Oneday Woodcraft reviews

28 Jul 17'

Sue Sawyer reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"What a brilliant day we had, carving a spoon from what started out as a large lump of wood! A really informative and relaxing day with expert tuition from Chris, a kind and patient instructor. A lovely setting in a quiet woodland workshop with only the birdsong for distraction. Also included was a lovely lunch with homemade soup, perfect on a rainy day and a slice of cake during the afternoon break. I would highly recommend this day, all your other cares and worries disappear as you strive to produce a perfect spoon. Well, maybe not prefect when you see the delicate spoons Chris has carved, but perfect to me as my first attempt. Thank you Chris for a great day, and thank you Lainey (I hope the spelling is correct) for a tasty and filling lunch. Best wishes Sue"

21 Jul 17'

Rupert Holtby reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I have always enjoyed working with wood in the outdoors. My Wife kindly booked me on the course as a present. We lead such busy lives that with children it seemed a little extravagant to have a day to myself, but it felt like a week. No distractions, simple tools, natural material, first class instruction and good food. Kris looked after us very well, he is very knowledgeable, a patient teacher with a passion for what he does. All of us stayed beyond the course finish time which was testament to how engrossed we were and how the time passed so quickly. I would recommend the course to anyone regardless of ability, everyone should be able to master this basic life skill that harks back to a more simple way of life."

19 Jul 17'

David Bryden reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"One day course in spoon carving contained all of the essential skills to create a spoon blank ready for finishing. All tools were provided and plenty of chances to use the tools given. Great lunch and even cake given. Really great day spent outdoors at a lovely venue."

18 Jul 17'

Matt Smith reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Enjoyable day carving in a very nice location with good instruction. Would highly recommend."

17 Jul 17'

Teresa Robinson reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"Such a lovely day in a beautiful rural woodland environment. I cannot believe I started with a log and ended up with a gorgeous dibber. It's such a satisfying and enjoyable process using simple tools and a treadle lathe - no electricity! Chris is masterful in his use of all tools, and it is fascinating to watch such an expert in action. He's very patient with complete beginners like me and strikes a really good balance between demonstrating and assisting and letting us get on with it. He has a very supportive and encouraging style so no one need be in fear of feeling silly or intimidated. The food was very good plus lots of tea provided, and we had plenty of interesting chats about all sorts of things. It was a really good and satisfying day and I learnt so much. Thank you Chris!"

14 Jul 17'

Andrew Walker reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"I loved everything about this day. Chris guided us through the process with a wonderful teaching style and real enthusiasm for the craft. I was in no doubt that I was learning from a master. The pace of the day was just right with suitable attention to tea breaks. The conversations with Chris and my fellow student throughout the day enhanced the enjoyment of the course. Best of all, the day reawakened the long dormant enjoyment of lathe craft that I first remember in school woodwork class forty years ago."

21 Jun 17'

Nicola Dew reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Thank you for a really enjoyable day in your woodland setting. It was a very hot day and apart from a delicious lunch, there was a welcome supply of iced drinks and ice cream throughout. Chris explained and demonstrated each step carefully. He was very patient and hands on in providing individual tuition and encouragement. There was a range of tools to try out: this was really helpful as we all had different favourites. And I came home with a spoon-very satisfying and as Chris will tell you, it is addictive!"

27 May 17'

Gary Russell reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"A thoroughly enjoyable day due to Chris's relaxed and informative teaching style, coupled with learning a new skill with other novices. And most importantly the satisfaction of leaving with a carved wooden spoon which began the day as a log. A whole day allowed sufficient time to complete the objective, while giving time to chat with others on the course and enjoying the superb homemade food/refreshments provided throughout the day. The outside location is within a wood so has a lot of shade and is covered in case of rain - so the temperature can vary quite a lot during the day - so come prepared with layers to add/remove as necessary. The first half of the day involves using an axe to form the basic spoon shape - focus on the technique here as otherwise your wrist will start to ache very quickly. And enjoy how such a tool used in different ways can be used to subtlely shape the wood. And finally, in the afternoon, as you finalsie your spoon with various very sharp knives, be amazed at the skill of Chris in be able to produce a totally smooth spoon using a knife alone (no sandpaper)."

10 May 17'

Adam Mynott reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"It was an excellent day of very expert tuition from Chris Allen. He has the knack of distilling his expertise and experience into a day of enjoyable and valuable teaching. I would highly recommend his pole lathe course, not least for the excellent lunch that broke up a day of intense concentration."

5 May 17'

Chris G reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"Just want to say how much I enjoyed my day with you, really made me realize how difficult these crafts actually are. Thank you for making it so worthwhile. I would definitely recommend this as a gift/treat to other like-minded friends."

16 Apr 17'

Edward Hall reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"A thoroughly enjoyable day, thank you Chris. The time flew by and I have my first spoon as proof of my closely tutored handiwork, of which I am quite proud! A long way to go before the solution to family Christmas presents is achieved, but the start of a life long hobby. Great setting, (and bird life), Mum's lunch, tea cakes, and careful patient instruction. I strongly recommend this day to anyone who wants to learn to be creative, with wood."

7 Nov 16'

Paul Gill reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Had a really fun day, thank you Chris. His approach made learning the different stages and techniques really clear and simple, and was always helpful with advice as we made our way. He's obviously very skilled but makes the seamless transition to simple, actionable advice for newbies. Have already started carving spoons in the week since the course and look forwards to making more and doing more green wood carving generally (which I'm new too). Would highly recommend. And the food (esp the chutneys but the soup too) from Chris' mum was amazing too!"

2 Nov 16'

Steve reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I was looking forward to the day carving in the woods --and I wasn't disappointed--an excellent welcome, setting and superb teacher happy to explain everything I needed and wanted to know in a relaxing and fun manner-Thank you Chris. I left with a spoon that reminds me of the day,good company,food and drink (thanks Chris's Mum) and probably the start of a lifelong hobby and yet another excuse to sit quietly under a tree in the woods. The course notes that were provided are excellent too--a real 15/10 day Thanks again Steve"

18 Oct 16'

Sue Bennett reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Well what can I say, an absolutely fantastic day. I learnt loads and thoroughly enjoyed myself. (I didn't want the day to end) Chris is a very patient and supportive tutor who is full of encouragement. I came away at the end of the day with a greater understanding of wood, the craft of spoon making and full of inspiration. What a wonderful setting, so tranquil and beautiful. A lovely lunch and plenty of cake too. I just want to say thank you Chris, and I will be back to try the pole lathe course. Just off to my garage to start my next spoon :)"

16 Oct 16'

Angie Stevens reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Wow what a fantastic day and a brilliant and fulfilling course. Never thought for one minute I'd actually walk away with a recognisable spoon made by my own fair hands. Couldn't recommend this course highly enough. Set in beautiful tranquil surroundings such a satisfying way to spend a Saturday. Chris is a great teacher and very patient and giving with an endless stream of encouragement and passion for his crafts. Also to be congratulated is Chris's mum who lays on wonderful supply of tea, cake and exquisite lunch of homemade soup with a secret ingredient! We didn't want to leave and will certainly be back for more."

12 Aug 16'

Mary Mirchandani reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My daughter-in-law and I attended the one day spoon carving course on 14 May, 2016. Both of us enjoyed the course enormously - it was such a happy day and we learnt so much. Sophia has finished her spoon (and has started on another) but I am still working on mine! Our thanks to Chris for introducing us to such an enjoyable pastime."

21 Jul 16'

Gill Peek reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Just had to write a review to commend this brilliant course. My husband and I are both still buzzing from the highs of coming home with our very own spoony produce after a totally enjoyable & creative day with Chris in his woodland haven. We can already feel that his gentle but greatly informative teaching has lit a spark that will grow into a roaring flame of passion for this new creative avenue. Thank you Chris for sharing your knowledge and patience with us. Our gratitude must also extend to Chris's Mum for providing fabulous fare throughout the day. It was all delicious (if totally diet-busting!). Our tums thank you, Mrs Allen!"

20 Jul 16'

Jason Clark reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My fiancée booked me on this course as a birthday present and I can honestly say it's one of the best presents I have ever received. Chris is an excellent teacher whose passion on the subject is contagious. I would highly recommend this or any of Chris' courses to anyone."

4 Jul 16'

Ian Pike reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"A great setting with all the tools, wood, expertise and supervision to make for a excellent day's tuition. Highly recommended. Ian - 04/2016"

30 Jun 16'

Sarah Barber reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I have always wanted to whittle and after researching into what was on offer, I found Chris' course. What can I say - it was so great from start to finish. From the surroundings, to the lunch and afternoon tea and most importantly to Chris' instruction and guidance. Chris certainly knows his stuff and his love for the craft of woodworking certainly shines through and makes the day whizz past, and he gives you the enthusiasm to carry on and learn more about whittling and woodcraft. I would highly recommend this days course, and is great value for money for what you get. And I ended up with a spoon made by on own fair hand, of which I am extremely proud."

28 Oct 15'

carolyn reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris is an excellent teacher who packs a huge amount of knowledge into 1 day.I can highly recommend this ,either as a gift for someone special or as a special day for yourself-I'm sure you will enjoy it !"

27 Oct 15'

Kevin Goodall reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I signed up for a spoon carving day with Chris because I spend all day at a desk in an office and wanted to get outside and learn a practical hands-on skill. I had visions of whittling away the long winter evenings producing wonderful spoons for family and friends. The reality is that I had a really enjoyable day and came away with something that vaguely resembles a caveman's spoon but of which I am inordinately proud. Thanks to Chris's instruction I also have a basic understanding of the tools and skills needed to pursue this very interesting and absorbing hobby and a realisation of how much more there is to learn. Chris was a great teacher - patiently showing me each technique and providing a variety of tools to try out. Based on my experience I will be asking for a few tools from Santa so I can continue my training at home. I spent a full 8 hours with Chris - punctuated by regular brews and a delicious lunch - and the thing that most struck me was that the time completely flew by (I suspect the day seemed rather longer for him!). If you are in any way tempted by this course then I would say "just do it" - you won't regret it."

25 Oct 15'

Neville Harrison reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My Wife booked this course and also booked my Dad and Son in as a special treat. All in all it was a fabulous day and we all learnt a tremendous amount. What was particularly impressive was that Chris managed to help my Dad produce a spoon even though he struggled with arthritis in his hands and also kept my 15 year old interested and engaged for the entire day. I am pleased to say that I have already used some of the skills at home which is excellent to come away with some confidence. Chris really is an excellent teacher and is able to explain the wood and the tools and how to manipulate them to come away with a priceless possession (albeit a rudimentary spoon which is still functional!). There is definite spoon envy when you see the spoons that Chris produces for sale at markets, something to undoubtedly aspire too. This review would not be complete without reference to Chris's Mum who produced the most stupendous soup, chutneys, sausage rolls and lemon drizzle cake. It was this sustenance that helped keep the day going so well. I will most certainly be looking to undertake a bit of an advanced course in the near future. Great fun, great experience and great people."

20 Sep 15'

Michael reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I had my first spoon carving experience with Chris in August, and I have to say that it was a thoroughly enjoyable day. Chris obviously knows his stuff when it comes to working with wood, and he shows a great passion and enthusiasm while he's teaching. He'll explain and show you all of the various chopping and carving techniques that you'll need to know, while letting you work at your own pace until you get the hang of things. If you've never done anything like this before I would highly recommend it."

24 Aug 15'

Stewart Lye reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I attended a days course with Chris in July 2015. It was an excellent day of one to one tuition learning to carve a wooden spoon. Chris is very knowledgable and enthusiastic about wood, wood working and bush craft and that comes across in his teaching. During the day Chris patiently helped me carve a spoon, showing me the techniques and especially the safety aspects when working with sharp tools. Throughout the day tea and coffee were available along with a lovely ploughman's for lunch and tasty cake in the afternoon. Would thoroughly recommend the day as a complete novice. I learnt lots and gave me the knowledge to go it alone. Thank you."