Latest reviews

Danny reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"I signed up for the 3 day Damascus and chose a kitchen knife to forge , more of a cleaver knife! The instruction was spot on , each step was clearly explained as well as how to operate the equipment . It was a really good experience and I ended up with a beautiful knife at the end."

Julie reviewed: Rings and Things - stone setting for beginners at Simply Amazing Jewellery School

"Had a fantastic busy day. I made 2 rings with different settings and I love them both. I've learned a lot being a complete beginner and Viv was an excellent patient tutor."

Simply Amazing Jewellery School responded:

"Thank you for this lovely review, Julie - it was a fabulous day, you took all the challenges in your stride and what results! Well done and thank you for coming!!"

Lara reviewed: Wire Wrapping Jewellery Course (Merseyside)

"The afternoon was very useful. I do already work with jewellery and wire - but learning the basis will be very helpful. Carol shares well and all in all a good day. Thank you. We also over ran massively and Carol did not mind."

Jeff Slade reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"What an enjoyable and valuable day this proved to be. As an experienced woodworker this was another skill I am seeking to add and Colin proved to be the perfect teacher for me. His knowledge skillset and patience were amazing and he was more than able to answer all of my questions fully and practically-I always have a thirst for knowledge and in Colin's case I was not disappointed. He covered so many areas for me -from how to cut blanks from logs ,sharpening and so many other topics and in particular where I was struggling to master the skew chisel. I came home with my mind overwhelmed by the input of information but have now downloaded the various articles Colin has written (and provided) so that I can make best use of his teaching. I cannot recommend highly enough this this one to one course and I hope to go for another in the future to further my skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Jeff. It is very much appreciated. If I can help in the future with your woodturning, please do not hesitate to get back in touch. Colin"

Julie and Carolyn reviewed: Silver jewellery making -Ring Taster

"Had a lovely morning in the workshop. Completed a beautiful ring and gained new skills for soldering with silver and polishing off for a professional looking piece of jewellery. Thank you Karen."

Christiaan reviewed: Forge your own silver spoon, two day course

"This is a really great course. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Charlotte takes you through each stage by a demo and then you work though each stage yourself. Definitely the best way to learn so nothing is rushed and you have the time to take it all it. There is quite a bit of hammer work on the first day so you'll feel your arm muscles after the first day but nothing to worry about. Charlotte is very patient and very experienced so able to clearly explain each stage which really helped. The workshop atmosphere is great and helped by the small group numbers. I can really recommend this course I learn't loads and would happily go on another of Charlotte's courses. Best of all you walk out with a lovely silver spoon all hard forged by your own hands. I'll be using my silver spoon to eat copious amounts of ICE CREAM :-)"

Mark Booth reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This was a great experience and to have something to take away at the end to remind you of it is excellent. The family team at Clarkes Knives are really engaging and very knowledgable, walking everyone through all the steps and making sure everyone, even the younger members of the group who found swinging a large hammer a bit much, got a good result. The option to add extras top the booked result - in my case para cord on the handle was appreciated and made the end result even better. Would thoroughly recommend and am considering going back for another go!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Great that you enjoyed yourself so much. We look forward to seeing you again."

Mark Booth reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"This was a great experience and to have something to take away at the end to remind you of it is excellent. The family team at Clarkes Knives are really engaging and very knowledgable, walking everyone through all the steps and making sure everyone, even the younger members of the group who found swinging a large hammer a bit much, got a good result. The option to add extras top the booked result - in my case para cord on the handle was appreciated and made the end result even better. Would thoroughly recommend and am considering going back for another go!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Great that you enjoyed yourself so much. We look forward to seeing you again."

Jane reviewed: Beginners Modern Calligraphy with Laney's Lettering

"Really useful course, Bonnie is a lovely teacher, and had prepared great material for us to take home. The time just flew by!"

Laney's Lettering responded:

"Thank you for the kind words, Jane. It was lovely to meet you and a pleasure to host you for the afternoon! Enjoy continuing your learning at home with the workbook."

Phil Sutcliffe reviewed: Blacksmithing Experience in Grassington (3 hours)

"Just finished a great day of forging with Richard. Both my grandson and I, had a great day. Not only is Richard an excellent craftsman, he is also and excellent tutor. His patience and skill enabling us to make products we will cherish. Thank you Richard for a great session, already planning our next visit and looking for ideas for what to make."

Sue Hodge reviewed: Irish Weave, 2 days with Anna Turnbull in the Yorkshire Dales

"I throughly enjoyed my two day course at Broadrake. It was my first visit and l was blown away by the wonderful venue. The course tutor, Anna, was encouraging and patient giving clear instruction. Just what l needed whilst learning new techniques! I enjoyed being part of the group and will not hesitate to return."

Broadrake responded:

"It was lovely to meet you Sue and glad that you enjoyed everything Broadrake has to offer including the amazing views! We really hope to see you again at Broadrake for another workshop!"

Ian and Chris reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Huge thanks to Mort for a brilliant day! This is a truly hands-on course, so expect to be learning and practising the skills of Blacksmithing from the off. Come with some ideas about what you would like to make, because pretty much anything is possible. As total beginners we made and took home a log basket and fire tongs - far surpassing our expectations (and the expectations of those at home!). Mort taught us how to be safe around the forge and has a really engaging and empowering approach. We didn’t expect to have to have the opportunity to do a fire weld on our first course, or to make traditional decorative leaves, but Mort gave us the confidence to try out the techniques. We learnt a whole new set of skills and gained a real insight into the world of traditional blacksmithing. Highly recommended."

Firebird Forge responded:

"Thanks for the glowing review guys, much appreciated. All the best, Mort."

Jess Dennis reviewed: Introduction to glass painting (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A fantastic day with expert guidance and support from Martin. Everyone had their own workspaces and tools and all the equipment (glass, paint, brushes etc) was provided for. Martin's demos were super helpful and we had lots of opportunities to ask questions and get support throughout the day. It was great to have the freedom to experiment and make our own designs too! Thoroughly enjoyed the day and can't believe how much fun it was. I've now picked up yet another hobby!"

Manni Dillon reviewed: Cat's Cottage: one day creative writing & confidence building with Cat Weatherill

"Thank you for an amazing day! It really helped not just with writing poetry but also personally on many levels and I’ll always be grateful for that….I look forward to further opportunities to explore poetry and the story within with Cat…the day was varied, it flowed and at the same time it challenged me and that’s exactly what I needed to crack open my heart and let the words fly free xx"

Cat Weatherill responded:

"It was such a pleasure to meet you, Manni. Thank you x"

Gerard reviewed: Stained glass introduction at Blue Kite Stained Glass

"The Mrs and I had a fantastic day with Iain learning the ins and outs of the stained glass craft. Great facilities with a very homely and welcoming touch! I highly recommend this one day course. A great thing to do as a couple!"

Blue Kite Stained Glass responded:

"Thanks Gerard, was lovely meeting you both. All the Best."

Gary Wilkes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Cheers guys for a excellent metal therapy day. Enjoyed getting close and personal with hot iron. Learnt a lot about the technique of manipulating metal with a hammer and an Anvil. Really enjoyed the experience of devouring a delicious crumble and custard in 30 secs. Great day all round."

Samantha Mann reviewed: Patchwork and Quilting Workshop (Introduction)

"Once again I really enjoyed this quilting workshop, part two of a two part course which aims to introduce students to the skills needed for mastering the basics of patchwork and quilting. In this session I learned how to create half square triangles and then how to finish off a piece of work with binding - something I really wanted to learn. The aims for the day were gorgeously ambitious in order to result in a very attractive and practical finished piece that could be used either as a tool roll, or to store a note pad and pens. I elected for storage for my notepad and will make good use of it. Deborah is welcoming and helpful and I look forward to attending further workshops with her. I now just need to find time at home to practice and cement the skills I have begun to learn. Thank you Deborah."

Mo Morton reviewed: Mosaic day workshop with Professional Artist Coralie Turpin- Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

"I loved this mixed ability workshop. Coraline is a great teacher and facilitator, I was really pleased to come away with a mosaic of my own making and so much more knowledgeable about mosaic as a medium. I highly recommended it."

Coralie Turpin Artist responded:

"Thank you so much Mo, you’ve got a real talent for colour, lovely to have your kind and happy personality as part of the group. Xx"

Sarah reviewed: Fused glass introduction 1/2 day at Kingcot, Worcestershire

"Vicky provides a great mix of knowledge and information, hands-on practice, guidance and a free rein to develop your own creativity. She is really generous with her materials- we made two pieces each which I can’t wait to see! We will definitely go again but next time, I will spend a bit of time looking at fused glass creations online so I go with an idea of what I’d like to create. It really helped to have ‘ready-made’ pieces to look at the finished colours and effects, and to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks Vicky for such a lovely morning!"

Kingcot Gallery responded:

"Always a pleasure to pass information on, in fact I guess it's probably too much sometimes....! It'll be good to see you again. All the best Vicky"

Lauren reviewed: Breton Style Basket with Windrush Willow

"I had a wonderful day with Richard and 3 other students making our first Breton style baskets. Richard was very knowledgeable, highlighting the H&S side of things but also teaching us the history and nuance around using willow for basketry. Thank you!"

Lisa Thoms reviewed: ZZZ Bangle Making Course in South Devon, Nr Ivybridge

"The Bangle Making Course was perfect in that it gave me time to hang out with a friend whilst learning a new craft and at the end we both had a couple of beautiful bangles. Would highly recommend if your looking for something different to do."

Amanda Lowdon reviewed: 1 Day Stained Glass Taster Workshop with Sandra Thistlethwaite of CoreGnome Creations

"Had a fantastic day learning how to cut glass, copper foil and solder. Sandra was supportive and very informative. The Artsmill Gallery was the perfect location. Highly recommend this course ?"

Artsmill Charity (Ltd) responded:

"Hi Amanda, So glad you enjoyed the workshop! It was really great to meet you and hope you come and visit us soon. Best wishes, Harriet and Sandra"

Sarah Canavan reviewed: Glass fusing workshop - 1 day

"My sisters and I attended for the day and it was excellent from start to finish. We cannot recommend it enough"

Fired Glass responded:

"Thank you Sarah we enjoyed hosting you all for the day. You all made some wonderful items and some great memories too. Kind regards John and Jill."

Pablo Gordillo reviewed: Axe Making Class

"Great experience with Will but wow my hands are so sore now from hammering!! I would recommend this to anyone with an interested in blacksmithing and metal work."

Les Moss reviewed: Log to Stool with Gedwood

"Travelling 400 miles was well worth it. Had a brilliant day with Ged making the stool. Very good approach to teaching his skills and made the whole group instantly connect with one another creating a really nice vibe. Met some wonderful people and I would definitely recommend his courses. Really happy with my stool"

Gedwood responded:

"Thanks Les! Hope to see you again on a course Ged"