Latest reviews

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 ."

22 May 17'

Victoria reviewed: Introducing Macrame Knots and Intricate Designs

"A great introduction to Macrame. A lovely afternoon spent learning the basic knots and taking home a finished sampler."

22 May 17'

Jayne Edwards reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"i treated a work colleague to an evening at Smartsy for her Christmas present. i had done some sessions with Ali at Palmers but this was the first time at her own workshop. there were 7 of us the session and we made trinket dishes and spoon rests. it was a lovely evening and my colleague loved it as it was her first time working with glass. the results were fabulous. Im looking forward to going for another session ASAP !!!!"

22 May 17'

Julie Ward reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have been to several glass fusion courses. Excellent evenings, a chance to be creative and have a little me time. Good company and time flies past. My glass pieces are lovely, and I look forward to the next course."

22 May 17'

Ghislaine Wood reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I recently went to one of Ali's workshops for a glass artwork based on Birch trees. It involved painting on glass as well as using and cutting glass. The two hours flew by, and I am so pleased with the end result, which is now hanging at my kitchen window. Having done numerous workshops with Ali, I have to warn, they are VERY awaddictive."

22 May 17'

Isobel Reay reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Went with my craft group to a glass fusion workshop & am now really hooked. It was excellent & Ali is a brilliant tutor. So pleased with what I produced & can't wait to do more sessions. Would recommend to anyone - give it a go & I guarantee you will have a rewarding time."

22 May 17'

Wendy Hardy reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I be attended two fused glass sessions and a stained glass one .all fantastic.the studio is charming.Ali and Mel were friendly and professional.I can't wait for my next one ..beach huts and seascapes!"

22 May 17'

Jackie Chilton-Thomas reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I attended my first bowl making session in March. I had a great time, really enjoyed the experience. The atmosphere was relaxing and friendly. I am really pleased with the result of my glass bowl. Well worth the money."

22 May 17'

Jenny hunter reviewed: Fabulous felt picture 2 day masterclass near York

"A very enjoyable informative 2 day course. Had a very limited knowledge about felting and the process of felting. Was shown how to build up my picture from the foreground to the front and the fine detailing after the felting process. A very relaxed and pleasant environment to learn in and Bridget is a very informative and competent tutor. Really enjoyed it! Many thanks Jenny"

22 May 17'

Tracey reviewed: Blacksmithing Introduction courses in Yorkshire and the North East

"Laughing whilst handling hot chunks of metal is not something I had ever envisioned but laugh we did...all day! A great group of people from all walks of life and a brilliant taster session into the basics of metalworking. Okay...so my keyring was a tad left field, and my dragon coat hook may take a little interpretation or a degree in modern art to grasp my effort, but it hangs proudly in the spa at home now as a towel holder (Him indoors was tasked to position it immediately and it hasn't fallen apart).......However in all seriousness, Adrian and Andy are master craftsmen who gave me the confidence as a women who didn't know which end of a hammer to hold, to have a go - to let go and they were on hand if needed to offer support (to fix the wonky dragon head - thanks Andy!). Catering supplied by Debbie was outstanding - clearly Debbie is to catering, what Adrian is to Metalworking - vast amounts of food, all homemade and thoroughly scrummy! I cannot recommend this course and these guys enough - an absolutely brilliant day and I didn't want it to end - suffice to say, I'm awaiting the 2018 courses and I'll be back for more......"