Latest reviews

6 Feb 14'

Mick Kemp reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - North Norfolk

"Many thx to all at Holkham Forge. I spent a fantastic two days with the team, the first day learning some basic skills by making a poker, hook, leaves, point, scrolls, drawing, twisting and keeping the fire hot. The second day we had a go at making some Damascus steel. This, as expected, took a lot of time and effort and after miss-calculating the amount of time and effort (by me, not James and Roger btw) I needed for my suit of armor..... I ended up with a ring of 316 layers - the one ring to rule them all! Probably the most valuable ring in the world now (I hope...). As I say, many thx to the team for putting up with me - I would certainly recommend this course for a taster session or to use their knowledge for any complex that you want help with."

6 Feb 14'

Deirdre Gant reviewed: Glass Fusing Workshop

"Have enjoyed creative workshops in which I have made pictures, boats Christmas decorations, candle holders jewellery. I have been taught how to cut glass and the different glass to use, how to use powders. Best of all I have been inspired by Ann."

5 Feb 14'

Tino reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Since retiring 16yrs ago I've completed 4 different courses all involving woodworking and have enjoyed them very much, however, to date, the most satisfying of all is the carving class with Sharon. Not only his she a Prima Donna in carving, Her expertise in teaching the subject is second to none. One of my best works is a carving of Christ on the cross for a church in a little village in Italy where my mother was born. I could not have done it without Sharon's Guidance."

4 Feb 14'

Lyn Thomas reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have attended Sharon's classes for nearly 10 years. She is an amazing tutor; so patient and skillful, and has the ability to deal with learners as well as the more experienced carvers. Her criticisms of one's work is always constructive and helpful. Attending her classes is a joy. Furthermore she is a brilliant carver and some of the commissions she's completed have been of an outstanding quality! Can't wait till t he next class. Thanks Sharon."

3 Feb 14'

Brian Hempsted reviewed: Introduction to traditional green wood turning course

"I had a great day, Simon’s mix of hands on work and history was just right. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in trying traditional wood working."

3 Feb 14'

Kirsty Jones reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Dilys provided a fantastic day for my sister, my mother and me. We learned a huge amount and all took home work we were proud of. We even booked another day before we left. Thanks Dilys."

3 Feb 14'

Jackie Denton reviewed: Enamelled jewellery for beginners and improvers - fired glass jewellery techniques

"A really great interesting day. I made three pieces of enamelled copper that I can make into jewellry. Toni was a really good teacher, the surroundings were excellent. I can fully recommend this to anyone, you don't have to be artistic to make really good results. First class."

2 Feb 14'

Jan Fennelly reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"I had no experience in enamelling when I booked my course with Dilys although I had done some glass fusing before. It was a lovely day, I learned so much Dilys makes you feel so relaxed it made everything seem so easy and the whole the day very enjoyable. I made 3 pendants which I love. I now have my own kiln and hope to go back for another course to learn more in the near future."

1 Feb 14'

Victoria reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"The course was excellent & very enjoyable. Toni is an excellent tutor, very informative , explaining the use & styles of encaustic wax art, plus encouraging me to create my own work. It was a great course, fascinating and very comfortable for a novice. I would love to do further courses under her tuition"

1 Feb 14'

Meriol smith reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I enjoy going to Sharon's classes .we learn from a very talented and skilfull tutor who maintains a happy and very encouraging atmosphere for all students, regardless of ability. Cheers shar!!"

31 Jan 14'

Chris Deacon reviewed: Encaustic art beginners class - paint with molten wax

"This course is very enjoyable - the process of using wax and heat was fascinating and very approachable for a beginner. Toni is an excellent tutor - well organised, informative and very encouraging."

30 Jan 14'

Malcolm Hill reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have been woodcarving with Sharon in Port Talbot for seven years. It is such an enjoyable and rewarding experience to be able to share and benefit from Sharon's immense skill and knowledge. Her teaching style is both relaxed and assured and her endless patience is much appreciated! Keep up the good work."

30 Jan 14'

Leon Walker reviewed: Carve a Rocking Horse Head Course

"A cracking course. Tony builds confidence in both your woodcarving skills but also your artistic interpretation - by the end your horse's head may not look exactly like one of his but it will be pretty darn good!"

29 Jan 14'

Stuart Macpherson reviewed: A stool making day

"I had a great day last weekend, shaping a big tree trunk into a stool. Idylic rustic setting where it never rains and a day full of good instruction and chat about the what, how and why of wood working. If you have toyed with the idea of doing a bit wood work then go on the course. You'll really enjoy it."

27 Jan 14'

joe nunn reviewed: A stool making day

"Course was excellent - five stars! Learned a lot and was really entertaining as well (down to the teachers!). In a beautiful court yard so a really nice spot to spend the day. The most fun I have had making stools!"

27 Jan 14'

Janet Denison reviewed: Hand spinning for beginners at Cartmel Handspun

"I'm hooked! I came away with all my questions answered, and I feel fully prepared to hone my skills. What a thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a day!"

27 Jan 14'

Gaynor reviewed: A stool making day

"This course is brilliant. I went along thinking I might learn how to use a saw, and came away with a whole stool, some top knowledge on timber, and inspired that a place like this has grown up over 30 years and is going strong. Super fun, beautiful setting, great company. Thanks so much."

27 Jan 14'

Clare reviewed: Enamelling on copper

"Three of us went for a birthday treat. We all had a truly wonderful day. Dilys makes you feel so relaxed and at home. totally enjoyed every minute of it, made a number of items to take home too. Loved it so much that we've booked up again."

27 Jan 14'

Emilie reviewed: One day introductory course to candle making

"Absolutely great value for money. Not only is it a fun, relaxing day, but you come away with knowledge to continue making candles on your own in a way that more than pays off the price of the course. Great class sizes and a very patient teacher, especially considering everyone in the course was new to candle making. Will definitely be going back for an intermediate level course."

23 Jan 14'

Di clark reviewed: Full day fused glass course

"My taster day was a surprise birthday present and I can honestly say it was the best pressie ever. My sister and I had were dying to be introduced to glass fusing and we were not disappointed. We spent a fantastic day playing with all different types of glass and techniques. Kim and Sharon were by our sides with constant advice and guidance and they made the day informative and great fun. We had total freedom in what we made and in our choice of glass which was nice. The day whizzed past and I came away having made a photo frame, small dish, two coasters and four earrings. Kim and Sharon made it a very special day for us. Their tuition, company, home cooked food and hospitality made for a really good learning but pampering day. We would truly recommend signing up to a taster day with Kim and Sharon."

22 Jan 14'

D wilkinson reviewed: Fused Glass for Beginners - One day workshop

"A great day learning the basics of glass fusion including some good theory of tools materials and techniques and interspersed with lots of practical work, developing techniques and the designing and making a large piece of my own, with good support from Jan. A thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing day, totally absorbed in creative glass work. The lunch was great too."

22 Jan 14'

Cathy Young reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"Four years ago I joined Sharon's Woodcarving Classes with my Grandson (then aged 10). I had never done woodcarving before but soon became &amp;quot;hooked&amp;quot;. Sharon teaches all ages and abilities, but with her wonderful talent, patience and sense of humour helps everyone achieve amazing results."

22 Jan 14'

Peter V Gwynne reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I have attended Sharon's carving classes at Port Talbot for many years, and with her superb tuition have achieved a high standard, having won First Prizes in the Craft section at the Royal Welsh Show for a number of years. Sharon has, with her patience, limitless knowledge, lovely sense of humour and in an enjoyable atmosphere, given me such pleasure and an ability to produce various items that I am very proud of. I recommend her system of tuition to anyone who wants to take up a very satifying hobby."

22 Jan 14'

Caryl Gill reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"I had never carved before I started Sharon's classes. Sharon doesn't just carve love spoons, although her spoons are exceptional in their detail, but she is a good general carver. That means that whatever project you choose she gives good workable advice. She is an excellent, patient teacher with a brilliant sense of humour. They are classes I really enjoy."

22 Jan 14'

Graham and Judy Massey reviewed: Wood carving and Love Spoons

"We have just spent a weekend with Sharron Littley in Port Talbot, being helped to improve our wood carvings. Not only is she a very talented wood carver, but she is a superb teacher and most of all a lovely lady - AND she makes good Welsh cakes! We will definitely be seeing her again"