Latest reviews

9 Nov 15'

Toby reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Very good course, well taught. Martin's approach was excellent, the tuition was at a good pace with plenty of practical time. He was always always happy to help out if asked but also happy to let you get on with making you own mistakes! Well organised too – lovely lunches both days."

9 Nov 15'

Lauren Dudley reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"I was a tester for this workshop and it was such great fun. We all managed to make some beautiful felt and a great Christmas wreath which was the centre of attention last year! Highly recommended..."

9 Nov 15'

Alex Bingley reviewed: Beginners Pottery

"Hi, I have two little girls (10 & 11) who are keen to learn to turn and fire pottery. is this something you might be able to help with? Thanks Alex"

9 Nov 15'

Andrew Edwards reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day began with cups of tea and home made flapjack (great start!). The teaching comprised of step by step demonstrations and explanations from Adrian followed by the time to try for yourself. Within no time we were beating red hot metal and growing in confidence. Lunch was great followed by an afternoon learning more skills and ending with home made cake! Adrian, Andy and Debbie great a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and I felt a lot of thought and care had gone into the day. Would heartily recommend!"

9 Nov 15'

Karen J reviewed: Felting Workshop - Felt Pot - Stratford upon Avon

"I had a go at a trial of this Christmas workshop and it was great fun. Even I made something that looked just as fabulous as the original. It's easy to do and the results are amazing. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a fun, relaxing day with like-minded people and a mince pie or two. What's wrong with Noddy Holder? It wouldn't be Christmas without him!"

9 Nov 15'

James Craven reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was booked for my 40th birthday. I stayed the night before in a beautiful shepherds hut in the forge gallery installation in the woods. This is a magical way to start the course, waking up to deer and pheasants by your front door as you walk through the woods to the bbq your breakfast! The course itself was amazing, from Nigel's background in how he got to be a blacksmith to the expert and friendly tuition. He is an inspiring chap! We made a number of useful items (all now in use at home next to my woodburner). I would highly recommend this course to anyone of (almost) any age. I will be going back to learn more! James (Ely)"

9 Nov 15'

Chris Pulsford reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A brilliant day with an amazing teacher and a master at his craft. I've always entertained the notion of being a blacksmith and Mort has really helped me take steps towards that goal. His patience, ability to see when mistakes are about to made and to subsequently help correct them all the while letting you stay in control (or at least seem to), all help build confidence in what it possible. As he says the skill can be learnt in minutes but takes a lifetime to master. I can't wait to get back in the forge and improve my skills, might need to strengthen the wrists first though Overall a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to all. Beautiful area and a superb course. Thanks a bunch Mort."

8 Nov 15'

Martin Ashton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I really enjoyed this course, the teacher student ratio meant we all got assistance as we needed it and i caen't recommend them enough; Adrian and his assistant Adam are fantastic smiths and very good instructors aswell as generally really nice blokes. It was a very good introductory course showing several basic blacksmithing techniques and showing what the art can be."

8 Nov 15'

Ian Clark reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"My daughter and I had two brilliant days with Graham. When he says everything is included, he really means it. We had two days of fun and most importantly relaxation, complete with seven very presentable results to take home. Graham's relaxed teaching style is just perfect and he makes learning new skills very easy. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending a wood turning course with Graham."

8 Nov 15'

Jill reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fab day. I've come home with 2 usable and useful objects that I'm really proud of. Adrian & Andy were just great teachers and so helpful. I may be back to try the candlesticks sometime."

8 Nov 15'

Callum reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I have just returned from a fantastic day. I was a complete beginner to blacksmithing and the course gave a great experience into what it is like. Adrian and Andy were more than welcoming as well as amazing teachers. Not usually a fan of vegetarian food but I have to admit the food was great too! Would highly recommend this course. You come back with some great souvenirs and a few blisters to show for your hard work!"

8 Nov 15'

Pamela Perkins reviewed: Encaustic Art - What do you want to learn?

"What a wonderful day. I arrived as a complete beginner and came away with a good grasp of the basic skills plus how I could link this work to my silk painting and ceramics. We (I attended with a friend) were also able to view some of Mel's own wonderful work which was inspirational. As if that wasn't enough we had a lovely lunch provided by Mel's husband and a constant flow of tea and coffee!! Mel is an extremely friendly and helpful person who is more than willing to adapt the day to meet your needs...... you would be hard pressed to find anyone better."

7 Nov 15'

Dan Golding reviewed: One day glass blowing course -creating sculptural glass

"I cannot rate this highly enough! My wife purchased this for me as a Christmas present and it was amazing. From the very first moment you are made to feel welcome and at ease. It is very hands on from within the first half hour and the end results are simply superb. I absolutely loved this and everyone involved was warm, friendly, knowledgeable and an absolute delight to work with"

7 Nov 15'

anne langstone reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"my daughter and I sample different craft courses - it is something we both enjoy - I will however say the course in felting that we shared with Lesley was one of the best - light and airy workshop - Lesley amazing friendly and informative - no pressure to finish on time - we both created a felt picture that will be treasured forever- and the tea and cake was just wonderful - my recommendation just go along and sample this wonderful course you will not regret it and we will be returning early next year"

7 Nov 15'

Steve F reviewed: Flamework (Lampwork) - Making glass beads for beginners

"I did 2 flame work courses with Toni. Both very enjoyable. The first was the beginners course where we covered a range of different techniques. Toni is a good teacher starting with the basic steps and taking you through to the more advanced techniques. She adapts the course to your own requirements & pace which I particularly appreciated. The second was the sculptured flame work course which I did a few days later. This was particularly enjoyable as we made different animals using the techniques learnt on the first course. It is totally absorbing as you need to focus on what you are doing. Toni is clear & helpful in her tuition & I was really pleased with the results. There was time to make 2 owls, 2 other birds, a ladybird & a butterfly. If you enjoy crafts/working with your hands this is an enjoyable way to make something unique."

6 Nov 15'

Chris O reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"It was very interesting and right up my street. I liked being encouraged to be creative and the support and the freedom to do what we wanted. It was really well organised and lots of fun. It was a great way to keep occupied with a fab finished item!"

6 Nov 15'

David Montague Rendall reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"I have a passion for wood and am very fortunate to have found Graham who shares that passion. I have not used a lathe since the age of 15 which is an incredible 52 years. Graham's gentle yet professional approach to teaching is the perfect way to attain excellent results. I booked a two day course and am amazed at what I achieved for a complete novice. I took some of my own wood and together with Graham's wonderful design skills were able to start projects that I shall finish on my planned return to his friendly, welcoming wood turning studio. The five gold stars that I have rated my experience with Graham is not enough, so please look at them as being encrusted with diamonds. David Montague Rendall"

6 Nov 15'

Josie reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"Thank you for a most enjoyable and rewarding day. The tuition was spot on, being a small group Julie was able to offer plenty of one to one time and the end result is a very attractive fruit basket, handle and all. The home made cake was delicious and the whole day although quite "hands on" was relaxing and stimulating. Also thanks to Rob for the additional tuition for the tricky handle part. If I could make one suggestion it would be, could you perhaps offer " bundles" of willow to purchase on the day which contain everything required to make another basket the same, to get a bit more practice without having to purchase a big order from the growers. Thank you."

6 Nov 15'

Josie reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

5 Nov 15'

Janet Botham reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Very much enjoyed trying silver clay jewellery. Toni is an excellent teacher. She covered everything. Not all teachers do,unless you make a mistake, then they tell you what you needed to know. Toni tells you before you make any mistakes. Thanks."

4 Nov 15'

Lucy reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the session, Siobhan is very welcoming, encouraging and informative. I am really pleased with the 4 pieces I made and hope to save up to do another day."

4 Nov 15'

Claire reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"Had a wonderfully enjoyable day with the incredibly welcoming Siobhan and Danny. Siobhan was inspiring and gave just the right amount of help and information whilst still letting people do the work themselves. Very kind and friendly and not at all intimidating regardless of skill level. I would recommend the day to everyone!"

4 Nov 15'

Philippa reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"I am delighted with the pieces I managed to make on this day - friends and colleagues have been impressed too. It was a great experience - despite a few moments of frustration trying to work out how to get the pieces of glass to sit in just the right place! Siobhan guided us through a good number of techniques to use - I already have ideas for next time I can go."

4 Nov 15'

Jessica Perry reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"I booked myself in for a 3 day course with Ed at Manifold Craft Barn, and I can honestly say that I left there with a lot more knowledge and confidence when it came to mould making! Ed's passion and commitment to his craft is so inspiring and he really took the time to walk me through every process that he went through. He was extremely patient, and no question was too silly, such an approachable lovely guy! I also have to mention how fun the whole experience was! good humour, good conversation, and he can make a hell of a coffee. I came away from the course with a mould of a mug and handle that I had designed and that Ed helped me to develop, I was so pleased with the outcome. I really feel that I could go back to uni and delve right into my last year with the confidence that I gained from the course. I hope to create some really nice work with my new skills! I would definitely recommend him to anybody that is considering going into this field, Thank you Ed! :)"

3 Nov 15'

MICHELLE reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"My sister and I had a memorable and fascinating day. Julie is a most patient and gifted teacher. My basket is sitting on my kitchen table for all to see. What a wonderful feeling to say "I made that". Thank you Julie and thank you to your husband who helped us overcome the tricky rope handle bit. Thoroughly recommend this day.(and the cakes, my favourite was the Victoria Sponge with butter icing to die for)"