Anvilsring Ironwork reviews

9 Jan 22'

Steven clark reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Great course today. Cant believe what i managed to create in a day. One leaf decorated coat hook, a rune keyring, and a skull decorated bottle opener. Strongly recommend it. Massive thanks Colin. Ste"

29 Dec 21'

Maree Stephens reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I bought this day for my husband for Christmas. He spent the day with Colin yesterday and absolutely loved it! He made a poker for our fire and a hook to hang it on. Mike said Colin was great and really helped him to ensure he got the most from his day. Would highly recommend this 1 to 1 experience."

6 Nov 21'

Pete Hunter reviewed: Blacksmithing for two people North West UK

"Cannot speak highly enough about Bob, what a legend. Took my friend for his birthday and we both absolutely loved it, Bob is an incredibly knowledgeable and patient teacher and a good laugh too. I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Brilliant."

21 Aug 21'

Richard Gadsdon reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"This was the second day of my birthday present, and I couldn't have enjoyed the day more. Colin is a great teacher, who explains things patiently and well. Again, I was allowed to work independently and make my own mistakes, and then correct them with Colin's guidance. I made a couple of things, including a decorative flesh fork, which will get a lot of use. Can't wait to be able to have another go at this, and can't recommend the day enough."

1 Jun 21'

Adam Clarke reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Cannot recommend this course more highly. Bob immediately makes you feel welcome at the forge and puts any nerves at ease. His teaching style is amazing, allowing you to make mistakes and then helping you fix them and learn from it, which I found lets you really understand the point of the lesson. I made two items to take home with me, a poker and a toasting fork which are so good that people are now accusing me of stealing Bob’s work and passing it off as my own. That is a great endorsement of his teaching. I would absolutely go back for a follow up course. Thanks Bob!"

8 May 21'

Brian Lodge reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I had never worked with metal before and Colin White was an excellent instructor and very patient .He explained everything very clearly and made sure the day was a very safe and enjoyable experience .I manufactured a coat rack which required a number of separate skills ,all of which Colin took me through and demonstrated before letting me try my hand .Even when the course was completed he was more than willing to explain many of the other techniques that a modern blacksmith uses . A great course and highly recommended ."

29 Feb 20'

Daniel Wane reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had an absolutely fantastic day with Colin and I learned so much, can't wait to set up my own forge to practice what I learned. I was able to make a coat hook, blacksmith tongs and a bottle opener. Would recommend this course to everyone. I will definitely be back to try the hammer skills."

26 Jan 20'

Tony Morgan reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Colin's a really nice guy who taught me loads of techniques. I'd never done any blacksmithing before but came away with 3 wonderful items - a fire poker, a bottle opener and an ornamental viking knife. Highly recommend this course."

29 Nov 19'

Phil (and Rachael) Nurse reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I booked a surprise birthday present for my husband. Bob was super helpful with the booking of the course, he took the time to ask where we were coming from so he could give helpful directions. My husband has had an amazing day, he thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. He has made a lovely letter opener and a toasting fork with an impressive treble clef at the top. I would highly recommend Bob to anyone. I have gained good brownie points with such a fab present!"

31 Aug 19'

Brian Preston reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had a brilliant day with Bob on the Hammering Course, would recommend to anybody. Bob is a master of the art, a truly skilled craftsman."

10 May 19'

Penny Fouracre reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I had a fantastic day with Colin! He is friendly, patient and matter of fact. I was able to observe how to complete each stage of making my poker/ash scraper and hook and at the end of each stage/demo the reins were handed over to me to make it happen. It was great to see and take part in all manner of techniques and tool use. I felt absolutely involved in the process from design to completion. Couldn't be happier and very, very much recommend Colin's courses. Inspiring."

1 May 19'

Scott McKenna reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"My friends and family chipped in to send me and a friend on this course after they noticed that I happened to be watching a lot of Forged in Fire lately and it was well worth the money. Working as a machine fitter who earns a living from a workshop, I had a small degree of confidence that I'd be going home with something that resembled a Viking kitchen knife and a functional bottle opener. This definitely would not have happened without Colin's guidance and wealth of experience and thanks to him the items came out better than I expected for a first timer. The experience was both enjoyable and educational which leaves you finishing the day with a sense of accomplishment (I had to get some beer on the way home to test the bottle opener). Colin taught us how to properly heat steel, work it using a wide range of different methods, while also explaining what colours to look out for, how to treat the steel and how to rectify any mistakes using the best possible techniques. Although Colin kept us supervised to make sure we weren't about to ruin our work, once you work yourself into a rhythm you also get a liberating sense of independence while working on your project. Overall, a brilliant day out, taught by a very experienced and down to earth guy. I would love to go back to make something else in the future and would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in trying their hand at blacksmithing."

27 Jan 19'

Jade Carr reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I bought my boyfriend and dad a blacksmithing day with Colin and it exceeded all expectation! They both had the best day and came away with two works of art each. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a great day out or as a gift idea. They now both want to learn more so I am sure we will be back! Thank you :)"

27 Jan 19'

Tim & Chris Barlow reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Many thanks to Colin for our fun and insightful day. Both my brother and I spent the day under Colin’s master supervision. Colin taylored the course to our interests and ability, teaching us some basic techniques in the morning which we untilised in the afternoon for a mini project. Colin taught in a patient and flexible way making breaking all the steps of the process down.m. The workshop is in a nice setting with a tasty eat in Fish and chip shop 5 minutes down the road. If you have any interest in this skilled art then Colin is offers a great course and you get to take home some nice own made survenoirs."

22 Jan 19'

Martin shep reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"This is the second time I have been on a coursewith bob .I enjoyed it so much the first time I went away and bought myself a forge and anvil.After a year on my own I am producing some nicework .I have just had a day with bob learning the basics in the art of making horse shoes , there is a lot involved in just making one shoe , but with bobs patience and guidance, by the end of the dayI was getting the just of it . I can’t recommend this course enough you will thoroughly enjoy it guaranteed ."

21 Dec 18'

Stephen Blockley reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I started the day as a complete beginner but Colin took me through the basics and I managed to complete four items in a busy day at the forge. Colin has a collection of photographs showing various items that you can make but he is happy to accommodate your own ideas. He demonstrates the techniques as you go along and then makes suggestions about ways of achieving your design ideas. It was a pleasure to spend a day with a true craftsman. I learned a lot and I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in this traditional craft skill."

21 Dec 18'

christopher hesketh reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A really good day. excellent levels of instruction. Colin is very friendly and guided me through the production of two high quality items. A lot more than I had expected to be able to do in one day."

29 Nov 18'

Suzanne reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I bought this as a present for my partner but also joined him on the course. It was absolutely brilliant and we’d definitely go back. We were able to make what we wanted but Colin was also on hand to make suggestions too and show us examples. He is obviously very experienced and knowledgeable and was happy to share this with us. He answered our many questions and we produced some genuinely lovely pieces that don’t look like they were made by beginners. I can’t recommend this course enough !"

8 Nov 18'

John oldham reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I have really enjoyed my day learning a new skill with Colin, have made some really nice practical pieces that I hope will be in my family for a long time, Colin's clear and no pressure teaching style made me feel at ease and we soon had the first piece finished and polished up. I would definitely recommend doing this course as I have had a great overall experience and have made some unique items for my home."

4 Nov 18'

Thomas Barbera reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"This was given to me and my brother as a surprise birthday present and it was truly an excellent day. Colin was friendly and fun and helped even novices like my brother and I to create very beautiful items. It was very enjoyable and I highly reccomend it for anyone else looking to try blacksmithing."

20 Sep 18'

Jason reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"If it's on the floor or red it's hot and remember which end you put in the forge. I spent the day with Colin and learnt so much. Colin is very experienced and explained the hows and indeed the whys of the blacksmithing techniques I learnt. Turned a flat bar into a simple, beautiful leafed and rounded coat hook and two other items. Wholly enjoyable day. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend Colin / Anvilsring to anybody interested in giving blacksmithing a try!"

7 Sep 18'

Graeme Whittle reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Wow .... what a great day! Just got back from a full day, one to one blacksmithing course with Colin. It exceeded my expectations and I would strongly recommend it for anyone who is interested in iron work. Colin is old school, down to earth and straight talking, a great guy. He’s extremely knowledgeable and a great teacher. I wanted to make a handle for a wood burning stove I’m making and Colin was more than happy to help design it and teach me the skills to craft it myself. He teaches each stage of the project by building one alongside you and nothing was to much trouble to explain. This course was a birthday present from my kids and I had a great time .... thanks Colin."

15 Aug 18'

Steve & Jo Churlish reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely brilliant day !! Colin is a great instructor, really easy to get on with and very clearly a well established Balcksmith. I attended the day's course with my wife (Jo) - we both had a fully interactive, creative and interesting day. This is an absolutely great event for anyone wanting a hands on practical course with no previous experience needed. I will definately be going again at some point. Thanks Colin for a great day !! Steve & Jo"

22 Jul 18'

Philip Coop reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Thoroughly enjoyed my one day blacksmithing course and left the forge with a fire poker, herb cutter and a keyring. Not bad at all considering Ive never done anything like this before. Colin is a great tutor and I learnt a lot. More importantly I had fun working with him and wouldnt hesitate to return or recommend to anyone. Cheers Colin!"

21 Apr 18'

Dale reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A really great and full day. I’ve always been interested in metalwork but have never had the opportunity to have a go at a forge. Colin’s one day course in Blacksmithing is a perfect introduction for a complete novice (with few ‘practical’ skills in general!) to get involved and have a truly immersive and thoroughly productive day in the (finer than expected) arts of metalwork. Colin offers you the opportunity to make almost anything you can imagine and teaches you the skills necessary to make it happen. I came away with two pieces I’m really proud of whilst my fiancé (who joined me for this great day) made three. I’m certainly coming back at some point to learn more from a true Master of Blacksmithing. Thanks Colin for a really great day."