A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

2 Aug 15'

Paul Rogers reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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 Beginners day 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."

21 Jun 15'

MATTHEW RICHARDSON reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I have done three courses now with Adrian and I would recommend the courses to anyone. The content is well thought out and is managable for varying skill levels without been too simple or boring. The food provided by Debbie is always delicous and there is more tea and biscuits than an army could eat. For a fantastic day out with a course in a practical traditional skill you couldnt do any better."

16 Jun 15'

John reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A really enjoyable day with excellent and patient instruction giving me confidence to have a go at home to start making some tools and projects. It is astounding how we all converted two 6 inch long pieces of steel bar into a fully functioning pair of tongs that will last a lifetime, we also made a hole punch. We did lots of different techniques on the projects and fitted lots into the day. Just the right level of instruction, letting us get on with it and helping when stuck. Thanks Adrian and Debbie for an inspiring day."

15 Jun 15'

Stephen Mason reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Cracking day, good banter with staff and fellow students, learned plenty, a good insight into how much hard work goes into blacksmithing, food and refreshments excellent."

2 Jun 15'

Brendan Llewellin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"One of the best days out I have had for a long time. Brilliant tuition, fantastic food and really good facilities. Would like to return sometime for another go."

19 May 15'

Darren reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great gift! Was given this as a Christmas present as it is something I had always wanted to try. Adrian & Debbie could not be better hosts for the day with yummy food & some brilliant stories to tell. Such an experience to work a true craftsman! Looking forward to giving the next course a go! Would recommend highly to other, thanks for a memorable day!"

23 Apr 15'

John Borman reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a great day! Good food, great tuition, excellent company and I managed ( with lots of help!!) to make three items. A whole day bashing ( crafting ) hot metal does one a world of good and although it was hard work and needed concentration the time flew by. Many thanks Adrian and Debbie."

20 Apr 15'

Christopher reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The perfect day out, from the get go we we're treated with amazing hospitality and refreshments. The day started out with simple blacksmithing methods and as we developed our pieces and our with the guiding hand of Adrian and Andy by the end of the day we had a beautiful piece that was a joy to make and even more to respect the time and effort each part took to create. Dinner was lovely and at the end of the day everyone was happy and had made some brilliant pieces and memories to take home. I'd come back here without a doubt."

15 Apr 15'

Chris Elkins reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was a fantastic 70th Birthday treat. Adrian was the perfect host and teacher showing great patience and just the right level of assistance when needed. I am now testament to the fact that you are never too old to learn new tricks. My Wife and I were well fed in the Restaurant and regularly watered throughout the day, (most important with the heat and work). The result of my days effort now takes pride of place on display in our hearth. I would love to do it all again one day, and highly recommend it to anybody to learn more about this ancient craft first hand."

15 Apr 15'

Simon J reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely fantastic day! It was everything I hoped for and more, so much so I’m now trying to buy an anvil! Really recommend this to anyone who wants a good hands-on experience of blacksmithing. You’re working all day, well fed and get to keep what you’ve made all for a really good price. The teaching was really clear and I learned a lot in one day, couldn’t recommend this more!"

13 Apr 15'

Rob reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was an excellent course that is perfect for people are new to blacksmithing. It was really good fun and has made me very interested in taking it up as a hobby. All your hard work hammering during the day is nicely rewarded by the amazing food you get during lunch and tea breaks. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone"

27 Mar 15'

Dave reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The experience was everything I had hoped it would be……brilliant! Adrian and Debbie provided us with all the necessary tools and equipment to get through the day. All of us got stuck in after the initial H&S briefing, hot drinks, biscuits and introductions. Adrian teaches you in skilled way that is easily understood so can be replicated with the emphasis on enjoyment. All the items we completed had originality stamped all over them (no pun intended) which reflected the diversity of people present on the day. You learn by memorable events… how true of this experience! Both Adrian and Debbie are a great team which enhances the overall experience. Good friends, good food & good fellowship. Try it!!! Dave Mills"

12 Mar 15'

Matt Busfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A heartfelt thank you for a truly fulfilling day. As a complete novice what a rare privilege it was to be in the company of a master craftsman in his own workshop, not some classroom or museum, using the same tools as had been creating the work around us. I was half expecting to come away shamed into the realisation that the realm of the blacksmith is an impenetrable one for a mere office-dweller like me but quite the opposite, Adrian's encouragement left me motivated to put the techniques I had learned to good use."

15 Feb 15'

Holly reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had a brilliant day and thoroughly enjoyed myself using the forge and anvil to make some cool pieces. Adrian and Debbie were lovely- Adrian was a great teacher and Debbie a great cook/baker. Thanks for a great day."

10 Feb 15'

Kev Collins reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"This was a fantastic gift, the day was amazing and fun, really enjoyed myself , I would highly recommend this experience day . Good tuition, good food, good company all in all a top day, can't wait for my next visit :)"

29 Jan 15'

James Hill reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"A really great course from Adrian and food from Debbie. We got to make some really interesting items using a range of different techniques in a friendly atmosphere. I can't recommend it enough, a great day out."