DEMOD Design Workshop reviews

15 Dec 25'

Scott W reviewed: Chopping & Serving Boards Workshop

"I absolutely loved this course! In just one day, I learned so much while creating a beautiful chopping board that I’m genuinely proud to use and display. The selection of hardwoods was stunning, and Vas’s guidance on grain matching and design really made each piece feel unique. Vas explained everything clearly, making even complex tools like the table saw and router feel approachable and safe for a beginner. I travelled from Newcastle with my brother-in-law and it was really worth our time. Having recently completed several DIY projects at home - including a garden pergola, wall panelling, a media unit, and garage shelving, as well as helping friends and family with similar builds - I truly valued the balance of hands-on practice and expert guidance from Vas. The course helped me develop my woodworking journey further and gain the confidence to create more refined, high-quality pieces. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker. It was also a pleasure to be part of the local creative community where the studio is based, with the opportunity to connect with other business owners who run courses in the area."

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much, Scott! It was a pleasure having you and Jonny on my course. I am glad you enjoyed it, but most importantly, I was truly impressed with the quality of your boards! I hope your woodworking journey continues and I’d be really happy to assist you in your future endeavors."

15 Dec 25'

Jonny Miles reviewed: Chopping & Serving Boards Workshop

"I travelled over to Manchester specifically for this course from Newcastle and it was absolutely worth the journey! My brother-in-law and I had a fantastic day. Vas really puts on a great workshop, from sharing his knowledge of woodworking to his knowledge of the other local small businesses in the area, it was just overall a brilliant experience. Not to mention the end result, which is a handcrafted serving board, designed and built with your own hands. A truly unique and sentimental memento from the class. I would 100% recommend this class and would happily book again myself in the future."

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback, Jonny! I’m very happy you enjoyed the course and it was worth your travel. I would be really glad to see you again in one of my courses. Enjoy your stunning serving board!"

24 Oct 25'

Rachel reviewed: Picture Framing - Woodworking Basics

"This is a fantastic course! I highly recommend it. I have a new found appreciation for the proper craft of making a frame from scratch. We didn’t work with pre-made wood for frames, we made the whole thing from scratch and got to choose the wood we used, from a big selection. Vas was absolutely brilliant at explaining everything and making sure we were comfortable using the power tools. Everything was brilliantly explained. Vas was able to correct the few mistakes we made (whoops, bad measuring) with ease - like a true craftsman. Myself and my lovely course mate walked away with marvellous frames that we could say we made ourselves. A really enjoyable couple of days. Thanks, Vas! :) (p.s, there’s a lovely coffee shop on site too, perfect for the lunch break!) "

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much for the feedback, Rachel! You should be proud of the result; I was really impressed with the quality of the frames you both made! It was a pleasure having you in my course!"

23 Oct 25'

Seb reviewed: Picture Framing - Woodworking Basics

"The course was excellent. Vas is a natural teacher, instinctively knowing when to teach, when to guide and when to step back. You finish with a frame that looks professional but it was definitely you that made it. I gained the confidence to attempt this at home. The set-up is also great - well laid out, clean, professional, well-equipped work shop in an old mill. You choose your materials from a selection of natural woods. The atmosphere in the work shop was very convivial. I had a lovely two days!"

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind words, Seb! I’m very glad you enjoyed the course, and even more so that it motivated you to get your own tools and attempt picture framing at home. All the best!"

24 Sep 25'

Beth reviewed: Picture Framing - Woodworking Basics

"This framing course was one of the best craft courses I have taken! Vas is such a great and patient teacher and talented woodworker and designer. The result of the course is one of my favorite products I have ever made in a course as the finished product is an incredibly high quality bespoke one of a kind frame! I was able to select the wood and also learned to consider the design of the frame and image, all of which was great! I learned so much and had a really enjoyable time. I couldn't recommend this course more! Also was great to understand woodworking tools and materials! 10/10!"

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"It was an absolute pleasure having you on my course, Beth! Your eagerness to learn and enthusiasm made the course a highly enjoyable experience for me, too. I hope you will apply your new skills to frame your amazing stained glass work!"

22 May 25'

Donna reviewed: Picture Framing - Woodworking Basics

"One of the very best courses I’ve been on. Vas is an excellent instructor who has designed the perfect course that covers all aspects of framing in an informative, enjoyable and practical way. I’m so happy with my frame and the knowledge and experience I gained during the two days. In addition to learning all about framing, Vas was very generous with his skills and experience and shared tips on tool maintenance, workshop organization, and wider woodworking techniques. He was very knowledgeable, patient and encouraging and created a supportive and fun environment. I researched lots of courses before booking this one and I absolutely made the right choice. Thanks Vas! "

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much Donna for your feedback! It was an absolute pleasure having you and Ray on my course, you made it really enjoyable for me, too. It was very rewarding to feel your enthusiasm and, of course, the stunning frames that you made!"

11 Mar 25'

Dave Hayton reviewed: Picture Framing - Woodworking Basics

"There is no substitute for doing a course in the flesh. Never used a table saw before but with Vas about to demonstrate it wasn't an issue. Ended up with two frames to take home. Highly recommended "

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"It was a real pleasure doing the course with you, Dave! I am sure you will be confident to make your own frames now! "

11 Dec 24'

Andy-Cheshire reviewed: Picture Framing - Woodworking Basics

"Oh wow what a great course that was! Vas took the time to explain both theory and practice clearly. The frames he makes use traditional techniques to achieve a modern design that would be very difficult for the high street retailers to reproduce. There is a selection of both hardwoods and softwoods used to achieve stunning colours and finishing with the frame, and that would grace any work of art, photograph or poster. He is comfortable working with students of mixed abilities from expert to the enthusiastically motivated in his workshop although students will need to prepare themselves for the stair climb to his studio at the top of the warehouse😊 I would have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone who has an unloved piece of art hidden away in a box or a cupboard. Get yourself booked onto the course and have a go! It just looks so good hanging on the wall Highly recommended. Thanks Vas and good luck "

DEMOD Design Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much for your feedback Andy! I’m really glad you enjoyed the course and honestly impressed with the result you achieved! It was a pleasure having you on my course and I hope you will be confident now to frame the rest of your memorabilia. All the best!"