Reviews
See all of my 5 star reviews here
Stephen Richardson
25th October 2025
“I spent a wonderful day with Ian, learning about some of the history of woodworking crafts and being shown some of the old-style tools used. I then practiced skills that would be used later in the day by making an ash mallet, before moving on to the main theme of making a beautiful greenwood stool from elm and ash. My woodworking skills are very limited, but despite this I was able to produce a piece of furniture that I am proud of with Ian’s expert guidance. Thoroughly recommended.”
Jason
23rd October 2025
“Had a great day making a stool with Ian, learning how to use the various tools. Was very good at explaining their use and demonstrating. Great solid piece of furniture that will last a long time!”
John Hutchinson
25th September 2025
“The green woodworking course was a birthday present from my wife. I do have some DIY skills but haven’t made anything “creative” with wood for a very long time. The plan for the day was to make three legged stool using old unmechanised skills, and that’s exactly what we did. Ian is a brilliant and supportive teacher who enabled me to create a hand carved mallet (which works!), then a beautiful stool which I’m very proud of. I’d very much recommend the day to anyone who wants to learn some practical woodworking skills in a very “chilled” way.”
Guy Teasdale
25th September 2025
“Absolutely brilliant course. Ian was very positive and motivating. He helped when needed but also let me work at my own pace. Came away with a mallet and a beautiful elm and ash stool. I will definitely book another course with him.”
Gaz Birtles
16th July 2025
“I am a musician, not a carpenter, with very basic home DIY skills. But I had a fantastic day learning new skills with some beautiful old tools to make a very useable, rustic 3 legged stool. Ian was a great instructor and the whole day was very chilled and a lot of fun as well as being very therapeutic. Whittling down Ash branches into stool legs. Brilliant. I would highly recommend this and any of his woodworking courses. ”
Mr Philip L Braund
9th February 2025
“What an excellent day – despite the bitterly cold weather. Tutor Ian was well prepared and had everything ready to go. We started by making our own mallet before moving on to making, from elm and ash, our own bespoke three-legged wood stool. It was an engaging job that needed our full attention. Ian was always on hand to help with any “difficult” bits. The day was broken up by some lovely stories from Ian about working with forest woods. The day was physical. And, at the end we came home with a lovely handmade stool which would cost a pretty penny at a craft fair. All-in-all – a great day. But wrap up warm.”