Latest reviews

24 May 17'

Denis Rudall reviewed: Wood turning tuition, New Forest, Hampshire (1 day) (2 people)

"Just returned from a Memorial Day with Graham I am a complete novice and was given this day's tuition as a present from my daughter I'm now in my seventies and wasn't sure what to expect.Right from the start graham put us at ease with his patience and knowledge of woodturning explaining types of wood and tools by the end of the day l came away with a bowl and ring stand i would thoroughly recommend anyone taking this full on course 5 stars not enough"

24 May 17'

alison gusterson reviewed: A fabulous introduction to fused glass - one day course

"fantastic day with Siobhan at the forge. excellent tuition and delighted with all the pieces i had made. highly recommend the workshop day, makes an excellent present."

24 May 17'

Elaine Winetroube reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day today and made a lovely stained glass butterfly. Amanda is a great teacher and ensures that you really know what to do before you start. Can highly recommend this workshop."

24 May 17'

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

"I enjoyed my first class last week. Julie (and her gallant husband), began with a very warm welcome to their home and stunning studio. Such a beautiful setting just added to the relaxed friendly atmosphere she created. Very knowledgable and informative, I was able to produce a quite satisfactory piece of work. I returned home thoroughly inspired and eager to start my own projects. I have already booked my next class. I have no hesitation in recommending Julie to anyone wanting to try new techniques."

24 May 17'

Helen Jackman reviewed: Copper Foil Technique Stained Glass

"Just back from a lovely day spent with Amanda. A very patient and methodical teacher. I leant lots of new skills and felt confident very quickly with Amanda's encouragement (plus copious amounts of tea were supplied!). Successfully made a beautiful glass robin. Excellent day!"

24 May 17'

Sara Montgomery reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have just done courses 1 and 2 back to back and thoroughly enjoyed them both. As a complete beginner, I felt somewhat daunted on the first morning by the sight of the unshaped pieces of wood piled on my work bench that I was somehow to transform into a long stool. However, by lunchtime, under the expert guidance of Richard and Mark, I had already marked up the wood and used various fearsome-looking power tools to cut the legs and rails and prepare mortises and tenons and felt ready for anything. With only four students and two instructors, everyone received lots of support and assistance. The atmosphere in the workshop was relaxed and friendly and Mark and Richard struck the perfect balance between keeping our confidence up and gently easing us out of our individual comfort zones in order to tackle more ambitious tasks. Each day was as intense as it was rewarding as our projects gradually took shape. I felt as though I was using completely new parts of my brain and was exhausted every evening. Angie's van brought delicious sandwiches, pastries and fruit every day and when the sun shone, as it did for the first week, we sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful Lakeland view from the workshop. Richard's after lunch lecture course provided a huge amount of useful practical information which he plans to make available on YouTube as well as a welcome period of calm after the thrills, spills and machine noise of the morning. I decided to cover my stool with woven leather rather than upholstery and Mark (unflappable even when I was firing a tack gun perilously close to his thumbs) went far beyond the call of duty in helping me source, cut and attach the leather. By the end of the first week I was keen to tackle something more complex and embarked with gusto on the side table which involved making a drawer with dovetail joints. Doing the two courses back to back enabled me to consolidate a lot of the information and skills I learnt in the first week and I now feel ready to try some projects of my own. I went home with two beautiful pieces of furniture that I still can't believe I produced. It's the most satisfying thing I've done in years and I highly recommend both courses to anyone, especially if, like me, you could do with being reminded what you're capable of."

23 May 17'

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I returned to Lucy’s at the end of May. I had worked at home on a leaf made in silver. This is to embellish the pod shape, already developed. After shaping the leaf so it looked as if it was growing from and around the pod, I preparing it for etching. Lucy kindly gave me stop-out varnish and whiting powder so I could continue at home. When I return it will be ready for the acid bath. This is the third time I have used etching and I find it really exciting. It’s great that Lucy offers this and so many other techniques to try."

23 May 17'

Carole H reviewed: Make a silver ring or bangle

"I visited Lucy towards the end of April to continue with my 3D project. The two parts of a hollow shape were soldered together. Lucy suggested we could try using hot pitch to fill the item, letting it cool and so allowing us to safely refine the shape by hammering. I liked that we could experiment and keep the design process fluid. The weather was glorious, so I was able to enjoy lunch in Lucy’s wonderful wisteria-clad garden; it is so relaxing, with beautiful plants, and a small pond with goldfish. All in all, the day was a great escape from a hectic time at work!"

23 May 17'

Adam Lynch reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"The course was fantastic. I was given the chance to stay for the weekend as a birthday treat where I (with a lot of help) made a small knife and a fairly large axe head. It was the first time I've been to a forge and being there gave me a great introduction into what kind of environment it is. Mort kept everyone interested and really pushed each person to make sure we got the most out of the weekend and made the best project we could. He is very knowledgeable, friendly and gave lots of great advice and taught well. Thanks to Mort I had a great time, learned a lot and produced an axe head with a much higher quality than I thought I would leave with."

23 May 17'

Yuli reviewed: Walnut bag making workshop

"The teaching is good, I didn't know about the Cow! How that works. There's a lot to get in in one day, so I felt stretched to work hard, but you get your money's worth. I love my results. A bit lumpy around the stitching, I don't know if that's me or the leather! The shoes are a bit on the big side for me, but I've put extra thick insoles in, and they feel like a dream. Thank you so much for working so hard to make the day a treat in your lovely chapel. It really feels like something very special, to be able to make my own shoes in one day, which will last my lifetime and be repairable. Such a feeling of achievement and I keep catching myself looking at my feet. My pedal extremities really are beautiful! xxx"

23 May 17'

Claire Irvine reviewed: Creative Vibe - Glassblowing Sessions

"I had an amazing memorable day Ricky is a fantastic teacher and really cares that the blown glass is as good as it can be. The classes are small so that us students have Ricky's almost full attention the whole time. Ricky's workshop is set in a beautiful garden, perfect to stop for a lunch break in between making your pieces. Your guaranteed to come away with some beautiful pieces of glassware xx"

23 May 17'

Chris reviewed: Indigo dyeing & shibori

"Enjoyed this course so much! Cath, the tutor, was amazing, patient, generous and knowledgeable. There was plenty of room (and a wood fire, which was greatly appreciated as it poured with rain for two of the three days). We were made very welcome, with lovely and interesting food in abundance, and interesting people from many different backgrounds. The course was suitable for people completely new to dyeing, and those with experience. I'd do it all again in a second."

23 May 17'

Jo Unwin reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I've been to 3 classes now, all creating different glass pieces. Ali is informative and enthusiastic about her subject and keen to teach others. She shows how to cut the glass - or if you struggle as I do, she'll come and do it for you, then offers advice about different types of glass and how they fire. The atmosphere is sociable and friendly and you get a cuppa and a look behind the scenes too. Her stock of glass for the projects is huge and she also offers some gorgeous "extras" for a very small charge. The end result is totally unique; there is none other in the world like it, and it's all yours."

23 May 17'

Tess Knight reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"The Glass Fusion workshops Ali runs from warm and comfortable studio are inspiring - even for someone like me (a self confessed non crafty person). Ali is a great teacher, teaching, helping and gently suggesting amendments and improvements as necessary; her knowledge and experience is seemingly endless. The classes are friendly and sociable; held in an environment where you can shut the rest of the world out for a few hours and escape. I couldn't recommend Smartsy highly enough and would encourage anyone to look at their website at the numerous variety of workshops; there will always be something to inspire you."

23 May 17'

Ginger da Costa reviewed: Naturally gluten-free bread baking at The Artisan Bakery School

"I thoroughly enjoyed my staty at Old Home Cottage where the Artisan Bakery is located. I enrolled for the gluten free baking one day course and absolutely enjoyed it. Penny and Dragan are wonderful. I also ate at the Treby Arms down the road, a Michelin rated gastropub. It doesn't look it but once you see the menu you are in for treat. They are closed Mondays and Tiesdays so luckily I had Sunday to enjoy the evening. Monday was baking day after a leisurely and abundant gluten free breakfast. Penny had all the grains, rice, seeds, beans, etc. on a slate board both ground up into flour and also in their dried state. She explained the kinds of leavening yeasts used, the items used to create a bouncy feel to the baked goods to substitute for gluten: psyllium, ground flax seeds or chia seeds as well as stabilizers and other items to add such as apple cider vinegar, salt, spices, etc. She had a wonderful binder for me with loads of recipes and I got to make six different kinds of baked items. The book has lots of recipes that we didn't have time to make such as pizza dough, cookies, etc. but I will definitely try these at home. On my arrival she had a tray full of tea and coffee as well as almond gluten free cookies that tasted like shortbread and was delicious. The room was very comfortable if you are staying overnihg - I was in the Garden Room with ensuite bath. Penny is a great teacher, she had everything ready for me and it was a matter of simple weighing of the ingredients (don't be afraid of grams if you are from America - it's more precise and will yield a better product than measuring cups. We made sourdough boule, yummy rolls with sesame seeds, black poppy seeds and rice flour dusting on top - moist and bready in flavor not like the cardboard taste that gluten free from the store often tastes like. We made a white sandwich loaf for toasting or use in sandwiches, from a brown flour mix we made orange + coriander bread and then fig + fennel bread. For lunch we made a savory soda bread which can be made sweet, plain or other kind of savory. I enjoyed the day very much. Sparkwell is a taxi ride away from the nearest train station if you traveling that way (Plymouth station) and costs between 12.10 and 16.60 British pounds. The Dartmoor Zoo is 1/2 mile walk up the road and well worth visiting after your baking day which is around 4 hours start to finish. Dragan has been building wood burnig ovens outdoors so that is an option to learn as well. Thank you both for your hospitality and for teaching a teacher something new and useful!"

23 May 17'

Jayne Britton reviewed: Alchemy of Pigment and Pattern at SAOG Studios

"Wonderful week of exploring ancient techniques and creating from the earth. Loved exploring the planetary connections through the patterns and colours. I came away with a freshly discovered love of compass and ruler - a huge change from my recent work! Absolutely delighted with the experience and the results. So looking forward to joining more courses with Daniel and the Sacred Art of Geometry."

23 May 17'

Julia Woodman reviewed: Stained glass for beginners | Lead lights

"Really good course. David taught it really well and was very encouraging and helpful. Great to come away with something made during the course - and we were all really pleased with what we'd made. Would like to do another course with David and have already recommended him to friends."

23 May 17'

vikki Fillingham reviewed: Upholstery/cushion making

"I attended Jo's weekend course in May. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting like minded 'up cycling' people and got as much from watching other people's chairs transforming over the two days as I did from learning how to upholster my modern high backed dining chair. Jo's focus is teaching traditional upholstery methods no staple guns! she is a great teacher - patient and down to earth and there was lots of laughter over the couple of days. The studio is very relaxing and the walls showcase some of Jo's artwork - it was such an inspiring environment but not daunting even though most of us were novices when it came to upholstery and not traditional artists. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Jo's course. A really refreshing and inspiring weekend"

23 May 17'

Pat Dew reviewed: Fused glass taster (afternoon)

"Arranged a special day of glass fusing with Gen so a friend could join in whilst she was up in Yorkshire. I made some glass hangers for my garden this time as I think they'll look good reflecting light near my bird feeders. It was a very 'full on' session and everyone was kept busy the whole time making different things. Great way to spend a memorable day with friends."

23 May 17'

Jane Mundon reviewed: Silver Clay Taster Session

"I can't recommend Helen's PMC taster session enough. Her studio is spacious, comfortable and very well equipped. She provides an individual segment of clay and numerous tools & accessories to create your piece of jewellery. Helen talks you the processes very clearly and leaves the creativity to you but is always happy to give advice and shares ideas if you are feeling an artistic block. I attended a session where met I some lovely ladies and it was a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. I made a leaf pendant for my sister-in-law's birthday and she loved it! Will be booking another course very soon!"

23 May 17'

P Ferris reviewed: A one day spoon carving course

"Wonderful and inspiring course, would recommend to anyone. As a complete newbie, left-handed, somewhat accident-prone, I was slightly apprehensive about a course using axes and knives: I neednt have worried, Sharif is a wonderful teacher, I really enjoyed trying out the different knife strokes and seeing my spoon emerge over the course of the day. We were using cherry wood, lovely to carve and softer than Id expected. I also liked the structured approach of creating the spoon in distinct stages. Sharif is so helpful and positive and his Spoon Stories were the icing on the cake. I was genuinely shocked when he said it was 5.15pm. So glad I picked this course - best day Ive had in ages. Really pleased with my spoon. Thank you Sharif!"

22 May 17'

Julia Pritchard reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have been to several sessions and have 2 more booked;I am hooked! I have been to an evening workshop which I organised for friends and attended others on my own. There is a lovely warm atmosphere. Ali is so helpful - and has inspiring examples of work to spark off."

22 May 17'

Nicola Lond reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Ali brought her glass fusion workshop to a craft afternoon in Burbage for Burbage Community Arts and it was a hit! We had a full house of keen crafters making some lovely glass pieces in the workshops. We are all really pleased with our works of art and would recommend SMartys glass fusion. The only problem is you might get addicted to it!! I definitely want to do more and will be booking in again it's just deciding what to make!?"

22 May 17'

Notes on a landscape reviewed: Notes on a Landscape - an introduction to using a sketchbook

"A lovely morning in a great setting. The really good thing about these events has been how it has begun to rebuild my confidence. Being with others with all levels of skill and with suggestions and support from Mark and Louise is just great. Everyone produces something different and everyone is interested in what others have done. You can try stuff without fear. Wonderful."

22 May 17'

Lin Myers reviewed: Introducing Macrame Knots and Intricate Designs

"This course was one of the most enjoyable I have attended. Mary is a very good tutor and I was thrilled with the sampler I produced. It's good to see macrame making a comeback ."