Latest reviews

Sue reviewed: Creative gift wrapping in Derbyshire

"What a great day! Beautiful setting, lovely lunch, brilliant teaching from Jo and most of all new skills and fabulous ideas to make presents look amazing! Highly recommend this course - you will love it!"

Sandy Blackmore reviewed: Stained Glass Evening Classes

"This course is both fascinating and addictive..... The more you learn the more you realise just how many different crafts there are using glass. Yolanda had me cutting and shaping glass on my very first lesson - something I had never done before. She has a vast knowledge of the craft, endless patience, and lots of ideas that I can't wait to try out. She is a terrific teacher and her enthusiasm is catching! The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and there seems to be no limit to the beautiful and amazing things that can be made. I look forward to each session and would highly recommend this course."

Stained glass window reviewed: One day, one to one stained glass course

"We had an outstanding day in David's workshop. He was a great skilled teacher whose time, patience and commitment were exceptional. He really enabled us to realise our vision by ordering the materials in advance for us in the colours we wanted. We are so proud of what we achieved. Highly recommend this course and are even considering doing it again!"

Ronaldson reviewed: Needle felting Northumberland

"Myself and my friend had a wonderful day at The Emporium, I made some decorations and my friend felted a carrot! We met some other lovely women and cannot wait for the teddy one next year. We were able to buy some wool packs to continue at home, and I did and managed to make a heart. Thank you Yvonne the Tutor and Tracey the Owner we really enjoyed ourselves."

Sue Todd reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"I spent a brilliant Sunday afternoon in a small group of seven beginners making a little robin. I had never needle felted before but found it easy to do with Zenia's clear step by step instructions and demonstrations. She is patient, kind, enthusiastic and very helpful especially with the tricky bits. I couldn't believe how fast the 3.5 hours passed. I absolutely love my robin and can't wait to make a few more before Christmas. I enjoyed the tea, mince pies and biscuits but was so hooked on my needle felting I could hardly stop for them! I would thoroughly recommend this course and will definitely be booking another with Zenia in the spring."

Betty reviewed: Crafty Occasions

"Had an amazing day with Tina and my friends. She helped us create beautiful Christmas decorations. We had a wonderful time, she brought all the materials and emailed us further notes after the course. Will definitely book another session with her. Thank you."

Terry reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop Owl Brooch

"Mum and I both enjoyed your workshop very much, we had a really lovely chillaxed day with great company, fab cake, lots of tea and a fantastic end product which we are both proud to show off. We hope to come over again in the future to learn more techniques for this lovely craft which you have so cleverly mastered. Thank you for your patience and for sharing your tips, knowledge and secrets - 5 star craft workshop ***** :)"

Sara Samuel reviewed: Nigel Hobbins wood carving and tool care classes

"I just finished a five weeks course with Nigel and he opened up a new and wonderful world of wood carving for me. He is a real inspiration and full of creative ideas. He is very helpful and gives very constructive guidance and advice. There is a special atmosphere in the workshop with music and stimulating conversation. Thank you Nigel."

Ceri Bailey reviewed: Make Christmas

"This was an amazing weekend! Everything was well planned out, Mrs B and Sharon were great teachers, we came home with professional looking things that we never thought we could have made! Helen and Frazer were on hand to help out with any problems we had with our tiny home (we didnt have any, it was perfect!) and the snacks and lunches provided during the workshops were delicious! Would definitely recommend and will be going back again next year!"

Rachel reviewed: 2-day blacksmithing courses

"Excellent course from booking to the ending. Trudi makes you feel welcome and Aaron is a mine of useful information, patient and incredibly helpful. Having never used a hammer to hit anything other than my thumb I was amazed at what I managed to create with his help. I would recommend it to anyone and will probably try to go again purely because it was so enjoyable."

Rachel reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in the field of blacksmithing or metal work. When you experience the process of creating objects in metal first hand you are introduced to a whole new world. You realise and appreciate the skill involved and are encouraged to discover more. Being able to create complete objects in such a short space of time with no prior experience is incredibly rewarding and satisfying."

Keith reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"The course is brilliant. Very enjoyable and informative. Bashing the red hot iron - Great! Peat, you have illuminated my creative imagination with your enthusiasm for iron. Thank you!"

Kerrie reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"I enjoyed seeing my ram's head magically take shape and also being in a working environment where I was supported and encouraged by Peat and others on the course. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the course, Peat's inspiration and great teaching and the sense of achievement on completing the course."

Walter reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"I found the course totally absorbing and very satisfying. I can't wait to hit some more hot metal, it's very therapeutic - a good means of stress relief!"

Chris & Mary reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"We started blacksmithing within half an hour of arriving. The course was all action and my wife and I still cannot believe how much we achieved in the time and how much we enjoyed the experience. An unbelievably good course."

Seymour reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"This is an excellent course for the absolute novice like me. It was a completely new experience with a first class craftsman instructor and a good atmosphere amongst the rest of the group."

Michael reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"This is not a course for specialists or 'clever' people, it is for anyone and everyone who would like to explore the hidden world of blacksmithing and to be caught up in an adventure which will go on forever. I was certainly somewhat exhausted when I returned home, but the thrill of producing three most attractive pieces kept me going as I showed off to friends and family. The food, companionship and your stimulating guidance all added up to a marvellous weekend. Many thanks indeed."

D. Siedle reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"Excellent hands-on enjoyment and learning - good atmosphere, fantastic! If you are fed up with talk and want to get down to some honest hard work and bags of enjoyment, this is for you. Nothing is too much for Peat - he never gets tired of the 101 questions!"

Mark reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"I never imagined that I would produce something that looked and felt so good. I've just arrived home after a 170 mile drive - and all the way, my imagination was working overtime, thinking about the things that I might achieve with what I have learnt in the last three days. My friend was the same and the conversation was largely made up of questions about where we might buy equipment locally and suggestions as to what we might make. Once I've convinced my wife that having a forge in the back garden is a good idea, I'll certainly be darkening Peat's doorstep again for further tuition!"

Lewis reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"This is a rare opportunity to learn and appreciate the intricacies and craft of blacksmithing. The satisfaction of shaping, bending, splitting and drawing hot metal is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying experiences a maker can have, regardless of age or experience."

David D reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"A short note of thanks for the most enjoyable and creative weekend spent in Stockton. I came away with a real feeling of achievement which is always a sign of a well run and organised course. Your enthusiasm was certainly infectious and your patience in dealing with a bunch of 'greenhorns' was more than appreciated. I will certainly recommend your skills to any other 'wannabe' blacksmiths. I am presently looking around locally for a forge in which to practise. Thank you once again for your hospitality."

Claire A reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"I would like to tell you just how much I enjoyed your course. Once again I will tell you what a wonderful teacher you are. The fact that you care for your 'little blacksmiths' really shows and all your effort and preparation goes to bring a truly memorable time. I shall look forward to your next course. I thank you and your wife - the inspiration you have given me shall go forward in my blacksmithing future."

Andrew H reviewed: Beginners blacksmithing course - 3 days

"Thank you for delivering such an interesting course. I must say that I learnt a lot about blacksmithing, but most importantly I enjoyed the three days immensely. I was surprised to be hitting hot metal within 15 minutes of starting, but as you said, it is a very practical activity and there is no substitute for experience. Friends and family cannot believe that I produced all those things in the three days as a beginner, it is a testament to your ability as a teacher. I am looking forward to setting up my own forge in the fullness of time."

Zillah Limbert reviewed: Silver Jewellery Mixed Ability at St Ives Adult Learning and Skills

"Donna, the teacher was really helpful, managing the mixed abilities of the class well. She took time to explain what we were doing and provided the necessary materials - though most of us were bitten by the jewellery making bug and got some of our own supplies & kit. I learnt basic skills that I can now use to continue with jewellery making at home. I feel so proud of myself when I wear the bracelet and ring that I made! I would definitely recommend this course and have really enjoyed it."

Adult and Community Learning responded:

"Thank you for your review Zillah, so glad that you are pleased with the jewellery you made - St Ives Adult Learning"

Nick Harrison reviewed: Brew Your Own Craft Beer with St Ives Adult Learning

"Really enjoyed the class and learnt an awful lot. It has given me the confidence to to start brewing."

Adult and Community Learning responded:

"Thank you for your review Nick. We are glad you enjoyed the course - St Ives Adult Learning"