Latest reviews

6 Jul 14'

Jane and Steve reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I booked this course for a birthday gift for my husband and we weren't disappointed. Nigel was a perfect tutor; informative and patient. He was keen to pass on his knowledge and inspired us by talking us through his own sculptural creations. We had a wonderful day learning new processes and techniques and I'd thoroughly recommend this to any one/couple who enjoy learning practical skills. Thank you Nigel, the sculpture of the Bullrushes looks amazing and nobody can quite believe Steve made it!"

6 Jul 14'

Dianna reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Thank you so much for a really super day, and an amazing end product - my husband cannot believe that I actually made the bowl myself. I have never known a day to go so quickly. Please also thank your wife for the lovely lunch. I am sure my son would like to come so will contact you when I know that he will be available as he lives in London. Thank you once again for a really lovely day. Diana"

5 Jul 14'

Neil Harris reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George Just wanted to say thanks for a great days tuition (Sat 05 July), I have learnt so much! Having never turned a thing in my life I was amazed that I was able to take a finished piece home - a lovely walnut bowl, now pride of place on the coffee table! So glad I booked up for the day, looking forward to putting it into practise now. Say thank you to your wife - lunch, coffee and cake all much appreciated! Thanks again George, hopefully be back soon to show you how I am getting on! Neil Harris"

5 Jul 14'

Joann Boxall reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"What a fantastic couple of hours. I learnt loads, the farm and workshop were lovely and the alpacas too. Mia was a great teacher and very friendly."

5 Jul 14'

Ruth Puxley reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"Thanks for a fabulous lesson can't belive how fast the morning went and how much I learnt i recommend any of toni's classes she is an excellent teacher"

4 Jul 14'

Fiona Campball reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Hi George, Thanks so much for a truly inspirational and rewarding day. I was amazed at what we achieved, even as complete beginners, and we have now been bitten by the woodturning bug! Thank you both for making us so welcome, and giving us such good teaching with such a successful outcome. We will let you know when we are about to start dealing with our massive fallen turkey oak – poor thing has sprouted, because some of its roots are still in the earth! Thank again so much best wishes Fiona"

4 Jul 14'

Jenny Edwards reviewed: Glass Fusing Course for beginners

"I attend a glass fusing one day course just before last Christmas and managed to make 6 candle bridges as presents. Richard gives good clear instructions in a relaxed atmosphere, lots of help and guidance even looking up ideas on the internet for inspiration. I would recommend this course to anyone - even if , like me, you have no artistic ability, you can produce something beautiful that you can be proud of. Would be a great idea as a gift for that hard-to-buy-for person."

3 Jul 14'

Lisa Farris reviewed: 1 day traditional silver jewellery making course for beginners

"This is my third course at flux n flame I love this place it's such a great atmosphere to learn in. The tutors always help you make the piece you want. I would go every week if I lived closer :0)"

3 Jul 14'

Doug reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Brilliant. Greystoke Cafe is a beautiful venue, the sun shone both days (which I guess doesn't happen every time) and Annie and her team kept us supplied with lovely food and drink. Tony is a great teacher - explains everything clearly, let's you get on with it and steps in quietly when the grain gets the better of you. I enjoyed it very much."

2 Jul 14'

Nicky anderson reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"I can only reiterate what others have said. After wanting to 'have a go' at some silver jewellery making I found Jesa and al's course and signed up with my mum. We thought we would be simply making the same as everyone else on hour 1 then realised the 'world is your oyster' and Jesa and al will help you to create something beautiful even if you are not hugely creative. They are both endlessly patient, supportive, helpful, creative and what they don't know about silver smithing isn't worth knowing. Once you join you will be hooked! We are now in year 2 and so look forward to each term and class! Highly recommend"

2 Jul 14'

Lynda Hill reviewed: Nuno Felting & Up-cycled Waste-Coat

"A great introduction to felting with clear instructions and explanations, plenty of samples for inspiration and friendly company. I've been wanting to have a go for ages and now want to do more! Thanks"

1 Jul 14'

Mike Weston reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"A very enjoyable day spent with a very talented tutor Chris, I spent far too long chatting and not enough time carving my spoon, but hey isn’t that what ‘whittling a stick’ all about? Chris encouraged us to try all the techniques with a wide choice of tools so we could find which worked best for each of us. I left with a spoon shaped piece of wood and a great deal more understanding of the carving techniques needed to finish this off and today I have just picked up a couple of carving knives to add the ‘finishing touches’ to my very own spoon. If you want to see some examples of Chris’s spoons; pop into Saddleback farm shop on the B4494. The woodland location was also superb with Simon keeping us well watered with hot drinks off the fire burning in the background. If you are in need of a Stress Detox day- book yourself on a course you will not regret it. PS good luck with the George Lailey project Simon."

1 Jul 14'

Matt Smith reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"Two of us attended the one day spoon carving course at the Vallis Green Woodworking site on Snelsmore Common near Newbury on 26th June 14. Both Simon and our instructor Chris were enthusiastic and keen for us to learn and enjoy our day as much as possible. We both left at the end of the day with the knowledge to choose a suitable piece of wood and the skills to produce a spoon. What a brilliant day which has inspired me for more."

1 Jul 14'

Heidi reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Spent a fabulous Sunday learning all about spinning from Theresa George. Theresa is a brilliant (and patient!) teacher and I would definitely recommend her course. She knows all about the different sheep and their wool and was able to give me loads of helpful tips for the whole process from raw fleece to finished yarn. I came away from the course not only with a lovely usable skein but with the confidence to continue spinning at home (as soon as I've talked DH into buying me a spinning wheel for my birthday!). Thank you Theresa!"

30 Jun 14'

Lucy Sims reviewed: 1 day traditional silver jewellery making course for beginners

"Well, what can I say, I loved every minute. I made two beautiful unique pieces of jewellery and can't wait to come again. Heidi was a great tutor so helpful and friendly. Thank you Flux n Flame for a fantastic day."

30 Jun 14'

Abi Baxter reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I booked on this course for my husband's Christmas present and we booked a course for June. We were greeted with cups of tea and homemade biscuits on arrival which we had while Adrian went through all the health and safety information and explained what we would be doing during the day. We had a demonstration of our first project which was very well explained but not as easy as it looked when an expert was doing it! Once we had finished our keyrings we had a break for tea and homemade cake before getting onto our next project. Again, the demonstration was very good and Adrian came round to each of us to give us tips and help where we needed it. By lunch time we had completed a leaf hook and we were all really hungry ready for our lunch. The food was very nice, all homemade and local produce. After lunch we were onto our final project for the day, a coat hook with 3 hooks. This project was demonstrated with some different techniques including riveting, but we weren't following a set design this time and could add our own design to it. Overall the day was very enjoyable and we came away with 3 finished items each. We knew it would be hard work physically but it was also really tough to get the metal to do what you wanted it too! Adrian was a very good instructor, friendly and very patient with our beginners skills! The food was all lovely too. We would recommend the course, it was definitely value for money!"

30 Jun 14'

Roger Williamson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very good, informative and professional course balanced by friendly and enthusiastic tuition. Impressed by the scope of work carried out here alongside these courses, obviously this work is sought after and I have seen many examples in the area and in outlets. We produced useful items to take home. Plenty of tea/coffee/ refreshments during the day."

29 Jun 14'

Amanda Tomlinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Most fun I've had with my clothes on as they say!! A relaxed educational experience and it was so refreshing to be able to put any 'mistakes' back into the fire . . . and start again. The food was also worthy of note - absolutely gorgeous and very plentiful. Debbie and Adrian make an exceptional team. A course voucher makes a different and interesting gift appropriate for almost any adult. You do need to be reasonably fit but Adrian helps anyone who is struggling (me!) Unreservedly recommended."

29 Jun 14'

Brian Hammond reviewed: 2 day traditional silver jewellery making course

"Excellent tuition and advice from Jesa and Al. As always I come away having learned new aspects of Jewellery making This is my 5th visit and I will return in the near future."

29 Jun 14'

Adrian Fox reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Wow! What an amazing day. After a welcoming cuppa and fantastic cake, a quick H&S briefing and down to business. The step by step instruction from Adrian is paced just right for all, and a helping hand if you need it. On top of all that the catering is delicious, homemade and locally sourced. I can't wait to go again!"

29 Jun 14'

Matthew Richardson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day. Adrian is an excellent teacher the course is fun well paced and really enjoyable. I was amazed at how quick you start making your own items. The food and refreshments provided were delicous. I would go on the day again just for the sheer fun of it."

29 Jun 14'

Jack reviewed: Timber framing courses

"Great course! It's taught in a great hands on and relaxed style so you can get good practice in with tools and techniques. To top it off you're in a beautiful woodland with great food and company!"

29 Jun 14'

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

"This was a fantastic course in a great location with very accomplished and friendly instruction. As a complete novice I was able to produce a bag that I am happily using and that has already received some great comments. No amount of 'googling' or 'youtubing' is a substitute for the type of hands-on experience that this course offers, and the opportunity to ask questions as they occur to you is invaluable. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others. Thanks Gaynor and Enya!"

28 Jun 14'

Jessica reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I really enjoyed my day with Sakeena at the candle workshop, it was really fun and relaxing at the same time and I learnt a lot. I went on my own but I can imagine it would be a lovely thing to do with friends as well. I will definitely be looking out for more classes to do with Sakeena! Highly recommended :)"

28 Jun 14'

Mandie Fountain reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Had a wonderful day learning all about spinning and we even had the chance to meet the sheep the fleece we working had come from. Theresa is lovely, really friendly and patient she is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. I can't believe I actually went away with a skein of wool at the end of the day. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about carding, spinning, plying etc. The day was great fun, we laughed pretty much the whole day and am now inspired to carry on and perfect what I have learnt. Theresa has lots of plans to develop her lessons and supplies and will be going again soon, once I have had chance to practice what I learnt yesterday."