Latest reviews

22 Mar 15'

Anna Hughes reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"Wonderful experience and very patient and skilled tuition - I have wanted to try this for ages and was not disappointed. Now I have the basics would love to do more ."

22 Mar 15'

Pat Dew reviewed: Rug Making day workshops in the Yorkshire Dales

"This was a very enjoyable class with a friendly, informative teacher and I learned the basic techniques of proddy and hooky. Heather told us all about her work in Africa with blind people and showed us her many rugs that tell a story. I could have done with more time to practice a few other techniques, the session flew past so quickly and I'd definitely recommend it."

21 Mar 15'

Jess reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Well, I didn't think it could get much better than Course 1, but Richard and Mark have surpassed my expectations yet again! Course 2 was an amazing week of building confidence and knowledge. It was a really good consolidation of the techniques learned in Course 1 coupled with a steady flow of information and plenty of hands on experience. By the end of the week I felt that I had a really good grasp of the concepts required and the ability needed to set to work on my own projects, right from the designing stage, through selection and purchase of the wood required, to construction and finishing. All I need now are a few power tools….."

20 Mar 15'

Liz Cox reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a great day at Firebird Forge, beautiful rural location with fab views. Mort is an extremely knowledgeable teacher and does have patience of a saint ! - and very gentlemanly helped out when my weak arms just weren't up to the job ! Really interesting and enjoyable and great to come home with some "bespoke" pieces. Would love to have another go - but need to eat 3 Weetabix before I go next time ! Would recommend to anyone to give it a try though - as you can't fail to enjoy this fascinating craft."

20 Mar 15'

David Mills reviewed: Glass Engraving for Beginners

"Usefully broadened my hobby skills at a reasonable cost. Well organised and efficiently run."

20 Mar 15'

Charmian mills reviewed: Glass Engraving for Beginners

"Very interesting, amazing how easy it was to achieve some patterns and words on the glass, especially as I am not a natural artist. Looking foreward to expanding this new hobby. The tutor was very patient, explaining each procedure carefully and allowing us plenty of time with every stage. A good enjoyable day, with a hand engraved glass to take home."

20 Mar 15'

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"This is the second course I have attended with Peter and I will certainly be back again. Everyone on the course produced beautiful pieces of furniture to take away with them and had gained a number of new skills along the way. Working with wood in this way is completely rewarding and engrossing, the location of the workshop is beautiful and the opportunity to work outside in good weather made it even better. As before I would recommend attending one of Peter's courses to everyone whatever your level of experience."

18 Mar 15'

jackie vester reviewed: Jewellery making - Beautiful stitched vintage cuffs

"Absolutely love going to these classes ~ I am amazed at my own ability but Amanda is such a calm teacher & has an excellent technique that makes even for the clumsiest of makers like me look fabulous looking forward to going to my next one"

18 Mar 15'

John Littler reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a great weekend ! A pair of middle aged blokes with an interest in history learning how they made weapons in the middle ages...by making some weapons. Mort raised his eyebrows at two beginners making pattern-welded ("Damascus steel") weapons in 2 days (I heard Sir Humphrey saying "Brave decision Minister" in my head), but he did his best to take us from clueless to competent in no time. He's an extraordinarily patient teacher, with a very obviously deep understanding of the craft and was very easy to get along with - moving beginners along the track of learning without making us feel as clueless as we really are. The real danger is walking out of the forge thinking you're a blacksmith at the end of the weekend, when it's more that you've been good at following instructions. His ability to rescue the piece when I stuffed things up was put to the test a number of times as I made many mistakes, but we reached a very satisfactory outcome - the swirling patterns in the axehead looked fantastic. We will definitely be back again to do more. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone."

17 Mar 15'

Paul Mattinson reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"Very enjoyable course, knowledgeable tutors and lots to learn. I enjoyed the inclusive just have a go attitude and will be booking on another course very soon. Thanks to all who make this happen."

17 Mar 15'

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

"I had such a great weekend on the course and already want to make another bag! Gaynor, Enya and Elizabeth were great company and wonderful teachers. Gaynor was very helpful with encouragement and information about how, as a beginner, to continue leatherwork at home after the course. Gary and Enya both drove me to and from my B&B or the train station, which was a generous and very welcome benefit that meant being in the middle of nowhere without a car wasn't complicated. I would thoroughly recommend this course for anyone good with their hands and keen to work with leather. I came away feeling very pleased with myself! Thank you."

17 Mar 15'

Julie Adams reviewed: Bronze Smelting and Casting

"A wonderful day from start to finish. The course leader was extemely knowledgeable and I learned things I wasn't aware of. It was presented in a really interesting way. Course leader was very patient and explained each step in an understandable manner. The timing of the activities, facilities and atmosphere was brilliant. A totally unique experience that I would love to do again. Magical setting too. I have already recommended this day to friends and family and will be keeping an eye out for future events. A day to remember :)"

17 Mar 15'

Carmen Burkett reviewed: Tambour beading: a haute couture technique

"Myself and a colleague were lucky to find this class. We are based in Birmingham and the class is worth the journey to Bristol and we have attended two so far. It is easy to find if you aren't familiar with the area. The setting is lovely and the workshop has beautiful natural light. Audrey is very welcoming and there is tea, coffee and biscuits available. The small group had varying levels of skill but we were all kept busy as our own individual pace. We were given aims for the lesson and the kit provided is ample for the class. We are both college lecturers in textiles and we hope to develop this new skill to deliver it to our students next year. We would both recommend this class to anyone interested in Tambour and we are looking forward to the next class later in the year. It is definitely value for money."

17 Mar 15'

Linette reviewed: Crochet for Beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed learning all the basics on crochet in one day. It has made my ambitions go beyond just being able to make granny squares having seen all of the inspiring work Kasturi shared with us during the day. She has such patience."

17 Mar 15'

Elfrieda Berry reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I recently took four of my GSCE Art students to do a workshop with Maddie and Penny as part of their exam module. I had contacted Maddie previously to explain what each of the students wanted to achieve, and she was so helpful and accommodating to each of their needs. We spent a wonderful afternoon in the beautiful studio. Maddie and Penny were fantastic, explaining and demonstrating all of the techniques and were so supportive to each of the students, who all came away not only with some fantastic work to put towards their GCSE, but elated with creative ideas and keen to go back and make more! Thanks Maddie and Penny, a great afternoon had by all, we all look forward to seeing you again! Rich said: “It was really good and for my GCSE I learned loads of different ways to do mosaic.” Hannah said: “Maddie and Penny were really inspirational and motivated me to experiment with something different, thanks!” Charlotte said: “I had a really good time there and would like to go back. I really loved their work and enjoyed learning something new and fun.”"

17 Mar 15'

Alona reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I enjoyed it a lot. I wish it would last a few more days."

17 Mar 15'

Rachel reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I enjoyed it very much and hope to be able to use it professionally."

17 Mar 15'

Derek reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"BIG thanks to Richard and Mark (and Ash) for a fantastic week in Course 1 - Tools. I had not done any serious woodworking since the mid 1980s so I was obviously quite rusty and a bit apprehensive as to the experience and skills expected on Day 1. Not to worry. Richard and Mark literally start from the beginning and cater the instruction to the knowledge level of each individual. Keeping the class size limited to four 'future woodworking masters' makes that possible. As I recognized early on Day 1, there is no mucking about. Class started at 0900 and by 0910 myself and another student were turning wood on the lathes, neither of us ever having done it before! Awesome. I also realized the skills I may been taught a long time ago were not necessarily the right way to do the task or operate the machine/tool...or perhaps they were initially but I picked up some bad habits along the way. Either way, Richard and Mark have a keen eye and desire to ensure you obtain the very best technique and efficiency, proper safety, and end result. And the best part...by the end of the week you have something to take home to display proudly and prominently, whilst you sit back and bask in the rays of your newfound confidence."

16 Mar 15'

mitchell Fawcett reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I had such an amazing time, the girls there are amazing and know exactly what they are talking about, I had such a great time I am going to get my wife to take the course."

16 Mar 15'

Brett Cissell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I did a 1 day course in blacksmithing with Nigel at Fransham Forge in March 2015. I was able to craft a firepoker, firespade, bottle opener and a key ring. Nigel clearly explained the process to follow and was always avalible for assistance. I am extremely pleased with the end results, being a finer quality then I was expecting. If you already have an idea of what you would like to make during your time, Nigel is very accommodating. I would definitely recommend this course as it is a unique and fun experience."

16 Mar 15'

Alix reviewed: Fused glass course

"Booked by my daughter as a surprise Mothers Day gift and I loved it! Camilla is a fab teacher and good company. She has a wealth of knowledge about fused glass and enjoys sharing this. We made lots of beautiful pieces, the first one went in the kiln while we were there so we had something to bring home, the others will be ready to collect in a few days. I can't recommend the course or Camilla enough and will definitely be recommending to friends. The vintage music was fab too!"

16 Mar 15'

Rhianna reviewed: Fused glass course

"I booked this course for me and my mum to do as a Mother's Day gift and LOVED it! I would highly recommend this course to anyone interested in handmade crafts or just looking to try something new! The course lasted a full afternoon which was packed full of creativity, biscuits, coffee and vintage music, not to mention the freedom to make many of our own beautiful pieces. Camilla is such a lovely person and a great teacher, sharing her skills and experience from many years in fused glass! My mum loved the day and can't wait to pick up the pieces of jewellery she made when they're finished (they're in the kiln right now!)."

16 Mar 15'

Mark the mad biker reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have just finished course 2 last Friday, March 13 2015; straight after finishing course 1 the previous week. I am glad I did the two courses back-to-back as it gave me a continuity which would have been lost if I had waited for any length of time between the courses. Learning about the different woods available, how to get the wood you need, how to order from a saw mill what you need, and how to choose the correct wood for your projects, is a must to learn if you want to be serious about your woodworking. Richard and Mark are first class in giving this insight. The visit to the saw mill was an experience not to be missed. I have learned so much on the course that I now feel confident about walking into a mill and using the correct terminology to order what I need. The courses have given more than I thought and I am now prepared to venture into woodworking as a hobby. Many thanks to Richard and Mark for all their help and guidance during my time in the workshop"

16 Mar 15'

Catherine Ramsden reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop

"I was given a gift voucher for this course as a birthday present from my sister. I had wanted to try something different and this course looked great. I had seen a piece I wanted to copy and Ann had all the bits prepared for me when I got there. There were simple demonstrations and then lots of time to practice. Ann was always on hand to give guidance or suggestions. Lunch was very nice and the facilities suited. I cannot wait for my finished piece and have already began planning my next piece."

15 Mar 15'

Kathryn reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"Just been on the glass fusion course with Kim and Sharon and had a fab day. They were very patient and helpful and explained everything so well you couldn't fail to produce something great at the end of the day, even for someone like myself with very little artistic capability. They were very hospitable as well and gave us fabulous food and cake! I can't wait to see the end results once they have been fired in the kiln. I think their own enthusiasm for their craft came over in the day and shone through which was what made it so enjoyable as well. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone, even if you just wanted to try something different for the day. Highly Recommended. Kathryn"