Latest reviews

Terence sullivan reviewed: Wooden Pendant Carving with Giles Newman

"Just come back from a course with Giles and I must say it was absolutely fantastic. Giles and his lovely wife make you welcome and at ease from the start. The way Giles engages with you and how he explains the methods he uses are easy to follow. Never having done any wood carving before it was great having someone to encourage you and also taking the time to show you how to solve small mistakes was refreshing. Thank you so much."

Lawrence standen reviewed: Rustic oak garden bench - one day course

"Fantastic way to spent a cold winter day. A warm fire to walk to before starting then offerings all day of hot drinks. Then comes the course. A delight for any ecoerince of woodwork or enthusiast. Starting with making a rustic wooden mallet from locally sourced ash from bradgate making it with hand tools. Then making a stool with it and the tools from wood also sourced from bradgate. Help all the way and the experience of his carpentry skills and knowledge is incredible. Reccomend for all!!!"

Robin Chisnall reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Absolutely wonderful class in a charming setting!! This course can’t be faulted and I’ll certainly be doing it again along with several friends. Thank you for a fantastic day!!"

David Gavini reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"A fantastic course. Ricky was very attentive and patient with us. Would highly recommend to anyone who is tempted to get a taste of glass blowing. The class is very small max 3 so you get plenty of 1 to 1 time and benefit from learning more techniques as you get through the day."

Ken Charman reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Arrived at Firebird Forge through sleet & snow on 1st February 2019. A one to one lesson with Mort as a 70th birthday present. I had not done any blacksmithing since making a toasting fork at school in 1962. By the time I left I had produced a viking knife, a marine Ka-Bar style knife & my own blacksmith's tongs. I also left with a lot of new practical knowledge which scratched the surface of the blacksmith's skills. During the day Mort had taken me through the art of drawing out, upsetting, riveting, tapering, hole punching, hardening, tempering and the magic skill of forge welding. All this & the proper use of the anvil & its accessories, hand tools, especially hammers & power hammers, along with explaining the different types of welding, arc, mig & tig. He also explained the difference in types of iron & steel, based on their carbon content & how the molecules react to heat & hammering. I also managed to burn a piece of high carbon steel (ie it burnt in two, due to too much heat. Mort soon rectified my error and saved the piece. (more knowledge learnt from errors). We also discussed the various steels of the old sword makers. Toledo, Damascus (Wootz steel) & Tamahagane. Mort is a very knowledgable & highly skilled blacksmith who is passionate about his art. I went home with a lot more skill & knowledge than when I arrived. The following morning I knew I had had my monies worth. I was cream-crackered. Thanks Mort."

Bev reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Loved this course. Jo is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. She makes the course lots of fun, giving help and advice when needed. You come away with lots of beautiful candles/melts, all smelling absolutely devine as you get to choose the fragrance you want from Jo's vast collection. I would highly recommend Jo and this course to anyone, beginner or otherwise."

Jane Craven reviewed: Needle felted Dogs and Cats in Hebden Bridge

"Fantastic tuition, great atmosphere, thoroughly enjoyable course. Venue was easy to find with plenty of parking, beautiful building, hot drinks, fruit and biscuits provided by our lovely instructor Jo, will definitely attend more of Jo's courses, I was a total beginner but now have confidence to felt animals at home, brilliant!"

Isabel reviewed: Beginner's DIY Hand Sanitiser Natural Soap Course

"Had a very enjoyable experience, made better by the fact Roxana is very knowledgeable and experienced on the subject of soap making and is a lovely person too! A mixture of learning and practical engagement during the class, there was constant guidance throughout with the opportunity to ask lots of questions. As stated, good quality ingredients were used and choices to personalise the soap made. Very affordable and a great chance to learn the basics and an excellent foundation to do it yourself and start a new hobby. Would HIGHLY recommend."

Nigel Rees reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I had not done any woodturning before, until I spent the day with Bill in his very comfortable workshop, which I understand Bill built himself. It’s lovely and well equipped with woodturning lathes and Saws etc. I really like the kettle which appears to have no off switch. Bill found my level and would give me tuition then it was up to me to copy the demonstration he had just shown me. Time was never an issue and Bill has patience and extremely good depth of knowledge which he is more than willing to share. I had a great day and took my bowl home, which I was very proud off. I intend to go again, it was very rewarding, Thanks Bill."

Siobhan Robbins reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"I enjoyed a great day with Wendy on this full day glass fusing workshop. The studio is lovely and bright, and there are so many different materials and beautiful glasses to use. Wendy is a brilliant teacher, we started from scratch as I was a complete beginner, but I quickly gained confidence and am so pleased with the final piece I produced. Would definitely recommend and look forward to returning soon. Thank you Wendy!"

Siobhan Robbins reviewed: Fused Glass workshops at Bere Alston, near Tavistock, Devon

"I enjoyed a great day with Wendy on this full day glass fusing workshop. The studio is lovely and bright, and there are so many different materials and beautiful glasses to use. Wendy is a brilliant teacher, we started from scratch as I was a complete beginner, but I quickly gained confidence and am so pleased with the final piece I produced. Would definitely recommend and look forward to returning soon. Thank you Wendy!"

Mark Lerman reviewed: Jewellery Workshop ~ 3 Hrs ~ (Beginners & Refreshers)

"Booked a wire bending class as a gift for my mum. Nicky could not have been any better with her comunication and was also more than accommodating with the offer of several dates to suit us. Her gift certificate came via registered post quickly and was much better than all other vouchers I've recived in bith quality and presentation. E-mails with full course information were also sent in a timely manner.. As for the course its self. My mum had a brilliant time beong given excellent 1 to 1 tuition with nicky who is a highly attentive and patient instructor especially as my mum was a newcomer to this sort of thing.. All in all a brilliant experience with booking this class and a super teacher to boot..would definitely recommend booking classes with nicky."

JEWELLERY KITS & SILVER BITS responded:

"How wonderful that you are are so pleased with the booking system and voucher and that you are happy to confirm how much your Mum enjoyed the Jewellery Workshop too! The comments you have added are so complimentary, thank you for taking the time to add these. I really appreciate these, but it also gives others, that are considering booking a Jewellery Workshop with me, an idea of the standard of workshop to expect when they book on too. So, thanks again! Nicky Gee AET"

Joanna V reviewed: Leather Crossbody/Messenger or Tote bag

"I would highly recommend the Crossbody Bag course. Richard is a skilled, knowledgeable and patient teacher who gives invaluable guidance in order for one to make their own bag. This is the second course I have undertaken at his studio as I enjoyed the first one so much and gained so many skills. I now have a stunning bag which I was able to customise and tailor to my own preference. I look forward to using my newfound skills again now I have greater understanding of the craft. Thank you Richard!"

Josh reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"A thoroughly enjoyable day course. Thanks very much to Richard for a fantastic day - he is a great teacher!"

Jayne Wood reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I attended the business workshop on Tuesday 29th Jan, what a great course and Kerry was amazing, lots learnt and so friendly and a lovely warm welcome. Kerry has given me so much information ready to start my own business. Also continuing support through emails. I can't recommend this workshop enough. Thankyou Kerry."

Pam reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Excellent weekend, made to feel welcome from the moment I walked through the door. Angie is an inspiring tutor and imparts many years of knowledge and tips to help with chosen upholstery project. The accommodation and food were fantastic and the whole weekend felt like a retreat. Would definitely recommend."

Debbie Stevens reviewed: Photography Days

"Excellent enthusiasm and patience throughout my one day workshop. Would highly recommend them."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, Debbie. It was lovely to see the images you had been taken recently. We loved your dedication to getting up and out in time to catch the early light."

Cheryl reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I had an absolutely fantastic day. From the outset Richard was friendly, willing to help and answered any questions we had. The day started out with choosing the leather we wanted to use. Richard explained how to cut it, the different tools we should use, and the numerous ways we could customise the bag. We learnt how to cut, rivet, hand-stitch and burnish; (I've probably missed a couple of techniques off the list). We also received a list of places to where we could buy tools and leather for any future items you may want to make. There were endless cups of tea and biscuits too :-) I would recommend this course to anyone interested in leather or anyone who would just like to try something new; and the best part is that you create a high quality bag that will last for a very long time."

Jack reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The workshop was excellent, Richard has a wealth of knowledge and I learnt a lot from him throughout the 4 hours we were in his workshop. The materials and tools available were great and I was proud of what I produced bu the end. I’ll definitly be visiting Richard again to do one of his other workshops!"

Brooke reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Kerry was a fantastic fount of knowledge. I’d be making candles for a long time but very small batch for myself only and wanted to find out the technical formula as well as legal requirements and suppliers. Kerry generously shared all the information I need to get started in business for myself. I feel confident to dive right in now. Highly recommended!"

Maria Elliott reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"Ruth is a very accomplished artist and I learnt a lot during my 2 day course. Ruth was very accommodating when it came to my goals. I acquired new skills, learnt to handle different threads and fabrics and feel ready to explore by myself. It is good to work on a 1:1 basis with a tutor. Thank you for an enjoyable 2 days, Maria"

Claire oak reviewed: Stacking Rings Experience Session

"I would highly recommend this course ☺️ Absolutely fab tuition with helpful,friendly highly skilled staff 5 stars all the way ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Nicole Padmore-Cheesman reviewed: Natural skincare workshops at Touch of Beauty (full day)

"I had a great time with Sue during the workshop she is very friendly and full of excellent knowledge ..... she also modified some of the ingredients to suit my individual vegan and pregnant needs....☺️Which I was very grateful for ☺️ The workshops exceeded my expectations , the equipment, ingredients and information given was all clean , natural and very helpful. I went home with a bag full of goodies which I had made in the day which I’ve really enjoyed and felt the benefits from at home ...! I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to spend the day in a beautiful setting making amazing natural products and who wants to learn all the information and techniques to be self sufficient in making your own natural beauty and bath products....☺️ Thanks again Sue Much appreciated ☺️ Nicole ?"

Touch of Beauty responded:

"Hi Nicole, Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to meet you. I was glad that we could tailor the ingredients so that they were both safe as you are pregnant and also met your vegan requirements. That`s the beauty (pardon the pun) of making your own products, you choose what goes into them. Thank you for your great comments on the workshop overall and the venue. We feel it is the perfect place to spend the day enjoying learning and being creative. Take care and can`t wait to hear news of your baby when it arrives. Sue"

Lotti Rains reviewed: Glass Fusing for beginners

"My friend and I booked in for a one day copper foil two people course with this artist. We had a fabulous day, learned loads, had fun, created some beautiful pieces of art work. Gigha is a patient and kind teacher with a great sense of humour. Her workshop is warm and cosy full of her beautiful art works which give you so much inspiration. Thank you so much for a great day, we will be back again."

Jo Surtees reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I cannot recommend this course enough! As a keen basic sewer, I'd always wanted to try upholstery. This course felt like a mini retreat, from the moment I arrived I was made to feel completely at ease and welcomed into Angie's fabulous home. Angie's enthusiasm and and joy she brings to teaching and all things upholstery knows no bounds. I stayed at the house and enjoyed the most delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner in fabulous company (only available for the 4 days course) which again added to the whole wonderful experience. With only 3 individuals on the course, the teaching was near one to one and tailored to each of us. I learnt so much, not only from my project, but from also from my fellow course mates. Angie also went that extra mile to help me make up a "mock" box cushion for a future project. An utter joy, thank you."