Martin Damen - Maker of Hand-carved Spoons & Bowls reviews

6 Oct 15'

Lesley reviewed: Whittling course

"What a lovely day. The course is very hands on and practical from the start and everything it promised to be. If I have learnt a fraction of Martin's skill and knowledge it was well worth it. Being a small group is ideal, very relaxed and friendly. The cup of tea on arrival was just what was needed and the homemade lunch is another of Martin's talents. I now have knife and book and am setting up my sharpening kit so will shortly be ready to safely go. An excellant course which I thoroughly recommend . 27.09.15"

28 Aug 15'

Patc reviewed: Whittling course

"Martin is a welcoming and thoughtful host for a fab day of relaxing whittling! Everything is taken care of and Martin shares his experience and knowledge with enthusiasm and humour, learned so much and really looking forward to trying out the techniques and projects ourselves. Many thanks Martin from Pat and Di, 23.08.15"

24 Aug 15'

Ross Hayward reviewed: Whittling course

"Definitely worth going on this course. Very enjoyable and I learnt a lot of useful info about different knives, techniques and sharpening. Martin's an excellent teacher, clearly knows his stuff and happy to answer any questions you've got. The homemade lunch was great and Martin was kind enough to check if there was anything I didn't eat beforehand. All in all, a great day and highly recommended. Tip: if you do wear a jumper, make sure it's not one that absorbs wood chips!"

26 Jun 15'

Nicolene reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Everything about this course was informative and enjoyable. Our first briefing was on the safe use of tools, and we were given all the techniques and tips to stay safe, efficient and gain confidence. All the tools are in peak working order, and sharpened and polished to perfection. The workshop is impeccable, and with the emphasis on functionality. Martin's course is as honed as one of his spoons. It was perfectly paced and in line with our abilities, with enough time to absorb new information as we progressed. The tips and tricks he throws in are very valuable. Our course lunches were another highlight, as Martin is a great cook. I would recommend this course as a perfect introduction to spoon carving from a master craftsman. An unforgettable weekend!"

22 Jun 15'

Simon Tepper reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I can't speak too highly of this course. It was excellent in every aspect: the location and venue, the course arrangements, the teaching and support, and the catering! I was given the course as a gift by my wife, having previously told her on a number of occasions that one day I'd like to have a go at spoon-carving. But I had no experience of woodwork in any form and was quite nervous of working with sharp tools. The first thing that Martin did was to teach us safe working techniques and to explain how, why, when to use the appropriate tool. The pacing and style of teaching suited me perfectly; Martin is highly knowledgable and communicates clearly, interestingly and with real enthusiasm. He's always happy to give advice and support to individuals within the teaching group (a class size of four was perfect), and generated a friendly and welcoming atmosphere from the get-go. Over the two days we each made a butterknife and a spoon, but more importantly I came away with a real desire to do more, and a good sense of how to go about it. What else could one want from a course? (And I write as someone who worked for many years in Adult Education, and therefore has a sense of what makes for a quality course)."

25 May 15'

Peter Taylor reviewed: Whittling course

"Recently attended this course on the 24th may. A great day and a lot of fun. It was my first experience in whittling and I will be sure to be continuing it as a cherished hobby. Martin was great at explaining everything and because of the small group I felt comfortable enough to ask him to repeat information I didn't fully understand. I am a vegan so martin was great to accommodate me by providing a delicious home made soup and bread. I would Highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain all the knowledge you need to go off and confidently start whittling yourself."

14 Apr 15'

Joshua Harris-Jones reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"This is an absolutely fantastic course that teaches a creative and useful set of skills, and does so in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Knife and axe skills are covered thoroughly and safety with tools is closely observed, which made me feel safe during the whole experience. Course notes are provided that cover all the essential information from start to finish, including choosing types of wood to use. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone wanting to learn a traditional (and practical) craft!"

3 Apr 15'

Dan China reviewed: Whittling course

"This was a really excellent course and I can happily recommend it to anyone with an interest in working with wood. It covered everything I needed: what tools could be used; where to get them how to use them; how to maintain them and how to work safely. In this practical course we learned and practiced a variety of skills which meant that we are now able to work safely on our own. We were also intrigued and inspired to learn from a skilled and creative craftsman about ideas, values and attitudes that are important. This too enables us to carry on pursuing our own ideas and making unique things which have a personal significance. The course is really well thought through and at all levels seeks to ensure that we can learn what we need to carry on in the future. For instance, we were able to see and use a variety of tools and Martin made sure that he always presented examples of tools which were simple and inexpensive as well as those that more specialised and expensive. By the following day I had ordered and made a simple kit which will serve me for the foreseeable future, or at least until Christmas present time. It is also helpful to know that Martin’s website will continue to provide information and advice which is informed and reliable. The course fully met my expectations and the stated objectives. But it was also a really enjoyable experience with a friendly, cheerful, hospitable and professional master craftsman. It has already enabled me to make a variety of greenwood pieces and I anticipate spending many days in the future working quietly and calmly with a sharp knife and interesting pieces of wood."

23 Feb 15'

Ross reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"This is an excellent course which packs plenty of knowledge into what feels like a very relaxed and laid back weekend. The notes that are provided cover all things you may forget to write down and Martin has an array of tools to try. I would recommend this this course strongly to anyone looking to pick up a new hobby ."

21 Oct 14'

Nev Wiggins reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I spent two enjoyable days in a lovely shed in a wonderful garden learning how to carve a spoon and a butter knife. Martin is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher. He explains everything you need to do thoroughly then lets you get on with the task while keeping a watchful eye. I highly recommend this course."

16 Sep 14'

Fiona reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Enjoyed the whole process from log to butter knife and then log to spoon. Learnt a great deal: the tools required, the different techniques, the wood and it's personality, the sharpening of tools, the overall skill involved. Now set to practise and practise until some of those techniques are honed and I produce something I am happy to give to someone special! I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to understand and learn a traditional craft. Martin was patient, calm and knowledgeable and a great cook to boot!"