Latest reviews

29 Jul 14'

Chris and Jonathan Sowden reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An excellent course that we highly recommend. We were both complete novices. This was not a problem at all. The five people on the course each had plenty of room and lots of hands on metalwork. Adrian is a very clear and patient teacher. He guided us through our projects and we each came away with objects that we felt proud of. There was a warm, safe, friendly atmosphere to the whole day. Lunch was great, quiche, local breads and cheeses and a delicious raspberry dessert provided by Debbie. Once again a very good course that I will happily recommend."

29 Jul 14'

Susan Iwanek reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin is an awe-inspiring woodturner and also an excellent teacher who takes care to ensure his students actually learn and make progress. At the same time he has a great sense of humour and is great fun to be with. I spent three highly enjoyable days at his workshop improving the few skills I already had, learning new skills and techniques and improving my confidence considerably. I also appreciated his design talent which helped me make the best of the pieces of wood – one in particular quite exotic – that I took along. I feel now I can really make substantial progress back in my own garage and make my competence with handling wood come much closer to my passion for it. Many thanks, Colin!"

28 Jul 14'

Fiona S reviewed: Tapestry weaving workshop for beginners

"Another enjoyable course with Jane and my day's work was framed and hanging on the wall by bedtime. Good food as always and plenty essential cups of tea."

26 Jul 14'

Pamela Dale reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"This is a review of the nuno felting course held at the Botanic Gardens on 20th July. I had a wonderful day. The venue, weather, company and tuition were all excellent! Sarah is an extremely good teacher, very friendly and helpful, and the number of participants (6) ensured that we were all able to get Sarah's help when we needed it. I felt that I learned a lot and look forward to attending more of Sarah's courses in the future."

25 Jul 14'

Harrison Cox reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Me (aged 15) and my Grandad attended the course last February and it was great! We got to create 3 items (each) which turned out really well considering it was the first time Grandad and I worked with metal, so Adrian's tutoring must have been very good. Which it was. Me and my Grandad truly enjoyed the experience and the hospitality was great, and for the price it was, we got more than ours monies worth. We do recommend going on this day course as you will not regret it and you will learn lots of skills which are very useful, especially if you want to do Blacksmithing in the future."

24 Jul 14'

Kim Thompson reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I have been on another course and this was 100% better. Sakeena is a great teacher and I learned so much in one day as well as having a had great time. Perfect cominbination. If you want to learn to make candles this is the place for you."

24 Jul 14'

Shiralee Taylor reviewed: A rustic chair making weekend

"Absolutely brilliant weekend. Learnt so much and had a cracking time with Eoin and Gail (the instructors/tutors) and the rest of the students. Plus, I got to take home a chair that I made, from scratch. Our creativity was allowed to run riot and even though we made chairs the same way, all four of us went home with very different, but functional chairs. I'm still a bit in awe that I did it, a testament to the exchange of skills and knowledge from Eoin and Gail - it is very much a hands on course, and is full on, but worth every blister."

22 Jul 14'

Libby Hadden reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"This course is amazing, I would recommend to anyone that wants to know more about blacksmithing and try their hand at creating something of their own, mort is very talented and has a great way of teaching. Will keep my creations (knife and S-hook) for years to come."

22 Jul 14'

Lee reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Brilliant day! Had this day bought as a birthday gift and it was a gift that will last with me forever. Such an experience to try my hands at such a skilled trade. Seeing how Mort creates such amassing things was fantastic, you can really appreciate the art. Mort was a great teacher and very patient with a complete novis. Even on the hottest day of the year and then adding the heat of the forge he made time to help when things weren't going to plan and made the day very enjoyable. Made a great knife with a leaf pattern which I was very happy with. Would definitely do this again."

22 Jul 14'

Tony Kirtland reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Just finished a 2 day course with Colin. I started as a self taught beginner with bad habits and a complete lack of correct technique. I can honestly say I have had a brilliant 2 days being put right. He has a great relaxed manner of teaching and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also came away with some nice projects. Definitely recommended."

22 Jul 14'

Barbara Bryant reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"A thoroughly entertaining 2 hour session each time I go. encaustics is an amazing technique with always pleasing results........Not too hard for beginners and lots to learn for the more advanced. Phil is fun to be with and a brilliant tutor. Location is lovely!"

22 Jul 14'

Maggie Biddlestone reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"The course covered all that it claimed it would.Elaine is obviously a committed spinner and her enthusiasm came across in her tuition. Being offered a range of wheels to spin from was helpful also.The day was very relaxed and we were given plenty of time to learn to spin.Unfortunately I personally found it a lot harder than it looks and need much more practise before I master the art!"

21 Jul 14'

Pat Culley reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"Just back from my third encaustic wax session with Phil finding the time spent to be exciting and creative in a different sort of way. Phil is an excellent and patient tutor with a good sense of humour. I'm learning new techniques every time we visit, coming away with pleasing results each time. Thanks Phil!"

21 Jul 14'

Lorna Walsh reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"I showed up to the class with no knowledge of silver clay, or any idea what I wanted to make, and I came away with a keyring that I carry with me everywhere and enough confidence to try another project. Sara provides all the kit and know-how and, because she's an artist herself, she can help you design & create something special. I can't recommend this class highly enough!"

21 Jul 14'

Sally Newell reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"This is a review of the Nuno felting course held on 20th July. I really enjoyed the course and learnt a lot. Sarah is very easy going and a good teacher . She had ample supplies for us to buy and use if we needed them. Everyone else on the course was friendly and it was great to spend a day with like minded people."

21 Jul 14'

Lisa Butcher reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"Following my experience of the Introduction to Glass Fusting Taster session I haven't looked back. Totally hooked! You make three pieces in two hours - all of which you can take home with you after fusing in the kiln (so usually a week or two later). Gen is so patient with students of all levels and shares her extensive knowledge for those of you who are interested. Try it and you too will be hooked..."

21 Jul 14'

Laura reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I received this candle making workshop as a gift and I have got to say it was just as fun as I was hoping it would be. Sakeena was a fantastic teacher with a great humour which really made the day enjoyable! I've learnt a variety of techniques and how to use different waxes and scents and I am now planning to stock up on my own supplies in time to sell them for Christmas. This workshop covered so many different ways to make candles that I now have the confidence to start creating my own. Thank you Sakeena I will defiantly be back for the intermediate workshop!"

21 Jul 14'

Polly reviewed: A stool making day

"Had a brilliant day on a Stool making course run by Eoin with help from Gail. You couldn't ask for more helpful (or patient) instructors. Everything was explained thoroughly and then they just let you get on with it. There is such a sense of achievement to be gained from a course like this. Thank you for a wonderful day!"

20 Jul 14'

Guy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"We had a very interesting day at the Forge, and learnt a great deal about blacksmithing from Mort. Mort is a very enthusiastic teacher, and you get stuck into the practical side very quickly. Everyone came away with something they had made, which is a nice way to remember the day."

20 Jul 14'

Dominic reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I spent the day at Firebird Forge as part of a stag party of seven. Mort was able to get us all working within half and hour and coaxed some unexpectedly competent pieces of ironwork out of everyone by the end of the day. He is highly skilled, very knowledgeable and extremely engaging. We all had a fantastic day and now have a profound respect for the craft of Blacksmithing."

20 Jul 14'

Jamie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I went to Mort's forge for a stag do and must admit I was very unsure how the alternative to paint balling or go karting would go and was more then pleasantly surprised. Mort is a master crafts man with an impressive knowledge of blacksmithing. He explains all the processes and techniques very clearly, and even with 7 guys in the forge working at the same time, was able to get around to everyone and give advice and help when things were going wrong. Everyone walked away with something. Very worth while."

20 Jul 14'

Tim Cartwright reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fascinating! I am still amazed that I managed to make anything! Mort was the perfect tutor and was at hand to guide me through the processes that he taught us whilst we were with him. Watching Mort work was quite amazing, to create such delicate and intricate items out of a plain steel bar was a sight to behold, he also has some very interesting family history stories!"

20 Jul 14'

Henry reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I took 6 friends to spend the day with Mort. Great success. Mort's knowledge and talent was quickly evident but what impressed me the most was the way Mort treated a bunch of novices. After a quick but vital tutorial it was all hands on and everyone could work at their own pace. Nothing seemed too much trouble for Mort. Lovely setting. Fascinating workshop. We'll be talking about this trip for years. Many thanks Mort!"

20 Jul 14'

Sylvia Dodds reviewed: Amazing encaustic art day course

"I've been having lessons with Phil for the last few months, having never tried encaustic art before. I have found Phil to be a very involving and innovative instructor who can always find new ways to inspire and instruct a novice to create pieces of art. My sessions with him have enabled me to produce some works that have been admired by many. His sense of humour is infectious and makes the time spent learning with him a pleasure. I would highly recommend Phil's courses to anyone wishing to learn more about this absorbing art medium."

20 Jul 14'

Eileen reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very enjoyable day. Course itself was run in an accessible and informative way, left with ability to use the strategies straight away and with confidence. Candles made on the day were of high quality and the wide range of both styles and types of wax used added to range of experience given. I would recommend this day to those with a love of candles whether interested in making their own longer term (for themselves or as gifts to others or business) or just wanting to know more about how candles are made. It was great value for money."