Martin Damen - Maker of Hand-carved Spoons & Bowls

Contact name: Martin Damen

12
Total bookings

Rating

(61)

about 10 years
with CraftCourses

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Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

15 Oct 19'

Emma reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I would highly recommend this fantastic course to anyone interested in spoon carving. Martin’s tuition was clear, thorough and methodical, providing a comprehensive introduction to the craft with an emphasis on safety. After expertly demonstrating each technique, he described the required holds and movements in a way that was simple to understand. He was both patient and approachable, encouraging us to ask questions as we went along. The small group size of 4 students meant that we were closely supervised and Martin was on hand to offer extra help if and when it was needed. By the end of the weekend, we had covered lots of useful topics including sourcing, selection and storage of wood, tool options to suit a range of budgets, finishing techniques and tool maintenance, plus we were given detailed course notes to remind us of what we had learnt, so we came away well equipped to continue practising our newly acquired skills. Most importantly, the course was great fun. Martin made us all feel at home and his delicious homemade lunches definitely deserve a mention!"

30 Sep 19'

Sue B reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I did Martin's one-day Whittling course a while ago and have just completed the one-day Spoon Carving course. Both were truly superb. Martin is thorough in presenting all the information you need, from understanding which types of wood are best for carving, to picking a knife and how to keep it (and your axe) sharp. But, even more importantly, Martin is a great teacher who creates a friendly, relaxed and fun atmosphere. The cabin-style workshop where he teaches small groups is ideal for tuition and well-equipped—and caters to all abilities. Plus the lunches are home-made and delicious. It's a great way to spend a day, whether or not you decide wood-carving is for you."

12 Sep 19'

Ron Eden reviewed: Whittling course

"The whittling course was held in a little cottage in the pretty Village of Great Barton. And it had the envy of all men - a man shed/studio. Martin greeted the four of us with coffee and tea and a display of handmade spoons, his speciality, plus a collection of completed whittling projects to inspire us to bigger things. The morning started with a display of the knives available to a Whittler. He also demonstrated the do’s and don’ts when handling knives. Each equipped with a very sharp knife and a sack full of one-inch diameter hazel sticks we then practiced several knife and material hold techniques to achieve the bulk removal of material, pairing, controlled chest cuts and thumb pairing. Recognising the safety aspects of each and the avoidance self-induced wounds. Our morning project was to make a butter knife. This was performed in stages with Martin starting to create this item, we then followed stage by stage using the holds we had been shown. With four people in the class it was possible for Martin to give individual advice and encouragement as the project progressed. A lunch of soup and Martin’s home-made bread was consumed swift and lively. The afternoon session started with the talk on the type of wood that could be used for whittling and where it can be found. We then proceeded to project number two, a fork, with more confidence. Martin has a very relaxed way in imparting information and very inspiring with his skills. The day was wound up with a demonstration of sharpening a Mora 120 knife. Where did the day go? Very enjoyable, I thoroughly recommend this course. I have spent the last couple of days reworking each project piece so that they now resemble what they were supposed to be and loved every minute."

10 Sep 19'

Richard Cummins reviewed: Whittling course

"A great beginner course that teaches you the health and safety aspects of handling really sharp knives, this is so important plus sharpening your tools. Also wood types and where to sustainably source the materials, you then finish with a few projects that will impress your friends. Add a great homemade lunch, and an excellent day was had by all."