A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

3 Oct 20'

Tony Grylls reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day. We started with a very welcoming greeting and hot drinks and Debbie’s home made biscuits and flapjacks. At the forge Adrian’s tuition was delivered at an instructive pace and Adrian and Andy were then constantly available to reinforce the skills at your personal anvil. Extra opportunities were introduced for anyone who found themselves ahead of the group. A hearty home made lunch and afternoon drinks and cakes kept your energy levels up. A must do experience that’s worth every penny. Well done guys."

28 Sep 20'

Melanie Dickinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great day at The Forge with Adrian, Andy and Debbie. This was my first experience with 'hammer and tongs' and was certainly a day to remember. A very warm welcome, and just the right amount of time spent on an introductory briefing and demonstration before we all set to work on our own pieces. Although the work was quite physically demanding, it was immensely satisfying and Adrian + Andy were always on hand to advise and guide, whilst allowing us to try different techniques. I'm really proud of the two garden flowers I created - a great reminder of an excellent day! Thanks to Adrian+ Andy for their tuition and to Debbie for the fantastic + plentiful food. I'll be back!"

26 Sep 20'

Garden Flowers reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fantastic day creating garden flowers. This is our fourth visit to The Forge, each time has been thoroughly exhilarating and exhausting but extremely satisfying. The instruction and support from Adrien and Andy is excellent. In addition to the friendly atmosphere is the amazing food provided by Debbie. I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

22 Sep 20'

Alison Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was a retirement gift from work, I thoroughly enjoyed it all, met some like minded folks and had fun. They took really good care of us, not only with the metal work, but also due to the lockdown restrictions. A really good group that presented and not to mention the lovely food and flapjacks, could not recommend enough. Thank you"

21 Sep 20'

jonny bilton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had an absolutely fantastic day trying out a totally new skill, it was great I will definitely be back for another course if not more. To be fair, better than the metalwork was the food, mmm delicious I would come back just for the bait. ?"

14 Sep 20'

Mick Cooper reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A great day for anyone who wants to be creative and you take home what you have made. Lots of tasty food and drinks. Adrian, Andy are friendly helpful and talented. See some of the brilliant things they design and build."

14 Sep 20'

Dean Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This will be the third course I have been on and I enjoyed it as much as the others. The guidance from Adrian and Andy is second to none and if I've ever had problems with a piece of work they have been able to help rectify it. We attended during social distancing measures and I always felt everyone had plenty of room around them, so distancing wasn't an issue. Food, as always, was spot on. Debbie makes the best Veggie Chilli and there are some sweet treats provided throughout the day too. Highly recommend doing the Dragon Coat Hook course first to get into the swing of things. This definitely set me up for doing the Candle Holder and the Garden Flowers. A big thanks again to Adrian, Andy and Debbie!"

13 Sep 20'

Nicky Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This is the second blacksmithing day I have taken part in and it just gets better. I now have two metal flowers standing 5ft tall in my garden and can't wait to book the next day. Adrian, Andy and Debbie are a great team and their talent and encouragement ensures that everyone has a great day and achieves great things. Can't recommend the course enough and Debbie makes sure everyone is well fed and watered."

15 Mar 20'

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

"Dear Debbie, Aid and Andy What a great day yesterday, we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience from start to finish even though at the end we were both feeling the effects of the challenges of being novice blacksmiths. From the outset our expectations were exceeded, the demos and the guidance of the 'professionals' helped us to create pieces that we will look back on with pride. The food was delicious, plentiful and very appropriately timed, then back on the job. We also had time to laugh which was great, my son Gary told me on the way home of my mistakes on the 'dragon hanger' which simply made my work piece personal and unique. A great experience for both of us and the others attending. Highly recommended. Alan n Gary Conroy"

15 Mar 20'

Tim & Michelle Wood reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day, we both thoroughly enjoyed our day, learning the basics of Blacksmithing and coming home with two pieces of work each that we are very proud of. From the moment we booked the course Debbie was very friendly and efficient in her correspondence, this carried through into the day, she made us feel very welcome and at ease on arrival and provided wonderful home made cakes and biscuits for snacks and a delicious homemade lunch. Ade and Andy were extremely good in explaining how to begin, how to better a technique, how to look after yourself while working. They provided a good working environment that had all the equipment etc at hand and helped us to feel confident in what we were doing. They provided an excellent level of support, left us do as much as we could, but also knowing exactly when to step in and give a little extra support. On top of this we had some interesting chats and laughs. It was a great day, thank you to you all and we will be returning. Tim & Michelle"

24 Feb 20'

Martin Rhodes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Highly recommended and a very enjoyable day with expert blacksmiths sharing their knowledge and skills in a friendly atmosphere."

22 Feb 20'

Nigel Haresign reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fantastic course and great day was had by all, Ade and the team could of not made us all more welcome, I would wholeheartedly recommend this taster course and it makes a great gift. The course ran at a good pace and after a brief introduction to health and safety we were straight to our anvils and hammering hit steel. Many thanks to all, really enjoyed the day, and the food and refreshments were excellent!"

19 Feb 20'

Craig Thornes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I was fortunate to receive the taster day as a present. I am clearly not going to be pursuing a career as a blacksmith but the course was thoroughly enjoyable and I would struggle to think of a better way to spend a Sunday. Many thanks."

13 Feb 20'

Richard White reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an excellent course. Debbie, Adrian and Andy created and maintained a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere throughout the day with great food and refreshments. The workshop provided plenty of space for the group with all the necessary tools and equipment readily available when needed. Adrian's initial explanations and demonstrations of the tasks were clear and concise enabling participants to get on with them, in their own time, at their own pace, with support and advice available as and when required. The first task was a really useful exercise in developing a basic understanding and experience of working with the tools and materials before moving on to apply and develop these techniques to make the second piece. In short, this was a really good day with lots of new experiences culminating in the creation of two unique pieces of work. Very enjoyable and highly recommended."

11 Feb 20'

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

"Had great day last Saturday on the course, bashing hot steel...it is very hands on and with a lot of very knowledgable help available all day. Very sociable and lots of fun..and lots of food / cake and biccies. Recommended!!"

11 Feb 20'

Fiona Ducker reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day was brilliant, both Adrian and Andy were a great help whenever needed and have easy to follow instructions. On top of that the food was great. A thoroughly enjoyable day"

11 Feb 20'

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

"Really enjoyable and valuable introduction to blacksmithing, with the opportunity to have lots of practice throughout the day. The attitude is very much "get stuck in" and ask if you need help, which I very much appreciated. Lunch provided is delicious (and huge!) which is a real bonus. Highly recommended."

10 Feb 20'

Mike Armstrong reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day! Lovely warm welcome, wholesome food, and of course learning some skills which I've wanted to try for quite a while. Right, how do I make my own forge and anvil at the bottom of the garden? Thanks guys."

9 Feb 20'

Alison Laws reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My sister has always fancied having a go at blacksmithing so we spotted the course and thought we’d give it a go. Everything was fab, from the warm welcome with a brew from Debbie to the continuous support from Ade and Andy throughout all the steps of the 2 projects. Lunch was tasty, and tea and cake was an extra treat. We were both able to create something that resembled what it was supposed to, although to be fair our definition wasn’t maybe as strong as the men managed because our striking strength was a bit softer, but we are both proud of what we achieved, so thanks to the entire team for a great experience - we’re considering the flower workshop (especially as it’s on our birthday!) Thank you for a great day!"

9 Feb 20'

Tom Mayger reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fantastic day, very welcoming and friendly bunch of people! A great couple of projects, going to see if I can build a forge in my garage without my wife noticing....! Would thoroughly recommend to anyone. Thanks to all the guys for their hospitality"

8 Feb 20'

Rob Hutchinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day, thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. I was made very welcome from the start and and felt reassured with the continued support thought the day. I will definitely be looking into doing another day again this year. Thanks everyone, you made my Christmas present very special. ??"

8 Feb 20'

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

"Lovely experience, friendly people and good fun all day, 100% recommended and I will be back."

28 Jan 20'

James shaw reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day out, didn’t really know what to expect but on arrival was greeted with warm conversation and a very relaxed atmosphere. Great starter course and left me wanting more. Food and service outstanding from Debbie. And last but not at all least Adrian and Andy, top top men who know exactly what they are doing. They help you accomplish two pieces of metal art that by first look you are thinking, 'I’ll not be able to do that', but Adrian takes you through a step by step demonstration of how. The lads are on hand anytime the doubt creeps in or just lost on what steps are next. Must do!!"

27 Jan 20'

Stuart Brownlee reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A fantastic day of forging. Adrian, Andy and Debbie are a brilliant team who deliver a really interesting and fun course. I felt like I had learnt so much in the space of a day and I look forward to developing these techniques myself and learning more from them in the future."

17 Dec 19'

Emily Snowdon reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I am sending this review in on behalf of my husband who is utterly useless at anything with buttons and even worse at writing reviews but he had such a fabulous day doing this course that I can't possibly let it go unacknowledged. He is a super hands-on type of guy but had never done anything like this before and he learned loads - he is now seriously thinking about setting up his own home forge (sorry neighbours, sure you'll get over that eventually). I would like to say a huge thanks to Debbie and Ade for the day because although he came home late for tea and absolutely filthy, his hands were pitted and his face wasn't much better but he had the biggest grin plastered on his face and it was so lovely to see that I didn't have the heart to point it out, he was absolutely buzzing. Debbie, he really loves your chilli too. So would I recommend this craft course? Absolutely. Don't think that quite covers it but definitely give it a go, regardless of your current ability, you will be glad you did."