Latest reviews

21 Dec 16'

Amy reviewed: All Bound Up: Repairing Paperbacks

"Thoroughly brilliant day. The techniques were fascinating and being able to use them and some very serious looking binding presses made for an interesting day. Repairing & recovering my book (which had been the initial reason why I wanted to do the course) became secondary to the experience; although I am thrilled with it's new lease of life."

21 Dec 16'

Sam reviewed: All Bound Up: Repairing Paperbacks

"FANTASTIC! Good fun, friendly, high quality inspiring day."

21 Dec 16'

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

"My taster day in glass fusion was fantastic, I made a dish, earings, and pendent, and a plaque. ould no believe how much I learnt in one day, and when I collected my glass,wow so delighted cannot wait to go back to learn more, never to late to learn at 73."

21 Dec 16'

Huw Williams reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I couldn't have wanted more from Mort's class and I can't recommend it highly enough. He is patient, highly knowledgeable and a great teacher. He balanced perfectly the task of instructing, guiding and ensuring we had productive tool-time - showing the various blacksmith skills, encouraging us to work with the metal and only stepping in to adjust our mistakes when it was essential. He is eloquent and informative making the theory easy to understand and remember. His deep knowledge of history and wide life experience means the day is also peppered with fascinating anecdotes and insights. Mort's course was by far my best birthday present since I was a kid - and that was a fair few years ago!"

21 Dec 16'

Lynn reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Basket in a Day

"Make a Willow Basket in a Day – 11th July 2016 Spent today learning how to make a willow basket in wonderful surroundings. Great tutor, good company & exceptional homemade lunch, cakes and pastries. Already booked another day on 29th July. Highly recommend x Lynn"

21 Dec 16'

Mary reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Make a Willow Basket in a Day

"Willow Basket Making – 21st April 2015 We spent a very interesting day on Tuesday weaving our willow baskets to take home! Julie and Brian were perfect hosts and we were treated to an excellent home-cooked lunch and home made cakes with tea. Deb was our instructor and we all enjoyed our day which went far too quickly. Mary"

21 Dec 16'

Jane reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Beginners Furniture Painting Workshop with Autentico Chalk Paints

"Beginners Furniture Painting Autentico Chalk Paint – 25 April 2016 Thank you so much for a lovely day today Brian and Julie. You looked after us so well and took so much trouble to make everything perfect for us. My husband was very impressed with my up cycled piece so it has been a thoroughly great day! Thank you again – it was brilliant Jane"

21 Dec 16'

Tracey reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Beginners Furniture Painting Workshop with Autentico Chalk Paints

"Beginners Furniture Painting Workshop with Autentico Chalk Paints – 12th September 2016 I wanted to thank you for an enjoyable day. Such a well facilitated workshop with The added bonus of a great lunch and wonderful cakes – thank you. Tracey"

20 Dec 16'

Tub making reviewed: Making a Handmade Leather Wallet with Nigel Armitage

"Patient, extremely informative and well worth every penny. Can't recommend Nigel enough. He has been at the end of an email with advice ever since. Book now with confidence, you will come away with a mind boggling amount of knowledge and not regret time we'll spent. Make a meen cup of coffee too......."

20 Dec 16'

Introduction to Leatherwork with Nigel Armitage reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"I had never worked with leather and my experience of using a needle was when I occasionally sewed holes in clothes. Suddenly at the age of 38 I find myself feeling like a school boy because I have no idea what I should be doing and to be honest it was a pleasant change to feel out of my comfort zone. Nigel showed me the basics and within an hour and a half I had learnt something totally new and I had created something small but beautiful a leather key ring with a brass ring. In the space of an hour and a half I became hooked with the thought that I might actually be able to to more. Nigel is an excellent tutor in leather work and put me at ease when I wasn't sure what I was doing and explained in simple ways about various tools and methods for crafting and working the leather. I'm now looking forward to owning my own tools and working with Nige again soon to create something new. I would definitely recommend Nige to anybody who fancies a new challenge or is interested in leather work."

20 Dec 16'

Robert reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a terrific day! We enjoyed ourselves and learnt so much. Chris is a great teacher - patient, practical and inspirational and very much recommended for anyone who has even thought of trying blacksmithing. Chris takes you through step-by-step with no pressure and we are delighted with our beginners' efforts. We are definitely booking again.5"

20 Dec 16'

Hondo Sinclair reviewed: Making a Handmade Belt with Nigel Armitage

"Day three of my week with Nigel involved this course. I had an absolute grand time making the I am currently wearing and will wear for years. Nigel explained everything before we began, and his keen eye observed me at every step to facilitate a quality leather item that I can proudly show off and also use as an example. Nigel is truly in a class of his own! Everyone want to take a leather course need not look further than Armitage Leather."

20 Dec 16'

Hondo Sinclair reviewed: Introduction to leatherwork with Armitage Leather

"During my recent week with Nigel, day one not only included correct my stitching technique, but we also discussed measuring, cutting and marking leather. It was in awe of what I encountered and learned in one day with Nigel. His approach ensures the student takes the skills home to be continued! One never feels his instruction will be forgotten the following day. His style of teaching is done in such a manner that information seeps in to remain. I cannot recommend enough the need to spend time with this incredible mentor."

20 Dec 16'

Hondo Sinclair reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"I recently spent a week with Nigel and day one involved Saddle Stitching. My previous stitching technique was horrid and after a very short period of time due to Nigel's instruction, my stitching took on a much better look. Nigel's ability to instruct is in a league all it's own! He is patient and an exemplary teacher. While most of us are in the leather industry through passion, Nigel makes learning a true pleasure."

20 Dec 16'

Fred Mollison reviewed: Making a Handmade Belt with Nigel Armitage

"An excellent course. Run by a highly experienced instructor, who imparts his own high standard of workmanship onto the student during the session. With practical demonstrations and theory to aid in underpinning the learning process. Working with the student, Nigel quickly evaluates the student's skill level and works to improve it. I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in leather craft."

20 Dec 16'

Emma Francis reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"I had a one day basic introduction to leather crafting lesson with Nigel. It was given to me as a gift, and I wasn't sure how it would go! Well, I surprised myself! It seems I had a flair for stitching, and did very well indeed. The teaching was great, pitched at the right level for my skill. Nigel guided me through the process, watching me all the time, yet not hovering over me, worried I might do it wrong or hurt myself with the tools. The tools were awesome, and did most of the job for me. The workshop is busy and interesting, so many wonderful pieces of leather work to look at, and the overall smell of leather intoxicating. I came away from the day very confident that I could do it again, and with a deep respect for a wonderful craft and gifted craftsman. Not to mention the shakes from too much caffeine! Thanks Nigel, awesome lesson."

20 Dec 16'

Stevie Bea reviewed: Traditional Saddle Stitching with Armitage Leather

"A man with a wealth of knowledge that loves to teach. I have learnt so much from Nigel & his passion for excellence in this field is second to none. A true professional & master of leather craft."

20 Dec 16'

ian reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Superb Course ! Great teacher. As an experienced amateur woodworker I have been on several courses and this was by far the best. Mark is an excellent and patient teacher who clearly has a planned programme (with comprehensive handout) but was very willing to tailor it to specific needs and made sure I got what I wanted out of the day. He was enthusiastic and clearly loves his subject as well as being very talented. Best day out I have had for a long time !!"

20 Dec 16'

Shannyn reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience Day

"This day was purchased as a 30th gift for my other half, guys aren’t always that easy to find gifts for! For a small additional fee I decided to attend as well, best decision I made. The forge is a lovely little cottage, on an open Somerset field, the atmosphere is great. Colin is a fantastic charismatic teacher, very attentive and doesn’t follow a generic script, he first trains you in the basic skills but then encourages you to let your imagination run. He is on hand the whole way and because the classes are kept small he is immediately there to assist. My partner had a fantastic time, it was a great bonding experience and we both have a new skill that we wish to explore further. We also have a nice matching fire poker set for our new home, custom made by us."

19 Dec 16'

abigail desborough reviewed: Learn To Knit On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"I had a fantastic, memorable day on this course. Excellent teachers with just the right amount of imput at the right time. I have never done anything similar before and I came away with a a new skill. Fantastic value for money and a fun day out. Thank you"

19 Dec 16'

abigail desborough reviewed: Learn To Kumihimo (Japanese Braiding) On The Norfolk/Cambs Border

"Brilliant informative course. I really enjoy learning a new craft skill. Would highly recommend this course to other. Tutors were professional friendly and approachable. I have an excellent time on this course. I hope to attend other courses at this venture in the future."

19 Dec 16'

Carole H. reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"In November, as a birthday treat, I had another two days at Lucy’s workshop learning how to make a cuff with etched silver and bronze. Aspects of the design were inspired by an image of oriental pottery, kindly sent to me by Lucy. She is excellent at encouraging creativity. This was a challenging project but with Lucy’s help and immense skill, I achieved a piece I will love to wear. As always, I had a wonderful experience and I look forward to my next visit."

19 Dec 16'

Carole H. reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I visited Lucy in Late September for two days; the weather was glorious. I was able to sit outside at lunchtime enjoying her garden with a fantastic view of the Clwydian hills beyond. I made a pair of bronze and silver earrings with gold accents using the techniques of riveting and etching. Each time I visit I aim to learn new skills. Lucy, as always, was excellent and she provided me with a basic tool list so I could continue learning and experimenting with the riveting process at home. Lucy goes ‘above and beyond’ in her efforts to help you produce wonderful jewellery with a truly professional finish."

19 Dec 16'

Nathalie Mullally reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I did the beginners glass blowing with Ricky on the 14 Dec 2016. I felt that the course was great value for money, as there were only two students and so we each got a lot of personal attention from Ricky. He is a great teacher, very patient and explains things very clearly. I look forward to receiving my completed pieces in the mail and I hope to be able to go back and do some more with Ricky in the future. Highly recommended!"

19 Dec 16'

Amanda Collier reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Did this course with my husband and we had a great time, learning the technical side and gaining confidence. The lunch was awesome as well!"