Touchwood Glasgow reviews

Monica reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Went with my partner and we both had a great day together. It's a fab introduction workshop and I thoroughly recommend giving it a try. We learnt a lot from Robert, from thinking about reading the wood you have to the most efficient way to hold and manipulate the axe and knives. Every spoon is different and the two spoons we carved are as different as can be, but carved from the same piece of wood which was a sweet touch. Can't wait to have another go, we might be hooked. Robert's given a lot of info on different tools so we'll be carving away at home in no time."

Shani Sedgwick reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"I’ve just attended a spoon carving workshop run by Robert Andrew and it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and one that I would highly recommend to anyone thinking about this craft. We were a small group, all working on different styles of spoons and yet Robert was able to give each of us the one to one help we needed, all in a relaxed, friendly and safety conscious way. His respect for the integrity of his medium, trees and their wood was at the heart of his practice and that shone through the day. Thank you for a great day! "

David reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Great course! Nice relaxed tuition and am now totally hooked on carving. Would thoroughly recommend it. "

Alasdair McLaren reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This is the second time I have done the spoon carving course with Robert and I will probably do it for a third time. I will admit I got more out of the course this time around as I was slightly more confident in the process and steps having done it before so that made the day all the more enjoyable, but please don't think you need any experience. You don't. Robert proceeds at the pace suited to you. There were people of all skill levels on the course and everyone left with a expertly carved spoon. Great fun and well worth it."

Libby Fowler-Crooks reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This was a birthday present for my wife and it was a fantastic experience. Robert was really knowledgeable, patient and witty and the day flew by. We loved the process and especially the fact that we were in charge of making our spoons, which turned out much better than expected. Would highly recommend this course. Thank you Robert."

Kim Fowler-Crooks reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This was amazing!! It was a birthday treat for me from my wife and it was brilliant! Robert was very patient, knowledgeable and relaxed which made the whole experience relaxing and enjoyable. It was great to take my handmade spoon home with me and see it develop throughout the day. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn something new and develop their love for wood. "

Libby Fowler-Crooks reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This was a fabulous course which I would highly recommend. Robert was just so lovely, friendly and full of knowledge and enthusiasm. There was no sense of having to rush things, indeed the course ran over, but we took our time and finished our spoons. "

Stephen reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Such an enjoyable course. Robert was welcoming, patient, and generous with his expertise. I particularly appreciated learning about the different kinds of wood and where they'd been sourced from. I hadn't attempted anything quite like this before, very pleased I did though! I would certainly recommend."

John reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Had really wonderful day with Robert and the other participants on the course. We went through the whole process of selecting which wood to work with and to think through what we wanted to make. The technical instruction was excellent and the workshop and company fantastic. Being able to leave with a respectable carved spoon was the icing on the cake. Would recommend 100%."

Gary S reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"The course was exactly as described. It delivered everything that my daughter and I wanted, and quite a lot more. We spent the day using quality tools, working with natural materials under the guidance of Robert, a master craftsman. So far, so good. However, the sum of those parts felt like so much more. I felt we were given a small insight into the philosophy and practice of 'Making'. This has had quite an impact, and has stayed with me. That may seem like a strange thing to say about making a spoon (which I'm very proud of), but perhaps that's the point. The icing on the cake was spending the day with a small group of lovely, like-minded people. I strongly recommend that you stop reading these reviews and book the course."

Eren reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"I loved this course. The environment was really nice and chill and I learned so much about trees, about wood, about how to think about carving and how to use the key tools needed for wood carving. I started with a log of chestnut and walked home with a spoon, and I feel like I have the knowledge to do the same thing again without supervision. I definitely want to pick up some tools of my own and practice the skills I learned in this workshop, and feel like I picked things up that day that will be useful for the rest of my life! Not only a great introduction to woodworking, since I came with zero prior knowledge, but also great to be able to learn from the knowledge of a professional taking the time to share mistakes and expertise with us so that we can understand how to go away and try our hand at this in our own time. Thank you so much for a great day! I was completely absorbed and learned a tonne!"

Dave Valentine reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Our day was as is described in the course outline. I enjoyed Robert's informative and laid back approach to the group. He demonstrated and explained each step of the process as we went along, then guided us as we tried to do it ourselves and we all produced a serviceable spoon at the end of the day. The time passed quickly - a sure sign of an absorbing activity. "

Jane Jones reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This was a lovely day. Robert is very knowledgeable and reflective about wood and carving and we learned a lot in a very unhurried and calm way."

Alasdair McLaren reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This course with Robert was excellent. It was a relaxed atmosphere and very informative. Robert discussed how and where he sources his wood from, the types of tools you need and shared some great tips on how to carve a spoon and finish the day with something which does look like a spoon. If you are looking for something different to do for a day to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life then I would whole heartedly recommended you do this course. I will be back again so that I can pick up more tips from him. Thank you, Robert, for a great day."

Duncan reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Great wee day course, friendly and relaxed pace. Robert supplied all the materials, a great selection of tools and all his knowledge and experience. Would recommend! "

Annie Paterson reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Really happy to recommend this course. Robert was a very knowledgeable (and patient :-)) teacher, and you leave at the end of the day with an understanding of every stage of the process from picking the piece of wood to work on, the tools and processes used, and how to look after the spoon you'll take home with you. So lovely to have something to show at the end of the day for all your hard work."

Jasmine reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"This was a very lovely course that got me learning how to work with wood and the grain and curve and all these thoughtful things... Thanks so much for an enjoyable day. Definitely recommend. "

Mark Taylor reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Excellent course and enjoyable experience learning new skills. Robert is a knowledgeable instructor and tutor who clearly enjoys his craft and passing his skills on to others. The bonus is having something useful to take home at the end of the day !"

Elizabeth Donaghy reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A great way to spend a Saturday. Robert is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher as I was a complete novice, never having done woodwork before. I’m already looking at potential friends & family to gift this experience to. Robert followed the course with an email containing useful information and where to buy supplies. Great location with trains, buses & parking in side streets. If you’re thinking about this course I recommend you go for it. "

Aaron reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A great relaxing way to spend the day, Robert was an excellent teacher with bags of much needed patience. Unfortunately though I am now looking at all logs as 'future spoons'. "

Janet reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"A nice day all in and I left with total confidence. I could do this again on my own with the right tools. As others have said, it was cold cold cold so do take plenty of layers. Thanks for a lovely day "

Touchwood Glasgow responded:

"Thank you for my first 4-star review in almost 2.5yrs of passing on some of the techniques specific to carving spoons, I'm glad I was able to help instill the level of "total confidence" required to now practice the craft independently! Unfortunately I don't control the space (unheated) or the weather, and was caught out by the day being pretty cold during a typical spell of Scottish weather being all over the place, so never got the chance to send out a 'wrap up warm email message' prior. It's unclear in your review why the star was dropped, so I assume this was not a teaching gripe given the "total confidence" statement, but rather a climate related dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, I appreciate all and any reviews, and/or constructive feedback. Thanks again for joining the growing league of spooncarvers :))"

Laurence reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"I attended this course with my partner who sadly had to leave on the day due to poor health. Robert was very patient and accommodating in allowing me to come and go to take them home and check on them. Robert brought me back up to speed with the group upon my return. Robert has a very deep and well founded knowledge of all things woodcarving and was patient in explaining how to use the various tools. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and will definitely be spoon carving in the future. As a side note I would suggest anyone who is attending to wrap up warm, particularly if it's a cold day as the workshop is unheated. "

Keith Lough reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Robert provided a gentle journey from talking about the wood (fallen Pollok lime) through the tools and techniques for making them work. He was patient with our various ambitions and abilities with the various tools and, one way or another, everyone created a spoon. The tools are very sharp, so you need to listen to Robert and 'listen' to the wood; be patient. It's an unheated workshop; take layers of clothing. A really nice day."

Rozan reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"It was a great experience, I really enjoyed the day and learned a lot. Robert's explanations were clear and the general teaching style relaxed and patient. When needed he would help you individually as well, to guide you in techniques, or figure out what techniques would work best for you. I had a great day and came away with a skill to develop further and a spoon I was really happy with."

Lawrie reviewed: Spoon Carving with Touchwood Glasgow

"Being able to take a natural piece of wood all the way to a functional and aesthetically pleasing spoon in a single day was a genuinely moving experience. Robert was an excellent teacher, taking time to demonstrate to the group and also individuals to help ensure we all came away with something unique and personal. I will definitely be continuing my greenwood carving and spoon making, and highly recommend this course for both acquiring skills and enjoyment. Thank you Robert!"