Latest reviews

18 Feb 14'

Keith Lee reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Some 47 years have elapsed since I last attempted woodworking. It was with some trepidation that I signed up to spend a week with Richard in Penrith. The course was exactly what I would have wished for. Both Richard and Mark showed great patience, kindness and humour throughout. More importantly they were able to pass on knowledge and skills with a clarity that was of great benefit to this complete beginner. They both instilled in me an enthusiasm for the subject that I intend to continue. The lunchtime lectures by Richard were especially valuable. I recommend this corse without reservation. Keith Lee"

18 Feb 14'

Greg Morris reviewed: A stool making day

"What a fantastic day out! Exceeded all my expectations! Had an amazing time and everyone there looked the same. I learned a huge amount in what seemed to be a very short period of time and came away with a stool that now sits pride of place in my living room. I would well and truly recommend this course to anyone with or without a keen interest in wood work. Thanks very much to Gail, Dave and Eoin, will 100% be back to sample the chair or bench course this year at some point!"

18 Feb 14'

Tracy reviewed: Spinning, weaving and dyeing - Monthly on a Saturday

"I wanted to learn to spin I found the details easily on line. Alison has taught me everything I know. I progressed quickly and can now spin lots of different types of yarn. Alison worked at my speed and is a very patient teacher. I have learnt a lot about fleeces and preparation so I can go from sheep to something I can wear I would recommend Alison if you want to learn this wonderful craft"

17 Feb 14'

Niels Girvan reviewed: A stool making day

"Just wanted to say what a great time I had on the stool making course. The weather didn't look promising but I hardly noticed because the course was so involving. It was excellent to have three such knowledgeable and helpful tutors which meant we were well looked after. Also nice to meet participants from such a wide range of backgrounds. I got this course as a Christmas present and it was a brilliant change from the usual. I'll maybe think of signing up for a two day course to see what else I can make. Many thanks to Gail, Dave and Eoin!"

17 Feb 14'

Robert Lovett reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I booked the course not knowing what to expect really, i just fancied trying something totally different. Aaron is a superb craftsman and a really nice genuine guy. Our small group were guided along by Aaron who kept a watchful eye over us helping when it was called for. I really enjoyed the course and would highly recommend it, from the first communication with Trudi when booking and the information as regards hotels nearby which was very helpful and accurate right through till the end of the second day i couldn't fault anything to be honest. Robert Lovett. Wolverhampton. West Midlands."

17 Feb 14'

Jason Ram reviewed: A stool making day

"I had a truly brilliant day with the lads and lady. This was the first time I had done any wood work since school and was made to feel relaxed from the moment I arrived. The tutors were excellent, the tools were first class and the stools we all left with at the end of the day were excellent. I have been made to feel inspired to go on and do more, us we got some great home made soup to boot. I would urge everyone to visit at least once and you are sure to leave with something you have made or bought. Thanks again and see you soon. First class."

17 Feb 14'

Heather Doggett reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass in Cornwall

"Brilliant day! Fi is a very friendly and relaxed teacher and we really enjoyed the day in a rather damp and windy Norfolk. The time flew by and it was fascinating to be shown (and then be allowed to play with) so many and varied materials. A fantastic introduction to glass fusing and a way to surprise yourself with design ideas you didn't know you had in your head. Also a lovely location adjacent to Houghton Hall, and a very welcome and delicious lunch. Thoroughly recommended - give it a go!"

15 Feb 14'

johnny hillman reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"My wife bought me a weekend course with Aaron of Ferric Fusion. One of the best weekends ever. Aaron is a true craftsman with a wealth of experience and an awesome forge! You get straight to work and its really hands on- learning lots of techniques. Aaron does his utmost to accommodate the varying skill levels in the group- so is suitable for novice to expert. I can't recommend this course highly enough- its brilliant- and Aaron is a lovely guy.....don't hesitate to book."

15 Feb 14'

Ann Yeomans reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I paid for my son to go on this course as he was thinking of applying for a blacksmithing course and he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it especially as it was practical and hands on. I loved the present he brought home for me. He then went on to study blacksmithing full time and afterwards gained an apprenticeship in the RAF using the skills he obtained. I can't recommend this course highly enough and the people are very friendly too."

15 Feb 14'

Tom reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"This was a gift bought for me for my birthday and it was superb. I really cannot stress enough how good it was. You get stuck in pretty much as soon as you are through the door and the two days fly by! Highly Recommend This Course."

15 Feb 14'

dave rugg reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"My wife and I attended this course in 2013. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. No experience is required for the beginners course yet the groups are small enough that significant additional 'stretch' can be provided if desired. A very friendly relaxed feel with plenty of hands on tuition rather than being lectured to. Excellent experience and we intend to do the intermediate course too."

14 Feb 14'

Danny Davies reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have attended Sharon s courses just over 12 months. she is an excellent tutor, wood carving is a new learning course for me, Sharon explains every thing in a simple manner to you, how to use tools correctly and safely. A true professional. Thank you Sharon"

14 Feb 14'

Alun reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Something a little out of the ordinary, I loved this course. Everyone was very friendly and easy to get along with. A great introduction to blacksmithing. Thank you!"

14 Feb 14'

Rachel reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"The blacksmith course was a present for my (18yo) son - and he loved it. Aaron took the time in working with him on what he really wanted to make. My husband and I had a lovely relaxing weekend in West Wales at the same time. Trudi was great at sending us all the info - totally recommended!"

14 Feb 14'

Diane jarvis reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop

"Really enjoyable days with lunch included, lots of variety of ideas to make , including bowls , jewellery, decorations , etc"

13 Feb 14'

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

"A wonderful, informative and good fun day. I haven't collected my piece yet, even so I would highly recommend the day. Siobhan tailors the day to your individual needs and experience and lets you get on with it, after the first instructions and examples, but is always on hand for support and advice. I have gone on several craft courses and this one really was excellent. ( I may have to go again!) Very good value for money too!! Thanks Siobhan"

13 Feb 14'

John reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I had a great time and was surprised at how much we learnt and accomplished in one day. The pace of the course is just right, and you get to take away a great selection of candles and melts you've made yourself. Really good fun, and I'm looking forward to applying what I learnt at home."

13 Feb 14'

Isabel Hill reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"Really enjoyable day. Classes are in small groups so lots of individual attention and help if you need it. Cathy is very patient and supportive. Really recommend Cathy's course."

12 Feb 14'

Allan Tyler reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Sharon has been my tutor at her Wednesday wood carving class. She has been able to transfer her extensive knowledge and skills to the members of the class. She has a natural and friendly way of working that makes the class a pleasure. The fact that the class has been full for years on end reflects Sharon's excellent skill and teaching capabilities."

10 Feb 14'

Rachel Curry reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"My sister and I had a wonderful 'day off' attempting to revive our spinning in lovely surroundings and with a very patient, and knowledgeable tutor. Elaine loves spinning and we found her very inspiring. Worth every penny."

9 Feb 14'

Barbara Clarke reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I had my monthly, Saturday, woodcarving session wih Sharon yesterday. As usual it was very productive ( i am working on my eleventh lovespoon) and as usual, a very pleasant social occasion with the class. Sharon is a first class teacher with limitless talent and patience, if you are an old hand or a beginner she is allways happy to help and advise. Looking forward to the next class in March and starting on my next piece."

8 Feb 14'

Richard Feinmann reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"If you are thinking of taking woodworking seriously and just don't know if you can do it, then do this course. Fun, hard working week with good supportive teaching. You will be so pleased with what you can make and the info that Richard and Mark share. Just what I wanted. A great week."

8 Feb 14'

Liz reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"Excellent tutor, friendly relaxed class. Really enjoyed the day. Thank you Cathy"

7 Feb 14'

Alex reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Alex (Course 1, Feb 2014) I really enjoyed this course and I definitely learned a great deal. Thanks"

7 Feb 14'

Gill reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Just in from a brilliant day as a beginner learning under the expert tuition of Dilys. Car park easy to find currently £5.20 for 8hrs. The mentioned stairs up to work room on first floor being normal carpeted household stairs. Managed to fit in two pieces, one of which Dilys helped me to include at least 5 of the techniques she had shown us on the vast array of samples. We had lunch at the nearby Craft Cafe as recommended by Dilys, very good community project serving basic but very tasty food £3.30 for a cheese/onion toastie. Dilys explains very clearly and comprehensively the various processes, with the course being very much hands on, she is very patient and made us feel very proud of what we achieved."