Latest reviews

15 Nov 16'

Bryan Hollier reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"Sue Kirk is an excellent teacher and gave all of us a great deal of confidence that we could actually make this Reindeer ! I guess that nearly all of us were of a certain age and this was something many of us had not tried before. Also excellent facililties at Stanwick Lakes. I would recommend this course and others at Stanwick. So 5 stars ( can I give them more !! )"

15 Nov 16'

Gerald Shirley reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"This two day course is held at the very picturesque nature reserve of Stanwick Lakes in Northampton-shire. The course in held in a purpose built oak framed building complementing the rustic feel of the willow weaving. As this is an autumn event the addition of the roaring log burner and the free tea and coffee is very comforting. The course starts with the very talented Sue Kirk describing how the willow is grown, harvested, dried and then readied for use by soaking. Sue also describes different forms of willow sculpture before getting us started on our own unique creations. On the morning of day one you learn the basic skills and create the form of the body. After a light lunch or a proper meal in the visitor center cafe the afternoon is spent creating the head and blending it to and filling out the body. Day two is where you get to create the character or you Reindeer. The tail, antlers and ears are now added. The antlers can be as big or small as you like and turn your "animal shape" into your very own "Rudolph", "Donna" or "Blitzen". Again, after lunch you get to put the final details to your reindeer. Using stripped willow which is white you can add colour to your antlers and highlight the facial details and eyes. When we were all finished a marvelous group photo was taken of us and our reindeer. My course was a surprise birthday present from my wife. It was not anything I had ever thought of doing but was eager to get started. I enjoyed it immensely and have learnt a new skill which I am eager to try again at home. I will be back to Trading Places soon for another of their brilliant courses."

15 Nov 16'

Martyn Perkins reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"My son attended a one day introductory blacksmith course. Firstly the course is reasonably priced, and not over subscribed. Jack came home with his hook and candleholder and explained in detail the processes involved in its making. I have never seen him so pleased with himself. He has already said he wants to go on any other days that are available. On a personal note the Smith showed me around the forge when I arrived and talked with enthusiasm to me. Can't rate this highly enough. EXCELLENT"

15 Nov 16'

Dean C reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A great day out and a wonderful experience with still lots more to learn! I would gladly go on another course, the instructor, Stuart, was very patient and could fix any mistakes a novice like myself might have made. A long day, that will leave you feeling proud of what you have achieved. 5/5"

15 Nov 16'

Dom McIntyre De Vitto reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Brilliant day ! Really was far better than I expected - actually designing things (roughly), then heating, hammering and bending metal (like it's toffee!) into shape. Some joints made through literally banging to orange-hot pieces of metal together, others by twisting or jointing/riveting. My wife made a saddle stand, and I made a fire cradle (only just - time ran out). He saddle stand is amazing, really functional but pretty and extremely unusual! 'Mort' is an excellent teacher, who's passionate, knowledgeable and has amazing skills. He's also very patient with those, like me, who aren't anywhere near as capable. Fun, interesting and productive day - totally recommend it !!!"

15 Nov 16'

Emma C reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Had a great morning at Kerry's workshop, loved pouring my own candle and making pine cone firelighters. Interesting session that was relaxed and very friendly, scones were a bonus. Also learned lots about the 'science' of candle burning"

15 Nov 16'

ROBERT BRIGGS reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"A thoroughly fascinating, enjoyable and rewarding day. Steve introduced us to the materials and how they behave, then demonstrated the basic techniques that a beginner should try to master. Pre lunch we all concentrated on 20cm square pieces of glass to prepare for the main event of the afternoon working with 60cm x 30cm glass. Steve patiently helped all advance quickly and encouraged experimentation. All five participants produced several very different pieces and all were delighted with the outcome when the kiln was opened on Sunday. I think that all of us intend to take part in another course next year."

15 Nov 16'

Kay Featherstone reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"This course was great - Lucy being the perfect tutor. I learnt so much - and more in the bargain. Thank you Lucy. Can you do any more??"

15 Nov 16'

Kate Paterson reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I loved every minute of this weekend. Philip is an excellent teacher with endless patience and enthusiasm (not to mention lovely cakes and coffee-time treats!). I got plenty of individual attention to help me almost complete my project in the two days, and I met some lovely people too. Thoroughly recommended. Tip: choose something very simple for a first project. I was amazed at how many steps are involved even for my simple chair seat."

15 Nov 16'

Bob & Nancie de Lacy reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"As absolute beginners in upholstery we attended our first weekend course with a little trepidation. But there was no need as Philip is extremely knowledgeable and very experienced in the subject and communicates and teaches in a most pleasant and informative manner. Our group of seven was an ideal number as we were able to also learn from others who were more experienced and were undertaking different and more complex re-upholstery projects. As the only male attending, I would wholeheartedly recommend other males to give it a go. I thoroughly enjoyed the learning experience. By Sunday afternoon both Nancie and I had a slightly smug sense of achievement, and our two re-upholstered chairs look very good. We will certainly consider attending further courses with Philip. Many thanks."

15 Nov 16'

Helen Arthur reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had such a great time with Adrian and Andy, and the other "students". It was a joy to spend the day learning a new skill and we were really pleased with how much we were able to learn in 1 day. Plus Debbie's cooking alone is worth the trip, I'll be coming back for a second helping of crumble. Thanks to you all for a fab day! Helen & Phil"

15 Nov 16'

Will reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"A great workshop - we learnt loads, Lucy was lovely and knew everything there was to know about Annie Sloan Chalk Paint."

14 Nov 16'

Maggie K reviewed: Full day leather craft workshop

"A lovely lady with a really lovely manner.Very approachable but nonetheless a great teacher:inspiring,knowledgable ,able and extremely patient with a gentle persuasiveness to get all students making something they were (rightly)proud of.She makes it look so simple & helps every newbie share in her expert knowledge,knack & skills"

14 Nov 16'

Michelle reviewed: Beginner's knitting afternoons

"I attended a previous course taught by Valentina and I must say she is a great teacher!"

14 Nov 16'

James woodford reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had the best day with Alex. It was hard work but worth every second and Alex made it pretty easy to understand the basics as well as feel comfortable the whole day. Would do again"

14 Nov 16'

Lisa Whitton reviewed: Weekend upholstery courses - Oxfordshire & Berkshire Borders

"I have just completed my second upholstery course with Philip, both were excellent. Philip is extremely knowledgable and patient. Each student had different levels of ability and various pieces of furniture to upholster, using many methods of upholstery to restore the pieces. I feel I have learnt so much and thoroughly enjoyed both weekends. I am looking forward to tackling my next project in the near future!"

14 Nov 16'

Bob kennedy reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a fantastic day on the blade forging course. Well equipped forge and Mort is a fantastic teacher. Perfect balance of allowing me.to forge away and stepping in at the critical moments to keep the peice. Finished the day with a unique saex and has fired my intrest in learning more. Look forward to working with Mort again...highly recommended"

14 Nov 16'

Clare Swann reviewed: Mosaic pendant workshop

"This was an excellent course. My daughter and I spent a very happy afternoon learning how to make beautiful mosaic pendants. Debbie was so kind and helpful and her enthusiasm was infectious! Thank you Debbie!"

14 Nov 16'

Patsy McGurk reviewed: Bespoke candle making workshop - Edinburgh

"Wonderful course! A really fun, informative and relaxing way to spend a Saturday morning. Kerry was a super teacher and would definitely recommend!!!"

14 Nov 16'

Chas Billing reviewed: Tool Sharpening and Maintenance- 1 Day Course in South Devon

"Excellent day! 5 people attended, very relaxed but lots of useful information imparted and Peter had time to answer the specific questions of everyone on the course. We covered all kinds of blades, with a quick demo on sharpening cabinet scrapers as a bonus; so not just for green woodworkers. I managed to renovate several of my old poorly sharpened chisels and a spokeshave. It was interesting to meet the others on the course and their enthusiasm for woodworking was inspiring."

14 Nov 16'

Naomi Patkai reviewed: Green Woodworking - Make a Shave Horse - 1 Day Course in South Devon

"The first course I did, where I made a small greenwood table,inspired me to return and make a shave horse so that hopefully I can continue with what I've learned. The course did not disappoint. I came away with a fully functioning shave horse thank to Peters expertise, preparation beforehand and excellent teaching. A thoroughly enjoyable day."

14 Nov 16'

Naomi Patkai reviewed: Tool Sharpening and Maintenance- 1 Day Course in South Devon

"A very worthwhile course particularly as I'm a complete novice with no idea about tool sharpening. Peter is extremely patient and knowledgable and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with a small group attending. I felt slightly overwhelmed to begin with but came away feeling I could achieve a sharp tool buy the end of the day. Worth taking your own tools, I had very few to take but still a valuable experience."

14 Nov 16'

Andy reviewed: Wood turning courses

"An instructive and enjoyable days woodturning. Really nice to be able to produce such an impressive bowl in the short time we had. A great, well equipped workshop - good lunch too! As well as the actual woodturning, the advice on equipment selection when setting out in woodturning was very eye opening. Thank you very much. Andy"

13 Nov 16'

Paul Bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I spent a really good day with George and Sue on Friday 4th November. I had not done any turning for the best part of a year but Georges patience and excellent tutoring skills soon got me back in the swing. I explained that I needed the day to also assess my personal requirements regarding tools etc. I explained that I now had a lathe at home with a few chisels so the first thing we did was to assess these tools and we soon realised that some were not up to scratch. George was suffering from the lingering symptoms of a cold and although he was in some discomfort at times his tuition never faltered. His patience is endless and by the end of the day, with Georges help I had not only managed to turn a bowl I am very proud of I had also completed some spindle turning plus spent time assessing all my machinery and tools needs. George even had time to furnish me with further advice on extra items I will need and where to source them. Sue provided refreshments and a lovely lunch and this coupled with Georges easy going and patient approach the day remained totally relaxing whilst very informative at the same time. I would whole heartedly recommend these courses with George and look forward to increasing my knowledge further on the next one."

13 Nov 16'

John Holmes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day. Learnt a huge amount about being a blacksmith as well as making a couple of small projects to take home. Very friendly team with fantastic food/ catering. Thoroughly enjoyed my day. Thanks for everything"