Latest reviews

19 May 18'

sara Beevis reviewed: One day fused glass course at North Norfolk Stained Glass

"I was completely new to this art and completed an amazing piece to display at home. Lovely, friendly, relaxed environment in a beautiful setting. Natalie and Paul are a great couple and make you feel welcome in their home. I will be returning to learn more skills. Thank you. Sara."

18 May 18'

Sue and Ron Owen reviewed: Stained glass for beginners - two day workshop

"What a fantastic 2 days we have had with Jan and Alison. The course was amazing! We learnt how to make a stained glass window, from learning how to use the tools, choosing and cutting our glass, cutting our lead, soldering and onto cementing and polishing. The finished pieces were beautiful we are both vey proud! Thank you to Jan and Alison for your wonderful tuition and patience! Cannot recommend this studio highly enough but beware it's addictive!! Glass fusing next for us!!"

18 May 18'

Genette Flynn reviewed: Machine made lined curtains

"Janet has taken me for two courses now. The first with a friend, the second one was on a one to one basis. The first course was called - 'Curtain making to a Professional Standard' I think, & it was very informative. I am the sort of person who learns by doing things myself, it was so helpful that we made a dummy curtain on the day, all the while following Janet guidance and her thorough notes which she gives you to take away. The second course was a Roman Blind making course to make interlined blinds, which was also extremely good and I now feel confident that I can go away and make a Roman Blind from scratch with the aid of her notes and the dummy blind we made. Janet has made an easy to follow excel spreadsheet for both of the courses which help you to calculate how much fabric is required for different types of curtains and also for the Roman blinds . I have saved a fortune making curtains and blinds for my new home - just the Roman Blind alone would have been over £600 if I had gone to John Lewis - and that was a quote NOT for interlined blinds! By going on her course it has cost me a fraction of that price to make one myself, and I have the knowledge forever! Janet explains everything well and also the reasoning behind it. She is very personable and her classes are held at her lovely home in Sale which is very handy for the motorway. I live in a suburb of Liverpool and it took just 45 minutes to drive there. I would highly recommend taking the time to go one one of Janets courses - for making your own curtains or if you are thinking of starting up a small business."

18 May 18'

Rachael reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"I had a wonderful time starting my project on lucy’s course. It was a relaxing and informal day. It was great to see other people’s different projects to get ideas and inspiration. Although my project was too big for a day course, I left with the confidence to finish it at home. Thank you Lucy"

17 May 18'

Nick reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I attended this course in March 2018, as an individual who had done a fair bit of DIY, but never any genuine carpentry. I'd always wanted to do some "proper woodwork", and follow in the footsteps of my father and grandfather. I felt like I learned an amazing amount during the week, with patient and friendly support from Mark and Richard, who were both fantastic. They have a knack of passing on the knowledge and techniques required to achieve a good standard without ever taking over the project and doing things for you - I can look at the step-stool I produced and know that I made every part of it, which is a great feeling. All in all, it's a brilliant way to learn about woodwork, and I'd recommend it to anyone. All of the above is reason enough to attend the course, but there was another aspect for me that was just as important, and that's the feeling I got from spending a week in a lovely part of the country, with great people (both students and tutors), learning new skills, and putting them into practice to produce a tangible and beautiful thing. It was truly inspirational; not a moment of stress and completely enjoyable from start to finish. It's a rare opportunity to spend a week like that, and I for one feel lucky to have done so."

17 May 18'

Mike Sweeney reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"Well taught, well organised, well demonstrated, well done!"

17 May 18'

Ian Dickinson reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I did Ade's intro bowl-turning course at the Bodgers Ball in 2018, and it was excellent. Ade was a very capable teacher, and by the end of the day everyone in our group had a product they were pleased with, and had had a great time doing it. Some standouts for me: * Ade was very adaptable at helping people who needed a bit of extra attention, while giving others space to "get on with it" when they were in their flow, and issuing challenges and stretch goals to people who were ready for it. * great attention to health and safety, which is really important when you're handling super-sharp tools * clear process for everyone to follow from "log" to "bowl" * excellent tools and equipment. No wobbly lathes or blunt tools here! In summary, I was really happy with my day, and would heartily recommend Ade's course."

17 May 18'

Margaret Winskill reviewed: Silver Clay Beginners Workshop

"What a fabulous day! Relaxed but highly informative and I am now the proud owner of earrings and a pendant. I have truly amazed myself at what I have achieved with the aid of a very skilled tutor. A huge thank you Marianne!"

17 May 18'

Maria reviewed: Make a colourful ‘Houses’ fused glass wall plaque 12” x 4” with Matt Sorrell

"Thank you Matt - had a brilliant afternoon. Will definitely do another one!"

17 May 18'

Martin Blyth reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a really great day at the forge, right from the start of the day to the end it was very well organised. Great welcome from Debbie with a cuppa and cake, atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Once Adrian went through the health & safety it was straight in to the blacksmithing which is what people want. Within half an hour of starting we had our first piece of steal in the fire. Adrian gave really clear demonstrations and let us go to work but was always on hand with help if needed. Debbie also provided a delicious big lunch. This was a gift from my wife, so as a gift it's great for all ages and abilities."

17 May 18'

Andy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I'm sat looking at the results of the May box making course attended last weekend and still can't really believe just how good it looks. My last wood working efforts of any kind (other than flat-pack furniture assembly or patching up a skirting board) was around 54 years ago as a 12 year old. That experience was traumatic and resulted in a wobbly teapot stand that only a mother could love; this one was cathartic and resulted in a fine looking box. I've just re-read through all of the previous reviews for this course, in the hope that I could think of something that hasn't already been said. I can't though! You might be forgiven for thinking that there must be a degree of exaggeration in many of them, but I can confirm that I found that all were accurate. Mark was a patient and helpful guide to technique, tools and scary machinery through every stage of the process. He demonstrated what needed to be done and watched over your initial efforts with advice as necessary, but never doing the job for you. This was a well-organised and very enjoyable course that I would give 6 stars to if it were possible. Recommended to all - thanks Mark!"

17 May 18'

Peter Hoare reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I was keen to try one of the courses available over the Bodgers' Ball and I am very pleased that I picked the Bowl Turning course with Adrian Lloyd. The instruction was excellent and I received preferential treatment as I had a ferry to catch back to Ireland (where no similar course is available). I have done some turning on a powered lathe when I have much preferred spindle turning over bowl turning. However, Adrian has inspired me to consider following up with perhaps one of his lathe making courses with further bowl turning instruction. A very enjoyable day."

17 May 18'

Jane reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"Eleanor is a really patient, unassuming tutor who gives concise step by step instructions to achieve really great results in just a day. Her examples are both inspiring and attainable. Her passion for the art is self evident and nothing is too much trouble. Rainbow Glass is a working studio too and is so busy its amazing Eleanor is able to fit any classes in. A great experience and warm welcome. Would highly recommend."

16 May 18'

Maurice Eldridge reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"Excellent from Go to Wo. The right kind of teaching and intervention when useful."

16 May 18'

Thomas Bickerdike reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I attended Adrians workshop at the Bodgers Ball and came away with the skills and knowledge to confidently start turning bowls once home. Adrians relaxed fun approach makes the whole day go well with excellent tips, demonstrations and advice throughout the day. I particuarly liked Adrians passion and enthusiasm to the craft."

16 May 18'

Dave Evers reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"Can't recommend this course enough! Highly knowledgeable, Adrians teaching style was in depth, informative and relaxed. The course covered all the essentials of bowl turning on a treadle lathe, from selection of wood right through to finishing touches and after care. I came away from the course inspired to try more turning, with a beautiful wooden bowl to boot. 10 out of 10 for value and content!"

16 May 18'

Rebecca Pay reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"A thoroughly enjoyable evening. Fiona was a fantastic teacher and helped with all aspects of the mosaics - from design to finish. I had no previous experience and had great fun choosing the tiles and learning how to cut and fit them. An inspiring and relaxed evening with two coasters accomplished too."

16 May 18'

Cara Savage reviewed: A night (or morning/afternoon!) on the tiles: a 2.5 hour taster mosaic course

"I really enjoyed making the coasters, the whole process was explained well and no previous experience with this medium is needed. Once I decided on my design and chose the colours of tiles I wanted to use (there are a lot!) I found the process very therapeutic, cutting the tiles to size and then fitting them on a little jig saw puzzle of my very own! Fiona was a great teacher and her own designs are a great inspiration! I highly recommend this course!"

16 May 18'

Elizabeth Teague reviewed: 3 Day beginners Fused Glass crash course - Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004 by one of the UKs leading glass artists

"Excellent course, I learnt a lot of techniques to further my studies. Deborah is a great tutor patient and enthusiastic. She guides you through the glass sessions effortlessly. The ladies on the course were fabulous too. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the learning. Thank you."

16 May 18'

Alison reviewed: Creative gift wrapping in Derbyshire

"Today I attended the ‘Creative Spring Gift Wrapping’ course, run by Jo, that was held at Horsley Hall in Derby. It was a surprise birthday present from a friend who knows me very well and the gift was just perfect. Jo was friendly, welcoming and above all very knowledgable; she can make something from nothing! The day was well structured, well paced and the venue itself just perfect for this type of day. We carried out a number of wrapping tasks, learning tricks and techniques along the way that will without doubt be of use in everyday situations. Being able to take examples of our achievements home meant friends and family were able to see the fruits of the days labour and needless to say they were very impressed! Thank you for a great day Jo, I’ll be recommending ‘More Pretty Things’ to friends and colleagues."

16 May 18'

Kirsten reviewed: Beginners Pottery Day Course

"Great course, thank you Mathew, just what I needed. I had already tried the potters wheel at another studio but felt frustrated with my throwing skills. I was ready to give up. After reading the reviews on Mathews course I decided to give it another try. It's all true, Mathew's enthusiasm and endless patience revived my confidence. Whilst he is obviously an accomplished potter, he is happy to go at your pace. I really enjoyed the day and came away with pots to be proud of. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone, who like me, is new to throwing and wants to learn and have fun in a welcoming and friendly environment."

16 May 18'

Kat Spreadbury reviewed: Pottery course for at home pottery

"I have been coming to Fired Thoughts for over a year. I have learnt alot from Geri and Sue's help and expertise. I came with my mum, at first as she has always been keen to have a go at sculpture and ceramics. I thought it would be fun to have a go together. Geri and Sue really helped my mum, to come out of her shell and she created some really lovely pieces. Which she's very proud of! I would definitely recommend to people to come to Fired Thoughts, if they wanted to experiment with ceramics. As Geri and Sue are lovely ,very encouraging and knowledgeable. They make you feel welcome and it's lovely relaxed atmosphere. The main thing is to have some fun with clay."

16 May 18'

Elizabeth Woodrow reviewed: Fortnightly art classes with Artist Laura Andrew - drawing, painting & more - Lincoln

"Laura welcomed me into her beautiful home and studio space with generosity and kindness. Her tuition, personal guidance and encouragement made me almost believe I could be an artist, be it in my own home! Laura personalised the tuition and content to my needs and interest. She intruitively knew when to step in to assist and when to leave me to discover things for myself. The pace of the days was relaxed, yet productive. I walked away feeling more inspired, empowered and eager to continue to explore further creative work. I would definitely recommend Laura as a teacher and mentor and hope very much to return. Thank you Laura. My painting is on my wall already!"

16 May 18'

John Bird reviewed: Wood turning courses

"George is a wonderful teacher, very patient, and corrects your mistakes kindly and with humour, provided you keep your hands out of your pockets. Clearly a master of his craft, George is also an artist which you are reminded of every time you pop to the loo. I have been using a lathe for the last year or so but wish I had come to George first, it would have saved a lot of ruined work and cross words. My wife could not believe how beautiful the bowls were that I took home after being with George, she might even let me spend more time in the shed. I look forward to the next few months tying to use the techniques I have been taught, but expect I will be back again for a refresher course before long.""

16 May 18'

Paul Thornton reviewed: Pole Lathe Bowl Turning - Your First Bowl

"I'd turned bowls before but lost the enthusiasm to turn more. Attending Adrians "handled bowls" course at the bodgers ball 2018 has given me renewed enthusiasm. Great teaching, a relaxed approach & good group of fellow learners. I recommend you seek Adrian out if you want to learn any green wood craft."