Latest reviews

Phil Sutcliffe reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Just finished a great day of forging with Richard. Both my grandson and I, had a great day. Not only is Richard an excellent craftsman, he is also and excellent tutor. His patience and skill enabling us to make products we will cherish. Thank you Richard for a great session, already planning our next visit and looking for ideas for what to make."

Sue Hodge reviewed: Irish Weave, 2 days with Anna Turnbull in the Yorkshire Dales

"I throughly enjoyed my two day course at Broadrake. It was my first visit and l was blown away by the wonderful venue. The course tutor, Anna, was encouraging and patient giving clear instruction. Just what l needed whilst learning new techniques! I enjoyed being part of the group and will not hesitate to return."

Broadrake responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Sue and glad that you enjoyed everything Broadrake has to offer including the amazing views! We really hope to see you again at Broadrake for another workshop!"

Ian and Chris reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Huge thanks to Mort for a brilliant day! This is a truly hands-on course, so expect to be learning and practising the skills of Blacksmithing from the off. Come with some ideas about what you would like to make, because pretty much anything is possible. As total beginners we made and took home a log basket and fire tongs - far surpassing our expectations (and the expectations of those at home!). Mort taught us how to be safe around the forge and has a really engaging and empowering approach. We didn’t expect to have to have the opportunity to do a fire weld on our first course, or to make traditional decorative leaves, but Mort gave us the confidence to try out the techniques. We learnt a whole new set of skills and gained a real insight into the world of traditional blacksmithing. Highly recommended."

Firebird Forge responded:

"Thanks for the glowing review guys, much appreciated. All the best, Mort."

Jess Dennis reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A fantastic day with expert guidance and support from Martin. Everyone had their own workspaces and tools and all the equipment (glass, paint, brushes etc) was provided for. Martin's demos were super helpful and we had lots of opportunities to ask questions and get support throughout the day. It was great to have the freedom to experiment and make our own designs too! Thoroughly enjoyed the day and can't believe how much fun it was. I've now picked up yet another hobby!"

Manni Dillon reviewed: Cat's Cottage: one day creative writing & confidence building with Cat Weatherill

"Thank you for an amazing day! It really helped not just with writing poetry but also personally on many levels and I’ll always be grateful for that….I look forward to further opportunities to explore poetry and the story within with Cat…the day was varied, it flowed and at the same time it challenged me and that’s exactly what I needed to crack open my heart and let the words fly free xx"

Cat Weatherill responded:

"It was such a pleasure to meet you, Manni. Thank you x"

Gerard reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"The Mrs and I had a fantastic day with Iain learning the ins and outs of the stained glass craft. Great facilities with a very homely and welcoming touch! I highly recommend this one day course. A great thing to do as a couple!"

Blue Kite Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks Gerard, was lovely meeting you both. All the Best."

Gary Wilkes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Cheers guys for a excellent metal therapy day. Enjoyed getting close and personal with hot iron. Learnt a lot about the technique of manipulating metal with a hammer and an Anvil. Really enjoyed the experience of devouring a delicious crumble and custard in 30 secs. Great day all round."

Samantha Mann reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting Workshop (Introduction)

"Once again I really enjoyed this quilting workshop, part two of a two part course which aims to introduce students to the skills needed for mastering the basics of patchwork and quilting. In this session I learned how to create half square triangles and then how to finish off a piece of work with binding - something I really wanted to learn. The aims for the day were gorgeously ambitious in order to result in a very attractive and practical finished piece that could be used either as a tool roll, or to store a note pad and pens. I elected for storage for my notepad and will make good use of it. Deborah is welcoming and helpful and I look forward to attending further workshops with her. I now just need to find time at home to practice and cement the skills I have begun to learn. Thank you Deborah."

Mo Morton reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"I loved this mixed ability workshop. Coraline is a great teacher and facilitator, I was really pleased to come away with a mosaic of my own making and so much more knowledgeable about mosaic as a medium. I highly recommended it."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Mo, you’ve got a real talent for colour, lovely to have your kind and happy personality as part of the group. Xx"

Sarah reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Vicky provides a great mix of knowledge and information, hands-on practice, guidance and a free rein to develop your own creativity. She is really generous with her materials- we made two pieces each which I can’t wait to see! We will definitely go again but next time, I will spend a bit of time looking at fused glass creations online so I go with an idea of what I’d like to create. It really helped to have ‘ready-made’ pieces to look at the finished colours and effects, and to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks Vicky for such a lovely morning!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Always a pleasure to pass information on, in fact I guess it's probably too much sometimes....! It'll be good to see you again. All the best Vicky"

Lauren reviewed: Breton Style Basket with Windrush Willow

"I had a wonderful day with Richard and 3 other students making our first Breton style baskets. Richard was very knowledgeable, highlighting the H&S side of things but also teaching us the history and nuance around using willow for basketry. Thank you!"

Lisa Thoms reviewed: ZZZ Bangle Making Course in South Devon, Nr Ivybridge

"The Bangle Making Course was perfect in that it gave me time to hang out with a friend whilst learning a new craft and at the end we both had a couple of beautiful bangles. Would highly recommend if your looking for something different to do."

Amanda Lowdon reviewed: 1 Day Stained Glass Taster Workshop with Sandra Thistlethwaite of CoreGnome Creations

"Had a fantastic day learning how to cut glass, copper foil and solder. Sandra was supportive and very informative. The Artsmill Gallery was the perfect location. Highly recommend this course ?"

Artsmill Charity (Ltd) responded:

"Hi Amanda, So glad you enjoyed the workshop! It was really great to meet you and hope you come and visit us soon. Best wishes, Harriet and Sandra"

Sarah Canavan reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"My sisters and I attended for the day and it was excellent from start to finish. We cannot recommend it enough"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Sarah we enjoyed hosting you all for the day. You all made some wonderful items and some great memories too. Kind regards John and Jill."

Pablo Gordillo reviewed: Axe Making Class

"Great experience with Will but wow my hands are so sore now from hammering!! I would recommend this to anyone with an interested in blacksmithing and metal work."

Les Moss reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Travelling 400 miles was well worth it. Had a brilliant day with Ged making the stool. Very good approach to teaching his skills and made the whole group instantly connect with one another creating a really nice vibe. Met some wonderful people and I would definitely recommend his courses. Really happy with my stool"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Les! Hope to see you again on a course Ged"

Harry reviewed: Introduction to candle making workshop

"Really fun and engaging"

Bonita Candles responded:

"Thank you Harry. I'm really happy you enjoyed it."

Sue Evans reviewed: Animal clay sculpture workshops with Jill Collier

"Jill made us feel so welcome and guided us brilliantly as we made our sculptures. We enjoyed every minute and we're delighted with the resulting hares. Highly recommend this workshop."

Kit reviewed: Throwing on the wheel for couples, afternoon sessions

"We had a fantastic time with Geri; we were complete beginners, and she guided us to making some wonderful pots (some were better than others!) This session is really fun and very hands on, I would recommend to anyone is feeling creative."

Geraldine Francis Ceramics responded:

"I am so pleased you enjoyed your session. Your pots are drying out nicely and once trimmed will be off to the the kiln for firing. I will be in touch when they are ready to collect, more excitement in store!"

Lisa-marie Morgan-Edwards reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"First online course and first time book binding. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Everything needed was sent well in advance of the course, beautifully presented. Lorna was a very patient and informative teacher. Would highly recommend."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"So pleased you enjoyed the workshop - thank you for joining us! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Jackie Brook reviewed: 'Glass for the garden' with the Cheshire School of Glass

"What a wonderful day learning a new skill with Jen who was so informative and patient. This was a birthday presant and one of the best. The day went very quickly as it was so absorbing to be experimenting with the glass. One flower made and a glass panel which will be mounted on a metal support in the garden. We were four in our little group with two other ladies in another class making beautiful jewellery. I am inspired to book another day soon. Highly recommended. Many thanks."

Pam reviewed: Bring Your Own Upholstery Project - 1 day workshop - Week Days

"Really excellent workshop. Sarah is very knowledgeable and patient and guides you carefully through your project with full consideration of safety, both while you are working and in terms of the fire safety etc of the finished item. Upholstery is very creative (in terms of the output) but there is some serious hard work involved, at least on my restoration of antique pieces. Classes are small so there is a lot of individual attention and tailored support, plus lots of tea and coffee!"

Georgina Howson reviewed: Book binding - Zoom Saturday Morning Workshop

"Lorna was very welcoming and very patient. She gave alternative methods for some of the trickier parts of the bookbinding. Very comprehensive detailed kit sent out in the post before the workshop. Made a lovely hand-bound notebook which looks quite professional. Finished in time for a question and answer session which was very useful."

Crumps Barn Studio responded:

"Thank you for joining the workshop - so glad you are pleased with your new notebook! ~ Crumps Barn Studio"

Helen Allen reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"A fabulous morning spent creating our masterpieces under Vicky's attentive tuition. She helped and advised but allowed us free reign with designs and materials. It was great to be inspired by all the small pieces she has in the workshop. We'll definitely be back for more Vicky!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"And it'll be good to see you back! So pleased you enjoyed the morning. All the best Vicky"

Pat reviewed: Fluid art - acrylic pouring

"What a fun few hours! I did an acrylic pouring course with Eunice and had a great time. Eunice was welcoming and very helpful. I got extremely messy which was my own fault as I forgot to put any gloves on at one point! As a bonus I have two 'masterpieces', one of which will definitely grace one of my walls. Not only does Eunice teach what you need for the course but she imparts a lot of information to get you stared doing acrylic pouring at home, if that's your intention."

Eunice J. Friend responded:

"Thank you Pat, it was lovely to meet you for messy play lol. I hope you got your hands clean eventually Warm regards Eunice"