Latest reviews

4 Sep 16'

Bill & Mary reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just enjoyed 2 days blacksmithing with Nigel for Bill's birthday which exceeded all expectations! We stayed in a cosy shepherd's hut in the idyllic woodland adjoining Fransham Forge. Nigel's infectious enthusiasm guided us through a wide range of techniques & he made sure that we both successfully created several useful tools, supporting our differing levels of ability & guiding us through successive processes. We enjoyed working with Jane & Keith on the second day. Nigel is an inspiring and entertaining teacher & we highly recommend his courses - hope to come again & learn more!"

4 Sep 16'

Chris Leach reviewed: Green Man Ceramic wall sculpture

"Have just had a lovely day creating a green man wall sculpture. Linda is great and it's a very relaxing and therapeutic way to spend a few hours. Have also booked onto a Glass Fusion workshop with Linda at the end of September and I can't wait."

4 Sep 16'

Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I've had a keen interest in blacksmithing since university and after plenty of research I found this course in Norfolk. I signed up for the two day course and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Nigel's skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for engineering and blacksmithing was amazing! During the two day course I gained much inspiration around the workshop and sculpture garden. All aspects of production were explained including the safe and controlled use of tools and machinery in the forge. I learnt a great deal of knowledge that will be valuable in the future and will definitely attend another course to develop my skills further. I highly recommend this course!"

4 Sep 16'

Jane Miller reviewed: Beginner's Spinning in Newcastle

"I've been spinning for about 12 months, completely self-taught and wanted some expert guidance to improve my technique. Cathy is a lovely teacher, very patient and great one-to-one tuition where needed, we were soon off to a great start. I picked up some valuable tips which I take away to my home spinning, newly enthused and raring to go! Thank you, Cathy, for an enjoyable day, friendly atmosphere and an excellent setting, shop and cafe at Black Sheep in Culcheth to make us feel totally spoilt!"

4 Sep 16'

Maxine Dunham reviewed: Blacksmith forgework Learning Experience Day

"What a brilliant way to spend a rainy Saturday, in a smithy that recently won an award on Shed Of The Year. Robin and Daren are great company - fantastic tutors, extremely knowledgable and very patient with a lady not used to wielding a hammer! Me and the other student on the course had a reet laugh, whilst learning some interesting techniques with round- and square-section bars: how to draw out a tapered point and curl it into a beautiful scroll, how to make 'barleysugar' twists, and forge strong corners and decorative points, to create a handsome poker and fire rake which are now gracing my fireplace. Robin's wife provided homemade scones and jam, and a huge, delicious vegetarian lunch to keep our strength up. If you go on this course, be sure to ask Robin for a tour round his extensive collection of anvils. You'll be wanting your own by the time you leave."

4 Sep 16'

Glenn Latham reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris provided a real fun day for me and my daughter in a fantastic setting on the edge of dartmoor. I was particularly impressed with the attention to safety in the workshop environment . And we produced two fantastic bowls !!"

4 Sep 16'

ZOE E LATHAM reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"My Dad and I had a great day with Chris. I had recently inherited a lathe and was keen to learn the ropes before taking on my new tool. On our craft day both my dad and I turned a lovely bowl under the helpful watch and guidance of Chris. Chris really gave me the confidence I needed to continue wood turning in my own workshop and there's no doubt I'll be doing a level 2 course with him in the near future."

3 Sep 16'

Sam reviewed: Group Soap-making Workshop - Soapology Studio - Nottinghamshire

"An excellent and well taught course including everything you need to know about cold processed soap making. There was plenty to learn from the day and we all managed to make plenty of soap of our own fragrance and design to take home. If you are looking for a soap course or just want to have a dabble this is definitely the course for you."

3 Sep 16'

Melanie reviewed: Soap making

"I have had a wonderful day today, very relaxing and interesting. Diane makes you feel very welcome into her home, providing lots of tea/coffee and a lovely lunch. The workshop was very interesting and lots of information given. I am looking forward to receiving my soap through the post, and cannot wait to smell the fragrance, chosen by myself. This workshop, if like me, a complete novice, is great, I will definitely be making soap at home in the future."

3 Sep 16'

Jayne Gutteridge reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A big thank to Nigel for the excellent day spent with him, Mary, Bill and Keith. I had a brilliant time and am over the moon with the items I made. It was an experience I shall never forget. Nigel is a very good teacher, I learnt a lot. He makes everything seem so easy to achieve and as he says - there are no mistakes! The workshop day is something I would recommend for anyone who wants to have fun and learn a new skill. Thank you once again Nigel."

3 Sep 16'

Bel Collins reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"A lovely and interesting day . Jo is such a delight to be with . Her knowledge of the craft made the day really interesting . The setting, location and attention to detail made is a fantastic experience . I would definately go again ."

2 Sep 16'

Martin reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Had a very enjoyable day with Chris learning about wood turning . Chris gave the right level of help to ensure we came away with a dish to be proud of and that we were happy we had produced it. Chris's helpful and friendly personality made it feel like we'd known him for ages."

2 Sep 16'

Kirsty reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris was a great teacher. I am 14 years old and i found that Chris was very patient and whilst he helped and advised he didnt take over. At the end of the day i ended up with a beautiful beech bowl. I really enjoyed the whole day."

2 Sep 16'

Sian reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I had a fantastic day with jo and came home with some beautiful candles and melts. She is warm and friendly and happy to pass on her knowledge to others. I would 100% recommend this to anyone whether new to candle making or just wanting to brush up on knowledge."

2 Sep 16'

Kate lippiatt reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"I can not recommend Karen an her course highly enough. Her style of teaching is perfect as you gain all the know how you need, with a real hands on approach. I have given new life to lots of pre loved chairs an foot stools an take great pride in the quality finish Karen has helped me create. I look forward all week to going again. Real ME time an we all need that."

2 Sep 16'

Hayley reviewed: Upholstery weekly classes

"Amazingly talented tutor, relaxed, kind friendly and patien. Learned so much already ! Enjoy every minute"

2 Sep 16'

Fiona Webb reviewed: Spoon carving beginners course

"A wonderful day last weekend at Snelsmore Common, Newbury, on a spoon carving course, with Vallis Green Woodworking. From a log of Poplar to spoon (actually a spatula, now in use mixing my ponies’ feeds) in a few hours, splitting the log, using a handaxe to define shape, then paring & curved knives for shaping and carving bowl (though the spatula didn’t need much carving). I’m their first student to have completed a fully tooled spoon - ie finished off by knife, not sandpaper! Very chuffed!! Fab instruction from Nigel Wylie, spoon carver extraordinaire and great to watch Simon Vallis working his magic with green wood in many ways. Both men are wonderful, peaceful souls, truly working in harmony with their environment and materials. Apart from a couple of thunderstorms (which meant tools down & under cover as lightening prefers sharp metal) there was a real sense of peace and serenity working amongst the trees, like being in a natural cathedral. Plenty of hot water for drinks courtesy of the wood fire, plus carrot cake topped the day off! In the words of Arnie...”I’ll be back!""

2 Sep 16'

Claire reviewed: Knitting workshops in Leeds City Centre

"My friend and I met Ann to learn the absolute basics of crochet. It was an enjoyable two hours of crochet, tea and chatting!"

2 Sep 16'

Elizabeth reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"I did this course yesterday and it was amazing! Jo is really friendly, fun and engaging. She is very skilled and she is really passionate about candle making. I came away with really good quality candles. We made a variety of candles and melts and Jo had a large selection of excellent quality scents to choose from. It's incredible value for money given the duration and the amount that we made, I was delighted with it. The location is also great as it is in a beautiful barn and the kitchen is just gorgeous and perfect for candle making. Jo made me feel very welcome and she passed on many useful tips in terms of making and also in terms of the business side of things including the latest regulations. She also provided a delicious lunch. I would highly recommend this course. It is worth the journey as the ones in London are often only a couple of hours long and very expensive and you don't come away with much. I now feel confident to get started with my candle making. 10 out of 10!"

2 Sep 16'

Sandra Scarsbrook reviewed: Fusing glass - beginners - Witney, Oxfordshire

"We have done two classes with Ros and enjoyed every minute. I can do stained glass and it's really nice to see a different side to glass. Ros is a very good teacher and tells you all you need to know. You then get to take home, after the glass has been fused, a very good piece of art. Would recomend, a very good way to spend the afternoon."

1 Sep 16'

Joyce reviewed: Rag Rug Half Day Workshop - Hertfordshire

"Fantastic, I thoroughly enjoyed this course, would recommend it to any fellow crafter."

1 Sep 16'

Jill Mann reviewed: Introduction to candle-making as a business

"Jo was friendly helpful and extremely knowledgeable. Had so much fun as well as learning all the skills needed to make candles. Would thoroughly recommend this course 10 out of 10 x"

1 Sep 16'

Anon reviewed: One day introduction to blacksmithing

"Really enjoyable experience, incredibly helpful staff."

1 Sep 16'

Anon reviewed: One day introduction to blacksmithing

"The beginning the middle and the end, literally EVERYTHING!!!!"

1 Sep 16'

anon reviewed: Make a bent stick chair - a two day course

"Learning a new skill, achievement."