The Big Tree Society reviews

16 Sep 13'

Brian McD reviewed: A stool making day

"Great day out making stool. Every stage of 'construction' easy to follow after a little introduction with the addition of the 'feel good' factor when complete. Has given me inspiration to start woodworking and get creative."

16 Sep 13'

Brian Reeds reviewed: A stool making day

"This was my second course with the BigTreeSociety. Last year I made a stool and last week I was back there again with my target being a shave horse. Eoin and Gail facilitated the two days with humour and intelligence, making sure that the four of us followed our own route but advising why some of our ideas might not work and suggesting how to achieve the effect we wanted. I picked up a lot more about trees and wood and the skills necessary to achieve the objective. And we had some great moments of humour. I have already recommended this course and the centre to friends and neighbours. It is an easy and enjoyable way to learn something new in an environment which is relaxed and friendly. Go on, have a go, you really will enjoy it!"

12 Aug 13'

Amanda Dempsey reviewed: A stool making day

"Perfect - instructors, materials, location, craic. So many therapies rolled into one day. . . . You know you have found 'your space' when no-one looks perplexed as you smell the wood. . . . Go on, book it now!"

3 Aug 13'

Mary Young reviewed: A stool making day

"A fantastically grounding day of nose-to-tail woodworking. I laughed more and learned more than I had dreamed I would on such a short course, and I am still in touch with some of the people I met that day. And the stool is still in pride of place. The depth of knowledge of the experts providing this course is phenomenal, and not available in books or on the internet!"

3 Aug 13'

Mark reviewed: A stool making day

"Bought the course as a present for my wifes birthday. Had a great day making greenwood stools which 2 years on are in daily use. The course is a great deal given the expertise of the craftsmen doing the instruction and all the beautiful materials that are included. I would recommend the course to anyone who is willing to give it a go."

31 Jul 13'

John Atkinson reviewed: A stool making day

"Great day, excellent tuition, opened up for me a new dimention in working with green wood. Was totally hooked and have booked up for a further two day course."

30 Jul 13'

Val Ferguson reviewed: A stool making day

"I spent a freezing but thoroughly enjoyable day making a willow chair with excellent tuition. From the start of the day cutting the willow and setting aside for the various parts of the chair. The final completion is so satisfying to think that this can be done in a day, of course with a lot of good advice and help. I cannot wait until next year to do the course again as I would like to make a swing seat. The seat that I made is in pride of place at the top of the garden to take in the view."

30 Jul 13'

Isobel Knox reviewed: A stool making day

"Working with your hands and being creative is immensely satisfying. I've always enjoyed knitting and sewing, but had never tried any kind of woodwork (Lassies didn't get to do it at school in the 70s!). The lo-tech methods used in greenwood sessions are particularly satisfying - you gain a real sense that you are continuing a tradition going back thousands of years. The stool I made gives me great pleasure - as a seat, a table to sit my evening dram on, and as a conversation piece."

29 Jul 13'

Chris Shepherd reviewed: A stool making day

"Really enjoyed the stool making day.It was great to make something from green wood and to do almost all of it with hand tools. Starting off with a log and going home with a completed stool was a fantastic experience. Very many thanks to both Eoin and Gail for giving me such a memorable and rewarding experience and even managed to try out the pole lathe! If you fancy a great day making something you should really give the stool making course a try."

29 Jul 13'

Margaret Mitchell reviewed: A stool making day

"Had a super day on the Stoolmaking course in June. Great place, great gallery and great tuition. I'll be back."

29 Jul 13'

Andrew McNaughton reviewed: A stool making day

"Both my 15 year old son and myself had a fantastic day making stools, learned new skills, worked safely using traditional tools and methods and had some quality father and son time! No previous experience required as Eoin kept us on track whilst giving us the space to make us feel we had both achieved something on our own.... Now looking out for Eoins next course! Top marks Eoin!"

29 Jul 13'

Peter Jackson reviewed: A stool making day

"Did the stool making course. Fantastic day. You learn everything from where the wood comes from, cutting up the log through to the finished product. Great instruction, Eoin and Gail were really helpful all the way through but let you get on with it aswell, I wish I had their energy! A very worthwhile and fun day. Woodturning is my hobby and I even got to play with their pole lathe, great fun!"

17 Jul 13'

Jane Geddes reviewed: A stool making day

"I didnt DO a course. I bought it for my husbands christmas/birthday present (he made a chair!!). I was supposed to be chilling in the sun but went along on the sunday afternoon to watch. Observation? Patient, motivated teacher- supportive yet stayed in the background while they were working. Booking 2 places for my daughter and I in November... Man at home who is so obviously proud of his creation. So am I - its a BRILLIANT thing to do. GO on and TRY it!!!"

16 Jul 13'

Iain Geddes reviewed: A stool making day

"Fantastic 2 days with Eoin, and really enjoyed the activity and the banter! Totally different from my day job, and being able to create something from start to finish with my bare hands (and a few tools!). I recommend you give this a go!! Iain"

8 Jul 13'

Stuart James reviewed: A stool making day

"An excellent course with just the right blend of domonstration/instruction and "try it and see" encouragement. A wonderful working environment and good company. I could easily have stayed longer."

14 Jun 13'

Martin Docherty reviewed: A stool making day

"Learning to make a stool with your own hands, from selecting the timber to knocking in the last wedge is a hugely rewarding experience that leaves you with a beautiful and very comfortable piece of work at the end of the day! Eoin's tuition is first class and his appreciation of our native woodland inspiring. The landscaped courtyard you work in provides a very relaxing environment too."

9 Jun 13'

Ian Sinclair reviewed: A stool making day

"I spent a great day learning how to make a stool, using only hand tools. A canny instructor, great craic, and like minded folk made learning new skills a real pleasure. I have not stopped talking about the course since I got home."

30 May 13'

Jo and Eildh reviewed: A stool making day

"We had an amazing day, a few wee sore muscles the next day but well worth it. we loved the day and are inspired to do more courses and start some work at home to. Enjoyed learning about the importance of sustainable forestry and how we could be involved locally in it. We'll be back :) J&amp;E"

27 May 13'

Gavin Yuill reviewed: A stool making day

"An excellent day, excellent tuition, excellent setting. A real eye opener into how to work with would. I would certainly like to try more, and it would definitely be at Buy Design"

25 Apr 13'

kate m reviewed: A stool making day

"The stool making course I attended was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and really empowering for a complete novice. I walked away with a sense of achievement and an insight into a surprisingly broad range of woodworking techniques. The courtyard setting is beautiful and the teachers inspiring and fun. Our common sense of purpose as a group, and our shared experiences as we saw our projects develop brought a real sense of community and sharing to the participants. We all left with big smiles on our faces, and I still look at my stool with a sense of pride!"

16 Apr 13'

Btian Reeds reviewed: A stool making day

"I had a wonderful day making a stool from a spare bit of forest. The leaders show us how and passed on loads of useful tips and advice. It was a real insight, even for someone relatively familiar with wood. The day flew past and I am determined to do another course. The atmosphere was excellent and I came away full of good intentions. For once, I acted on them! I bought a draw knife and a froe (go on the course and you'll find out what a froe is) and set about making my own shave horse. Great stuff and highly recommended"

16 Apr 13'

Derek Snee reviewed: A stool making day

"Wonderful! I wholeheartedly recommend Big Tree Society courses. I have attended two so far and have learned so much from Eoin and Keith - two guys who are passionate about green woodworking and passing on their skills. The courses are great places to share thoughts with like minded people, learn, re-focus and be re-invigorated. I have caught the bug, built a workshop, and regularly use the shaving horse, chair and stool which I made on the courses."

15 Apr 13'

Kirsteen Woods reviewed: A stool making day

"I had an amazing day making a stool out of a tree. It was wonderful learning how to make a functional piece of furniture from green wood in just one day! It is a beautiful setting, with very knowledgeable and truly inspirational teachers. I highly recommend this course - sign up today - it is great value for money, fantastic fun, and you will leave with a great sense of achievement!"

15 Apr 13'

Linda Keith reviewed: A stool making day

"What a fantastic day I had 'down in the woods' making a willow chair! I had no previous knowledge which did not matter at all as the support and guidance was superb and I came home with a unique art piece for my garden. What's more I would love to make another one - a great experience."

10 Apr 13'

Janet Barnes reviewed: A stool making day

"Great training from great people at a great venue! Can highly recommend - great value for money."