Latest reviews

25 Mar 15'

Marion reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"I went a couple of months ago and had a fab time making my hare. Excellent step by step instructions make it easy for everyone, even if you're not creative! Bonus: excellent atmosphere & company, brews and CAKES!! Thanks Linda. :-)"

24 Mar 15'

Eric Pye reviewed: “Against The Grain” Wood sculpture - a one day course with Simon Kent

"It was a shame but just one of those things that we got off to a late start as Simon broke down on the way in. Communication about what was happening at this stage was good. There didn't seem to be much clarity at the end of the day though. We'd been told that the course could run on past 4 p.m. due to the late start but no-one had put arrangements in place to staff the centre past 4 p.m. As it happens we were all tiring by this time and were happy enough to finish but I do feel that it is an important part of "customer care" that didn't work out very well. I enjoyed the course itself and it has sparked me off to do some more carving."

24 Mar 15'

Chris Ashford reviewed: Rug Making day workshops in the Yorkshire Dales

"I happened upon this course by accident the day before and I was so glad, it was thoroughly enjoyable. The tutor was truly an expert and happy to pass her skills on. We all learnt the basics of proddy and hooky in an informal environment. I am certainly hooked now. I too would not hesitate to recommend it."

24 Mar 15'

Catherine Kemp reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"What a fantastic day! despite finding the black smithing really difficult I came home with a key ring, a dragon that looks like a dragon and a lovely twisted hook. Thank you so much Adrian and Andy for your patience! The setting was beautiful and the food delicious, Rachel and Mike were the perfect hosts and my course mates friendly and helpful; the whole day exceeded my expectations."

24 Mar 15'

Bryan Schofield reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A great day. I had always wanted to try my hand at blacksmithing, and Adrian (helped by Andy) showed us all what to do and how to do it. Some things seemed easier than I had expected, but others required patience and tweaking to get the desired results. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were happy to help each other. There was a plentful supply of cookies, biscuits and cake washed down with copious brews, and lunch was plentiful and delicious. Many thanks to Rachel and Mike who made us all feel so welcome to their lovely home Broadrakes - which enjoys fabulous views of Ingleborough and the historic Ribblehead Viaduct. Definitely not an experience to be missed."

24 Mar 15'

Ian Williams reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"found Marks via his website, which looked good. went for a day course. great set up with loads of lathes, tools etc. Mark was very open minded and was very happy to tailor the course to what i wanted. good teacher and good at explaining how todo things. He has a very good knowledge of wood and turning, relaxed atmosphere, good to bounce ideas off. great day out, thoroughly enjoyed it. will be back."

23 Mar 15'

Jay reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I've just completed the box making course and absolutely loved it! its great to see your very own piece come together from a 'lump' of wood to a beautiful box. Mark was a very good teacher - very patient with me! I'd love to go back and do more of the courses run at the wood workshop."

23 Mar 15'

Jamie Hyde reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"The Blacksmith course was a great experience which I was given as a 16th birthday present. I already have an interest in blacksmithing/metal working and I thought it was a nice surprise. Adrian took us through all the steps for making three items and offered lot's of advice and help, both for on the day and in the future when I do any blacksmithing at home. Altogether it was a great day and I would strongly recommend it to the experienced or inexperienced. Rachel and Mike were wonderful hosts and provided some lovely homemade food and hospitality which was very much appreciated. Thanks to you all for a great day."

23 Mar 15'

Jacqueline Gibbons reviewed: Crochet course "Complete beginners"

"Gaelle is such a good tutor,everything is clearly explained(brilliant handouts) and if you do make a mistake she shows you where it went wrong and shows you so clearly how to correct it. Nothing is too daunting every new step appears so easy and before you know it you can do a variety of stitches, and can make squares, baskets and hats and you have the know how to branch out to other projects too.I have been totally inspired,tonight is the last lesson of the beginners course and I wish it wasn't the last, I have had such fun. I would definitely recommend this course to everyone.Just great!"

23 Mar 15'

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

"I totally endorse all the other reviews - absolutely first class."

23 Mar 15'

ADELE DEANE reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"A great way to spend a day relaxing and making mosaics with friends. We all enjoyed the day and took home some great pieces of art! Thanks so much Claire Adele Kay Pat and Catherine :)"

23 Mar 15'

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

"A warm welcome awaits and the course was all I hoped for. Caroline is generous and talented and ready to share her skills and expertise in Mosaic Art in the comfort of her home. A ready supply of tools, tiles, glass and patience at the work bench and sweet delights to accompany the endless pouring of tea and coffee. A day was almost to short........Thank you Caroline"

22 Mar 15'

Colin Penn reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Excellent comprehensive course with a very knowledgeable instructor. Recommended."

22 Mar 15'

Shelly Fleming reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"Claire was very good at explaining and helping throughout the day. I chose a simple design which i love and Im so pleased with, especially my first time handling mosaics. Everything was included boards,glue and as many mosaic tiles as you could can dream off. I really enjoyed it and will do the 2 day course as i know more whats involved."

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."