Black Paw upcycle project reviews

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

"Great course. Scott was very knowledgable and it was great to tap into his years of experience building campers. And its given me some clearer direction and ideas on what to put into my own camper, "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

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

"I don’t usually do reviews unless it was something awful and have to warn others or if it is something so good it is definitely worth it. And this van conversation course was the latter!!!!! It was great! Scott had so much knowledge and the two days was filled with information and this information wasn’t random but specialised to your van build. However the only way to get the most out of it is if you/me ask loads of questions through out. And Scott wanted this also so he could tailor the course to the needs of what I was looking for in a van. Finally just be prepared for a lot of information in a short space of time which can be bad if you are not prepared for it but it is all incredibly important and beneficial information. Once again it was a great weekend and well worth the drive down there!! Thomas "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"thanks, Thomas for a lovely review. I grad you found it useful and fun. As you said it is best if you keep asking questions, so you get the best from the course. but I also like the challenge as everyone's van build is different and I love the puzzle of helping people get the most from the weekend"

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 "

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 "

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"

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"

Carol Trocchi reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"A great day, learned a great deal. Excellent, knowledgable teacher. Would highly recommend. Relaxed learning environment. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Carol Thanks for a lovely review. I'm so glad you had a great day. Scott"

Dee Crossland reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Had an absolutely amazing day on the resin craft course. Learnt so much, made loads too. Scott and his wife are lovely people. Scott explains things well. I’ll be trying out his other courses too."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks, Dee. I'm glad you enjoyed the day. Scott"

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

"The course was excellent, it was filled with top tips and advice as well as practical exercises. I wasn't well versed in 12v electrics but now feel confident in both fitting an external power socket but also all internal wiring. Scott was very good and answering all questions and giving superb advice on fitting as well as tools, equipment and parts. A very good course, tailored to what we needed as well as the start to finish process, fully recommended."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Rob, I wanted to thank you for the wonderful review. I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the weekend course and found it so useful. It's incredibly rewarding to know that you had a positive experience. Remember, by building your campervan, you're opening the door to countless amazing trips and adventures. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to hear about all the incredible journeys you'll embark on with your new skills. Wishing you all the best and loads of fun with your campervan projects! Scott"

Nicole reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"A fantastic day with Scott playing with resin. Scott was knowledgeable and engaging which made the course great fun. As an added bonus, we had a crash course in bee keeping from Sue ... not to forget a delicious cake. Thanks both!"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Nicole. So glad you enjoyed the course and yes watching Sue capture a bee swarm outside the workshop at lunch time was really interesting too"

Kate reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"We had a really lovely day, a good and well explained introduction to resin in a very relaxed atmosphere, thank you! "

Dianna reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Fantastic Day - I learnt a lot. Scott was extremely informative and I would recommend to those who want an insight into Resin work."

Jacky L reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"We had a lovely day. Scott is a great teacher with so many skills. We learned a lot about how to use resin properly and what can go wrong. I highly recommend Black Paw workshops for anyone wanting to learn new crafts. He answered so many questions. Great cake too. Thank you."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Jacky thanks for a loverly review, I'm so glad you enjoyed the day Scott"

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

"What a great 2 days of learning how to upcycle pallets. Through Scott and Sue’s incredible patience I learnt to use many power tools efficiently in order to build a multi-purpose box, AND I learnt different painting/oiling/waxing/burning techniques whilst making a jewellery hanging shelf. It is a brilliant course, not only informative but confidence building. I can’t wait to get started at home now. Highly recommended. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks, Carolyn for a lovely review. I'm so glad you enjoyed the course and made some amazing things for recycled pallets. Have fun and start building. Scott "

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

"A really lovely day spent making a fire pit. Wonderful relaxed atmosphere, friendly and instructive. Definitely tecommend."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks, Andrew I had fun too Scott"

Pauline reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Had such a great experience learning about resin with Scott. Would definitely recommend "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thanks Pauline "

Howard reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"I really enjoyed the Resin Course. It was informative and fun. Scott is wonderfully open and kind. He comes across as an engaging enthusiastic man who knows a lot and is clearly highly skilled, knowledgeable and professional. I would encourage you to give it a go. It's time and money well spent."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Howard thanks for such a lovely review. I really glad you enjoyed the day, had fun and learned some new stuff. remember to spray your mould before you pour and have fun being creative Scott "

David Lacey reviewed: Build your own bird box or bug house from recycled materials for beginners

"Great day with my teenage son making a bird box and bug house. Sue made us feel welcome and did a great job teaching the basics. My son said it was lots of fun and appreciated learning useful skills. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Thank for a lovely review. I'm glad you both enjoyed it Sue "

Richard Thomas reviewed: Shabby chic skills for beginners

"Did the Shabby Chic Course with Scott and it was great . Learnt loads in a really fun and relaxed environment . Scott has a wealth of knowledge and is a great teacher . I took along a yucky brown Jali type cupboard and we transformed it into a fab looking piece of furniture . A fun and informative day . "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Richard Thank you for your feedback! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed the project and found it useful. Your cupboard looked amazing by the end—I even fancied keeping it for myself! Great job! Best regards, scott"

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

"Scott and Sue were brilliant hosts, they have an amazing workshop and are super knowledgeable. They gave us the right amount of info but also focused on letting us explore and learn at our own pace. I thoroughly recommend this course. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Kat, thanks for the lovely review I had fun too Scott"

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

"Had a fabulous day. Scott's knowledge was great, he took time to explain everything. We learnt to break down a pallet and then construct an item of choice. There was lots of different tools to try and always enough for everyone to use. Gave guidance and tips throughout. All in all a fun and enjoyable day. Thoroughly recommend. "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Lianne, thanks for a lovely review, I am so happy you enjoyed the course. Scott"

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

"Fantastic 2 day course - really useful and inspiring for anyone embarking on a campervan conversion. Lots of practical tips from Scott's experience for whole process of conversion - from initial idea to finishing touches. Scott adapts the specifics of the day to meet people's different van projects/budgets. A great course if you've got a tight budget! I really enjoyed the hands on experience we got making electrical loops and practising cutting holes in metal - 2 elements of the build I feel a lot less daunted by now! "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Billy thanks for such a lovely review. I'm so glad you got loads out of it and it will help with your van build. Keep counting the biscuits. "

Carol Hitchins reviewed: Resin crafting for beginners

"Great time and enjoyed doing a new craft and loved the cake ."

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Carol Glad you enjoyed it and yes Sue's cake was amazing too"

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

"Really useful course. Lots of information and help from Scott. Also loads of practical exercises which really helped in planning electric systems Small group of 6 so very participative. Shows lots of great ideas to do things well without spending loads of money. Cakes great too!!! "

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Alison. I'm so happy you enjoyed the course and found it useful Scott "

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

"Really enjoyable and comprehensive course. Scott is a fantastic tutor with loads of great tips and advice, both on how to create things from pallets but also where to spend your money when it comes to buying tools and equipment. I was really chuffed with the potting tray I created on the day, and feel much more confident to create more things with pallet wood. I feel I have a solid understanding of the basics that will mean I can have a go making boxes, tables, stools, all sorts really. Thank you Scott for a great day. :)"

Black Paw upcycle project responded:

"Hi Lorna So glad you enjoyed the day. Nice to know you are now one of us and you can't now walk past a pallet without thinking "I could make something amazing out of you" "