Oneday Woodcraft reviews

5 Aug 15'

Chris reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I attended one of Chris's one day spoon carving courses and LOVED every second of it! The woodland setting is beautiful, the course is excellent, Chris is a genuinely lovely guy with a natural teaching ability and made the day informative, interesting and fun! At lunchtime there was a really lovely ploughman's lunch followed by cake later on. By the end of the day I left with a spoon that I had carved myself, my head was buzzing with hints and tips that Chris passed on and I was even able to buy the knife and spoon hook knife from Chris to start me off with my tool kit. Worth EVERY penny, don't hesitate just book! :)"

27 Jul 15'

Christine reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Had a wonderful day. Really enjoyed making my spoon from scratch and learning how to use the tools to shape a lump of wood into a respectable spoon shape. Chris was really helpful and encouraging, offering alternative methods if I was struggling with any processes. I was completely absorbed all day, and am seriously considering trying it as a hobby at home. The setting was beautiful, the food just right and I left (clutching my spoon) feeling relaxed and happy. I thoroughly recommend this course. The surrounding countryside is really pretty, we stayed locally the night before and walked a few miles along the Kennet canal."

27 May 15'

lee reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Had a great day with Chris, spoon carving in his woods. I felt welcome and at ease, with Chris being a very friendly guy. I learned some very useful techniques and gained some more ideas on what can be achieved, with various tools and wood. Chris has also opened my eyes up to what other types of woodland craftwork that can be learned/enjoyed. A really enjoyable and informative day, that I would recommend to anyone interested in woodland crafts."

26 May 15'

Ricky reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I went on a one day spoon carving course 23/05/2015. As soon as I arrived Chris made me feel comfortable and relaxed. (he is a truly nice guy) The setting is beautiful and relaxing. Chris is a very good teacher and I learnt a lot of new techniques with different tools on different wood's (you get to choose any type of wood to use). lunch which was included a home made ploughman's plus afternoon cake homemade Was very nice and tasty. I can and would highly recommend going on any of chris's courses, I had an amazing day and it was Chris himself that made it such a great day. 10/10 Thanks chris"

10 Feb 15'

Andreas Dracocardos reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris and I have been chatting for a while on a wood carving forum and he's always been unbelievably helpful, but there's only so much information that can be passed through a computer. Spending a day with Chris was not only fantastic fun but the amount of new and improved skills I now have is amazing. Everything was covered from sharpening my tools back to a forge sharpness, chopping block work and design, wood choice, axe work, knife work and many more things. As per everyone else the food was as perfect as the scenery and even the February temperatures didn't dull spirits. I've definitely noticed an improvement in my designs and finished carvings. I'm looking forward to the weekend course Chris will be running later in the year and will be booking myself in for more carving fun. For anyone who wants to begin carving all the way up to turning a hobby into a business, Chris can teach the relevant skills required."

17 Nov 14'

Matt Hobbs reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris is a really friendly and very knowledgeable person when it comes to wood carving. He taught me so many new ways to improve my carving as well as how to handle an axe safely and with skill! The food was amazing! A winter home made soup which I could easily have eaten all of it! What I liked most any the workshop was how at every stage of the spoon carving he was able to provide great advise, tips and tricks. Chris - thank you so much for a wonderful day! Worth well more than the course cost! Will happily go again."

11 Nov 14'

Graham Dumville reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I spent most of the day with Chris going through sharpening skills after which we moved on to making a spoon. Chris has a wealth of knowledge which he is only too happy to share with others. The day was very relaxing yet at the same time, very focused. Chris gave me the opportunity to try out some of his own carving tools which enabled me to make a decision on which ones to buy. I came away having learnt a huge amount for a one-day course. Together with a hearty lunch, it was a fantastic day which I can highly recommend. Go for it!"

24 Sep 14'

dawn yuill reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Great day, relaxed atmosphere... Came away with two items and a smile! Thank you x."

17 Sep 14'

Eve Pilcher reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My sister and I attended this course in July. Chris is very knowledgeable and passionate about his craft. We both thoroughly enjoyed being taught by him, he made us feel relaxed as he has a very patient easy going nature. Refreshments were always on hand and the lunch was excellent. I would highly recommend this course to anybody. Go on, give it a go!"

17 Sep 14'

Scott reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris was recommended to me by another spoon carver I contacted, and I did his introductory course in September 2014. The course was in a cosy wooded area, looking out onto a maize field, down a quiet country lane. I decided to walk there from Kintbury station, and Chris was helpful with directions. He began by asking what I hoped to make in the day (what kind of spoon, and if I wanted to concentrate on making just one, or push to make two) and then took me through everything step-by-step. He encouraging me to do everything myself, and showed me how to use the different tools by demonstrating on other pieces of wood, rather than taking over. I did this on my day off from my office job and it was a great decision; I had a really physically tiring, but mentally refreshing day, and came home with a spoon which I'm really pleased with. (I want to use it, but I'm still enjoying looking at it.) There was as much tea as I could have hoped for, and a fantastic ploughman's lunch. Chris kindly offered to give me a lift back to the station so that I didn't have to leave as early as I had originally intended, in order to could still catch the train I needed. Since then I've bought a set of tools (going by Chris's recommendation) and attempted to make more spoons. Spoon carving is far more complicated than I would ever have imagined, but with what I learnt on the day I feel competent enough to try on my own. I'd really recommend the day, especially if you've never done anything like this before. Travel from London is easy, the area is beautiful, and Chris is very helpful and friendly."

10 Sep 14'

Alan Knight reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"We (myself and my partner) attended a one day spoon carving course on 22nd June 2014. The location of the course was in a small copse with a shelter, camp fire and some comfortable chairs to take a break in. Chris has a very easy going nature, and made us feel immediately at ease. He was very patient with us throughout the day, guiding and encouraging us all the way. During the day tea/coffee/juice was always available with the former being boiled on the campfire - keeping it real :). Lunch was of a hearty ploughman's style. The day went so quick, and felt a great sense of achievement as we proudly showed off our new spoons. This was a thoroughly worthwhile day, and even if this sort of thing isn't what you would normally do, its still worth the experience. So yes I would recommend speaking to Chris and arranging a days carving or turning in the woods. Big thanks to Chris from Elly & I."