Latest reviews

25 Jun 15'

Kris Rothstein reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"The workshop was so fun and surpassed my high expectations! The pace was fabulous and nothing was too rushed - I always felt someone was on had to answer my questions and guide me through difficult bits. Everyone was lovely - the staff and my fellow students. My only suggestion is that it might be handy to have a handout for those that want one which gives a few of the basic terms, techniques and methodology - I know it couldn't be too specific as we all choose to make different shoes. However, having a reference to get a bit of a sense of the bigger picture before delving in could be helpful in knowing which mistakes are easy to fix or cover up or are not important! It would have been helpful to know which bits were the trickiest and most important while I was doing them. Now that I've completed a pair of shoes I have a sense of those but starting out it was so mysterious. I am very happy with my shoes and will recommend this and also I think I will come again!"

24 Jun 15'

Liz osullivan reviewed: Silk painting workshops

"An amazing day!!! I booked this wonderful workshop for my daughter and myself and we both had a fabulous day. Bridget is a wonderful and patient teacher. She made us fell welcome and at ease, and explained the process through to its intirety. Worth paying a visit!!!"

24 Jun 15'

Nick Barnaby reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Wow what a top day and what a top bloke Mort is. Fantastic fun learning blacksmithing and making a piece of ancient military history (roman pilum) for me to use. We share a passion for history, his medieval (and so much more...), mine roman (and so much smaller...) and I came away with a lot more knowledge than I went in with that's for sure. Very relaxed, skillful and entertaining tuition with great attention to detail and more than happy to go the extra mile to make my piece authentic and highly accurate. If your a historical reenactor or enthusiast don't hesitate, get yourself some pictures/drawings to work with and a big packet of Jaffa cakes and Mort will most likely be able to help realise your ideas. Equally if your just interested in trying out blacksmithing don't hesitate, you'll come away with an amazing piece, a huge smile and great memories too, just don't forget the Jaffa cakes. Cannot recommend this course enough and I will return as soon as I can research new projects, Mort beware!"

24 Jun 15'

Tracy Hudson reviewed: Powertex fabric sculpted figure/Angel/Masai

"I recently went on my first Powertex fabric figure/Angel sculpture course and had a brilliant time. Annette was really helpful, patient and very knowledgeable about that products, she gave me lots of ideas and tips. I was so pleased with my figure and have had lots of compli5ments. I would recommend anyone to book on a course with Annette. You will be so impressed with what you can make."

24 Jun 15'

Lucy reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"A fantastic course! Laura covers a whole variety of different techniques, and allows plenty of time to try things out. As a teacher she offers support when needed, plenty of encouragement to try new things out, and suggestions to make things even better. Whether a novice with glass, or someone with experience, you will come away having learnt loads, but also with lots of hints and tips to give your pieces a more professional look. And you begin to get an understanding of the amount of work, time and skill that goes into making the sorts of beautiful pieces Laura makes! Overall I felt I learnt masses, in a way that I can remember and apply back home, and had a huge amount of fun along the way!"

24 Jun 15'

Stephanie reviewed: ‘Winter dream ' wool painting face-to-face textile art course in Worcestershire

"Raya's workshop was a wonderful experience and very therapeutic. It was fantastic to see our pictures grow and even with some guidance and instructions our pictures were quite different from each other. There was no pressure and plenty of room to be creative. I have learnt so much and feel inspired to rush home and make lots more !"

24 Jun 15'

Angelos G reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had a great day at Creative Vibe. I was a complete beginner and had a lot of fun learning a new skill and about the art of glass blowing. Ricky was patient, a good teacher and a pleasure to meet. Thank you, I will be recommending."

23 Jun 15'

Amanda Brawn reviewed: 5 Week Intermediate/Advanced Jewellery Making Class at Jewellery Workshop Leeds

"I've been attending this class for the last 18 months, following immediately on from the introductory course. Why am I still coming? Put simply, because I am still learning. It's hands on, with lots of one to one time from Bernard, and if you can imagine it, Bernard will help you create it. It's the perfect environment to develop your skills in whatever direction you choose. I would recommend without hesitation."

23 Jun 15'

Amanda Brawn reviewed: One Day Stone Setting Workshop at Jewellery Workshop Leeds

"Undertook this workshop just after the 6 week introduction course. You really do need to have mastered the basics of handling and cutting metal, filing, soldering etc as the workshop is an intensive day packed with lots of new skills to learn. Bernard and Jane made this lots of fun though and I came away with some lovely finished pieces and the confidence to make more. All this and there was delicious cake too!"

23 Jun 15'

Amanda Brawn reviewed: 6 wk Mixed Level Jewellery Making at Jewellery Workshop Leeds

"I originally booked this course because I wanted to learn a new creative skill. Over the 6 week period I went from being a complete novice to reasonably proficient. Bernard is an excellent tutor - very supportive and extremely knowledgeable. He and Jane also made the learning process really enjoyable. After that initial 6 weeks I was hooked and wanted to keep getting better so I immediately booked onto the intermediate course. 18 months later I am still attending - pushing my skills further and further with Bernard's expert help. Would recommend this course to anyone."

23 Jun 15'

Teleri Swift reviewed: Autentico Basic Chalk Paint Workshop - Hailsham, East Sussex

"Had a fantastic course with Pete.....he is amazing, very informative and patient!! It has now given me the confidence to paint furniture I have at home but was peviously scared of "ruining". I recommend booking on to one of Pete's courses....you will not be disappointed!!"

22 Jun 15'

Wayne reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just completed the box making course with Mark - June 2015. I'm an amateur woodworker with limited experience but with Marks expert tuition and guidance I managed to make a beautiful, high quality box that I can be very proud of. An excellent opportunity to learn new skills and improve knowledge. Relaxed approach in a well equipped workshop in beautiful Lakeland setting. I can thoroughly recommend the course."

22 Jun 15'

Silvia Siret reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"A wonderful, very interesting experience! My grandfather worked with wood all the time in his little workshop. In honor of him I had a one-2-one training on basic wood turning. I enjoyed it thoroughly. The 6 hours flew by. I learned incredibly much and - being completely new to this - feel I have achieved something extraordinary. I had never done anything like this at all and was a bit nervous. Simon eased me into this, which encouraged me a lot. I got lots of praise, which motivated me to give it my all. I really like the way he works and the good tips he gives. He knows so much about wood, it's amazing. Simon works very safely and gives a very good safety briefing. This was certainly not my last session. I will definitely go back and learn more. The location is also very lovely. I loved every minute."

22 Jun 15'

Hepzi Hickish reviewed: Pottery Workshops & Parties - groups

"I came with 2 of my friends for a ladies night recently and had a fantastic evening! Having never had a go on a wheel before it was really refreshing to be taught by Vanessa who was really calm and happy to explain everything. I'm really looking forward to seeing how my pots turned out! The parlour is a hidden gem in Blandford and defiantly worth a visit!"

22 Jun 15'

Jodie reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I have had an amazing day with a wonderful teacher. Simply demonstrated and lots of fun in a relaxing environment. Thank you!"

22 Jun 15'

Jenny reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very well structured, inspiring and well taught. Lovely to learn so much in one day!"

22 Jun 15'

Van reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I loved the course. I know that I want to go further on making candles. The course gave me confidence on starting a business."

22 Jun 15'

Kim reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"What a lovely way to learn, in a clear, concise manner, with a great teacher. Methodology, ideas and business ideas were included. I'm feeling very inspired. Thank you."

22 Jun 15'

Simon Tepper reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I can't speak too highly of this course. It was excellent in every aspect: the location and venue, the course arrangements, the teaching and support, and the catering! I was given the course as a gift by my wife, having previously told her on a number of occasions that one day I'd like to have a go at spoon-carving. But I had no experience of woodwork in any form and was quite nervous of working with sharp tools. The first thing that Martin did was to teach us safe working techniques and to explain how, why, when to use the appropriate tool. The pacing and style of teaching suited me perfectly; Martin is highly knowledgable and communicates clearly, interestingly and with real enthusiasm. He's always happy to give advice and support to individuals within the teaching group (a class size of four was perfect), and generated a friendly and welcoming atmosphere from the get-go. Over the two days we each made a butterknife and a spoon, but more importantly I came away with a real desire to do more, and a good sense of how to go about it. What else could one want from a course? (And I write as someone who worked for many years in Adult Education, and therefore has a sense of what makes for a quality course)."

22 Jun 15'

Petra Hilgers reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"I enjoyed the peacefulness of the day and even though we were very productive, busily warping and weaving away it felt calm and relaxing. I appreciated Dunja's very thorough teaching that was very hands-on and at the same time hands-off as much as possible to give me the opportunity to try things out and 'feel' my way through. I left with a clear sense of this way of weaving being something I can do and would very much love todo more of: very empowering and encouraging!"

21 Jun 15'

MATTHEW RICHARDSON reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I have done three courses now with Adrian and I would recommend the courses to anyone. The content is well thought out and is managable for varying skill levels without been too simple or boring. The food provided by Debbie is always delicous and there is more tea and biscuits than an army could eat. For a fantastic day out with a course in a practical traditional skill you couldnt do any better."

21 Jun 15'

Chris reviewed: From fleece to fibre 2-day spinning workshop

"Took this course as a follow on having completed the Beginner's Course. Found it extremely useful in setting tension and drafting techniques to get the yarn I actually want to spin - not just what comes out. A fair amount of technical data to absorb but Elaine relates it to the end product making it more relevant. I feel fairly confident now about setting out to achieve my own ideals about yarn design."

21 Jun 15'

Louise reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"From a standing start knowing nothing this course ABSOLUTELY enthralled me. Learned so much in one day and had a super time in the process. Thank you so much for turning me into confident spinner."

21 Jun 15'

Ben Westaway reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A fantastic day out in a beautiful setting. Wasn't too sure what I was getting into, but couldn't have enjoyed it more. Came away with a great piece of work and a big smile on my face. Will definitely be coming back for more!"

21 Jun 15'

scott/ryan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel thankyou .a great day Its nice to know that people are still willing to give time to others. we both had a great day.Made a poker and shovel which was good .Made a small acorn key ring . inthe afternoon he asked any ideas of what we would like to make. after some thought made a lantern stand. in learning some skills in the morning we started .in the forge we heated some square bar and done some twisted on one end we curved a arc of 7 inches and heated up end and flattened and made a leaf. Then some round bar same leaf on one end.we then run the bar though a air hammer along to give texture then we wrapped them shorter bars around the main square upright. the base is made from a round cultivator disc which underneath we welded three round balls on for feet.with some squashed tube and a big washer which we hammered impression into .then welded the uprights and wrapped the other leaves around the main square . looks great and a big Thankyou See you soon . Ryan my son has been so inspired he is seriously pursuing a career as an Blacksmith artist Thank you"