Latest reviews

16 Apr 15'

nigel reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"absolutely brilliant day, I would strongly recommend it. Mort is a great guy and an excellent teacher - I learnt alot and he helped me to forge things I would never have dreamed I could make !"

16 Apr 15'

Jackie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is a wonderful and very knowledgeable teacher and we are hugely proud of the beautiful things we made. I am especially delighted with a dagger/ knife with a tempered blade and elegant handle, very Game of Thrones, and I didn't expect to be able to make anything so impressive. It is also therapeutic to bash metal into shape! Highly recommended."

16 Apr 15'

Diane Page reviewed: Crochet course "Complete beginners"

"Gaelle advertised a one day "refresher" course which was just what I needed having taught myself to crochet many years ago and not quite sure what I was doing! It turned out that because someone had cancelled at the last minute, I was the only pupil. Gaelle kindly still ran the session which was brilliant. She is such a good teacher; very patient and answered all my questions. She gave handouts too which are very useful. I would thoroughly recommend her."

16 Apr 15'

Anna Ash reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I made the Iris boots and am so proud of them! Alison, Ami and Sarah were there with me all the way and helped me with such a sense of fun and companionship. They really are experts in this field. Especially Alison who knows her stuff from years of experience."

15 Apr 15'

Sharjah Noble reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Good opportunity to rejuvenate a piece of furniture of your own choice, a great amount of learning time and good, clear teaching from an experienced tutor. Thank you Pete for the opportunity and I have gained a new interest too. Looking forward to learning more and trying bigger pieces in the future."

15 Apr 15'

Catriona Head reviewed: Tilemaking with Richard Miller of Froyle Tiles

"A splendid 2 days with excellent demonstrations by Richard in parallel with hands on experimenting. Pre- prepared tiles enabled one to try different ideas. His talk on his own ceramic journey was inspiring. The fascinating informative factory tour was a stunning addition and put a whole different perspective on ordering a bag of clay. Many thanks to Potclays and Richard."

15 Apr 15'

Shelley Sheridan reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"I booked a workshop with Bridget for a birthday present for my friend and our two children. Really enjoyable day. Bridget guided us through a thorough introduction to silk painting and then helped us work on a group project so that we could "play" with all the techniques and see the effects of using salt, etc. - this was very enjoyable. After a lovely lunch of home-made soup, bread and a yummy slice of cake, we went on to produce our own designs. We were all very pleased with our results. It was great fun using a new medium and it is something I would definitely like to try again."

15 Apr 15'

Chris Elkins reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was a fantastic 70th Birthday treat. Adrian was the perfect host and teacher showing great patience and just the right level of assistance when needed. I am now testament to the fact that you are never too old to learn new tricks. My Wife and I were well fed in the Restaurant and regularly watered throughout the day, (most important with the heat and work). The result of my days effort now takes pride of place on display in our hearth. I would love to do it all again one day, and highly recommend it to anybody to learn more about this ancient craft first hand."

15 Apr 15'

Melanie Clarkson reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I have really enjoyed my day with Elaine, she filled the day with so much knowledge, practical advice and know how, I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn to spin. Very worth while."

15 Apr 15'

Simon J reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fantastic day! It was everything I hoped for and more, so much so I’m now trying to buy an anvil! Really recommend this to anyone who wants a good hands-on experience of blacksmithing. You’re working all day, well fed and get to keep what you’ve made all for a really good price. The teaching was really clear and I learned a lot in one day, couldn’t recommend this more!"

15 Apr 15'

Neil Tonks reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was given a days course as a Christmas present. Made a rams head poker and a plant pot wall mount. As an engineer i found it very interesting, in no time at all i was at the hot end and the whole day went by very very quickly, the skill and patience of the man is just amazing. If i am ever lucky enough to do it again iI think i may ask for the anvil to be raised. at 6ft 4 it was a bit low and although during the course it didn't bother me, it certainly did the next day, and the next. If your reading this and wondering if you should do it. Phone him and do it. you won't regret it"

14 Apr 15'

Alex reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a great day and was put to 'work' in minutes, made a Rams head poker with an attachment to open the woodburner plus some lantern stands for the garden. Tutorial style is very much talk, show, your turn, with encouragement all the way. Fabulous place to have a go at an ancient craft. Low tech, high skill, great fun."

14 Apr 15'

Jo thomas reviewed: M

"We had the most wonderful day with Maddie. I brought my son (11) and friend (14) and the 3 of us loved every moment. Maddie was incredibly patient and helpful, and showed us lots of new skills, allowing us to experiment with different techniques and mediums, all in the loveliest of surroundings in the workshop. We all ended the day with individual pieces of work that we were all incredibly proud of. We very much hope to make a return visit to Maddie very soon to continue learning about the wonderful world of mosaics."

14 Apr 15'

Sheila Parmar reviewed: Silver Ring Making - 3 hours

"Thank you so much we had a fantastic time making rings on Saturday in lovely surroundings and great company. Xenia was a brilliant teacher and explained each stage of the process of ring making really well. My sisters and I are looking forward to booking another workshop in the near future. This was a lovely birthday present for my sisters!!!!"

14 Apr 15'

Kimberley Ryan reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"I thoroughly enjoyed my spinning lesson with Mia. Mia is an excellent teacher very knowledgeable. The lesson was very well tailored to what I wanted to learn and was set in a lovely workshop with a very friendly atmosphere. I learned loads and I now feel confident and inspired to put it all into practice. Thank you"

14 Apr 15'

Martin Holland reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"One day course bought for me as a present by my wife. Slightly apprehensive due to slightly arthritic wrists and very cold day that I chose to attend! Once started the time flew, Alex kept me working hard and I didn't have time to think about how I was feeling. Good instructor and very supportive of my efforts and design chosen. Resulted eventually in the component parts for a section of a wrought gate at home. A robin sitting on a branch, with leaves, in a hoop of metal - all ready to weld into the gate. Came away feeling very chuffed with myself and proud of what I had achieved. Recommend it to anybody who likes to create beautiful items and fancies having a go in metal. It is great fun."

14 Apr 15'

Joshua Harris-Jones reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"This is an absolutely fantastic course that teaches a creative and useful set of skills, and does so in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Knife and axe skills are covered thoroughly and safety with tools is closely observed, which made me feel safe during the whole experience. Course notes are provided that cover all the essential information from start to finish, including choosing types of wood to use. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn a traditional (and practical) craft!"

13 Apr 15'

Vaughan Jenkins reviewed: StickMaking Classes/ Courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"Stuart, I am STILL waiting for you to supply the 2 honeysuckle twist walking shanks that I paid for at the course you ran in Cumbria. I trust that I shall receive them by courier within the week. Otherwise I will be forced to leave the appropriate feedback on this site."

13 Apr 15'

Nigel fry reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a one day course bought as a Father's Day present last year. I was apprehensive about attending the day but needn't have worried. Alex welcomed me and put me at ease straight away. It was a brilliant day and I made a plant hanger and 2 garden stakes. Alex was there to help and advise every step of the way. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone. It was just brilliant and Alex was extremely helpful. I would like to have another day there and hope I get another surprise gift this year to spend another day there5"

13 Apr 15'

David Wallace reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex. I made a flower pot stand and a couple of lantern hooks for the garden and was very impressed with the way in which Alex demonstrates the techniques used and does not let you stand about, you are shown and then it is your turn to imitate. I was amazed how quick you pick up the art of bending and curling metal with just heat,hammer and anvil. Brilliant day out for me and would highly recommend it if you want to have a go. I found it facinating and Fun."

13 Apr 15'

Richard Ord reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did this one day course together with my daughter. Alex was an excellent tutor and very patient! We made a poker and a candle stick which we are still very proud of. I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone trying it."

13 Apr 15'

Denise Cleary reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Really enjoyed this course it was fun and informative and came away with a transformed old pine box. I learnt that there is more to it than just buying a tin of paint and brush and slapping on, the technique and finish makes all the difference, and have had the confidence to attempt a bigger piece of furniture with very pleasing results. The "post-course" advice is also invaluable. Thank you Pete."

13 Apr 15'

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

"This was an excellent course that is perfect for people are new to blacksmithing. It was really good fun and has made me very interested in taking it up as a hobby. All your hard work hammering during the day is nicely rewarded by the amazing food you get during lunch and tea breaks. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone"

12 Apr 15'

Sally Scanlon reviewed: Make a beautiful felt bag in The Forest Of Dean

"I have now attended 3 of Christine's feltmaking courses and have enjoyed them very much. She is a great teacher who loves what she is doing. The workshop is in a very beautiful part of the countryside and it is lovely to escape for a day of creativity. There is a wide choice of materials to use and I have been thrilled with the the things that I have made. I am looking forward to the next course. Sally Scanlon"

12 Apr 15'

Louise Ratcliffe reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"came on the course with my mum who had been for a second time and it was brilliant. Everyone so friendly and helpful and I found it all really interesting. Great way to spend a creative day - I would definately go back and cant wait to see the finished pieces!"