Creative Nature HQ reviews

14 Jun 19'

Tommy reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Had an absolutely lovely evening with Stephen learning the basics of green woodworking to make my first spoon which I then presented to my niece for her birthday. Everything about the workshop is wonderful but I particularly liked the relaxed and almost meditative atmosphere that Stephen facilitates. Someone mentioned that after your first spoon carving class you won't be able to walk through the woodlands the same ever again, all around you'll be looking at branches and fallen trees seeing their potential inner spoons. I've certainly got the bug, thanks for introducing me to a life skill."

2 Jun 19'

Mike Hammond reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"A really great course for anyone wanting to try a new skill. Stephen is a great teacher - knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and funny. A really great couple of hours to spend a morning - and not a half bad spoon to take home at the end! Very much recommended."

1 Jun 19'

Ellie Odell reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Such an amazing day with Stephen! It was such a relaxing day and so informative too! Has made me want to do more carving and now I’m a bit jealous of those who purchased a knife! Thanks Stephen! Hope to see you again xxx"

1 Jun 19'

Louise Anthony reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"This was the first time I have ever tried any kind of woodcraft, and I absolutely loved this course. It was a great way to learn various skills that can be transferred to more complicated items later on. I loved the atmosphere in the studio, and felt very comfortable to ask for assistance when needed. The instructions were always very clear, and it was very rewarding to see the progression to the finished piece. I will definitely be booking more courses here in the future!"

24 May 19'

Murray Allan reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"I had a great day with Stephen and his workshop. We were taught about different woods for carving, Stephen explained about the different tools including mallets, and about sharpening. You just don't need an expensive and dangerous wheel for this. Its all much simpler than i thought. My one regret is I don't live closer! Thanks Stephen, all the very best to you Murray"

25 Apr 19'

Amanda Steenkamp reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Steven is a likeable, engaging tutor and the session was most enjoyable, thank you. The method of carving a spoon and the explanation of how to use the tools was spot on. I definitely recommend the class if you’re looking for something different and relaxing."

23 Apr 19'

John Charnley reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"What a great introduction to wood carving. Excellent attention to detail. Not only did we complete part of a project. We were shown many techniques and given the opportunity to try anything we wanted. Nothing was too much trouble for Stephen. He is a great teacher that makes you feel that nothing is impossible. If you want to see what wood carving is about give it a go. I will certainly be back. Thanks for a great hands on day."

25 Mar 19'

David Goodman reviewed: Sculptural green wood working

"What a great day out! Stephen was a great trainer and facilitator. We started with an outline of the group and how it helps people, a safety briefing and course objectives. Stephen then took us through tools and techniques, demonstrated what he wanted us to achieve and some top tips. We were then left to try out what we learnt. As the day progressed we tried other tools, techniques and projects. Stephen kept and eye and ear on what we were doing and was able to help us correct course in a positive manner. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and positive. Plenty of breaks for tea, biscuits and chat. Overall we came away with feeling happily tired out with new skills and the feeling that we had contributed to a community project. Highly recommended. Thank you!"

18 Mar 19'

Tim reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"I was booked onto this course as a surprise by a relative and had no prior knowledge of wood carving but was hooked as soon as I got started. Stephen's a great teacher and his enthusiasm really rubbed of on the whole class. I'd recommend booking a long session so you've got time to get into the process properly. It's a great way to spend a few hours regardless of whether it's a one-off experience or you're going to make a habit of it. Give it a go!"

11 Mar 19'

Barry Pettitt reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"My daughters bought me this as a Xmas present - as I am least creative person and I think they thought I'd make a fool of myself!! I did worry that I might be useless (wasn't good at woodwork 40 years ago!) but Stephen shows how to do it all and I was delighted with my end result - it looked like a spoon!! It was a great way to spend a few hours and it was a great gift even for someone not good at "handicrafts""

20 Feb 19'

Lauren W reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"What a wonderful way to spend a Friday evening!! I bought this course for myself and my partner for Valentine's Day as I thought it would be nice to do something creative together and it was absolutely fantastic. I feel like I learnt a lot, tried out lots of different techniques all with gentle encouragement and support from Stephen. I have always thought of myself as not practical and Stephen and this course helped me see it is much more of the case that I just haven't given myself a chance to try thing like this. I cannot recommend this course enough it was so much fun!"

18 Feb 19'

Nic reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"A really enjoyable experience. Thank you for the confidence boost!"

14 Feb 19'

Michi Mathias reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"When someone really knows their craft, and has an obvious love for it, and a kind and gentle way with people... what more could one ask for? Twelve students is a small enough group that Stephen could show us tricky bits individually as needed. We started with small logs, and all created recognisably spoon-shaped objects in the 2.5 hours, learning the techniques with each of the various tools. I'm definitely doing more of this!"

12 Feb 19'

Sue Shimmen reviewed: Sculptural willow weaving

"I attended the willow weaving workshop on Saturday afternoon. It was amazing really hands on with informative direction from the amazingly talented Stephen, resulting in me taking home a personal piece of willow sculpture. The workshop is inspiring, relaxing and a great place to let your imagination run wild. I'll definitely be booking a full day very soon."

11 Feb 19'

Cecilia reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"The calmest and most focussed morning I’ve spent in a long time. Hugely satisfying to split the branches, wield an axe and create a fully working spoon in just a few hours. Many thanks to Stephen for his patience and making the wood appear as soft as butter."

11 Feb 19'

Cecilia reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Amazing workshop, hugely recommend! Such a lovely morning spent being introduced to carving in such a warm and creative environment. Stephen is so calm and kind, and really explains everything very well. He makes you feel involved in the whole process - from choosing the wood, to sawing it into bits, and then going on to carve our own spoons. For a two and a half hour course, it's amazing how Stephen was able to show us everything, and how we were able to work through the process from start to finish. Great quality tools and Stephen offers really helpful tips and advice throughout - his passion really shines through and is contagious. Really great!! Thanks so much!"

6 Feb 19'

Ryan Loader reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Stephen was a really nice guy and is very knowledgable. The class had quite a meditative spin and made for a pleasant morning! My spoon didn't end up being anything special, I didn't even get to hollowing out the bowl, but I really enjoyed myself and it was great to learn some new skills. The work does get quite tiring, but if you aren't very strong Stephen had other strategies for carving that were a little easier on the arms. Can't recommend this enough if you're looking to try something a little bit different."

6 Feb 19'

Lynn Gonen reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Spent a very enjoyable morning learning how to make a wooden spoon. It was very relaxing and a lot of fun. Stephen is very passionate and inspiring about his craft, as well as very welcoming with a cup of tea and shortbread biscuits."

15 Jan 19'

Tracey reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Fantastic afternoon spent carving a wooden spoon - just to work with raw materials and your hands deepens your appreciation for what’s involved in making one spoon and how we take it for granted. Thanks to Stephen for allowing us all to express and encourage our individual styles in a relaxed, fun and addictive way!!! I can’t recommend it enough - I will definitely return!"

14 Jan 19'

Hannah reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Such a fabulous unique experience for anyone looking to get creative! Both my mum and I had a really enjoyable afternoon - we’re both thrilled with our spoons! Stephen is fantastic and has an infectious can-do attitude. His selection of tea is a lovely touch too! I would absolutely recommend!!"

8 Jan 19'

Bernard reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Really enjoyed the spoon carving course. A relaxed and informative afternoon. Stephen is a great teacher: knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Look forward to the next one!"

25 Dec 18'

Felix Watkins reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"I really enjoyed the spoon carving workshop. It was good learning new skills and Stephen is very welcoming and supportive. You probably need longer than one session to get a finished product but the class is recommended and an excellent introduction to the world of woodcarving."

20 Dec 18'

Yohan Decis reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Really good intruduction to get into spoon carving. With a really relax atmosphere."

23 Nov 18'

Aled Tackney reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"I can't praise this course enough! Stephen is very knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and the course is very well run. We did a Saturday morning spoon making course which was great fun and a nice relaxing way to spend a weekend morning. The wood shop had everything that we could need and a welcoming atmosphere. By the end of the two hours everyone was enjoying themselves so much no one wanted to stop. So I'd say you definitely need more time to finish the spoon. However, you can always go back to the wood shop for a very reasonable rate if you wanted to finish it off. I'd definitely do it again. If your'e interested in this kind of thing and even a complete novice (like me) book it now, you won't regret it."

20 Nov 18'

Robert Kingsbury-Barker reviewed: Spoon carving for beginners - morning

"Amazing workshop, genuinely one of the most enjoyable things I've done in years! We did a 90-minute introduction to spoon-carving last weekend, and it's fair to say none of us wanted to stop at the end of the session. To take a piece of wood and, under expert tuition, turn it into a spoon, was a deeply satisfying experience. Stephen is an excellent tutor, never saying "You must do this" but gently guiding you towards an understanding of both tools and materials - he's also great company, with a constant supply of stories and advice. Suffice it to say we're all very interested in booking further courses with Stephen. Highly recommended!"