Latest reviews

23 Nov 15'

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

"Enjoyed a great day with Caroline who offered friendly help and advice. She started us off by showing basic tile cutting techniques and how to work safely and then we were off with our own ideas. Very informative and supportive and her own work is displayed everywhere and is an absolute inspiration."

23 Nov 15'

Olivia reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"My boyfriend and I did this course for our anniversary. We had a brilliant time, learned a lot of new skills, and now feel equipped to have a go at some more metal work at home. Aaron was a fantastic teacher, a highly skilled craftsman and very knowledgeable about the history and techniques of blacksmithing. And they don't lie when they say 'industrial quantities of tea'! We both came away with fire tools, a set of hooks and a fire-welded heart to be showed off proudly. A really wonderful weekend, very highly recommended and a beautiful part of the world to visit too. Worth a bit of travelling to get there. We stayed at The Cors which was lovely."

23 Nov 15'

Bethan Hinde reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Death Angharad atom i Gangen Tegryn o Ferched y Wawr. Cawsom noson arbennig yn ei chwmni a phob aelod wrth ei bodd yn mynd adre wedi gwneud pedair cannwyll. Noson i'w chofio am amser hir! Roedd yn bleser bod yng nghwmni Angharad gyda ei gwen siriol a'i ffordd hynaws a chartrefol. Diolch o galon iddi a byddwn yn awgrymu fod pob cangen yn cynnal noson debyg. Tachwedd 2015."

23 Nov 15'

Jayson Gurney reviewed: Belt Making Workshop or Handbound Leather Journal Workshop

"The hands-on leathercraft workshop that Clive and Wendy offer are first class. They explain everything in an easy to understand manner, making the course idea for total beginners. The cost of the workshop includes all material so there are no surprises or extra costs."

23 Nov 15'

Dr Joe Diggins reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"A superb day enamelling with Dilys - thoroughly recommended. The breadth of different enamelling techniques and the variety of styles to see in her workshop is absolutely inspiring - a day is not enough!"

23 Nov 15'

Mandy reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I attended one of Sophie's courses recently and I had the most fantastic time. The course was run at just the right pace with input from Sophie into my model whenever I need help. I felt I had really succeeded in my first foray into needle felting and I honestly believe all the participants that day would report the same. The home-made food provided for lunch was delicious and lots of drinks & biscuits were available during the day. The room went from very chatty as we discussed our plans to silence as we became engrossed in our individual projects and back again as we had breaks for refreshment. Whatever your ability you will have a fantastic time. I hope to come on another course very soon. Thank you Sophie!"

23 Nov 15'

Doug Colton reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"Ciaran is brilliant! He is a real craftsman with a great passion and pride in what he does. I've just finished the 4 day intensive course and he was the ideal tutor. His explanations, guidance, encouragement, assistance and flexibility all together really made it a pleasure to learn in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. I'm delighted with the quality of the piece that I made. The ash and black walnut have a great contrasting look. I'd feel pretty confident now about tackling fairly intricate joinery compared to my previous rough and ready DIY skills! The tasty lunches at the cafe next door were a daily treat included in the price :-P"

23 Nov 15'

Jan reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"Just received the glass I made on the course through the post - couldn't wait to see it! The course with Ricky was fab - I went on my own a couple of weeks' ago and had great fun. With just two people on the course, it meant we had a lot of support and achieved a lot during the day. Really fascinating and I'd love to do more! The 2 hour drive was really worth it. Great course!"

23 Nov 15'

Bushra reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"This course taught me how simple it is to make candles. It has given me confidence in what I felt I wanted to do. Thank you so much for all the information."

23 Nov 15'

Steve & Anne Major reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course!"

23 Nov 15'

Caroline reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Inspirational, fun, educational - such a great way to spend a day!"

22 Nov 15'

Luke Mortimer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was bought a day at the forge as a (surprise) birthday present and had a fantastic time. Alex is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. I would certainly recommend this for anyone with an interest in metalwork or even just the desire for an adventurous day out. The items I made are in use - a dragon's head shoe horn and two ornate lantern brackets (now with lanterns, very pretty)."

22 Nov 15'

Emilie Atkinson reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Over the two day 'mould making for slip casting ' course I did with Ed I learnt an incredible amount. I left the craft barn buzzing with 2 beautiful moulds in tow. I am eager to put all that I have been taught into practice right away. Ed is a genius! Thoroughly recommend his courses. Thank you Ed :)"

22 Nov 15'

Barbara Miller reviewed: Tilemaking with Richard Miller of Froyle Tiles

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Learnt lots of new skills and Richard is a great tutor! I thought the course was going to be about making tiles and decorating them , so was pleasantly surprised that we were going to learn how to carve them."

22 Nov 15'

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

"What a great day! Apart from a couple of metalwork lessons many years ago at school I was a complete novice and, had anyone shown me the snail keyring and dragon coatrack before I arrived at the forge, I would have laughed at the thought of ever being able to make them. Admittedly, my dragon looks like it's had a bit of a fight but I'm still amazed that I was able to make it! Adrian and Andy were fantastic at showing us what to do and gave excellent advice and support all the way through the day and the food that Debbie provided was delicious. Thank you all for a fantastic day."

21 Nov 15'

Jacky reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I'd been meaning to start needle felting for a while but it always seemed so overwhelming so I decided to do a workshop. I'm so glad I picked Sophie's. Everything about the day was fabulous and Sophie made it very enjoyable. I can't believe I managed to create a replica of one of my rabbits. I would recommend this class to any beginner and I would have no hesitation in attending future workshops with Sophie."

20 Nov 15'

Tom reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Always wanted to have a go at blacksmithing and I think this was probably the best introduction I could have had. Alex is clearly a very gifted blacksmith (and very nice bloke); his style of instruction is patient and clear and there is no time wasted - from the start you are at the forge and hammering away. Embarrassingly proud of the rams head tongs I made - could not recommend this more highly."

20 Nov 15'

Jackie Ward reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Very enjoyable few hours spent learning how to use chalk paint and waxes. Pete was happy to spend time helping me with any questions and queries I had. Learnt lots and had fun doing it."

19 Nov 15'

Paul & Louise reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We both had a very enjoyable day learning some glassblowing techniques and making some creative pieces. Ricky is an excellent instructor and gave all the guidance for us to achieve more than we thought possible. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

19 Nov 15'

Vicki Jordan reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Great course, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Diane is a very patient and friendly teacher. I'd never tried spinning before but managed to come home with a skein of my own spun wool. I've definitely got the bug... :-)"

19 Nov 15'

Linda Johnson reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Small class of seven, Diane is a good teacher and I went home with a skein of 2 ply I had spun not bad for a beginner! Venue is very nice and food was good."

19 Nov 15'

Morgan Scoble-Rees reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"Pete Smith was my tutor and mentor during three years of study at the National School of Blacksmithing in Holme Lacy, Hereford. By the end of those three successful years I took away a triple distinction and a life-long friendship and admiration for Pete. In my humble opinion he is one of the most talented men I have ever met. I am still in awe at some of the things I have seen him create and I still can’t work out how he managed to do them. His creation of the Solar Eye was nothing less than a piece of wizardry. It’s hard to understate the influence he has had on me, and my future career, and he is a truly inspiring figure. I honestly believe this man only has good to give and he is absolutely generous with his knowledge. Hand on heart Pete Smith has changed my life for the good and I hope he will continue to do so."

19 Nov 15'

Benjamin Kroll reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"After waiting a mere 20 years to learn the trade I had always dreamt about, I had the pleasure of training under Pete at Hereford college's Blacksmithing & Metalworking course in 2011. I’m glad I did. Pete’s training approach is calm, hands on, no nonsense (the good kind) and to the point. He understands the metal-working processes in great depth and applies them with an exceptional amount of skill, some even say wizardry ... you’ll find out why. The way Pete demonstrates techniques and processes is easy to follow and clearly explained. He encourages note taking, but more importantly expects students to pay attention to what he is doing during the demo. Students' questions are answered patiently and always with a sense of ‘try things out for yourself’. Pete encourages you to try and learn from your mistakes as problem solving is a key skill; not just for blacksmithing. While the training at Hereford college is a mix of old & new, Pete favours traditional techniques over their modern counterparts where ever possible. If it can be done by traditional means instead of a grinder, welder & co. you will learn how to; or at least be told how. You thought you'll need flux to fire weld? You’ll see you don't. You thought you’ll need a belt-sander for a smooth tool finish? You’ll see you don’t. You thought you knew about sun-dials and stonehenge? You’ll see ... I enjoyed every day of it and wish I could have done two more years. I highly recommend training with Pete for anyone interested in learning the King of crafts from one of its masters."

19 Nov 15'

James Livesey, 24, Student, Sydney, Australia. reviewed: Blacksmithing evening class

"I had the privilege of being a student of Peter Smith for two years at the National School of Blacksmithing. He taught me to make my first ever pair of tongs. For two years he was involved in my metalwork education and was always an inspiration and role model for me. He has a wide knowledge of all things metal, from the scientific side of blacksmithing to the creative and aesthetic side. Whenever Pete had a spare minute and worked on a fire I was always keen to see what magic he had created. When I talk to people about the blacksmith I want to be in twenty years time I use Pete as the level of skill I can only dream of; the way he thinks and his ability to picture form and function in his head and then apply his skills to create true art is incredible. I am truly lucky to have been a student of Peter, and will always remember his gentle and kind manner."

19 Nov 15'

Leszek Sikon from Poland reviewed: Blacksmithing taster course one day

"I have found Pete to be a great teacher that has a incredible amount of knowledge, he is passionate about his work and has a natural talent to explain complicated processes to his student/ I have been his student for the last two years and I'm confident that I wouldn't be as good of a blacksmith without his guidance."