Latest reviews

29 Apr 15'

Sue Sutherland reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I arrived a complete beginner full of questions, and left later feeling confident and motivated to continue what I had learnt. Elaine is a wonderful teacher, full of knowledge that she communicated so well that I felt really encouraged. Beautiful surroundings and a lovely friendly welcome. Highly recommended!"

29 Apr 15'

Mrs Dhanji reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"It was amazing to learn how to make beautiful candles. Sakeena was a very nice and very experienced lady. Nice to meet you."

29 Apr 15'

Elizabeth Griffiths reviewed: Pottery / ceramics wheel throwing, full day

"Received a warm welcome from Lorraine into her spacious workshop. She clearly and patiently introduced me and two other students to different types of clay and then proceeded to show us how to hand craft pieces of our own design. Lorraine has a relaxed style which dissipates any anxiety about learning something new. Her teaching skills and knowledge first guided me into making a pottery bowl, then she showed us all how to use the potter's wheel and create lovely bowls and pots. When the time came for a break for lunch, Lorraine was very hospitable offering tea and coffee and her mum's delicious cupcakes. Her shop displays a nice variety of pieces for sale and Lorraine is happy to explain the process behind making them. I really enjoyed the day and I'm sure I'll be going back. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished pots and would definitely recommend this course."

29 Apr 15'

Michael Stuart reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark's teaching was patient and thorough, covering all aspects of woodturning, both theoretical and practical. By the middle of the second day, we students were well on the way to completing the first of several bowls of ash, acacia and sycamore. All of us were surprised at how much we learned, and how quickly we advanced from complete beginners to being able to complete a bowl to be proud of by the end of the course. Mark's teaching style is generous and sympathetic. He shared his encyclopedic knowledge and supported us continuously through the course, no matter how many mistakes we made or how many faults were only too apparent in our beginners' bowls. I will certainly try to return for another of Mark's courses."

28 Apr 15'

Jenny Parsonage reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I had an interesting and informative day on the workshop. It was well arranged, I had to work hard when making the basket but am proud of what I took home. The day just flew by, the tuition was inspiring and the results excellent. Many thanks Jenny"

28 Apr 15'

Ian Dewey reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"You got to do it, male, female, it does not matter, the only way you can appreciate and understand the work that goes into blacksmithing is to do it yourself. If you're wondering about the cost, then don't, where else these days can you get a full days tuition, one to one, and enjoy every minute of every hour. Good luck ALEX see you again, Ian Ian Dewey- 19th April"

28 Apr 15'

Harry Newington reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Joining Alex for a day's blacksmithing in the historic and beautiful surroundings of Chalk Pit Forge is an experience not to be missed. He is a calm, patient and humble teacher who is passionate about what he does and wants to share that passion. My Ram's head poker is now centre stage by my stove. Every time I jab it into the fire, I do so with pride! Thanks Alex!"

28 Apr 15'

Paul reviewed: Introduction to Leather Craft

"Spent a great two days with Bill. Amazed how much I learnt in such a small amount of time, testament to what a good instructor Bill is. He is keen to share the knowledge he has gained over the years and is patient, easy going and very good at what he does. I would recommend this course to any one looking to gain or develope skills in working with leather. Thanks."

28 Apr 15'

Claudia reviewed: " Day of the Dead" Silver Clay Workshop

"The course has been invaluable to me. I learned to make earrings and a pendant, and now I can use the technique of silver clay to create many new jewelry. Sara was very clear. Council to all the course, I promote it with flying colors."

28 Apr 15'

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

"I thoroughly recommend the two-day introductory course to green wood working. Peter explains each stage very lucidly and is very supportive throughout and the course is well paced so you have time to learn the different techniques as you work through each stage of the process. The whole experience is great fun and the weekend is both informal and very productive. Everyone finishes up with a lovely piece of furniture that is entirely their own making."

27 Apr 15'

Mark Maunsell-Thomas reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Great couple of days. Peter is patient and managed to support all of us with the intricacies of making our own stool. He guided us through each step meticulously and made the process seem relatively easy... A lot to cover in two days but everyone went home with a piece to be proud of which should last years. I'll be back for more! Thanks Peter."

27 Apr 15'

Patricia Hansard reviewed: Stained Glass Taster Day with Christian Ryan

"A brilliant day, clearly well planned and organised. I was 'blown away' at the end of the day when I saw the stained glass panel I had produced! I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process , learnt loads and can't wait to learn more and experiment further. A huge thank you Christian."

27 Apr 15'

Rachael reviewed: Glass Art - two day course in stained glass (traditional leaded or copper foil "Tiffany" technique)

"Great teaching enabled me to design and make my own stained glass panel with no experience. It was a fantastic couple of days and I look forward to returning."

27 Apr 15'

Vicky Nolan reviewed: Realistic and Adorable Needle Felt Animals & Pets

"I took my mother- and sister-in law as a gift to a dog felting workshop - we all had a fantastic time and were thoroughly spoilt with delicious cakes and lunch. I have a gluten intolerance and Sophie was very thoughtful and catered to my needs which was really appreciated. The craft course was excellent - having no previous experience I found it hard to believe by the end of the day I would have my own hand made needle felt dog, but Sophie's teaching and patience meant the whole group progressed and were able to finish their project. Sophie was very enthusiastic and the course, setting and food were all exceptional."

27 Apr 15'

Robin Mellows reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Went on the Course with Mark as a complete beginner. Had thorough explanation of where to start and of all the equipment I would need if I were to want to continue - including lathes, gouges, sharpening tools and wood finishes. Mark helped me to make my first (four!) bowls with great patience. I shall be going back for more!"

27 Apr 15'

Ad Lindeman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a tutor,teacher my self in fine woodworking furniture in Amsterdam I learned a lot from Mark in approaching people or students. Mark is so patient in explaining even if the subject is simple or quiet difficult.Step by step it is explained to understand. Mark's approach to wood was for me an eye opener, f.e. cross-grain and parallel-grain turning, a great thought! Mark learned me a lot of skills in turning the wood, so much that I now can learn it my students at HMC Amsterdam (f.e turning on the guillotine angle, great!) Also sharpening all gouges with their different angles was an nice effort to learn. This 4 days short course of green wood turning was for too short, I long to next year's following up course. Ad Lindeman, Holland"

27 Apr 15'

Janine reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Wonderful day! Very interesting and fun. Clear instructions and great results."

26 Apr 15'

Sam E reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"I attended an enamelling course in March 2015 with Toni. It was a great day, as an absolute beginner I left really happy with being able to try out several techniques and left very proudly with my 3 pieces from the day. Toni was a great teacher, informative, easy going and I really felt like I gained a lot. I can't wait to get started at home now!! Thanks again Toni!"

26 Apr 15'

Sam E reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

26 Apr 15'

Mark V reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My best friend and I spent the weekend learning from Mort and we both learned a lot. We are both going back for more and as both Mort and the course were great."

26 Apr 15'

wndyf-- 1 day ago reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"I can only endorse the many glowing comments of other satisfied customers. All of us came away with smiles a mile wide, having accomplished something which made us proud and in a glorious setting, with very attentive tuition. Lesley kept an unobtrusive, circumspect eye on us all...when gossiping meant we missed a stage, friendly advice prevented mishaps. It was more than just a course; to enjoy home-made cake, the rual setting and animals and her welcome and expertsie added to the experience. Thank you, Lesley!"

26 Apr 15'

sally beales reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"Did Toni's Encaustic Art course yesterday with my daughter in law. We had a brilliant time. Couldn't believe how much artwork we did and the different techniques we covered. Toni was an excellent teacher 5 I would highly recommend her to anyone who is considering trying Encaustic art. It is something I will definitly continue doing."

25 Apr 15'

Arielle Johnson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This course was a birthday present. I was studying GCSE Resistant Materials, and Alex was brilliant, not only as a teacher, but in helping me to contextualise everything to my schoolwork. I made two handles for my school project, and Alex was patient and his expertise was just amazing - I was very happy to realise that he let me do everything myself! I really gained confidence with metalwork under his tuition. Having Alex as a teacher was truly inspirational and I would recommend taking a course with him in a heartbeat."

24 Apr 15'

Jon reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Spent the day with Alex and made a Rams head poker, I really didn't think I would manage to make it in one day but I did. It was such an amazing day and Alex is such a great teacher. Really am pleased with the result. Enjoyed it So much I booked my dad on a course for his birthday. Everyone comments on the poker at how good it is! I would recommend anyone giving it a go!"

24 Apr 15'

Carole reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"I first attended after christmas enjoyed the day and learnt so much I returned again for another day in march I am now a confident and competent spinner. Diane is an excellent teacher her style is warm friendly and she is clearly expert and a professional . I would highly recommend this class do not expect to come out with perfectly spun wool that you can make into that evening cardie but you will come away the proud owner of a skein of wool you have produced and have really enjoyed the day spinning in good company on a very interesting farm and do try the ice cream it's amazzzing"