Latest reviews

5 Jan 16'

John Wood reviewed: Kitchen knife making course

"Just brilliant fun, this is all about doing it yourself. Hard work for those not used to handling tools. The grinding is the worst, such control required, so easy to go wrong, so good when you have done something to be proud of. Owen, thanks, you make sure that all of us do have a knife to be proud of. This was my second course at Bushfire Forge, and will not be the last. I used mine to carve the turkey!"

5 Jan 16'

Peter Mace reviewed: Kitchen knife making course

"I really enjoyed this course. The forging of the initial shape of the blade is hard work-be prepared for 4 to 6 hours of hammering-and the grinding to shape takes a bit of concentration. But Owen gives enormous support and encouragement,and it clearly is hugely knowledgeable, and willing to share this. I've ended up with a knife I'm very proud of, and though Owen had to do bits of it for me (I was not to be trusted with some of the grinding!), I legitimately can claim it as my work, and achieving somethingI never thought I would/could"

5 Jan 16'

Helen S. reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I spent two days with Ed who was more than happy to tailor-make the time to meet my needs, more around the design/construction of press moulds than moulds for slip casting in this case. I left with a much clearer understanding of the techniques of mould making and two useful moulds into the bargain. Ed is a great listener and communicator and as a result a very good teacher. I think he has found his niche, which is good for the rest of us! He is also a very skilled designer and maker, useful on an ongoing basis for more complex projects. Even in wild December, the setting of the craft barn is really beautiful and I would recommend the trip for anyone looking to get away from if all to focus on improving their skills with the help of an expert teacher. Thank you Ed!"

4 Jan 16'

Laura Rabin reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Had a fantastic day, Ricky was a great teacher and allowed me to choose the pieces I wanted to make. He explained some of the different techniques used and how you could get different effects with the colours and bubbles as well as shaping and pulling glass. The class was limited to 2 people which meant that you always had something to do or concentrate on. I would definitely recommend this course, the location was also great."

4 Jan 16'

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

"An excellent two day course both my daughter and I both learnt a lot and are keen to carry on the craft of woodturning."

4 Jan 16'

ladylidders reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Brilliant day - can't recommend it highly enough. Only two people on the course at one time, so you get lots of time to learn and create some pieces! Ricky is an excellent teacher, patient, approachable and has a good sense of humour making the day really fun."

4 Jan 16'

Sandra Worton reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Had a brilliant day at Bilston Art Gallery! Caroline explained everything really well and made the day relaxing and creative. Wonderful introduction to making mosaics."

3 Jan 16'

Richard Moriarty reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A fantastic and very relaxing chill out day doing something very creative - I would thoroughly recommend a day course or longer with Caroline"

3 Jan 16'

Emma Hartland reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I was given a voucher for my birthday for this workshop. I felt very excited and very nervous at the same time. I really wanted to go but had worries, would I be able to follow what I needed to do ? What would the atmosphere on the course be like? I shouldn't have worried, Caroline is very friendly, makes you feel at ease and explains things exceptionally well. She made the day a joy and her enthusiasm for the craft is brilliant. She makes you feel very special with your own creations. I would recommend this course to anyone who has any craft interest. Got to save up to go again and this time take my daughters!"

3 Jan 16'

Bev reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I've so enjoyed Caroline's workshops I've been to six of them - and learnt something new each time!"

3 Jan 16'

Andy Leon reviewed: An introduction to wood turning with Gregory Moreton (2 Days)

"Great course, very hands on and really happy with the things I made. Greg is an excellent tutor and hugely knowledgeable"

3 Jan 16'

Helen Morrison reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I have been on quite a few of Caroline's one-day courses. They have always been very enjoyable and I have created some lovely mosaics. She gives great advice, and offers individual help when needed. The group size allows for plenty of support and she is very knowledgeable about the techniques. I have been able to continue and finish work at home with her valuable tips and instructions. The great thing about the course is that it caters for all abilities."

3 Jan 16'

Jo James reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A wonderful day with Caroline. Her irrepressible enthusiasm, sense of humour, talent and teaching skills make the experience unforgettable. I am still proud of my finished piece."

3 Jan 16'

Sarah reviewed: Soap making

"I had wanted to make soap for ages but for varying reasons had not got round to it. Then I found Diane, what a delight, knowledgeable,hospitable and great fun. The course took place in Diane's delightful old farmhouse and being allowed into her still-room with all the ingredients and oils was a real privilege. The actual soap making process is really interesting and, quite magical actually, as you watched ordinary looking ingredients turn into soap before your eyes! Diane was patient and encouraging and answered the myriad of questions with ease and deep knowledge. This was one of the most relaxing and inspiring days I had had in a long while and the final delight was having my soap delivered a few weeks later, smelling wonderful with rich and creamy lather...yummy! I would highly recommend this course and am hoping to return to do another course with Diane in 2016"

2 Jan 16'

Kris reviewed: Soap making

"I attended a one day soap making course with Aroma natural in October 2015. The day was very enjoyable, Diane is a lovely host, friendly and patient. Diane's home makes a very relaxed environment, the actual soap making process was really interesting and Diane was happy to answer lots of questions. Then the bonus is receiving the gorgeous bar of soap in the post a few weeks later (enought to cut into 10 bars) that you have created."

2 Jan 16'

Lorraine reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I thoroughly enjoyed my shoe making day and couldn't believe how much we achieved given how relaxed it felt. There were four of us in the group and two tutors, so we had constant support and attention if we needed it, and I really enjoyed the insight into the everyday life of a shoemaker. I was also surprised at the amount of choice we had. Given that the course was only one day, I expected to turn up and be told everyone was making the same style and we had a choice of x, y and z colours. Far from it! There were two shelves full of different shoes to make and any leather you could find in the store room. And the piece de resistance? I was allowed to freehand cut and sew bats onto my shoes!!! So I am absolutely thrilled with my unique and perfectly fitted shoes and cannot thank Alison and the team enough. The one thing I would recommend (as I was recommended by a friend) is to expect to leave the shoes behind on the last to stretch into shape and have them posted. It's a little extra time and money but it made the day more relaxed not having to rush to finish them and it was like Christmas having the finished shoes arrive in the post! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone."

1 Jan 16'

Emily reviewed: Hooky Buddies Beginners Crochet Course for Modern Makers

"Relaxed learning environment, thank you, after many frustrating nights with you tube, two evenings with Claire and mastered tassels, bows and granny squares!"

31 Dec 15'

Fabian reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Spent an excellent day with Colin. Working with the metal was a great experience. With Colin's instruction I was able to forge several items that are useful and look really nice."

30 Dec 15'

Vanessa williams reviewed: Potter's wheel pottery - half day course Siramik

"I took the half day course as a complete beginner with Yoka and it was fabulous. The setting is in a converted barn on their working farm in a beautiful location. Yoka is warm and welcoming and gave us an excellent potted (excusing the pun) history of the different clays, glazes and finishes. We were then let loose creating our first pots under her guidance using the wheel. We completed four pots each learning how to shape the clay and were given the option to glaze them with colours. Coffee and bicccies and a chance to look at Yokas beautiful ceramics on display completed a lovely morning. My pots were posted 6 weeks later as I was unable to collect them and have been much admired! Cannot recommend this course and Siramik highly enough. Thanks Yoka."

30 Dec 15'

Penny Richardson reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I took my 3 children (5yrs, 7yrs & 9yrs) to Ali's workshop to create a bespoke piece of art for their Daddy for Christmas. The kids had a wonderful time and really enjoyed creating their own pieces as well as the present piece. They loved seeing the final outcomes and all want to have another go. The final piece given to Daddy for Christmas is amazing! and we are thrilled they can pick out pieces of the glass in the art that they placed in position. We have already booked to create another piece for a family member's birthday this year. Really enjoyable and achievable for all ages."

30 Dec 15'

Nicola Edwards reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Ideal if you want to try something different.. Cosy little setting at the top of Ali's garden, I have attended Ali's fused glass classes a fair few times, making Christmas decorations, coasters, wind catchers, and pieces for my bathroom. Very friendly relaxing atmosphere and teacher! Highly recommended for adults and children. :)"

30 Dec 15'

Melissa Trotman reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Ali's little garden retreat studio is the perfect place to go relax and explore your creative side. I have been a few times now and recommend the sessions to all of those I know. The pieces you come out with are great! The turn around time for collection after firing is really quick too. I would certainly recommend this session and any of Ali's other sessions for art for children and adults alike to anyone!"

30 Dec 15'

Sam Smith reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Quite addictive once you start. Ali's workshops are great for all ages whether Arty or not! Relaxing and cosy environment with lovely company, what more could you want. A huge variety of materials to work with, great for the experienced or beginner. Would highly recommend and will certainly be returning for more sessions in 2016!"

29 Dec 15'

Vanessa Newmarsh reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"These glass fusing worshops are brilliant for everyone including the naturally uncreative to those who are and want to try something new. Ali is an experienced teacher and demonstrates the skills and techniques needed to create your own little masterpiece. She has plenty of ideas and examples in her workshop from which you can get inspiration, but she can also guide you if you have an idea you wish to develop in glass. I have been on several sessions and it is incredibly addictive The anticipation of what 'yours' will look like when it comes out of the kiln is exciting and then you want to go back and do more and tell others about it and proudly show off your work. Many friends and work colleagues have joined me and the atmosphere is relaxing and fun. I will probably see you there!"

23 Dec 15'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner, I had one day lesson with Mark who gave me so much on woodturning. First of all, I must say thank Mark for his advices and guidances. I feel so confident after his lesson. From the beginning to end of lesson, I have enjoyed all. One of the best thing was that he answered to all my questions clearly with various teaching materials, especially when I was hard to understand on something. What could I give better comment on him as he has had all the five star reviews? He reserves to have more than five stars. Thanks again Mark. You are the best teacher I have had so far. See you in January, next month, for another lesson which has already been booked."