Testimonials
“I started Leah’s class just over a year ago to make up numbers with a friend and am now hooked!
In that short time I’ve gone from complete novice to making unique jewellery that I am proud to gift to friends and family. Leah is very generous with her knowledge with an extremely patient teaching style, nothing is too much bother. Her studio is wonderfully equipped with new tools constantly arriving , decorated with beautiful inspiring photographs . My class is an escape from a busy life so much so I feel cheated if I can't go!”
Laura Dimarco. Intermediate class
“I have been attending Leah's class for about 2 and a half years now and will continue coming back for the foreseeable future. I learnt all the basics in my first round of classes and have been learning and creating new and exciting jewellery ever since. The access to her materials and tools is extensive, and her presence and knowledge of the craft is supportive and valuable. Other than my excitement for the art form, I enjoy seeing my classmates every week and chatting over a cup of tea!”
Caila Kirkcaldy. Intermediate student.
“My husband bought me a gift voucher for Leah Bastiani Jewellery and its been the best present ever! I chose the beginners class & was amazed how much I learned each week - I've now signed up for the improvers too! I really look forward to having 'me' time, seeing Leah and the rest of the class as much as what I'm going to create that week!”
Julie Bean. Beginner course
“After taking a couple of day courses at Leah’s studio, I was totally hooked. I loved the encouraging and friendly atmosphere, helping me to technically improve and realise an artistic dream to make jewellery. Attending weekly classes brings me great joy and some lovely silver jewellery.”
Beverley Mackay. Intermediate student
“Leah’s class is like a little oasis of calm in my week. We are always greeted with a cuppa and a chat and her workshop is bright and welcoming with photos of students’ work displayed on the walls which provide lots of ideas and inspiration. We work on our own designs which Leah is on hand to help us create - with the perfect balance of teaching, advice and, if necessary, hands on help - meaning that we are always happy with the end result. I am delighted with the pieces I have been able to make under her (always patient) guidance.”
Louise Duffy, Intermediate class
“I met Leah through Council run evening classes more than 10 years ago! When she opened her own studio I decided to enrol for her classes and once I did, I have not looked back!
Leah's studio offers a warm and welcoming environment with lots of opportunities for inspiration, the area is well laid out with lots of really good quality equipment. Leah provides students with support with our ideas, explains techniques and offers resources and samples to give students ideas for their own projects. It's also fun to meet other students and you can bounce ideas around together. Leah herself is an amazing teacher, she is professional, calm and very patient, she is honest when she advises and assists students with tricky projects and will identify what is possible as well as what might be challenging for a student. Leah always has a cup of tea or coffee on offer, whatever the weather, oh and there are always interesting biscuits too! I plan to continue attending Leah's classes, as I thoroughly enjoy being in such a creative place and I get lots of pleasure from attending as well as the pieces of jewellery that I make for myself or for gifts!”
Susan Ryan. Intermediate day course
“I can highly recommend both the one day classes and courses that Leah provides. I started off with jewellery making in 2017 when I got a voucher for a spinner ring class from my husband. I loved this class so much as Leah is a great teacher, patient, provides clear instruction and supports her students in following their creativity, that i signed up for a stacking ring class. Again I loved this so decided to attend the beginner course and just continued from there. Six years on I am still attending weekly classes and have had the opportunity to try so many different things, lost wax casting, stone setting, forging and keum boo just to name a few.”
Aisling Fitzpatrick. Spinner ring/keum boo workshops Intermediate student
“My daughter and I shared the most memorable artistic experience making individual silver children’s spinner ring’s together with Leah. The high quality workshop was fun, inspiring, creative and in comfortable friendly studio workshop surroundings. Leah is kind, patient, extremely knowledgeable and keen for students to explore their imagination! I can’t wait to try another workshop!!” Claire and Aimee. Kids spinner ring workshop
“I attend Leah’s regular Tuesday morning Intermediate Jewellery Classes which are a continuation to the Beginners Evening Classes that I first attending in Autumn last year.
Jewellery making was something that I had always wanted to try and after booking my daughter into one of Leah’s fantastic ring making classes as a Birthday gift and hearing how much fun it was and seeing the beautiful finished ring that she made, I decided I would treat myself to a course of lessons too.
I would describe myself as a crafter but with very little artistic ability so I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be a very able pupil, however, under Leah’s amazingly patient and excellent tutorage I have developed the skills required to produce not only special pieces for myself, including my wedding band but now have the courage and knowledge to make gifts for family and friends which have been much admired and gratefully received.
Leah makes learning easy she is the most patient and encouraging of teachers, her classes are informative and fun, rewarding and the perfect antidote to the stresses and strains of day to day busy life. An opportunity to really escape into “me time” zone which is wonderful for maintaining good mental health. The other students are delightful and Leah creates such a friendly, relaxed atmosphere where we all encourage and praise each other and feel confident to ask each other for help and advice. Not to mention the cups of tea/coffee and biscuits and entertaining chats and laughs we share.
Her studio is well equipped with all the tools and machinery required and of course Leah’s wonderful brain to pick for inspiration and know-how to help produce precious items in silver, copper and gold leaf keum boo and stone setting. I cannot recommend these classes or Leah’s courses highly enough. They offer excellent value for money, whether you wish to learn a new hobby or have a wonderful new experience with friends or family with the added benefit of beautiful take home pieces or as a voucher for a friend, such a lovely thoughtful and unique gift.”
Hayley Clark. Intermediate day course
