Latest reviews

24 Jun 14'

rob reviewed: Traditional English Longbow making outdoor course - a 2-day 'Quirky Workshop' at Greystoke Craft Garden & Barns near Penrith and Ullswater

"Super venue and hostess keeping us topped up with food and drinks. The scheduled end time had to be extended on both days perhaps because the lovely warm days were not ideal conditions for manual labour, but great for sitting around admiring the view and enjoying a cuppa! Tony ensured everyone left with a working longbow (even in the event of a catastrophic failure) and stepping in to help in the event of any problems."

24 Jun 14'

Hannah Mulholland reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"A fantastic afternoon and great satisfaction at the end of it. Another warm glow when you collect the pieces you have created after Gen has fired them. I am completely hooked now and have made many different pieces including a clock, cuff links, coasters, dishes and earrings to go with my pendant. You will enjoy this course, of that I have no doubt."

23 Jun 14'

Ken from Sheffield reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I went on course one, thinking that I could have skipped it and gone straight on to course two. How wrong I was. Woodwork has progressed since I did it at school. I learnt tons of stuff. Richard and Mark are very capable and patient tutors. It was so good that I attended both courses twice and learnt a huge amount from the revision. Fortunately I have the means to build a well stocked workshop for myself. I could not have done this had I not been on the courses. I am now up and running and trying to reduce the errors in my work."

23 Jun 14'

Roisin Bourne Hill reviewed: Residential Felt Wing making weekend course (Adults only OR Parent and child)

"Although the teaching is pretty 'laid back' we all managed to make a very beautiful set of wings in the time we had. The tutors and host are all very friendly, the farm is great fun and the food is guaranteed to tempt the most awkward appetite; in fact it's quite easy to spend a lot of time munching! Bring clothes you don't mind getting soaked - it's a sloshy business but definitely worth it. If you can't drive, there is a train station very close by and the taxis don't charge city prices."

23 Jun 14'

Ann Lansom reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day, 2 tutors to 4 clients..very good ..... No waiting for help ..advice freely given..felt very very happy with the piece I produced ! I would definitely recommend this course. And all in a lovely setting of Clitheroe. Thank you both for a really good day. Ann ."

23 Jun 14'

Susan Watkins reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"Humour, patience and creativity Jess and Al have in abundance. Nothing is too much trouble, and everyone is treated like family. One of the nicest places you could wish for to learn and express yourself ,comforted in the knowledge that each piece will be made to their exacting standards. I can't praise them highly enough ."

23 Jun 14'

Mary, Skipton reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"This is an excellent course, a really good introduction to stained glass making. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was great to be able to take home a finished piece at the end. Highly recommended."

23 Jun 14'

Lis reviewed: Improvers Hand Spinning - Next Steps in Hand Spinning - at All in a Spin

"Having done the beginners course I went on to do this course. This introduces you to more preparation techniques and the use of hand and mechanical tools used for preparing and blending yarns and then moving on to spinning and plying them on different types of spinning wheels... I think I'm hooked! Dunja has a wealth of knowledge and tremendous enthusiasm for her craft."

23 Jun 14'

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

"This course is held on the farm where Dunja lives, which is wonderful as you get to meet the sheep! This beginners course starts from the very beginning , looking at fleece what parts are used and how to select a good fleece ..... Right though to spinning and plying different types of fleece. Like the previous reviewer I did not take notes, but there was a handout. I had an amazing time and found it to be a very relaxing and enjoyable. You will not be disappointed! P.S. The lunch was amazing!"

23 Jun 14'

Jane Fox reviewed: One Day Stained Glass Course for Beginners

"I really enjoyed my one-day course at Lightworks and returned home proudly carrying my glass panel! Abby was lovely, helpful and cheerful, despite my several clumsy attempts at cutting a curve! I would love to go again and would highly recommend it."

23 Jun 14'

Liz Turner reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Just had a fantastic day which I can thoroughly recommend. The setting was idyllic and Angharad seemed just like an old friend. We learnt a lot and I particularly liked the emphasis on natural products where possible. I'm looking forward to filling every available receptacle with candle wax!! I can also thoroughly recommend her daughter's cakes!!! All in all a lovely birthday treat."

23 Jun 14'

Kay Bryan reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"I was a newbie to silversmithing when I went on the course but by the end of the week I felt confident in the basics to then go home and begin to create. Jesa and Al were amazing at explaining every step of the process with clarify and patience. I came away with a reticulated bracelet and a pebble ring, the pebble sat in a bezel and held in place with silver tendrils. Lovely! Besides the work, the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, I had an amazing week."

23 Jun 14'

Dee reviewed: 3 day traditional silver jewellery course

"Surpasssed all my expectations! Really encouraging and supportive tutors. Can't wait to go again!"

22 Jun 14'

Fran reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"I originally came to FnF as a weekender and fell in love. So much so, that I have no reservations about a 100 mile round trip fortnightly to fuel my addiction. The uniqueness of the classes are that you can do your own thing and learn new techniques (there are oodles) at your own pace. Jesa & Al have a well-honed skill-set and the experience to help you interpret and enable your ideas and create simply stunning things. I would never have imagined I could make a saleable piece of jewellery, let alone a collection. The atmosphere at class is great; fun and relaxed yet highly productive and creative. Fellow students inspire me and I now have a bunch of creative buddies! Jesa & Al clearly put a huge effort and a lot of themselves into the school which makes it such a fabulous environment in which to learn. Their positivity & personalities, plus their extensive joint abilities make Flux'n'flame stand out from other schools/classes and gives it longevity. Beware imitations! This established school offers the real deal - just make sure there is always a space for me ok?"

22 Jun 14'

Lucy Swinburn reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"A lovely and very friendly introduction to spinning. Diane is a great teacher."

22 Jun 14'

Robert Cundill reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"Getting to practise some excellent skills using high quality traditional tools was really rewarding. The tutors were very experienced and helpful. To have something to take home at the end of the day made it even better"

22 Jun 14'

Carol Crowden reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"I will be returning for my fourth Summer School in 2014, which is a testament to how much I enjoy the experience. The tools and facilities are great. Jesa and Al give you the confidence to try new techniques and give advise and help when you encounter a problem. Would like more emphasis on design on the first days."

22 Jun 14'

catherine witt reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Had a lovely one to one session with Elaine, as a returning spinner. She was great - helpful, instructive, interested and motivational. Look forward to doing more! thanks"

22 Jun 14'

Jenny Monds reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"I'm so glad I found Flux 'n'Flame, and wish I'd found it earlier. I made a wide silver bangle at my very first class, and haven't looked back. Jesa and Al make beautiful, inspiring jewellery themselves and encourage the class that anything is possible! This isn't a class where everyone does the same thing. Rather we are encouraged to pursue our own interests and creative urges. On any one night, one student could be enamelling, someone else casting, another fusing, and yet another etching. It is interesting to see students develop their own style. Highly recommended - but I warn you it's addictive!"

22 Jun 14'

Rachel Raine reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"The classes at FluxNFlame are superb. The workshop is fully equipped and really well organised for working creatively (inspiration all around!). However, the greatest assets are Jesa and Al who, apart from being real experts, have a wonderful 'can do' attitude. The result is a creative and supportive environment where imagination knows few limits (and then alternatives seem to be found!). They always discuss processes and are on hand whenever needed to support the tricky 'bits'. You can work at your own level and speed as teaching is individual (small classes of 6-8) and there is a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. I count myself VERY fortunate to have found FluxNFlame. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who is interested in designing and making their own jewellery."

21 Jun 14'

Jemma Batten reviewed: 2 day traditional silver jewellery making course

"Absolutely LOVE these courses, have been about half a dozen times and always come home with something amazing! Jesa and Al are brilliant teachers and I learn a new technique every time. We also eat too many biscuits and laugh lots!"

20 Jun 14'

Maryjane reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A brilliant day with Elaine for improvers. I fully intend to return with my daughter for further refreshment for me, and beginners for Rosie. I have finally a much better understanding of worsted vs woollen and exactly what these terms mean in the end product. How to ply with more than two bobbins (Still need to improve, but simply due to practice now). A brief introduction to Naverjo plying as well, which I intend to work on. I wanted to learn how to control my spinning, and how to create thicker plys as my own had become ever finer, but not because I wanted them to. Now I have a much better understanding of the working of my wheel. My only comment that would have improved my day, is that I wished I had brought my own traveller wheel with me. Which I could easily had done. Oh as well I must mention. I stayed at the Hostel in Arnside. A single train stop away and it was very affordable at £20 per night. This has ensured my continued learning from Elaine. Will I go to see her again? Definitely."

20 Jun 14'

Susan Robinson reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What a brilliant day, learnt loads and laughed a lot! Theresa is a fantastic teacher very supportive and encouraging. I would really recommend this day to anyone who wants to learn about spinning you won't be disappointed."

20 Jun 14'

Mark Dawkins reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I attended a one day course of private tuition. As a complete beginner, I had little idea what to expect and had a lot to learn. However, the whole day was a great experience. Colin's teaching style is relaxed but he inspires confidence, and throughout the day I learned an enormous amount, had great fun and came away with some beautiful pieces of wood! I thoroughly recommend this experience."

20 Jun 14'

Joanna reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"A lovely day with an enthusiastic tutor. Generous with her knowledge and making sure all are happy and enjoying the day. She is absolutely "bang on the biscuit""