Latest reviews

10 Aug 15'

John Flanagan reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"An excellent day picking up new skills and learning so much about stained glass work. Abby and Dan are great teachers and help out when things get tricky eg the soldering. And at the end, it was great to produce a finished glass panel that looks terrific in the light. Thanks Dan and Abby for a great day. So many more questions to ask now so I'll have to book it again!"

10 Aug 15'

John Gayton reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day and I was impressed by Colin's endless patience and enthusiasm for his work; also by his skills as a woodturner. I would certainly go back. Thank you."

10 Aug 15'

Robby Tucker reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Wonderful full day of learning. Knowing Dunja from the Beginners Course created a relaxed atmosphere. I learnt about the different ratios, thickness, different fleece fibres; how to comb, drum card, blend and so much more. I came away with lots of samples and my head full of ideas and enthusiasm to get going on new projects. An inspirational course in a marvellous setting. Thoroughly recommended."

10 Aug 15'

Dee Callaghan reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"Excellent in every respect. This was my second visit to Flux ‘n Flame, but my first summer school, which allowed more time to develop ideas. As always Jesa and Al were superb in their patience, clear explanations and general encouragement. I came away feeling that I’d definitely learned new skills and had the goods to prove it. Although I have to travel a great distance to get to Dorset, it’s worth every bit of the effort. I shall return!"

9 Aug 15'

Faustina Bayo reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I knew i was going to enjoy the day, what i didn't expect was how great the trainer would turn out to be. Simon was brilliant, he was very approachable, patient and definitely knows his stuff. What i created was beyond my expectations and i now truly appreciate the beauty and dedication that goes into every piece of product. I surely aim to go back. I will recommend my friends to book a session with him. Thank you for making my day and thank you for making me more interested in greenwood carving"

9 Aug 15'

Tom B reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Had a really fun day yesterday with Simon trying the Pole Lathe (#2899). The course was very well run and enjoyable, highlights for me were: 1. Teaching style, a nice balance of leaving you to try things and stepping in to guide when needed. 2. Simon's enthusiasm for all aspects of wood working and the forest (and interest to share knowledge) 3. Location, being in the forest for the course was very nice 4. Coming away with a nice finished product (a "dibber") after starting with no experience and a simple log was very satisfying 5. Approach to safety is sensible and clear without being over the top. Overall highly recommended."

8 Aug 15'

Gill Buckley reviewed: Glass Art - two day course in stained glass (traditional leaded or copper foil "Tiffany" technique)

"Matt is a wonderfully calm and inspiring teacher. She is extraordinarily patient and obviously derives joy from her pupils gaining confidence and skills. I had a real sense of achievement from producing my first piece of appliqué glass work that is now gracing my mantelpiece. She has much to offer the beginner as well as those with more experience within the visual arts. The surroundings are tranquil; I particularly loved sitting on the swing seat in the garden that reminded me of special moments in my childhood. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending her courses and tuition to anyone who wanted an enriching creative break and a time for rest for their soul."

8 Aug 15'

Lea Parkyn reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Glorious day learning a wonderful craft with a patient, knowledgable tutor. I really enjoyed understanding the journey from first shearing, preparing the fleece, carding, spinning, plying and then processing the spun fibre. Dunja is great host and I came away with a basic understanding of spinning and enough knowledge to progress. I recommend Dunja if you're considering learning this beautiful craft."

8 Aug 15'

Emma Delaney reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A wonderful day learning to spin. Dunja is friendly, helpful, patient and very knowledgeable about her sheep and her craft. We learnt everything from how to select fleece, to washing, carding, spinning and plying. So thrilled to have a skein of my own yarn to take home and play with, even if it is a bit full of 'slubs' (picking up the spinning lingo too!). I now have a great wheel from Dunja to start practising at home with. Tigger and Blossom (friendly cats) provided great entertainment, lunch was delicious and the views from the farm are to die for. A lovely day out."

8 Aug 15'

Philippa Neal reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"I had a lovely day with Mel. I was a complete novice so she took me through the basics of working with wax and iron and stylus, and using different papers and techniques to get different effects. I wanted to learn something new and completely different so Mel taylored it and it was a fantastic beginners introduction. A very relaxed day in lovely surroundings. The possibilities with encaustic art seem endless and so varied and it was great fun. I came away with some pictures that i felt very pleased with considering it was my first time. I would recommend the course to anyone wanting to try something different. You will definitely enjoy it!"

8 Aug 15'

Karen reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I bought a beginners glass blowing course for my Daughter's 14th Birthday. Ricky is a brilliant teacher with a very calm attitude. My Daughter has made some fantastic pieces and is looking forward to doing another course with Ricky. This course has made a lovely present for my Daughter and I've already recommended it to my friends as it was such a good experience."

7 Aug 15'

S Longhurst reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"My husband had a fantastic day and came home having made something quite beautiful. Thank you"

7 Aug 15'

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

"I attended the one day course today and had a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Alex's blacksmithing skills are second to none and his ability to teach blacksmithing to someone with no prior experience is amazing. Just the right balance of tuition and time for hands on practice. The fact that the forge is within Amberley Museum only adds to the experience. I cannot thank Alex enough for his patience and encouragement and I wholeheartedly recommend the course to anyone."

7 Aug 15'

Helen Moses reviewed: Mindful Mosaic workshops with Dionne Ible - Bedfordshire

"I first came across Dionne work when i visited her website a couple of years ago and was blown away by her work. The explosion of colour, vibrancy and energy which transmits from every piece of her work is amazing. Her work should not only be hi-lighted for it's place in the Multi-Cultrual Arts but also for her wonderful contribution to the African Cultrual Arts. She produces the most spectacular pieces of Mosaic Art and the only expression i could use, when viewing her work, is "WOW". Even-though i had previously attended a few Mosaic courses before, i decided that it was time to attended one of Dionne's workshops, which i did this weekend and i must say that i extremely happy with my course. The environment was warm, friendly, relaxed and fun. I didn't have any idea what i wanted to make when i arrived but i was soon inspired by a piece of Dionne's work and that soon got me going! Dionne is a great teacher and although she encourages her students to think about the textures, shapes, colours and designs for themselves, she is always there to help when you need it. I learned to do some things differiently to the way i was previously taught and this opened up my mind and inspired me to approach my work in a better way. I left the workshop with lots of new ideas! I highly recommend Dionne's workshops to anyone who wants to give it a go or to build on their skills. A Fantastic Course.....A Fantastic Tutor!!"

7 Aug 15'

Imogen Waller reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"This year was my sixth summer on the course, and remains the highlight of summer. I can't imagine not having it to look forward to! Jesa and Al are the best (and nicest!) teachers I have come across. Whilst they give the time and attention needed, what amazes me everytime that sometimes it only takes a few words or a few seconds to discover a new idea or skill. Awesome!"

6 Aug 15'

Cath Hughes reviewed: M

"What a fantastic day. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of it! Maddie was a great help. She was always on hand to give advice & give me confidence. Thank you. I will definitely be doing it again & will bring others along. I must also say I felt so relaxed when I got home, very therapeutic! Thank you"

6 Aug 15'

Julie smith reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Brilliant day! Ricky is an excellent teacher and I loved that us was so hands on. Can't wait to pick up my creations. I would love to do it all again."

6 Aug 15'

Margaret reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"A most enjoyable session . Inspirational use of wool tops which opens up a new world of texture and colour."

6 Aug 15'

Robert Cruickshank reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day, like being back at school doing metalwork, creating something. To be quite honest I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this day and it was chosen for me as a gift. I had a great time, there was great teaching and I was impressed that the teachers allowed us all to move at our different speeds, helping here and there and keeping the fires going, which must be tricky. I was glad of the leisurely progress, tea breaks, pleasant company and lunch break as it is quite hard work really. Highly recommended. "last mile" directions might have helped as our sat nav directed us to the village centre (about half a mile away) and then promptly lost signal."

6 Aug 15'

Moya and Sarah reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Both my mother and I received vouchers for Christmas for a day in the studio and were really looking forward to spending the day there. It was everything we could have hoped for. Relaxed atmosphere, great tuition, lots of materials to choose from, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you to Maddie for a lovely day!"

5 Aug 15'

Rhiannon Davies reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Fantastic day spent with Maddie and her friend Penny. My daughter and myself learnt a lot having no previous experience of mosaic before, we were taught how to cut tiles and glass, the difference between different surfaces, adhesives and grouting. As a result we both returned home with a lovely piece of work, pleased and relaxed after a great day. The workshop is in a beautiful rural retreat with a calming charm, just wish we lived a little closer to visit again. Don't forget to plug in the sat nav though ha ! Thank you for a lovely time you've inspired me ,I've been out to buy supplies already."

5 Aug 15'

Chris reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I attended one of Chris's one day spoon carving courses and LOVED every second of it! The woodland setting is beautiful, the course is excellent, Chris is a genuinely lovely guy with a natural teaching ability and made the day informative, interesting and fun! At lunchtime there was a really lovely ploughman's lunch followed by cake later on. By the end of the day I left with a spoon that I had carved myself, my head was buzzing with hints and tips that Chris passed on and I was even able to buy the knife and spoon hook knife from Chris to start me off with my tool kit. Worth EVERY penny, don't hesitate just book! :)"

5 Aug 15'

Oscar Gray reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Absolutely FANTASTIC 2 days! Nigel is a brilliant teacher with really clear demonstration of techniques and leaves plenty of scope for you to put your own twist on things. Really looking forward to going back!"

5 Aug 15'

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

"Great couple of days. Thanks to Tony's guidance started with ash tree section and came away with a long bow. Venue and food supplied by Annie also brilliant. Highly recommend."

5 Aug 15'

Josh Smith reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Highly recommend! I used to work in the wilkinson sword factory making knives and swords and I learnt loads with Mort, I found the forge well equiped and the day was brilliant fun, can't wait to go back."