Jolene Smith reviews

18 Jun 17'

Julia Richardson reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"Four of us had such a brilliant day with Jolene (Jo) at her workshop. Both Jo and her workshop filled with amazing things, are inspirational. Despite it being the hottest day of the year so far, we were all engrossed from the minute we started right until we finished. It is amazing how with Jo's expert guidance, we were able to fashion really gorgeous pieces of jewellery out of 2 small sheets of copper and silver, all very wearable. She is a great teacher, very patient. Any time we had a wobble about performing a particular task, she was on hand to help out or take over - but only if we wanted her to. The pieces we were making looked so good, that once or twice we preferred her expert touch so as not to ruin a promising piece of jewellery! We shall definitely be going back for more workshops. I can highly recommend this workshop and it was fantastic value for money. Thanks so much Jo."

11 Jun 17'

Lesa reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"Such a great day!!!! Jolene is excellent. So knowledgeable, experienced and was on hand to help throughout the day. I loved this course and came out with a lovely pair of silver earrings and two fantastic silver pendants, all handmade!!!! Jolene showed how to treat the silver to get different effects which was excellent and helped with those challenging bits that novices struggle with. Her studio is a creative haven and inspires. Jolene is a lovely person and I will most definitely go back. She does a course on recrafting old jewellery into new pieces which sounds great. Thanks Jolene for such an enjoyable day!!!!! X"

11 Jun 17'

helen Duckworth reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Jolene was really wonderful. Just four total beginner students in the treasure trove of her studio workshop, she made us feel like we could accomplish anything. We learnt the essential techniques to make some gorgeous silver jewellery and came away thrilled with the things we made. Jolene will step in if you need help, and really encourage your creative ideas. We did the earrings and pendant day, though thanks to Jolene's total flexibilty and encouragement i made a ring and 2 pairs of earrings. I was very happy with my first tries at jewellery making. A really enjoyable day and thoroughly recommended."

18 May 17'

Francesca Cox reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"This is the second workshop I've attended with Jolene at her workshop and I loved it even more the second time around. I was able to use the skills I learnt last time plus some new ones to create some fantastic jewellery (two bangles and a ring). It's such a lovely friendly atmosphere and Jolene is a brilliant tutor. It would make a brilliant day for a birthday/special occasion activity for family or friends but also fine to go on your own as I did. It really is a great day and I can't recommend it enough."

18 May 17'

Donna Ford reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I did this course on 17th May 2017 and it was brilliant. Jolene really knows her subject and is able to explain and demonstrate in a way a layman, like myself, can understand. I came away with 2 copper and a silver bangle which I really love, and have already booked myself on another course to make pendants. I wanted to learn the basics of wire shaping and soldering and I achieved this and more. There were 3 of us on this course and I understand she keeps her classes quite small to ensure that each of her students get all the attention and help they need which was certainly the case when I attended. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this workshop to anyone."

10 May 17'

Lynn Orr reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My friends and I did the earring and pendant making course provided by Jolene. We thoroughly enjoyed the day and we learnt a new skill. Jolene was very patient and helpful with us all. We all came away with wearable pieces and we would thoroughly recommend this course to others. Well worth the money."

23 Apr 17'

Debbie reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I actually made a unique set of silver jewellery that I will wear for many years to come, and all just in one day! During the session there was plenty of opportunity to pick up the basic craft skills needed by making some practice base metal pieces before moving on to the silver work. The small group size – there were four of us in the workshop I attended – meant I felt I got just the right amount of personal attention and instruction I needed, as well as space to experiment with the materials. As a complete beginner I was apprehensive as to whether I’d be able to turn my ideas into something real but Jo was very patient and had the uncanny ability to step in at the right moment to make sure my work was a success. I came away having had a lovely experience, feeling I’d learnt a new skill and definitely wanting to come back again."

14 Apr 17'

Amber Turner-Ramsay reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"I did a 3 day one to one workshop with Jolene and had an absolutely wonderful time. Jolene is a fantastic teacher, patient, inspiring, helpful - I was able to learn and practice a variety of techniques and given the freedom to experiment with my own designs. I highly recommend the workshops to those that have a particular interest in this field and also those who would like to have a great time making some beautiful pieces."

7 Apr 17'

Lucy reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Such an incredible day!! I requested this for my birthday gift this year because I've always loved Jolene's jewellery and thought it would be a great experience to try making for myself. My mum and 2 friends came along too and we all had just the best day! Jolene is the perfect host; providing home-made brownies, making drinks, patiently assisting and being open to our crazy jewellery suggestions! We've all come away with some incredible items and were wonderfully surprised with our own abilities and creations. Not only is this a unique way to learn a new skill, it also is great in improving confidence and for coming away with such professional looking bangles and rings! I managed to create enough jewellery to make gifts for friends whilst also having plenty for myself - it's an incredible price for an incredible day!"

7 Apr 17'

Marianne reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"It was a really enjoyable day with clear instruction, a friendly atmosphere and the freedom to explore your own ideas under the guidance of a skilled silversmith! A thoroughly enjoyable experience with lots of laughter and even cake! We used both copper and silver to make different items of jewellery, learning to solder, use the saw, add little pieces of decor and ending up with some beautiful, individual pieces. I made a bangle and some rings which I will be wearing for a very long time. Truly recommend."

18 Feb 17'

Sharron Duffin reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"I had craft vouchers for Christmas and decided to do the bangle workshop. I didn't have anyone to go with so Jolene arranged for me to join up with another single and pair who were visiting. I had the best day, the other visitors were lovely and Jolene was amazing. She provided enough guidance for me to feel confident but allowed me to make my 3 bracelets on my own. I will definitely be doing other workshops. We had unlimited tea throughout the day and the best home made brownies!"

15 Feb 17'

Karen Weston reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"This was a great day of jewellery education. Jolene was an excellent tutor, obviously wonderfully talented and willing to share as much of her expertise as possible to enable us to experiment and apply a variety of techniques to the pieces that we made. Great value for money and opportunity for a glimpse into a whole new world. Thoroughly recommended."

19 Jan 17'

Melanie Butcher reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Myself, sisters and mother attended the bangle workshop in January as part of my mums birthday celebrations. We loved it from the snug cosy workshop with so much to look at, to the delicious home made brownies, copious cups of tea and Jolene's welcome guidance and encouragement. We all created 2 or 3 bangles that we were more than proud of and are a great keepsack of mum's birthday. This is a great workshop to do and we will certainly be returning!"

27 Nov 16'

linda baker reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"A fantastic day thank you Jolene. I was a little nervous to be honest my craft skills are somewhat questionable (can't draw a circle or cut in a straight line), Jolene was so welcoming and easy to talk to. I was at ease within minutes of coming into the workshop. It was a pure delight to see what we would be doing - Jolene demonstrated all the stages first before we were let loose. I was on the course with two of my besties who are both very arty and crafty and both were off and running within minutes. I took my time to find my design assisted by Jolene and then I was off and doing. I could not believe it when Jolene said we needed to stop for lunch, time had flown by. I have never used a gas torch or soldered before in my life - such fun !!! My copper templates were so fabulous that i have them as an ear ring & pendant set - bonus!!! Working with the silver was wonderful, changing the colours by heating it, adding texture, depth and experimenting was simply great fun. I would highly recommend this as a fantastic day out and you get to keep your uniquely designed jewellery - what's not to like. I am particularly interested in coming back for the recycle workshop. Let me know details please Jolene!!! Thank you for an amazing day."

9 Oct 16'

Caroline reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"My mum and l went to the bangle workshop, and absolutely love it. The lady running the workshop - Jolene is a inspiration. MUST TRY!"

11 Aug 16'

Francesca reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Would absolutely recommend this course, I absolutely loved it! The setting is a lovely authentic creative space and Jolene is a fantastic tutor who knows when to give guidance and how to help people to think creatively. Each participant ended up with something entirely individual and I've worn mine everyday since! Am planning on doing it again."

16 Jun 16'

Emma reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Thoroughly enjoyed the workshop with Jolene - a brilliant birthday treat from a friend. My first time jewellery making and I'm so pleased with the results. Jolene is an excellent tutor encouraging and supporting when needed and was great company too. Everything was provided to make fabulous bangles as well as homemade cookies, cakes and endless tea and coffee! Lovely treat - highly recommended!"

22 May 16'

JAYNE BRAWN reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"The bangle workshop was the first time I had ever done anything like this. I had an amazing day and was so proud of the end result as I am not usually so artistic or practical! Jolene makes the course interesting and fun and I enjoyed learning the techniques needed for working in silver. I would recommend to anyone. It's a great day for a few friends. I have already done another course and am just about to book another !!"

18 May 16'

Maxine reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"What a brilliant day. Loved meeting Jolene and thrilled with what I made under her expert eye. Great relaxed atmosphere and we all left with a fabulous unique set of jewellery - really good value for money. The studio is a treasure trove of eclectic items - exactly what a jewellery studio should be - full of interest and inspiration. I really want to do it again .....thank you Jolene - highly recommended."

17 May 16'

Rebecca reviewed: One day silver pendant and earring workshop

"Fantastic day at the pendant and earring workshop!!- I love what i made and bearing in mind it's solid silver, I think the whole day was excellent value for money. Jolene was absolutely great- she explained the techniques for us, helped us think of ideas and then supported us for the day as we turned our paper ideas into Jewellery. We learned how to saw the silver into shape, file and smooth, hammer and texture, curve and bend everything into shape then solder. All three of us made very professional looking items that we will wear. The workshop space is lovely and we're already planning to go back!!."

16 May 16'

Maxine Corfield reviewed: One day bangle/ring workshop

"Thr bangle workshop was great, I made a copper bangle and a silver bangle with cooper wrapped round. I often get asked about my silver bangle and it's really great to say that I made it. This workshop is perfect for a group of friends that are looking for something different. Jolene the lady that takes the course was brilliant, she even made homemade brownies which was a lovely touch. I will definitely be heading back to try one of the other workshops!!"

16 May 16'