Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses reviews

13 Oct 17'

Andy Savage reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Really enjoyed my day- learnt lots. Thanks"

13 Oct 17'

Clive watson reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"I arrived 10 minutes late due to traffic. However, soon down to a quick brief on H&S. Kit on and away we went. What a great day I had and my wife was very appreciative of the goodies I brought home, after all she had brought me the course as a birthday present. Stuart is very competent instructor with a good sense of humour and easy manner. Thanks for the brilliant tuition and no my wife tells me I may not get a forge in the back garden."

27 Sep 17'

Anne Alsop reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"A very relaxed , welcoming and supportive environment. The tutor was clear in his instructions and demonstrations. A group of only six gave plenty of time for individual attention when needed . Tools were in good condition and plenty available for most steps of the project . Mark organised the time so we had other tasks to do while waiting our turn with the powered tools (which were only used when necessary ! ) A very enjoyable and rewarding course - I've already signed up for another training day with this tutor"

21 Sep 17'

Keith Hoidgson reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"Great course and great teacher. it was good to lean how to make a stool with the use of hand tools and not using nails and glue. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in making things out of green wood. wish I had found out about this course sooner. I will be looking into taking more courses like this. Mark was very helpful to everyone on the course and he didn't just stand and watch he took his time to show us the right way to make our stools. he also explained every step in great detail. I would give mark 10 out of 10."

21 Sep 17'

David Yorkstone reviewed: Rustic Furniture Making – 2 day course

"Fantastic, head clearing and productive weekend. The stool I made will be well used!"

20 Sep 17'

C Barber reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Blacksmith at Stanwick - Fantastic day - Stuart was brilliant - being faced with three mature ladies refusing to grow old gracefully. Blacksmith is now our definite new career path. !!"

11 Sep 17'

Wayne groom reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A big thank you to stuart and his team at the trading post. I had such an exciting time learning to use the forge and trying to make the metal do what I wanted (badly).Stuart was patient,witty and very knowledgable and helped us get through to the final result.i throughly enjoy my day and would highly recommend it to anyone to give it try."

11 Sep 17'

Bryan W reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"What a fantastic day: two great little projects; two keen classmates and an enthusiastic tutor. You should consider running an 'advanced' one day course to make something a bit more challenging."

11 Sep 17'

Dr Kevin Pyke reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Great day blacksmithing. Really enjoyed it. Good teacher and with only 3 students, it worked very well and tuition was just right. Good to take home two really decent handmade pieces which friends and family were most impressed by. Do you do a second level course? It would be fun to keep going a bit and learn some other slightly more advanced techniques."

5 Jun 17'

Sheila Chambers reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"This was a late Christmas present for my husband and I booked us both in for May. It was new to both of us and the small group of 6 was just right - lots of time for 1-2-1 assistance from Pete. I want to complete my 'green man' and will be looking for the tools to do the job. Very enjoyable, but the tools supplied were stored a bit 'hap-hazard' in the various boxes and individual chisels were hard to find. Would recommend"

31 May 17'

David Edwards reviewed: Wood Carving Course

"I had a very enjoyable day and was quite pleased with what I was able to achieve."

21 May 17'

Patrick Morgan reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Course - one day

"Well taught, excellent course, from which I learnt a lot."

17 May 17'

Morgan Phillips reviewed: Dry Stone Walling Course - one day

"The course was an excellent introduction to dry stone walling. Relaxed approach to learning and we were encouraged to take your time to understand what we were doing and to do it well. We had the opportunity to set out, cut and shape stones as necessary and to work together to build in a small group."

26 Apr 17'

Kate reviewed: Shoe Making course – three day course

"I enjoyed everything about his course; Nick is a thorough and patient teacher (and lovely guy), the group was friendly and I am delighted with my new shoes! The location of the workshop right next to Stanwick Lakes makes for a peaceful setting. I had always wanted to learn about shoe making and would recommend this course highly - thank you Nick and Mark!"

15 Mar 17'

Richard Cawte reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"Excellent one day Blacksmithing course on the 10th March 17, good instruction, good fun and something to show for it at the end of the day."

14 Mar 17'

Les Connelly reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"This is an excellent introductory day to basic blacksmithing. The course was limited to 3 persons and with 2 instructors on hand you couldn't go wrong. Within 10-15 minutes of arriving we were heating up our metal in the furnace and taking our first tentative steps into shaping a hook. Then later in the day as our confidence and ability improved we progressed to a very presentable candlestick holder. The instructors were approachable, patient and knowledgeable always on hand to assist you and I cannot recommend this excellent introductory day to an age old craft enough so thanks to Stuart and Mark."

14 Mar 17'

Chris Arthurs reviewed: Blacksmithing Introductory Workshop - One Day

"A really enjoyable and productive day. Ideal groups size. Trainers (Tutors / Instructors ?) had a good balance between standing back while we practiced : and stepping in, gently but firmly, when in danger of making a complete hash. With result that we all came away with presentable products and self confidence intact ! Good venue with parking charges included and discounted snack lunch option."

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"