Latest reviews

15 Apr 17'

Phil cooper reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"I was bought the blacksmith taster course for my birthday as i had always wanted to try it. Robin and Darren were brilliant teachers and have a vast amount of knowledge and expertise between them. They were professional and friendly from the minute i arrived,robins wife even made us a homemade lunch which was lovely! From that day ive been in contact with robin and hes sold me an anvil and some tools etc for my own set up. I really do recommend these guys if you want to try blacksmithing or even just to learn something new."

15 Apr 17'

U.O. reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I really enjoyed the class. It was a great refresher for me but I also learnt a lot of things I didn't know before. Eleanor is very knowledgeable and has a great teaching style. She really took the time to try to explain things. The day was very well structured. There were a great range of samples to showcase different techniques and ideas. The studio is also well equipped with lots of different types of glass to try. It was a really fun day which sped by all too quickly."

15 Apr 17'

Amelia and Tony James reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"Sent on the course for our birthdays, excellent day, Robin, Susan and Darren went above and beyond. Excellent lunch, would highly recommend. It's inspired us to build a forge."

14 Apr 17'

Barry lyon reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"I have always fancied having a go at blacksmithing as a hands on mechanical engineer but never did anything about it. My daughter as a surprise booked for me and daughter with cowpe smithy. Rob and Darren were great, showed us a number of techniques and explained the basics. Being technically minded and interested in details rob and Darren were able to answer our questions. The course gave a good intro and the coke rake i made is now used on my own forge. Rob helped me with that. The course also included being looked after foodwise by robs wife ; who made us a fabulous dinner and supplied teas and coffee on the Cold rainy day. Following my daughter and I bought a forge and now practice the art of metal forging. Rob and Darren post course have helped with tips and sharing expertise. If you are interested in blacksmithing pick cowpe smithy....really glad we did. You will not be disappointed....Rob knows about history of the art too.for me this was a bonus...I could have spent a week with Rob finding out more. In a nutshell...brilliant!!!"

14 Apr 17'

Amber Turner-Ramsay reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I did a 3 day one to one workshop with Jolene and had an absolutely wonderful time. Jolene is a fantastic teacher, patient, inspiring, helpful - I was able to learn and practice a variety of techniques and given the freedom to experiment with my own designs. I highly recommend the workshops to those that have a particular interest in this field and also those who would like to have a great time making some beautiful pieces."

14 Apr 17'

David Bedding reviewed: Wood carving for beginners and improvers at Ness Botanic Gardens Cheshire

"For anyone who is thinking of taking up woodcarving, or has started and wants to get some coaching then this is one of the best ways to do it John is an excellent teacher. He has great patience and unfailing good humour His explanations are clear and easy to follow and he always seems to be on hand to assist anyone who is finding anything a little difficult to do. Everything is provided - including tools if you don't have any of your own. You start by practicing the ‘basic’ cuts but soon move on to making recognisable shapes On the second day you move on to carving an owl starting with the explanation of how to mark out the piece of wood ready to carve. Getting the carving fully finished does require concentrated effort but it is well worth it to take home a completed piece and leaves the beginner with a great sense of achievement."

14 Apr 17'

Julia johnson reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"if you are looking to learn how to make leather products this is the best course. Jason is a fantastic teacher and I was lucky enough to get one to one teaching. Jason's workshop is amazing and the perfect place to learn new skills. I will definitely be booking for the two day course in the near future."

14 Apr 17'

James reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"I have attended this course on a number of occasions and I love going back. Mainly for the friendly and knowledgeable instructors and the fresh bread and home-made chutneys! Would highly recommend this class to anyone. You will be amazed at what you can achieve even on the first try. It's highly addictive and after the first go you'll be bursting with new ideas to try out. It's a really fun environment, made so by the hosts, in a lovely part of the world. Make a weekend of it :)"

14 Apr 17'

Deborah Wainwright reviewed: Felt slippers - felt-making workshop with Debra Esterhuizen

"I highly recommend Debra's workshop She is a wonderful teacher, who encourages your own creativity whilst sharing her knowledge and experience of felting. I loved the calm Debra creates in her studio, which is an Alladins cave of beautiful wools and silks, which Debra has sourced, and with her art work the walls. All of which for me, made the class even more enjoyable as I was able to relax, which aids my learning. I made a lovely pair of slippers which I love to wear, and thanks to Debra's fabulous teaching have been able to go on to make two more pairs at home. I have had felting supplies for a while, but wasn't confident enough to give it a go, but think I will be making many more. Thank you Debra, and hope to see you again on another of your wonderful workshops."

14 Apr 17'

Jules Woodman reviewed: Silver clay 2 day course for beginners - Lori Ridgway

"As a complete novice I really didn't expect to achieve much on my two day beginner course, however I couldn't have been more wrong! Lori is such a great teacher, patient, professional and excellent at what she does. Over the course of the two days she taught me not only every technique that I need to start making my own art clay pieces, but also dozens of hints and tips that she has found due to her extensive experience. Lori is generous and very easy going, putting you at ease from the outset and letting you work at your own pace, whilst explaining every element of the process. I simply cannot recommend her highly enough."

14 Apr 17'

Rebecca Jones reviewed: Sewing with Allana

"Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Allana, is a fantastic tutor, having been thrown out of needlework classes in school in the late 70's, trying again 20 yrs ago where I successfully made a decent skirt for myself (I think by sheer luck), something of those lessons at school must of stuck!! Allana taught me so much on my first 3 hour lesson, how to use my sewing machine (I'd forgotten totally), different stitching (what best stitching to use for different garments etc), button holes, bias binding, making bunting - My target in time - I want to be fabulous at sewing, being able to make my own garments & alter clothes. Allana has given me the confidence to work towards this. It was the best 3 hours I've spend in many years, came away with a smile on my face. Seeing her in a couple more weeks, this will be continued until I reach my goal. Book - you will not be disappointed ."

14 Apr 17'

Simon Huddart reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Thanks Steve for your time and expertise. Very happy with result."

14 Apr 17'

Hayley reviewed: Half day: 3 Leather Accessories

"My husband and I did a workshop with Rosanna to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary as we wanted something a bit different! Rosanna was very friendly and a great teacher to two people who had not worked with leather before. The location of her workshop in Kent is beautiful and she also provided tea and biscuits! We both made several small items and learnt lots of new techniques which we hope to develop now that we've got the basics. Rosanna provided all the tools and had a wide choice of leather so we could make exactly what we wanted. Highly recommended."

14 Apr 17'

Amanda Mills reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"It was a pleasure to learn the basics of blacksmithing with Robin and Darren - two highly skilled artisans who explained everything in such an easy to understand, common sense manner. This made the skills seem much more accessible, and I managed to produce a wonderful fire set for my newly installed wood burner, much to my surprise! A fantastic day full of learning and laughter."

14 Apr 17'

Donna Kelty reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"I booked a taster day course as a treat for my birthday. And what a treat it was. I absolutely loved it. Robin and Daren are both great guys with lots of passion for their trade and lots of patience for their students. They taught me lots of techniques so I will totally appreciate the hard work that has gone into any hand forged item. The setting is wonderful. The atmosphere great. And I have to mention Robins lovely wife, a great cook and a woman with a beautiful heart. My only wish is that I could go every week. I came away with two items I will treasure for ever."

14 Apr 17'

Rigmor Lie Thorsen reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"I travelled all the way from Norway to participate in this course, and I was not disappointed. :-) I love working with textiles and have previously done some feltwork, but not as detailed as this. I learned a lot and found a lot of inspiration in Bridgette's work, as well as the other participants' projects. I would recommend this course to anyone looking to find news artistic ways of expressing themselves. Bridgette is an excellent teacher!"

13 Apr 17'

Shelagh Picton reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"I attended a felting workshop with Barbara, there were 3 of us on the workshop and we all made different things. I made a lovely nuno felted scarf. I plan to attend another workshop as I would like to do more nuno felting with silks and other fabrics. February 2017"

13 Apr 17'

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

"We has a fantastic day with Dunja in a beautiful setting. It was our very first attempt at spinning and we came away with our own wool! Dunja is a great host and teacher. The day could not have been any better and has inspired us to look further into spinning. Thank you!!"

13 Apr 17'

Linda Dolan reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Jo is extremely friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. The day was lots of fun and I got exactly what I had hoped out of it. Lots of candle making but also lots of information about regulations etc and hand outs to bring away with supplier details etc. Lovely hostess and lovely day in Jo's lovely home! 10 out of 10 - with wholeheartedly recommend!"

13 Apr 17'

Rowena Johnson reviewed: Pottery making party in lovely seaside studio

"What a fantastic day! Bought this day for my mum for her birthday and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Jenny makes the day so special, sharing her knowledge and studio, we would not hesitate to recommend this experience."

13 Apr 17'

Carole Price reviewed: Needle felting with Virginia

"Massively exceeded my expectations. I had no ability whatsoever but with Virginia's help I produced a completed piece of work, which so impressed my husband he had it framed. Can't wait for the next course. Excellent instruction, lots of inspiration and quality materials to work with."

13 Apr 17'

julia richards reviewed: Chalk Paint furniture workshop for beginners

"absolutely loved this course. the pace was just right. It was value for money. Sue explained everything to us and had lots of colours and stencils to use. Loved it. waiting for part 2 please Sue!!!"

13 Apr 17'

Bob Antonini reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I recently did a two day course with Alex. Even before the course started Alex was very helpful with organising my dates, sending out course material and even giving instructions on how to find the forge. Alex was very friendly from the moment I poked my head through the forge door and introduced myself. We spent some time deciding what I could achieve in two days and jumped straight in with a ram's head poker. Alex showed me each stage and then it was down to me. He got the level of supervision just right, as I was allowed to get on with it without feeling I was being watched but always knowing that Alex was there to ask questions or jump in to make sure I was heading in the right direction. Lunch was provided by Alex at the Museum cafe and that was a good chance to have a nice chat and find out more about him. On the second day I made a six foot lily with two leaves. Alex was very helpful with the design but always allowing me to make the final decision before we moved on to the next stage. He was on hand to weld the bits together but left me to do the grinding and sanding, although if you're not confident with the power tools thenI'm sure he'd do that for you too. Alex is clearly a very talented blacksmith but he is equally adept at passing on his skills in a friendly, inclusive and patient manner. I had a total blast for those two days and fully expect to go back at some point and carry on learning. If you're even the slightest bit interested in working with metal, from novice upwards, then I would highly recommend contacting Alex for a great and instructive experience. Thanks Alex, I will be back!"

12 Apr 17'

Janet Cheung reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"My son was taken under the wing of Daren a true master of the craft for part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award . My son thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent with Daren, he always came away absolute enthralled with what he had been taught and what he achieved under the fantastic guidance of Daren who's passion always rubbed off on my lad .. Go ahead, give it a go, you won't be disappointed . First class."

12 Apr 17'

Diane Donnelly reviewed: Container candlemaking course and wax melts with afternoon tea

"Booked the course to indulge in something creative - love candles and this course seemed like the perfect option to try something new. The course was fun, and gives an excellent overview to candle making. The course was very inspiring and has made me want to make candles, feeling I can now experiment with some expert knowledge. - The course comes with a lovley afternoon tea which adds to the overall experience! - would happily recommend to anyone considering a new hobby or wanting to starting up an Artisan Business."