What do students think about our Woodturning courses & workshops?
Woodturning workshops & courses are a big part of what we do at Mapleseed Gallery. Whether it’s the two day Introduction to Bowl Turning or Pepper Mill Turning programs, the one or two day Turning Designer Pens class or the five evening Wood Turning Projects workshop, instructor Irwin Seidman never gets tired of seeing new woodturners begin to relax, become more comfortable, and have fun in front of the lathe.
With a strong focus on safety and technique, students progress quickly and he always looks forward to the proud smiles that a finished take-home project brings. It is this great sense of satisfaction that makes us proud when students take the time to share some of their thoughts about their Mapleseed Gallery woodturning course experience(s).
Here’s what some of our students have said:
Student Testimonials
Awesome fun! I thought I’d be really nervous, but the small class size and friendly environment made me feel very comfortable. I love my bowl and can hardly wait for the next course. Thanks!! (Angie – Toronto ON)
What a welcoming and refreshing experience. From the initial greeting to the final handshake. All is done in a professional, non threatening, go at your own pace atmosphere. (Dean – Allan Park ON)
As a cabinet maker with 30 years experience I can tell the difference between a woodworker who is capable of doing advanced work and one who just teaches. Lacking turning was a hole in my craft and I was very pleased with Irwin’s approach, clear and concise in an easygoing manner. Just what I needed to fill this gap in my professional portfolio. Thanks. (Henry – Singhampton, ON)
The woodturning weekend was one of the best weekends I’ve had in a long time. Your ability to put people at ease and to impart your woodturning knowledge was a big part of that. The photos are a good reminder of techniques so I have printed them off and plan to hang them on the wall beside the lathe . . . Happy turning. (Brenda – Harriston ON)
… great workshop . I had lots of fun. Hopefully I can attend another session soon. (Louise – Cambridge ON)
I took your course to help me decide whether or not I wanted to invest in a lathe and associated tools. The two days were such fun that I’ve decided to go ahead and do it. I was particularly lucky to be the only student in my session. Two days of one on one instruction was exceptional… I would highly recommend (this) class for beginning turners. (Dave – Toronto ON)
Thank you for the opportunity to learn how to use a wood lathe safely and confidently. I had a lot of fun creating something functional and expressing the natural beauty of the wood. Your focus on safety gave me the confidence to have fun… Your instruction/coaching is instinctive and relaxed making it an easy environment for me to learn. I like the use of pictures as it will remind me how to hold the tool as well as its approach to the piece. I had a tremendous amount of fun and can’t wait for the next time… (Stephan – Owen Sound ON)
The photos from our two day workshop are great and will help to remind us of some of the techniques, thanks so much for sending them along. I definitely had a lot of fun, and I think the way you taught the material will make it stick in my head. For me it was really the focus on the fundamentals, rather than any fancy project, that will make the most difference in developing skills. I know that my Dad and I will plan some weekend soon to get his Shopsmith lathe fired up! (Greg – Newmarket ON)
What a sweet idea sending the photos! Thank you. I think I may print them and put them in my shop … inspiration and all. I am having a tough day at work, as I really want to be at my shop practicing. I feel you really taught me so much in such a short period of time and that building my confidence will be a few days a week practicing and having fun. Thanks so much for this special weekend, it has really meant a lot to me. (Colleen – Stouffville ON)
Wanted to thank you for making the last two days very enjoyable. I’m very pleased with the projects – I could see how easy it would be to make a huge mess of it, and you made sure we didn’t! Thank you so much, and thanks to Susan for the great lunches. (Gail – Stayner ON)
