Latest reviews

Matt W reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"Having booked this for my wife's birthday, I arrived at Jamal's workshop with little artistic flair of my own but came away having had an amazing day holding my very own stained glass panel. Even though I found the early stages of glass cutting frustrating, Jamal patiently talked me through the process with an endless supply of positive reinforcement, hints and tips. Even though he holds a wealth of experience and knowledge, at no point did I feel intimidated or inadequate. His enthusiasm for the creative arts is apparent and I am hoping to join him again for another workshop in the future! I can highly recommend this workshop for true beginners and experts alike as I am certain Jamal would adapt his approach to any customer who is willing to share the day with him."

Stained Glassic responded:

"Thanks Matt, You are most welcome to come again!"

Geraldine Peters reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"A great day, Jolene is friendly and helpful. She explains everything clearly and informs how you can translate your designs into jewellery showing techniques you can use but lets you do all the work yourself. Would definitely recommend the workshop. I didn't want to leave."

Stephen Laycock reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"My wife gave me this course with Andy as a birthday present after I had taken up woodturning again after an absence of some 15 years and I can't thank her and Andy enough. I hadn't realised so much had changed over the years and I learnt so much and came away with so many ideas and inspiration. Just wish Andy hadn't told me I was turning using the old fashioned method as this made me feel old :). Great teacher really patient and knowledgeable. Great course which I recommend, you'll learn so much."

Dom Haydn-Davies reviewed: Woodturning courses in Hampshire - Beginners and improvers wood turning courses - Turn British, all British lathes!!

"Had a wonderful day with a very supportive and patient tutor in Andy. He helped me gain confidence with the tools and the lathe through his relaxed approach. Thank you"

Sue Elliott reviewed: One day leather bag making workshop

"I wanted to know more about working with leather and decided to book a place on the one day "Make your own bag" workshop. I'm so glad I did. Rosanna is a wonderful teacher and full of knowledge. You work at your own speed and don't feel rushed at all. You can ask a thousand and one questions and in between "tea on demand" and lots of chat I came away knowing so much more and with a determination to come back for a second course. I made a beautiful bag which I love, love, love! It's stunning and so much better and more professional looking than I could ever have imagined. Thank you so much!"

Chris Blay reviewed: Half or Full Day Fused Glass Workshop, Stourbridge

"Lovely relaxed afternoon. Jane is a friendly and patient teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed creating two glass dishes, can't wait to pick them up, to see how they have turned out. Would recommend."

Clare Blakeway-Phillips reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"I loved this day course. Sarah was an excellent and patient teacher who had time for everyone and sorted us out if we got into difficulty. We learnt a lot in a day and the resulting bag was more professional looking than I was expecting. Sarah also had the shocking pink colour leather I was hoping for! My friends cannot believe that I made this bag and that I hand stitched it. Very proud of my bag. Would highly recommend the course."

Sarah Mayhew reviewed: One Day Small Leather Goods Workshop

"Sarah was welcoming, and allowed us to do what we were able too whilst being available at all times to help if needed. She explained everything clearly and had plenty of tools/equipment etc. I was really pleased with the result and my bag has been much admired"

Williams Handmade responded:

"Thank you for the lovely feedback and thank you for coming to the workshop. You did a great job on your bag :)"

Ian LW reviewed: Pottery 6 Week Classes

"Four of us did a taster session as a birthday treat for our teenage daughter. Joan was welcoming, a great teacher and she was generous with her time, knowledge and praise. She very kindly offered to fire and glaze our poor initial efforts (we were first time pottery throwers). All together a great experience and recommended. We will make the time to return."

Lucy. Burrows reviewed: Chainmaille - Helmweave Bracelet

"I enjoyed the class and learning a new skill. Teaching was relaxed, clear and friendly. The environment was good, large and light. All the equipment was supplied. Nice to get refreshments. I didn’t score excellent as I didn’t finish my bracelet and perhaps course should be 30 mins longer. Also kits to take away to do another bracelet would be a good selling idea, or the rings prepacked in bags 10,20 etc"

The Little Craftery responded:

"Hi Lucy, Thanks so much for your review. I think you're right, a slightly longer class might be easier, as it is quite a tricky skill to pick up. I'll look into lengthening it. I love the idea of packaging little kits, I'll get on to that too! :) You did brilliantly well on the class, and hopefully now you're very pleased with a finished bracelet. Don't forget that if you have any trouble with your chainmaille, you're more than welcome to pop in or get in touch and I'll be happy to help any way I can. I'll see you at your next class! :)"

Gail White reviewed: Needlefelting workshops at Abbotts View Farm

"I have never felted before and this wasn’t the beginners course so it was more challenging than I expected but it was a great day. Jo is a great teacher and has a lot of patience, thankfully. The course is held on her Alpaca farm so lovely surroundings and she is obviously passionate about her animals, her business and her craft. Jo has an inspirational tale to tell and kept the group flowing and bonding. I didn’t get to finish my hare but had a good learning curve yesterday so feel confident to finish the piece quietly at home. Highly recommended x"

Abbotts View Alpacas responded:

"Thanks so much for leaving a review Gail - so glad you enjoyed it. I did! You were a lovely group and I was so impressed with what you all achieved. Can't wait to see your finished hare!"

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am a returning student to Mark. He gave me a lesson on how to sharpen tools in depth. As my goal is to be a professional woodturner, I need somebody to guide me in the right direction. If you are looking for a woodturning expert, he is the person you can rely on and will give you all the information he has got. During and after the lesson, I had always been happy. I am still happy when I think of the lesson with him. That is why I am returning whenever I need help to upgrade skills or to cure my bad habit for sound and safe woodturning. Thanks again Mark and happy woodturning everybody!!"

Tracy Brown reviewed: Glass blowing for beginners with Jon Lewis

"Just come back from a days glass blowing with Jon, and I had a fabulous day. Jon is patient, supportive and inspirating. He gave us the guidance needed to take complete beginners through the basics to enable us to make baubles and drinking glasses. I enjoyed it that much, I didn’t want to leave. He has inspired me to explore about glass blowing. Thank you."

Andrew Barnard reviewed: Pottery 6 Week Classes

"A really enjoyable course. Joan is knowledgeable about a wide range of clay building methods, and is really patient! I went on the course wanting to learn how to throw on the wheel, but have also found that I enjoy hand building as well. I could have spent hours in her workshop turning down pots as I find that the concentration is so therapeutic. I have been back 3 times now, and am looking forward to more this year."

Emily lack reviewed: Needle felting with Virginia

"Both my mum and I really enjoyed this course, as complete beginners we were really amazed with how much we achieved. Both of us going home with beautiful works of art and a new addictive craft. Virginia was great, I highly recommend this course it is both fun, informative and an absolute bargain. Had a wonderful time! Thank you Virginia"

Kate reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have attended about 5 different classes now, some with my children some with friends. They are always relaxed and great fun. I’ve never felt daft asking for help or asking questions and i’ve always ended up with a piece I love, which given i’m really not very arty is impressive!"

smARTsy responded:

"Thanks Kate, see you soon!"

Helen reviewed: Taster Pottery Session

"Really enjoyed my afternoon. Joan is friendly and knowledgeable. I felt really welcome and Joan was really supportive and flexible in her approach. I am hoping to go back and take part in some of her classes in the near future"

jccermaics responded:

"Thankyou for coming Helen and I hope to see you again soon ?"

Pete Griffiths reviewed: Wood turning courses

"My partner Lin bought me an day’s wood turning experience with George Foweraker as a Christmas present. Never one to shy away from DIY during my life, I was keen to add to my skills and find a new hobby for my retirement in a few years. On arrival George greeted me with a coffee and a 15 minute “getting to know each other” chat. We then entered his workshop which was an Aladdin’s cave for people who enjoy “making sawdust”. George is a skilled turner and a great teacher of his craft. I felt I brought away from the day more than just a beautifully finished bowl. George imparted his knowledge with great care and skill, mixed in with some really good humour. The tips you learn on this day will be put to use in many DIY in the future. When I got home and presented my bowl to Lin, she was staggered that a complete novice had brought back a piece she would have thought had come from a shop."

Tracey reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Really enjoyable at SmArtsy for any of the courses. Ali is very helpful and provides loads of inspiration if you don't have any of your own. But beware, it is highly addictive!"

smARTsy responded:

"Thanks Tracey, glad you enjoy it :)"

Marie Watson reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A very inspiring course. Learnt many new techniques. Thank you Julie ."

Karen Blackmore reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"Wonderful, I just had such fun! Lots of different techniques all leannt in one day, were so stimulating. I will definitely be back."

Julie white reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"I had a wonderful day and have learnt some inspiring techniques, can't wait to try out the techniques again."

Linda townsend reviewed: Machine embroidery - stitch doodling with Julie Brand at Tigley Textiles in Worcester

"A wonderful course. Well taught, well thought out, very creative, satisfying and fun. A fantastic creation at the end that I can't believe I produced. I'll definitely attend another one."