Anvilsring Ironwork reviews

17 Apr 18'

Ron Humphrey reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Passing through the Smithy door, leave the world behind you. Concentrate on Colin’s words, demonstrations and guidance as he takes you from the first strike of the hammer and way beyond until the day is done and your work complete You’ll be amazed and inspired by the process, by what you’ve achieved and how the hours have flown Colin’s teaching style can’t be adequately described, he’s just a Wizard with fire & iron A totally uplifting experience; thank you Colin"

11 Feb 18'

Nicki and Ant reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"We both spent a wonderful,productive day yesterday with Colin, on his 1 day Blacksmith course! It was a great taster to this creative skill and Colin was a very patient teacher - as I am not used to working with tools- and taught and helped me make a fire poker, pendant and key ring. Ant who was much more of 'a natural' made a fantastic toasting fork with Colin's guidance and has made Ant definitely want to make his own furnace to develop his skills. Thank you Colin for a day to remember and souvenirs that are not only useful but will last forever!"

11 Nov 17'

Richard reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Just spent a fantastic day with Colin. learned loads of new skills from a really good teacher and craftsman and with the added bonus of taking home some items that I am really proud to have made."

2 Oct 17'

Bob Barber reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Spent a most enjoyable day with Colin at his well equipped forge. I always had a fascination with this ancient art, from watching as a child over the half gate of the village Smithy. I never thought I'd get to have a go until my wife bought me a course with Colin. A real good day working as a dumb beginner next to a master of his craft (though Colin never made me feel that way). At the end of the day I came away with a solid ring top poker, a leaf themed hanging hook and a weed hook to clean between the paving, and most importantly a great sense of achievement! Many thanks Colin ......... I would recommend to anyone. Best Bob"

29 Sep 17'

Nicky and Gareth reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Great day, Colin is an excellent teacher and explains things well. We came away with a couple of items each which will go on show in our home!"

19 Sep 17'

Ken reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Just had a great day with Colin at anvilsring forge. I was a complete beginner with no metal working skills but came away with two beautiful and functional pieces. Colin is a great teacher, patient and encouraging. I would wholeheartedly recommend a day at anvilsring.."

6 Sep 17'

Josh Campbell reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely amazing day, I learnt so many techniques and have a newfound respect for the trade, Colin's a damn nice bloke and a very good teacher."

19 Aug 17'

Ken Taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Spent the day with Bob learning the art of moving and shaping hot metal. It takes a lot more skill and thought than I ever would have guessed - a million miles from simply getting it hot and hitting it hard! Bob is a great instructor and the one-to-one tuition was fantastic. Get the Heat right, Hold it right, and Hit it right. This was a birthday gift from my incredible wife and what a brilliant gift it was. Thank you Bob (and thank you Tracy)."

18 Aug 17'

Matt Berry reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I went a couple of weeks ago and had a very enjoyable and informative day, the skills I picked up were immediately transferable to my maker business. Colin is a patient and attentive instructor, I finished the day feeling like I'd just hung out with a friend yet my head was reeling with new information and I was flushed with the success of my achievements. Very good course for those not afraid to get stuck in."

3 Aug 17'

perry books reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"AWESOME!! I came back to UK to see family and found Anvilsring Ironwork on the internet not far from where I was staying. Colin was really great, sorted out a date at short notice. As a Technology teacher in New Zealand I had techniques I wanted to learn to take back to school to pass on to students. Learnt so much, really awesome course, great value. Thanks Colin"

11 Jun 17'

Flavian reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Second Round - Great again! Visited Colin for another 2-day class of basic blacksmithing a few weeks ago - This time for a specific toolmaking class. I went home finally with a big bundle of new tools based and made on my personal wishes in cooperative work with Colin. Of course including a lot of really helpful advises and tricks for realising my further tool ideas. Thanks Colin!"

30 May 17'

Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely fantastic day, me (matt) and my mate (matt) thought it was great. Colin is a proper down to earth bloke who tells it like it is and is a real laugh. His tea is so strong it'll knock your socks off and we got so much done in the day it was massive value for money! We will be returning!"

25 Apr 17'

Victoria and Richard reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"What a brilliant day! Neither of us had any prior experience but Colin is a great instructor. He guided us through each new technique, letting us try everything for ourselves and offering support when needed. We learnt a lot and achieved a lot in a day, bringing home different items we’re proud of. The day was fun and thoroughly enjoyable. We’d highly recommend to anyone wanting to try something new. Thank you Colin."

18 Apr 17'

John Evans reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I had the introductory course booked by my wife as a surprise. It was excellent and both myself and a friend thoroughly enjoyed the day. As two complete novices, we weren't sure what to expect, but after being given some instruction we both eagerly started making pokers for our respective woodburners. We used several techniques, and were both quite pleased with the result. In the afternoon I managed to craft a toasting fork, which was more delicate work, but just as satisfying. My friend managed a bottle opener. Colin demonstrated all techniques and make it look easy, but clearly this comes with years of experience. Both of us really enjoyed the day, and would recommend it to anyone."

17 Apr 17'

William Harrod reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I went on this course not knowing what to expect. Will I just make nail. I had a great time and made a lot more than a nail. Colin was a very patient and attentive instructor and guided me through various lessons with ease. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to experience the right stuff. Satisfied student. Bill Will be going again for more."

20 Mar 17'

Paul Chadwick reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Absolutely amazing. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr Bob picard, who was a very good instructor. Complete patience with me, even when I was struggling. I was made to feel comfortable in every aspect of what we did. Also I would like to add, Bob made me look for my own mistakes, this i believe makes everyone get a better grip on what it is they are doing. I would do it all again, and from this experience will one day open my own forge. Paul chadwk"

19 Feb 17'

Allan & Nat reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A fantastic way to spend a Saurday. My wife booked the day as a Christmas present for me and my son and between the two of us we didn't have an ounce of experience. The guidance and hands on help was perfect for building our confidence and we finished the day with 3 pieces of work each that we are both really pleased with. I'd have no hesitation recommending the day to anyone or going back for another day."

16 Feb 17'

Chris reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A really great day. I'd never done any sort of metal work and I ended up with three items I'm really proud of. Just the right balance of guidance and hands on help so that I felt like it was my work, but the end results was a much higher quality than I could possibly have managed by myself."

11 Dec 16'

George Mew reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had a fantastic day on this one day course which was my birthday gift from my lovely wife .Colin made me feel really at ease and taught me lots of techniques and I was able to forge and bring away three items under his expert supervision.I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would really recommend this course to anyone interested in blacksmithing .Thank you very much for a great day. Regards George Mew"

4 Dec 16'

Dave Fowler reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A great birthday gift from the family and a really enjoyable day spent with my brother. Colin's forge was fired early in the morning and wasn't put out till late afternoon, as he had us busy shaping and forging a variety of ironwork. The relaxed atmosphere contributed to much learning and Colin was very supportive and encouraging. Came away feeling very pleased with ourselves and new found skills. Can certainly recommend the course."

2 Dec 16'

Pete Johnson reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"We both did not know what to expect as my son booked this day course for my brother and myself as a present, (he had already attended it previously with his girl friend) We both had a very interesting day learning just what you can do with metal if you heat it up enough. Colin was a good instructor showing you how to do something but then letting you get on with it yourself under his supervision. He started by asking us what kind of thing we wanted to do, we opted for a fun day to make a few bits and learn quite a lot but with no pressure. For a really interesting day out you would be hard pressed to beat this. Highly recommended."

6 Nov 16'

Flavian reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"As a student with blacksmithing experience, Colin had shown me in a two days course a huge amount of different forging techniques . Combined with a lot of self-made exercises a great possibility to learn and progress. I really enjoyed the two days with Colin as a fabulous teacher. A great craftsman with passion and a good humour. Thanks Colin!"

23 Sep 16'

Stuart Dearnaley reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"Had a day with Colin bought for me as a birthday present by my lovely lady, and I'm extremely grateful! I had a great day working on a variety of skills, learning more about the intriguing properties of hot steel, while getting a workout at the same time.. Colin has an excellent way of teaching, giving just enough of a task to complete at each stage, then stepping back to let you attempt it, and only stepping in to give guidance if needed.. It takes away any pressure, and makes you feel like you're developing the skills, rather than having your hand held.. I've had an interest in blacksmithing for a long time, yet this was the first time having a go.. It certainly won't be my last, and I'm sure I'll be seeing Colin again soon for more.. He's a very knowledgeable and friendly man, with good humour, exactly what you want on a day like this.. I highly recommend having a go, and if you're thinking of buying someone this as a gift, then do it! It will be very well received I'm sure.. :)"

18 Aug 16'

Bobby Gard-Storry reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"I can thoroughly recommend an introductory blacksmithing course day with Colin. He's a relaxed but attentive tutor, with a wealth of knowledge about the various aspects and techniques involved in metalwork, and it was a pleasure to be guided by him through the basics of the craft. We wasted no time in getting started, and as soon as I had caught the gist of anything he would trust me to do it alone, offering guidance and assistance as required. I was absolutely delighted with the end products of the day; a beautiful poker, two hooks and a bottle opener, which I will use with great satisfaction knowing I made them myself. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a one-on-one session with Colin to anybody interested in giving blacksmithing a try!"

15 Aug 16'

Janet Richardson reviewed: Blacksmithing one-to-one North West UK

"A very good day. Colin is very helpful, accomodating anything within reason and assists when things get tough. Definitely recommended."