Latest reviews

2 Nov 15'

Pete Ramsay reviewed: One day blacksmithing course

"Just spent a fantastic weekend on a two day blacksmith course with Julian Wadsworth in his forge, full of facinating old equipment and machinery, both operational and some not yet restored. I immediately felt welcome and at home with Julian's friendly, gentle manner and regular mugs of proper tea (loose leaves, teapots, strainers and everything. Brilliant!) An incredibly talented craftsman with an equally impressive ability to pass on his knowledge, in the two days we covered a wide range of techniques with loads of hands on forging resulting in a really cool toasting fork, a candle holder and a very fancy poker, all now sitting in my hearth. This excellent and thoroughly enjoyable course gives a real taste of this ancient craft. Many thanks Julian."

2 Nov 15'

Trish reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"I recommend this course. I had an absolutely wonderful day. Julie was so welcoming and made everyone feel comfortable. Julie was such a good teacher. She was patient and relaxed, with us, yet kept us on track so that by the end of the day we had all made a basket. We had tea and the most delicious homemade cake throughout the day (to keep our energy up!). I really feel that I now have the knowledge to be able to create a basket alone (with the written guidance Julie provided for us). It is a treasure of a gift to carry the knowledge of this ancient skill and a privilege to learn it from Julie."

1 Nov 15'

Jackie Robinson reviewed: Mini Willow Weaving Lesson

"I loved the mosaic class and the fact that I now have a beautiful piece of art to remind me that we are all creative and inspirational beings. It was a very therapeutic class and Christies knowledge and patience was valuable. Thank you."

1 Nov 15'

Rose reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"A very enjoyable course, thank you to Richard and Mark. During the course you get to try a great variety of tools and techniques which would be daunting in other situations, but the expert and patient Richard and Mark make it very achievable and enjoyable. I came away with a great deal of useful tips that I will certainly take up, and the positive feeling that I can use tools correctly and keep them in good working condition, and also a very nice chair!"

31 Oct 15'

polly reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"I had a fantastic time making shoes - really would recommend it. Me and my mum had a lovely day that was really enjoyable and informative - I never felt out of my depth as a complete novice at working with leather! Amy and Alison were amazing! They were very helpful and incredibly knowledgable. I am so happy with my unique shoes that fit perfectly. They have received many compliments up here in Edinburgh! Will be saving up to make some sandals! Thank you!"

31 Oct 15'

Janet Howe reviewed: Mosaic class

"We stayed at the Red Lodge for a 2 night mosaic break. Having never done any mosaics before we were amazed to come home with our completed project, and have been inspired to continue with more projects. Dawn is obviously very passionate about her hobby and there are numerous mosaics up around the B & B to inspire you. She is an amazing host, very friendly and welcoming, the rooms are immaculate and the breakfast was great. We were even provided with home cooked food for lunch and a glass of wine to end the day! What more could you ask for. If you are interested in making a mosaic I would highly recommend Dawn to get you started."

31 Oct 15'

john leyden reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I spent the day with colin and bob,two great blacksmiths with a wealth of expeireance.i came away with a lot more idea of technique and will be back to do more"

30 Oct 15'

Graham Richards reviewed: Shoemaking Workshop

"As a fairly experienced leather worker, I wanted to try my hand at a pair of shoes, if only to see how easy or difficult it might be to make them at home. Alison and Emily have got this day sorted down to a T. We had clear objectives, clear instruction and all the right tools and equipment on hand to complete the task. It was a fun way to learn, not at all intimidating and even a novice could feel confident with Alison and Emily on hand to offer help when needed. I came home with a cracking pair of desert boots that look great and fit comfortably. I think the thing I learnt was, there's more to making shoes than I realised, and, without the specialist knowledge, tools, machinery and experience at your fingertips, this would not be as easy away from the workshop. Still, it's wetted my appetite to explore making some moccasins next, so maybe I will start making shoes at home! Thank you for a great day and a great pair of shoes!"

30 Oct 15'

Stephen reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I spent an absolutely enthralling and priceless day with David. One enhanced by an unending flow of tea and biscuits. The piece of work that I had set my sights on was not a trivial one. David ensured that the work was seen through to completion without regard to the official finish time. David spared no time ensuring that all of the steps were explained in detail and that every question was answered in detail. The day’s practical facets were augmented by an every broadening historical discourse. Our lunch break was, for example, enriched by tales of the Mortimer family’s medieval adventures in the Welsh Marches."

30 Oct 15'

Ivor Gissing reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"If you think woodturning is for you, come and spend a day with Mark,don't rush out and buy anything first, Mark will suggest what would suit your needs if you get hooked. Which I am sure you will. If you just wish to improve/revise your skills like I did, then this is the right place, you will not find better tuition anywhere. Ivor Gissing -1 month ago"

30 Oct 15'

michelle lewis reviewed: Fused Glass Making Evening Classes

"I have really enjoyed the course. Liz is very friendly. I've learnt a lot and had lots of fun making things. Would definately reccomend."

30 Oct 15'

Sara Brown reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My husband and I did the one day course, we both had a fantastic day, we made some coat hocks for some drift wood we had. Alex is a very good teacher, patient and explains things very well. My husband had great fun doing some fire welding. We would both highly recommend Alex, Thank you for a great day.5"

28 Oct 15'

carolyn reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris is an excellent teacher who packs a huge amount of knowledge into 1 day.I can highly recommend this ,either as a gift for someone special or as a special day for yourself-I'm sure you will enjoy it !"

28 Oct 15'

Jayne overd reviewed: Fused Glass Making Evening Classes

"Really enjoyable class. Very friendly and informative but I am now addicted to glass."

28 Oct 15'

Lorraine Tilley reviewed: Fused Glass Making Evening Classes

"My friends and I really enjoyed our 6 week evening glass course, so much so that we've asked our teacher to create a new Christmas decorations evening class for 4 weeks coming up soon and I think we will start again in the new year too! She don't be able to get rid of us now! I am the least creative person in the world but with Liz's help I have made some really wonderful things that I'm very proud to display around my home."

28 Oct 15'

Aaron Symonds reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My second time at the forge was just as enjoyable as the last. This time I did two days and Nigel helped me forge some magnificent pieces. He was friendly and helpful as usual, and by the end of the weekend I had forged lots more pieces than I thought I would be able to. I learnt a lot and had a very restful nights sleep in the shepherds hut. Money well spent for a great time. Thanks."

28 Oct 15'

Jack Stevens reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"Brilliant course, a nice simple format, watch Tony do a bit then try to copy it!! Everyone on the course made an excellent carving so it must work. Not only is Tony a gifted carver and teacher all the staff in the shop are marvellous, you couldn't meet a more friendly and helpful bunch. If you're considering this course don't dither just book it."

28 Oct 15'

Jennifer Bailey reviewed: Fused Glass Making Evening Classes

"Liz was well organised with everything set out ready for us. She talked to us about glass, its properties, how it can be used etc. . Demonstrated cutting technique and let us loose to try. On hand all the time to explain, help, advise. Very patient and easy going. The aim was to make two items, but for me it was rather too much to absorb and do in a short session. I completed my first piece but ran out of concentration and time. (we had already overrun the time planned for the workshop) However, Liz being Liz, she said I could go back and finish when she was there but hadn't got a workshop going. I spent a very relaxing, enjoyable morning there, didn't quite finish, (I like to take my time) and am going back next week to complete. Would highly recommend unless you don't want to become addicted to glass fusing. Liz is a very warm, patient person and a good teacher. Thanks, Liz."

27 Oct 15'

Bert Broadley reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"First class, patient and tailored tuition in a pleasant, easily accessible woodland environment. The day passed in a blur and I was thoroughly enjoyable. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who would like to try a new skill."

27 Oct 15'

Kevin Goodall reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I signed up for a spoon carving day with Chris because I spend all day at a desk in an office and wanted to get outside and learn a practical hands-on skill. I had visions of whittling away the long winter evenings producing wonderful spoons for family and friends. The reality is that I had a really enjoyable day and came away with something that vaguely resembles a caveman's spoon but of which I am inordinately proud. Thanks to Chris's instruction I also have a basic understanding of the tools and skills needed to pursue this very interesting and absorbing hobby and a realisation of how much more there is to learn. Chris was a great teacher - patiently showing me each technique and providing a variety of tools to try out. Based on my experience I will be asking for a few tools from Santa so I can continue my training at home. I spent a full 8 hours with Chris - punctuated by regular brews and a delicious lunch - and the thing that most struck me was that the time completely flew by (I suspect the day seemed rather longer for him!). If you are in any way tempted by this course then I would say "just do it" - you won't regret it."

27 Oct 15'

Mandy Rutter reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"An extremely good day. Steve managed to get round to us all constantly, not easy when you are able to make up pieces so quickly. It is the first workshop I have ever been on (& I have been on quite a few, in varying art themes) where I actually made what I had in my minds eye. So am very happy with all my pieces, especially the large one. Would so recommend going on this workshop."

26 Oct 15'

david g reviewed: Blacksmithing courses

"very successful and great fun day"

26 Oct 15'

Chris Whittle reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Having just completed Course 1 on the 23rd October, I must say that this course exceeded my expectations and wildest hopes. Richard and Mark provided a mine of useful information both in the lunchtime lectures and numerous brief "group hugs "throughout the week, as specific points of learning were covered real time. The camaraderie of the group built during the week and I was surprised to find that whatever our initial level, we all learned together and shyness rapidly became confidence. Techniques were shown and practised, safety, modern machinery options and easy ways were always in mind. The results spoke for themselves. 'Must book Course 2 for next year !!"

25 Oct 15'

Alison Haywood reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Such a fun day. Great teaching, materials, company, creativity, inspiration. It was my first attempt at something like this, but I really feel it's something that everyone can do. Thanks to Caroline and my fellow deliciousness-seekers. Have a go, treat yourself!"

25 Oct 15'

Gill reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"We had a fantastic day out, Ricky is a great teacher, explains well and has a lot of patience. We were able to produce glass ornaments which we can keep forever or even give as Christmas or other gifts. It was great to understand how colours and the glass integrate with each other and the potential there is to go on and do bigger and better things :)"