Nigel Hobbins Woodcarving reviews

9 Feb 20'

Dawn Rose reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Awesome experience! In just a few short hours I created my very first carving - a bowl of which I am immensely proud. I arrived knowing very little and left feeling accomplished and a lot more knowledgeable about the art of hand carving. Nigel was friendly, welcoming and an excellent teacher - and not forgetting the lovely lunch provided. Classes took place in a great rustic workshop setting, adding even more to the ambience of the day. I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone and will definitely be returning for another session."

8 Feb 20'

Gill Smith reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"From the moment we arrived, Nigel gave us a fantastic welcome and made us feel completely at home. He is very friendly and helpful. He explained the various tools and cuts of wood and we decided to make a bowl. I have never drawn or done anything like this and was a little nervous, however Nigel's persona was very encouraging. I cannot believe I made an oak leaf bowl and with such detail. I am very happy with what I achieved in a day, the time flew by and I couldn't believe we had come to the end. It was a tremendous day and I would thoroughly recommend it. Nigel provided lots of teas and coffees throughout the day and provided a lovely Roast dinner lunch and veggie hotpot with home grown vegetables. Fantastic time."

10 Dec 19'

Pat Preece reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I went to the beginners woodcarving course on 7/12/19 and I was totally transported for the whole day. The atmosphere in the workshed in the woods is totally unique (and warm thanks to the wood burner). Nigel is wonderfully patient and an excellent teacher. I carved a Celtic trefoil relief onto the side of a door wedge (my choice as that’s what I needed at the time). The lunch was delicious and the drinks and snacks were very welcome too. I recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the basics of woodcarving. It has set me on a path to more projects. I absolutely recommend the course. I’m hoping to go again next year when I am a little more practiced in the art."

22 Nov 19'

Michael Allen reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I had a great day with Nigel. I am a novice but he expertly and patiently guided me to carve a leaf-shaped bowl. Good surroundings and a really nice lunch. I recommend this to anyone interested to learn about wood carving or improve skill that they already have."

30 Oct 19'

Cliff reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable day carving an acorn bowl under Nigel's guidance. It was a perfect introduction to woodcarving for a complete novice, giving me enough knowledge and confidence to start carving at home – but more experienced woodcarvers would also gain a lot from the course. Despite working hard for 4 or 5 hours, the day felt very relaxed, all helped by lots of tea, a nice lunch, a great setting, and just the right amount of support, encouragement and direction from Nigel."

29 Apr 19'

Vanessa Williams reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I have just had an amazing day woodcarving under Nigel’s patient guidance. I was a complete novice but Nigel put me at ease straight away. The day was overcast and cold so with mugs of tea we entered the workshop and were met with the lovely smell of wood, Nigel’s carvings plus the log burner warming the space. I wanted to make a bowl in an acorn shape. As I began to chisel (actually gauge- I now know what a chisel and gauge do :-) I was completely hooked! It was so interesting to try out the different tools suggested for different effects- the v shaped gauge was my friend and saviour! When we stopped for a delicious lunch, for the first time ever on a course I was itching to get back to my acorn! Time flew and tea and cakes were regularly supplied. Would love to go again and now want my own set of tools. My girls and partner loved my acorn. Highly recommend to anyone wanting to try woodcarving. You’ll have a lovely day."

28 Apr 19'

Rev. Chris reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I've done quite a few craft courses over the last few years and I can honestly say that this was the best one yet! Nigel is a superb teacher. His passion and enthusiasm for his craft is inspiring and it was a genuine pleasure to be instructed by him. Rather than railroad me down a particular path, Nigel asked what sort of carving I’d like to try my hand at (I went for relief) and helped me as I developed a design (I chose a curly-horned ram). He showed me the basics on wood selection and reading the piece as well as introducing all of the fundamental techniques that I’d need to know should I wish to carry on carving in the future. He was also kind enough to show me a little bit about how to sharpen the chisels. I had a fantastic time and look forward to doing more carving in the future. Cannot recommend this course enough."

27 Apr 19'

Charlotte & Chris reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"My husband and myself had ourselves a fantastic day with Nigel in his workshop. Being a complete novice to woodcarving, I was delighted to take home a lovely relief carving of a leaf that now has pride of place in my living room. Nigel was an excellent and attentive teacher and we would happily recommend his sessions to anyone looking into trying out this fascinating craft. The lunch provided was excellent and we were able to sit out in the sunshine to eat, along with plenty of tea and cake to keep us fueled throughout the day. We even got to have a look at the sea of bluebells currently growing in the wooded area behind the workshop too. All in all, a cracking day and would happily attend again."

25 Feb 19'

Will Smith reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I attended this one day course at the weekend, a birthday gift from my wife, and what a gift it was! Quite apart from learning some new skills and gaining hugely in confidence with Nigel's very patient and relaxed style of imparting his great knowledge and experience, I quite simply had a great time, a few hours of really active and rewarding relaxation. Nigel was welcoming and a charming host, the small group of us hit it off very quickly and the day had a lovely dynamic. Nigel provided us a great lunch and kept the refreshments flowing, and the time just flew by - I could have stayed all evening. The downside? Well I now have to buy myself a big toolbox of chisels and gouges and whetstones and clamps and big lumps of wood and I'll have to tidy up the garage and that bench will have to be upgraded and I'll need to install a wood burner and........ I'm hooked! Highly recommended."

1 Oct 18'

James and Paula reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"We attended a one day course this weekend gone and were blown away by the experience. Nigel was incredibly welcoming from the onset and put us straight at ease, giving us a tour of the land and making us refreshments. The setting backs on to vast woodland, and felt like a pure escape from modern living and the stresses and strains of everyday life. We were provided with a lovely casserole lunch, with potatoes from Nigel’s garden, a real treat we weren’t expecting. Nigel’s gentle nature, coupled with his vast artistic creativity and experience, provides the perfect environment within this setting to learn the art of woodcraft, even as a complete beginner such as ourselves. We too thoroughly enjoyed the experience of carving, and with Nigel’s guidance, were able to produce a completed unique piece each, which far exceeded our expectations of the course, which we were able to take home to treasure forever. We would highly recommend this course to a range of ages and abilities who are interested in learning this craft."

22 Aug 18'

Virginie Daniau reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"My daughter attended a workshop with Nigel and was thrilled. She created a stunning carved fish that she is very pleased about. Nigel was very attentive and helpful guiding my daughter step by step. Both Christine and Nigel were extremely welcoming. I thoroughly recommend the workshop."

15 Mar 18'

graham dolman reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Recently completed a five week course-wish it had been ten times longer! The amount of knowledge/advice/guidance Nigel gently imparts in truly wonderful surroundings made for a fun and very enjoyable course. Would highly recommend for both beginner and experienced carver"

6 Dec 17'

Sara Samuel reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I just finished a five weeks course with Nigel and he opened up a new and wonderful world of wood carving for me. He is a real inspiration and full of creative ideas. He is very helpful and gives very constructive guidance and advice. There is a special atmosphere in the workshop with music and stimulating conversation. Thank you Nigel."

4 Dec 17'

Mark Saich reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Great class in a lovely place. Nigel is calm, patient and accommodating. His tuition is relaxed, encouraging and tailored to suit the individual."

13 Nov 17'

Isabel Senior reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"A truly relaxing and restorative venue imbued with the spirit of wood. Nigel is a gentle, informative and inspirational teacher, sensitive to our different needs and experience. Highly recommended by me too!"

2 Nov 17'

Paul Walker reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"Nigel is an inspirational woodcarver, bringing an artistic spirit and creativity to the practicalities. He’s very knowledgeable and a lot of fun to work with - highly recommended!"