Latest reviews

Shirley Begg reviewed: Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving

"I had a great day leaving how to weave and thank you Alice Hume for all your help and expert tuition. Looking forward to trying out the other workshops you have on offer. Would totally recommend this workshop to others"

Janet Shaw reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have attended several glass workshops, themed and open sessions, and have thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The sessions are informal and friendly, help and advice offered when needed but no restrictions which enable you to produce individual pieces of work. Thoroughly recommend, especially when combined with afternoon tea provided by Bakerlu, part of the Smartsy family"

Jenna Dewhurst reviewed: Leather long stitch journal / artist's book (beginners)

"Great course taught by a brilliant teacher. Clear instructions throughout with a set of own materials and tools supplied for use. Course moved at a good pace to fit everything in without feeling rushed. Good choice of materials so that your individuality could come through and all journals were different at the end of the day. Great handout given to take away and a follow up email with suppliers details etc. A really nice attentive tutor and good cake, what more could you ask for."

Jayne Hall reviewed: Hand sewn mohair teddy bear making course in Cumbria

"Boo Bears are adorable creatures. They are fun to make. Lyn is a talented accomplished teacher, she is patient and kind, She has a very calm, relaxing and confident way of teaching that puts you at easy. I suffer from social anxiety but never felt anxious at all when I attended. You are greeted with a warm welcome and a lovely cuppa. Kits and classes are extremely good value for money. You will love what you can achieve at boo bears. I recommend 100% I have created 4 bears and have 2 more planned for this year. Don't hesitate book today."

Boo Bears Cumbria responded:

"Thank you for your kind review Jayne"

Tracy Smeathers reviewed: 1 day introduction to silver jewellery making

"I couldn’t have asked for more from this course. Jonathan is very professional, very funny and a great teacher. You really do leave this course feeling like you have everything you need to know to give it a go yourself - the techniques, the understanding of the what’s, why’s and how’s and lots of follow up information so you can make some sensible first time purchases to get you going. Highly recommended."

Jo Unwin reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"There is a poor review on here that is in complete contrast to my several experiences with Smartsy. Both Ali and May have led different classes that I’ve attended and I found both of them to be knowledgeable, friendly and willing to help or give advice on projects in progress. The conservatory work space is comfortable and inspiring with so many completed projects on display, surrounded by a vast array of available resources. I have taken several people with me to classes and every one of them have enjoyed the experience. The venue is Ali’s home so I totally understand not opening until 10 minutes before the course starts. Having a generous offering of hot drinks available to crafters to help themselves is a great idea and keeps the tutors available throughout the session. Keep up the great work Ali and May."

Karl Martin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had the privilage of spending a day with Mark in his workshop. I would highly recommend his day course, where I learnt safe working practices and watched practical demonstrations before trying a new tecnique. Mark was an excellent tutor with a superb workshop and nothing was too much trouble. I have come away with a better knowledge of working safely, whillst having the ability to produce a better standard of work. Thank you Mark."

Louise reviewed: A relaxing day of clay making

"A wonderful way to relax and free your mind as you first create your pieces and then return to glaze them. Trisha is very welcoming and immediately makes you feel at home and at ease in her workshop. She gently guides you through the process, making suggestions whilst letting you find your own way with the clay and glazes. There are no rules, which is liberating. Trisha is also a great host and ensures her guests are well watered and fed. Highly recommended."

Claire reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I've been to so many classes run by Ali and May, I love having a relaxed evening out, doing something I enjoy. The classes are suitable for everyone, Ali and May are great teachers and will give you as much or as little guidance as you request. You aren't limited at all with what you can make and there is so much glass to choose from. I've been that many times I've ran out of space to put all my creations! These sessions are so popular and book up well in advance, goes to show what great classes they are ?"

Amber Taylor reviewed: Christmas Pudding - needle felting workshop with The Lady Moth

"Lovely afternoon. Very friendly and informative. I’ll definitely be back for more"

Cam Algie reviewed: 2 day blacksmithing courses

"Highly recommend this course. Aaron is an excellent teacher and really enthusiastic about helping his students enjoy learning practical blacksmithing skills in his well equipped workshop. I came home with several items that I was thrilled to have made in the course. A cracking weekend!"

Mike & Avril Sanderson reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Really enjoyed the day and great to go home with a finished piece of work. Kate is a good, friendly and encouraging teacher. We'd not hesitate to recommend the course and may well be back for more."

Karen Wallace reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Another fantastic workshop - this time stained glass with Kate. Kate was an excellent teacher and explained everything clearly and made sure we were all understanding what stage we were on in creating our piece of stained glass...... from cutting and grinding the glass, cutting the lead and soldering (which was an experience! (: ) - all done in a friendly, relaxed environment with a wonderful group. Although it was a full-on-day you never felt rushed but I did sleep well (: Thank you once again Kate for a great day. I will definitely be looking to book my next workshop or course."

Elizabeth Staples reviewed: 8-Week Pottery Throwing Course - Hampshire

"I completed my 10 week course in early March and would echo the comments of the other attendees. Small class size, great individual tuition from Jack, super working space and a lovely atmosphere. Course would suit a complete beginner, through to someone with some/ significant experience - I thoroughly recommend."

Maxine Donnelly reviewed: Introduction to traditional stained glass (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"Had an amazing time and we'll worth the travel. I found it a creative and inspiring course and can't wait to do another one."

Annabell reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Love these courses run by Ali & May. Set in a lovely workshop decorated beautifully with inspiring art glass pieces, there’s always a huge variety of glass to choose from to be creative with. The atmosphere is wonderfully calming, and both Ali and May provide expert tuition and creative guidance for your projects. Ali is always willing to encourage people to try new and original projects, even outside of these sessions, and her advice always gets you a lovely result. Glass fusion is completely addictive, my only problem now is where I put all the finished pieces! Can’t reccomend highly enough."

Teresa Barrass reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Have attended many classes with both Ali and May at venues and their well stocked workshop in Ratby.The courses are always well explained and demonstrated, including health and safety.There is plenty to look at to gain inspiration in sample forms or booklets full of previous work.Both May and Ali provide assistance and advise should you wish it, but also allow you to develope at your own pace.It is always totally absorbing in a creative warm friendly atmoshere and I always look forward to my next session as I've never been dissapointed with my results.Can wholeheartedly recommend and have done to many friends."

Cathy Dickson reviewed: One day leather work course - small leather goods

"Course was great, Jason is knowledgable, enthusiastic, talented and patient, his studio is amazing !"

Sarah Evans reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I’ve enjoyed several courses with Ali and her daughter May. I’ve attended different venues but my favourite is visiting their cosy workshop which is full of inspiration and is stocked with lots of beautiful glass! They always take time to introduce and demonstrate at the start of each session and are always on hand with gentle advice, assistance and words of encouragement throughout. I’ve introduced several friends to their courses and even organised our works Christmas party with them. The very best part of the classes is that you really do switch off from everything that is going on in your life and become completely absorbed in what you are creating. Highly recommended!"

Steve Connolly reviewed: Stone carving in mid Cornwall

"Peter Graham is a very skilled stone carver, but even more importantly ( for me), he's a great tutor. I did a stone letter carving intro course for just 1 day. I did not find it as easy as expected but with Peter's patience I learnt a great deal and was very happy with the results. The facilities were ideal and Peter was very enthusiastic and friendly. Overall: 10 out of 10."

Sue reviewed: Table Loom Weaving Workshop - Dobby & Rose

"A wonderful course with a relaxed yet productive atmosphere. Rebecca explained everything really well and answered our questions fully. We were able to explore many different weaving patterns to produce our take home sample. Rebecca's wealth of experience in terms of weaving and teaching shone through to help us iron out minor hiccups we had made and thus enable us to spot our own errors later. Her own work is stunning!"

Carol Wenham reviewed: Introduction to Glass Fusing with Enamels - 'Inspiration' Full Day Workshop

"A lovely day, learning and practicing a fascinating technique. And a fabulous lunch with a refreshing G & T. Steve has a large and well organised studio - our group all thoroughly enjoyed our day."

Helen Salisbury reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Was disappointed with both the standard of tuition and general approach towards adults and cannot recommend. Session comprised 4 adults in a small conservatory. We arrived 20 minutes before the session and had to wait to be let in by the locked side gate 10 minutes before the start of the session, despite ringing the doorbell by the sign, leaving a phone message and observing that someone was in the front room of the house near the cake baking sign. Overall, whilst the sessions are promoted as being led by a qualified teacher, ours was led by her daughter who was knowledgeable about glass and its features but who remained distant throughout towards the participants. We were not even asked to introduce ourselves to each other. Tea was available if you made it yourself. I was a complete novice and felt that May did not clearly introduce the session with aims or that we could make one or several items, and did not proceed to present the techniques in a logical sequence with examples of each method of decorating the glass. Whilst she was helpful throughout the session and gave praise, she also spent time tidying up the centre table while we were working."

smARTsy responded:

"The workshop seats 8. There were 4 in your session. May cleared some materials to give you more room to make your small bird. Gates open 10 min before the start time to keep things fair for customers, as some, like you, arrive too early. You rang my phone & got annoyed because the baker didn’t answer you banging on the door of my home 15 mins before your start time. Would you expect a shop to open early because you arrived early? If you read the details properly, I am a qualified PRIMARY school teacher. May is 33 and has worked with me for 2 years. I get many emails praising her. There are lists on the table for you to choose what to make. Your friend made 2 items so I don’t know how you missed that information. A selection of hot drinks are available and you paid £5 an hour to attend. This does not cover waitress service! If May or I explained how to apply every single material you would just sit for 2 hours. I presume you won’t be returning."

Emma Nightingale reviewed: Upholstery classes at Sandra Fryer's Workshops

"I attended a 1 day workshop with Sandra at the weekend to learn how to make a pad for a stool, to be covered by a piece of needlepoint I have made. It was an amazing day. I learnt so much. Sandra is an excellent teacher and very patient. There were just two of us so we both received lots of undivided attention. absolutely love Sandra’s courses! I would recommend Sandra’s workshops to anyone! It will open your eyes to a whole new world........"

Joyce Clayton reviewed: Introduction to summer millinery - 1 day - Newcastle NE1

"Margaret's course enabled me to produce a headpiece I was proud to wear and completely coordinated with my outfit. Not only was I very happy with the result but I thoroughly enjoyed the learning process as I am by no means a natural, Margaret was so patient. Thoroughly excellent all round."