Penlan Crafts

Tessa reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"I took my bestie for a day Automata making for her birthday. It was just me and her which was perfect. We had the best time, honestly, amazing. Stef is a wonderful, patient tutor who made the whole day so relaxed! I don’t think beginners even covers how inexperienced we were. I am not artistic in any way shape or form but he just bought out the best in both of us, I was dreading painting mainly because of my lack of artistry but I was thrilled with my end result and I have never seen my friend so happy with her achievement too. Unusually, Stef doesn’t seems to have course dates on here, I sent him a message to see if there was any chance of attending day course on a specific date and he agreed. So don’t be shy to contact on here as just ask. It was a really fun, relaxed and fulfilling day. Don’t let anything put you off, if we can do it, anyone can!!! "

Andi reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"I received this as a Christmas gift and thoroughly enjoyed my time on the automata course with Penlan Crafts. Stef is a great tutor, he made the day feel really unpressured and put me at ease. I had a lot of fun, learnt loads and came away with a toy that I am really proud of, which will be gifted on to my hreat nephew. I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone, Stef was great and provided lots of encouragement and the right amount of support and guidance. Thanks Stef for a lovely day."

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Dear Andi, thank you very much for your kind review. I'm glad that you enjoyed the course. Your personalised "Colin the Caterpillar" is lovely and I'm sure your great nephew will treasure it for many years to come. Thank you again! Stef"

Greg B reviewed: AT HOME Automata Kit

"This was such a fun kit to build! All the pieces were easy to assemble with straightforward instructions and precision fit, allowing all the elements to work together seamlessly. This kit is a great introduction to the craft of Automaton and I'm really glad to have started here. Before ordering, I had emailed Stef from Penlam Crafts for modified shipping and she was super helpful to make that happen without a hitch! I can't wait to try other kits and really wish I could take an in-person class, if I were anywhere near the UK. Thanks Penlam Crafts!"

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Hi Greg, I'm so pleased you liked the kit! As you noted, a in-person course would be even more fun, especially for somebody like you interested in better understanding the mechanics of movements... but at least you had an "appetiser" with my kit. It was a pleasure interacting with you and I'm really happy that the delivery went smoothly. Please stay in touch! All the best, Stef (nickname for Stefano, a male Italian name :))"

Mike reviewed: Wooden mechanical toy (automata) making

"Thank you Stef for a wonderful day building my own automata. You coached me learning to use the machines to cut /finish the parts, paint, and assemble the machine with great patience and enthusiasm. I can see you love this process and enjoy sharing the experience. Thank you again. "

Penlan Crafts responded:

"Thank you Mike... you are right, I love automata making! But it's sharing my (limited) knowledge with enthusiastic students like yourself the really rewarding experience :) Thank you for your lovely review, please keep in touch to discuss your future projects. Best, Stef "