Latest reviews

15 Jul 16'

Beth Maskell reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I've just completed the 10 week beginners course and thoroughly enjoyed it! Ciarán is extremely passionate about his craft and this is passed down through his teaching. All aspects of the project are explained clearly and in depth so you gain a wealth of knowledge. The workshop has a relaxed and fun atmosphere and it is a thoroughly enjoyable evening. I was a complete beginner before hand but now feel confident to take on projects at home. Ciarán was great at recommending tools and is very realistic about what you need if you just wanted to enjoy woodwork as a hobby - no need for countless expensive tools, I was pleasantly suprised about how little you need! I've definitely caught the bug and can't wait to attend the Intermediate course! Thanks Ciarán! (PS. Ciarán's choice of biscuits is sometimes a little sketchy.)"

15 Jul 16'

Darren Graham reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I've just completed the 10 week beginner course and from the first lesson I was hooked and looked forward to it every week. From preparing and sharpening tools through to creating your own piece of furniture, the course is invaluable for learning the fundamentals of woodworking. By the halfway point I had already been inspired to collect and prepare a full set of vintage and new tools which I used on the course (although a fine set of tools is provided) and I have already started my first piece of furniture at home. Ciarán is a great fella and teacher creating a really laid back atmosphere with no pressure and with the small class size it's like having one to one tuition. If you are interested in learning woodwork, Get it booked!"

14 Jul 16'

Galen reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"We had such a good time on the reed mace workshop, and we've been recommending it to everybody. Ruby is a skilled and generous teacher - we learned so much, in a wonderfully calm atmosphere. Spending the day in the woods was magical, and Ruby has the most graceful way to light a fire with flint and steel, tinder and grass. I want to go on ALL the workshops!"

14 Jul 16'

David Cowan reviewed: Intermediate woodworking course

"First class project and an excellent teacher who dealt with everything his pupils threw at him in a relaxed and professional manner. Well Recommended."

14 Jul 16'

Sally reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"Very interesting course. Lucy explained everything very clearly and I'm looking forward to putting into practice the techniques I learned. All the equipment and paints were readily available . Lucy did apologise for the lack of space in the room, with 8 people and larger tables than there had been previously, apparently. However, when a ninth person arrived, she made her very welcome and accommodated her with the minimum of fuss. The room was really too small for people to move around easily. Coffee provided was ok, but the Volcano coffee shop coffee and food was very over-priced in my opinion. Lovely environment for a meeting or course, such as this one. Thoroughly enjoyed it!"

14 Jul 16'

Marina reviewed: Capturing pretty Flat Lay photos - perfect for Instagram and Product Photography

"What a fabulous and inspiring course. We all had a wonderful day and learned so much. It was great to get interactive feedback from Lyndsey which nudged me along in the right direction. I was able to produce some lovely flat lays which Lyndsey photographed so well for me, although I had the option to do that bit for myself. I thought why not take advantage of seeing a professional in action. A thoroughly enjoyable day. xx"

14 Jul 16'

Jenni reviewed: Upcycling Club @ Inkberrow Design Centre

"Excellent value for money and a wonderful place to get your creative and upcycle ideas following with the help from their expert tutors."

14 Jul 16'

Gary Cartwright reviewed: Beginners 10 week woodworking course NO LONGER RUNNING

"I have just completed the beginners course, what a fantastic experience, Ciaran certainly brings out the best of your abilities. The course is small enough to get one to one help when required which is invaluable. I have been looking for a suitable course for a while, this was just perfect so much so I have now booked for the intermediate course. Ciaran is an excellent tutor, the course is very relaxed and I would recommend it to anyone."

14 Jul 16'

Angela Alderson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fantastic day, we will definitely be booking for next year. This course was brilliant and I would highly recommend it! We were greeted by Adrian, Andy and Debbie with tea and lovely biscuits. Very friendly and highly skilled and artistic craftsmen :0) they are masters at their craft and brilliant teachers. Thank you for a wonderful day and we will see you next year :0) hopefully on the tools course. x"

13 Jul 16'

S Addison reviewed: Two day blacksmithing course

"From being picked up from the train station, to help with accommodation, Julian was a great help, ran a brilliant course and I came away with a great item. I would fully recommend this two day course."

13 Jul 16'

Isabel Santos reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"I had a wonderful time. Was very useful as i learned a few techniques and i would like to do another course to learn more, as i enjoy painting and i love Annie Sloan chalk paint."

13 Jul 16'

anon reviewed: Christmas at the Dairy - one day course

"Best bit was meeting other people with similar interest. Hands on, actually making things."

13 Jul 16'

anon reviewed: Christmas at the Dairy - one day course

"Very relaxed atmospere - Thanks Kath"

13 Jul 16'

anon reviewed: Christmas at the Dairy - one day course

"Best bit was learning so much information. Brilliant tutor!"

13 Jul 16'

Anon reviewed: Christmas at the Dairy - one day course

"Best bit was learning a new skill and butter churning!"

13 Jul 16'

Anon reviewed: Christmas at the Dairy - one day course

"All very informative - have learnt a lot."

13 Jul 16'

Jackie watts reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"We went as a family group, myself and two daughters and we all had a fab time learning something new and having a girlie day out as well! Might even have a go at home with the skills we have learnt."

13 Jul 16'

Abi Wood reviewed: Art & Craft Days - Christmas Wreaths & Swags – Willow

"I had a brilliant day at the Butterfly Studio making my own wicker basket. Location is superb, facililities excellent and just too much delicious food available for any self respecting person. Tutor, Deb Hart, was brilliant - entertaining, interesting and patient. Well done to Butterfly Studio for creating a successful art and craft business and long may it continue."

13 Jul 16'

Henry Danes reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Found my day of blade-smithing thoroughly enjoyable and a great experience for novices like me, since Mort was a fantastic teacher and helped me end the day with a piece I was very happy with."

12 Jul 16'

Gary Doherty reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"My wife bought a day course for me as a present - she came too :-) We had a wonderful time. Aaron is really friendly, very knowledgeable and engaging. His love of iron is infectious too. The day flew past and we created items we use at home! We both thoroughly recommend the course."

12 Jul 16'

Rob Barnish reviewed: Wood turning courses in Dorset

"Have just had an amazing day being taught wood turning by Mark. As a complete novice I have come home with a very pleasing and tactile bowl and also got to gain some experience spindle turning as an added bonus. Mark was an excellent, knowledgable and friendly tutor, who explained and demonstrated technics very well, allowing a lot of hands-on work for myself. He has also given me a great deal of advice on what equipment and tools I would need to start up - hopefully soon when I have sorted out somewhere to actually do it! Many thanks Mark for a great day."

12 Jul 16'

jenn Hewson reviewed: Needle felting course with Furzie at Saltisford Canal Trust, Warwick

"Great course. So much fun and such great results in a short space of time. Would highly recommend."

12 Jul 16'

Bex Luck reviewed: Furniture painting workshop with Annie Sloan chalk paint

"Lucy was a great tutor, and explained all the techniques clearly. She was very knowledgeable about the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint products and had a wealth of hints and tips on painting and restoring furniture. She was very patient, more happy to let us try a technique again and always willing to answer questions. The workshop has given me the confidence to begin my furniture restoration project. The coffee and cakes were delicious!"

12 Jul 16'

Callum Smith reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I found it really useful as someone who is thinking of going in to blacksmithing as a hobby/career. Mort was a very good teacher and he told us a little bit about the history of blacksmithing which I found very interesting. I was unsure about what to make but Mort had lots of photos of passed students' work to help me decide. Throughout the day Mort taught me a number of different techniques and helped me understand the importance of precision when it comes to shaping metal. I was amazed at how easily I could shape red hot steel and how easily it could by twisted and molded. Overall I had an amazing day."

12 Jul 16'

Nick Smith reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My 16 year old son and I had a fantastic day together with Mort. Mort was an excellent teacher and was very patient with me as I whacked away and pieces of red hot steel. We both thoroughly enjoyed our day and would recommend Mort unreservedly. Excellent value for money. My son was so inspired by Mort that is now intending to take up blacksmithing as a hobby. It was very clear from the samples he showed us that Mort is a highly skilled blacksmith who produces work of the highest quality. I made a wall mounted candle holder that will take pride f place in my home."