Wooden Tom reviews

Jane Turnbull reviewed: Porridge Bowl Making

"I really enjoyed doing this course and learning a new skill. The day was great. Tom was a good teacher and communicator, always on hand to help with any problems experienced through using new tools, etc."

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thanks for the great review Jane. Was lovely to meet you "

Mhairi reviewed: Porridge Bowl Making

"We had a great time making wooden bowls, I'd highly recommend!"

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thanks Mhairi, glad you enjoyed yourself 😁"

Gill reviewed: Heelan Coo Sculpture Carving

"What a fabulous day! Tom was knowledgeable and helpful in a lovely woodland setting. The weather was clement and the fire was great to sit around for breaks and to natter. The carving was great but definitely hard work using the axe. Tom was so encouraging and we had a great day. The toilets are quite far from the workshop so don't leave it till the last minute and the signage could do with a wee bit of a refresh, especially for those of us with dodgy eyesight, but all round a great experience we would highly recommend."

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thanks for the wonderful review and to meet you Gill Tom"

Jorg H reviewed: Porridge Bowl Making

"A fantastic day out. My second course with Tom who is very enthusiastic, teaches carving skills and wood working knowledge very well. I highly recommend Tom's courses to anyone who would like to try out green wood carving or advance their skills."

Jamie Hain reviewed: Blacksmithing (Forge your own knife) 2-3rd Nov

"Where better to pick up basic blade smithing skills? Who better to teach you? Start here, trust me. I camped on-site my first night and took advantage of the great facilities. Was welcomed by Tom and the smell of coffee and fire. Put immediately at ease and before you know it, I had a piece of metal that resembled a blade! This experience flies by too fast, soak it in and enjoy it all. I’d be out there every weekend if I could. Tom’s knowledge of both metal and wood is inspiring. He sets you up with transferable techniques in a safe and fun experience, then encourages you to go home and take it further. I was gifted this for my birthday and was lucky enough to be joined by two like-minded guys, but this would be great for mate groups, parent/child pairs or anyone slightly interested in metal/blades and being outside. "

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Jamie. They mean a lot. Tom"

Jorg H reviewed: Highlands cup carving

"Excellent course, great fun, great setting and fab tuition. Tom is very knowledgeable, gives great encouragement and advice. I would thoroughly recommend this course to beginners or intermediate woodcarvers. I hope to be back for another course soon."

William Jones reviewed: Wood Carving Kit delivered to your door (Level 1 Plus Tools)

"Really great set, my dad loves it as a birthday present! Tom was really good at keeping in contact and letting me know when it had been despatched and answering questions Thanks Tom"

Wooden Tom responded:

"Glad your dad loves his kit. He can sip a cup of tea in the Spring sun from it when finished ?"

Diana Jackson reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"I travelled up from Norfolk to learn Highlands Cup making from Wooden Tom and my goodness, what a great day it was, exceeding my expectations. Tom is an excellent teacher, quickly assessing each person's needs and giving just the correct amount of guidance. His instructions are calm, clear and supportive. No matter what our skill level we all felt sufficiently challenged and finished the day happily and with a satisfying sense of achievement. His charming bothy in the woods is filled with interesting carvings and tools, some of which are available to buy at the end of the day so that skills learned can be practised at home. Tom is not only a master of his craft but enormously knowledgeable about all things wood related and kept us fascinated as he told us some of the history of wooden cup making. The icing on the cake is that the course is held in the heart of the Caingorms, filled with rich, abundant nature- meeting a surprised but relaxed red squirrel was one of the high spots. I highly recommend Tom's courses to beginners and experienced woodworkers alike."

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thank you for your kind words Diana and also for bringing your amazing fan birds....the one from Yew....wow!!!"

Sue Beveridge reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"My friend and I had a fantastic day with Tom making a quaich. He went at our pace, showing us skills then allowing us to get on and practice. He fed us knowledge at just the right level to accomplish our task but also to leave us wanting more!! He has a very nice gentle manner and is an excellent teacher. The location was perfect too. Very happy with the experience."

Sheeny reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"A wonderful days outdoor woodworking in a gorgeous setting with a really great teacher. Tom talked us through all aspects of the highland cup making. There was a great balance between demonstrating the techniques and space to try them out. It was great to be away from everything in the woods for a day. And to come home with a beautiful functional cup at the end of it. I would highly recommend this course."

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thank you Sheena"

alison room reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"a most enjoyable informative course in a wonderful location a delightful day was had Tom is a very knowledgable chap and generous to share his skills in a relaxed atmosphere cheers Tom"

Wooden Tom responded:

"Hope you add wood carving to your hobbies"

Birdie reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"Tom’s gentle, peaceful and informative teaching ensures the whole day is both a memorable and rewarding experience........and, it all takes place in beautiful secluded surroundings. Thank you Tom, we really enjoyed our day with you!"

Mhairi & Iain reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"What an absolutely fantastic course! Spent the day learning a lot from Tom while making a traditional kuksa. From the very start Tom made us feel at home, as if we were working in our own back garden. He imparted his extensive knowledge and experience in a kind and relaxed manner, giving detailed instruction but balanced with enough room to work away at our own pace. A delicious homemade lunch and many welcome hot drinks were provided throughout the day. Thanks to Tom for a brilliant day!"

Louisa Reynolds reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"What a fantastic day learning to carve a traditional nordic wooden cup with Tom. Positioned in an beautiful woodland setting the whole experience is magical, from carving outside in the woods to sitting around a fire drinking tea and chatting in his shelter, learning all sorts of interesting facts and having a laugh. Tom was a brilliant teacher and created a friendly and relaxed environment for us to learn and hone our skills, breaking down all the stages of making a cup into managable sections but giving us the freedom to create and experiment. Tom has fantastic knowledge of his craft and by showing us good technique he made it very easy for us to perform the carving actions safely and effectively. I would definitely reccommend this to anyone."

Ali reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"Had a wonderful private course to make a traditional mug with my friend Lou. I learnt some amazing new skills and had an excellent day in the forest. Tom has a very relaxed and friendly approach to teaching, he encourages creativity and learning. His knowledge of wood and passion for what he does is exceptional! He is even happy to sit by the fire and have a bit of chit chat too! Thanks for a lovely day. I will definitely be back. :)"

Doug reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"What an amazing setting for a wood carving course. Tom is brilliant with plenty patience and full of advice and guidance. Would highly recommend his courses. Amazing day learning loads, left with new skills and new confidence in what I was doing."

David Paton reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"This was a fantastic course in an amazing setting. Tom was a great teacher and the course was very interesting and covered much more than I first thought. The timber selection and drying advice was really useful and will allow me to try more projects at home. Overall the whole day was excellent and fantastic value for money. Would highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to try green woodwork. Amazing setting and fantastic coffee. Many thanks."

Iason reviewed: Nordic wood craft

"My girlfriend and I had a private workshop to make our own cup. Tom was very helpful, knowledgable and overall a really nice person! He knows his skills and is very good at explaining them. We especially liked the fact that he explained and demonstrated but also left enough space for us to try things for ourselves. In the end, it really is about doing and learning this by yourself but without Tom's insights you wouldn't know where to start :) The location is also really nice and Tom provides hot beverages and a shelter for those cold and/or rainy days. Would definitely recommend!"

Wooden Tom responded:

"Thank you for your kind words. It was a pleasure getting to know you both also."