Alien Spoons reviews

7 Jul 22'

Ana reviewed: Dala horse carving

"I enjoyed the Dala horse course hosted by Alan. He explained very well the different kinds of carving techniques, the tools to use and the ways of the strokes. He and his partner were very kind at all time. Highly recommended."

28 Jun 22'

Kate reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"We have just attended Alan's carving for kids course, which was brilliant. He had the children captivated, I have never seen them so focused! Well worth doing and so nice to engage the kids in a craft that they can learn and enjoy throughout their lives. A wonderful antidote to screen time! Alan is very knowledgeable and was a patient and inspiring teacher. We look forward to learning more!"

11 Jun 22'

Ruth reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"A really enjoyable day transforming a log into a spoon! Alan is skilled, enthusiastic and patient. He is happy to pass on his knowledge of woodcraft and all the related tools should you wish to take this further. Equally enjoyable was the gorgeous vegan food made by his partner (including scones, cake and bread straight from the oven)! Thank you both :-)"

7 Jun 22'

Fiona Cameron reviewed: Dala horse carving

"Spent a wonderful Sunday wood Whittling Dala Horses with Alan. Fantastic, friendly, informative can't recommend this enough. And all that plus cake ?"

7 Jun 22'

Nevada and Harry reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Amazing day all round, food was fantastic, Alan was fun and knowledgable. As beginners to wood working we felt confident with Alan’s guidance using the tools etc. Was really good, couldnt recommend it enough."

22 May 22'

Martyna MacKral reviewed: Dala horse carving

"We would like to highly recommend this course for anyone at any age. My two sons and their dad really enjoyed their time there and made fantastic things. It was a little bit hard for the younger one (4years old) but the almost 7 years old had lots of fun and cannot wait to go again. Thank you so much and hopefully we can come again soon."

17 May 22'

Stu Newland reviewed: Dala horse carving

"My 7 year old son and I attended this course and thoroughly enjoyed it. We learnt about the tools, helpful safety tips, carving techniques and lots of practical tips / knowledge about woodcarving along the way. Alan was geat, and his partner a wonderful host - serving up fresh buns half way through. My son was really proud of the horse that he'd made - and hasn't stopped whittling since! It's been great to see him remembering and practicing some of the techniques that he picked up, and I feel better equipped to keep an eye on him and make sure he's being safe. We're hoping to return and do the spoon-carving course in the future."

11 Apr 22'

Ross reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My brother and I attended Alan's spoon carving course this weekend. We both found it an awesome day. Alan was very knowledgeable and re-enforced safe carving techniques. We had both dabbled in carving but very sporadically and were both very rusty. Alan provided all the equipment which included a variety of different knives/axes. As soon as we arrived, Alan and Sim made us very welcome with a nice pot of coffee and good chat. Sim prepared some amazing home baked goods for snacks and lunch. All in all a very enjoyable day which seemed to finish in a flash (which shows how much fun we were having). If you are interested in giving carving a go, I would not hesitate to recommended this day course as an introduction!"

4 Apr 22'

Michael reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was a fantastic course to learn woodcarving skills. Alan is incredibly knowledgeable of safe carving techniques and great at teaching them. Sim was also very welcoming and made sure we were well fed and caffeinated. I highly recommend this course and the spoon carving addiction that brews from it."

3 Apr 22'

Viviana reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Alan was a great teacher that adapts to the needs of his students. I am a complete beginner and Alan was really great at giving me confidence to try the techniques in a safe way. I Highly reccomend this day course."

13 Feb 22'

Nicky reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My brother and I had a really fun and educational day with Alan. We both managed to turn a block of wood into a serviceable spoon in just 7 hours! ? Alan is a good teacher with lots of enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience, with a vigilant eye for safety and unceasing encouragement. Additionally his partner provided delicious food which was a much appreciated bonus! Would definitely recommend this course to others, thank you Alan and Sim!"

23 Jan 22'

Sue and Edmund reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Honestly couldn’t fault Alan and his partner in either hospitality or the delivery of the course itself. Booked for my 11 year old son who Loves whittling, and went along myself. Alan was both knowledgeable and patient. We both left with serviceable spoons (albeit not to the level of Alans!), but more importantly an addiction to do more! Totally inspired - thank you so much!"

20 Oct 21'

Heather reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Fantastic spoon carving day! This was my first go at spoon carving so was unsure what to expect and a little apprehensive at the thought of wielding an axe, but it really couldn't have been better. Alan is a brilliant teacher, so knowledgable, patient and welcoming. The whole day flew by, with the help of wonderful food and company. Thanks, Alan!"

23 Sep 21'

Catherine reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My second spoon carving day with Alan. Thoroughly enjoyed it and a smaller group meant more time to focus on technique. It was great to go over things like using the axe and amazing to start the day with a piece of tree branch and end it with a spoon even if not quite perfect. Spoon carving is quite addictive and I can’t think of a nicer way to spend a day than working with the wood in the garden being fed delicious food by Alan’s lovely partner. Totally recommend this."

17 Aug 21'

Roma Söderberg reviewed: Dala horse carving

"Lovely afternoon. Welcome CuppaTea. Super scones. Great teaching. Learnt safety! Carving techniques. Kept a watchful eye so no fingers lost ? Once techniques are learnt and practiced then no fear of this though! Alan is a patient teacher, obviously loves his craft. Very generous. Provides everything. Perhaps don’t wear black like I did! ? Give it a try and go home with a wee four legged friend."

4 Jul 21'

Alan reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I spent a very pleasant day recently on a 1-2-1 spoon carving course. In addition to the carving itself we covered related topics such as selecting and sourcing wood, design, tool maintenance and safety (no blood was spilled). The course format importantly allows the student to follow Alan's steps closely and get instant feedback. At the end of the course, by way of inspiration and the benefits of continued practice, he produced a beautiful spoon he'd carved discretely while I was focused on my own whittling."

1 Jul 21'

Steve Harvey reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"This was exactly what I hoped for. Alan is a really laid back teacher who knows his stuff, explained things really clearly and worked at my pace. The time flew as I got increasingly absorbed in carving my spoon in the peaceful surroundings of the back garden. Lovely homemade soup and cake helped make for a very enjoyable day. Highly recommend."

9 May 21'

Shirley reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"We had a really interesting day learning techniques to use different types of axes and knives - it was a little intimidating at first, but we went over the safety aspects and got lots of tips. Ended up with items which actually resembled spoons, which was very satisfying. We also got information sent after the workshop going over some of the things we'd learned, which was useful. Excellent scones and banana cake! Good day and Alan was very helpful and patient."

1 Apr 21'

Adriana Main reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I had a great time learning about spoon carving. Alan was a great teacher and very patient, explaining about some of the carving techniques and safety in using the tools, including an axe! Also the importance of stretching frequently to avoid painful joints. By the end of the day I had managed to create a wooden spoon, albeit a bit on the chunky side but I was very happy with what I managed to produce. In addition, the hospitality provided was excellent, I felt really well looked after by Sim, providing home made delights. Since the course Alan has provided a post workshop information sheet about tools, etc. I would recommend to give this a try!"

23 Oct 20'

James Lornie reviewed: Dala horse carving

"Very enjoyable and informative course! Alan taught me, as a complete beginner, how to safely carve as well as several knife cuts. Before going on to carving a dala horse and teaching me about chip carving with expert guidance, all in a three hour time window. I would highly recommend Alan to all abilities of carvers."

16 Oct 20'

Julie Thouy reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Amazing course, it was great to have explanations about the differents carving techniques, but also about the tools, suppliers and so on... Thanks Allan for a great day !"

10 Oct 20'

Wendy Zub reviewed: Dala horse carving

"I attended the Dala horse carving course with my 13 year old daughter at the end of September. We both really enjoyed this 3 hour course, and feel it was a great introduction to wood carving. Alan explained all the safety issues for us to be aware of, went over various different carving methods then we proceeded to practice carving the horses. It was refreshing, fun but also very relaxed. His partner made lovely scones and tea for our break. Would definitely recommend this and hope to try the spoon carving too in the future! Thank you! Wendy Zub"

2 Oct 20'

Oriane reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"Fantastic workshop with Alan who is an attentive teacher, giving clear and precise explanations for every step and a lot of helpful tips to sustain a good wood carving technique. In the friendly and focused atmosphere, the day pass by too quickly. Warning: very high risk of catching the spoon carving bug!"

20 Sep 20'

Colette Peacock reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"My daughter and I joined Alan for a day of spoon carving yesterday. We spent a full day that went by in a flash, both our first experiences with wood carving. From splitting the log to our finished spoon, Alan was the perfect teacher for taking us through the whole process. Alan is very knowledgeable and attentive and provided a relaxed environment for learning. Alan and Sim were so welcoming, Sim making sure we didn't go home with an empty stomach with her gorgeous and plentiful cooking and baking! I would highly recommend for everyone to spend a day here. Thanks again, we have learned so much!"

13 Jul 20'

Tom Hunter reviewed: Alien spoon carving

"I spent a lovely day with Alan and a couple of friends learning to spoon carve. The day had a great flow to it with lots of hands on learning and regular breaks where freshly made scones, soup and cake were served up :-) I came away with much more than I had anticipated, having learned about wood, tools, tool care & sharpening, safety, different cuts, finishing and after care. I'd thoroughly recommend!"