Brief Description:

On this practical cookery session, you will learn how to make sweet and decadent intense chocolate ganache and present them as gifts.

These boozy truffles will be delicious and oh so moreish! They probably won’t make it until Christmas but you will learn the skills if you choose to make more!

Learn how to melt down chocolate using a Bain-Marie method. Melting down chocolate using cream.

Learn how to make Chocolate Truffles and decorate them with various coatings.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No experience required.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Use a Bain-Marie method for melting
• Learn how to finish and present the sweet treats
• Learn basic techniques using chocolate
• Artisan techniques such as moulding and dipping

Extra costs on the course for example textbook, materials, or equipment.

No extra costs. However, to fulfil the ‘Boozy’ part of the title please bring your choice of  alcohol, good suggestions include; baileys/coffee liquor, rum, Cointreau ; if you would like to flavour your truffles with liquor feel free to bring some in.

For the  session you will need to bring:

Please bring a tea towel, dishcloth, and apron (working with chocolate can be messy!). Please also bring a container to transport your goods home.

You will make at least 12 truffles to take home, there may be an option to purchase more chocolate, or other ingredients on the day. More information will be provided closer to the day.

 On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s; you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

Brief Description:

You will have a very busy five hours working on basic bread making techniques!

You will make four breads: basic wholewheat, soft white rolls, soda bread and pizzas.

You will come away fired up to never buy a loaf of bread from the supermarket again!

The course includes the whole bread making cycle: yeast, mixing, proving, shaping and cooking.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No experience needed – just the desire to make bread.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will have the opportunity to:
 Reliably make bread
 Be aware of some the pitfalls
 Have the confidence to try new breads
 Make great pizzas

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

Ingredients – the tutor will bring the ingredients for the day. Please bring along £10 cash to pay him directly.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Apron, tea towel, dish cloth and a container to take your food home.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The college offers lots of exciting cookery classes throughout the year.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

You will have a very busy five hours working on basic bread making techniques!

You will make four breads: basic wholewheat, soft white rolls, soda bread and pizzas.

You will come away fired up to never buy a loaf of bread from the supermarket again!

The course includes the whole bread making cycle: yeast, mixing, proving, shaping and cooking.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No experience needed – just the desire to make bread.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course you will have the opportunity to:
 Reliably make bread
 Be aware of some the pitfalls
 Have the confidence to try new breads
 Make great pizzas

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

Ingredients – the tutor will bring the ingredients for the day. Please bring along £10 cash to pay him directly.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Apron, tea towel, dish cloth and a container to take your food home.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The college offers lots of exciting cookery classes throughout the year.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

Start the festive season in style this year with your own fresh, long lasting festive ring. With no knowledge of flower arranging required, come along and learn how to create a ring with long lasting pine and other long-lasting foliage and plant material including decoration to mark the season. If you would rather complete a table-based advent ring rather than a door hanging, just let me know at the start of the day. All materials are included in the course fee. Just bring your scissors.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No prior knowledge required. Please notify the college of any plant allergies before attending. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course you will be able to:
• Apply techniques to create an advent ring or hanging door ring to take home for the festive season
• Know how to care for your completed floral work to maximise its life
• Learn how to safely and securely include wired accessories

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

There is an allowance included in the fee for all plant material and sundries used.

You will need to bring:

Strong scissors (wire cutters if you have them), bin bag, notebook and pen if you want to record any information for yourself, camera (optional), apron. Also a crate or semi rigid bag (e.g. supermarket hessian bag) to transport your design. You may wish to bring protective disposable gloves for your hands or hand wipes as the plant material can get messy!

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be:

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

Festive Table flowers sorted with this long lasting festive table piece. With no knowledge of flower arranging required, come along and learn how to create long lasting design including  pine and other long-lasting foliage with wonderful  decoration to mark the season. All materials are included in the course fee. Just bring your scissors.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No prior knowledge required. Please notify the college of any plant allergies before attending. 

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course you will be able to:
• Apply techniques to create a long lasting festive table piece for the home
• Know seasonal plant materials to use in your design
• Learn how to safely and securely include wired accessories

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

There is an allowance included in the fee for all plant material and sundries used.

You will need to bring:

Strong scissors (wire cutters if you have them), bin bag, notebook and pen if you want to record any information for yourself, camera (optional), apron. Also a crate or semi rigid bag (e.g. supermarket hessian bag) to transport your design. You may wish to bring protective disposable gloves for your hands or hand wipes as the plant material can get messy!

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be:

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

Overlocking machines can be the greatest tool in dressmaking from finishing seams to creating full garments.

You will learn everything you need to know about your overlocker to confidently use in any sewing projects.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

No experience is required for this course. Everyone is welcome from complete beginners to advanced sewists!

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Know how to thread your machine
• Adjust the overlocker for different fabrics/projects
• Overcome any fears about the cutter and become a confident overlocker!

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment

No extra costs.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Your overlocker machine with its manual booklet and some scraps of different material to practice on during the lesson. Threads are provided by the tutor.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Feeling confident on the overlocker the possibilities are endless! You could create a sweatshirt or hem a ball gown.

Brief Description

Handmade Stained Glass Christmas decorations – what could be better!  Have you ever wondered how glass is made and put together? Here is your chance to try a unique glass technique called ‘copper foil’, invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, which revolutionised the way that glass was made and put together. Small scale, delicate pieces can be made using this method. You will need a steady hand and lots of patience to learn this technique, but the results will be well worth the effort! You will create a unique and beautiful copper foil glass Christmas decoration using a combination of coloured glass and glass globs if desired.

During the first part of the day, we will concentrate upon working out how to cut, foil and solder glass together. Then you will create a suitable design and colour scheme for this project so that you will understand how to design your own piece in the future.

Learning Outcomes:

The following will be covered during the course:

Design skills
Brief history of glass/makers
Glass cutting methods
Grinding & soldering
Copper foil technique
Health & safety

For the session you will need to bring:

• Images for inspiration (essential); these should be drawings or photographs please (not images of glass)
• An apron, which is fabric or plastic coated
• A small wooden board
• A glass cutter if you have one
• An A4 sheet of glass (for example buy a clip frame from Wilkinson’s) – this is for easy transportation of your glass piece

Extra costs on the course:

Tools and equipment will be provided.
Specific glass materials are NOT included in the course fee.

There will be a fee of £20 to cover the costs of equipment and glass payable to the tutor on the day.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Your tutor will advise you.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description

This lino printing course will offer an in-depth exploration of a range of techniques both for multiple prints or one-offs. We will cover safe working practices, cutting of lino plates and basic printing techniques. Learners will have the opportunity to print by hand using very easy to access techniques, producing both colour and black and white prints. Learners will explore how to achieve different results using reduction printing and multi-plate printing.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed:

No knowledge required

Learning Outcomes:

On this course you will cover:
• Safe working practices,
• Cutting of lino plates and
• Basic printing techniques.
• More advanced printing techniques

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

There is an allowance included in the fee to cover material costs. You will need to bring an apron. You are advised to have some idea of what you would like to print to ensure more time for printing.
Please also bring a Packed Lunch each day.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Your tutor will advise you.

Your tutor also offers various art classes – from day schools to 10 week courses in Watercolour, Oil, Drawing Skills.
The Adult Learn and Train team is also able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you. Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

This oil painting class will provide a thorough grounding in materials and techniques for painting in oils. Learners will explore the richness and variety possible in this medium and complete a painting in your chosen genre/subject. We will cover preparation of the surface, application of paint, assessing shape and value when designing the painting and you will receive a good grounding in the use of colour. We will explore the use of photographs and other source material. No experience necessary.

Learner Outcomes

1. Prepare a canvas/board easy for painting
2. Select what to include and design the image
3. Effectively use a limited palette of colours
4. Use brushwork to get the effect that you want.

Learner Aims:

Learners will understand the importance of shape, value and masses and when a painting is finished.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

Some materials will be provided but you may need to share. See the list below if you did want to bring your own materials.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Materials will be available to use although if you have any artist materials you are encouraged to bring them along. Please bring an object/objects you would like to paint or a photograph. If using a photograph, please ensure it is of good quality with a clear subject. Printed is preferable as images onscreen are illuminated which can be problematic.

Suggested Materials:

Tear-off palette (if you have one)
Paints – 1 red, 1 yellow, one blue and a tube of titanium white (Alizarin Crimson or Cadmium Red; Lemon yellow or Cadmium Yellow; Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue),
Brushes – Hog or ox hair, flat brushes are best, 3 should be enough to start, size 10 – 12 (these will be about 1cm wide).

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

The tutor will advise regarding other courses or workshops.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description

Make a wonderful star decoration to hang on the wall, in the window, on the tree, to give as a gift or something else!

You will decorate the star with wired lights and may like to use an additional selection of beads, sequins and/or fake flora.

This is a fun class for any age. The decorations could also be for a different occasion or use this skill as a party activity for young people.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed:

None required but be prepared to use small tools to cut and twist wire.

Learning Outcomes:

On this course you will learn about:
• twisting wire with beads to make a creative decoration
• exploring design skills

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment and what you need to bring:

The tutor will have pliers and cutting tools available to use and the centre will supply one star frame per learner and some bullion wire.

The tutor will have a few beads from her own collection but you need to bring your own. These could easily be from broken jewellery or charity shop finds.  There are local suppliers such as Hobby Craft though stocks often run very low as Christmas approaches.

Other sources are

https://www.spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk/  (based in Haddenham, Ely but internet only)

https://www.i-beads.co.uk/

For both websites, if you first sign up to their newsletter, you will get a 10% discount code.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

You might like to think about other courses using beads or making jewellery.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s; you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

Brief Description

Gemstones have been used for jewellery making for thousands of years. In this course you will enter the world of working with beautiful semi-precious gemstones, working with bezel setting in fine and 925 Sterling silver.

In this stimulating, day course you will learn how make rings, earrings or pendants, using processes that exploit the metal’s outstanding physical, chemical, and aesthetic properties.

Through a set of teacher led projects, you will create a couple of pieces of jewellery with cabochons gemstones. You will also learn piercing with a jewellery saw, soldering, filing and polishing. This course aims to make you feel safe and confident in the workshop and have a good understanding of how to safely use the various pieces of equipment.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Manual dexterity is needed. Previous experience is helpful, though complete beginners are welcome.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to: 

• To combine theoretical understanding, sequenced practical activities to develop skills in making a series of jewellery in semi-precious gemstones. 
• Including the basic techniques of cutting, filing, soldering and polishing, bezel stone setting, and shape forming. 
• Develop skills in making jewellery with rub over bezels gemstone settings. 
• Recognise and handle silversmithing tools safely. 
• Develop skills in forming, annealing and pickling metal. 
• Prepare silver prior to soldering or polishing 
• Experiment with methods for adding texture and different finishing techniques

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

There is a £25 fee included for your silver /gems for the day. There may be an opportunity to purchase stones/extra silver so feel free to bring some cash with you.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Tools will be provided but if you have your own tools please feel free to bring them… Make sure they are marked for you to identify them.

PLEASE NOTE: for Health and Safety reasons you must not wear open-toe shoes/sandals, and any long hair must be tied back as it is a workshop environment.
Please bring a packed lunch on both days.

Please bring a pen, pencil and notebook. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own. You may wish to bring an apron.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Continue your skills in one of our Silver Jewellery courses. The tutor will advise you which course is most suitable.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sunday’s , you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief Description:

In this exciting course, you will explore the art of shaping and folding silver to create exquisite and unique jewellery pieces. Welcome to the captivating world of silver jewellery crafting! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced jewellery enthusiast, this class will provide you with the essential skills and techniques to bring your creative ideas to life. Discover the magic of manipulating silver through folds, pleats, and creases, resulting in fascinating three-dimensional shapes and stunning organic patterns. You’ll be amazed at the versatility and artistic freedom that fold-forming offers.

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Manual dexterity is needed. Complete beginners welcome.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Gain an understanding of the tools, materials, and safety procedures involved in working with silver.
• To combine theoretical understanding, sequenced practical activities and creative idea generation to develop skills in making a series of pieces.
• Recognise and handle silversmithing tools safely.
• Develop skills in forming, annealing and pickling metal.
• Prepare silver prior to soldering or polishing.
• Experiment with methods for adding texture and different finishing techniques.
• Learn various methods of shaping silver, such as doming and dapping and anticlastic raising to create captivating textures and forms.
• Discover the art of fold-forming, a unique approach to manipulating silver through folds, pleats, and creases to produce intriguing three-dimensional shapes.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment:

The fee includes your silver for the day. There may be an opportunity to purchase extra silver so feel free to bring some cash with you.

For the first session you will need to bring:

Please bring a pen, pencil and notebook. Tools will be provided but feel free to bring your own. You may wish to bring an apron and glasses if you wear them for reading.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Continue your skills in one of our Silver Jewellery courses. The tutor will advise you which course is most suitable

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you. Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year. Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.

Brief description:

The course will provide instruction and support on how to compose and paint a still life in watercolours. Learners can choose their own image to paint either from photographs, paintings by other artists or their own objects (fruit or flowers for example). Aspecks of design and composition will be covered as well as paint application and the use of colour.

Course Outcomes:

1. Arrange a still life
2. Select the important shapes
3. Effectively use colour to create shapes and form

Previous Experience and Knowledge Needed?

Previous experience and knowledge will be built upon but there is no requirement for it as the course covers all ability levels. No previous experience is necessary.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this session you will be able to:
• Select, mix and apply colours according to their own preferences.
• Choose from a range of techniques and studio practices to enable them to achieve their goals (flat washes, blended washes, textured marks).
• Experiment with a range of innovative techniques and develop them to suit individual outcomes.

Extra costs on the course for example text book, materials or equipment.

Please bring any objects, items or favourite things to paint. You can paint from photographs however it is better to print these beforehand. These do not need to be A4 size, A5 is fine. Nothing else – we will supply all materials needed for the day.

But if you would like to bring materials (or already have) see below:

Watercolour paper – this should be 140lb weight (300gsm) and in a surface of your choice (Not is the intermediate surface and most popular). A4 size pad, spiral bound is ideal.
Watercolour brushes – If you are trying watercolour painting for the first time it is advisable not to buy expensive sable brushes. Synthetic brushes are much cheaper and easily good enough. A round brush with a good point (size 5 or 6) will do for most techniques.
Watercolour paints – 1 red (alizarin crimson or cadmium red), 1 yellow (cadmium yell0w) and 1 blue (cobalt or ultramarine). Tubes are best. Student quality is fine.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Your tutor will advise you on other painting courses.
Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more

Brief Description:

Enjoy the art of weaving pliable willow into three-dimensional objects. 

This workshop will teach you how to make a willow obelisk for the garden.  You will learn how to make this plant support using a few basketry techniques.  It can be woven between 4ft and 6ft tall.

Enjoy expert tuition in a relaxed and fun environment.

Previous Experience and Knowledge needed?

None

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn some basic willow weaving techniques
• Learn how to grow and prepare willow for weaving
• Make one obelisk

Extra costs of the course?

None – all materials are included in the cost.

For the first session you will need to bring:

A notepad and pen and something soft to kneel on! A packed lunch.

On completion of this course, what might your next steps be?

Willow basketry workshops, frame basketry, birdfeeders. 

The Adult Learn and Train office is able to give course information or search for alternative courses for you.

Adult Learn and Train offer courses through-out the year.
Try similar courses or maybe look at learning something completely new.
You will find provision on some Saturday and Sundays, you will also find courses available in the day and evening at different venues in Cambridge. Courses vary in length from one-off sessions to 10 weeks or more.