Latest reviews

21 May 15'

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

"We had a fabulous workshop day with Siobhan at the Forge. Excellent facilities and Siobhan was a great teacher - she explained all the techniques and how it would look after being in the kiln and set us working on our first piece very quickly. She made the day great fun for us. We were a family group - total novices at this - and Siobhan helped us create a collaborative piece in the afternoon as a memento of a milestone birthday. Really rather special experience! Many thanks and thoroughly recommend to anyone."

21 May 15'

Katie Turnbull reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What a fantastic day, the 8 hours seemed to fly by all too soon. Julie's calm patience and easy going approach to imparting her years of knowledge enabled me to make a basket to be proud of. Looking forward to putting all I learnt on the day into practice. I thoroughly recommend this course."

20 May 15'

Geraint Edwards reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"I keep returning to this beautiful corner of rural Wales (6 times) for truly inspirational weekends of creativity and alchemy. Mark shares his passion for bronze and his deep knowledge of it’s history, myths and processes, whilst providing clear instruction and unstinting help with all the practicalities of wax modeling, ceramic shell mould making and finishing the bronze sculpture. In the midst of all this there is the drama of the bronze pour and the excitement and revelation of breaking open the moulds. The alchemy is infectious for beginners and experienced artists alike and makes for a most engaging social & creative event, which I most heartily recommend."

20 May 15'

Geraint Edwards reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

20 May 15'

Chris Ashford reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"Thanks Linda for a brilliant day. It was so relaxed but we still produced some interesting pieces. We did plenty of laughing and there was plenty of cake so what more could you ask? Linda is a good tutor, I would advise anybody to attend this workshop."

20 May 15'

Jackie Hough reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What an enjoyable and rewarding workshop! Having tried making a couple of baskets following a book at home, it was so helpful being shown the way to hone my fledgling skills to avoid unsightly gaps, and uneven uprights! Step by step, Julie showed us all the stages in basket construction, and I was delighted with the improvement I made over my own efforts. There were so many small techniques to learn that made such a difference to the finished article. Rope making for the handle was a revelation; no way would I have managed that from a book. Strong thumbs are a must, but otherwise enthusiasm is probably the main ingredient needed to succeed on this workshop. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Julie as a tutor. Nothing beats being shown a craft skill by a patient, knowledgeable expert."

20 May 15'

julie bruton seale reviewed: Wild basketry- workshop in the woods, forage your materials

"Loved both the bark containers day and the native cordage one. Ruby makes ancient techniques simple and achievable, and imparted a vast amount of knowledge in bite-sized chunks. Am totally inspired and can't wait to make more!"

19 May 15'

Karen Farrar reviewed: Glass fusing decorations/hangings

"I absolutely loved this course. Linda is brilliant. Friendly and welcoming. The day was relaxed and great fun. Thank you."

19 May 15'

Tim Little and Annie Challis reviewed: A Longbow Experience

"Myself and Annie had been up to Brown Robin Nature Reserve the end of last summer to spend time with Tony as he carried out a charcoal burn. We stayed for a few days and were also shown around the reserve as an unexpected freebie. We learnt a huge amount from just one burn and subsequently took home this new found skill and knowledge to apply to our own charcoal production back home. More recently (May 2015) we spent a weekend both on the 'Greenwood Experience' course, more spceifically to create a shave horse. By doing so we will be able to practice the various greenwood techniques we learnt from Tony and continue to experiment and create our own products. Tony passes on knowledge constantly and has an extremely constructive teaching technique. You can rest assured that you will learn all you set out to on his courses, an more! The fundamentals of this course included: Introduction to greenwood properties of various trees such as Elm, Willow, Ash and Sycamore, use of shave horse, using a 'froe' and 'cleaving' wood, use of various traditional tools (eg brace & bits, drawknife and spoke shaves), introduction to pole lathe, rounding off wood and roughing out and all of the finer skills. The beauty of a course with Tony is that as well as engaging in a superb, traditional craft, all the while you are learning exactly where these skills and materials are coming from and the associated management of the woodland. As a result you come away with so much more background knowledge which the course and the craft actually relies upon; the woodland and associated ecosystems. Another tour of the reserve this time took us through anient meadows, identifying birds by call, beautiful butterflies and wildflowers and small mammals. We were then privelaged enough to be shown a special corner of the reserve with soem very special ancient Lime trees. Other tid bits included briefly studying various mosses which adorn the magical limestone pavements. Cannot thank Tony enough for his time, skill, teachings and company ..... Book a course now!"

19 May 15'

Di Herriot reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A wonderful day with a fabulous teacher. Elaine is so knowledgeable and took a complete beginner to a relatively competent spinner in just 6 hours. Learnt so much and have a skein of my own spun wool which is just so satisfying! Thank you Elaine for your patience and expertise. Di x"

19 May 15'

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

"What a great gift! Was given this as a Christmas present as it is something I had always wanted to try. Adrian & Debbie could not be better hosts for the day with yummy food & some brilliant stories to tell. Such an experience to work a true craftsman! Looking forward to giving the next course a go! Would recommend highly to other, thanks for a memorable day!"

18 May 15'

Cath Fulson reviewed: M

"I took my friend Rosie to Maddie's for a mosaic making workshop as a 30th birthday present. It was absolutely all we could have wished for. Maddie was so knowledgeable and helpful, we were surrounded by her beautiful pieces and were in great company. Maddie was lovely to talk to and also very patient and kind which was a great help. Rosie and I had a lot of fun and created pieces that we are very proud of. It's was an afternoon to treasure for both of us and I cannot thank Maddie enough for the experience."

18 May 15'

Sara reviewed: Felting, An Introduction - Make a Fabulous Felt Wall-hanging

"I took a group of women from our community interest company to try out felting for the first time. The workshop was a beautiful experience in a lovely cosy setting complete with tea and coffee cake. We each produced a felt ball and our own plaque and we were guided by Heather and Carolyn, They were patient and informative and nothing was too much trouble, a wonderful afternoon!"

18 May 15'

kate dulieu reviewed: Willow Curlews with Phil Bradley in the Yorkshire Dales

"It was a wonderful day.I an not the most artistic person and I went home with a recognisable sheep. The setting is stunning as was were the refreshments. phil's instruction was just right and has infinate patience. Highly recommend this course."

18 May 15'

Anna Hayes reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"An outstanding course with fantastic facilities and tuition of the highest level. You are provided with thorough guidance through the entire process, so what is offered is an extremely comprehensive learning opportunity. There is everything you need for a wonderful weekend in a beautiful place and a lovely time with great people. Very special, I would recommend it to anybody."

18 May 15'

Louise Duly reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Brilliant day at Spotty Pig Farm The Spinning Barn. Theresa is a fantastic teacher. Would thoroughly recommend her."

18 May 15'

Anna Hayes reviewed: Silicone rubber blanket mould making course: for sculptors and makers

"Such a great opportunity to obtain really specialist skills and to gain confidence in making/broaden creative processes from extremely knowledgable and experienced teaching. Set in a beautiful place with everything you need and more. I learnt a lot and had such a fantastic time."

18 May 15'

Martin Wood reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I have attended several day courses with Alex over the past 4 years. Alex is a highly experienced and knowledgeable Blacksmith who will tailor the session to suit your needs and experience. The location and setting within the Amberley Chalk pit Museum complex adds to the whole experience and provides a real feeling of how the craft was practiced during an age when Blacksmiths were an integral part of everyday village life."

18 May 15'

Lis Riley reviewed: Basket making in Norfolk

"What an excellent course. Julie is a great tutor and super knowledgeable about her craft. With patience she guided us through our day which resulted in some pretty awesome baskets at the end. Each a great success and a credit to Julie's clear and methodical instruction. I'd recommend Julie to anyone (with/without experience) if they were looking to try basket making or even if you needed to brush up or develop what you already know. You really won't be disappointed. Most likely we'll do another!"

18 May 15'

Elaine Perry reviewed: Beginners Hand spinning - 'From fleece to fibre’ - at All in a Spin

"A really informative day with much 'hands on' experience. Dunja was an effective tutor who gave much confidence. Her passion for spinning and creativity for uses of wool came through. I felt well cared for and welcomed! many thanks for an excellent day. I would highly recommend this course."

17 May 15'

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

"It was an inspiring day (Wild Cordage), Ruby is a charming and dedicated instructor, it was a pleasure to meet some like-minded people."

17 May 15'

Sarah reviewed: Intensive 2 day mosaic course with Claire Cotterill Mosaics @ Martineau Gardens, Birmingham city centre, West Midlands.

"A great day, now is possession of a mosaic tile of my own. Good instruction and advice. Looking forward to making more. Thanks Claire"

16 May 15'

Julie Walker reviewed: Hand spinning Day Course

"Spent a wonderful day with Juliet. She was very informative and importantly for me - patient."

16 May 15'

Karen Wall reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"Mark is a very talented artist and teacher and is more than able to provide specialist teaching and guidance for every ability, from complete beginners to more experienced artists. An amazing place to camp for three days, unspoilt and the perfect spot to remind you that you're learning an ancient skill which transformed the future of mankind - magical & ACE! You'll never forget it and really amazing value."

16 May 15'

Reef Lawless reviewed: Bronze casting weekend

"Excellent course, amazing people teaching it and really good value for money. Want to go again :D"