Oneday Woodcraft reviews

4 Oct 18'

Howard Houlston reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I had done a small amount of carving prior to seeing Chris presenting at a show and was impressed by his obvious knowledge and skill, and so decided to sign up for a one-to-one course. I'm very glad I did - Chris' teaching style is very approachable and the steps he describes for fashioning the blank with an axe and then finishing with the knife are easy to follow and certainly helped me fix a few problems I had been experiencing previously. The homemade lunch and afternoon cake provided by his mother in a beautiful rural setting were also excellent. In summary it was a thoroughly enjoyable day and I would definitely recommend to anyone else with an interest in getting into carving or taking their skills to the next level."

1 Jul 18'

Jennifer Hoodless reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"This was an excellent day with superb tuition from Chris. I had my own project in mind and Chris had done his research and knew exactly the best way to achieve what I wanted. His teaching style was a good combination of theory, demonstration and hands on experience, he also allows you the to get on with it yourself which gave me a lot of confidence in the new skills I was learning. After the course Chris provided comprehensive course notes and links to tool suppliers and sources of further information. The food and refreshments provided were also excellent and I would definitely recommend this course."

21 Jun 18'

Mark Hughes reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Thank you Chris for an unforgettable day... Chris has a relaxed but informative approach to the day. With lots of axe and knife work during the day, Chris would ensure that we had breaks not only to rest our tired hands and arms but also to enjoy being outdoors. With the frontier stove keeping the water hot for tea and great company we all chatted, chopped and whittled our way to making our first amazing spoon! Chris is exceptionally knowledgeable and always happy to answer any questions. With many years experience he is a wealth of information. Must also mention that the lunch of homemade vegetable soup, chunky bread, cheese and grapes was fantastic and that the cake for our afternoon tea was delicious. These little touches change the day from a great day to a fantastic day. Thank you to Chris and him Mum for a very memorable day."

19 Jun 18'

Richard Marchart. reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"An excellent and thoroughly enjoyable day in a beautiful location. Great tuition and guidance from Chris. Lunch and cake were delicious and the company was great. I thoroughly recommend this cause to anyone who would like to explore green woodworking."

5 Jun 18'

Gerald Abrahams reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"Superb all round . The setting , the tutelage, the food and tea - all superb. A greatly enjoyable and rewarding day at a good pace . Thoroughly recommended !"

30 Apr 18'

Glenn T reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"What a great day. excellent knowledge, tuition, setting, lunch, tools, experience! highly recommend !"

19 Mar 18'

Jenny Partridge reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Excellent course, pitched at the right level for a complete novice like me, but flexible enough to cater for more experienced woodworkers like my husband. It was immensely satisfying to create a spoon by hand after axing out a section of a log. Chris has great enthusiasm for his craft, and is very knowledgeable. He shares his passion freely and kindles a love for woodcraft in others. Lainey, Chris’s Mum, provided delicious soup and cake to add to a perfect day. Thank you very much."

19 Mar 18'

tim reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"My 14 year old son and I really enjoyed the day - learned loads - incredible tools to work with. Very special. I never review anything ever - so it must be good."

18 Mar 18'

Ash & Jenny reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Fabulous day! Such a unique experience, turning a log into a spoon, using nothing but hand-tools (and a bit of muscle-power). Chris' knowledge and passion for what he does is immense, and to learn a little of that is really rewarding. The day was a good mix of listening, doing, and chatting. Along with that, was a great lunch of home-made soup, bread, cheese and pickle, and afternoon tea with homemade cake! Would thoroughly recommend, either as a one-off, or as an introduction to a great new hobby."

2 Mar 18'

Thomas Greenfield reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Such an excellent course! Chris is such a nice guy and an extremely good teacher (very patient!). It was so good to see the process of craving a spoon from start to finish and to see the kind of thing you are able to produce with a little (or a lot) of practice! I also really enjoyed the lunch of homemade soup in homemade bowls :) I would massively recommend this course to anybody looking to take up a relaxing and interesting hobby!"

19 Feb 18'

Kay Wilson reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I spent a really enjoyable, fun, hands on day with Chris and the other course members on Saturday learning a bit about this craft. Chris is extremely knowledgeable and patient, and considering I have never picked up a saw or an axe before, and was a bit nervous of using very sharp knives - I have come away with my very own spoon that I made from a block of wood! The pace of the course was just right, and there were 5 of us in total that attended the workshop, which was a perfect number so that Chris could give individual guidance and support. As others have mentioned, the lunch was fantastic - like a Famous Five picnic :) I would not hesitate to recommend this course to anyone."

22 Nov 17'

Barry Kither reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Very well organised.....Chris has thought the course through and the preparation was excellent Good balance of teaching and doing Very good lunch"

21 Nov 17'

Carolibe Davenport reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris was a thorough, informative and above all patient tutor. It was helpful to have a range of tools to try whilst the regular breaks for coffee, biscuits and a really good lunch helped to focus the mind. A course worth travelling for - and indeed some of us did."

20 Nov 17'

Abi Rudd reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I had a fantastic day carving with Chris and I love my spoon. There were 5 students in the village hall, plenty of space and light on a winters day. The day was full but not pressured and Chris took time to explain techniques for the complete novice, so I came away feeling confident and ready to carve at home. Lunch was delicious as was afternoon tea and cake. The whole day was really special, an early and perfect Christmas present...but now I need to ask Father Christmas for an axe!"

19 Nov 17'

A & L reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Perfect day. Chris is highly informed on all things related to spoons and wood-carving, and a friendly and professional teacher. We made spoons from start to finish from a block of wood using axes, knives, etc so really felt like it was our product to go home with. Lots of fun but also intriguing in the detail. Highly recommended."

9 Nov 17'

George reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Loved the course. Came away feeling that we had learnt a skill to take away and refine. Chris is very engaging. Easy to be around and clearly incredibly passionate about what he does. You only need to look at how he works the wood to see that he is a very proficient artist. You are in capable hands - he is not just some one who practices wood carving as a hobby, he is dedicated and it shows. Very hands on day. What is wonderful is that you start with a round of wood and you personally work it all the way to a usable spoon. It is extremely satisfying to do. Relaxed atmosphere. His mum puts on an unbelievable homemade spread for lunch. It should be noted that tea and drinks and food alone are VERY well provided. It was delightfully unexpected. No pack lunch nonsense ! For the money its a bargain compared with other courses I've been on. Go for it"

8 Nov 17'

Sophie reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"The whole day was phenomenal from start to finish. The way Chris teaches in such a supportive and fun way put all us beginners at ease and enabled us to really enjoy learning this new skill. A lot of thought clearly goes into the day and the lunch was absolutely delicious. We came as a group with many dietary requirements and all of them were taken care of; we were given a delicious feast! Also, the confidence you come away with from the day means you can continue to carve spoons on your own from a block of wood in the garden-this to me is seriously cool! I really would recommend this course to anyone."

6 Nov 17'

Mary Cleaton reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"A hugely informative and enjoyable day. Chris is an excellent teacher - very patient and able to transmit not only the 'how' but the 'why' of what you're doing so that you truly learn rather than just going through the motions. He assists when necessary but always lets you retain ownership of your piece, go at your own pace and get sufficient practice in each step. His workshop is well-stocked and he has a selection of each type of tool which you can use in order to learn more about your tool preferences. Overall, a most excellent teacher with a well designed course. The beautiful, tranquil setting and the absolutely delicious home-made food were an extra bonus. I would thoroughly recommend this."

25 Oct 17'

Geni Najman reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"What a fantastic day: a wonderful setting, expert tuition and delicious refreshments - and a dibber to show off to family and friends! Chris Allen is an excellent teacher: he assesses your ability very quickly and offers just the right amount of help and guidance, whilst allowing you a free hand to progress at your own speed. A thoroughly enjoyable day."

18 Oct 17'

Chris Marrison reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"Chris has great facilities and provided both the tools and experience needed to start making spoons from scratch! The pace is very good and Chris provides clear instruction, guidance and demonstration with his passion about green woodwork being clear. Have to shout out to "Mum" for the great food throughout the day! Great day, learnt a lot and look forward to having a go on my own (once my axe turns up), but would also love the chance for a follow-up course to further refine technique, but will also look at his other woodwork courses. Thanks for a great day!"

7 Oct 17'

Matilda reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I did a one day spoon carving course in September 2017. Chris is a brilliant teacher, clear and knowledgeable. He explained each thing first and then again as we were doing things. I had never used an axe before and I really enjoyed learning how to. It was a peaceful day and Chris was relaxed, patient and encouraging, giving each of us advice as needed but not hovering or dictating. His passion is evident and inspiring. Surroundings are beautiful and comfortable and the lunch was delicious. Follow-up notes including tool recommendations were particularly useful. I would have no hesitation recommending Chris to anybody interested in doing greenwood work. Thanks Chris"

5 Sep 17'

Edward George reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"An excellent day with Chris. The setting is fantastic, food was great, plenty of opportunity to chat (over tea). Chris has a great knack of teaching at just the right level, supporting and helping when needed and allowing us to get on with it when we were feeling more sure footed. I am now building my own equipment based on follow up information he was generous enough to send me. Highly recommended!!"

1 Sep 17'

Matthew Reay reviewed: Green Woodwork and Pole Lathe day

"The setting, tuition and atmosphere was fantastic! I was lucky enough to be on my own learning about using a pole lathe. Chris tailored the course to suit my needs and was able to get the balance of independent learning and instruction just right. The course was timed well with appropriate breaks that allowed me to find out more information about techniques we were using. The email with information afterwards will support me to use what I learnt at home"

16 Aug 17'

BOB PAWSEY reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"I attended the course in August 2017. It was well presented & fascinating. Chris is a bright & very friendly chap, who has put a lot of thought into developing a very interesting ( and challenging) day's tuition, held in a charming & comfortable setting. I came away with a lot of knowledge , well set up to start my new hobby of spoon making."

12 Aug 17'

clare munday reviewed: Introduction to Spoon Carving

"This wonderful man gave us the best day in years and is singularly the best course I have ever done. Set in heavenly woodland with scrumptious hand made food this was a day we will never forget. A true artist and craftsman, his kind patience, expert knowledge of working with wood, botany, maths, nature, tools and much more, he may, along with Jay the dog have given is therapy, inspiration and confidence to change the way we live. Thank you will never suffice. Go as soon as you possibly can. Utter heaven."