Stanwick Lakes Art and Craft Courses reviews

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"

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."