Alien Spoons reviews

25 Jan 20'

Colin Feesey reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was a fantastic day, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Alan has a personable approach, and takes care to teach you skills and safety in the use of axes and knives for wood carving. We were then supported as a small group to carve our own spoons starting with a log. He really knows what he is doing and offers encouragement and guidance every step of the way. The lunch provided was delicious, and we had scones in the morning and cake in the afternoon, all homemade."

6 Jan 20'

renaud barbier reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"A day I really enjoyed. Small group of four that left plenty of time for Alan to answer our questions and assist us. We learned about the tools and their maintenance, safety and technique to carve a spoon. Looking forward to buy a few tools and improve this skill. Thanks Alan."

10 Dec 19'

Craig reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Alan provided an excellent introduction to spoon carving. He led a thoroughly enjoyable day, explaining the different tools we'd be using, and the techniques that we'd be learning to help carve efficiently, and most importantly to keep ourselves safe. The course was a great mix of demonstrations from Alan, with loads of time to get stuck into carving our spoons. Alan was also happy to answer questions and provide more specific advice as we progressed with our carving. We were all kept extremely well fed and watered throughout the day, with regular breaks to recharge, and a fantastic lunch provided by Alan's partner. I would absolutely recommend this course to anyone looking to try their hand at spoon carving!"

9 Dec 19'

Fraser reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Really great day. Was taught about all the techniques and tools needed to carve a spoon, and by the end of day had great wee spoon. There was lots of inspiration form books and spoons Allan had made. Plenty of breaks to keep you focused and the cake and soup were excellent. Most enjoyable."

28 Nov 19'

John K McGregor reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"What a wonderful day that was. Working away in the conservatory with the rain battering off of the roof, the smell of the wood shavings, everyone concentrating on their own creations, I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a wet Saturday. Alan’s teaching was very relaxed and informative and we were all carving away after no time at all. All the safety techniques and easy ways to carve were taught as well as looking after our bodies with rest and exercising those unused muscles. We were looked after royally by Alan’s wife who made delicious scones soup and cakes washed down with lashings of coffee, excellent. I would highly recommend this course, even for existing spoon makers there is something new to learn. I will be very interested in any other courses he teaches."

25 Nov 19'

Heidi Armbrecht reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This is an excellent course. Allan is a very good teacher very experienced and patient and with a passion for his craft. I learned a lot, and at the end of the day had a beautiful cherry wood spoon. The food was excellent. Thank you"

22 Oct 19'

Tiago reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"The day goes by fast and by the end of it I was holding in my hand something that resembled a soup spoon. I went from looking dumbfounded by the log of green wood and axe in front of me to confidently (maybe a bit too confidently) slicing the back of the spoon bowl with the guided-pull knife grasp. Alan teaches by providing the learner with the essential types of knife cut one can do with a straight knife and a hook knife in order to get nice spoons. Towards the end he also showed us a bit of chip carving. Food is provided along the day. Alan also follows up the course by sending you some PDF files with how to finish your spoons and where to take your newly learnt craft to higher places. I was impressed by the course. Highly recommended!"

7 Oct 19'

Lawrie reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Alan is a great teacher - showing us all the tools and techniques to safely start spoon carving. He made sure everyone was getting on well, understood everything and left with a spoon and the knowledge and confidence to carry on carving. Add to that the fantastic lunch and homemade cakes, and it was a brilliant day. Thanks!"

7 Oct 19'

Ryan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Such a fantastic course and you'll certainly come away with the knowledge to keep crafting other things (starting by adding the finishing touches to your spoon at home like me!) using the fundamentals you learn here. It's an intensive day but there's a lot to cover, and Alan does a good job of running through it in stages whilst keeping us fed and watered with coffee and homemade treats: his wife should be doing a craft course on baking! It is tricky at first, but listen to his advice and tips and you'll be carving easily in no time. He even offered a second piece of wood for us to start something new at home ourselves, which I've put the in the freezer to keep fresh (great advice!) whilst I finish my first spoon. So for anyone who wants to pick up a but of whittling but needs some guided lessons to build confidence, and who enjoys vegan bakes and soups, this course is certainly up your street. I hope I keep it up!"

5 Oct 19'

Damien reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Just finished the workshop with Alan. Great day, intensive, insightful and delightful. Alan is a well of knowledge (we got demonstrated a lot of carving and cutting techniques in particular), time flew during those 8 hours!!! We all ended up with a nice spoon carved by our non-expert hands. Alan was always there to give the right tip at the right time. Icing on the cake (no joke), we got amazingly fed with vegan food (great soup) and lots of homemade cakes and breads. Tea, coffee on the plenty. Can only recommend!!!"

3 Jun 19'

Mags Donaldson reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I really enjoyed this course. Alan is a great teacher - lots of information, good techniques given, but in a lovely informal way. He even provides lunch and cake! While I am a spoon newbie and have never done knifework before, I did end up with something that actually is useable as a spoon! Really pleased with the course and great value for money. Thanks, Alan! I look forward to a future in carving slightly better spoons."

11 Mar 19'

Hannah Phelan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I recently booked my partner on an Alien Spoons course for his birthday. I was really reassured by Alan's speedy and friendly reply to emails and all the information that he provided. I wish I could have joined! The course was enjoyed immensely and has provided a new enthusiasm and direction for future spoon making projects. Many thanks to Alan and I would really recommend this to anyone."

18 Feb 19'

Annie Hay reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"An excellent day, informative and thoroughly relaxing in Alan's lovely conservatory, looking out over the garden, alive with birds and even a fox basking on a shed roof. We all enjoyed the day and in addition to the good company, much appreciated the wonderful food and calm ambience. Great to learn a new and useful craft. Having been taught how to use the equipment safely, I can now get on and practice at home."

28 Jan 19'

Wai-Lian Scannell reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"For a novice spoon whittler like myself I loved this course and highly recommend it! It was thoroughly enjoyable and informative, set in a welcoming atmosphere at Alan’s home. My greatest fear was to start with a log and return home with a twig or only one chopstick but under Alan's skilful tuition I left with something that resembled a spoon but more importantly the ‘confidence’, knowledge and tools to finish whittling at home. To sum up this course… Spoon whittling, scrumptious soup and scones makes for a super Saturday day out. Thank You!"

3 Oct 18'

Graham Pears reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had a really good day. Great value for money. I have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone with even just the slightest interest in woodwork. All the tools and materials were provided and the right balance of tutoring. Nice and relaxed and most importantly great fun. Alan and his good lady were perfect hosts and everyone on the course were well catered for."

1 Oct 18'

Maggy Flynn reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was my first experience of spoon carving, and I really enjoyed the whole experience. As a complete beginner, I found the teaching was the right pace for me, with good demonstrations followed by hands-on practice. Alan's teaching style is excellent - he taught us how to use the different tools and demonstrated different techniques clearly. He also explained all the safety procedures. Above all the day was fun, and has given me the confidence to continue to practice on my own. It was great to start with a piece of wood, and go home with a spoon! Also, it was great that we were so well provided with lovely nourishing food and drinks throughout the day. Thank you."

6 Sep 18'

Gianna I. reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"We had such a good time! It was a present for my boyfriend and we did the course together. Alan was very patient, showed us all the techniques, we also had regular breaks with coffee - and an outstanding lunch cooked by his partner. And we did indeed create something that resembles a spoon! Such lovely people and a fantastic course we would recommend to anyone."

16 Aug 18'

Greg reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Having very little experience or indeed skill in any kind of crafting, I was delighted to find Alan's teaching style provided an easy route into the spoon carving art. Under his clearly experienced tuition, I felt that the craft really came alive across a fun and productive day. It's a great feeling to take a piece of wood and see the spoon emerge, and a genuinely fascinating experience discovering an art form from such a passionate and engaging instructor. A thoroughly enjoyable day and one I would highly recommend experiencing! Thanks Alan!"

15 Aug 18'

Ute reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"After having done a full day of carving knives before, I thought I had a good idea of what to expect and that I knew quite a few cuts already. But I learnt so much more from Alan - he's clearly extremely skilful and experienced both in carving and teaching! I had a great time learning from him and do not mind my aching fingers today (it's such a physical craft!) for I have a beautiful spoon to show for it, which Alan even finished for me since I unfortunately had to cut my day short. Five stars for skill, teaching and forthcomingness!"

14 Aug 18'

Adam Brewster reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Just back from spending the day carving my first spoon with Alan at Alien Spoons and wow did I enjoy myself?! I have to admit to not giving much thought to what the day would be like, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover a relaxing and very satisfying, if slightly challenging pastime that's engaging and somewhat addictive. Alan is a wonderful teacher. His easy-going manner belies his obviously extensive knowledge and skilful ability to guide complete novices to a successful outcome. By the end of the day - which included a very warm welcome and great hospitality - I'm seriously considering continuing to carve spoons by myself. Thanks Alan!"

8 Aug 18'

Craig reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Really enjoyed the one-day spoon carving course and would highly recommend to anyone who's interested. Alan's very knowledgeable and his passion for both the craft and the coaching is infectious. As others have said, they're great hosts, providing good food in a relaxing atmosphere and the time flew in. Good chance you'll have a new hobby for life after this as well."

17 Apr 18'

Karen Prentice reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My husband and I both attended Alan’s spoon carving course this weekend and had a really great day. We both found Alan to be extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable about the whole process. He had a wide variety of tools for us to try and we have managed to source some on Allan’s recommendations. The course took place in Alan’s home and was a lovely welcoming environment. We were treated to a lovely lunch and tea and coffee during the breaks. I had bought my husband the course as a birthday gift and decided to go along too. Would thoroughly recommend this course and thank you Alan for being so inspirational."

17 Apr 18'

Karen Prentice reviewed: Alien spoon carving

17 Apr 18'

Robert Swan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"A great course and tutor! I felt welcome straight away, at ease and relaxed with the tranquil surroundings of Alan's home, we started of with a quick talk about spoon carving and a cuppa, then into the beginnings of carving from the types of wood used through axe use then into carving, with plenty coffee breaks and a lovely dinner provided by Alan's partner, all round a really lovely way to spend a day. I now look forward to receiving my own carving equipment and continuing what I have learnt"

13 Feb 18'

Kate Allan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I really enjoyed this one day course as my first experience of spoon carving. Alan provided all materials and tools (and a nice lunch) and guided us through the process of getting started safely. His enthusiasm, knowledge, expertise and skill in demonstrating and supporting enabled me not only to start with a log and go home with a spoon, but also with the confidence to continue by myself. Overall a very good experience - fun, challenging, informative and a great introduction to the fascinating world of spoon carving. Thanks, Alan!"