Kathy W.
2 weeks ago
Absolute beginner had a wonderful day learned a lot I would recommend the course.
david W.
2 weeks ago
A great day. Nice atmosphere in very pleasant surroundings. Left with plenty of practical hands on time , lots of information and tutoring as I begin my wood carving journey. Thanks Will.
Linda
2 weeks ago
Had a great day at Orchard Caving Studio, carving wood is my passion and I've now learnt so much more. With the correct wood & the correct tools, I now know the right way to do it, Thank you so much and what a lovely new workshop.
Amanda P.
1 month ago
Really good morning. William excellent teacher, very clear and ended up with lovely woodcarving.
Leigh S.
1 month ago
I absolutely loved attending the Orchard carving studio. It was really well laid out, with lots of snacks and drinks. All the tools we needed, and lots of facilitation. Gentle guidance, encouragement and a great bunch of people.
I learnt lots and had a fantastic time. I would definitely recommend this workshop for both beginners and those with more experienced artists and carvers. It's a great way to learn a new skill or to improve amongst like-minded people. I came away with a newfound enthusiasm for dusting off my carving tools, getting them sharpened, and starting some new projects. Thank you to William for lovely facilitation.
ian C.
2 months ago
I had a great day. Comfortable atmosphere with really skilled tutors. The pace of the sessions was perfect and I was amazed at how much we were able to achieve as first timers. I would recommend the course wholeheartedly.
Russell G.
2 months ago
Just spent two marvellous days at The Orchard Carving Studio learning how to make a bird marionette. The studio was a well equipped and a great place to work in. It was the first time I have done any wood carving so didn’t know what to expect. Sarah, our instructor, gave us very clear instructions on how to carve the different elements of the marionette and also the freedom to work at our own pace.
The other people on the course were very friendly and helpful. I found it very relaxing just to listen to everyone quietly chiselling away.
Each of the two days was finished with Sarah demonstrating her wonderful puppets. A bird on day one and a juggling squirrel on day two.
I would definitely recommend doing this course if you have an interest in puppetry.
Bridget S.
2 months ago
My son and I had a brilliant time on this course. Sarah (the course tutor) gave really clear instructions and help when we needed it but also just let us get on when we were confident to do so. Everyone was lovely and friendly and all of the materials and tools we needed were provided. We felt really satisfied to have created our beautiful bird puppets. Sarah also showed us some of the amazing puppets she has made, which was very inspiring. We were able to chat to Sarah and Will about all matters carving related and I've already signed us up for another course!
Lizzie W.
4 months ago
I had such a brilliant day learning how to make a low-relief wood carving. The studio is a lovely space, with individual work benches and lots of light, and William the tutor was really great - very good at explaining things clearly and calmly. I would love to do it again!
Richard K.
6 months ago
Very happy with the course. In a packed 3 hours I learnt and appreciated the work and skills that wood carvers have. William is a good teacher.
Lou Griffiths A.
8 months ago
I took the half day Introduction To Woodcarving course and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised in so many ways. What I achieved being my first time, this tudor rose, as William is such a warm and consise tutor. The venue is beautiful as you can see in my photo. I will definitely be coming back for more.
denice V.
8 months ago
I hadn’t booked this carving workshop for myself so was very unsure how it would go…. I have arthritis in my hands so was worried I wouldn’t be able to achieve anything. I’m also deaf so communication is difficult for me in a learning environment. But I had an absolutely magical time and I can’t wait to go again.
The Workshop space is really warm, comfortable, light, intentional and fit for purpose . There is a beautiful shop on site with artisan carvings, tools and books to inspire. Toilets are close by and refreshments were provided.
Will is a brilliant facilitator, firstly he is eminently talented and skilled, a master carver and he was genuinely enthusiastic in sharing with everyone who took part in the workshop.
Will is a great communicator, warm and encouraging, I didn’t struggle at all, he made sure I could see his face and each stage was explained and demonstrated really well. He did the same for everyone there, everyone felt they had a little one to one tuition.
His teaching style is relaxed and experiential, show then off you go. My friends and I were all amazed at ourselves, we created lovely wooden leaf tiles, to get used to the tools and the safe and correct way to use them, we then , with much more confidence created another tile project of our own choosing. We were all genuinely really happy with what we managed to accomplish in just three hours!
I can absolutely highly recommend this course, venue and Will to all. A workshop with Will would make an ideal, rather special gift , something a little different, for someone you love. Or if you are ready to learn something new, learn with the best. Thanks Will and The Orchard Carving Studio , I had a wonderful day and I’m so happy with my tiles
Jonathan L.
8 months ago
Honestly this has been a gem of a course. I’ve enjoyed the entire learning journey and really looked forward to my weekly carving session.
William is an incredibly warm and friendly teacher, who creates a relaxing environment from the moment you walk into his studio. William’s wealth of knowledge and skill, creates a learning journey filled with expert guidance. His teaching style, meant that every student was able to quickly get to grips with the basics of using the tools. Over the coming weeks our ideas came to life and we all achieved an individually brilliant carving.
I will definitely be looking to return in the not so distant future.