Latest reviews

29 Mar 15'

Karen reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Had a lovely workshop with Lesley learning to make felt pots. Fully recommend this workshop. Lesley is very generous with her time and very knowledgeable about felting and and different wools etc, she has a vast selection of different colours, silks, and textures that you can use to make your pot, which you get to take home. Nothing is to much trouble, and she makes a cracking cake too!"

28 Mar 15'

Keith Franklin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I have just attended a 2-day course with Nigel and it was excellent. Not only is Nigel a great tutor he is passionate about his craft and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart. He provides an insightful history of blacksmithing/forging, and has some great stories/experiences to share. First day made some set pieces, poker, toasting fork, two desktop paperweights and a keying. The second day was more freeform being able to create your own design or replicating one of the many items in his gallery. He is patient and guides you at a level/pace based on your capabilities. Very well equipped workshop with a huge range of equipment and machines, and even got a go on the power hammer. Great to get away from the stress of the day to day job and relax doing some very enjoyable rewarding work, (beating some hot metal with a hammer is a great stress release) and very pleased with the items that I made. I would definitely recommend Nigel to anyone thinking of having a go at blacksmithing. Thank you Nigel."

28 Mar 15'

Sarah Whiddett reviewed: Introductory course covering wet felting and Nuno techniques in the beautiful Forest of Dean

"Without a creative bone in my body, I made a great piece which I'm going to make into a tote bag. Chris talked us through the basic steps and guided us with a light touch so that most of the day was spent actually felting. After a trial piece (which I am really pleased with) we made something we could use. Others on the course made a cushion cover and a beautiful scarf. It was a very relaxing, fun day. Highly recommended."

27 Mar 15'

Jane Dale reviewed: Handspinning workshop

"Had a great day learning to spin fleece into yarn. Diane's brother worked his magic on my £10 spinning wheel making it operational, my husband is delighted! The whole day was enjoyable and great value for money, I highly recommend it. Thank you."

27 Mar 15'

Jill Roberts reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"the best two days- super tuition in lovely surrounding and nothing too much trouble. Learnt a great deal and came away with a completed front cushion cover and the cushion provided too! Thankyou Susie - look forward to seeing you again."

27 Mar 15'

Elizabeth reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"Very interesting. I enjoyed finding out how to expand the range of ways to use essential oils to make natural products."

27 Mar 15'

Paul Grayson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"I would recommend this course to anybody. The makes were not too difficult but did stretch our skills. Adrian (and his beautiful assistant, Andy) was easy going and had time for us all. We worked at our own pace, no pressure to rush. I was really pleased with my makes and the family were very impressed. The food was home made, plentiful and tasty. Rachel and Mike were very hospitable sharing their home with us for the day. Thanks to everyone for making this such an enjoyable day."

27 Mar 15'

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

"The experience was everything I had hoped it would be……brilliant! Adrian and Debbie provided us with all the necessary tools and equipment to get through the day. All of us got stuck in after the initial H&S briefing, hot drinks, biscuits and introductions. Adrian teaches you in skilled way that is easily understood so can be replicated with the emphasis on enjoyment. All the items we completed had originality stamped all over them (no pun intended) which reflected the diversity of people present on the day. You learn by memorable events… how true of this experience! Both Adrian and Debbie are a great team which enhances the overall experience. Good friends, good food & good fellowship. Try it!!! Dave Mills"

27 Mar 15'

Ryan Barrett reviewed: Improvers weekend throwing course with Tony Joslin

"An amazing weekend! This has helped me improve my throwing skills massively along with my knowledge of pottery. You can ask Tony anything about pottery and he knows the answer. Thanks for a great course! Ryan : )"

27 Mar 15'

Louise ward reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"I was only able to attend the 1st part of the course this time, but can't wait to do the second part. Deiniol was a great teacher, & we were quickly hands on & making the tiles for ourselves, using a variety of different decorating techniques. Great fun, I would definitely recommend it."

26 Mar 15'

Ray, Sandra & Nathan Palmer reviewed: Introduction to Leathercraft: Making a Pouch

"very enjoyable very instructive good location all together a great day out"

26 Mar 15'

sue & paul reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"just got home after a day at the forge with the best views around. Had a thoroughly enjoyable day with Mort; he explained & demonstrated the mystery & magic of working metal and I came home with something to be proud of. It was good to right the wrongs of the world with such an interesting man and great teacher. He has obviously found his niche in the world, his artistic skills are phenomenal & his imagination seems to be unlimited. Cant recommend too highly."

26 Mar 15'

Laura Lightfoot reviewed: Beginner's Ceramics | Tile Making | Short Course

"A fantastic course! I thoroughly enjoyed doing this tile making course. Deiniol is a great teacher, very patient and friendly, and made all the techniques accessible and easy to understand. We got to try many different decorating techniques and styles, and were encouraged to use our own imagination to put our own stamp on the tiles we made. The price of the course is extremely reasonable considering all the materials provided and the amount of time Deiniol puts in; not only the course time but time in the studio preparing for the course and then firing the tiles afterwards etc. And we get to take home the tiles we made (I made at least 6). I would highly recommend this course to anyone, as I said I loved doing this course and look forward to doing another."

25 Mar 15'

sindiso reviewed: 121 - An Introduction to Cold Process Soap Making

"I had a one to one soap making session with Emma and Im glad I chose soap making with Emma. Thank you Emma I thoroughly enjoyed soap making with you. I felt welcome in your workshop. I would certainly recommend attending Emma's courses, The course is thorough all corners of cold process soap making covered using simple English which is easy to understand. I found Emma to be patient ensured I understood everything that was taught, most important the course is hands on. Emma is passionate about soap making .Im very grateful for sharing your knowledge and skills with me."

25 Mar 15'

Jane reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"I didn't really expect to be able to make candles in one day, but we did and learnt so much more than I expected."

25 Mar 15'

Mark reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Very enjoyable and excellent experience."

25 Mar 15'

Emma reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Great value for money and loved how you gave us information we can easily take home. Really loved the class!"

25 Mar 15'

Sindy reviewed: The Natural Skin Care Workshop

"A life changing course which teaches life long skills and I'm looking forward to share new skill with my son and grandchildren. Fantastic course."

25 Mar 15'

Brenda Jackson reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"I booked this course as I loved Caroline's mosaics when I saw them and wanted to find out more. The day was amazing, funny and creative. Caroline's studio in her beautiful home was full of amazing items to use, and her teaching was exceptional; I came away from the day with a gift - knowing how to create something beautiful. I have applied that to a new, exciting and fulfilling hobby, which I am hoping will become something more than just a hobby. This course is well worth taking and you will come away inspired!"

25 Mar 15'

Charlotte & Trudy reviewed: Mosaic one day workshop for adults with Caroline Jariwala, Birmingham

"Caroline was a lovely woman who made us feel very comfortable as soon as we walked in. She showed us the basic skills very quickly which allowed us plenty of time to experiment with her assistance. Which I find a better way of learning. She wasn't short of materials and she allowed us to create anything we wanted. Thank you for a great day Caroline !"

25 Mar 15'

Marion reviewed: Ceramic moon gazing hares

"I went a couple of months ago and had a fab time making my hare. Excellent step by step instructions make it easy for everyone, even if you're not creative! Bonus: excellent atmosphere & company, brews and CAKES!! Thanks Linda. :-)"

24 Mar 15'

Eric Pye reviewed: “Against The Grain” Wood sculpture - a one day course with Simon Kent

"It was a shame but just one of those things that we got off to a late start as Simon broke down on the way in. Communication about what was happening at this stage was good. There didn't seem to be much clarity at the end of the day though. We'd been told that the course could run on past 4 p.m. due to the late start but no-one had put arrangements in place to staff the centre past 4 p.m. As it happens we were all tiring by this time and were happy enough to finish but I do feel that it is an important part of "customer care" that didn't work out very well. I enjoyed the course itself and it has sparked me off to do some more carving."

24 Mar 15'

Chris Ashford reviewed: Rug Making day workshops in the Yorkshire Dales

"I happened upon this course by accident the day before and I was so glad, it was thoroughly enjoyable. The tutor was truly an expert and happy to pass her skills on. We all learnt the basics of proddy and hooky in an informal environment. I am certainly hooked now. I too would not hesitate to recommend it."

24 Mar 15'

Catherine Kemp reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"What a fantastic day! despite finding the black smithing really difficult I came home with a key ring, a dragon that looks like a dragon and a lovely twisted hook. Thank you so much Adrian and Andy for your patience! The setting was beautiful and the food delicious, Rachel and Mike were the perfect hosts and my course mates friendly and helpful; the whole day exceeded my expectations."

24 Mar 15'

Bryan Schofield reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"A great day. I had always wanted to try my hand at blacksmithing, and Adrian (helped by Andy) showed us all what to do and how to do it. Some things seemed easier than I had expected, but others required patience and tweaking to get the desired results. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and were happy to help each other. There was a plentful supply of cookies, biscuits and cake washed down with copious brews, and lunch was plentiful and delicious. Many thanks to Rachel and Mike who made us all feel so welcome to their lovely home Broadrakes - which enjoys fabulous views of Ingleborough and the historic Ribblehead Viaduct. Definitely not an experience to be missed."