Latest reviews

6 Sep 14'

Miriam Sherman reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Did the course yesterday and have only got good things to say about it: the setting ( although not really related to the course) is beautiful , a lovely farm in the Peak District. Diane is a wonderfully enthusiastic and patient teacher. She came with her brother and sister both spinners . Her knowledge and passion is wonderfully infectuous . Would love to keep this up, if I can."

5 Sep 14'

Roz Speirs reviewed: Kiln Formed Glass in Cornwall

"I attended Fi's "Further Fusing" 2 day course in August and still can't quite believe how many different techniques and areas we managed to cover and how many beautiful pieces of glass were produced as a result! Fi is extremely talented and experienced, and was so generous with the depth of knowledge and resources she shared with me. In addition, she is just a lovely person to be around and a great teacher - patient, calm and inspiring and happy to tailor the course content around my requirements and interests. The class was taught in her light and spacious studio gallery which was an amazing space to work in, with Paddy the dog for company too! Great value and highly recommended!"

5 Sep 14'

Mike Todd reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fantastic day and have already started building my own forge! Mort is a great teacher, full of enthusiasm, patience and an absolute mine of knowledge. I got this day for my birthday and will deffinitly be going back once my own set up is up and running. Thanks Mort. P.S will need to tap your knowledge about the best way to make a truyer as they're a bit out of my price range new!! thanks again and see you soon Mike P.P.S already used the forge tongs I / we made so great tools to make on the day if anyone is in need of ideas"

5 Sep 14'

Ross Beveridge reviewed: A stool making day

"A great day all round. The course is fun, informative and the course leaders allow you to be as hands-on as possible while still being immediately available for advice and suggestions. I was given this course as a birthday gift and it was really enjoyable and has given me the knowledge and enthusiasm to continue woodworking in my own time as well as having a great little footstool to put my feet on after a hard days work! I can't recommend this course highly enough for anyone with an interest in having a go at working with their hands. Sign up today!"

4 Sep 14'

Tim Ford reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"My 8yr old son and I spent a day with James at the forge, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The forge itself was worth a visit, with it's inherent history and magnificent setting in the estate buildings, and to have the opportunity to have a go at blacksmithing really made our day. James was patient, instructive, and helped us to both come away with an appreciation of the craft, and also something to hang on the wall: We made a toasting fork and key ring. Our day shared day, away from the modern day distractions of Apple and Nintendo, was some of our most memorable spent together, and we would love to do it again, next summer maybe."

3 Sep 14'

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

"Excellent course, fantastic location and wonderful tutor. Really enjoyed the course and looking forward to the next one"

2 Sep 14'

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

"Gaynor and Enya are terrific teachers, and the two-day course is very well structured. I still find it hard to believe that I made such a beautiful hand-stitched tote in just two days. I came away knowing that I can now do simple leatherworking (as long as I practice soon so I don't forget too many things). I'm about to start making a little pouch like you'd use for a mobile phone (after I've practiced my stitching), and I've promised my husband a hand made belt, but that will have to wait until I feel confident enough to order the leather. I keep looking around rooms to see if there's anything that could be improved or mended by a hand-stitched leather strap or something."

29 Aug 14'

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

"A really enjoyable and informative. I'd been reading about how to spin but it really does help to have a patient expert showing how it is really done. I've even managed to spin and ply another skein since the weekend. Dunja was friendly and welcomed us into her lovely home, so thank you for a great day."

29 Aug 14'

Jackie Cole reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Came away from the one day course on a real high. Theresa is extremely knowledgable and so enthusiastic about her craft,her patience is never ending. Actually produced a skein of useable wool. Such a fun day in beautiful surroundings. Can not recommend the day too highly."

27 Aug 14'

Anna Davenport reviewed: 3 day traditional silver jewellery course

"I would thoroughly recommend Flux n Flame to anyone. I attended the 3-day course over the Aug bank holiday weekend and absolutely loved it! I feel very lucky to have found such a great course, brilliant workshop venue and tuition that is in my opinion, second to none, from Jesa and Ali. To spend time with, and learn from, two people who are truly passionate about their craft, is a joy in itself. I did just one day in May with one of their tutors, the lovely Heidi, and after making 3 silver rings, I was hooked! The group of people each time were lovely, friendly, helpful and it's inspiring to see what others have achieved. Lunch was fab, teas and coffees were flowing when needed, and 'cake and biscuits' were close by for those moments when my inspiration was ebbing! If you're wavering, don't - just book it. You won't be disappointed!"

25 Aug 14'

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

"This was my first time doing real woodwork since school and I really enjoyed it. Peter and his team of Kath and Jarv were all very approachable, patient and helpful, explaining each step in detail and then giving advice and help as we went along. It was really helpful Peter saying what we needed to have achieved in each half-day as that kept the pace steady. Lovely venue, too! Amazing to see at the end of the course that there were so many lovely and very different stools and tables all started from the same starting materials"

25 Aug 14'

Paddy reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George for a wonderful day. I can't believe I came away with such a beautiful bowl. My husband was soooo impressed. George you were clear and patient and we had fun producing this masterpiece. Thank you too Susan for a delicious lunch and endless cups of tea. I hope to come again to learn more. Paddy."

24 Aug 14'

Manon Gatehouse reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"A great day covering numerous different ways of using the wax, iron & stylus. All done in a very relaxed atmosphere but ensuring lots of new techniques learnt as the day progressed. Mel is excellent at what she does and ran the day perfectly tailored to my needs (ie I had a smattering of experience only when we started) and I came away with work of which I could be proud."

23 Aug 14'

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

"I had a fantastic day with Dunja learning to spin. She was welcoming and hospitable from the moment we arrived. I finished the day having spun two mini-skeins of yarn from fleece I carded, spun and plied myself. I really feel like I achieved something! Dunja is an excellent teacher - very relaxed and patient with our efforts and answering all our questions. She is great at allowing you to have a go at things but is there with helpful advice and tips if things start to go wrong. It's a great way to learn - because you do it yourself (and make the mistakes) you will remember how to do it next time. She has shared her knowledge of spinning all the way from fleece selection and preparation right through to plying the yarn. I now feel able to have a go myself and think (with practice) I can achieve some good results. I look forward to returning for the advanced course once I've had some practice! Oh and lunch was lovely too!"

21 Aug 14'

Gwen Casey reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I attended a day long course to gain confidence in spinning. I achieved my objective. Elaine is an excellent teacher, being thorough, supportive and knowledgeable."

21 Aug 14'

Penny Schindler reviewed: Pembrokeshire Maddie Janes Mosaic

"I’ve dabbled with mosaicing before but learned so much more in my morning with Maddie and Penny and things that had previously seemed quite complicated were made simpler and with better results. Maddie and Penny seem to see endless possibilities in all sorts of unexpected things and I get the impression they innovate and discover constantly so I’m excited to see what new ideas they have come up with next time. I learned how to fuse pieces of glass in a microwave kiln to make gorgeous, unique tiles with exciting results and possibilities. The day was great fun and I’m looking forward to going back to learn and create more as well as to spend time with two inspiring and gifted teachers in a brilliant studio packed with heaps of exciting materials, ideas and inspiration. Thanks Maddie and Penny"

21 Aug 14'

J Muskett reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I spent the weekend at Fransham Forge with a couple of mates on the one day course which needless to say was our only regret, we should've booked the two day course! Nigel's knowledge of the art and his patience as a tutor were excellent made the whole experience unforgettable. Whilst working in the forge we had a great laugh, made some really good stuff that we could take back home and use and definitely appreciated Nigel's awareness of safety on site. The accomodation is set in a quiet and picturesque woodland surrounded by a miriad of sculptures and everything that we needed was provided. I will definitely be coming back."

19 Aug 14'

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

"I had a lovely couple of days at the centre. Peter was very patient and, despite becoming a father a few days before, gave us his full attention. His instructions were clear and every task was demonstrated. There were good sharp tools supplied to enable us to complete the tasks required. I ended up with exactly what I wanted, a guitar stool for my son. Tea and coffee were available at all times, as was support from Peter's very able helper Jav. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in woodwork. There is a freedom in this type of work that I have never found in other types of woodwork; I used to be a carpenter and do still make some things in a shed at home. The course is suitable for both the experiences woodworker, who, like me, always wanted to have a go at this greenwood work, or the complete novice who has never lifted a tool. I want to go back and do more!"

19 Aug 14'

Alan McGuckin reviewed: Cob clay pizza and bread oven building with David Alty: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"An excellent introduction to skills in making an oven. The emphasis on touching and feeling the material means that even though you may wait until the spring to start it is more than just x sand to y clay but a real feel for what is required"

19 Aug 14'

Ian Grey reviewed: Cob clay pizza and bread oven building with David Alty: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Ullswater and The Lake District

"I thoroughly enjoyed the course. It was well structured and although the second day was rather slow it allowed us to fire up the oven and get some practical experience of how to operate it. Only one problem. The timing was poor. It is not practical to start building an oven in late summer early autumn. A base must be built, fire bricks and clay sourced and the oven left to dry. Drying is not likely to be successful in the autumn and the oven is sensitive to rain. The process really needs to start in the spring and the course should reflect that by being held in early spring."

19 Aug 14'

Victoria reviewed: Rag Rug Full Day Workshop - London

"I really enjoyed this course. It was a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere and we learned exactly what we had set out to do. Elspeth described the two methods of rag rugging - shaggy or the flatter one and talked about other ways with the proddy. She provided cushion size hessian and hook to take away or a frame and smaller piece of hessian if you chose to do the little picture and she provided scissors and lots of cut fabrics to use on the evening. We could take any fabric we were using to keep with the design and she suggested ways of keeping the design varied . We started a project which was easy to finish and gave lots of ideas. 2.5 hours is a good length of time to get started. When I told friends they were very5 interested, as it's not a common craft to learn about."

19 Aug 14'

Rachael Shreeve reviewed: Stone Carving (relief & 3D) sculpture for Beginners/Ints. - 3D- with Simon Keeley: a 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Amazing what you can achieve in a day with a good tutor and convivial surroundings. Completely from scratch, we managed to make a block pattern, print and make up a lampshade, and have some printed material to play with at home too. Brilliant day to get absorbed into a new craft and not have to worry about anything else. Thanks Georgia & Annie : )"

19 Aug 14'

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

"I bought my husband the Introduction to Green Woodworking course for his birthday, but couldn't resist doing it myself too! We had a great couple of days making two very nice side tables. The process itself of making something from green wood is so simple - we loved using the different tools and are hoping to buy some ourselves. The course was taught in a lovely rural setting in a relaxed way by Peter with help from Jarv and Kath, who were both very helpful. If there was one thing I had to improve it would be having enough charged drill batteries, as this was something our group seemed to go through pretty quickly! We would definitely recommend this course."

18 Aug 14'

Diane Moverley reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"An excellent and enjoyable day. Steve was very patient and very helpful in ensuring we all came away very proud of our efforts."

18 Aug 14'

Gill Welch reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Amazing day spent with Steve & 4 others. I thought that we would only be making 1 glass piece but it was great to practise & get the hang of using the enamels before lunch (2 small items completed) & all to have all afternoon for our 'show stopper' piece! Steve was so helpful & very patient answering all our questions & guiding us to achieve what we all individually wanted to do! Will definitely give it another go next year."