Nailsworth Community Workshop reviews

Graeme Brown reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Arian the course tutor has a genuine interest and feel for his craft. He was able to break the course down into three distinct stages and then was able to break each operation and method down, so it was easy to understand and follow. The three stages offered three different materials to be worked and beautifully combined into one unique finished item. As a hand made product you would never find another one like it some what of a change in our mass-producing modern throw away world. The love and skill for each operation that Arian has was infectious and made the learning experience very enjoyable. Even when you made a mistake Arian was able to look at what I had done and was able to show me how to fix it, they always say you learn more from your mistakes and with Arian there to help and correct I certainly did. The surroundings are in the same context as the course. They have an old worn charm that suited the course. There should be more places like this open to encourage more craft learning. A brilliant break from the regimented plastic world we live in today. I was pleased and proud of what I made. I was almost disappointed when the weekend was finished as I would have loved to have carried on and done more. This course given me some now skills and has stimulated my interest to look further into this craft. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Dear Graeme, Thank you very much for this thorough and thoughtful review. I'm delighted that the way I run the courses worked so well for you, I always aim for strong personal experience for participants, coupled with a one-off beautiful and useful knife. Enjoy and Use your knife, and be in touch if you need any help or advice regarding knifemaking. Warmest wishes, Arian "

Craig reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I've been in the woods with my bow today, by jings it works! I had an amazing weekend, Gavin and Tom were great teachers throughout giving you as much or as little attention as you wanted. The whole process is well explained with theory touched on here and there. It is great to have a functional bow that I have made and the confidence to go make another. Thanks guys! And what a workshop!"

Colin Maidment reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I enjoyed the course immensely which was due to the support and instruction from Gavin and Tom. This was done in a friendly approach with a right level of banter and eclectic mix of music to put people at there ease. The result was a finished bow which I was proud of and hope to develop my long bow shooting skills. Thanks."

Tom reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Gav and Tom were great teachers, very knowledgable and friendly, they really knew their stuff, the course was very hands on we really did make the long bows ourselves and each step was well taught, with clear instruction and a well thought through shedual. All in all a great experience in a lovely community run workshop with teachers cleary passionate about their craft."

William Stanley reviewed: Stained Glass weekend workshop

"Stained Glass workshop is a brilliant course to learn the basics in the craft of designing & making stained glass panels. Our instructor Roland, presented & demonstrated each stage of the process in a friendly & fun manner, providing assistance in the guidance in the use of the tools when required, in idyllic workshop environment."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you William. So good to hear you enjoyed your weekend and the workshop treated you well, Pam"

Nick Scott reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Fantastic weekend. Great friendly atmosphere. Gavin and Tom made the whole experience. They were very helpful, informative and patient helping me come away with a perfect longbow beyond my dreams. Top marks to all the team. I just wish I lived nearer to do more courses."

Alwyn Williams reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Brilliant! Not just what you produce but the whole package! Great instructors, friendly environment, sound knowledge and top support from the team! Will be back with friends soon to do it all again as it was such fun and lovely to make something that has been taught in these lands for centuries! Kind regards Will. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write us this review We are so glad you had a good weekend and look forward to seeing you and your friends as soon as you are all ready. All the best Pam"

Mike Hedley-Harper reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

" I received this course as a Christmas present and I must admit that it was one of the best presents I have received. Arian is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. As a medieval re-enactor I wanted a knife that was an authentic replica. Arian took this on board and I produced a knife that I am extremely proud of. Being a complete beginner I didn't expect to to have something that looks professionally made. I have been asked where did you buy that? It's the greatest feeling to say " I didn't buy it, I made it". I would recommend this to anyone with an interest. "

Flynn reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Fantastic experience. Entertaining and enjoyable to learn such a skill. "

Paul Body reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Arian is a brilliant teacher who patiently guided us through each step of the process of making our knives. I now have a one-of-a-kind knife for the rest of my life. Arian is a warm, clever and talented teacher. After all the years he’s been doing this there was not a whiff of complacency or staleness. He obviously still loves what he does and sharing it with people. It is a packed weekend, but filled with fun. Thank you Arian and everyone at the Nailsworth Community Workshop." "

River reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I entered this course having had almost no woodworking experience, but the instructors were great and guided me through every step of the process. Not only do you leave with a longbow which you made yourself but also many great tips and a good understanding on how to maintain your longbow and keep it in good shape. On top of it being really fun and good value the money goes towards a good cause as these courses subsidies the workshop which is used to help special needs children during term time. I would 100% recommend."

Jansen reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"Did this course with my Sons (aged 16 and 21) in Feb 2024, and it kept each of us busy/engaged for the whole weekend. Arian is an excellent teacher of this craft, and carefully guides complete beginners through to making a knife with leather pouch. We were all blown away by the end results and now appreciate the never ending filing, sanding and sharpening :-) You also come away learning how to sharpen knives. We are now cherishing our knives, oiling the handles and keeping the blades sharp."

David Graham reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"This was a great course, making a beautiful craft built functioning longbow from scratch over a weekend. And leaving on the Sunday with such a thing of beauty and power in your hands is far more valuable than the cost of the course. We received patient step by step instruction and guidance with full explanation by Gavin and Tom at all stages. And it was a real pleasure to get to know them and the lovely group of people that were my comrades on the course. Thoroughly recommend it."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you very much for your kind words and we are delighted you enjoyed the weekend. Happy shooting"

Adam reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"The course was fantastic, for someone who has never even picked up a wood plane before, I managed to create a beautiful long bow from 3 planks of wood. The instructions were clear and easy to follow and Gavin and Tom were always happy to help out and give more detailed guidance when needed. Even if you have never done any wood working before, I would highly recommend the course. "

Phillip Brown reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Both Gav and Tom were very knowledgeable and helpful and kept us all entertained along the journey of making our longbows. Yes you could spend the fee (and more) on purchasing a custom built bow by one of the many suppliers but now I feel confident to have a go making one at home and they’ll be there for you if you need any advice/help with your bow or new skills"

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you so much for your review and I'm so glad you had a good weekend. Enjoy your bow. Pam"

AJS reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Great course, even for students with very limited experience of working with wood. Instructors do everything to help you to work smoothly on the longbow - which is a thing of beauty "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you for giving a review and I'm so glad you had a good weekend. Enjoy your bow. Pam"

Carl reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"This was a really rewarding course. Arian was a fantastic teacher and for someone like myself who is no way artistic, you get to go home with something that is beautiful, practical and unique looking. If you're thinking of doing this I'd highly recommend it."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Kind thanks for this feedback Carl. I hope your knife will serve you well for years to come! Arian"

Tom Price reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"Really good fun - Gavin and Tom are great company and won't let you leave with a bad bow! I couldn't believe the quality of the finished longbow; you don't have to be an expert woodworker to enjoy this course."

Tim Hieghton-Jackson reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"I was thoroughly impressed with the venue, the instructors and the equipment. The venue is charming, likewise the instructors and the tools were of a high quality. I am very pleased with the bow I came away with and the patient manner in which Gavin and Tom imparted their knowledge made the course a real treat. The materials to make a bow are not cheap and the course represents very good value for money. Top marks indeed."

Mark Thompson reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"A really great weekend. Arian is a great teacher and I have a one of a kind knife for the rest of my life. Thoroughly recommend this course. I have no craft skills and made something beautiful. "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Hi Mark, and thank you for your feedback. Pleasure to meet you and indeed you made a lovely knife. I’m sure it’ll serve you well on your adventures for years to come! Best wishes and stay in touch."

Stuart Rigg reviewed: English longbow making weekend in the heart of Nailsworth Gloucestershire

"The course was amazing, fun, informative, and well run by Gavin and Tom. Clear instruction throughout and support as you laminate, size, shape and string your bow. Even some tips/tricks for using and storing. Pam was a big help with explaining the course and getting us booked on! Friendly group of people leading and taking the course, could not recommend enough. "

Mo Brown reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Well that was great - rummaging through collections of old tins, strange bits of machinery and all kinds of oddments for pieces to make our creations individual and fabulous! Fi shared her know-how and demonstrated the mechanisms. She showed us how to use the tools and patiently sorted any glitches. It was a really enjoyable, relaxed weekend in well equipped workshops with friendly people. I am very pleased with what I achieved and my automata will remind me of a happy time."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Mo for your review and Im so glad you had a good weekend. Lovely to hear that you enjoyed making some new . Ive sent a copy of what you said along to Fi too Best wishes Pam "

Ela Myszek reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Two days spent discovering the absolute joy of creating automata. It was a real pleasure to meet Fi Henshall, our tutor, and the community workshop team were so welcoming. The course itself was detailed enough for people who had some art/ crafting/ automaton making experience, but also allowed complete newbies like myself to learn without feeling over-faced. And Fi was a patient, knowledgeable and friendly presence, problem-solving, teaching, chivvying and encouraging. I came away with my head buzzing with ideas. Thank you to all."

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Hello there and thank you for taking the time to give us the review. Im so glad you had a good weekend and found it inspiring. Ive shown your review to Fi and she was really touched All the best Pam "

Jenny reviewed: Creating automata - weekend course. Explore the combination of movement and materials such as wood, wire, metal tube and sheet, found objects and figures.

"Writing this on the train home from an amazing weekend, clutching my precious box of automata creations! Fi is a fantastic tutor, super knowledgeable, patient, encouraging and friendly. I have so many ideas for future projects and now feel confident in beginning them. Thank you so much!"

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the weekend. It was lovely to pop in and see you all so focused and creating some amazing projects. Thank you for talking the time to give us a review and I wish you well in all your future creations. All the best Pam (Ive shown Fi your review and she was really touched)"

Mike reviewed: Knife making weekend Gloucestershire

"This was a great course, we arrived on the Friday and designed our knife, Arian helped to fine tune the designs. I chose a bushcraft knife but there were all sorts of designs and uses. When it came to crafting Arian taught us three crafts, steel work (blade), wood work (handle) and leather work (sheath). Arian created a relaxed atmosphere where you could make your own teas and coffees at anytime and had biscuits on constant supply. I'd really recommend this course to anyone, even if you're not particularly crafty as it was so relaxing and you come away with something you've crafted by yourself. Can't fault anything over the whole weekend and I'll taking this knife with me on many camping trips in the future. All in all 11/10! "

Nailsworth Community Workshop responded:

"Thank you Mike for this feedback. I'm delighted that the way I run the workshop worked for you. Enjoy using your knife as that is the whole idea! Best regards, and if you have any questions over time be free to get in touch. Thanks for your hard work! Arian"