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Had a fantastic day (Sat 23 Apr 22) with David, he is the epitome of a patient, extremely experienced teacher of a practical skill. I arrived with zero blacksmithing experience and left with a rich knowledge of the basic principles, the items we had worked on and the confidence that I could re-create those items myself (given the tools and forge of course!). I can honestly say it was one of the best learning experiences I have had and it is testament to the environment he has created, his kind manner and pure skill as an accomplished mentor. Thank you to David and I will certainly be back for more!
John.
Response from David Stephenson Artist Blacksmith:
John,Fantastic experience
David was wonderful Teacher and very patient
Fantastic knowledge and will be booking in again
Thankyou
It was bought as a gift, and has to be one of the best presents ever.
David lead me through different techniques, encouraging all the time, allowing me to experiment and use some flair....so much so I know want my own forge!!!
Response from David Stephenson Artist Blacksmith:
Mike,I had such a fantastic day, and such an experience. David is incredibly knowledgable and his teaching is second to none - I walked away with some lovely pieces of work that I will be proud to have on display in my home! As an absolute beginner I was amazed at how David was able to help me start working with the anvil and forge within half an hour of walking through the the door. Can’t recommend enough.
Response from David Stephenson Artist Blacksmith:
Nick,Just spent a day with David learning blacksmithing skills. Absolutely brilliant day, thoroughly enjoyed it, covered so much and came home with several personally hand crafted items. David is a lovely guy, very knowledgeable. I will definitely be back can't rate it highly enough.
Kev Fox
Absolutely magnificent day. David is a wonderfully welcoming, patient, enthusiastic tutor who’s creativity and love of form and artistic design is so inspiring.
We would definitely recommend this course as we had a most wonderful day learning different techniques and getting plenty of hands on experience and actually coming away with an array of very decorative and useful items, all hand made by ourselves!
Would definitely go again.
David is an excellent craftsman, wonderful teacher, and welcoming host.
My partner and I had our first experience of working in a forge and learned so much, improved throughout the day, and have some really wonderful mementos to take home.
If you're considering this course I'd 100% recommend booking in - well worth every penny!
A really enjoyable experience. Bought for my husband as a gift and decided to go along too! We both had a fabulous time learning new skills and being stretched and challenged by David. David is a patient and encouraging teacher who is knowledgeable about his craft. We had lunch with David and his partner Sue, which added to the enjoyment of the day as they were so welcoming and interesting to talk to. You must visit Sue’s studio and admire her impressive art! You make some lovely pieces to take away which are both useable and aesthetically pleasing. I would recommended this day to anyone. Thank you David!
We bought our 15 year old son a day blacksmithing with David and it literally ignited a flame with him to begin working with metal. When he returned home he said he knew he would enjoy the day but didn't realise how much he'd enjoy it. David has totally inspired him and we are at the moment getting inundated with homemade keyrings, pokers and other creative objects all forged using the skills he learnt on the day.
David was calm, methodical and inspiring in his approach to teaching and we would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone. Thank you David, you've helped to make our son's mind up that working with metal is what he wants to do when leaving school this summer.
Just had an amazing day with David.
A very good teacher who explains and shows you everything you need to know. Very patient and to top it all off a few great things to take home! Cannot recommend him enough and looking forward to booking my next course.
My son (16) has just spent the most amazing day with David. David is a fantastic teacher, patient and extremely talented. He has worked with my son (who has aspergers) to produce the most amazing pieces. He has had the best day ever! We feel very lucky and privileged to have found him and can't recommend him enough. Thank you! The first day of many!...
Great course!
I learnt so much with David, who is very patient and informative. I also enjoyed a wonderful lunch in the afternoon (which was specially catered for me as it was gluten free). I've come away with some excellent makes to display in my home, such a super interesting craft and I would certainly recommend giving it a go.
Thanks again
Jennifer
This was an excellent course which had a programme of work that took you through some of the basic skills.
David is an excellent tutor, always calm, and leads you through the different processes whilst giving you the feeling that you are always in control of your own work.
I would highly recommend this course for anybody, although it may be a totally different experience it is something that you will enjoy, and remember, and have practical evidence to show.
I also had a great lunch. Many thanks David.
I enquired about this course as a present for my partner and was so happy with the response I got from David, no question I asked was too silly or too much trouble. Before I even met David I felt at ease and very comfortable liaising with him.
I booked a day as fast as I could and surprised my partner with it on the day. David allowed me to stay as a spectator and I was treated to a vast well of knowledge from David about the profession. He was very patient with my partner the whole way throughout the day and he provided an amazing tasty fresh lunch. 'I couldn't of asked for any more from a black smithing course', (my partners words), and my partner left feeling challenged, accomplished and as though he had learnt some valuable lessons.
I would highly recommend this course with David.
I had a really lovely time doing this course. David is such a pleasant person to be around and a very patient teacher. I would highly recommend this course to anyone contemplating it. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day. Don't hesitate, just book. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Just spent a fantastic day learning blacksmithing basics with David.
He is an excellent, experienced (and patient) tutor and teaches all techniques on practical pieces that can be taken home at the end of the day.
I have learnt a lot for my first ever try at this really interesting craft, including how to correct my mistakes!
I am happy to thoroughly recommend this course and David.