Latest reviews

22 Jun 14'

Carol Crowden reviewed: Jewellery Summer School

"I will be returning for my fourth Summer School in 2014, which is a testament to how much I enjoy the experience. The tools and facilities are great. Jesa and Al give you the confidence to try new techniques and give advise and help when you encounter a problem. Would like more emphasis on design on the first days."

22 Jun 14'

catherine witt reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"Had a lovely one to one session with Elaine, as a returning spinner. She was great - helpful, instructive, interested and motivational. Look forward to doing more! thanks"

22 Jun 14'

Jenny Monds reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"I'm so glad I found Flux 'n'Flame, and wish I'd found it earlier. I made a wide silver bangle at my very first class, and haven't looked back. Jesa and Al make beautiful, inspiring jewellery themselves and encourage the class that anything is possible! This isn't a class where everyone does the same thing. Rather we are encouraged to pursue our own interests and creative urges. On any one night, one student could be enamelling, someone else casting, another fusing, and yet another etching. It is interesting to see students develop their own style. Highly recommended - but I warn you it's addictive!"

22 Jun 14'

Rachel Raine reviewed: Weekly precious jewellery / Silversmithing classes

"The classes at FluxNFlame are superb. The workshop is fully equipped and really well organised for working creatively (inspiration all around!). However, the greatest assets are Jesa and Al who, apart from being real experts, have a wonderful 'can do' attitude. The result is a creative and supportive environment where imagination knows few limits (and then alternatives seem to be found!). They always discuss processes and are on hand whenever needed to support the tricky 'bits'. You can work at your own level and speed as teaching is individual (small classes of 6-8) and there is a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. I count myself VERY fortunate to have found FluxNFlame. I cannot recommend it highly enough for anyone who is interested in designing and making their own jewellery."

21 Jun 14'

Jemma Batten reviewed: 2 day traditional silver jewellery making course

"Absolutely LOVE these courses, have been about half a dozen times and always come home with something amazing! Jesa and Al are brilliant teachers and I learn a new technique every time. We also eat too many biscuits and laugh lots!"

20 Jun 14'

Maryjane reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"A brilliant day with Elaine for improvers. I fully intend to return with my daughter for further refreshment for me, and beginners for Rosie. I have finally a much better understanding of worsted vs woollen and exactly what these terms mean in the end product. How to ply with more than two bobbins (Still need to improve, but simply due to practice now). A brief introduction to Naverjo plying as well, which I intend to work on. I wanted to learn how to control my spinning, and how to create thicker plys as my own had become ever finer, but not because I wanted them to. Now I have a much better understanding of the working of my wheel. My only comment that would have improved my day, is that I wished I had brought my own traveller wheel with me. Which I could easily had done. Oh as well I must mention. I stayed at the Hostel in Arnside. A single train stop away and it was very affordable at £20 per night. This has ensured my continued learning from Elaine. Will I go to see her again? Definitely."

20 Jun 14'

Susan Robinson reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"What a brilliant day, learnt loads and laughed a lot! Theresa is a fantastic teacher very supportive and encouraging. I would really recommend this day to anyone who wants to learn about spinning you won't be disappointed."

20 Jun 14'

Mark Dawkins reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I attended a one day course of private tuition. As a complete beginner, I had little idea what to expect and had a lot to learn. However, the whole day was a great experience. Colin's teaching style is relaxed but he inspires confidence, and throughout the day I learned an enormous amount, had great fun and came away with some beautiful pieces of wood! I thoroughly recommend this experience."

20 Jun 14'

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

"A lovely day with an enthusiastic tutor. Generous with her knowledge and making sure all are happy and enjoying the day. She is absolutely "bang on the biscuit""

19 Jun 14'

Spookschool reviewed: 3 day traditional silver jewellery course

"I cannot recommend Flux'n'flame highly enough. The 3 days far exceeded my expectations and I came away with an amazing pair of silver earrings and a necklace at the end. Jesa & Al are brilliant teachers who help you make what you want to and encourage creative ideas and forming them into jewellery. You can work at your own pace on your project/s with help as and when you need it, learning new techniques and skills as you go along. The atmosphere in the classroom is great, I feared as a newcomer it would be intimidating, but we were soon having fun as a group and all creating awesome things. I will definitely be back - this school is refreshingly innovative in it's approach which I think is down to the personalities and vision of the owners/teachers who obviously want to share their passion. I for one am converted! Thank you Flux'n'flame for a brilliant time x"

19 Jun 14'

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

"I've been on two of Caroline's day courses now and absolutely loved both. I'd never mosaiced before and have completed two pieces under Caroline's guidance! Caroline is a brilliant teacher, so encouraging and friendly and I can't recommend these courses enough. I can't wait to go on a third!"

19 Jun 14'

Mary reviewed: Introduction to Green Wood Furniture Making - 2 Day Course in South Devon

"Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant!! The best short course I have ever experienced and a beautiful nest of tables at the end. As a complete novice I found Peter's teaching style and knowledge so encouraging. He made everything sound really simple and achievable. I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Just give it a go."

19 Jun 14'

Deborah Robinson reviewed: Hand Spinning For All - Norfolk

"Had a fantastic day learning all about fibre and spinning. Theresa is lovely, really friendly and patient she is obviously very knowledgeable about the subject and was a wonderful teacher. I didn't find it easy to begin with but with loads of support I actually went away with a skein of wool to use which I really didn't think I would have managed in the time. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about carding, spinning, plying etc. The day was great fun, we laughed pretty much the whole day and am now inspired to carry on and perfect what I have learnt."

19 Jun 14'

I Jack reviewed: Residential Felt Wing making weekend course (Adults only OR Parent and child)

"The farm is a beautiful and relaxing place to stay and the accommodation is basic but very comfy and clean. The food is plentiful and very tasty and there really is lots of cake to eat. Penny, Julie and Sue (the tutors) are very helpful , patient when teaching and great fun too. I'm not really very arty and didn't think I'd make very good wings but I went along with my friend who wanted to go but I was amazed at how beautiful the wings I made are. I'm so pleased with myself and the tutors make it feel easy and fun when making the wings ! There is loads of ribbon and glittery gems and fake flowers and beautiful coloured wool to use to make the wings .The Saturday evening party was fun too and really made the weekend feel like a getaway. I really recommend going on this weekend even if you are not a person who makes stuff because you will learn how to do a craft, come home with a beautiful set of wings and will have had great fun too. I'm going to hang mine up on my bedroom wall as a decoration. I will be doing this again just to getaway from life for a bit and my niece now wants a pair of wings too ."

19 Jun 14'

SSh reviewed: The Dip & Carve Candle Workshop

"This is my third workshop with Sakeena and she exceeds my expectations every time. The dip and carve workshop was utterly amazing - I can't believe that I actually made such intricate and ornate candles in one day. Nowhere else teaches these skills so I was overjoyed when Sakeena said she was running it. I'll be putting my new skills to use for a wedding in the near future. Thanks again - I'll be waiting for the next course!"

18 Jun 14'

Don Harding reviewed: Hand-stitched leather tote, satchel or messenger bag course

"I attended the two days bag making course with Gaynor and had a great time. It was hard work and fun. The instruction was first class and injected with good humor that made for a really pleasant experience. The location of the workshop is lovely and a pleasure to experience. I was pleased with the finished bag and the many learnings that I can now apply to my own leather working endeavors. Altogether a great course and thorough grounding in basic skills that I would recommend to anyone thinking of learning leather work. Thanks for all your patience Gaynor and Enya. Don Harding."

17 Jun 14'

rosemary power reviewed: Felt Making Workshops - Stratford upon Avon

"Very enjoyable way to spend an afternoon ,fascinating and interesting ,I didn't realise there was so much involved in making these lovely works of art.I am now the proud owner of my own piece of hand worked felt art.There were lots of colours to choose from, looking forward to going again .Thank you."

17 Jun 14'

ralph negrine reviewed: Make a 3 legged rustic stool - one day

"an enjoyable day and we get to walk away with a three legged rustic stool.5"

16 Jun 14'

Chris reviewed: Full day fused glass course with breakfast, lunch and all materials included

"What a lovely day! I've no previous experience in fused glass but it sounded interesting - all I can say is I am really glad I gave it a try! Kim and Sharon are so passionate about it and backed with their extensive knowledge and ability to encourage and motivate I now can't wait to see my finished creation after it has been fired! The hospitality was wonderful with a lovely breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea so definitely planning a return visit!"

15 Jun 14'

Jackie reviewed: 1 Day Fused Glass for beginners workshop at The Silver Zebra studio Cheshire - Est 2004

"I have really enjoyed Deborah's courses. The one day course is a good introduction: you learn a lot while having good fun. I've since been back to do the 3 day course, and intend to do another soon."

15 Jun 14'

Deborah Davidson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"Thanks to Mike and Rachel for organising such a great course. I made a key ring and dragon hook and two leaf hooks on this brilliant day; the hooks are up in the garden shed being put to good use, and my key ring is used for my bike lock key. Adrian and his mates were very encouraging and worked with each of us to hone our blacksmithing skills. I was amazed at their patience (and humour) as we tried to craft a piece of steel into something that resembled a leaf!! I went away very satisfied and proud of my creations, and now have a stronger bicep. Definitely want to go again."

14 Jun 14'

Anne Benson reviewed: Blacksmith for a day in the Yorkshire Dales

"An excellent day. Very satisfying to turn a flat piece of steel into something. The tutors are really helpful, friendly and go at the pace of the group. Just the right amount of input, letting you get on by yourself and helping out when your hammering arm is getting tired! The hooks you make are actually quite useful too. The views across the Ribble Valley from the barn are fantastic so you can take a break from hammering and enjoy the scenery. The food is all homemade and delicious. All in all a great day."

12 Jun 14'

Dave Wills reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"Driving to Newbury in torrential rain might not have been an auspicious omen, but I need not have worried. Saturday was spent being initiated into the mysteries of the pole lathe under the watchful but unobtrusive eye of Simon. Somehow, he managed to coach me into producing a beautiful piece of work from a unpromising log. During the day we enjoyed a good laugh and numerous cups of tea, interspersed with visits from all sorts of people expressing their satisfaction with work he had done for them. Obviously an excellent craftsman himself, Simon communicates his enthusiasm with patience and good humour throughout. Recommended if you are wondering what pole lathes are about but beware - it IS addictive and is likely to go on to cost me more now! Thanks for a great day Simon!"

11 Jun 14'

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

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and even I (with no discernable artistic skills whatsoever) managed to produce something that will be displayed in the house rather than relegated to the loft as I feared! Siobhan was a great tutor, encouraging and good humoured, she explained things clearly and didn't seem to mind any number of questions. The only problem I have is that I now have a greater appreciation of the immense work that goes into the pieces Siobhan creates herself, and want to buy at least 3 of them! Great lunch too."

11 Jun 14'

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

"What a fabulously fun day we had fusing glass. I found it a bit stressful at the begining before deciding to design a sunset tile.. and then, once again, it was difficult to decide what to make in the afternoon. But after our yummy posh picnic-y lunch, and once I'd decided on my South Downs Way theme, there was no stopping me. My final 'masterpiece' turned out a bit darker in places than I'd thought it would; and I might go back and have another go. Siobhan is great; leaving us alone to get on with our chosen peices as well as being there whenever we needed help. The whole day was great fun, and the tiny glass cuts on my fingers healed really well within the week......"