Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing reviews

Sarah-Jayne reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"I recieved the blacksmith day as a birthday gift and I somewhat apprehensive on arrival. Turns out my worries were totaly unfounded. Not only did I find Joanna to be a phenomenally skilled blacksmith but she is also a talented and gifted teacher. Her methodical, patient approach led to me leaving with items I made that I can be truly proud of (rather than hidding in a drawer!). I learnt so much in just one day. I would highly recomend the course, not only did I get to try out a number of techniques but I also came away really understanding and appriciating the skills of someone gifted in their craft. Thanks Joanna."

G Evans reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Joanna was brilliant. Really good. She covered all the bases, admin, H&S, equipment, tools, techniques, really clearly. She knows her environment and the capabilities of all materials so well after many years of experience, which is the invaluable element a good teacher brings to a new student. And this is a student that she has no idea of what they are able to do! She demonstrated, in stages, a basic learners piece which became my hands on introduction. She was fully attentive and guided my abilities without undermining my shortcomings in anyway, she was patient when I hadn't quite 'got it' without ever making me feel uncomfortable. She was also great in guiding and nudging me on personal pieces that I might want to try or trying other techniques not used on the learners piece given the limitations of time and skills. A one day workshop will not equate to a three year degree, a 7 years apprenticeship or a life long career, so that at the end of the workshop day I left with 5 trophy pieces I was thrilled with and also had a deep respect for the craft was a proper result in the hands of a wonderful teacher. Thankyou Jo!"

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"Hi Gyl, Thank you for the review and kind words. So glad you enjoyed the day and were happy with the pieces you made. It was a pleasure teaching you. Joanna"

John Woods reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"It was a really enjoyable day and I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to have a go in the forge. Joanna is a good teacher and teaches you techniques and even a novice like me was able to make some items I’m happy to show off."

Laura Riddell reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"This was a wonderful birthday for my big 3-0 from my partner! I've never done any metal work before so wasn't entirely sure what to expect but it was such a brilliant day! Joanna was brilliant at explaining the steps, doing practical demos and then giving helpful guidance when it was my go to get stuck in. I was really proud of the hooks & handles I made and I cannot wait to put up around the house as a nice reminder of my day! Joanna is super talented as both a blacksmith and a teacher (a rare, but excellent combination of skills!) I cannot recommend this course enough!"

William Dracott reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Had an amazing day crafting iron with Joanna. Really informative as well as creative. Haven't made anything since leaving school over 20 years ago and loved every second of it. Really wanting to do more. Thanks Joanna for being so patient and making me feel relaxed and welcome into your workshop. Best of luck with everything in the future."

Gill Godden reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Blacksmithing had been on my list of things to try for some time, but I'm pleased that I found Joanna to learn with. She had endless patience even when it took me a few attempts to 'get it'. You learn all the basic skills and then have an opportunity to create pieces that both appeal to you and play to your strengths. I feel that one to one tutoring is best for this craft, so what Joanna offers is the perfect package."

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"HI Gill, Thank you for the kind review. It was a great day and you picked up forging really well which showed in the good quality and beautiful pieces you created! Really glad you enjoyed the day and it was a pleasure to teach you."

Mike Reynolds reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Even being a time served industrial blacksmith, although last worked as such over thirty five years ago, Joanna was able to teach me 'new tricks' and skills. She structured the day to suit my requirements which made it extremely enjoyable and productive. I am due to retire next year and wanted to refresh my skills and do some smithying as hobby to fill some of my free time. She has given me the confidence to do this again. I can wholeheartedly recommend this experience day, as Joanna is an excellent teacher and you will come away with a sense of pride and something to show for your efforts. Thanks again Joanna"

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Mike. It was a great day in the forge with you and really glad you enjoyed it. You had certainly not lost any of your forging skills from the past and I am glad i was able to show you some new techniques and things to make - including useful tools i have in my tool boxes! I think you will be busy in your retirement!!! Have fun and stay in touch."

Julie Kilkelly reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Joanna is a very good teacher, I really enjoyed my day 1 to 1 course in a lovely setting. Joanna guided and instructed me to make several useful items. Joanna is very knowledgeable in her field and has done some lovely pieces of art. I would highly recommend this course."

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Julie, I am glad you had a good day. You made some nice pieces and hope the poppy stem you forged works well!"

Andrew Wheeler reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Absolutely brilliant day, have worked with steel most of my life, but not done any serious smithing, Joanna is a great teacher, and I learnt a lot whilst there. Pick up your hammer and beat some steel, you'll go home with something unique to you, made with your own hands, carefully guided of course, and a smile on your face when you show off your creation."

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you for your review! It was great fun teaching you and you picked things up well and the pieces you made were very well forged and good quality. So glad you enjoyed the day."

Steve reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"I had an amazing time on a Blacksmith Experience Day at Underfall Yard with Joanna - she’s a fantastic teacher with a good balance of direction and freedom to make mistakes and learn from them, and I left with a surprising number of useful creations! Great birthday present :)"

Andrew Stoodley reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Received this course as a gift after endless hints that I would love to give Blacksmithing a go, and I was thrilled with the experience I received, Joanna is an excellent tutor who takes the time to make sure you really understand the techniques required to make each piece, and gave support and encouragement when needed, I left feeling very happy with everything I made, and with a desire to learn more! For anyone who is looking to get an idea of what Blacksmithing is like, I highly recommend this course!"

Anonymous reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"Had a great day at the "Fire Iron Art" forge last week. Joanna was a great tutor encouraging and guiding me in making various objects. It was great fun learning the techniques … … something I’ve fancied doing for some time. Thanks Joanna."

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"Hi Alan, Thank you for the review. I had a fantastic day teaching you. Really glad you enjoyed it. Joanna"

Jess Hughes reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Bristol with Joanna Williams, Fire Iron Art

"What a great day - Jo and her workshop are truly inspiring. I learnt loads. Excellent tuition, safety, encouragement and expertise. I highly recommend this fabulous course. Do it!"

Fire Iron Art Blacksmithing responded:

"It was a pleasure to teach you Jess! You picked everything up really well and created some great pieces including your stunning Dragonfly sculpture. Best wishes Joanna"