A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

9 Nov 15'

Dax Hewitt reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a top day. Adrian and Co run a great course. Both Adrian and Andy are very good smiths and fantastic teachers. I have done similar courses before in other disciplines and sometimes the instructors have a 1 size fits all teaching method but the guys tailored the information to cover the full spectrum from having never picked up a hammer before to some of us who use tools every day. Debbie lays on a great spread for lunch and there was a celebratory cake at the end too and both hot and cold drinks were provided. Everyone on the course had a great day and I am booking on to the tool makers course, my workshop has been without its own forge for far too long."

9 Nov 15'

Andrew Edwards reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The day began with cups of tea and home made flapjack (great start!). The teaching comprised of step by step demonstrations and explanations from Adrian followed by the time to try for yourself. Within no time we were beating red hot metal and growing in confidence. Lunch was great followed by an afternoon learning more skills and ending with home made cake! Adrian, Andy and Debbie great a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and I felt a lot of thought and care had gone into the day. Would heartily recommend!"

8 Nov 15'

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

"I really enjoyed this course, the teacher student ratio meant we all got assistance as we needed it and i caen't recommend them enough; Adrian and his assistant Adam are fantastic smiths and very good instructors aswell as generally really nice blokes. It was a very good introductory course showing several basic blacksmithing techniques and showing what the art can be."

8 Nov 15'

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

"What a fab day. I've come home with 2 usable and useful objects that I'm really proud of. Adrian & Andy were just great teachers and so helpful. I may be back to try the candlesticks sometime."

8 Nov 15'

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

"I have just returned from a fantastic day. I was a complete beginner to blacksmithing and the course gave a great experience into what it is like. Adrian and Andy were more than welcoming as well as amazing teachers. Not usually a fan of vegetarian food but I have to admit the food was great too! Would highly recommend this course. You come back with some great souvenirs and a few blisters to show for your hard work!"

22 Oct 15'

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

"Fantastic day. I was a complete beginner to blacksmithing and I don't have much experience with any type of craft but I came away feeling like I had learnt some new skills and that I had made something half decent! The food was top notch and Adrian, Debbie and Andy were all very welcoming and pleasant company. It was clear that Adrian really knows his craft. I couldn't recommend this course more. Thank you."

18 Oct 15'

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

"Honestly the best experience day I have ever done, they guys were excellent and paced the day perfectly. A great atmosphere through out the day with expert guidance. The food, drinks and cakes deserve a special mention. I would rate the day a 5 star on the catering alone! Don't miss out on the best creative experience day available. Thank you guys, you will be seeing me again."

18 Oct 15'

David Thompson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Well I've had an excellent day, learnt many things, in good company with expert tuition and fab food. The family think I'm a craftsman too! I would thoroughly recommend the experience Thank you"

13 Oct 15'

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

"Great day out; well organised, friendly people, nice setting, fine food... Only downside is that I'll have to wait until next year to do another course!!"

12 Oct 15'

Louise Carter reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with Adrian, Andy & Debbie. As a complete novice I found it challenging & hard work, but extremely rewarding & enjoyable. We made a swirly key ring and a dragon coat rack of which I am extremely proud! The day was well organised and you could have as much or as little help as you needed. The lunch and cakes provided by Debbie were lovely and Andy has the patience of a saint! I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in trying blacksmithing; whether you're practical and experienced or not. Thank you all for a great day."

21 Sep 15'

Darren Wilbraham reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I returned for the advanced course with Adrian as I had enjoyed the beginners course so much. This day was just as great and I was able to choose an item to make which feels like such an achievement. The cooking by Debbie was yummy yet again! I must say as well how much value for money you get on this course when you consider all the materials and food provided it's a very small price to pay for expert tuition! Thanks again."

6 Aug 15'

Robert Cruickshank reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great day, like being back at school doing metalwork, creating something. To be quite honest I wouldn't have dreamed of doing this day and it was chosen for me as a gift. I had a great time, there was great teaching and I was impressed that the teachers allowed us all to move at our different speeds, helping here and there and keeping the fires going, which must be tricky. I was glad of the leisurely progress, tea breaks, pleasant company and lunch break as it is quite hard work really. Highly recommended. "last mile" directions might have helped as our sat nav directed us to the village centre (about half a mile away) and then promptly lost signal."

3 Aug 15'

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

"We had a great day with Andy and Adrian with Debbie supply wonderful lunch and cakes. The day began with the safety brief then it was full on day of making our items boy was it hot . A thoroughly enjoyable day and it passed so quickly with great tuition by both of them . Thanks for a great day. Dave"

3 Aug 15'

Andrew Tomlinson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great food, great fun and great tuition. the staff were really helpful and friendly and the course was well structured, the projects involve enough difficulty to keep things interesting while also being achievable. A wonderful day all round which I would definitely recommend to others."

2 Aug 15'

Angela Woods reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic tuition and brilliant food and refreshments throughout the day. Both Adrian and Andy helped us through the projects step by step and at the end of a long day we all left with two items each. Help was offered when needed and for those with less muscle power, additional hammering meant that no one was left behind. The food and cake made by Debbie was outstanding. Dietary requests were no problem and we will definitely be recommending the course to others."

2 Aug 15'

Paul Rogers reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I was given this course as birthday present in March and had been waiting for it eagerly. I was not disappointed. One of the best birthday presents I have had, and one I will remember and talk about for a long time. I enjoyed finding out, and making something as simple as a snail key ring, and how much work has to go into its manufacture. Then the dragon style coat rack, and how to transform a flat piece of metal via a bit of good old wellying, into something cherished and useful. Adrian ably assisted by Andy were knowledgable and patient hosts helping out where required whilst the students got on with their smithying. I was very impressed by Debbie's home cooking using local ingredients. The snacks and lunch were delicious especially the waffleberry pudding, (had to ask for the recipe). So thanks again to Adrian, Debbie and assistant Andy for a great day."

31 Jul 15'

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

"What a cracking day. I had previously caught the smithing bug on the basic course, but it was great to produce something functional during this session. As ever, enormous patience demonstrated by our teacher Adrian, and again fabulous snacks and lunch provided by Debbie. I defy anyone with a Rhubarb-in-the-garden-shed view of the world not to delight in these courses."

30 Jul 15'

ash and john reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"thank you for a lovely day. ash really enjoyed his experience using the forge and all the tools. debbie and adrian are great hosts, very patient and encouraging people. lovely food, and plenty of it, great atmosphere and thanks to the friendly cheerful andy we came away with some goodies - a dragon coat rack and a key fob. would recommend this to anyone, it makes a memorable birthday gift, even as a spectator / responsible parent, an interesting day can be had."

27 Jul 15'

Matt W reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"All told, a really enjoyable day and one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone regardless of age, experience or perceived ability. Everyone will take away a sense of achievement and something crafted in steel made by the strength of their own arm. This isn't a diluted demonstration day, but one of getting stuck in with fire, hammer and tongs. Adrian, Debbie and Andy's warm welcome, encouragement, guidance, good humour, patience and truly excellent home cooked food made for an unforgettable birthday treat. I hope to return one day for more of the same."

26 Jul 15'

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

"I had great fun learning basic blacksmith techniques and went home with a snail keyring and a dragon coat rack to show for it. Adrian and Andy are excellent teachers and helped everyone get the most out of their day. Debbie's catering was wonderful and she absolutely contributed to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. If you fancy a try at blacksmithing, book on this course, I would thoroughly recommend it."

26 Jul 15'

David martin reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"An excellent course with friendly personal instruction from Adrian and Andy and delicious catering from Debbie. A wonderful gift from my children and something tangible and useful to take home. I would recommend this course to anyone of any background or ability - you will enjoy the day and making something with your own hands."

22 Jul 15'

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

"A very enjoyable experience and a great workout too. Debbie and Adrian were friendly and welcoming, providing the best vegetarian meal I've ever had for lunch, and giving excellent instruction on how to forge the pieces desired. During the forging of the pieces we were all independently working at our own anvils so it was a very relaxed experience. Despite working independently, advice and instruction was still given to each of us allowing us to produce the best pieces we could. At the end of the day you'll leave with the items you've crafted, a full belly, and a great experience. And sore arms, but that wears off quickly enough."

19 Jul 15'

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

"I'd definitely recommend this course! Adrian, Debbie and Andy are lovely people, and you experience Yorkshire hospitality at its best. The instructions were easy to follow with plenty of help on hand during the day. Debbie is a fine cook and keeps you well fed with her fantastic home baking. We can't wait to go back again."

19 Jul 15'

Libbie Waddleton reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fabulous! Debbie, Adrian and their team are so very welcoming and attentive. Everything is taken in stages but don't worry if you forget a bit they are on hand to help and guide you. The projects are fun and you get to take something home at the end if the day that you can say you made. Nothing is too much trouble and the food is the final topping. Home made and oh so tasty. You definitely won't go hungry while hammering out your creations. Just a great and unusual course!"

8 Jul 15'

Michael Young reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I never expected to bash steel, but had a great time doing it! After my son withdrew from a course to return to the US early, my wife and I decided to take his place. Debbie and Adrian arranged for us to take the beginners course with smith Andy rather than the advanced tool-making course with Adrian. We had a great time, very proud of our creations and Andy was fun, helpful, and a good teacher. Wonderful food. Terrific people. As a bonus we ran into another participant later on during our holiday. If you're not sure, just go ahead, you'll have a great time."