Black Paw upcycle project

Contact name: Scott McMillan

216
Total bookings

Rating

(89)

almost 8 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Scott has been upcycling furniture for many years, but it was only after family and friends asked how they could make the inventive pieces in his home that Scott first started sharing his skills. Over 7 years later Scott continues to host a number of Black Paw upcycling experiences in his workshop, helping people to create their own pieces of upcycled furniture and learn the skills needed to upcycle at home.

Courses, kits & gifts

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Build your own bird box or bug house from recycled materials for beginners

1 day

Next date: 17th Nov 2024

(2)

£125.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Build your own fire pit / barbecue from recycled materials. A one day course in metal work skills for beginners.

1 day

Next date: 19th Oct 2024

(6)

£155.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Key skills for converting vans into campervans 1 day course

1 day

Next date: 30th Nov 2024

(4)

£155.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

2 days

Next date: 2nd Nov 2024

(16)

£285.00

platinum award

Live online course

Live, online help with your first van build, and/or campervan conversion.

1 hour

Next date: 12th Oct 2024

£50.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Resin crafting for beginners

1 day

Next date: 20th Oct 2024

(21)

£145.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Shabby chic skills for beginners

1 day

Next date: 17th Nov 2024

(5)

£135.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Training course in upcycling with pallets for beginners in Somerset: two days

2 days

Next date: 16th Nov 2024

(7)

£225.00

platinum award

Shepton Mallet

Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

1 day

Next date: 16th Nov 2024

(28)

£135.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

8 Oct 24'

DN reviewed: Training course in upcycling with pallets. An introduction to making furniture with pallets for beginners

"We had a super day at Scott's workshop learning about all things pallets and woodworking. He was an excellent teacher and we very much valued his patience, expertise, and humour. Thanks to him, we went home with a decent shoe rack and wine box. Thanks very much!"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"hi I'm grad you both had a great day. I had fun too so thanks scott "

1 Oct 24'

Carl Williams reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"I booked this course with my wife but unfortunately after we paid there was a mix up with the booking so she couldn't attend. We had the offer to change the dates to November but as we had already booked The Air BnB, my partner came with me but wasn't allowed to attend the course she had paid for as it was full., even though there were 5 spaces left when we booked. This was a problem as it meant that she would have to wait all day on Saturday for me in the Airbnb and in the van on the Sunday whilst I did the course before returning home. However, this turned out to be a godsend as I left the course after the first day. The course is labelled as a hands on course, however it was anything but! We spent the whole of the Saturday sat around a table and we never picked up a single tool There was no clear course outline, we were never shown the tools or how to use them or how to be safe whilst using them. The biggest surprise was that the teacher didn't even have a van! Imagine going on a computer course and the guy doesn't own a computer? I It is not enough to sit around a table for 8 hours just chatting briefly on how to fit out a van without at least showing someone how to do it, either with a video, diagrams or hands on like the course suggests! I joined this course because I wanted some hands on experience and clearly from the start, that was most people's fear on the course! Using power tools on their van and making a mess! . I don't need the teacher to tell me to watch YouTube for how to fit a part! I joined the course to do it myself HANDS ON! Not only did it inconvenience my wife by the booking mistake but it costed me nearly £300 for the course, plus accomodation and fuel. If I knew around 20% of how to do a van conversion before the course, then I still know 20% now! I learned nothing and I felt like I wasted a day of my life! Taking into account how bad the course was on the Saturday, I couldn't ask the wife to sit in the van all day whilst I attended the Sunday as i learned nothing on the Saturday anyway. So I decided not to return for the Sunday and drove home. The only thing I can't fathom is all the glowing reviews on here! Maybe they attended a different course to me?"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m sorry to hear that your experience with the course did not meet your expectations, and I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. Regarding the mix-up with your wife’s booking, as mentioned before the course, this was unfortunately due to a technical glitch on the CraftCourse site. I completely understand how this impacted your plans, and I apologize that you couldn’t adjust your accommodation to one of the alternative dates offered. We made sure to arrange a full refund for your wife’s place as soon as the problem came to light, and both CraftCourse and I extend our deepest apologies for the inconvenience. In terms of the course content, I’m disappointed that you didn’t bring your concerns to me during the weekend. The course is designed to be flexible, and I always aim to meet the needs of everyone attending. As you’ll recall, we began day one by going around the group, and I asked everyone to share what they most wanted to get out of the weekend. I then proposed a course plan that I believed covered everyone’s key interests and confirmed with you and the rest of the group that you were satisfied before we started. It’s true that the first part of the course was spent sitting down as we discussed the planning, design, and build process for van conversions. During this time, I provided both handouts and lots of materials—such as pumps, insulation options, and wiring options—for participants to examine up close. In the afternoon, we worked hands-on with building 12V electrical systems, including lighting, USBs, and pumps, all powered by a 12V battery. Unfortunately, due to space limitations, we conducted this in the workshop rather than inside a van. I’m sorry that you chose not to return for the second day, as it involved very practical activities. The morning focused on assembling, cutting, and mounting 240V electrical hookup units into van panels, using tools like drills, jigsaws, and files. We also spent time exploring real campervan conversions on-site to apply what we’d covered earlier in the course. we also had time to look at 12v diesel heaters and there insulation in a van. Again, I’m sorry the course didn’t meet your expectations, but I hope this provides some context for how it was structured. Best regards, Scott "

1 Oct 24'

Jenny Weeks reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"Scott’s 2 day Campervan conversion course was amazing. I came away each day with my head buzzing from all the information and pages of notes and photos. It totally exceeded my expectation of how confident I’d feel afterwards about starting a build. It was great to have hands on practice with all aspects (electrics, cutting into metal, plumbing etc). Scott is very experienced and knowledgable on all aspects of conversions. Thank you also to Scott’s wife for the delicious cakes and their daughter for showing us around and talking us through her own conversion. I was so motivated I went home and drew out our van design until the early hours. Totally recommend this course."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Jenny, I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the van conversion course and found it so valuable! I'll definitely let Sue know you loved her cake. As I mentioned at the end of the course, I would absolutely love to see a photo of your finished van once it's done—it makes me proud to have played a small part in helping you get there. Thanks again for your kind words! Best, Scott"

9 Sep 24'

Matthew B reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 1 day course

"My wife and I spent a great day with Scott. He is a master of his domain – able to explain some complicated stuff clearly. He has an enormous amount of experience in this area and a passion for his subject which is infectious. The format was great, and his wife makes excellent cake. Highly recommended! "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Mathew, Thanks so much for the lovely review! You really made my day more interesting by asking lots of questions and getting involved. Hope to see you at the NEC in October, where we can all check out the shiny new things to add to our campervans. Cheers, Scott"