A and T Petersen Ltd reviews

20 Aug 17'

Paul Jones reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Just spent the weekend learning to blacksmith with Aaron from Ferric Fusion. The course was bought for me as a birthday present and it was fantastic. Great fun learning to make a rams head fire poker, as well as many hooks and fire tongs. Aaron is a very knowledgable blacksmith and a great teacher of his trade. I would highly recommend this course to those looking to try something new. ? — in Saint Clears, Carmarthenshire, United Kingdom."

10 Aug 17'

Martin Mahoney reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"What an absolutely fantastic day. Aaron is the consummate professional craftsman and educator and is an absolute delight to both watch and be guided by. If you are a maker of any kind or simply enjoy learning new skills, this course is a must for the to-do list. I will be taking what I've learned over the course of the day into my professional life as a prop maker and will certainly hope to return to Steele Avenue one day if only just to watch a master at work. Many, many thanks and kindest regards to all involved Martin M"

21 Jul 17'

Helen reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"I brought this course for my sister on the condition that I had to go with her. I was not disappointed! It was the first time that I'd tried anything like this and although I don't think I will ever become an accomplished Blacksmith, I am really pleased with what I managed to achieve over the 2 days (with a lot of help from Aaron). What I was particularly impressed with was the way in which the course was structured as there were lots of demonstrations and things were explained at each step. Aaron was also more than happy to repeat things and because there were only 4 of us, there was plenty of time to provide guidance on a 1-2-1 basis. When I read the description of the course I had been a little concerned that I might end up with a number of things that I would have no use for - I live in a rented flat with no fireplace or garden. However, I came away with a short curtain rail (rather than a poker) and 2 candle sticks as well as the hooks made on the first day. Aaron was more than happy to accommodate my requests, offering suggestions that were within my skill level and used it as an opportunity to show the others a few different techniques. I've been proudly showing off my accomplishments to my friends as I can't quite believe that I made them. A fantastic experience which I would highly recommend. Aaron's skill as a Blacksmith and patience as a teacher mean that you learn a lot over the 2 days and importantly have several completed projects to take how at the end."

10 Jul 17'

jacqueline reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"My sister treated me to this course for my birthday and it was brilliant. Aaron was a great teacher and is a very lovely man. I chuffed with how many bits I came home with. being fairly useless at anything arty, it's a real credit to Aaron's teaching and patience that I made stuff I'm really proud of! Very fun weekend. lots of graft but well worth it and very, very interesting. Great sense of achievement at the end of it. Really pleased and I highly recommend this course to others. Thanks Aaron!"

1 Jul 17'

Neil Best reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Aaron was a great teacher with great skill and lots of patience. He showed me all the basics of blacksmithing in just two days and really made me want to continue smithing. I would say to anyone who has an interest to take one of his courses and find how enjoyable Aaron's teaching skills can turn a cold hard piece of steel turn into something amazing with some heat and a good bang with a big hammer. I came out with three great pieces of work that I'm proudly putting up in my home. I'd recommend his courses to anyone with even the slightest interest."

28 May 17'

Vyvyan Fuge reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Attended the two day course in May 2017. Being a very practical, hands-on individual I knew I was going to enjoy the course but didn't realise just how much. The Blacksmith (Aaron) was a master of his craft, providing individual guidance, supervision and encouragement through all the various forging steps, helping you produce works of art that would surprise you. The forging environment is well equipped and the Peterson family are friendly and welcoming. If you want to find your creative side and fancy a go at forging, I can't recommend this course enough. The most enjoyable weekend of productivity I have had in a long time. Thanks Aaron and I'll be back again. Give your dad my regards. Vyvyan"

28 May 17'

Jay Castle reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Had an absolutely fantastic time on this course and would gladly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in blacksmithing, or indeed in art or creating in general. Aaron is great guy and an excellent teacher who makes the subject come alive, and who creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that promotes learning and fun. I will be telling anyone who will listen to go on this course and have a brilliant learning experience."

28 May 17'

Martyn jayne reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Awesome time!! Aaron is a great teacher and puts you well at ease. Everything we tried was talked through and shown to us right there and then we were supported well through the whole process to end up with some lovely pieces. Aaron is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, I can't recommend him and the course enough!!"

23 Apr 17'

Morgan reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Great introduction to blacksmithing on the one day course. Learnt lots from an excellent instructor, happy to progress at a pace that suits. Highly recommended."

23 Apr 17'

Nigel Collins reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Course bought as a Christmas present - the last time I had worked metal in a forge was in the late sixties whilst at school, and had always enjoyed metal work. I looked forward to the course and was not disappointed. Aaron was a great teacher, relaxed and ready to share his love of working with metal. The day passed quickly and efficiently and I was able to produce some decent for me products. Great day highly recommended."

30 Mar 17'

Geoff Dixon reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"I have always had a hankering for doing some blacksmithing ever since I did a small amount at school. You can tell how long ago that was, when schools still had forges and were allowed to use them. It was a wonderful surprise when my wife bought me, after a great deal of research, a two day course with Ferric Fusion. As the date for the course approached my initial enthusiasm started to wain a little. Doubts crept in, did I have the required skills? Was I to old to be doing this? Etc. Within the first hour of the course these doubts evaporated. Aaron could not have been more welcoming and soon put us all at ease. There was no long, boring theory lesson to endure before we were allowed near a piece of steel. Rather, it was almost straight in to create our first piece. Aaron’s instruction was both clear and well structured and when it was our turn to attempt the process that appeared so easy in his hands he kept an understanding and caring eye on us at all times. We never felt out of our depth but felt totally comfortable with the work we were doing and amazed at what we had created by the end of the two days. The course at Ferric Fusion was a tremendous experience which justified all the research my wife had done. If I could afford another course with Aaron I would book one today."

9 Feb 17'

Nick Vince reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Fantastic two day course, It far exceeded my expectations. Aaron is a very nice guy, a great teacher, and a very competent blacksmith. We covered a wide range of techniques, and made some really nice things to take home, which really impressed my wife. I thoroughly recommend this course. Nick Vince January 2017"

4 Feb 17'

kyle reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"The one day blacksmith course was bought as a gift and I thoroughly enjoyed it, I have no experience in this and I managed to come away with some lovely metal work at the end of the day. Aaron Peterson gave very good demonstrations, there was no paperwork and we were straight onto the hands on tools which was great. I would highly recommend this course to anyone as Aaron is very patient and will help you work at your own pace."

23 Jan 17'

Tony Lewis reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I attended Aarons one day taster course found the whole experience educational and entertaining. it's amazing how much you can learn in a day, I went in knowing very little about blacksmithing but left much wiser with a few things that will last forever. plenty of time with a hammer and anvil using techniques that we learned on the day I look forward to the two day course brilliant brilliant day."

22 Jan 17'

Ian Henley reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"An inspired Christmas present from my wife. A cold winters day outside but soon warmed up working with the forge. Learnt a huge amount in such a short time - the day flew by. Aaron is a very relaxed, welcoming and knowledgeable teacher who really cares about his craft. Lots of time spent hands-on with tools resulting in some great things to take home and keep. Plenty of hot tea as well. The perfect antidote to the stress of modern life and something I will keep thinking back on for a long time. I would highly recommend it to anyone."

6 Oct 16'

Claire Honan reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Six of us descended on Aaron for a day's blacksmithing course to celebrate hubby's 'big' birthday. Fantastic time. We all came away having made a poker, plate with 3 hooks and several other hooks. We all really enjoyed it and would recommend it highly. Aaron is a great teacher. Thank you."

6 Aug 16'

Sandy Colclough reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"What a great day, funny, interesting. Aaron was great patient, positive and best of all productive. I would highly recommend this course to anyone. Wonderful introduction to working with metal and a great taster for more courses. Thank you."

12 Jul 16'

Gary Doherty reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"My wife bought a day course for me as a present - she came too :-) We had a wonderful time. Aaron is really friendly, very knowledgeable and engaging. His love of iron is infectious too. The day flew past and we created items we use at home! We both thoroughly recommend the course."

19 Jun 16'

Bettina reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"An informative and interesting day that leaves you with rich memories. Highly recommended."

21 May 16'

Smith Family reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"As a family we wanted to do something different...it wasn't just about the connection with something ancient, hot, physical, real it was our blacksmith host Aaron and the magic place they've managed to create. Aaron uses his skills and knowledge of history, metal working and politics to take you on a journey - we created so much more than objects - we forged and renewed friendship. Go, do it connect your head with your hands. Thank you Trudi and Aaron."

10 May 16'

Matt & Jess reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"What a day! Originally bought as a Christmas present for Matt, I soon decided I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have a go, and with Trudi's excellent planning, I was able join just days before the course. I'm so glad I did, and we thoroughly enjoyed! Aaron's knowledge, skills and friendly nature made him the perfect tutor - always on hand if help was needed, but also gave us space to just have a play! I would highly recommend the course - once my family saw the beautiful pieces we'd made, they now can't wait to have a go!"

7 Mar 16'

Sue Laverack reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"I did this course with my son and one of my friends. Everything about it was excellent; the admin, the directions and information, the welcome, the teaching, the cameraderie and chatting.. Aaron demonstrated what he wanted us to do, gave us space to have a go but was on hand if we got stuck or made a mistake. He tailored the course to our skill (or lack of it!) level and allowed us to modify the designs to suit our own situations so Graham and Gill made toasting forks with a ram's head handle whilst the stem of my rams head became a handle for the door of my workshop. He was also happy for us to make extra hooks etc. In 'down time' to practice again what we had learned on day one. Despite being a pensioner and female with no experience of metalwork beyond polishing it, I had a great time and came away with several useful pieces which I will be proud to display."

2 Dec 15'

Phill Sawyer reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"This was a truly memorable weekend. I attended the course with a good friend of mine and Aaron very quickly assessed our ability and pitched the level of training to our strengths. Within a short time we were producing usable pieces of work and learning the basic techniques which we would need to carry on blacksmithing when we got home. This course has been truly life changing for me. since that weekend with Aaron I have set up my own forge and now regularly make items for friends and family. I have also sold several pieces and have been commissioned to design and make items to order. I would recommend this to anyone who has a practical mind. you will be amazed at the work you will take home with you."

23 Nov 15'

Olivia reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"My boyfriend and I did this course for our anniversary. We had a brilliant time, learned a lot of new skills, and now feel equipped to have a go at some more metal work at home. Aaron was a fantastic teacher, a highly skilled craftsman and very knowledgeable about the history and techniques of blacksmithing. And they don't lie when they say 'industrial quantities of tea'! We both came away with fire tools, a set of hooks and a fire-welded heart to be showed off proudly. A really wonderful weekend, very highly recommended and a beautiful part of the world to visit too. Worth a bit of travelling to get there. We stayed at The Cors which was lovely."

14 Nov 15'

John and Fiona May reviewed: Blacksmithing for beginners - one day taster

"Wow! What a day. Who wouldn't love the chance to spend a day shoving lengths of metal into a forge and then hammering seven shades of shale of it. A day full of hammers, metal, fire, and big tools might sound like something only men might like but we both thoroughly enjoyed it (I originally bought it as a Christmas present for Fiona) and came away with artefacts we proudly show off to anybody who is interested, or not. Day is made perfect by Aaron, a true craftsman, great teacher and homespun philosopher. Having bored people at work with an account of my day and showing them my artefacts, loads of them now want to do it."