smARTsy reviews

Elizabeth Bennett reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"2.5 years ago I booked a session for my Mum's birthday present. Mum is very "arty" were as I'm definitely not. Mum really enjoyed her present and I have been going ever since! Ali is so supportive and will guide you with suggestions. I have found it very therapeutic. It's brilliant to be able to focus on just one thing for several hours. There are so many different techniques you can learn what ever your ability."

Dinithi reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"Having done several classes and open sessions with Ali, I can say that glass fusion is wonderful and a lot of fun! Really relaxing environment and you can create lots of lovely different things! Would highly recommend!"

Gill bremner reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"A few hours spent glass fusing with Ali cannot be beaten in my opinion. Ali’s skills and knowledge of her craft know no bounds and she is more than willing to share that knowledge . Lose yourself in this beautiful craft and have a forever piece of glass to remember it . Give it a whirl - it’s super"

Valerie Armstrong reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"Warning this craft is addictive ? I cannot praise SmARTsy sessions enough. Ali has the teaching skills to ensure everyone creates their very personal piece of fused glass. I am running out of windowsills, I have now been creating pieces for my garden. This is my ‘happy’ place, I have met some lovely people and having been very poorly, feel that my sessions have undoubtedly helped my wellbeing."

Jayne Edwards reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"This session gives you an excellent chance to create your glass project, with Ali on hand every step of the way. The choice of glass and extras is vast. Whether you are a complete beginner or experienced, you'll love it.... And it gets addictive!"

Janet Shaw reviewed: Fused Glass at the Lakeside Retreat with smARTsy

"Fabulous course choice of glass materials is excellent and Ali Offers guidance and support whenever required but allowing you to use your own artistic ideas. Totally absorbing and relaxing Highly recommended"

Jennifer Stockbridge reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have been 3 times now and thoroughly enjoyed each session. Both Ali and May were lovely, very supportive and knowledgeable. I took my nieces aged 5 and 7 and my sister who us not at all crafty. We all produced something we were really proud of. May helped with cutting difficult shapes and teaching us how to get the best from our work. Cant wait to visit again! P.S. as long as you don't ask me to get the water from the well myself i am happy to make my own tea."

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"

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."

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 ?"

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."

Teresa Barrass reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Have attended many classes with both Ali and May at venues and their well stocked workshop in Ratby.The courses are always well explained and demonstrated, including health and safety.There is plenty to look at to gain inspiration in sample forms or booklets full of previous work.Both May and Ali provide assistance and advise should you wish it, but also allow you to develope at your own pace.It is always totally absorbing in a creative warm friendly atmoshere and I always look forward to my next session as I've never been dissapointed with my results.Can wholeheartedly recommend and have done to many friends."

Sarah Evans reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I’ve enjoyed several courses with Ali and her daughter May. I’ve attended different venues but my favourite is visiting their cosy workshop which is full of inspiration and is stocked with lots of beautiful glass! They always take time to introduce and demonstrate at the start of each session and are always on hand with gentle advice, assistance and words of encouragement throughout. I’ve introduced several friends to their courses and even organised our works Christmas party with them. The very best part of the classes is that you really do switch off from everything that is going on in your life and become completely absorbed in what you are creating. Highly recommended!"

Helen Salisbury reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Was disappointed with both the standard of tuition and general approach towards adults and cannot recommend. Session comprised 4 adults in a small conservatory. We arrived 20 minutes before the session and had to wait to be let in by the locked side gate 10 minutes before the start of the session, despite ringing the doorbell by the sign, leaving a phone message and observing that someone was in the front room of the house near the cake baking sign. Overall, whilst the sessions are promoted as being led by a qualified teacher, ours was led by her daughter who was knowledgeable about glass and its features but who remained distant throughout towards the participants. We were not even asked to introduce ourselves to each other. Tea was available if you made it yourself. I was a complete novice and felt that May did not clearly introduce the session with aims or that we could make one or several items, and did not proceed to present the techniques in a logical sequence with examples of each method of decorating the glass. Whilst she was helpful throughout the session and gave praise, she also spent time tidying up the centre table while we were working."

smARTsy responded:

"The workshop seats 8. There were 4 in your session. May cleared some materials to give you more room to make your small bird. Gates open 10 min before the start time to keep things fair for customers, as some, like you, arrive too early. You rang my phone & got annoyed because the baker didn’t answer you banging on the door of my home 15 mins before your start time. Would you expect a shop to open early because you arrived early? If you read the details properly, I am a qualified PRIMARY school teacher. May is 33 and has worked with me for 2 years. I get many emails praising her. There are lists on the table for you to choose what to make. Your friend made 2 items so I don’t know how you missed that information. A selection of hot drinks are available and you paid £5 an hour to attend. This does not cover waitress service! If May or I explained how to apply every single material you would just sit for 2 hours. I presume you won’t be returning."

Becky reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Took my 7 year old to a class yesterday, which had been shortened to an hour and a half (in keeping with the attention span of a younger person). My son loved it. May, the instructor, was so good with him and kept him busy while I was able to concentrate on my own creation. He made 2 items in that time and I can't wait to see them when they've been fired. I've already recommended this workshop to a number of friends."

Ally Caldecote reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I’ve been on a two hour workshop and a full day one. I’m booked onto another in a couple of months. Ali warns that glass fusing is addictive and it’s utterly true. She is an excellent and talented artist and also a patient teacher. Perfect combo. If you’re not sure, book onto a shorter course and try it out. You’ll love it for sure!"

smARTsy responded:

"Thanks Ally, see you soon!"

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!"

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 :)"

Karlie reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"Fantastic. I can’t keep away! It’s so addictive! Ali is wonderful and every session I have attended has been brilliant."

smARTsy responded:

"Thanks Karlie, you're very talented, I always like to see what you've made."

Mary reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"All the courses I've done with Ali have been excellent and I'm looking forward to the next one. It's great fun and I love the pieces I have made Mary"

Julie reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I have become addicted! The sessions are relaxing and fun. The items I have made I love and so do those I made gifts for. Ali helpfully guided you along letting your own creativity through and it us amazing value. To handmade something for a friend is a lovely thing to do."

Jo stevens reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"ali runs workshops in her lovely inspirational studio at her home, I have become addicted to the classes, I have done, needle and wet felting, lino printing, painting, silk painting tiffany glass and my absolute favourite, glass fusion, I am there most weeks, sometimes more than once a week ( I do have a life- honestly! ) I recommend that you give it a go"

Nicola Marshall reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"What a wonderful way to spend a few hours doing something completely different. Ali is so welcoming and takes great care to explain all about glass fusion and what to do -advising and guiding , but still allowing plenty of freedom for your own creativity . Or if like me , you just want to copy something you like , she is happy to tell you how it's done. All the lovely coloured different types of glass are like being in a sweet shop ......so hard to choose.... and the relaxed atmosphere Ali creates means you don't want to leave. .... I've been three times and will definitely be back."

Noah reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"I am 9 years old. I thought it was really cool and I love it that you can design whatever you want there. I would rate the glass workshop 6 stars out of 5! I thought the pieces that I made there were all really great. I think Ali is really supportive and really kind to us. I love the glass workshop!"

Lucie reviewed: Fused Glass Workshops for beginners & experienced

"The glass fusion workshops are simply fantastic! Ali is extremely helpful as she guides you through the process of creating your very own and unique piece of glass art! The workshop takes place in Ali's treasure trove of glass wonders, all of which help to inspire. You can simply arrive and there are many ideas already at your fingertips. I know people worry about not being 'creative', well with Ali's superb guidance (and patience!) it really is something that anyone can have a go at, and be pleased with the outcome. My two children have experienced this too and have been so proud of what they have created. We have given some of our pieces as gifts and had the recipients ask "Where did you buy that from, it's brilliant!" What a great feeling to know it was made by our own fair hands! Go on... have a go, you won't regret it!"