MC Woodcrafts reviews

Weronika reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"I loved the course so much I ended up ordering my own set of knives and wood to make more spoons. Mike was incredibly patient and generous, sharing tips, resources and giving us extra time to finish off our spoons. He continues to offer help after the course so you’re not left alone in case you need guidance! We had our course in the middle of Otley Chevin forest, with snacks and hot drinks at hand. I enjoyed every minute and will definitely be back to learn more in the future:)"

Sue Sheerin reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Absolutely loved my time learning to craft a usable spoon..mike was brilliant and jack (the dog) was a joy to have around, was a very enjoyable experience ?"

Roger reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"I had a full day spoon carving course with Mike and would thoroughly recommend it. Mike was very informative, supportive and great company. A great day learning new skills."

Henry reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Mike tailored the course to meet everyone's individual skill basis and carefully adjusted grips/found ways to improve technique. Very helpful and good fun."

Viv reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"A great 3 hour course with everything you need to carve your first spoon. Mike is a very calm instructor and took time to make sure we knew what we were doing."

MATTHEW POTTER reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"Really enjoyed the spoon making session with Mike. I found the 3hr sesion he delivered was packed with really great advice and tips to get me carving with confidence. Thank You!"

Denise reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"This was a brilliant course. I've never even wielded this sort of knife, let alone produced a working spoon. Mike is calm, kind and knowledgeable. I have already ordered two knives and I'm looking for a nice piece of wood....."

Catherine reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"A superb session with excellent teaching. I hadn’t expected to learn so much in such a calm and gentle way, but Mike’s teaching style was so encouraging that we all achieved a great deal. When he said he want teaching us to make our first spin, but our 3rd 4th and 5th one, that was so true, as he equipped us with a range of skills to take away. Is always wanted to carve, and now feel I have the beginnings of the skill to do so and grow in the craft. I became genuinely emotional about my end product but, most importantly, about the seeds planted by Mike to keep pursuing learning and craft."

Ruth Brotherton reviewed: Spoon Carving Taster Session

"A wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning! This is a great course in a great location and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Mike is very skilled and knowledgeable and I learnt a huge amount in just half a day. I now feel confident to be able to continue to develop these skills on my own to improve further. Thanks Mike ?"

David Taylor reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Mike is an excellent teacher, I learnt a massive amount from him in a day. A fantastic experience all round and would definitely recommend!!!"

Katherine reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Myself and my husband attended the green woodworking day course. We had a fabulous day. I am very new to any type of wood work, my husband has been carving for a couple of years. Mike made sure that we both knew what we were doing and was a constant source of knowledge. Highly recommend this day whether you are a complete beginner, have some experience it just want to give it a go. He also makes a pretty good cuppa too ☺️ And the day was even more complete by having the company of Jack, Mike’s lovely canine companion."

James Hill reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Brilliant course in a lovely location and with a great teacher! Mike was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, opening my eyes to a whole new world! Learned a lot in one day without it feeling overwhelming, which is a credit to Mike's teaching style."

Lizzy Brothwood reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Absolutely brilliant!!! I honestly could not recommend this course highly enough! Despite the awful weather, Mike went above and beyond to make this day totally accessible and enjoyable. We were provided tea and coffee throughout the day and even some choccy biscuits! Mike’s warm and friendly approach to teaching made the course so much fun as well as informative. I left the day with a whole host of skills, which was all down to Mike’s 1:1 teaching, encouragement and a lot of patience! Massive thank you Mike!"

Simon Beer reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Thoroughly enjoyed Mike’s Introduction to Green Woodworking Course. A very pleasant day with some nice people, in a lovely place. I learnt a lot about using traditional tools and techniques and now feel confident carving. Mike has a wealth of knowledge and experience and a very laid back teaching style. I would thoroughly recommend this course - a really informative and enjoyable way to spend a day."

Chris Morse reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Had a great day on the green woodwork course. Mike is a great teacher, very calm, helpful and always has a brew on. Learnt loads. Would fully recommend!"

Ryan storie reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Great intro to green woodwork with mike who was a very knowledgeable chilled guy, always there to answer any questions or give advice when needed. Highly recommended."

Carl Anderson reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Had a fantastic day and the setting is lovely. Mike is a very knowledgeable and a great teacher and happy to answer all your questions.The tools we used were well kept, good quality and sharp and techniques demonstrated brilliantly. It was a nice relaxed, friendly atmosphere and everything is explained thoroughly to get you to a point where you can go away and do it yourself and i feel confident that i can after this. It was a great day and good value for money, I would thoroughly recommend it"

MC Woodcrafts responded:

"Thanks for your review Carl. It was great to meet you and Andy and I'm so glad that you enjoyed your day and feel inspired to start your spoon carving journey. Happy Carving!"

Jan McWhinnie reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Husband and I had a great day with Mike and one other couple on the Chevin. The sun shone whilst Mike gave us the full benefit of his years of experience. Light hearted but comprehensive instruction on how to get from log to spatula or spreader using a variety of tools, none of which we had ever used before. We each finished the day in full possession of all our fingers and toes, plus our utensil of choice! We really enjoyed our day and can thoroughly recommend Mike’s courses - a great day in the great outdoors - go on, try one, you won’t regret it!"

MC Woodcrafts responded:

"Thanks for your review Jan, it was lovely to meet you both and I'm so glad that you enjoyed your day of green woodwork"

Diana reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"What a great way to learn green wood spoon making, starting from a birch log through to the making of a big spoon. Mike very patiently taught us how to use an axe to get the wood ready for fine honing with the spoon making tools, giving us the confidence to safely use these. Beautiful surroundings and a course that was thoughtfully put together. Lovely day. This is just the start of my spoon making!"

Peter reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"Intro to greenwood carving. Sept 2020. Well worth waiting for following cancellation earlier due to Covid. Woodland setting ideal for taking up the tuition provided by Mike. Great to have been successful in converting a cherry wood log into a spatula and a birch log into a spreader. First class equipment and theory provided by Mike. Small group allowed for good interaction and individual attention."

Steve Brown reviewed: Intro to Green Woodwork

"This is the second course that I’ve been on with Mike. His knowledge and enthusiasm is obvious and as a result you want to make the best spatula and spreader that you can. Mike, another great day in the beautiful setting of Otley Chevin. I thoroughly enjoyed my day as well as the extra tips that you gave me regarding finishing my spoon from my previous course. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Steve."

Jinny and John Casey reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"We had a great day on Mike’s spoon making course and really enjoyed the process of turning a birch log into spoons within one day. The axe and knife skills we learned to achieve this were expertly taught by Mike who was very patient and clear in his instructions. It was such a joy to get out into the wonderful location of the Chevin forest after months of lockdown."

Steven Brown reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"From the start, Mike’s knowledge and love of his subject was apparent. Having had a previous, bad experience with another instructor on a similar course, this put me back in love with wanting to carve spoons. Mike takes the time to advise and suggest where necessary, without being overbearing. I’d recommend this course and can’t wait to go on my “green woodworking course in 2 weeks’ time."

Stephen Herbert reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"Loved every second. Didn't want it to end. Mike's pace and delivery were perfect. I came away inspired, bought online that evening. Went wood hunting the next morning, made a oak mallet the same afternoon .... My new obsession. I'd even repeat the same course to improve my skills. Thank you Mike. Wish that I was 10 years younger, and I'd started then!"

Kate reviewed: Carve a spoon in a day

"A really exciting introduction to spoon carving in the beautiful Otley Chevin. Mike's teaching style is relaxed and extremely informative, led by our individual needs and the questions asked. Mike managed to accommodate different skill levels within the group. Refreshments provided (even GF!) and hot drinks made with a Kelly Kettle which is always fun. I felt completely safe using tools I never have before, and have received all the information I need to purchase my own so I can carry on practising. A fantastic day, highly recommended."