Artistry in Wood reviews

8 Oct 17'

Paul Richmond reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks for a great day’s woodturning yesterday - a brilliant birthday present. You both made me feel so welcome and I felt at ease straight away. You’re a great teacher and built my confidence up so that I feel okay to give it a go myself now. It was the cherry on top to come away with such an amazing bowl to remind me of the day and all the techniques we covered. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone. Thanks very much again to you and Susan for an awesome time. Cheers, Paul"

27 Sep 17'

Stewart Blakesley reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I found the course terrific,a perfect level of instruction in a relaxed and friendly setting.Very hands on with a superb bowl to take home. I would recommend you to anyone . Stewart."

17 Sep 17'

George Cox reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a great day at Artistry In Wood yesterday and can say that it was a very enjoyable experience. The day went really quickly and I didn't want to stop to go home. George and his wife were very welcoming and made me feel very at home. During the day I made a lovely bowl for my EQP and this was all thanks to George's expertise and excellent teaching ability. I have learnt a lot from the day and would definitely come back and recommend to others."

14 Sep 17'

Alf Bartlett reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I just wanted to say what a great day I had the other day turning with George . Every visit improves my confidence and my knowledge and I always look forward to my lessons . Alf"

14 Sep 17'

John Whiting reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks for last Tuesday. Your teaching style must be totally unique you have the ability to put your point across so easily. You make learning fun and the time flew by. The end product (my lovely bowl) surprised me with how professional it looked I don't think I could have managed this without your help and humour. Many thanks George John Whiting"

13 Aug 17'

John reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A very enjoyable and rewarding day . Firstly, thank you for welcoming me into your home. Secondly, thank you also for putting your faith in me to be able to work with the Mulberry wooden blank and for passing on your years of knowledge and experience. It was an extremely rewarding day and you will be pleased to know that my bowl has taken pride of place at home. Could you also pass on my thanks to Susan for keeping me topped up with tea and for providing a delicious lunch."

5 Aug 17'

Sarah and Tony reviewed: Wood turning courses

"George and his wife Susan looked after us very well and made us feel at home. George is an excellent teacher and it was interesting to learn about the equipment, tools and how and why we work with wood the way we do. George also struck the perfect balance between enabling us to practice our new found skills making our bowls with stepping in to add finer detailing and finishing touches or tweaks so we as complete novices could go home with 2 lovely bowls. Wholeheartedly recommended!"

20 Jul 17'

Julie reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thanks for a great day George, could do with another few days to really get the hang of it but was amazed that in one day with no experience we both turned a slab of beech wood into two very impressive bowls. Really enjoyable day. Julie"

30 Jun 17'

David S reviewed: Wood turning courses

"As a novice, two days of one to one tuition with George has given me more confidence and insight into the world of woodturning. George’s no nonsense, hands-on approach interspersed with invaluable tips and tricks of the trade will undoubtedly result in a more professional looking end product…… without the inevitable frustrating and ruinous ’catches’ along the way. David S"

25 Jun 17'

John Conway reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Georges tuition style is very focussed and taylored as he developes the best way to teach each section of the day. He is very thoughtful in his delivery and also encouraging at the same time. His knowledge is amazing and quickly realised what areas needed attention, A great day ( supported wonderfully by Sue with the catering and tea stops) . I would have no hesitation in recommending and will visit again once I have digested all I have been shown and learnt by a very clever wood turner, John"

20 Jun 17'

Ian McFetridge reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George for an interesting day re-learning tooling techniques and learning some new ones too. Nice lunch and plenty of coffee makes for a good day! Never planned on making anything just happy to turn a lump of wood into a pile of shavings to practice creating a finish straight from the tool. Didn't quite get there on my own but almost so not too much sanding to do. Thanks again George for a nice end to the week!"

15 Jun 17'

Addy Giles reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I attended a one-day woodturning course with George today. Although I have some ability with DIY I should admit that woodturning is a very different skill. George’s explanation of the direction of grains was important for me to understand the skill of the turner and the wood selection. It helped, too, to realise which direction we turned from. We discussed the tools, sharpening and type of lathe suitable for a beginner. George was a patient instructor and, as we agreed, teaching a headteacher is not always an easy thing to do! We got on really well and shared many views, stories and laughs. The day was hugely rewarding and something I have wanted to do for a long time. The session was well-paced and the end result very gratifying. George gauges his sessions to the ability of his student and the length of day, instruction and atmosphere were all first class. As with all good teachers, George left me proud of my achievements and wanting more! A ten out of ten! Thanks, George, a great day. Andy Giles, 15th June 2017"

12 Jun 17'

Ed Hollis reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a fantastic time on a one-day course with George. I arrived having had some limited experience on a lathe, although my efforts to date left much to be desired, which George will vouch for! George and Susan were very welcoming from the outset, and we spent a little while chatting before cracking on with it! Immediately, I was learning all sorts of tips which would make my future woodturning better, beginning with the origins of the timber and sourcing and treating timber blanks. We then spent the morning running through the series of tooling and finishing processes, to form the bottom of the bowl. After lunch, we flipped the bowl and played around with some decorative techniques before finishing the top of the bowl. George was a great teacher and made the whole process clear and memorable, giving brief demonstrations before letting me develop the techniques myself. I left with a big smile on my face and my wife was very pleased with her bowl! Obviously you can only learn so much in a day. However I have come a long way from where I was and am eager to get practising my newly learned skills."

12 May 17'

Joe Headley reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Having just experienced the most enjoyable three day course with George I felt it deserved to be recorded so that others may benefit and be made aware of an opportunity to get a marvellous treat in the art of woodturning. George’s methodical and professional approach to instruction is an art in itself. His technical ability and skills are second to none and he is blessed with the added ability to put the topic across to students with consummate ease. All aspects were covered, health and safety, machinery, tools and an in depth knowledge of the material to be worked. This gives any student lucky enough to participate in one of George’s workshops a great platform from which he or she can thereafter travel through the wonders of turning, colouring and texturing wood. I personally benefitted from George’s great knowledge in all these aspects. His patience is unlimited and the one quality which makes the difference between someone who mechanically instructs and a great teacher. I hope to be lucky enough to return to Burnham to reinforce the skills and theory collected in the last few days, perhaps I may see you there."

9 May 17'

Maria reviewed: Wood turning courses

"My fiance and I attended the course to celebrate my 50th birthday - we are both novices; George was simply amazing - not only is he an excellent teacher he also gave us so much valuable information regarding what to look for in tools and equipment..........we both enjoyed ourselves so much, I can't recommend the course highly enough. We will definately be back for stage two as soon as we can manage it!!"

20 Apr 17'

Angus Harper reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A brilliant day, I went in barely knowing a thing about woodturning and came away knowing lots along with a beautiful coloured bowl that everyone who has seen it has complemented. I started off nervous but progressed to being much more confident with using the tools, his patient manner is great as it makes you feel at ease and he doesn’t grumble if you forget something or need assistance. What really made the finished article stand out was the colouring which everyone has said how incredible it is. Also thank you very much to his wife Susan for the cups of tea and a delicious lunch. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone thinking of having a go. Many thanks for the enjoyable day Angus"

12 Apr 17'

Jan Richardson reviewed: Wood turning courses

"A wonderful first experience of woodturning, something I have always wanted to try. The day exceeded my expectations and really brought home the importance of learning with a professional - so much information and so much to learn. I am delighted with the bowl, which has been admired by quite a few already. I hope to practice what you have taught me in the next few weeks and I am fairly sure I will be back to learn more very soon. Thanks to Susan for making me feel so welcome, and for lunch and the numerous beverages."

27 Mar 17'

Neil reviewed: Wood turning courses

"What a lovely long weekend, which all started with my better-half - Terri stating, that as she could'nt knit and did not enjoy it,she would like to try weaving and had found a course run by a renowned weaver Janet King in Nether Stowey in Somerset. To make a trip of it,I thought I'd look for any woodturning or woodcraft courses available in the area and found that George Foweraker, a professional turner, ran courses in Burnham-on-sea,just down the road from Nether Stowey and would be able to give me 2 days one to one tuition at the same time that my wife's course was being run. I was'nt sure what to expect or achieve, having seen examples of George's work on his website which was all of an extremely high standard and quality,such that I could never achieve with my small experience in the 2 days! Well, I was delighted. From the moment I met George and his lovely wife Susan, despite his insistence in calling me by the wrong name- Nigel for most of the first day,I knew we would have fun and I could learn a lot from him. Having decided to go for turning a platter or bowl and learn different texturing and decoration methods rather than hollow work we set too in his very impressive workshop. George's easy tuition manner was great,his course content and attention to detail, theory and particularly of safety, was a pleasure to work with, and I was very grateful for his patience of ny inexperience. Despite continuing to call me Nigel (my brother in Australia) and moaning at me in his broad Somerset brogue,for costing him a plaster from his first aid box, when I nicked my finger, I really enjoyed my new found abilities! Coffee and teas and the nice lunches supplied by Susan,all added to the hospitality. I came away tired but very satisfied with the work done, having learned a lot and realising there's a load more to learn but its great fun in doing so. Weaving in Somerset looks as though it will continue at a pace,so,George and Susan,I shall be after Hollowing techniques next if you will let me!!"

8 Mar 17'

Michael reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Thank you George for a very enjoyable day's wood turning tuition. The relaxed but very thorough way of teaching made learning easy, despite one of us being a complete novice, and we went home with two beautiful bowls and eager to continue the craft. You and Sue made us welcome throughout the day and lunch was delicious. Michael"

6 Mar 17'

Charlie reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Great tuition last Saturday, I arrived a complete novice, but left with a bowl beyond my expectations. It was an interesting day and I learned a great deal, we may have even glimpsed George's inner tree hugger! Many thanks to both George and Sue."

25 Feb 17'

Martin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a great time and made very warm welcome with tea and biscuits! George really knows is stuff and can get the best out of you whether you are a novice (like me) or a established wood turner,he explains every thing in a user friendly way so you can grasp the correct way to turn wood. Susan provided a superb lunch and again backed up with tea and biscuits. I will return later this year to get some more training and re enforce what he taught me. Thanks George it was a blast see you soon ! Martin"

23 Feb 17'

Edward Sayers reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I had a brilliant time with George today, this was my first proper experience with woodturning and really enjoyed going through the process of making my first bowl. George was an excellent teacher, he was patient and explained the reasoning behind the techniques used to shape the wood. I hope to visit again when I am able to set myself up with my own lathe!"

13 Feb 17'

Les Cuthbert reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Awesome day. Didn't think I'd be able to complete a lovely piece so quickly. Trying to persuade wife to do a course too as it was a great day and well worth doing. Thanks Sue (Mrs George) for food and drink :) Les"

11 Feb 17'

Jean reviewed: Wood turning courses

"Had a very enjoyable day learning from a Professional..very interesting and certainly different from the sort of carpentry I've done before. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn a new skill. Very pleased with the bowl I produced, just in time for Fran's Birthday present ! Also thanks again to your Sue for all the coffees and lunch"

25 Jan 17'

Mike Rudkin reviewed: Wood turning courses

"I was a little apprehensive when I arrived-being a self taught turner I knew there would be bad practices to sort out and I had no idea how bad they would be. It was a good idea to use my own Beech Burr lump of timber as it meant we were starting right at the beginning,and I was pleased that George's assessment of how to cut it was very close to my own-we were off to a good start. My knuckles were white as I started making my first cuts, but George's quite gently firm ways of correcting firstly my stance and then how I held the tool and presented it to the work had me relaxing as the morning went on.The occasional theory breaks were well timed and reinforced what we were doing on the lathe. By the time we stopped for an excellent lunch prepared by Susan the bowl was well under way-and so,also were the re-grinds to my bowl gouges. Afternoon and we finished sanding and put a finish on the outside then started on the inside. The turning was interspersed with gems of information about all sorts of aspects of turning,finishing,holding work on lathe,friction chuck making,putting a sanding arbour on lathe.basically lots of stuff that quite often a turner will say "Oh make a friction chuck from some scrap wood" George actually showed me how it was made etc. As we got deeper into the bowl and encountered the voids etc, George's comment that this was probably the most difficult piece of wood I would turn made me feel quite pleased with the achievement. I was quite tired by the time we finished and my brain was working overtime processing all the data it had absorbed during the day. The finished bowl is a thing of beauty and I have a fantastic sense of achievement-once I have consolidated everything I learnt,I will be back for more !! My only regret is that I didn't take up turning until late in life-at 79yrs I've got a lot to get learnt,but if anyone can teach an old dog some new tricks it's George-thanks a lot."