Wood Automata and Mechanical Toy Making

Wow, what a lovely day!. I was a woodworking virgin but Stefan is such a patient and supportive teacher that I soon became confident using the machinery. He’s also great company, and I left the workshop buzzing – and with a lovely fishing cat automaton that looks like it was made by a pro!

I had a highly enjoyable day. Stef takes you through all the steps of measuring, drilling, cutting, sanding (3 different machines!), painting and glueing your toy. You have a choice of toys and can paint it to your preference. Building a working automata was a really satisfying way to spend a day. Thank you Stef!

We had a fantastic day- we made the more advanced toys which we are delighted with! They are beautiful, fascinating & joyful. Stef was brilliant showing us how to use the equipment and helping us when we needed it, he explained everything and he had put so much work into the preparation before we arrived. We worked hard and had lots of fun and laughter as well. This was one of the best creative things we have tried together. Thankou Stef!

Stef is a wonderful teacher and I would highly recommend this course.

I spent an enjoyable, practical and productive learning experience with Stefano. He was very knowledgeable, thorough and patient and provided just the right amount of encouragement and assistance whilst leaving me free to enjoy the hands on experience of making a wooden automaton. Stefano’s design, explanations and instructions were faultless. I ended up with a fully functioning, painted fishing cat automaton to take home! I fully recommend the course.

A good day. Went home happy with my automaton.

Stef is a great teacher, relaxed, interesting and informative. It is as much fun chatting with him as it is making the toy. He has a tidy, well-equipped workshop perfectly arranged for the task. Thanks for a really enjoyable day

I booked this for my partner as a surprise and we loved the day! Stef was a wonderful host who helped me keep it a secret until we got to the workshop. He talked us through how to use all the machinery and how automata work - I can’t recommend him enough. We loved the combination of precision and creativity required and came away with two toys to show off. Thank you so much Stef!

I bought the workshop for my fathers birthday and we both attended together. It was a fantastic day where we not only learnt the basics of wood automata (and built a toy each), we also had a lot of fun due to the charismatic and enthusiastic Stefano! He was an expert teacher and went above and beyond to ensure we finished our toys on the day. I highly recommend if you enjoy wood work and have a sense of fun!

My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed our day with Stef. Neither of us had experience in using power tools but Stef was an encouraging and patient teacher. Having such a small group made all the difference, we had his undivided attention. Having a limited choice of what to make was a really good idea, we were able to concentrate on the making without worrying about what to do. Some experience of woodwork would help but wasn’t essential. A brilliant day, would thoroughly recommend.

We loved the automata experience. Stef was a passionate, warm, and positive host. I was a woodworking novice and my husband regularly enjoys woodworking, but we both learned loads. I found the tools easy to use with Stef's helpful guidance and encouragement. Stef was very knowledgeable and explained things well. He gave us lots tips without taking over. He clearly wanted us to get the most we could out of the day. Overall, we are thrilled with our final products!