Latest reviews

Amy reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"My Mum and I thoroughly enjoyed this workshop and were really happy with the end product. Although we were initially slow to pick up the techniques, with Alice’s thorough and patient teaching skills we finished our pot hangings!"

Alice Sharp reviewed: Needlefelting workshop at Dalkeith Country Park

"I cant think of a more wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning. Jo was lovely, created a relaxed and informal atmosphere, chatting about life before we started. If I had felt any concern about my ability to participate she would have washed it away with her soft lilting words. The explanation of how to use the tools was clear and helpful and gave me courage to try straight away. The cacophony of felts and spectrum of colours available was spectacular we were encouraged to handle, caress and feel a connection to the materials which inspired my idea of what I wanted to do. During the process of creating my 'merry dancers' I asked for advise which was given quietly and as suggestions and ideas without demonstration which was ideal because my piece remained my piece. I would attend again in a heartbeat! Thank you Jo for your inspiration."

Angela reviewed: Country House Crafting Retreats in rural Hertfordshire

"Fantastic weekend, really good to have the time and the space to craft without interruptions. Great company and great food. Lovely location"

barry reviewed: Stained glass leading for beginners

"I went on the one day course with Jamal. I had never done any stained glass/ lead work before and he was an excellent teacher. The day was shared with on other pupil and was very satisfying."

Chris Murray reviewed: One day stained glass classes by Le Breton Traditional

"It was very enjoyable because, as a complete beginner, I found cutting glass hard but with help and encouragement I am very pleased with what I achieved. We all produced very different pieces and learnt to use most techniques. I would recommend Matthew Le Bretton."

Judith reviewed: Creative Writing Retreat

"I just wanted to say a BIG thank you to all at Trill Farm for such a wonderful retreat. It surpassed all of my expectations and I left feeling restored, stimulated and very creative! The sense of community was wonderful and thanks to all of the team for making us so welcome, comfortable and well fed! Trill Farm and living close so close to nature was truly special and really supported us to be more creative. We definitely found kinship in the writing group which I am sure will live on. Thanks again to all and I look forward to returning to Trill Farm in the not too distant future."

Karen reviewed: Macrame Pot Hanger Workshop

"The pot hanger workshop with Alice was brilliant fun! It was nice to learn about a new craft, had some great conversation and made a pot hanger – all in 2 hours! I left feeling very creative and very inspired. Thank you!"

Ros reviewed: Table Weaving Taster Day, Julia Davey, Bath

"It was good to be introduced to a new skill in a relaxed, friendly and supportive setting. We were given lots of ideas and materials and encouraged to be creative. Having no experience in any craftwork I could have done with a little more teaching on the very basics. But all in all a very enjoyable day and I would recommend the course. Thank you Ellie"

Elka responded:

"Hi Ros, thank you for the review. It was great to meet you and have you on the workshop. I'm so glad you enjoyed the day overall. I appreciate your feedback, have taken it onboard and will be more aware in future. Very best wishes, Ellie"

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

"Thoroughly enjoyed this workshop. Kate who was leading the workshop was really helpful and patient. Obviously knows her craft very well and made the day a very enjoyable experience which would definately try again. Whilst a long day it flies by but slept well that night"

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: Two leather long stitch journals in a day

"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."