A W Artist Blacksmiths reviews

21 Nov 21'

lucy thomson reviewed: Blacksmithing day courses: making garden flowers

"Really interesting, if hard work! Loads of help and instruction readily available. I came home with two lovely flowers on garden stakes and was extremely satisfied with the day. A very good 2-course home-cooked lunch was provided, thank you, Debbie! Not rushed to finish in good time either."

20 Nov 21'

Chris Lovell reviewed: Blacksmithing day courses: making garden flowers

"Deb and I came away to celebrate our milestone birthdays. We had a very exciting day making flowers. Ade and Andy were so helpful and patient with us ensuring that we came away with two wonderful flowers each. The lunch and refreshments were also lovely especially the homemade cake (thank you, Deb)"

2 Nov 21'

Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Came away after the two day design and build session with a creation for the garden thst exceeded my expectations - thanks to Adrian"

25 Oct 21'

Graham Ford reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I had been looking forward to this since booking in 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Adrian is a very welcoming spirit and easy to talk to considering you are meeting for the first time. He is a great demonstrator and keeps you on track offering help when needed. There is no blinding you with unnecessary knowledge. My dragonhead coat hook looks more like a baldy dog, but I quite like those. My key ring and the coat hooks themselves are great. I would do that same course again for a bit more practice. I am certainly interested in one of the "Design & Make" weekend courses, so will have to save a little. Debbie's welcoming, warm character and hearty food were lovely, as was Debbie. Welcome tea and homemade goodies to a stonking veggie lunch with crumble and custard to boot, and more tea... Tea. Heat metal. Beat metal, Heat metal. Beat metal. Eat. Heat metal. Beat metal. Heat metal. Beat metal. Tea. What is not to like. Could they do anything better? For me, I'd like the day to go on a wee bit longer. One more hour. Other than that, nothing else. As an experience, it was affordable, hugely enjoyable, you come away with physical permanent keepsakes that you have made and a great set of memories. All the best & hope to see you again Graham"

24 Oct 21'

Jo Roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a brilliant day. We were made to feel welcome from the moment we walked in. Adrian was a fabulous instructor ‐ he makes it look so easy yet always on hand for some encouragement. Debbie did a great job feeding us with homemade goodies, needed an extra hour for a nap after lunch! My Dad loved it ‐ Thank you"

24 Oct 21'

Dominic and Ruth reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Really interesting day. Good atmosphere. Challenging but well instructed and lots of support as you went along. Really interesting day and the food / drink was exceptional; would recommend to anyone"

21 Oct 21'

Andrew Bailey reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"My wife and I took the drawings of a table underframe for Adrian to cast his eye over some time before our covid delayed design and make weekend. Adrian gave the green light as a "do-able" project, excitment and anticipation rose. Our group assembled 9am prompt with a welcome tea/coffee cake/flapjack - and so our adventure began. With metal in hand, a little prompting, some demonstration and encouragement we began to forge and bend component parts - by lunchtime of the second day (excellent lunches with pudding!! Thank you Debbie) I had 4 legs pretty much matching and stretcher rails waiting for assembly. 16mm diam. rod was used to rivet the parts together this was a 3 man job one heating the rivet one balancing the frame on the anvil and one whielding a large hammer, result enormous smiles all round. I have some wire brushing/descaling to do and a finish to apply here at home, what a super satisfying weekend thank you Debbie, Adrian and Andy."

20 Oct 21'

peter bloom reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Adrian has an incredible amount of patience, and makes sure that everyone has a fantastic day. Worth every penny."

13 Sep 21'

Dave Bygrave reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Brilliant day out learning some basic blacksmith skills. Tea and homemade flapjack to get us in the mood then Adrian got us straight onto our first piece, showing us what to do (he makes it look so easy!) then letting us loose. You work two to a furnace and everyone gets their own anvil and tools, so there is no hanging around waiting for your turn. Adrian and Andy were really helpful and wandered amongst us making sure we knew what we were doing. Lunch was amazing - Debbie looked after us really well. By the end of the day I'd finished my keyring and coat rack and was knackered but really pleased with what I'd made. There was still time for more tea and home-made cakes. Its a great day out - just do it!"

12 Sep 21'

Pete and Lorna Scurfield reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"The course was a surprise birthday gift for my wife and I booked another place to go along with her. We both had a great day and thoroughly enjoyed it. Debbie welcomed us with a hot brew and some homemade flapjack before Adrian gave us a brief introduction and before we knew it, we were hammering away at red hot steel over the anvil. The practical demonstrations were given in small easy to follow steps then we all went away and copied what we had just been shown. I was surprised how much we learned in such a short time and very pleased with what we managed to produce in one day (a key ring and a three-hook dragon coat rack). Adrian and Andy gave us all the help and support we needed throughout the day and their warm and friendly banter made us feel at ease from the start. Debbie provided a splendid lunch and home-made cakes to go with tea and coffee at the end of the day. Everyone there said they had enjoyed it when we were sat having a cuppa before leaving for home. We would definitely recommend giving it a go, you will not be disappointed."

11 Sep 21'

Jackie Chapman reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Huge thanks to Debbie, Adrian and Andy We had a fantastic day making flowers, with very clear instructions and help when needed. Enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and great flapjacks and coffee on arrival. Would strongly recommend this course to anyone."

8 Sep 21'

Ben Wright reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"I got this course as a birthday present back in February and it was definitely worth the wait. Delicious flapjacks are provided at breakfast then we went on to make a key ring. With lots of help and guidance from the guys leading the course. After a wonderful large lunch of local produce (included) we went on to make a coat rack for the wall. We both had a great time and enjoyed it so much that we are looking at their other courses. Staff are friendly and know their stuff. The tuition is clear and broken down in to steps so it's easy to follow. Would recommend for anyone to give this a go."

8 Sep 21'

Steve Lucas reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Long awaited Covid delayed birthday present. A great day. Greeted on arrival with a cup of tea followed by a short health and safety overview. Then straight in to making a snail key ring. Great step by step instruction before being released with fire and hammer. Ongoing support and guidance throughout. Then on to the Dragon coat rack with stage by stage instruction and guidance. All this interspersed with fabulous food, we did discuss whether we had time for a brief snooze after lunch but the dragons were calling. This was an excellent hands on day with expert guidance. The guys were there when you needed them but let you work at your own pace in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Would thoroughly recommend."

6 Sep 21'

Carole Marsh reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"What a fabulous day! We had plenty of space to work and the pace of the day and support from the teachers was just right so that you were kept busy and moved on when ready. The food was delicious and plentiful. I'm really proud of my dragon coat hooks and keyring and would love to go again. Would definitely recommend."

6 Sep 21'

Jane Godfrey reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Friendly and well taught. Given space to work at own pace and help available promptly when required. Calm atmosphere created by team. Learnt loads and want to learn more!"

6 Sep 21'

Lorraine Clarkson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fabulous day! Clear instructions and friendly, helpful teachers. We came away with items to be proud of and show off! We were completely spoiled with delicious food . . . including cake. Highly recommended."

6 Sep 21'

Eithne Spain reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Bought this as a birthday present for my partner - he loved it! The day was very well run, the food delicious and plentiful. He said it was hard physically but he's come home with 2 items he's really happy with ans he got to explore his manly and artistic sides in one go. Thoroughly recommend."

1 Sep 21'

Bob Missin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"It was its usual excellent day (I have been 3 times) with great food, great tuition, a warm, friendly atmosphere and at the end you go home with something worth looking at in the garden, at home or as present. I would recommend it to anyone, you don't have to be big and strong to do it, just watch your head on the forge."

30 Aug 21'

Mike Braham reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Hi, what can I say about the day, there was some serious hammering done, the whole day was excellent from start to finish with a cup of tea/coffee on arrival, lunch was very good and the cup etc before leaving for home. Everyone was made welcome and after a safety talk we got down to some serious hammering. This is my second time blacksmiths and will be back again Regards Mike"

30 Aug 21'

Jean Findley reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantastic day out creatice and a good workout great comaraderie good to come on your own or with a friend sorry boys but the food was really good thanks Debbie roll on the next course"

30 Aug 21'

Colin McConnell reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Great fun learning day with good interaction and a whole new experience of working that takes you right back to "school days" and the joy of making simply things while meeting new people. Lunch was great and the whole day was a new experience that I shall remember for a long time."

30 Aug 21'

Jean Findley reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Fantstic day artistic with a good workout great comraderie sorry boys but the food was just fantstic thanks Debbie looking forward to next course"

30 Aug 21'

Kev Woodcock reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Having not done anything like this since school, some 40yrs ago I was a little nervous but eager to get going. Straight away the guys made everyone feel welcome and soon put you at ease. H&S briefing done then straight into it. Within minutes everyone was busy heating, hammering and shaping. Subtle hints and tips given so not to knock anyone’s confidence, with all explanations pitched at the perfect level. The lunch provided was excellent and to choices of breads and cheese was a pleasant surprise. Over all a fantastic day, would I do it again…. Oh yes."

29 Aug 21'

Laura reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Absolutely amazing day out! My friend and I decided to come on this course as it’s something completely different to what we normally do and it was well worth every penny! We were treated to tea and homemade cake on arrival with a chat about health and safety, and then it was straight into hitting hot metal! Every stage was explained in little chunks so you didn’t get lost or confused and both Adrian and Andy were happy to help out. Debbie’s food can’t be forgotten either! Absolutely gorgeous! And enough to bolster you for the rest of the afternoon! (And she made sure to cater for food allergies in the group) All in all it was a brilliant day out and I’ve come home with muscles I didn’t even know existed and two pieces I’ve made by hand!"

27 Aug 21'

Matthew reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners day courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Had a great day learning some blacksmithing skills with Adrian. I really enjoyed physically creating something (bit different from the day job) and being introduced to a new medium (hot metal). I was worried about whether I would be able to hammer hard enough but this didn’t turn out to be a problem - it’s more about accuracy with the hammer and careful heating of the piece being worked on. The food was excellent too!"