Latest reviews

Helen Bailey reviewed: Tapestry Weaving for Beginners with Fiona Nisbet

"I really enjoyed the day. Fiona was good at giving the right amount of guidance and encouragement to get me going with my first weaving project. Knowledgeable and experienced and interested in my ideas. Very hospitable too. Thanks"

Shropshire Weavers responded:

"Thanks Helen. I'm so glad you enjoyed your day and look forward to seeing you again. Enjoy your weaving and let me know if you any help or advice. Please send me a picture of your finished piece or post it on my Shropshire Weavers Facebook page. Best Wishes Fiona"

Karen Brierley reviewed: Fused glass Christmas workshop inc afternoon tea - Cheshire

"I have been on several of Deborah’s courses. Each one has taught me so much. The Christmas workshop is always a favourite. Whilst you are learning new skills, you have such fun making wonderful Christmas decorations. Debs is always on hand to teach, support and give advice where needed, so no matter how skilful, or not, you are, you will always go home feeling as though you have achieved something wonderful. The afternoon tea was truly scrumptious. The Bailey’s tiramisu was so delicious. I can’t recommend Silver Zebra courses enough."

Viola and Gioia reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"My sister attended Kingsley’s workshop and had such good fun! Really recommended and amazing result. Kingsley is such a patient and talented teacher, bravissimo!"

Luigi Vincenzo reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Perfection is standard with Kingsley."

Victoria reviewed: Sgraffito Printed Fused Glass (1.30pm)

"Very fun and educational. Amazing to try something new with friends."

Gos reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Fantastic workshop! If you are into crafts and want to try something new - it's a must! Can't recommend enough!"

Paps reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"I'm completely satisfied, very good service (and products)!"

Amelia reviewed: Mosaic jewellery workshop

"Myself and my friend had a completely amazing afternoon with Adela making mosaic pendants and learning all the techniques. Totally recommend the mosaic pendant and earring workshop making course 100%, can’t wait to make more soon. Thanks for the great experience x"

Cheryl reviewed: Festive soap and cream making with The Scottish Soapworks

"What a great day. The venue was lovely, the lunch was delicious and Jenny’s skilled guidance was excellent. ?"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hi Cheryl. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're so glad that you enjoyed the space, lunch and your soap-making workshop with Jenny from The Scottish Soapworks! We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon. With best wishes Lynn :-)"

Claire Nanungi reviewed: Traditional Leather Workshop (small leather goods)

"Kingsley's workshop was of top quality. He is a first class leather crafter who answered all questions promptly. I would highly recommend attending this one day course, if you are keen on learning how to make leather products."

Brit reviewed: One day Bag making traditional leather workshop (tote bag / side bag)

"Such a knowledge lovely man! Had such a great time learning from him!"

Gill A reviewed: Christmas decorations in fused glass course at Rainbow Glass Studios

"Eleanor showed us how to make a wide variety of different decorations, using a range of techniques. She was keen to accommodate all specific requests. We made lots of different decorations which I am really looking forward to receiving in the post in the next few days. Would recommend this course - many thanks Eleanor for a fantastic day."

Rachel reviewed: Hare Sculpture workshop with Jo Garden Art in beautiful Norfolk/Suffolk

"What a fabulous day! Jo is a very warm and welcoming lady and her studio is lovely. I had such a great day and brought home a leaping hare that I am very proud of! I would highly recommend this workshop, very well organised with all materials supplied and copious amounts of tea, coffee, biscuits and hula hoops ?"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Oh no! my hula hoop addiction is out ;-) !!! So glad you enjoyed the day Rachel xx"

Liz Saunders reviewed: Needle Felting Workshop - landscape pictures

"Had a great day with my friend in Pips needle felting course and finished two lovely pictures to go home with. A great course for any levels with a lovely professional lady. And lovely pastries and coffee as well"

Helen Killick reviewed: Needle Felting Class

"Excellent friendly course with Yvonne . Made a teddy in first course and Xmas decs at second. Would def reccomend for every level ."

The Crafters Emporium responded:

"Thank you Helen it was lovely to see you again. Have a lovely Christmas if we do not see you before."

joe gregory reviewed: Leaded Stained Glass 2-Day workshop with Karl Percival at Creative with Nature Todmorden West Yorkshire

"A totally new craft for me and I loved it! Laura is an excellent teacher. I was quite nervous working with glass, but Laura was really patient and after a while of practicing with cheap clear glass I felt much more confident working on my final piece. A most enjoyable weekend, I was really impressed with my results."

Creative with Nature Ltd responded:

"thanks for the feedback. xx"

Rebecca Knowles reviewed: Fused glass Christmas workshop inc afternoon tea - Cheshire

"This is now a firm fixture on our Christmas calendar! A wonderful day creating beautiful fused glass objects. Gorgeous handmade potential Christmas gifts for your house, tree or friends if you can bear to give them up! Great supportive tuition, great company and a fab festive afternoon tea! Baileys tiramisu is divine. I always learn loads of new stuff every time, Deborah has so much knowledge, it’s always a joy to attend a Silver Zebra workshop!"

David Rigg reviewed: Oak stool making experience - rustic carpentry & green wood work

"I was bought a craft voucher when I retired after 32 years as an Art teacher. Browsing the various possibilities, I came across Ian's course and my daughter who was looking over my shoulder, said that she fancied making a stool too. We booked the course and arrived at 9.30 on a cool November morning. Ian greeted us and we entered his workspace; an old tithe barn filled with impressive pieces of timber and woodworking tools and equipment. He gave an interesting short talk about the place of green woodwork in farming communities of the past and showed us some photographs and actual examples of his contemporary furniture and other work. We began by making a simple ash mallet using a saw, a hand axe and a draw knife, then selected our wood and began the process of making our stools. The seat was oak and the legs ash (its low moisture content would avoid problems with shrinkage). We split a length of ash using a free, then used hand axes to begin to shape the legs. We then sat at a draw horse and used draw knives to refine the shapes of the legs. Throughout these processes, Ian gave us clear and simple explanations and demonstrated what we had to do. He was calm and enthusiastic, and had a nice gentle sense of humour which made us feel quickly at ease. He always seemed aware of what we were doing and was ready to jump in and give further advice, when he sensed that we needed it (and also reviving tea and coffee). When the legs were all suitably shaped, we set about joining the legs to the seat. The legs were inserted into the angled holes and knocked in firmly. Protruding wood was then trimmed flush using a Japanese saw. We then drilled holes for decorative oak pins which were tapped into place to strengthen the joint between the legs and stool. After some careful measuring, we marked out and trimmed the length of the legs to get a level seat, and the main construction was complete. The recently cut bottom edge of the legs was chamfered using a spoke shave and the stools were oiled to protect them and bring out the grain. We both stood back and admired our work. The stools were incredibly strong and solid and they looked better than we could have hoped for. My daughter has never really done any serious work with wood, and I would say her stool was just as good as my own. We drove home with two beautiful stools which I am sure will last a lifetime. Thank you Ian ! We both really enjoyed our day and would recommend the course to anyone."

Deborah Jones reviewed: Creating ceramic animals courses - with James Ort & Alison Pink

"I have been on three courses so far and hope to book another for next year so that must tell you how much I enjoy it ... The course is in a very relaxing surroundings and you are made to feel so very welcome. Not being that experienced in clay modelling I just wanted to find something for me. To get away once in a while to spend the time with my own thoughts . To do this gives me that space, I relax and do my clay and my mind clears , I just love it. James is such a wonderful teacher, kind and considerate, as is his mother who has tutored me too. Highly recommended trying a course to anyone ."

The Phoenix Studio responded:

"Ahhh what a lovely lovely review, thanks Deborah! Im so glad that we can help provide you with a nice environment to loose yourself in your thoughts and creativity. Yes please to you coming on more courses!"

Patricia Harrison reviewed: Self-care Sundays - create a personal pamper pack with The Scottish Soapworks at The Arienas Collective in central Edinburgh

"I recommend the venue and this workshop for a relaxing, congenial and productive day out. The presentation was relaxed and instructive and it was good to have finished items to take home, together with information regarding how to create the products at home and where to source the ingredients. The recipes and processes are set out in handouts provided for each attendee. The workshop is rewarding day out and a great gift for someone else as a present."

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Hello Patricia Thanks for taking the time to leave us this lovely review, and for your thoughtful words. We do try to get the right balance of relaxation and productivity so you can take home something you've created, completed and feel proud of while still feeling you've had some 'time out' from day-to-day life. And it sounds like we managed to achieve that for you which makes us very happy. We hope to welcome you back to The Arienas Collective soon - perhaps you can add it to your own gift wish-list! ;-) With best wishes Lynn :-)"

Anna Campbell reviewed: Creative workshop hub in Edinburgh's beautiful and historic New Town

"I love teaching jewellery workshops with the Arienas Collective. The venue is homely and welcoming and in such a great location, close to travel links. Lynn and John work hard to create a lovely atmosphere and provide excellent locally-sourced refreshments. On one day workshops, a delicious lunch is included for us all. There are a great range of creative workshops available and as well as teaching I've attended some myself! Highly recommended"

The Arienas Collective responded:

"Thanks Anna :-) We so enjoy hosting your silver clay workshops, and never tire from watching the magic of clay turning into hallmark quality silver! It's great that we've had so many people attend your beginner workshops that we've been able to introduce 3 intermediate classes this year - and next year our first silver clay Masterclasses! Congratulations on all your lovely 5 Star reviews on Craft Courses, and for choosing The Arienas Collective as your workshop space. We look forward to hosting your silver clay jewellery workshops in 2020. With best wishes Lynn"

Deborah Knowles reviewed: Glass Christmas Decorations Workshop

"Attended this workshop on 08/11/19. We had a fabulous time. Jane was very patient and explained all the different techniques. She gave us free rein to be as creative as we wanted but was always willing to help or give ideas if we got stuck. The decorations have just arrived in the post today, beautifully packaged. My goodness I am impressed with myself, I didn't know that I could make such lovely things that will last forever. I managed to make 7 decorations and I am thrilled with all of them. Can't wait to attend more workshops with this very talented lady."

Giacomo reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"Wonderful and inspirational day with Chris and three fellow students, all of whom lovely and full of interesting things to tell. It was my first time working with straw, which I really enjoyed. Amazing to witness a bundle of chaotic stalks transform into a tight, strong spiral. Chris is a well of wisdom and a master storyteller: lots to learn about bees, honey, health, skeps, ancient myths and more. Huge, diverse and delicious spread of dishes for lunch. Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in beekeeping or just likes to work with their hands and an open mind."

Kate Stallard reviewed: Straw skep hive making course - with Bees for Development

"I had the most fabulous and rewarding day. Great tuition with interesting conversation throughout. So pleased with my skep so far and feel confident that I can finish at home with the tools provided. Lunch was excellent. Highly recommend and looking forward to further courses."

Jane Walsh reviewed: Fused glass Christmas decorations (1 day) in Sheffield, South Yorkshire

"A fabulous day yet again on one of Martins courses. We’ve done a few now and we’re never disappointed. Already booked in for some next year. Xx"