Latest reviews

3 Aug 15'

Stephanie Foster reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"What a great morning I had learning the basics of rag rugging. Elspeth was friendly and helpful and an extremely good teacher. She explained and demonstrated clearly and carefully the different types of rag rugging. I left, after the morning's course, with a cushion cover started and the confidence to carry on at home. Elspeth is extremely talented and it was lovely to see some of her work displayed."

3 Aug 15'

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

"Great food, great fun and great tuition. the staff were really helpful and friendly and the course was well structured, the projects involve enough difficulty to keep things interesting while also being achievable. A wonderful day all round which I would definitely recommend to others."

2 Aug 15'

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

"Fantastic tuition and brilliant food and refreshments throughout the day. Both Adrian and Andy helped us through the projects step by step and at the end of a long day we all left with two items each. Help was offered when needed and for those with less muscle power, additional hammering meant that no one was left behind. The food and cake made by Debbie was outstanding. Dietary requests were no problem and we will definitely be recommending the course to others."

2 Aug 15'

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

"I was given this course as birthday present in March and had been waiting for it eagerly. I was not disappointed. One of the best birthday presents I have had, and one I will remember and talk about for a long time. I enjoyed finding out, and making something as simple as a snail key ring, and how much work has to go into its manufacture. Then the dragon style coat rack, and how to transform a flat piece of metal via a bit of good old wellying, into something cherished and useful. Adrian ably assisted by Andy were knowledgable and patient hosts helping out where required whilst the students got on with their smithying. I was very impressed by Debbie's home cooking using local ingredients. The snacks and lunch were delicious especially the waffleberry pudding, (had to ask for the recipe). So thanks again to Adrian, Debbie and assistant Andy for a great day."

1 Aug 15'

Hilary reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"An absolutely fantastic day. I really can't fault anything about this course. Sophie is a warm, generous and knowledgeable instructor and makes the whole day work really well. The venue is beautiful, the lunch was really delicious, but above all Sophie's teaching style was supportive, fun and enthusiastic. Her communication before the course was excellent and I knew exactly what to expect on the day. Just book... go on... do it. You really won't regret it."

1 Aug 15'

Jo Lally reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"I've been to the summer school twice, and I'll definitely go again. It's amazing to spend a week making jewellery and enjoying the Dorset countryside. Jesa and Al are patient, friendly and helpful, always trying to think of a way that things can be done. This year I spent a couple of days designing, tried new techniques and made some pieces I'm very pleased with. Can't recommend this highly enough. I love it, and can't wait for the next one."

31 Jul 15'

Cerilan Bailey reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Learnt a wide variety of blacksmithing techniques during our day with Chris. We booked a day for 2 for my boyfriend's birthday and well worth the money. We drove up from Cardiff and found it easily thanks to Chris' directions to his workshop, which is located in a picturesque farm. It focused nicely on the 4 main techniques and progressed at a comfortable pace throughout the day as Chris guided us through the otherwise daunting art of blacksmithing. Highly recommended for anyone that is curious about blacksmithing, or metal work in general. Chris is a passionate teacher who was patient with me, and answered all the questions my boyfriend had about the subject with great enthusiasm. We finished our day with leaf keyrings that really surprised us with how much learnt in just one day, they were far better than we ever could of imagined at the start when we were just hitting a metal rod. With the spare time we had at the end, Chris showed us techniques of fire welding, and even let my boyfriend have a go himself! Chris also showed us his artwork, and talked us through the processes he went through for designing and making the pieces, wonderful to see such care and attention to detail using the tools around him and his own ingenuity. All in all a fabulous day out, and would definitely go again."

31 Jul 15'

Katherine Rogers reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"This is the 4th year I have been to Summer School at Flux'n'Flame. and I highly recommend this course. My first year I was a complete beginner and I walked away with a bracelet using several different techniques. The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced silversmiths as Jesa and Al are available to teach, assist and discuss designs at all times. My confidence has grown with each visit to tackle something new and more complex each time. No design is ever viewed as too complicated and Jesa and Al will always look at the best way to achieve what you want. Their knowledge is immense and nothing is ever too much trouble. Aside from their teaching skill their workshop is fully kitted out with all the tools you could possibly need to make your piece of jewellery. The atmosphere is very relaxed, and everyone is made to feel extremely welcome. It is the highlight of my year, I'm devastated I can't attend next year due to my brothers wedding but I've already made the gifts at this years summer school! I will be sneaking in a weekend course to tide me over. Thank you Jesa an Al for another wonderful week."

31 Jul 15'

Carol Crowden reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"This was my fifth Summer School at Flux 'n Flame and it wont be my last! Thanks to Jesa and Al's patience and guidance I had my first attempts at tube setting and made two lovely bracelets and started on a third. Everyone was friendly and helpful and it is the highlight of my year."

31 Jul 15'

Stella Mackness reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"I've just been to Flux n Flame for the fifth year running and it was just as magical as it was the first time! Jesa and Al have endless patience and are always at hand to give encouragement and advice. I've learnt loads of new things every time and always love my creations. It's my favourite week of the year, can't wait for summer school number six"

31 Jul 15'

Frances O'Leary reviewed: PickOne weekend weaving course

"I came to the weaving course for beginners with james in July. It was a fantastic weekend and James is a wonderful and very knowledgable teacher. The course is held in jame's personal studio in edinburgh and it is an amazing creative environment. James makes you feel right at home and with small classes, there is lots of one to one time. By the end of the weekend i felt as though i had learned a great deal and produced a piece of work I was very happy with. I would very much recommend this course if you are interested in learning to weave. I plan to return to do the 8 shaft course soon! Thanks again James! :D"

31 Jul 15'

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

"What a cracking day. I had previously caught the smithing bug on the basic course, but it was great to produce something functional during this session. As ever, enormous patience demonstrated by our teacher Adrian, and again fabulous snacks and lunch provided by Debbie. I defy anyone with a Rhubarb-in-the-garden-shed view of the world not to delight in these courses."

31 Jul 15'

Jemma Batten reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"Absolutely loved it!! Couldn't rate it highly enough, fantastic week!"

30 Jul 15'

Vivien Dent reviewed: Mosaic, One Day Workshop

"Jane is a fantastic teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed my introduction to mosaic. I have come away with a piece that I am proud to display and would thoroughly recommend the course to others."

30 Jul 15'

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

"A very informative and practical two days. Greg has a wealth of experience and patience. I was thrilled with the pieces I made. Thank you."

30 Jul 15'

Kay reviewed: The Wax Flower Candle Workshop

"What an amazing way to spend a day. I can't believe that I actually made these beautiful flower candles. Great instructions given and was really fun. Thank you Sakeena."

30 Jul 15'

Carola reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Loved the class. Easy and learned a lot. Can't wait to make at home...and for a future business. Thank you!"

30 Jul 15'

Sharon reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Excellent course. So much clear and concise information in a fun learning environment. I can't wait to do more courses. Thank you."

30 Jul 15'

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

"thank you for a lovely day. ash really enjoyed his experience using the forge and all the tools. debbie and adrian are great hosts, very patient and encouraging people. lovely food, and plenty of it, great atmosphere and thanks to the friendly cheerful andy we came away with some goodies - a dragon coat rack and a key fob. would recommend this to anyone, it makes a memorable birthday gift, even as a spectator / responsible parent, an interesting day can be had."

30 Jul 15'

Ali Leather reviewed: Two day dry stone walling course for beginners in association with Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain

"Brilliant course + experience in general. Really welcoming, inspiring people. I'm definitely going to carry on walling, but would very much advise future course members to take warm layers + waterproofs... Anyone who showed up in jeans really suffered in the driving rain + wind of the sunday, but I was v.impressed that no-one chickened out 'cause of the weather. Such a satisfying craft. Thanks!"

29 Jul 15'

Yanina Mucha-Carling reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"I read Mia's reviews and they triggered me into contacting her. I was pleasantly surprised by her prompt response to my inquiry. And I was not disappointed when I attended a half day course with her. I found Mia to be attentive and patient with my queries. I enjoyed hearing about the construction of the fibres, what happens when the fibre is pulled, combed and carded; the various ways of spinning the fibres and then the plying of the fibres. I felt thoroughly inspired throughout my time with Mia. I also got to meet the alpacas and we even ate our lunch with them! What cuties they are! Mia also showed me how to care for my wheel, which I greatly appreciated. Finally, Mia offered support by e mail with any queries that I may have in the future. I want to go back for another course with Mia to learn a few more things about spinning and using fibres in other ways. I've had a great time and I will thoroughly recommend Mia to my friends who are interested in spinning. A BIG thank you Mia!"

29 Jul 15'

Christina Davies reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"Thank you Dunja - I had a fab day yesterday. My yarn is lovely and dry now and I'm already wondering what to make with it. Oh, and my husband was actually impressed with the fact that I'd spun my own wool! So was I! A lovely inspirational day and well worth treating oneself too or gifting as a present. Thank you again for a lovely lunch - I meant to ask you for the recipe for the delicious apple cake. Hopefully see you at a Guild meeting soon. Christina"

29 Jul 15'

Andrea reviewed: Stained Glass Nuno Felted Scarves Online Class

"Had a fab day! Lena is very patient, creative and inspirational. Thank you, Lena! x"

29 Jul 15'

Ingrid Walker reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"Great day, wonderful teaching, Maddie was refreshingly happy to give tips and help with personal queries and information about buying materials."

29 Jul 15'

Rob Baker reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a two day course with Alex and it was great fun! I made a candle stick holder and a rams head poker. Both were very interesting things to make and combined a number of different techniques. Alex's approach is to demonstrate a technique and then supervise while you to try it for yourself. This worked well as it means that the final item you end up with is completely your own work - from the initial design to the final finished piece. I learnt so much on both days and would love to go back in future. To top it off, my candle stick holder got full approval from the other half so it's made it to a prime location on top of the dining room table! Well chuffed! : )"