Latest reviews

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"

15 Mar 15'

J Fletcher reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Interesting day. Good fun and fascinating to see how the process of making felt works. Thanks."

15 Mar 15'

Sue Trischitta reviewed: Feltmaking OOH the choices!

"Lovely day, full explanations and help given by Barbara, whose knowledge and passion for textiles was evident. Would recommend this course"

15 Mar 15'

Alistair Kirkpatrick reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I was given this course by my wife as a birthday and Christmas present. Our daughter joined me for the day which turned out to be outstanding in all respects. Simon is an excellent teacher who shows his personal enthusiasm for green wood turning throughout the day. It is well planned, entertaining and he provides all the support necessary to keep students happy and successful. We were delighted with our wood flowers and super dibbers which look and feel wonderful. We highly recommend this course to everyone. You will love it!"

15 Mar 15'

clare reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course with Christian Ryan

"Christian is the most patient and kind chap. His work and style are beautiful and his teaching approach is beyond lovely. He is super patient and tolerant and makes you feel completely comfortable. Amazing experience and, whilst I have absolutely no skill in this at all, I adored the entire experience. Perfect way to spend a weekend. Totally brilliant."

14 Mar 15'

Anne Francis-Fisher reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"I have just been on The Hot Fusion Glass course today. What an amazing day we had, thanks to Kim and Sharon. We had a very warm welcome, a lovely breakfast, lunch and yummy cake with our tea at the end of the day. The day was great fun but at the same time we learnt a lot. The girls are very talented and really happy to share their extensive knowledge with us all. We laughed a lot, mainly at my "masterpiece", a wacky cat, modelled on my own cat but with a twist!! I can't wait to see it once it has been fired by Sharon, she is under orders not to drop it!! The other girls made really lovely creations, beach huts, coasters, and jewellery. I would thoroughly recommend this course, it is a fun pamper day which would appeal to both men and women."

14 Mar 15'

Christopher reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I have had a wonderful day. Learnt so much to now go away and craft. Friendly and relaxed environment. Can't wait to come back and craft again. I am also shocked at how many candles we'd crafted."

14 Mar 15'

Penny reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I have looked forward to coming on this course for some time and it certainly met my expectations. I absolutely loved the course, Sakeena was an amazing teacher, it was so much fun and really informative. I have come away with lots of beautiful candles and look forward to making some more when I go home."

14 Mar 15'

Sarah reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Excellent!!! So interesting, fun, educational, friendly. Gone away ready to roll."

12 Mar 15'

Genevieve Thompson reviewed: One day welding course: an introduction

"Thank you Julian for a great evening of learning everything I needed to know about MIG welding and more. You gave me so much information and so many skills. You fully appreciated what I want to do with my welding skills and tailored your advice to completely meet my needs. Thank you so much and I will definitely be back for more courses in the future."

12 Mar 15'

Jonathan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I recently spent a most enjoyable day with Nigel and one other would be blacksmith. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time. I was not disappointed in any way Nigel is an excellent teacher, calm and patient. His knowledge and enthusiasm for his craft is inspiring. I was delighted to return home with several pieces of work which, with a bit of help, I was able to complete. It was great to have a fellow student to compare progress and skill. Many thanks Nigel I will call in again and say hello when I am in the area."

12 Mar 15'

Matt Busfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A heartfelt thank you for a truly fulfilling day. As a complete novice what a rare privilege it was to be in the company of a master craftsman in his own workshop, not some classroom or museum, using the same tools as had been creating the work around us. I was half expecting to come away shamed into the realisation that the realm of the blacksmith is an impenetrable one for a mere office-dweller like me but quite the opposite, Adrian's encouragement left me motivated to put the techniques I had learned to good use."

11 Mar 15'

Robin Silcock reviewed: Intermediary Glass fusing workshop with Laura Hart of Hart Glass

"Working with Laura was an excellent experience. I had only basic knowledge of working with glass before my time with her, and through her patient guidance learn a great deal in just a short space of time. Her workshop is inspiring and her many projects on the go decorate the space wonderfully, with hidden gems of glass-work in every corner. I would highly recommend this course, and Laura!"

11 Mar 15'

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

"What an amazing two days with the brilliant Peter and Jarve on the introductory course. I made a stool from cherry and sycamore and it was incredible. I was amazed at how you could turn a wet tree into a beautiful piece of furniture in just two days. Thanks to Peters clear and calm instruction and obvious vast knowledge of green wood working enabled everyone to create beautiful furniture irrespective of people's experience and abilities. I will be coming for more courses and investing in some hand tools, and having ago at making my own shave horse! Thank you Peter and Jarve."

10 Mar 15'

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

"Just attended Peter's 2 day introductory course, with no previous experience. Loved the authentic production environment. I made a rustic stool using sweet chestnut and oak, could not believe the beautiful authentic result. My family were amazed. Enjoyed starting from scatch with a chestnut branch converted to the wooden legs using a variety of traditional tools. Peter took time to demonstrate the different fabrication stages and was supportive and attentive throughout, ably assisted by Jarve, his trusty volunteer. I am hooked!"