Latest reviews

15 Mar 16'

Sarah Brooks reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"One day course, March 2016 at Fransham Forge I echo all the comments below, and the 5 star reviews. I loathed metalwork at school – six weeks of filing the same key ring! – but would happily spend all my free time here. You’ll have a great day and surprise yourself with what you can make, it’s very satisfying. The whole atmosphere of the forge/workshop is like a feast for the eyes, packed with hundreds of bits of intriguing equipment, floor to ceiling, and more huge power hammers than are surely really necessary (they all are!) plus a giant press (think that’s right) that barely clears the roof and is topped by three spinning discs the size of dining tables. Make sure you have a look around the wagons and sculptures outside too which are beautiful. Between four, we shared two furnaces and had an anvil each so no frustrating turn-taking, plus guided use of power hammers, and a rotary wire brush for polishing. Nigel himself is extremely good value as an engaging teacher with a bottomless well of stories. I re-told the one about keeping composure in front of the W.I. to my little boy, and he went from Monday morning school misery to uncontrollable giggles, for which I’m very grateful! If you’re going to take the course (and why wouldn’t you?), bear in mind in cold weather it can be very cold inside, despite the fires, so take extra layers as it’s a long day. There is a kettle and microwave available for tea breaks /warming up lunch if you wanted to (I don’t think this is mentioned in the details.) Note to the sisterhood: I have the arm muscles of a marshmallow – didn’t make a difference. Turns out it’s more about close observation and control than brute force!"

15 Mar 16'

Juliet Spence reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I was a bit nervous about learning silver jewellery making as I’d had a few bad experiences in the past with courses with too many people enrolled and not getting any attention from the tutor. After a session in Ely though, all my nerves went away. Thanks for a great day and the experience, I even came away with a beautiful ring. Your enthusiasm, knowledge and experience are very evident and you are a patient tutor, letting me learn through doing things and helping when needed. Brilliant!"

14 Mar 16'

Teresa Marks reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I've just had a wonderful weekend at my first ever upholstery workshop and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Philip was our teacher, who is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable and has a lovely, gentle manner in his approach. He nurtured us all through the interesting challenges our individual pieces of furniture gave us and I never felt like I was getting anything wrong. The class is never bigger than 10 people which seems a great size - you get to learn different techniques through demonstrations on everyone's else's pieces, yet still get as much one-on-one time with Philip as you need. Upholstery must attract lovely people as it was such a great group, so willing to help and share. I could not have asked for a better introduction to upholstery and I can't wait to do more. I hope to visit another of Philip's classes in the near future. Do not hesitate to book."

14 Mar 16'

Mick reviewed: A Practical Dry Stone Walling Workshop Central London

"If you are curious about stone walling then this is a great place to start. The class has a very easy going and friendly atmosphere, and John is a great laugh as well as being mega helpful. If you are not sure that stone walling might be for you, a few minutes of watching John constructing a wall might change your mind. Very cool."

14 Mar 16'

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

"I had such a good time and never thought I would be able to make the items I did. Andy and Adrian are really good at judging how much help we needed, without stepping in too frequently. It was amusing to realise just how expert they are when a demo that took 5 minutes kept us busy on the task for an hour...I guess much practice makes perfect. The food made by Debbie was just great. Great to try something completely new and combine bashing the hell out of the metal with delicate and subtle touches! I loved it, laughed a lot and will definitely sign up again. Thank you."

14 Mar 16'

Steve Malthouse reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"My weekend working with Aiden was an illuminating woodworking experience. On Saturday morning we were given a rough 2" slab of Ash which apparently we were going to turn into a square, flat beautiful bread board using only hand tools ! On Sunday evening when i looked at the exquisite mirror like finish of the board i just thought to myself 'if i'd been shown this on Saturday morning and was told that i'd be making it, i just wouldn't have believed it was possible'. Would recommend this course to anyone."

14 Mar 16'

Sue reviewed: Lampwork Beadmaking Full Day Introduction For One

"My daughter and spent an enjoyable day, we learnt several different techniques, and feel confident that we know enough to start, albeit, tentatively, out on our own. Ruth couldn't have been more encouraging."

14 Mar 16'

Ray Gillman reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the Part 1 course in November 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Aiden is clearly an expert in his field but freely shares his extensive knowledge with enthusiasm and humour. I am in my late 40's and had not turned my hand to any carpentry since school but came away confident that I could do what the course had set out to teach me. I fully expect to attend all of Aiden's other course offerings."

14 Mar 16'

Gemma & Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had a brilliant day yesterday with Adrian & Andy. They were so patient and knowledgeable, taking us through step by step what we would be making. They definitely make it look easy! We made a dragon coat hooks & snail keyring, which we were very proud of. We left The Forge feeling proud, achey, full of cake and ready to make more! Big thanks to Debbie for the yummy food. We will definitely be back!!"

14 Mar 16'

Stuart reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I had the pleasure of attending a woodworking course in September 2015. I'm a DIYer and I needed to improve my skills to undertake a big project at home. During the weekend we looked at the skills I needed and also planned the best way to tackle my project. Aidan was flexible in allowing me to structure what we focused on to most beneficial. Aidan is a great teacher and a real craftsman with what can be achieved in woodwork. Highly recommend a course with Aidan to anyone looking to improve their skills."

14 Mar 16'

Stephen Eddington reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I booked the beginner's class for my wife and myself as her birthday present, and it was a fantastic way to spend the day! I'm definitely not artistic, and was amazed at what I managed to produce after only a day being taught by Ricky. My wife's eye for colour showed in her pieces, and we were able to combine efforts on an final piece in the afternoon. Ricky gets you straight into the practical side after a safety talk and explanation of the materials, and within the first hour you will have gathered your first glass. Always ready with help and guidance if things go a little unexpectedly, Ricky quickly gets the measure of your confidence, which builds equally as quickly under his tutelage. We could have kept going well into the evening, but all great things come to an end. I collected the results yesterday, and we are over the moon with them. Thank you Ricky for a great day, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Creative Vibe for your introduction to glassblowing."

13 Mar 16'

Julia Clayton reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Thank you Sally Anne. Really enjoyed making the willow wreath and looking forward to booking on another of your courses soon."

13 Mar 16'

Larissa Llewellin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An absolutely brilliant day! Everything is explained really well and help and advice given throughout the day. We learned various techniques and how to use different tools. Everyone was very friendly. The food was amazing! And there was plenty of it. It really was a fantastic day and I would do it again. I would also recommend!"

13 Mar 16'

Richard & Helen reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"We thoroughly enjoyed the day of willow basket making. It was well organised and friendly with plenty of lovely tea and cake! We were taken through the steps with lots of clear instructions and support at each stage. It was good to produce our own baskets from start to finish. Julie gave us lots of interesting information through the day too. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

13 Mar 16'

Mike haley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Sorry for the delay mark been away. Thoroughly enjoyed the day with mark. Very patient to a complete novice and just worked along at my pace. Looking forward to going again at some time"

13 Mar 16'

Rose reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A wonderfully creative day spent learning to spin, with Elaine an excellent, patient teacher. Delighted to come away with my very own handspun skein of wool, and with the confidence to build on the skills and techniques demonstrated on the day. Thanks!"

13 Mar 16'

Careen and Graham reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My husband and I attended a 1 day pottery course. Never having done pottery before we had a low expectation of what we would be able to produce. The day was absolutely fantastic, Rowena was such a great teacher, extremely helpful and provided calm expert guidance. We had a really fun time, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were absolutely delighted with the pieces we were able to produce. We would highly recommend this course."

13 Mar 16'

Sue Render reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"My friend and I had a lovely afternoon in the Vintage tea rooms in the Grand Arcade learning to crochet. Ann has lots of patience."

13 Mar 16'

Sebastian reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I was very fortunate to spend time learning from Aidan in his Farnham workshop in March 2015. Aidan is an enthusiastic and generous teacher and I left the course with confidence and motivation to apply the hand and machine skills I learned and practised to the projects I already have under way. Aidan clearly enjoys sharing his expertise and experience with students and has none of the preciousness often noticeable with professional designer/makers. His is down-to-earth, excellent training from a world-class furniture maker (google his exquisite cherry and walnut, crocus-inspired coronation table on display in Buckingham Palace!) If I have the chance to do more woodworking training in the future, I will not consider training anywhere else. Thank you, Aidan!"

13 Mar 16'

Sandra Williams reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Came back for a 2nd day with Dilys and this time brought my sister and my Mum. I knew they would catch the same enthusiastic bug as I did and sure enough, by the end of the day we had another 2 enthusiastic novice enamellers. To quote my 70 year old mum, " it's been like having a day out with a mate instead of being with a tutor. Dilys is so patient, friendly and helpful that you don't feel like you're being taught, rather that you are just all having a fun day out. It was engrossing and so different. I loved it". Thanks again Dilys. Xx"

13 Mar 16'

Brian Heward reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I booked a follow on course day with Mark, having completed an equally excellent two day group course a few weeks ago. With the one2one day Mark was able to focus very specifically on my own woodturning weaknesses (these days they are called 'development needs'). Under Marks prior advice I brought my own tools and he showed me how to use these specifically, in my case for hollow forms. I really do like Marks approach by focusing on the form (in my case a rule of thumb advice "spend 2/3 of time on the outside form, get it right only when it is, go to the hollowing"). I'm practising now and need to keep working at the suggestions Mark made. When I have mastered these I will be back for a another one2one - this time closing the opening down a little more. Thank you so much Mark."

13 Mar 16'

Tom Smout reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended Fundamentals of Furniture Making, Part 1. The two day course was very informative and practical. Aidan is a great tutor who has vast carpentry knowledge and made the course very fun. It has inspired me to continue my hobby further and I have already booked onto the second part of the course."

12 Mar 16'

Sandra reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the fundamentals part 1 course last year and I enjoyed it so much I came back to the workshop recently to achieve fundamentals part 2. I wouldn't have considered doing it anywhere else, Aidan is such an amazing teacher! Not only skilled and passionate but also very patient and attentive. Aidan adapts very well to the different levels of skills and speed from his students; whether you know little or a lot, you will never feel left out or set back. I have myself hardly any experience in wood working and chose to do the weekend courses which turned out to be quite intensive but so much worth it! The courses are thoughtfully designed and unveil a series of techniques and tools for you to progress and achieve levels of refinement you would have never thought you would be capable of! You will be going home with lots of tips and a fine piece of furniture you can be proud of!"

12 Mar 16'

Pippa Taylor reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"This is the second course I have been on with Sally-Anne - willow wreath the first one being natural toiletries and I shall be booking on many more of the great ones she does! Sally-Anne makes the creative courses very enjoyable, relaxed and easy to follow and understand."

12 Mar 16'

Susan Holden reviewed: Landscapes in Fleece

"Today I learned how to work with willow, the importance of 'loving it' so it becomes pliable. Thank you so much for a wonderful afternoon. Sally Ann you are a fantastic teacher and were so patient with 6 beginners. Making the spring wreaths was very therapeutic. I would love to learn more crafting techniques and will not hesitate to sign up again. Disappointed to learn I am away in May when you are making the lamp holders."