given me confidence that I needed. Once again thanks you so much Lucy."

9 Jul 17'

Paul Stafford reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Had a great day and even as a total novice I walked away with a blade to be proud to have forged. Very friendly and knowledgeable team who are willing to pass on all the tricks and tips you need to produce a working, hardened blade. I'll definitely be going back for more."

9 Jul 17'

Thoma family reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just returned from a fantastic family weekend break at Fransham Forge. Did a one day course as a whole family treat (kids aged 16 and 14 yrs), and had a great time. Nigel was endlessly patient, and made sure that we all came away feeling that we'd achieved impressive results. Staying in the Shepherds' huts was perfect - such a tranquil and secluded setting in the woods. Just a shame we didn't bring any musical instruments to have a sing along around the camp fire."

9 Jul 17'

Miss Jane A Rogers reviewed: Introduction to green woodworking at Sallerton Wood

"I went on this course, thinking I would probably be no good at it. But after a beautiful day in a fantastic woodland and with Andy's excellent tuition and patience (and cups of tea) I came away with a mallet, a spatula and a rolling pin. I had a really great day and learned a lot about the different types of trees, etc. Andy's knowledge of the different types of tree and his woodworking skills are amazing, very well done. Seriously thinking about another course - maybe to make a stool! Would definitely recommend this course as an introduction to woodworking"

9 Jul 17'

Jai Jacka reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The course is held in a truly unique and wonderfully peaceful location which obviates distraction and is conducive to creating. The small class size meant I had a good deal of one-to-one instruction as I progressed with my work piece and Sebastian was always available to offer good direction and guidance. After short introductions we got briefed on stone-carving tools, their uses and had a go at using them on a test piece of stone. Once confident, you could progress onto your own design and Sebastian was always on hand to guide you through the process, demonstrate techniques and provide encouragement. The two-day course allows plenty of time to get a good sized piece completed and it's a good idea to have a design in mind (or 3D model) before you arrive. There was no pressure and you progressed at your own pace. Tea breaks were at your own discretion and tea/coffee were provided. You bring your own lunch but the course sat down together which allowed time to discuss progress, techniques and get to know your fellow students. I really enjoyed the course, meeting our excellent instructor Sebastian and visiting his unique workshop. Whilst I didn't create a masterpiece I got a great deal of satisfaction from the course, met new friends and now have a real enthusiasm for stone carving which I hope to build upon in the future either on my own but most likely, returning for more sessions under Sebastian's instruction. If you've got an interest in stone carving I would strongly recommend you contact Sebastian and get on one of his courses. Great location, excellent instructor, great course!"

9 Jul 17'

Kate & Nicola reviewed: Pottery throwing day course in the South Downs

"We had an amazing day learning to throw and decorate pots with Rowena. She is an excellent teacher and communicator and we felt well supported by her all day. She is also a lovely lady who we enjoyed spending the day with too! We absolutely loved the experience of throwing and couldn't believe how much we learned so quickly. We made some lovely bowls and look forward to using these at home in the future. In the afternoon we also had the opportunity to make a plate using a mould and decorated this using the slip & decorative method of our own choosing. Thank you Rowena for a brilliant day. We hope to return again in the future."

9 Jul 17'

James Silk reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Cracking course - great, helpful staff, excellent equipment well worth it. If you're considering buying some handmade, why not save some money and get the satisfaction of doing it yourself on this course?"

9 Jul 17'

John reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Simon is obviously a very knowledgeable, skillful and patient teacher and craftsman who made my first introduction to woodworking yesterday, extremely fun and rewarding. I would have no qualms about recommending this introduction into the art of Bodging to almost anyone!"

8 Jul 17'

Pete reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I have spent a really enjoyable day today learning some of the basic skills of blacksmithing with Adrian and Andy, and benefited from Debbie's great food. Adrian gave clear demonstrations of technique, then sent us to go off and try for ourselves. It was fun bashing the hot metal into shape, though it would be hard work doing it for a living! Adrian and Andy were very patient and were always ready to assist and answer questions. Thanks very much - it was a great birthday present!"

8 Jul 17'

Esther Klein reviewed: Mosaic Summer/Autumn School (5 days) in the Peak District

"I've attended the week long mosaic course 5 times now and it never disappoints! Lovely surroundings, great tuition and never-ending encouragement from Peter, plus the most delicious lunches and teas from Alison - such a pleasure to surrender all your worries and commitments for 5 days and escape to another world and let loose your creativity. The atmosphere is so friendly and fun and yet, somehow, at the end of your stay, you have produced something you probably never imagined you could......! I would highly recommend a visit."

8 Jul 17'

Lucy K reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"My sister and I attended The White Candle Company's candle making course and thoroughly recommend it. We learnt a lot, made beautiful candles and other wax products to take home and just had such a nice day. Jo ran everything with ease and had the perfect balance between guiding you and letting you do it yourself and make your own decisions on options. Thank you so much Jo!"

7 Jul 17'

Beth Hudson reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"I have had a wonderful day! Raya is welcoming, warm and encouraging. With her guidance I managed to create a painting that I am so proud of. Thank you Raya."

7 Jul 17'

Claire reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I have done a couple of days course for fused glass in the past and wanted to brush up on what I had learnt and gain more confidence. Julie was excellent and passed on some great tips and is very nice and friendly!"

7 Jul 17'

Maria reviewed: Machine patchwork courses with Green Man Quilts

"Thank you Sheena for a fantastic year. I have gained an enormous amount of confidence not only on how to use my sewing machine, but to tackle the different technicks of patchwork and quilting, from a very unsure beginner to someone who can't wait for next September.....bring on the " pinwheels ""

7 Jul 17'

Tunisian crochet reviewed: Intro to Tunisian crochet

"Very clearly explained by gaelle. Very impressed with the result of Tunisian crochet. Could almost be mistaken for knitting. Look forward to another session with gaelle."

7 Jul 17'

Georgina Aitken reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"Spent the day with Mel on a recent holiday to Wales. As a mixed media artist with a little experience with encaustic techniques I was looking forward to spending the day playing. Mel was great, she was able to pitch the course to the level of my experience and my interests to ensure that I came away having enjoyed the day and having gained a lot of techniques and ideas to use in my own art. Thanks Mel for a great day"

7 Jul 17'

DAWN HAMMOND reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I have been on two of Barbara Meeks courses.....what an inspirational teacher/instructor. I have learned so much from Barbara and she has given me the confidence to work with and experiment with my own dogs Husky Wool using Wet Felting and Needle Felting techniques. I designed (with Barbaras help) a Nuno Scarf using my Husky Wool from each of my 12 Dogs.....just love it!!!!! I could not have achieved this without Barbaras clear teaching and instruction......EXCELLENT!!!!!! Will certainly be attending more!!"

7 Jul 17'

Lesley Strong reviewed: Stool making course at Sallerton Wood

"Absolutely brilliant 6 days in a fabulous woodland setting! Would highly recommend this course. Andy is an excellent tutor and I'm delighted with my chair."

7 Jul 17'

Ben Clay reviewed: Stonecarving Weekend, Gloucestershire Cotswolds

"The "hack away at a practice stone" was a great way to start without feeling concerned about diving straight into the creation of the (ahem) masterpiece to take home. One piece of advice: go with some idea(s) of what you want to create. Make sketches. I went with a complex idea for a sculpture in my head - far too ambitious! "What's your name and where are you from?" session could have been a little shorter. Not a serious problem and there is no button for 4.9 stars. It was a great two days switching off."