Latest reviews

11 Dec 16'

George Mew reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had a fantastic day on this one day course which was my birthday gift from my lovely wife .Colin made me feel really at ease and taught me lots of techniques and I was able to forge and bring away three items under his expert supervision.I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would really recommend this course to anyone interested in blacksmithing .Thank you very much for a great day. Regards George Mew"

11 Dec 16'

Sam reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our day. The location was lovely and the whole set up from tea and pastries to start, lunch and afternoon tea was wonderful. We were so impressed, we immediately booked another course. Many thanks for all the hard work that goes into running these courses."

11 Dec 16'

Fran Chandler reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"14 years ago my parents brought me a ring for my 21st birthday from a small independent gallery that I absolutely adore. I wear it everyday and I get so many compliments about it. My younger sister got engaged last year and she said she'd always wanted a ring like mine. So, we headed over to North Wales and spent some time with Lucy whilst she decided what was right for her. We had such a lovely afternoon in the workshop with Lucy in her simple and idyllic surroundings and whilst there discovered that she offered jewellery making workshops. We decided to come back with our older sister and spend some quality time together learning a new craft. Well, what an experience! It was incredible. As complete novices I didn't expect to be able to produce a piece that looks professional and I can actually wear- but we all did! The time spent under Lucy's guidance was enlightening, empowering and great fun. She is an expectional teacher, a truly gifted artist and an inspirational women. We had a wonderful day, channelling our energies into producing 3 utterly unique pieces that took much intricate detail and work. Lucy allows you the freedom to 'own' your piece but her close guidance ensures that you still produce quality. I was heavily pregnant when we attended the workshop and as I wear my ring I wil always have a special associationin relation to to the precious time spent with my sisters and the imminent birth of my beautiful daughter. Thank you Lucy."

11 Dec 16'

Barbara Ngai reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I had a great experience, with patient ,professional guidance from Lucy, who had given me practical advice on getting supples, and accomodation in area , as well as a pickup service from train station (as I came from London). I'm a rank amateur, with very little experience in silver smithing , but a lifelong interest in design and crafting. With much assistance , I can away with a lovely memories of the charming workshop and a pendant which will be much treasured ! I also discovered another extraordinary connection with Lucy family,in my childhood, spent in Northof England,my sister and I had portraits painted by Lucy's grandfather Stanley Royle. He had been a patient of my father and Stanley had been requested to paint us a children ! We both currently live overseas."

11 Dec 16'

Lynn Faulkner reviewed: Weekly upholstery workshops with Cherry Dobson

"Cherry This is the first chance I have had to get back to you. I wanted to thank you for the fantastic course that you ran last week. I learnt so much and was so pleased with my creations by the end of the week. Lynn"

10 Dec 16'

Anne-Mieke reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"After doing a part time course at Burmingham school of Jewellery I carried on making the odd piece of jewellery at home. However, I felt I needed more guidance and found Lucy. I spend a day making 2 silver serviette rings together with Lucy. She was so knowledgeable but also hands on. She taught me while making me feel I was in charge of my own experience. No challenge that day was too great, and we had a few. But most importantly she gave me lots of confidence to carry on making silver jewellery at home. I am already thinking of another challenge that I could share with Lucy."

10 Dec 16'

Wendy Johnson reviewed: Willow Christmas Reindeer

"Had a lovely day with lovely company. Started the day in amazement thinking I would never achieve the finished product, but with Victoria's guidance, we soon had something recognisable!"

10 Dec 16'

Mark Eden reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had an awesome day, blacksmithing with Col! We have come away having had lots of fun and hard work with a plethora of weird and wild things made of metal! Colin is a wonderful teacher who is supportive, attentive and enthusiastic-if you think you've had a disaster, he just goes with it and comes up with innovations to improve the original! So, we've got lots of hooks, fire tools, key rings, a toilet paper holder, a toasting fork, candle holders, wine glass holders and an amazing one handed bottle opener, as well as projects to be continued!"

10 Dec 16'

Suzy reviewed: Fused glass jewellery - weekend 2-day course - Develop your glass jewellery making, design and cold working skills

"This is my 3rd course with Eleanor and as usual it was excellent. She is a friendly and knowledgable tutor and has a wealth of knowledge that she eagerly shares. She guides without influencing your work so the pieces you create are yours and original. There is an abundance of materials you can have a go with, so all you need is a bit of imagination and you are set. I would encourage anyone who has thought about trying to make jewellery to go and book a course with Eleanor. I had a brilliant time."

10 Dec 16'

Bev Wilson reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"WOW! If you're wondering/contemplating...stop and book it NOW! If I can do it, so can you! What a fabulous weekend! It was fun, rewarding, relaxing, stimulating (can it be both?-yes it can apparently!)exciting, therapeutic...just wonderful. I shouldn't have put it off for so long! Karen is a fab teacher and everyone on the course was so friendly and kind. It was great to be learning and achieving in such a lovely nurturing environment."

10 Dec 16'

Natalie Stanier reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"I can't recommend this course enough, I had a fabulous 2 days, the Craft barn is lovely venue for the course the log burner kept us toastie & warm. I had lunch both days at the visitors centre which was great. Sue was a fantastic teacher & made the course exceptional & I was so pleased with the Reindeer I made its something I can treasure for years to come."

9 Dec 16'

Garry Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a fantastic day learning basic blacksmithing from Chris and would recommend anyone to book a lesson. Chris is happy to answer any questions about smithing and gives a choice of things to make in the afternoon. Time permitting. Couldnt ask for a better teacher. Will book again in the future."

9 Dec 16'

Shauna Fitzpatrick reviewed: 1 Stone setting ring beginner course

"I really enjoyed this class. Sarah is great at setting you at ease and giving you the confidence to get hands on straight away. She's encouraging and patient and is clearly a very creative and knowledgeable jeweller. She did warn me that it's addictive and from the very start I was hooked. I will be recommending her and her courses far and wide and will certainly be back for more. If you want to get stuck straight in without having to attend hours of night school and want a fun, creative afternoon or two, I would highly recommend Sarah. It's a real blast being able to wear your beautiful piece of jewellery home."

9 Dec 16'

Andie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I arrived fairly trepidacious as I'm small female and well over 60... but I had an absolutely brilliant day. Mort suggested gently that I could attempt something far beyond my expectations and with his patient help and encouragement I brought home a beautiful door knocker that I would have been delighted to have bought at a craft fair. I learnt so many techniques from scratch, and loved stoking the fire and hammering with all my strength. As for the fire welding, white hot and showering sparks, it was thrilling and magical. Top it off with his stories and historical knowledge, I had a fantastic time."

9 Dec 16'

Meg Serjeant reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"I so enjoyed this course! Despite having never modelled/sculpted in clay before I found the course a revelation. Karin is kind, patient and calm, even when things go wrong and she shows you how to remedy problems. I eventually produced a head of which I was proud, and having found the whole event warm and friendly, and the weekend went by so quickly, it was sad to leave at the end! I would definitely like to do another course next year and would recommend it to anybody."

9 Dec 16'

Peter Stothart reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"This course exceeded all my expectations. As an absolute beginner I was afraid I'd be out of my depth. But thanks to Karen's encouragement and relaxed tuition I actually produced something I'm quite proud of. What a lovely surprise to discover something that I can enjoy improving for years to come. Loved every minute and will be back soon."

9 Dec 16'

Jane howe reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I had a great time on the weekend bag making course. It was fun, very well organised and the teaching was excellent. I was amazed that I had made a beautiful leather handbag at the end of the two days. I would highly recommend the course."

9 Dec 16'

Shells Patel reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A wonderful day.....creative and cathartic at the same time . Learned loads....made new friends and thoroughly lived Caroline...who is not just superb at what she does but is also a great comedienne. ...so much fun and laughter ......and went home with a piece of artwork . I'll definitely be returning and would recommend to everyone ."

9 Dec 16'

Joe Gilmour reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"What a lovely day I had on the gypsy basking weaving course with Sally Anne. The course was well organised and very interesting. I have always wanted to try willow weaving, and was not disappointed when I finally got the chance. It is not easy but, with Sally Anne's encouragement and great teaching, I have made a willow basket I am proud of (when I look at it now I still can't believe I made it!)."

9 Dec 16'

natalie reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Thank you Ruby for such a lovely weekend. I really felt the benefit returning to work on Monday, it's been far too long since I've sat round a fire in the woods! You're a very natural teacher, and I'm so grateful to you for passing on your crafts and knowledge."

8 Dec 16'

Jo Harris reviewed: Clay life modelling weekend with Karin Ort

"I've done a few courses at the Phoenix Studios now, but I always come back to this one. The guidance is excellent, the models are always top notch and the Studios themselves are just the nicest place to visit and create in! I can't recommend this course more highly - Karin is a wonderful teacher and I've never seen anyone go home with anything less than brilliant work - even those who've never tried sculpture before! One warning: it IS addictive..."

8 Dec 16'

Cari Dawson reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Excellent course, the best I have been on so far, very good tutoring on a tricky design of chair! Do expect to work hard, but hugely satisfying to take home your dream chair. Lovely lunches, and most important plenty of tea and biscuits. Try a course, you will not be disappointed!"

8 Dec 16'

richard martin reviewed: Glaze Application with Kevin Millward

"I attended this course on 1/12/16. Kevin delivered a detailed and at times amusing course which I found extremely helpful. Not much time was left for inspection of my own examples of glazing disasters at the end but throughout the day Kevin had painstakingly and generously answered many questions from the attendees. I am still trying to locate an authentic "pint weight" measure ! I hope to register for one or both Kevin's throwing courses next spring."

8 Dec 16'

Sarah Jane Beaumont reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"Venue was lovely. Michelle was helpful and patient. I really enjoyed learning a new crafting technique, so therapeutic and the day flew by!"

8 Dec 16'

Alistair Kirk reviewed: Greenwood stool making courses at Greenwood Days

"Peter Wood is one of the best craft teachers I have experienced. His Windsor chair course is educational, fun and immensely satisfying. I was a little apprehensive before the course with the prospect of using "primitive" tools (pole lathe, draw knives, adze, etc.) to make the chair but with Peter's guidance and a bit of work I am extremely proud of the end result."