Latest reviews

18 Feb 15'

Sue reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"The best birthday present a 50 something woman could have. I had no previous experience, but thanks to Aaron's teaching skills I came away with an armful of useful and beautiful things. Would love to do it again"

18 Feb 15'

Jim Ovenell reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I'd always wanted to try blacksmithing and thought that at 63 it was about time I did. Having found Mort's course, my wife bought a day for me for Christmas. I bought another for myself . It couldn't have been much better, total one on one tuition for the whole of both days. Mort's an excellent teacher as well as being a very talented blacksmith. Hard to believe how he managed to make some of those very delicate pieces with a hammer! Mort taught me all the basic techniques ( let me commend fire welding to you - most exciting!) and despite my ham handedness we made a super ram's head poker and a couple of great knives as well as enjoying good craic and having a load of fun. An excellent course and a great teacher. Very highly commended."

18 Feb 15'

Catherine Bailey reviewed: Creative Woven Textile Courses

"I adored everything about attending this course, Susie, the setting, the workshop itself, the flax, the colours, the lunch, the inspiration. The whole experience was completely wonderful. I never thought I'd find anything to top my love of sewing, but this course has me completely hooked. If Susie opened a weaving school I'd be front of the enrolment line.Bravo Susie. You are brilliant. Can't wait to come again."

17 Feb 15'

Ali O'Neal reviewed: Glass Fusing and Slumping for Beginners and Improvers

"My sister and I attended on 15th February 2015, for a beginners day. We were amazed by how much we got to do during the day. The techniques shown to us were fascinating and taught in such a way that even us complete novices found it easy to follow. We can't wait to see our work once it has been in the kiln. Definitely recommend this day to everyone. My sister and I want to book onto another now!"

17 Feb 15'

S Anthony reviewed: Crochet course "Complete beginners"

"Gaelle has a lovely reassuring teaching style that is motivating whilst giving feedback in order that you can progress through her lessons. Plenty of advice and one to one help. I am now using my new found skills to make squares that will eventually 'grow up' into a blanket. Easy to follow hand-outs for reference."

16 Feb 15'

Syma reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I recently attended Course 1 at The Wood Workshop and am here to recommend it to anyone reading this who hasn't already been! The small group size mean Richard and Mark are able to provide individual support and guidance to each group member, all with the utmost patience. Starting out as a complete beginner, I left with much more confidence and knowledge than I'd anticipated could be gained over the five days; all thanks to two excellent teachers and the comfortable environment they provide. My only criticism is I haven't been able to stop thinking about building my own workshop since! I can't wait to come back and learn more in Course 2."

16 Feb 15'

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

"Excellent! Steve is massively enthusiastic, patient and supportive. Thank you for a great day. I was glad that I had had an opportunity to plan ahead - (Watched Steve making my splashback) Came home full of ideas for next time! Enjoyed and appreciated the small group because this allowed effective personal tuition as well as having other people to bounce ideas off. The quality of materials was high and the finished products were really ego boosting."

16 Feb 15'

Romaine Bowman reviewed: Beginners Weaving with the Rigid Heddle Loom - at All in a Spin

"Lovely day with Dunja in a fabulous setting. Dunja went through the process of weaving on a 16" rigid heddle loom, very patiently explaining everything i needed to know to get started. We looked at selecting yarn, warping the loom, weaving, finishing and removing from the loom and finally washing the finished weaving, all in one day! I was made to feel very welcome and the day included a lovely lunch with homemade soup in Dunja's cosy kitchen. I went home with my first piece of woven cloth and full of enthusiasm. I would certainly recommend this weaving workshop and would like to do some spinning and fleece processing with Dunja in the future."

16 Feb 15'

Stuart Guerard reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Had a fantastic day with Mort at the Firebird Forge. Mort is a highly talented and skilled blacksmith and has a passion for the art. He teaches in a relaxed and friendly manner. I would thoroughly recommend Mort to anyone who is wanting to try blacksmithing. Looking forward to booking further sessions and spending more time at the Forge. An amazing experience with the added bonus of taking home your own pieces."

16 Feb 15'

kate stephenson reviewed: Plaster mould making for slip cast ceramics with Ed Bentley

"Ed came to the workshop at Workbridge in Northampton where we produce slip cast terracotta pots, garden and domestic. He showed me how to be able to make new moulds from our existing worn out moulds and to make a mould for a new shape. He spent three days with me and we produced cases for three replacement moulds and one new mould. He was very easy company and managed to stay focussed despite the interruptions in the workshop! I learned loads, lots of tips and good techniques. I am sure I will be visiting his Barn soon, thanks Ed."

16 Feb 15'

Ann Maull reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - Full Day Workshop

"Just finished a really fabulous time trying out glass as a new medium for me. With Steve's help it was amazing to see how eventually I finally achieved something that is especially me in glass. The sun is shining through a piece of work in our window and it is making me feel very proud of myself. All possible because of Steve's patience and encouragement. The friendship, food and companionship made this a most enjoyable and memorable experience. Thank you."

15 Feb 15'

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

"I had a brilliant day and thoroughly enjoyed myself using the forge and anvil to make some cool pieces. Adrian and Debbie were lovely- Adrian was a great teacher and Debbie a great cook/baker. Thanks for a great day."

15 Feb 15'

lindy reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Thank you to Angharad so much for an amazing experience. I didn't want the day to end. Angharads warm welcome, relaxed atmosphere, and fabulous personality brought out my creativity in abundance. I am delighted with my candles, they look great and smell Divine. My family and friends are so impressed with my candles, they think she is a miracle worker due to my non artistic tendencies. We made a variety of wicks, a beeswax pillar, tea light, two tone gel candles, mould candles, chunk candle, container candles in a variety of fragrances and colours. All done with safety in mind. I would seriously like to recommend her course to everyone. Young or old, I' m sure they will enjoy every second!"

15 Feb 15'

Jo Hill reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"My husband bought a place on this course feltmaking course as a Christmas present. We went to Stafford and made a weekend of it, hubby went to see his friend and I on my fabulous day with 3 other ladies. I loved it and I am hooked on feltmaking. I was and still am absolutely amazed at how so very adaptable the fibres are maniputated just by using soap and water and a bit of rubbing that such beautiful pieces of art can be produced. I love my scarf - I could never buy one like it and I am so looking forward to my birthday gift voucher next month, the hints surely must have sunk in."

15 Feb 15'

Michelle reviewed: Pottery throwing course in the South Downs National Park (one day - one-to-one)

"My partner and I shared a 2hr session on a pottery wheel each and it was brilliant. Rowena is a great teacher, managing to balance her time between the two and encouraging you to experiment as much as you feel comfortable with. We were delighted to come away with 6 glazed pots...excellent value for money. We are keen to go back sometime soon."

15 Feb 15'

Belinda Burt reviewed: Feltmaking - OOH the choices!

"My friend and I have just been one a nuno felting scarf day with Feltworld and had a lovely relaxed day with Barbara, who is so experienced and answered our many questions as virgin felters lol. She put us at ease and explained with many stages and demonstrations which made it very easy to follow. Her work is so beautiful and textural. We are delighted with our new creations and excited to wear them. I will also use mine as a hall table runner in the summer... I don't care I will show off lol.five We have bought gift vouchers to attend another course for our birthday in July/August."

15 Feb 15'

Lorraine Neill reviewed: Make silver jewellery using precious metal clay or silver clay

"Fantastic half day course. It was very relaxed and informative. First time I had used silver clay and came away with pretty pendants. I will be booking more classes with Toni. Recommended."

14 Feb 15'

Be Lindsay reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My partner purchased a 1 day course as my Christmas gift and she has her work cutout to top it: it was, in a word, outstanding. Nigel is an incredibly knowledgeable and accommodating man whose impresive skills at working metal into works of art are equalled by his teaching abilities and story telling. You will not be disappointed and I would whole-heartedly recommend a day at Fransham Forge (you may even get to meet George and Peter who are quite a laugh too!). I will definitely be back."

14 Feb 15'

Lisa Godfrey reviewed: Candle making workshops

"Spent a wonderful day with Angharad in her workshop. Made loads of candles. Learnt so much and had such a laugh. Really surprised myself at what I was capable of making and picked up lots of hints and tips to take home and try myself. Would highly recommend this course in a beautiful welsh setting. Thank you so much Angharad."

14 Feb 15'

heidi lee webber reviewed: Two Day Stained Glass Course

"I was given this course for my birthday in 2014 and was excellent - very small group and very good attention from the course tutor and loads of helpful hints and tips! so much so both my husband and myself have been regular visitors to the main shop and have been very impressed with the ongoing help and assistance from all."

13 Feb 15'

Richard Beech reviewed: Glass Art - two day course in stained glass (traditional leaded or copper foil "Tiffany" technique)

"A wonderful introduction to glass appliqué in a relaxing and supportive environment. The basics are easy to pickup, but will take a life time to master. My wife and I have already booked our next weekend to try copper foiled stain glass."

13 Feb 15'

Paul Schofield reviewed: StickMaking Classes/ Courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"Had no knowledge at all so decided to jump in at the deep end but I need not have worried. Stuart is keen to put you at ease and has a great knowledge base. Learning as I went along and wow! A stick to take home at the end of the day which my wife and kids love. Did not know there was so much to stickmaking and how long it takes. A+++."

13 Feb 15'

John Snow reviewed: StickMaking Classes/ Courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"One to one tuition with Stuart taught me a lot that I did not know. Having a basic knowledge of woodworking helped and gave me the confidence to specialise with a stick. Patience and lots of knowledge to share, an excellent tutor who makes you feel at ease straightaway. Would recommend to anyone."

13 Feb 15'

Joe Hogg reviewed: Dads and Lads' Bushcraft courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"Half day course in firelighting methods. What I thought I knew was nothing to what I was taught. You have heard of Bear Grylls well Stuart is just as good in my opinion! Time and moeny well spent."

13 Feb 15'

Olivia Farrell reviewed: Dads and Lads' Bushcraft courses with Stuart Lawrence Northyorkshire

"Half days's specialist course in tracking, firelighting and advanced shelter building. Already had a basic knowledge but this took me beyond that and taught me a lot that I did not know. Stuart is patient and does not hurry you. Well worth the money. Highly recommended."