A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

8 Apr 18'

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."

8 Apr 18'

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."

7 Apr 18'

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!"

7 Apr 18'

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."

4 Apr 18'

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"

3 Apr 18'

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 ."

2 Apr 18'

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."

1 Apr 18'

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."

8 Mar 18'

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!"

6 Mar 18'

Neil Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had the course bought for me as a birthday present and didn't know what to expect but thoroughly enjoyed the day Adrian and Andy are both great guys who explained what to do and how to do it and then let us get on with it without jumping in so we all managed to complete our tasks in our own time. The food was all home cooked and had more than an army could eat. Will be booking a return trip definitely. Thanks to the team for a great day."

5 Mar 18'

Andy Toogood reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Adrian, Andy and Debbie made a cold day in March a more than warm and hospitable day. Friendliness exuded from every moment, I travelled for two hours having felt really jaded and worn out from work and wasn't sure if I had the ability to enjoy my 50th birthday present. But enjoy it I did, the teaching was excellent, informative, erudite and witty. I gained so much new knowledge and skills it was truly awesome. Then it was interspersed with Debbie mouth watering fayre, not to mention the array of distinguished cheeses (all with a wonderful local provenance). I am most definitely a late convert to blacksmithing, wished I had done this earlier and I can't wait to go back for my next course. A five star course given by five star people."

5 Mar 18'

Gordon Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"For anyone interested in a Blacksmiths taster day I can strongly recommend AW Blacksmithing Courses . Adrian and Andy provided excellent instruction with a very friendly attitude along with Debbie's catering which was absolutely wonderful. My thanks to the three of them for an enjoyable day, It was a great day that I'll never forget."

12 Feb 18'

Claire Laverack reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We bought the experience for our son’s Christmas gift. The booking process was so easy from start to finish. Debbie was a great help with choosing the right course, and gave advice on the local area for Mum & Dad. The food was fantastic and there was plenty of it. Ben had a fantastic time and was made to feel very welcome. Andy and Adrian were brilliant. They gave clear instruction and encouragement but didn’t micromanage. Ben would love to go back so we are looking at a course to do as a family. A highly recommended experience."

12 Feb 18'

Ross Beasley reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day. I’ve been interested in blacksmithing since seeing a display in a historical museum in the US. There was only me and my other half there so the blacksmith talked us through everything he was doing in meticulous detail, and then gave us the hook he made to show us. I thought ‘I want to do that’ Then my other half bought me this course for Christmas. And it was excellent. Very good instruction, you realise quickly you have zero muscle memory for this sort of activity, but as you get through your first project and start getting the hang of things, you find enormous enjoyment from it. And you leave the course with a few bits of metal work that YOU produced. Top tip: wear a hat. Bits of dust from the fires gets everywhere and lands all over your hair, drink, clothes etc. Not an issue but I didn’t think about that at all. You will be breathing it in all day as well, so consider that. Great food is served home made by Debbie. More cakes than you’ll know what to do with too! Great day. Already booked on my next one."

11 Feb 18'

Trevor Parkes reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The whole day far exceeded my expectations: from the warm friendly welcome (which continued throughout the day), to the direction and support given by both Adrian and Andy. I nervously approached this course never believing I could possibly make something out of metal but came away on a high, with a dragon hanger and snail key-ring, which I had made myself! I wholeheartedly would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in making something from metal. On top of which I was fed delicious home cooked food and kept in supply of tea and cake. Thank you for the experience. Will be booking another course soon."

4 Feb 18'

Jon G reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Adrian and Andy, what a great day - I never realised how much fun could be had hammering for 7 hours! Seriously, you run a superb course, informative with clear instructions delivered in a relaxed and enjoyable day. Debbie, the food was lovely.. I have a new skill, yippee...watch out Thor! Thanks again, Jon"

28 Jan 18'

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

"This is a fantastic day. It was so much fun learning what to do and having a go at all the techniques. It gives you such a sense of achievement to take away what you have made. Lunch was great too. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day."

6 Jan 18'

Gareth Summers reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an amazing introduction into the world of blacksmithing! Practically from the moment we arrived we were given a hands-on introduction and were getting stuck in before we knew it. We were very involved throughout the entire day and were encouraged to just get involved and ask for help when needed; both Adrian and Andy are very experienced blacksmiths who were very friendly and approachable and happy to help out where needed. Debbie was on site to provide a constant stream of refreshments and the homecooked and locally sourced lunch was definitely welcome, I think we all worked up a huge appetite as the morning progressed. Everyone involved went to great lengths to make us feel welcome and to provide an entertaining day and they were certainly successful in their efforts. This course was booked for me as a surprise Christmas present and I was very happy to receive it; the snail key ring and dragon coat hook we made on the day have found a proud place in my house. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try something practical and unusual and I have already looked into attending another course myself, I’d love to return!"

20 Dec 17'

Manuel Llorca reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was an amazing blacksmithing day. Very entertaining from the first minute. We made a dragon coat rack and a snail key ring. Andy and Adrian are really experienced blacksmiths and they were extremely helpful and nice during all the day. Debbie is also very cool and gave us really good food, coffee, tea, cakes and so on - everything handmade! I received an invitation to attend this course as a wedding gift from my friends last year, so I went alone. I am sure that I will repeat the experience, but next time I will be attending with my wife. She will greatly enjoy it too!"

4 Dec 17'

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

"It was a full and busy day with quick demos and then getting stuck in for ourselves. You very quickly learn different techniques in steps that you build on over the day, gaining confidence in working with metal. Adrian & Andy help you learn and share interesting stories of their time blacksmithing. I am not in the least bit artistic, so I was amazed to go home with work that I am proud of. It is clear that a lot of thought and effort has gone into both the format of the day and the things we made. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to try something practical and satisfying."

4 Dec 17'

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

"If you want to try new things that you might only do once in your life then you have to do this course. Great set up from start to finish, well looked after by Adrian and Debbie. As stated in other reviews, after a quick chat over coffee, a bit of health & safety and guidance you are pretty much straight into smashing red hot bits of steel with hammers as you set out making your first item! The environment is excellent as it is a proper barn on a working farm, the noise, the dirt, the heat of furnaces, the aching arms of swinging hammer blows make it a really authentic experience and an fascinating insight how a blacksmiths runs on a day to day basis. Photographs and videos are encouraged to take home memories of the experience. Debbie's home cooked food was outstanding as was selection of breads and cheeses. The other participants made the day memorable too. All in all an outstanding experience."

3 Dec 17'

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

"Fabulous day at the blacksmithing course. Very knowledgeable, patient and experienced course leaders. Warm welcome and we brought our keyring and dragon coat hanger home with pride. You get the opportunity to make the items yourself, with guidance and actually feel like you have achieved something. Worth every penny."

3 Dec 17'

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

"An amazing full day of blacksmithing. Whilst I thought it might be an easy introduction, we were straight into it! flaming furnaces, hot metal, anvils, hammers. Before we knew it we had made stuff! Brilliant. Help on hand to assist and encourage. Everyone makes a coat hook but there is scope to personalise and make it your own. Good food and good conversation around the lunch table. Fab day worth every penny and the few months of anticipation. Warning - don't plan anything big for that evening. We were fast asleep by 9pm!"

18 Nov 17'

Deryck Myhill reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a really great day last Saturday making a dragon coat hook and key ring. A really unusual and satisfying birthday present and a lasting result to take home. Enjoyed the banter and company. We were shown how to do the various stages and given guidance as and when we needed it. Great atmosphere, good company and not forgetting great food! Many thanks."

15 Nov 17'

Charles Fletcher reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a satisfying day. My youngest daughter bought me this day as a birthday present. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would recommend it to anyone. Adrians tuition was first class as was Andys help; Debbie has to be commended for the excellent catering. This is a day you can disappear into. Thankyou"