Latest reviews

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)"

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"