Bespoke. From the ground up.

I have attended two of James Carroll's Woodland Workshops and I absolutely loved them both.

He is a fantastic instructor, I felt so confident and at ease with tools and materials that were alien to me.

His passion for woodwork is infectious, he lives and breathes his craft. The woodland surroundings were just magical and mindful. It was complete escapism from normal life, from the moment I arrived I just switched off and immersed myself into nature and creating something I never thought I could.

We got to choose our own pieces of wood and had the use of all the equipment and tools. James has such a relaxed style of teaching, he's very encouraging and allows you to learn by trying and experiencing.

I came home with beautiful pieces from both workshops, I made a stool that doubled as a toolbox, a wooden spoon, and a stunning three legged stool that has pride of place in my living room.

My family couldn't believe that I made them. I enjoyed the first one so much that I brought my husband to the second one and he loved it too. I would recommend one of James’ courses to everyone and I can't wait for the next one to see what I can create.

Linda O’Leary

Few things can relax the mind and soul like a productive day in the woods, and there’s no better setting than James’ Woodland Workshop in Glenealy, Co Wicklow.

I’ve done this workshop twice now, and hope to do more as they become available. James gives a thorough run down of all tools and equipment while stressing safety is key at all times. He teaches you the basics around how to properly use an axe, a saw, power drills with all kinds of interesting attachments. He explains there are many ways to do things if you’re building a piece from wood, but he guides you through the easiest way-highlighting how to work with the wood rather than against it. What surprised me most is how little force is actually needed to create something lovely. I imagined I would be sore and splintered by the end of the day, but not at all.

Over the course of the workshop James brings you into his huge well of knowledge around trees, wood, carving, etc. It’s extremely impressive, and the whole experience hits all the right notes on so many levels. I would highly recommend giving it a go, and love the pieces I have made. They get a little nod of satisfaction every time I use them!

Sue

So far I have taken part in two of the Stickman workshops, and I must say they were both exceptional experiences.

From the moment I stepped into the clearing nestled amidst the trees, I felt a sense of anticipation. The other participants were all each as eager and primed with anticipation as me, and it didn't disappoint.

The instructor, James, was not only a skilled craftsman but also a fountain of knowledge. His passion for woodworking was contagious, and he shared insights that went beyond the ordinary. James’ explanations were clear, concise, and peppered with anecdotes from his own life working with wood.

One of the highlights was the hands-on practice. We had the chance to wield these tools ourselves, sling axes, and choose our own pieces of wood to work with. I learned to appreciate the nuances of each tool – their quirks, their limitations, and their immense potential.

James’ teaching style was a blend of patience and enthusiasm. He encouraged us to experiment, to make mistakes, and to learn from them.

The camaraderie among participants was heart-warming. We exchanged tips, shared stories of our mishaps, and celebrated small victories.

As the workshop drew to a close, I felt a sense of fulfilment. I had not only gained practical skills, a little table but also a passion to build and learn more.

Maeve Tait

I had the incredible fortune of participating in not just one, but two workshops with James at stickman.ie, and it was an absolute delight from start to finish.

From the moment I stepped into the serene setting nestled in the woods at the foot of Carrick Mountain, I felt like I had been transported to a tranquil oasis far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The ambiance was perfect for a day of relaxed learning, with a cosy wood fire crackling in the background, the aroma of great coffee filling the air, and charming handmade picnic table and benches inviting us to gather around. And let's not forget the warm and enthusiastic welcome we received from our host, James, whose passion for his craft was palpable from the get-go.

But what truly made the experience unforgettable were the workshops themselves. James has a remarkable knack for teaching the ins and outs of woodworking in a way that is not only safe and practical but also incredibly inspiring. With his guidance, I felt empowered to explore the world of hand and power tools with confidence, all while maintaining a deep respect for the craft.

James's teaching style is as relaxed as it is effective, and his wealth of knowledge is matched only by his genuine enthusiasm for sharing it. I found myself completely absorbed in the learning process, surprised at how much I was capable of achieving under his guidance. By the end of the workshops, I walked away feeling not just enabled and enlightened, but truly enthused about the possibilities that woodworking has to offer.

Since then, I've found myself putting the skills I learned to good use time and time again, discovering a newfound passion for DIY projects and woodworking that I never knew I had. The Woodland Workshops at stickman.ie have truly ignited a spark within me, and I couldn't recommend them highly enough. In fact, they're even better than teddy bears picnics – and that's saying something!

Miche Teehan