Latest reviews

7 Jun 17'

Russ Brunt reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Loved it. This course was excellent, and a birthday present. Adrian and Andy pitched the course perfectly for us entry level starters and made every step achievable which gave you the confidence to 'hammer' on. Safety was paramount and the pace was just right. The food was delicious and plentyful, - all home made. This was a great insight into a dying art but for those bitten by the fire bug, there are additional courses to follow which I'm personally looking forward to such as bar-b-que tools day. We'll done guys, and we enjoyed the recommendation of the Old Farm House pub."

6 Jun 17'

Sarah Shelton reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Absolutely loved the course, Lucy is a great teacher. Classes are nice and small (only 4 on the upholstery & upcycling I attended). We all happened to bring a chair each but they were all completely different. Lunch (& cakes) provided were home-made and superb, we even sat outside to eat in the lovely garden. I enjoyed the course so much I have booked the Interior Design course!"

6 Jun 17'

Claire Walsh reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"Definitely recommend this course for both beginners and advanced upholsterers. The tutors are very knowledgeable and experienced. Great, friendly and welcoming atmosphere."

6 Jun 17'

CLARE POWELL reviewed: Crochet Courses, Beginners - Powys

"I started with the beginners course back over a year ago now, I am literally hooked, I have made many garments, toys and nearly finished the blanket I started at Christmas, I attend miss Gregory's classes regular and love the atmosphere, the help and of course the hooking. Highly recommend this course, nothing is ever too much trouble for Vicky, she will also advice and help through the week via email if needed x"

6 Jun 17'

Carleen reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Thanks for delivering such an enjoyable Course, sharing your knowledge and skill in such a beautiful setting. Feel so inspired!!"

6 Jun 17'

Jo L. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"I thought it was an excellent weekend and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hopefully I'll be able to learn something else from you in the future. Thank you Ruby."

6 Jun 17'

Paul Ballard reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day with a really supportive and professional instructor's , the whole day was really relaxed . You get a great feel of what it's like working as a blacksmith . The provided food was great , sooo much and very tasty From the moment you walk in the door you are made so welcome and it doesn't stop until the end of the day What more can I say , fantastic day and experience!!"

6 Jun 17'

Kim Gardner reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"This is a great course where the atmosphere is friendly and the tutors are very skilled and hands on. No matter what your ability this course will really give you confidence and skills you need to upholster your chosen piece of furniture."

6 Jun 17'

Heather Farrar reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"Excellent course. Very knowledgable tutors catering for all abilities. Good friendly environment. Very satisfying when you have finished your own unique piece of furniture."

6 Jun 17'

Lynda Harris reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"I joined Sharif and a group of people, none of us had ever done this sort of thing before. The instruction and patience shown by Sharif made the day very enjoyable and we all came away with a spoon, all varying shapes and sizes. I left at the end of the day feeling that it was the best 8 hours I had spent for a long time, a totally relaxing day. I would recommend this to anyone who is just looking for a different and fun day out"

6 Jun 17'

Gillian morris reviewed: Crochet Courses, Beginners - Powys

"I started with a beginners course, for 6weeks and haven't stopped crocheting since. I have done lots of blankets and a cushion cover, a basket and a beautiful bag. All taught by Vicky, who is a great and patient teacher."

6 Jun 17'

Tara reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a lovely day on the candle-making course with Jo - perfect setting & welcoming host, who answered any questions put to her. Made lots of candles in the time there, which look & smell lovely. Plenty of hints & tips given. And despite concentrating on learning, I found the session very therapeutic! Definitely recommended. Thanks Jo xx"

6 Jun 17'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had an excellent woodturning lesson with Mark last week. Actually it was third lesson with him. Since the last lessons two years ago, I have not had a chance to practice the skills which I had learnt from him simply because I have not had a lathe. The only way to remind them was to watch Youtube videos from internet. A few months ago, I bought my own lathe at last. I thought I could woodturn well. However, it was not that easy as I thought. Even though I could make beads and coves, I heard some unpleasant noise and felt heavy with my arms. I guessed I had done many things wrong. That was why I contacted to Mark for revision lesson. As I expected,his clear explanations and demonstrations helped me to do proper woodturning. Also he gave me an updated handout and shared what he has updated in the woodturning so far. Now I can woodturn quite properly(I guess.). Those noise has gone now and my arms feel light. Also my lathe and gouges are very happy with me. Haha. Thank you very much for your wonderful lesson once again. Hopefully I will see you in December. I must see you again because I need to develop more."

6 Jun 17'

Lucas Black reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A well paced introduction to blacksmithing and blade making aimed at the young and old alike. I was very happy with the entire day. From starting out on a fire poker to making a handled blade and then heat treating the cutting edge. I came away with a very useable knife."

6 Jun 17'

Sam Moore reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Had a fantastic day on Saturday with John and Steve. Will definitely be going back."

6 Jun 17'

Bernie J reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"Nicki's course was excellent because she loves to craft baskets and strikes an excellent rapport with her novice weavers. She is extremely knowledgeable and patient, particularly with me when I kept going wrong with the thin-to-thin weaving! The workshop is situated in a woodland and it was so peaceful and quiet that I came away really relaxed and happy and unphased by the prospects of getting stuck in traffic on the M25 and M4. As for my basket, I love it! I am so pleased and grateful I have have made something so beautiful and useful and it has definitely whetted my appetite to learn more weaving skills. Thank you Nicki!"

5 Jun 17'

Claire B reviewed: Silver Clay Jewellery - Textures in Nature' with Jo Dix: a 'Quirky Workshop'

"Thanks for a great day. The course was great but also the setting, lunch and gardens were equally enjoyable and all contributed to the lovely experience of the day. Thank you. I shall definitely return for another course and recommend you to fellow crafters"

5 Jun 17'

gretel emerton reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I were given this experience as a present by our youngest daughter. I must admit we didn't have it on our wish list, but we consider ourselves to be very hands on, having spent the last 5 years enjoying updating our property, so were intrigued. The location of Chris' workshop, although just a few minutes off the motorway, was beautiful. Lovely countryside and based on an idyllic little farm (now used as a cattery). Kind of just what you would expect a Blacksmiths Forge to look like. Chris was so welcoming and within minutes it was obvious that he knew his craft inside out and had a real passion, not only for his art, but for teaching novices like us. After a thorough health and safety brief and an introduction to the workshop we were off. I had no idea just how involved turning a piece of metal into a leaf key-ring could be, but between the fire and hammer blows we managed it, although it took most of the day! Chris was so obliging and helped us create some additional hooks for my husbands' workshop, plus some lamp holders for the garden, which we are both thrilled with. It was a full and enjoyable day, which flew by. Chris is a really personable and patient instructor and we came away with a real insight and respect for this wonderful traditional craft and the skills required. Forget the mass produced - stick with the real thing!! I'm looking forward to seeing Chris at the 3 counties showground and would highly recommend this experience - give it a go, or treat someone - you/they won't regret it!! Thanks again Chris."

5 Jun 17'

Lesley Holehouse reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Excellent learning experience and throughly enjoyable. What a Great team, Adrian and Andy never fazed at questions and hands on help. It's hard work but everyone on the course was happy to help each other and worked together"

5 Jun 17'

Di Platek reviewed: Zarzo Baskets

"Goodness me! What an amazing course and what an amazing lady. Nicki, it was lovely meeting you. I was a complete novice and not at all confident in my abilities. Nicki made me feel at ease and got my creativity out of me. With her brilliant instruction, I created something quite remarkable in beautiful woodland surroundings. What more could I ask for? Brilliant day had by all with such fantastic company. I would thoroughly recommend this course. I will be back! Many thanks."

5 Jun 17'

Mary Allison reviewed: Furniture Painting Course with Afternoon Tea in Sheffield by South Yorkshire Interiors Academy

"Did this course the other week. Had a good time and learnt some new techniques which I hope to use on some old furniture I found in the attic."

5 Jun 17'

Clair reviewed: Fused Glass Half Day

"I have now attended 2 courses creating pretty items, julie goes through the process thoroughly and then lets you loose with your imagination. Items are well available a few days later. Very enjoyable and a lovely lady too"

5 Jun 17'

Raz reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"I had such a pleasant and relaxed day. All areas were covered. This is the best course I have been to and cannot praise Sakeena enough. Excellent."

5 Jun 17'

Marc reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a very enjoyable day and managed to produce a number of pieces. Mort is clearly a very knowledgeable bloke and ensured we all left with something we'd made ourselves. I plan to go back again."

5 Jun 17'

Kate Bothwell reviewed: Needle Felting with FURZIE at The National Herb Centre, Banbury, Oxfordshire

"I really enjoyed my first shot at 3D needle felting, Michelle is a brilliant tutor - really knowledgeable and helpful. The quality and value for money of "the kit" was impressive with plenty of extra wool available if required. I would certainly recommend that anyone interested in this form of soft craft should give it a try - excellent value for money and a beautiful venue."