Latest reviews

10 Nov 15'

Graham Burgess reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I spent the day with Graham and what a day it was! Enjoyed every second of it! I was completely new to turning and thought it would be a good idea to get some tuition before I jumped in feet first. It was a day of great tuition and more! I came away knowing and understanding more about wood and turning than I had expected. I opted to learn how to turn pens and came away with a variety of pens, from box wood to 1970's acrylic. Graham was patient and thorough with his explanations and it was great to be left to get on with turning whilst Graham did other things around the workshop but never to far away if I had a question or needed help. This helped with the confidence as he wasn't stood watching my every move the whole time! I will be back!"

10 Nov 15'

Christine Smith reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"I enjoyed making the Christmas stocking as although I could crochet I had never learned to read a crochet pattern so this was my first project that I made by using and reading a pattern, thank you for being patient."

10 Nov 15'

Alexandra King reviewed: Christmas Stocking

"I had a lovely time on the course. Not only was the crochet informative and fun, it was awesome to have a chitty chat chat with the others in the group. It gave me more confidence to try more crochet patterns. Thank you very very much!!!! x"

10 Nov 15'

Elaine Mills reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"First time I have attempted any craft. I attended the workshop on my own. I was made very welcome by Sophie , the small numbers on the day meant i soon felt part of a group, informal friendly with inspiring information and instruction , no pressure, lovely calm ,peaceful surroundings. I am coeliac and my dietary needs were carefully met. Lunch by Sophies mum was divine . Totally recommend this course to anyone wishing to try a new craft, a brilliant day by a very talented ,inspiring and patient lady."

10 Nov 15'

Linda Rushby reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a lovely day at The Yurt learning to weave - creative, stimulating and relaxing all at the same time. Thanks to everybody, especially Alice Hume for her patience and expert tuition. Can't wait for the next workshop!"

10 Nov 15'

Paul Flint reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Had a very enjoyable day.Julian really knows his stuff.cant wait to do the two day session.I can easily recommend him if you want to give blacksmithing a go.thanks for a great day julian."

9 Nov 15'

Simon reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Martin is an excellent teacher, highly skilled craftsmen and thoughtful carving artist The whole event was very well run without pressure but with a sense of determination and destiny - you take your spoon and butter knife home, dry it and use it… All tools are supplied and are excellent standard and very well sharpened-aGond Martin provides a detailed background on all of the steps and materials used. I really enjoyed my weekend here, And Martin is not only an excellent teacher but a generous and welcoming host."

9 Nov 15'

Paul bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a great two days I had with you and Mark Sanger completing the box turning course. I was slightly nervous about it at first due to my inexperience but you and my fellow (more experienced) pupils soon helped me to dispel that. Everyone was great company and put me totally at ease. The whole experience was informative and uplifting and after coming away with a few boxes made me want to continue with woodturning as a hobby. I still haven’t bought a lathe but I know this will come in time maybe after completing a few more days tuition with you in order to feel fully confident before I get really stuck in at home. Again, many thanks to you, Mark and the other guys (who I hope to see again) for a great couple of days. Please also pass my thanks to Sue for her catering and again just for being great company. I hope to see you soon! Regards, Paul Bartlett"

9 Nov 15'

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

"What a top day. Adrian and Co run a great course. Both Adrian and Andy are very good smiths and fantastic teachers. I have done similar courses before in other disciplines and sometimes the instructors have a 1 size fits all teaching method but the guys tailored the information to cover the full spectrum from having never picked up a hammer before to some of us who use tools every day. Debbie lays on a great spread for lunch and there was a celebratory cake at the end too and both hot and cold drinks were provided. Everyone on the course had a great day and I am booking on to the tool makers course, my workshop has been without its own forge for far too long."

9 Nov 15'

Ariane reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I came down from London to attend the workshop and had chosen Siobhan in preference to somewhere nearer because I had researched her work and really loved it. The day itself was great - Siobhan told us all we needed to know to produce our own two pieces of work. She was encouraging and supportive when needed but let us get on with our own ideas, pointing out what would and wouldn't work. I produced two pieces which I am very proud of (one of which Siobhan kindly offered to mount for me) and also ended up buying two of Siobhan's art works which are absolutely fabulous and have been remarked upon by everyone who has seen them. Definitely the most satisfying Saturday I spent in ages!"

9 Nov 15'

Toby reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Very good course, well taught. Martin's approach was excellent, the tuition was at a good pace with plenty of practical time. He was always always happy to help out if asked but also happy to let you get on with making you own mistakes! Well organised too – lovely lunches both days."

9 Nov 15'

Lauren Dudley reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"I was a tester for this workshop and it was such great fun. We all managed to make some beautiful felt and a great Christmas wreath which was the centre of attention last year! Highly recommended..."

9 Nov 15'

Alex Bingley reviewed: Beginners Pottery

"Hi, I have two little girls (10 & 11) who are keen to learn to turn and fire pottery. is this something you might be able to help with? Thanks Alex"

9 Nov 15'

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

"The day began with cups of tea and home made flapjack (great start!). The teaching comprised of step by step demonstrations and explanations from Adrian followed by the time to try for yourself. Within no time we were beating red hot metal and growing in confidence. Lunch was great followed by an afternoon learning more skills and ending with home made cake! Adrian, Andy and Debbie great a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and I felt a lot of thought and care had gone into the day. Would heartily recommend!"

9 Nov 15'

Karen J reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"I had a go at a trial of this Christmas workshop and it was great fun. Even I made something that looked just as fabulous as the original. It's easy to do and the results are amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a fun, relaxing day with like-minded people and a mince pie or two. What's wrong with Noddy Holder? It wouldn't be Christmas without him!"

9 Nov 15'

James Craven reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was booked for my 40th birthday. I stayed the night before in a beautiful shepherds hut in the forge gallery installation in the woods. This is a magical way to start the course, waking up to deer and pheasants by your front door as you walk through the woods to the bbq your breakfast! The course itself was amazing, from Nigel's background in how he got to be a blacksmith to the expert and friendly tuition. He is an inspiring chap! We made a number of useful items (all now in use at home next to my woodburner). I would highly recommend this course to anyone of (almost) any age. I will be going back to learn more! James (Ely)"

9 Nov 15'

Chris Pulsford reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A brilliant day with an amazing teacher and a master at his craft. I've always entertained the notion of being a blacksmith and Mort has really helped me take steps towards that goal. His patience, ability to see when mistakes are about to made and to subsequently help correct them all the while letting you stay in control (or at least seem to), all help build confidence in what it possible. As he says the skill can be learnt in minutes but takes a lifetime to master. I can't wait to get back in the forge and improve my skills, might need to strengthen the wrists first though Overall a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to all. Beautiful area and a superb course. Thanks a bunch Mort."

8 Nov 15'

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

"I really enjoyed this course, the teacher student ratio meant we all got assistance as we needed it and i caen't recommend them enough; Adrian and his assistant Adam are fantastic smiths and very good instructors aswell as generally really nice blokes. It was a very good introductory course showing several basic blacksmithing techniques and showing what the art can be."

8 Nov 15'

Ian Clark reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"My daughter and I had two brilliant days with Graham. When he says everything is included, he really means it. We had two days of fun and most importantly relaxation, complete with seven very presentable results to take home. Graham's relaxed teaching style is just perfect and he makes learning new skills very easy. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending a wood turning course with Graham."

8 Nov 15'

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

"What a fab day. I've come home with 2 usable and useful objects that I'm really proud of. Adrian & Andy were just great teachers and so helpful. I may be back to try the candlesticks sometime."

8 Nov 15'

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

"I have just returned from a fantastic day. I was a complete beginner to blacksmithing and the course gave a great experience into what it is like. Adrian and Andy were more than welcoming as well as amazing teachers. Not usually a fan of vegetarian food but I have to admit the food was great too! Would highly recommend this course. You come back with some great souvenirs and a few blisters to show for your hard work!"

8 Nov 15'

Pamela Perkins reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"What a wonderful day. I arrived as a complete beginner and came away with a good grasp of the basic skills plus how I could link this work to my silk painting and ceramics. We (I attended with a friend) were also able to view some of Mel's own wonderful work which was inspirational. As if that wasn't enough we had a lovely lunch provided by Mel's husband and a constant flow of tea and coffee!! Mel is an extremely friendly and helpful person who is more than willing to adapt the day to meet your needs...... you would be hard pressed to find anyone better."

7 Nov 15'

Dan Golding reviewed: One day glass blowing course -creating sculptural glass

"I cannot rate this highly enough! My wife purchased this for me as a Christmas present and it was amazing. From the very first moment you are made to feel welcome and at ease. It is very hands on from within the first half hour and the end results are simply superb. I absolutely loved this and everyone involved was warm, friendly, knowledgeable and an absolute delight to work with"

7 Nov 15'

anne langstone reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"my daughter and I sample different craft courses - it is something we both enjoy - I will however say the course in felting that we shared with Lesley was one of the best - light and airy workshop - Lesley amazing friendly and informative - no pressure to finish on time - we both created a felt picture that will be treasured forever- and the tea and cake was just wonderful - my recommendation just go along and sample this wonderful course you will not regret it and we will be returning early next year"

7 Nov 15'

Steve F reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I did 2 flame work courses with Toni. Both very enjoyable. The first was the beginners course where we covered a range of different techniques. Toni is a good teacher starting with the basic steps and taking you through to the more advanced techniques. She adapts the course to your own requirements & pace which I particularly appreciated. The second was the sculptured flame work course which I did a few days later. This was particularly enjoyable as we made different animals using the techniques learnt on the first course. It is totally absorbing as you need to focus on what you are doing. Toni is clear & helpful in her tuition & I was really pleased with the results. There was time to make 2 owls, 2 other birds, a ladybird & a butterfly. If you enjoy crafts/working with your hands this is an enjoyable way to make something unique."