Black Paw upcycle project reviews

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

"Great course covering all of the basics you need to know! Scott’s knowledge was superb and he could answer every question we had. He tailored the day to focus on the areas we were unsure on, and even had his daughter show us round her own self built campervan! A great day and cake and ice lollies in the heat were very welcome. Thanks a lot Scott! "

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

"I had the most amazing 2 days with Scott and his wife Sue! I have learnt so much, not just learning to deconstruct pallets and create and upcycle but they are both so giving in their wealth of wisdom, humour, creative skill and a 'can do' attitude. I have come away being inspired, full of creative energy and looking to book my next course with them. Worth every single penny and more. Quite frankly the best craft course I have ever done!"

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

"A very enjoyable day making the firepit with Scott. Learnt some very useful tips while working with the tools and ended up with a pretty cool bit of kit that's had some great comments from friends when they've seen it. Would recommend this for anyone looking to get hands on with metal work, you get plenty of support as you make it and you're also able to crack on when you've got your skills nailed."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi James thanks for the great review. I so glad you enjoyed the course. all you need to do now is fire it up and add the sausages "

Steph reviewed: Shabby chic skills for beginners

"Had such a fun day on the course. It was really informative and such a good experience. I left with loads more knowledge and the motivation to keep doing it and carrying on the new skills. Scott gave me loads of support and was really approachable. Would highly recommend"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Steph thank you so much for the review and I'm so happy you had fun and felt like you learnt loads Scott"

Claire capon reviewed: Build your own bird box or bug house from recycled materials for beginners

"I had a brilliant day making a bird box from recycled pallets. Sue taught me to use a drill, hand saw, sanding machines and a chop saw. She was informative, patient, welcoming and great fun ."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Claire Thanks for a great review and keep it up. you made an amazing bird box on the day and now can make more at home sue"

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

"My wife and I attended the course recently and loved it! Scott talked us through how to source pallets as well as tips on picking the right kind and avoiding the wrong ones. He showed us the techniques to break down pallets into usable wood without destroying it as well as different tools that could be used in the process. After a chat and tea we were shown how to construct a simple toolbox/carry case then, after a safety prep talk, let loose in the workshop with Scott and his partner helping an guiding us along the way. By the end of the day I had a sturdy tool box for my bits and bobs. My wife (who decided to go in a different direction) had a lovely side table waiting to be painted, varnished and installed at home. Would definitely recommend this course. Scott and his partner are lovely and were great coaches. We're now planning on what were going to do next, as soon as we get some more pallets!"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Tim & Charli Thank you for a great review and I'm so happy you enjoyed the course. all you need to do now is start collecting pallet and making amazing things. have fun Scott"

Phillip Reygate reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 1 day course

"My daughter and I attended the one day camper van conversion course run by Scott. The day was fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of carrying out a van conversion. Scott emphasises the importance of planing the van to suit the owner and points out simple to make but costly mistakes to avoid. We learnt about lining the walls and ceiling, installing water and electric systems as well as heating. A look around Scott’s daughters van conversion helped us to understand the systems that we’d learnt about earlier in the day. The amount of knowledge that Scott has on the subject has inspired my daughter and given her the confidence to make a start which she hopes to do very soon. We both found it a very informative and enjoyable day with the added bonus of homemade chocolate cake from Scott’s wife Sue. Thanks again and good to meet you all."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Phillip thank you for such a great review . im so grad you found it useful. and I will let Sue know you liked the cake"

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

"It was a very enjoyable day. Very rewarding using the angle grinder plus you get to take your firepit home. Scott and Sue are very welcoming."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks for the feedback"

Antonio Rangel reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"Hi Mr Scott, My name is Antonio, I'm planning to do the course on May this year. One of my questions is in the course do you teach how to cut the roof? and do you provide a certificate please. Regards Antonio"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Antonio to answer your questions we cover cutting holes in your van for things like electrical hook ups and windows. but we don't cover doing the roof. we also don't do a certificate. but we do take photos you can show off to others after the course. If you have more questions please email me as this link is really for people who have already done a course with us and want to leave feedback thanks Scott"

Beth Lazell reviewed: Shabby chic skills for beginners

"We did this one day course a while ago and still remember how good it was, especially in comparison to other courses people run for creative arts and crafts. We were welcomed, provided with drinks and health & safety was part of the day. A toilet was provided and you could wash your hands whenever you wished. Sadly this is not the case with all courses. The hosts were very friendly and good tutors too. Would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn, try things out and also be encouraged. We left feeling uplifted and positive, having had a most enjoyable and informative day."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Beth Thank you for the feed back. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day Scott"

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

"We had an amazing couple of days working with pallets. Scott was an excellent teacher and had lots of advice and tips for things he'd learned the hard way. I came away with a great garden tool caddy and a lovely lamp, all made by me! Scott barely blinked and was then incredibly helpful to my sister who made a herb planter the width of our car and a garden gate!!! Thanks so much Scott and Sue."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi , I'm so grad you and your sister enjoyed the weekend. It was great to have you both get stuck in and try all the different skills we covered during the course and have fun at the same time. Scott"

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

"I absolutely loved this weekend and I'm so proud of the things I made. Not only was this a brilliant way to learn to make things of pallets but Scott was full of helpful advice about woodworking in general. It seems incredible do have learnt so much in such a short and enjoyable space of time."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thank you Sally for such a lovely review. I'm so grad you enjoyed the weekend"

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

"I had the best couple of days on the pallet up cycling course. I absolutely loved it. Scott was so friendly and helpful, sharing so much of his knowledge for so many things. Amazing cake homemade by Scott’s lovely wife Sue who taught us how to transfer pictures onto wood as well as sharing her knowledge for many other techniques. We were made to feel so at home , just trying to decide what course I do with then next ! Amazing fun ,knowledge , cake , laughs and brilliant value , thank you again so much. Now looking at buying a sliding mitre saw while husband rolls his eyes !!! ;) Jane x"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Jane Thank you for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure to have you on the course and im so grad you had an amazing time and definitely get your own sliding mitre saw Scott"

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

"Really informative, good fun and interesting weekend. Scott covered a huge span of topics and was able to give extra insight and tips. Suitable for handy DIY people and complete beginners- felt very welcome and came away with a lot of knowledge you wouldn’t get from a book or video."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thanks for a lovely review. im so pleased you liked the weekend."

Lee Harman reviewed: Key skills for converting vans into campervans 2 day course

"Great course, thanks Scott, much appreciated. Also thanks for others on the course, really good to meet you and hang out for the weekend."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Lee thanks for the feed back. i had fun too. keep building Scott"

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

"I had the most amazing day with Scott. It was great fun and I "made a thing"!!! I was ridiculously proud of the garden caddy that I made and am champing at the bit to make more things. Scott was a great teacher - calm, knowledgeable, encouraging and extremely patient (especially when I kept changing my mind on the design). The hospitality was great and his space is brilliant - lots of ideas scattered around the place for future designs. Sue provided great cakes and hit the nail on the head when she said I was channelling the joy of my inner eight-year-old! I highly recommend this course and will be signing up for more (sorry Scott!). A terrific day all around. Dawn"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Dawn. You were great fun to have for the day and yes we would love to see you again. Scott"

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

"It was an amazing weekend, i never did any wood work and now feel confident to build lots of different things, already have loads of projects in my mind to do around the house :) Scott and Sue were amazing, i felt i was learning with friends... Definitely recommend."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Paula it was a pleasure having you on the course. Good luck on building amazing stuff. I'd love a photo of your new creations when you make them. Have fun Scott"

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

"I had a really lovely day and learnt so much. It was a friendly, informal day, lots of advice and information. Bonus was the excellent cake baked by Sue. Definitely recommend this to anyone whether they have no knowledge of woodwork or want to improve their woodworking skills. Thank you Scott and Sue for a really great day"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Jackie. You were a great student too and i will let sue know you liked her cake she will be chuffed"

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

"What a truly fabulous course you run Scott Sue and Max (black paw himself). I learnt so much and was amazed by how much we achieved in a weekend. Now inspired to create so much more! Photos to follow I’m sure"

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

"I had such an amazing time with you. I really enjoyed it and my family were amazed at my creations. Thank you so much Scott and Sue xx"

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

"Such a fantastic course. I went with my son. Scott is a truly great teacher, explaining everything really clearly, really succinctly and then gives you the freedom and confidence to just get on with it and experiment. Undoubtedly 5 stars from both me and my teenage son who loved every minute of it."

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

"A fantastic course - for someone aware of the basics but lacking confidence in DIY skills, Scott and Sue have created a very accessible, useful, and most importantly fun course! Plenty of great tips, not just on upcycling, but DIY and woodwork in general, the chance to be creative, and you end up with some unique (and practical!) items to take home. Scott is a really great teacher, and they're both lovely people - thanks both!"

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

"Earlier reviews have eloquently set out the contents of this course and there is no need to repeat them. What has to be SHOUTED out is just how good this course is! It is highly instructive, different, makes you bring out the creativity you never knew you had, keeps you totally engaged to the extent of wanting to skip the lunch break and it is GREAT FUN!! Chris is just an excellent, natural tutor with a great people instinct and he is very ably assisted by wife Sue and lovely daughter - not forgetting Black Paw owner, Max! What a friendly family. Nothing is too much trouble for all 3 and you will never be left floundering. The weekend just hurtled by - do go for the 2 days - and I arrived home on Sunday night exhilarated, proud of my very modest achievements and tired out! Thank you Chris and Sue ...and, in case anyone didn't read this far, GO!"

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

"This was the perfect short course to get me moving from "I could do that" to "I made that". Starting with the basics of sourcing and dismantling your pallet ( with advice on the best tools for the job) through simple construction methods and different wood finishing techniques , Scott and Sue provided comprehensive, practical advice in a supportive, friendly environment. We even learned how to incorporate lighting into a pallet wood project. Over the two days I learned to use both power and hand tools effectively and to try out a host of creative ideas. I also picked up lots of practical woodworking tips. This course opened up a world of potential projects to explore back home and it was great fun. Scott, Sue and Max the Labrador (the black paws behind the name!) were all great company. Highly recommended. Thank you."

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

"Hi Scot A great weekend of craft work and recycling of pallets. It was fun, informative and a truly a practical approach as to how one can create useful items and furniture from redundant pallets. Your excellent instruction will be put to use very soon to create some 'master pieces ' well at least some useful items of interest. Thanks to you and Sue- a wonderful time was enjoyed. Best regards Richard"