Latest reviews

24 May 15'

Pam Barker-Mears reviewed: Spinning Lesson

"Had a fantastic first session with Mia who is so patient and fun. If you're thinking of trying spinning I throughly recommend contacting Mia. We can't wait to have another lesson."

24 May 15'

Alex reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Absolutely fantastic course, nigel is exactly what I was looking for in a tutor. I can't wait to go back and visit the forge again, all blacksmithing aside nigel is a very genuine and interesting guy. I'm also glad to have met him as I know he'll be there to help me with any questions I may have in the future. Alex, 20"

23 May 15'

Pauline Gallagher reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Ed Bentley travelled to bonnie Scotland recently to show me how to make moulds of my hand-thrown pieces of pottery. What an extraordinary man. His understanding, gentle nature and quick wit made the experience an absolute joy. He truly has the patience of a saint. I would have been overjoyed if Ed had shown me how to make one mould. However, he showed me how to make two: A three-piece mould and a one part drop-out mould. His attention to detail is extraordinary as he produces moulds which look like works of art in themselves. He is super talented, while so down to earth. I could not recommend Ed Bentley highly enough. Thank you so much Ed. Haste ye back! Pauline Gallagher"

23 May 15'

Alice Forward reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"This course is brilliant! I have done it twice now, have learned loads, and hope to go again soon. Mark is an extremely talented and accomplished artist in his own right as well as being a fantastically generous teacher, an expert on classical sculpture and incredibly knowledgeable about all aspects of bronze-casting and sculpture in general. He is also able to make everyone, no matter what age, experience or background, feel at home and confidant enough to learn a significant amount in a short space of time. Cilyrynys itself has the added bonus of being in lovely surroundings. All in all, it is quite a magical experience I would urge anyone who interested in making to give it a try.5"

23 May 15'

Bex & Rob Cottey reviewed: Timber framing courses

"By far the best course we've ever been on, and we are looking forward to the advanced one! We have learned so much in 5 days, it is incredible. Rob was able to stretch his technical thinking and dream even bigger projects and Bex was able to overcome her lack of confidence in using hand tools to get great results. Now I know what we are able to achieve as a team there'll be no stopping us! Alan, John and Connor were incredibly patient, and understanding and explained everything so clearly. Questions were always answered with good explanations so we would always end up solving problems ourselves and learning even more. Not once were we made to feel stupid even though this was completely new to us. All the students worked well together, with great conversation at meal times, while we stuffed ourselves with Mary's incredible food! Thank you to everyone for an incredible week we will never forget! We hope to see you all again soon!"

22 May 15'

Helen Golding reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"This stained glass day course was bought for my dad as a gift. I was lucky enough to be able to join him for the day and it was fabulous. Abby was a very patient teacher and catered brilliantly for our different needs. I had never cut glass, handled lead or soldered before. The end results were brilliant. We were both so impressed! Thank you so much for a brilliant experience. We'd both definitely do it again!"

22 May 15'

Keith Drew reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"From walking into the old chapel at 9a.m. on Saturday to walking out at 5p.m. on Sunday, with a bag I'd made, the course was a joy. Gaynor, Enya and Elizabeth were highly skilled, inspiring, patient, always positive and fun to be with. Tea, cakes and biscuits were on plentiful supply and lunch round the woodburner chatting made for a very rewarding time on all levels. There was a camaraderie and friendship throughout the two days with both tutors and course members. I would thoroughly recommend a course at Pembrokeshire Leatherwork for something really enriching in a lovely environment Thank you all!"

21 May 15'

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

"We had a fabulous workshop day with Siobhan at the Forge. Excellent facilities and Siobhan was a great teacher - she explained all the techniques and how it would look after being in the kiln and set us working on our first piece very quickly. She made the day great fun for us. We were a family group - total novices at this - and Siobhan helped us create a collaborative piece in the afternoon as a memento of a milestone birthday. Really rather special experience! Many thanks and thoroughly recommend to anyone."

21 May 15'

Katie Turnbull reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What a fantastic day, the 8 hours seemed to fly by all too soon. Julie's calm patience and easy going approach to imparting her years of knowledge enabled me to make a basket to be proud of. Looking forward to putting all I learnt on the day into practice. I thoroughly recommend this course."

20 May 15'

Geraint Edwards reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I keep returning to this beautiful corner of rural Wales (6 times) for truly inspirational weekends of creativity and alchemy. Mark shares his passion for bronze and his deep knowledge of it’s history, myths and processes, whilst providing clear instruction and unstinting help with all the practicalities of wax modeling, ceramic shell mould making and finishing the bronze sculpture. In the midst of all this there is the drama of the bronze pour and the excitement and revelation of breaking open the moulds. The alchemy is infectious for beginners and experienced artists alike and makes for a most engaging social & creative event, which I most heartily recommend."

20 May 15'

Geraint Edwards reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

20 May 15'

Chris Ashford reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"Thanks Linda for a brilliant day. It was so relaxed but we still produced some interesting pieces. We did plenty of laughing and there was plenty of cake so what more could you ask? Linda is a good tutor, I would advise anybody to attend this workshop."

20 May 15'

Jackie Hough reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What an enjoyable and rewarding workshop! Having tried making a couple of baskets following a book at home, it was so helpful being shown the way to hone my fledgling skills to avoid unsightly gaps, and uneven uprights! Step by step, Julie showed us all the stages in basket construction, and I was delighted with the improvement I made over my own efforts. There were so many small techniques to learn that made such a difference to the finished article. Rope making for the handle was a revelation; no way would I have managed that from a book. Strong thumbs are a must, but otherwise enthusiasm is probably the main ingredient needed to succeed on this workshop. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Julie as a tutor. Nothing beats being shown a craft skill by a patient, knowledgeable expert."

20 May 15'

julie bruton seale reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Loved both the bark containers day and the native cordage one. Ruby makes ancient techniques simple and achievable, and imparted a vast amount of knowledge in bite-sized chunks. Am totally inspired and can't wait to make more!"

19 May 15'

Karen Farrar reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"I absolutely loved this course. Linda is brilliant. Friendly and welcoming. The day was relaxed and great fun. Thank you."

19 May 15'

Tim Little and Annie Challis reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"Myself and Annie had been up to Brown Robin Nature Reserve the end of last summer to spend time with Tony as he carried out a charcoal burn. We stayed for a few days and were also shown around the reserve as an unexpected freebie. We learnt a huge amount from just one burn and subsequently took home this new found skill and knowledge to apply to our own charcoal production back home. More recently (May 2015) we spent a weekend both on the 'Greenwood Experience' course, more spceifically to create a shave horse. By doing so we will be able to practice the various greenwood techniques we learnt from Tony and continue to experiment and create our own products. Tony passes on knowledge constantly and has an extremely constructive teaching technique. You can rest assured that you will learn all you set out to on his courses, an more! The fundamentals of this course included: Introduction to greenwood properties of various trees such as Elm, Willow, Ash and Sycamore, use of shave horse, using a 'froe' and 'cleaving' wood, use of various traditional tools (eg brace & bits, drawknife and spoke shaves), introduction to pole lathe, rounding off wood and roughing out and all of the finer skills. The beauty of a course with Tony is that as well as engaging in a superb, traditional craft, all the while you are learning exactly where these skills and materials are coming from and the associated management of the woodland. As a result you come away with so much more background knowledge which the course and the craft actually relies upon; the woodland and associated ecosystems. Another tour of the reserve this time took us through anient meadows, identifying birds by call, beautiful butterflies and wildflowers and small mammals. We were then privelaged enough to be shown a special corner of the reserve with soem very special ancient Lime trees. Other tid bits included briefly studying various mosses which adorn the magical limestone pavements. Cannot thank Tony enough for his time, skill, teachings and company ..... Book a course now!"

19 May 15'

Di Herriot reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A wonderful day with a fabulous teacher. Elaine is so knowledgeable and took a complete beginner to a relatively competent spinner in just 6 hours. Learnt so much and have a skein of my own spun wool which is just so satisfying! Thank you Elaine for your patience and expertise. Di x"

19 May 15'

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

"What a great gift! Was given this as a Christmas present as it is something I had always wanted to try. Adrian & Debbie could not be better hosts for the day with yummy food & some brilliant stories to tell. Such an experience to work a true craftsman! Looking forward to giving the next course a go! Would recommend highly to other, thanks for a memorable day!"

18 May 15'

Cath Fulson reviewed: M

"I took my friend Rosie to Maddie's for a mosaic making workshop as a 30th birthday present. It was absolutely all we could have wished for. Maddie was so knowledgeable and helpful, we were surrounded by her beautiful pieces and were in great company. Maddie was lovely to talk to and also very patient and kind which was a great help. Rosie and I had a lot of fun and created pieces that we are very proud of. It's was an afternoon to treasure for both of us and I cannot thank Maddie enough for the experience."

18 May 15'

Sara reviewed: Felting, An Introduction - Make a Fabulous Felt Wall-hanging

"I took a group of women from our community interest company to try out felting for the first time. The workshop was a beautiful experience in a lovely cosy setting complete with tea and coffee cake. We each produced a felt ball and our own plaque and we were guided by Heather and Carolyn, They were patient and informative and nothing was too much trouble, a wonderful afternoon!"

18 May 15'

kate dulieu reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"It was a wonderful day.I an not the most artistic person and I went home with a recognisable sheep. The setting is stunning as was were the refreshments. phil's instruction was just right and has infinate patience. Highly recommend this course."

18 May 15'

Anna Hayes reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"An outstanding course with fantastic facilities and tuition of the highest level. You are provided with thorough guidance through the entire process, so what is offered is an extremely comprehensive learning opportunity. There is everything you need for a wonderful weekend in a beautiful place and a lovely time with great people. Very special, I would recommend it to anybody."

18 May 15'

Louise Duly reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Brilliant day at Spotty Pig Farm The Spinning Barn. Theresa is a fantastic teacher. Would thoroughly recommend her."

18 May 15'

Anna Hayes reviewed: Silicone rubber blanket mould making course: for sculptors and makers

"Such a great opportunity to obtain really specialist skills and to gain confidence in making/broaden creative processes from extremely knowledgable and experienced teaching. Set in a beautiful place with everything you need and more. I learnt a lot and had such a fantastic time."

18 May 15'

Martin Wood reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I have attended several day courses with Alex over the past 4 years. Alex is a highly experienced and knowledgeable Blacksmith who will tailor the session to suit your needs and experience. The location and setting within the Amberley Chalk pit Museum complex adds to the whole experience and provides a real feeling of how the craft was practiced during an age when Blacksmiths were an integral part of everyday village life."