Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses reviews

3 Mar 17'

Kate reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"My Dad and I had a fabulous day. We had never carved before and really weren't sure about what we'd be able to achieve in a day, but went along anyway for the experience. It turned out that we were both really pleased with and proud of what we made. Pete's love for his craft, for the techniques, the tools, the wood, for the projects and for the people he meets along the way were great. We were in a small group with heaps of individual attention, with plenty of tools on hand and given an introduction to the tools, the wood etc. We followed Pete step by step to make a small piece to get us started and then launched into our own relief carved project. We'd come armed with ideas - a running hare and a teddy bear - but there were a good range of patterns and ideas to look at and chose from. Pete took his time with each of us, carefully explaining to us the best way to approach our designs and helping us along the way. We loved his sense of humour and his little stories and anecdotes about life as a carver - what a lovely guy. Thanks Pete! (Ps husband not so happy with Pete - I spent over a 100 quid on carving tools and cut proof gloves etc as soon as I got home that night!)"

22 Feb 17'

N Monsey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"An excellent course, had a great day, a very good introduction to blacksmithing."

10 Dec 16'

Natalie Stanier reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"I can't recommend this course enough, I had a fabulous 2 days, the Craft barn is lovely venue for the course the log burner kept us toastie & warm. I had lunch both days at the visitors centre which was great. Sue was a fantastic teacher & made the course exceptional & I was so pleased with the Reindeer I made its something I can treasure for years to come."

5 Dec 16'

Jo Raffles reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"This willow reindeer course is to be thoroughly recommended in beautiful surroundings with good facilities . The workshop took place inside a beautiful barn with a woodburning stove and tea and coffee making facilities provided. Sue, our tutor, was excellent. She was friendly and encouraging to beginners and others alike . We learned the basics of growing different types of willow and its uses. Everyone had an amazing couple of days and each took home fairly recognisable reindeers ready for xmas . Mine is now adorned with xmas lights and looks fantastic ! Many thanks to Sue and the staff at Stanwick Lakes."

15 Nov 16'

Bryan Hollier reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"Sue Kirk is an excellent teacher and gave all of us a great deal of confidence that we could actually make this Reindeer ! I guess that nearly all of us were of a certain age and this was something many of us had not tried before. Also excellent facililties at Stanwick Lakes. I would recommend this course and others at Stanwick. So 5 stars ( can I give them more !! )"

15 Nov 16'

Gerald Shirley reviewed: Willow Reindeer Sculptures - 2 day course

"This two day course is held at the very picturesque nature reserve of Stanwick Lakes in Northampton-shire. The course in held in a purpose built oak framed building complementing the rustic feel of the willow weaving. As this is an autumn event the addition of the roaring log burner and the free tea and coffee is very comforting. The course starts with the very talented Sue Kirk describing how the willow is grown, harvested, dried and then readied for use by soaking. Sue also describes different forms of willow sculpture before getting us started on our own unique creations. On the morning of day one you learn the basic skills and create the form of the body. After a light lunch or a proper meal in the visitor center cafe the afternoon is spent creating the head and blending it to and filling out the body. Day two is where you get to create the character or you Reindeer. The tail, antlers and ears are now added. The antlers can be as big or small as you like and turn your "animal shape" into your very own "Rudolph", "Donna" or "Blitzen". Again, after lunch you get to put the final details to your reindeer. Using stripped willow which is white you can add colour to your antlers and highlight the facial details and eyes. When we were all finished a marvelous group photo was taken of us and our reindeer. My course was a surprise birthday present from my wife. It was not anything I had ever thought of doing but was eager to get started. I enjoyed it immensely and have learnt a new skill which I am eager to try again at home. I will be back to Trading Places soon for another of their brilliant courses."

15 Nov 16'

Martyn Perkins reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"My son attended a one day introductory blacksmith course. Firstly the course is reasonably priced, and not over subscribed. Jack came home with his hook and candleholder and explained in detail the processes involved in its making. I have never seen him so pleased with himself. He has already said he wants to go on any other days that are available. On a personal note the Smith showed me around the forge when I arrived and talked with enthusiasm to me. Can't rate this highly enough. EXCELLENT"

15 Nov 16'

Dean C reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A great day out and a wonderful experience with still lots more to learn! I would gladly go on another course, the instructor, Stuart, was very patient and could fix any mistakes a novice like myself might have made. A long day, that will leave you feeling proud of what you have achieved. 5/5"

19 Oct 16'

Jenny Jones reviewed: Basket Making – two day course

"Excellent course. The tutor Maggie is endlessly patient, very knowledgeable and a great inspiration. Can't wait to do another course with her."

18 Oct 16'

Fiona reviewed: Basket Making – two day course

"Brilliant two days really pleased with my new basket. Lots of help and support. Looking forward to the next course."

18 Oct 16'

Shona G reviewed: Basket Making – two day course

"A very enjoyable two days. And I came away with a great basket!"

18 Oct 16'

Rob Stevens reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Brilliant day! A great location and the course was just right as an introduction to blacksmithing. A relaxed atmosphere and the tutor provided good support and was very patient!!"

17 Oct 16'

Two day willow work reviewed: Basket Making – two day course

"This is an absolutely brilliant course. It's the second one I've done and had the same tutor. She is patient, clear, organised and very very good. Highly recommend this course and have already planned to do another."

17 Oct 16'

Nick Healey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A relaxed atmosphere. Just 2 students to one instructor so you had plenty of help / attention. The day passed very quickly."

24 Jun 16'

Julie Thompson reviewed: Shoe Making course – three day course

"I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 days shoe making (mine are one of the pairs in the picture). Nick is a good teacher and knows about the sharp end of the business too and was very generous in passing on his knowledge. Expect long busy days; it's an ambitious course but set in the tranquil surroundings of Stanwick Lakes it made for a unique experience."

23 Jun 16'

Gina Starling reviewed: Basket Making Introductory Course - one day

"I had a lovely time and made a beautiful basket that I am still using. Probably need to go on another course to make another basket."

23 Jun 16'

Tony Fitzpatrick reviewed: Shoe Making course – three day course

"Good course content and instructor was well informed. However if I was going to give you some criticism - there wasn't enough tools / glue containers and heat guns for each person which. Thank you for the course. PS: Do you provide Certificates for the course as I would like one for my business and future plans."

22 Jun 16'

James Lee reviewed: Shoe Making course – three day course

"This was a thoroughly enjoyable course, the time flew by and I learnt so much from Nick Cooper whose teaching was excellent. Well worth coming up from Somerset. I would like to do more shoemaking if a 'next stage' course was available."

22 Jun 16'

Corrine Brice reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Brilliant course, very knowledgeable tutor, went at just the right pace for everybody. Thoroughly enjoyed the day and came away feeling like I'd really achieved something. Looking forward to doing the green oak chair course."

22 Jun 16'

Emma Catlin reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"I had a fabulous day, it was so absorbing and informative. Much better than I expected it to be! Also, to work in a small group was great - we could get information and specific help with our work and I felt I learned so much. The tutor was very knowledgeable, and it really ignited my enthusiasm, I could have merrily carved away for another few hours! I am a complete new comer to wood carving, but have been trying to source tools and equipment to be able to finish the project I started. I plan to continue if time and space allow. Excellent!!! Thanks Pete!"

22 Jun 16'

Blacksmithing reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A really fun day led by a very friendly instructor. Lots to learn, most enjoyable."

22 Jun 16'

Anna Kingsmill-Vellacott reviewed: Basket Making Introductory Course - one day

"Maggie is an inspired teacher able to convey her own enthusiasm for the subject. The course numbers worked beautifully and, even though the day wasn't wonderful weatherwise, I think we all enjoyed it. The small round basket I made has been extremely useful to me for holding bobbins and/or rolags when I spin. It's been very much admired by my fellow craftspeople. I really enjoyed my day and have now booked for the two day course. I do hope there will be more such courses - excellent in every way."