A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

Ian Wilson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This course was a gift from my daughter and son-in-law for a milestone birthday and was a complete surprise. From the outset it was obvious that this was going to be a relaxed (maybe not the right description come 4 o'clock) and enjoyable day with great knowledge, guidance and direction, as well as some stories and 'jokes', from the guys and lovely home cooking from Debbie. Everything was explained and demonstrated well and apart from the odd blister for those wielding hammers for possibly the first time there were no problems!! Was it worth going? - Yes Did I meet some interesting people? - Yes Would I attend another course here? - Yes Would I recommend it to others? - Most definitely Thank you very much."

Charlie Hill reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had loads of fun, there was good guidance on blacksmithing techniques. The lunch was nice because we had burgers made on the forge. Thank you for a fun and creative day."

A W Artist Blacksmiths responded:

"Hi Charlie, Thank you so much for your review. Really do appreciate it. I really enjoyed our 1 to 1 session and really pleased you liked our burgers, its a bit of a Thursday tradition here at the forge. Hope you are inspired enough to further your training in the craft of blacksmithing, you certainly have a natural ability. Good luck."

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

"Had a really great day at the forge, right from the start of the day to the end it was very well organised. Great welcome from Debbie with a cuppa and cake, atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. Once Adrian went through the health & safety it was straight in to the blacksmithing which is what people want. Within half an hour of starting we had our first piece of steal in the fire. Adrian gave really clear demonstrations and let us go to work but was always on hand with help if needed. Debbie also provided a delicious big lunch. This was a gift from my wife, so as a gift it's great for all ages and abilities."

Wendy Stafford reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really enjoyed the day, the tuition and friendliness of Adrian and David and the lovely food provided by Debbie. It was hard work but worth every minute to learn the techniques and appreciate the skill of a Blacksmith in general. David's work is lovely anyway but his generocity in advice and help is really appreciated This was a gift from my son and daughter to help me appreciate the medium of metal and to help with my own business of glass by bringing the two mediums together.It certainly achieved that for me. I now feel better equiped to communicate with the metal worker about my requirements but I have also learnt a new skill which I would like to explore further, but perhaps not become a Blacksmith :-) Thank you Adrian, Debbie and David for the wonderful day."

chris storey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I would like to thank Adrian and Debbie for a fantastic day at the forge,the day was bought for me by my daughters for my birthday,the content and delivery of the tuition in my opinion was faultless the lunch and refreshments was first class and I came away feeling like a blacksmith even though that is some way off can't wait to go back."

Mr Rixhard Allanson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day bought for me as a surprise gift for my birthday. A most enjoyable experience , the hosts very helpful and guided me through every stage of the day. I was most pleased with the items i made and will be a forever reminder of a brilliant day. Would highly recommend. Thankyou, Regards Richard"

Susan Green reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We had a great day, the course was very informative and fun. It was a nice sized group, not too many. The lunch and homebakes were delicious."

T Sutton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An excellent day, that I can recommend to anyone willing to get their hands dirty to achieve something in a day. At 71 years old, I was a little apprehensive at going near to a forge, but the instruction and support from Adrian and Andy was just great. And the techniques we used to bend and fashion metal into something useful and decorative were enlightening. Thanks also to Debbie for the excellent lunch and other refreshments during the day. Thank you all."

Susan & David Davies reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day. Great atmosphere, lovely people and superb instruction. Oh yes and great food! Anyone who is interested in trying this out but unsure of their ability should attend one of these courses. Importantly one goes away with not only a sense of achievement but also genuine 'respect' for this craft and the people involved with it. David & Susan Davies"

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

"I bought two places on the course for my husband for Christmas. The idea was to have a nice day out together doing something different and have some fun. Adrian and Andy were great tutors, provided demonstrations and guidance whilst working. We had a good laugh along the way and brought home a key ring and a dragon with three coat hooks each. Debbie was in charge of the catering and lunch and the supply of flapjack/cake were both delicious. We had a lovely day and will be back. Thank you!"

Steve Dolby reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife bought me the course for a retirement gift (probably to get me out from under her feet for a day) ...and what a day it turned out to be! I was made welcome by Adrian, Andy and Debbie and the fun began. Adrian demonstrated the items to be made and then it was in at the deep end with Adrian and Andy on hand to guide us through each part of the processes. Adrian is an excellent and patient instructor and although my makes were obviously not as good as his I was delighted with the items which I took home. Unfortunately I also took home some extra pounds too because although my wife as put me on a diet since I retired, Debbie.....the hostess with the mostest! ....plied us with the most amazing refreshments throughout the day. All in all a most splendid day and highly recommended. A thank you to all concerned."

Sarah Brown reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Possibly one of the best 'Me days' I have had... Adrian and Andy are there to support and guide you through the briefs. I came away very much inspired by the work they do and certainly with more practical knowledge than I turned up with. I am delighted with my creations and am now the envy of friends and family who have seen them. I did spend most of the trip home to Leeds working out my own home forge! Debbie's delicious veggie cuisine, cakes and bakes at lunchtime and afternoon tea are definitely something to look forward to along with the sense of achievement you'll get after an industrious few hours in the forge. I would have no hesitation recommending the taster course, I hope to be back to visit very soon!"

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

"I attended this course with my son- a 21st Birthday gift from his sister and a 60th birthday gift for myself from my son. After an early start to get there we were greeted by Debbie with a hot drink and delicious flapjack. Adrian gave us our first demonstration and then we proceeded to make our first object- a keyring. Adrian and Andy were there to support and guide us but allowed us to get on with the job in hand. Both were encouraging and helpful. We then proceeded onto the dragon coat hook which is great. Debbie did us proud with a super lunch and cakes. The group were lovely and it felt relaxed throughout. We came home with our achievements and great experiences.We both thoroughly enjoyed the day. We would highly recommend this course to all."

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

"I had an excellent day from beginning to end. Debbie provides an excellent selection of delicious homemade sweet treats and a particularly excellent lunch. Adrian and Andy are excellent instructors and are both very friendly and helpful as they mingle with the various students having different levels of success with steel! Thoroughly enjoyable and very strongly recommended. A+ all round."

Steven Shannon reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day... Adrian and Debbie are the perfect hosts, excellent tuition throughout the day from Adrian, extremely knowledgeable light hearted with no pressure or expectation. The whole group supported throughout, Lunch was very good a vegetarian stew and baked potatoes followed by apple crumble delicious! The day flew by and we all left with two very well made momentoms.. Would highly recommend this course well worth every penny."

Amy Punshon reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Thank you for a great day. I booked the day for my dad and me for his birthday. We were really well looked after and got to get really stuck in and make some fantastic projects."

Bobby Terry reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant way to spend a day....and to come home with two items that I could be proud of. A key ring and a dragon 3 hook coat hanger. My husband was also with me so a little bit of competition was going on as well! Interesting to learn new techniques with very helpful instructions and clear demonstration but with out them intruding into your learning experience but there when needed. Catering was excellent... few pounds heavier as Debbie makes an excellent flapjack besides a great lunch. Would highly recommend a go, lots of fun, hard work but fulfilling."

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

"A wonderful day. We were warmly greeted by our hosts - Adrian, Debbie and Andy and after a hot drink and a few essential preliminaries were shown how to make our first item. So , within half an hour of arrival, nine hammers were being applied to nine pieces of red hot steel. Throughout the day, the level of supervision and help was extremely well judged - Adrian and Andy were always available to guide us or demonstrate but did not in anyway intrude. The first items were complete by coffee time and then we were set to work on a much more comprehensive piece involving many different blacksmithing techniques. All the participants looked doubtful that they could create something resembling the demonstration piece but by mid afternoon, incredibly, we all had. Our endeavours were only interrupted by an extremely good and wholesome home-made lunch - thanks Debbie! All nine participants left having had a enjoyable and very memorable day and feeling they had really learned something and achieved something. Ten out of ten for Adrian, Andy and - of course - Debbie. Many thanks. It had been worth every mile of the drive from North Wales."

Ron Irving reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day! I've done metalwork before but not forging - I'm hooked now! Really good tuition from Adrian and Andy with clear demonstrations and plenty of help when it went a bit pear shaped. Debbie does a great job on the catering front with never ending drinks and flapjack and really nice lunch. Overall, we both really enjoyed the day and came away with a couple of completed useful projects. Can't wait to get on another course!"

Lee Todd. reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day was excellent. The staff were knowledgeable, but also affable, welcoming and very approachable. Being even more feeble than I thought I was, my arm was jelly before we broke for lunch, but i still managed to create a coat rack that looked like a dragon (if i squint at it) and is very usable. While the tasks seemed initially daunting, the smiths were always close to hand and willing to help (like when you can't lift the hammer anymore and they kindly assist while the shaking subsides from your hand) . The food during lunch was very good, with a hearty rustic taste. Everyone was warm and welcoming and i would, and will, recommend it to others. A really fun day."

Carwyn Dwyer reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I can't thank you guys enough ... I had an awesome day, and came away buzzing with the one and only craft done by myself :) The coat hooks I made will make a lovely addition to my house . Teaching was expertly broken down to easy steps, all coming together brilliantly. Can't wait to book onto another course soon. Food was lovely and home prepared, lemon drizzle cake to die for. Thank you once again Adrian , Debbie and the whole team that made this run so well . Carwyn"

Peter Morland reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had great time, course covered loads different things, help and advice was given at all times. Very friendly relaxed atmosphere, highly recommend it for anyone. Big shout for Debbie's food, might have to email her for the recipe ."

Peter Gilroy reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A very enjoyable and constructive day. Excellent instruction from Adrian - even I could follow. Good assistance if needed. Very pleased with my creations in iron woohoo!!! The food was excellent. Thank you Debbie. Well worth a visit."

Chris Lofthouse reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely brilliant day on the blacksmithing course everyone was incredibly friendly and the help received from Adrian Andy and Debbie was great! Would definitely recommend to anyone who has an interest in metalwork or art! Even if they don’t feel particularly practical or artistic. The course will help them massively."

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

"Cracking day! Great instructors, we all got straight into work from the off, help is given where needed but you're given plenty of time to work by yourself and get stuck in. Nice relaxed atmosphere, small group size with an anvil each. Would definitely recommend to a friend. Oh and the food is excellent and there is plenty of it!"