Latest reviews

7 Jun 17'

Steve Ritzema, Hampshire reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Had a fantastic day getting back in contact with my metal working side. John and his team were great tutors and to some extent evil geniuses. My longbow stand turned into a long-sword much to the jealousy of my son. Well, <<could>> stand two bows against it if you wanted – bonus ! A whit filled day where you become a real black-smith (shower for about 45 mins to just be a smith!). Excellent fun – plan to come back with son in tow. Thanks for a great day !"

7 Jun 17'

Steve Ritzema, Hampshire reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I ended up making more than just a knife under the creative tutelage John and his team. Great way to re-connect with your metal beating side and learn something at the same time. A well organised day - if you go, keep turning right once you've entered the farm and you'll find it unobtrusively in the corner. Son was very very jealous of what I made and I'll be coming back again with him in tow (daughter thought I got too dirty !) - there's a reason they're called Black-smiths ! Great day, interesting genuine people. Well worth it - thanks again."

7 Jun 17'

Matthew & Julie Bruton-Seal reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"Loved the Wild Cordage day. Ruby makes ancient techniques simple and achievable, and imparted a vast amount of knowledge in bite-sized chunks. Totally inspired and can’t wait to make more!"

7 Jun 17'

Steve reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"Thank you for such a wonderful weekend of fire-making. We all had such a blast, and learned LOADS. Arthur practised his spark making all the way home in the car, and has continued this morning at the breakfast table… He’s going to have worn out his flint by the end of the week. We will be back again for more adventures."

7 Jun 17'

C.B. reviewed: Being Nature: mindfulness & re-wilding days in the woods

"Thank you Ruby for a lovely day making bone needles. I surprised myself by managing to make not one but two. The site is perfect and sitting by a fire in those woods a joy in itself. I am also glad that you kept us aware of the source of our materials and that the deer which provided them was not forgotten in the process. Engaging with nature needs honesty. Thanks also to my course mates for their good and interesting company."

7 Jun 17'

Julie Williams reviewed: Crochet Courses, Beginners - Powys

"I joined Vicki's first ever crochet class in January 2015 as a complete beginner. With Vicki's easy to follow instructions and patient manner, I soon became proficient in basic crochet skills. Since then I've returned to Vicki's intermediate classes and have made a variety of things in class and on my own at home. Classes are really sociable and kept small which ensures that there's plenty of opportunity to get one on one help. I'd recommend Vicki's classes to anyone regardless of age, gender or previous crochet experience!"

7 Jun 17'

Angela Dos Reis reviewed: Weaving the cosmos: sacred geometry and hexagonal weave basketry

"Thank you for the workshop; it was inspiring."

7 Jun 17'

VIRGINIA DACOSTA reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This is the most incredibly fulfilling course in creating bronze sculpture using the lost wax process - i.e. modeling a form in a special wax and learning, step by step, everything involved in making a solid or hollow bronze sculpture. Mark is an exceptional teacher and you will get constant attention since the class is limited to 4 people in the two day workshop 10-4 pm. Lunch is provided by Caroline, his wonderful partner who is also an artists and of course, tea, coffee and snacks throughout the day. The setting is perfect with a furnace, blowtorches, dipping stations to coat the wax model before it is hardened. Mark explains everything and you learn by doing. He is constantly watching each participant as you will be dealing with heat and molten bronze during the process. He is encouraging and you do not need to have any prior knowledge of sculpting or the bronze casting process. He has plenty of art books in the main studio for inspiration. I do have some art experience but none ins sculpting. It is an art that has its beginnings in Neolithic times through many cultures like ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and later. I made a Celtic solid boar figurine and an ancient Greek kore (maiden) that has my personal additions to where she looks like an Egyptian bronze priestess statue. I am so impressed to learn the process of the kind of art that I teach (Art History). The course is well worth the money and is not offered in many settings especially in the U.S. where sculptors have to rely on creating a wax model and then taking it to a forge to have the bronze poured. It is very satisfying seeing your creation from beginning to its completion. You will learn lots of terms and I took copious notes though the most important aspect of Mark's bronze casting course is the hands on experience. I highly recommend this course for sculpture students who want to expand their experience, teachers, and anyone who is curious about this process. You will feel like Michelangelo at the end or Bernini or for a Grecophile like me, Polykleitos or Lysippos"

7 Jun 17'

Becky Wall reviewed: Lino printing and embellishing on fabrics at Harbour House, Kingsbridge Devon

"IT was a lovely day where Annie took us through the basics of machine embroidery. She was able to help everyone out individually and came over as someone who knew a lot about the subject and was excited to pass on what she knew. I loved looking at all her samples and meeting like-minded people. I would like to know how to progress with the technique 'beyond the basics' now."

7 Jun 17'

Deborah Spiers reviewed: 2-Day Traditional Stained Glass Painting Course for Beginners

"I gained so much from working with such an experienced artist as Nathalie. She is so much more than an artisan and opened my eyes to the magic of working on glass. She is patient, encouraging and generous in her teaching. I learnt so much and had fun too in the magical place that is the couleurlive studio."

7 Jun 17'

Jacky G reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"As much as I learn loads on this course, I consider it a great social as well. I love watching Jan and Angela thrash out solutions to new upholstery challenges; each project is treated as unique and the answers are never left uncovered. They 're both tremendous teachers, work at a fierce pace (if that's what you want), and correction is communicated in a sympathetic manner. It's also lovely to talk to other participants about their projects and everyone is more than happy to share. I can't recommend highly enough. Jacky G"

7 Jun 17'

Russ Brunt reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Loved it. This course was excellent, and a birthday present. Adrian and Andy pitched the course perfectly for us entry level starters and made every step achievable which gave you the confidence to 'hammer' on. Safety was paramount and the pace was just right. The food was delicious and plentyful, - all home made. This was a great insight into a dying art but for those bitten by the fire bug, there are additional courses to follow which I'm personally looking forward to such as bar-b-que tools day. We'll done guys, and we enjoyed the recommendation of the Old Farm House pub."

6 Jun 17'

Sarah Shelton reviewed: Upholstery and upcycling furniture and interiors

"Absolutely loved the course, Lucy is a great teacher. Classes are nice and small (only 4 on the upholstery & upcycling I attended). We all happened to bring a chair each but they were all completely different. Lunch (& cakes) provided were home-made and superb, we even sat outside to eat in the lovely garden. I enjoyed the course so much I have booked the Interior Design course!"

6 Jun 17'

Claire Walsh reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"Definitely recommend this course for both beginners and advanced upholsterers. The tutors are very knowledgeable and experienced. Great, friendly and welcoming atmosphere."

6 Jun 17'

CLARE POWELL reviewed: Crochet Courses, Beginners - Powys

"I started with the beginners course back over a year ago now, I am literally hooked, I have made many garments, toys and nearly finished the blanket I started at Christmas, I attend miss Gregory's classes regular and love the atmosphere, the help and of course the hooking. Highly recommend this course, nothing is ever too much trouble for Vicky, she will also advice and help through the week via email if needed x"

6 Jun 17'

Carleen reviewed: Wild pottery workshop - dig your own clay in the woods, bonfire/clamp kiln firings

"Thanks for delivering such an enjoyable Course, sharing your knowledge and skill in such a beautiful setting. Feel so inspired!!"

6 Jun 17'

Jo L. reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"I thought it was an excellent weekend and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hopefully I'll be able to learn something else from you in the future. Thank you Ruby."

6 Jun 17'

Paul Ballard reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day with a really supportive and professional instructor's , the whole day was really relaxed . You get a great feel of what it's like working as a blacksmith . The provided food was great , sooo much and very tasty From the moment you walk in the door you are made so welcome and it doesn't stop until the end of the day What more can I say , fantastic day and experience!!"

6 Jun 17'

Kim Gardner reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"This is a great course where the atmosphere is friendly and the tutors are very skilled and hands on. No matter what your ability this course will really give you confidence and skills you need to upholster your chosen piece of furniture."

6 Jun 17'

Heather Farrar reviewed: Upholstery skills - from basic to advanced, traditional and modern styles

"Excellent course. Very knowledgable tutors catering for all abilities. Good friendly environment. Very satisfying when you have finished your own unique piece of furniture."

6 Jun 17'

Lynda Harris reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"I joined Sharif and a group of people, none of us had ever done this sort of thing before. The instruction and patience shown by Sharif made the day very enjoyable and we all came away with a spoon, all varying shapes and sizes. I left at the end of the day feeling that it was the best 8 hours I had spent for a long time, a totally relaxing day. I would recommend this to anyone who is just looking for a different and fun day out"

6 Jun 17'

Gillian morris reviewed: Crochet Courses, Beginners - Powys

"I started with a beginners course, for 6weeks and haven't stopped crocheting since. I have done lots of blankets and a cushion cover, a basket and a beautiful bag. All taught by Vicky, who is a great and patient teacher."

6 Jun 17'

Tara reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Had a lovely day on the candle-making course with Jo - perfect setting & welcoming host, who answered any questions put to her. Made lots of candles in the time there, which look & smell lovely. Plenty of hints & tips given. And despite concentrating on learning, I found the session very therapeutic! Definitely recommended. Thanks Jo xx"

6 Jun 17'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had an excellent woodturning lesson with Mark last week. Actually it was third lesson with him. Since the last lessons two years ago, I have not had a chance to practice the skills which I had learnt from him simply because I have not had a lathe. The only way to remind them was to watch Youtube videos from internet. A few months ago, I bought my own lathe at last. I thought I could woodturn well. However, it was not that easy as I thought. Even though I could make beads and coves, I heard some unpleasant noise and felt heavy with my arms. I guessed I had done many things wrong. That was why I contacted to Mark for revision lesson. As I expected,his clear explanations and demonstrations helped me to do proper woodturning. Also he gave me an updated handout and shared what he has updated in the woodturning so far. Now I can woodturn quite properly(I guess.). Those noise has gone now and my arms feel light. Also my lathe and gouges are very happy with me. Haha. Thank you very much for your wonderful lesson once again. Hopefully I will see you in December. I must see you again because I need to develop more."

6 Jun 17'

Lucas Black reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A well paced introduction to blacksmithing and blade making aimed at the young and old alike. I was very happy with the entire day. From starting out on a fire poker to making a handled blade and then heat treating the cutting edge. I came away with a very useable knife."