Jo Garden Art reviews

25 May 21'

Chris Wright reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"This was an excellent introductory course. Well explained with plenty of guidance. Very good art, room, ambience and Materials. Impressive setting and friendly encouragement."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Chris - really glad you enjoyed the experience and you created a great piece of art 'The Pilgrims' as christened by the group! Jo x"

25 May 21'

Sally Austin reviewed: Abstract Art Workshop with Jo Garden Art in a beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"A wonderful workshop with Jo in an idyllic setting. Jo is a natural host, she exudes enthusiasm for her craft and encourages participants to ‘go their own way’. Everyone produced their own masterpiece, the company was fun and the whole experience was relaxing and I was left with two pieces of artwork I’m happy to be hanging on the wall. Joyous!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Sally ;-) Such a lovely day with lovely people - and fabulous art work taken home! Jo x"

24 May 21'

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

"I enjoyed this course so much, being with friends in a beautiful setting, being guided by an excellent tutor and coming away with something that is beautiful and that I made myself. I couldn't recommend it enough."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for choosing my Hare Sculpture workshop for you and your friends to enjoy together. A lovely day with lovely company and, as you say, everyone went home with a special memory. Jo x"

22 May 21'

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

"Brilliant day &excellent course . Wonderful day .highly recommended . Great host and setting ."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Anne - it was a privilege being host to a long awaited friends craft day together! Jo x"

18 May 21'

Carol reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"Have just finished making the sleeping cat kit with my friend. Cannot believe how different both the cats are even though we followed the video at the same time! They are great. Rebecca made a siamese cat and I made a version of Emma, my beautiful british blue. We both really enjoyed the whole process and would recommend the kit."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Carol ;-) Really glad you both enjoyed making your cats - I agree it's surprising how different the finished sculptures turn out even when you use the same materials and instructions. I often receive photos and am always amazed at the variety! Jo x"

8 May 21'

Clare reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"The instructions were really clear, absolutely everything required was supplied in the kit, exceptionally well planned. We really enjoyed it, a relaxing and therapeutic experience, absolutely perfect for a few hours away from everyday life. We would definitely recommend them and will be ordering more in the future."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Clare - really glad you enjoyed the kit! Jo ;-)"

3 May 21'

Catherine Thomas reviewed: Sculpture workshop two days with Jo Garden Art in beautiful rural Norfolk/Suffolk border setting

"I attended the 2-day workshop with my teenage daughter and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Both of us love crafts, but had little experience of sculpting, however Jo takes you through each stage so well, that no prior experience is needed. The days were really packed and you get great value for money on this course, whilst waiting for our large sculptures to dry, Jo had us making mini hares to take home, which was a lovely idea. Jo has an extensive knowledge of products and process around this type of sculpting and is happy to share her wisdom with you. She also provided a repair kit for future use, which was another great idea. We had so much fun and came away with sculptures that we were proud of. Jo is warm and friendly and welcomes you into her studio, making you feel at home from the off. I highly recommend this course and will hopefully come back for another. If you are unable to attend a workshop this year, try the kits to do at home first, as they are great fun too. Thanks for having us Jo!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much for this wonderful review Catherine. It was a pleasure having you and your daughter here for a 'bubble' 2 day workshop this weekend. You both made gorgeous sculptures and I was glad to hear they travelled all the way home safely in your campervan! It would be a pleasure having you back here at some time in the future for more sculpture zen time. Jo x"

12 Apr 21'

Karen reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"Morning Jo, Just wanted to let you know that the parcel arrived safely this weekend. Thank you for your help and I’m really looking forward to seeing my friends creations. I thought you might like to see Herbie the hare which Leo my partners father created. We all just love those massive cute ears! Your kits are just fabulous, this was the perfect unique gift for me to send Leo this Christmas. It seemed a fun way to spend a few hours during lockdown and create an individual piece. We’re really looking forward to visiting the family in Ireland as soon as we can safely travel again but in the meantime we have all been doing little “creative challenges” then via video call having a catch up & sharing our work. Karen x"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Hi Karen - thank you so much for sending a photo of the fabulous Herbie, which I've just popped onto the Craft Course page of the Clay Hare Sculpture Kit. He is such fun and I'm still smiling. Thank Leo again for letting me use the photo - I'm so glad it's reignited his love of art and sculpture. Keep up the 'creative challenges'! Jo ;-)"

6 Apr 21'

Donna Teasdale reviewed: Small outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit (30cm) with full video instructions by Jo Garden Art

"My husband had bought me a Craft Courses Voucher and due to covid 19 I was struggling to find a course that I could do safely and that didn't involve travelling far due to restrictions. I then stumbled upon Jo Garden Art and got myself a bronze hare sculpture kit. The kit arrived super quick and came with everything you need to complete the sculpture, there were also details of links to the online video's that went through step by step for completing the sculpture. I enjoyed every minute and am looking to do another one as I enjoyed doing this so much! Would definitely recommend!!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"So glad you enjoyed the plaster hare kit Donna ;-) It's exactly the same products as we use in the One Day Hare workshops. Perhaps you need to progress to the larger version!!! Ironically easier to make as less small areas to reach into! They are addictive ;-) Jo x"

6 Apr 21'

Lucinda reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"Just wanted to say a big thank you for the excellent instructions online and the products you sent in the kit. I’ve had a fab time learning the process and making the hare, it’s been quite intriguing! Thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to attend a workshop in the future when we can move about and everyone is safe, at your studio. I’ve done quite a few art workshops as I like to paint/draw, but I will say that few are as concise and relaxing as yours. I enjoyed the gilding part I’ve never done that before. Really enjoyed the polishing bit. It was amazing watching it start to pop! It’s been great. I'll send a picture of Mr Hare separately to your email, so you can see what I’ve done ?."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thanks for this review Lucinda - and also sending a photo of your fabulous finished hare. You really nailed the gilding part! As you say, the moment the gilt goes on the hare comes to life. It's always a magical moment in the workshops ;-) I'm sure your Mum is delighted you loved her present to you! Jo x"

28 Mar 21'

Ingrid reviewed: Large outdoor plaster hare sculpture kit

"Purchased a craft kit as a birthday present for sister in the Far North (Caithness, not Greenland!). Jo’s given us lots of help and ideas. Can’t wait to see it in the garden!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for letting me know the large hare kit 'loped its way safely' to north Scotland. I'm sure your sister will have great fun making it and hopefully will soon be moongazing and watching the Northern Lights!"

24 Mar 21'

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

"I and some friends went to Jo’s very first hare sculpture day workshop back in 2019 and I put a review on at that time as we all enjoyed ourselves so much. Unfortunately my leaping hare was badly damaged in an accident so I contacted Jo to see if he could be repaired. Luckily I live fairly close to her studio and she took him in and did a ‘Repair Shop’ makeover, which she made a video of. My hare repair is now on youtube and he is famous! He is now back on my sideboard fully restored – thank you Jo!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"My pleasure Sarah ;-) That workshop seems an eternity ago! It was fun locating the photos I took of you making your hare which I included in the video - thank you again for letting me put them in. The video can be found on youtube and my website. Really pleased he is back on your sideboard. Jo x"

23 Mar 21'

Catherine W reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"Bought the hare kit, along with the sleeping cat kit, a few weeks ago, was a really good experience. The YouTube video was great to follow and any issues Jo responded very swiftly and was a great help. The instructions and kit was everything you needed, you just added the coffee and cake!! Will be purchasing again - the dog one next I think. Hoping to visit in person in the near future. Thanks Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Ah ha! Here is the cake once more ;-) - thank you Catherine! I loved the photos of your hare along with little basket of carrots made with the spare clay - an inspiration! (was the cake Carrot Cake?). Would love to meet you in the summer. Jo x"

23 Mar 21'

Catherine W reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"Bought the sleeping cat kit a few weeks ago, was a really good experience. The YouTube video was great to follow and any issues Jo responded very swiftly and was a great help. The instructions and kit was everything you needed, you just added the coffee and cake!! Will be purchasing again and hoping to visit in the near future. Thanks Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Catherine ;-) and thanks for sending your great photos through (including little mouse!). I like the idea of coffee & cake (on Slimming World at moment, so cake is making me heady!). Jo x"

23 Mar 21'

Paula reviewed: Sculpt your own faithful dog!

"I was bought this as a present after my lovey labrador Dylan passed away. Despite having no natural artistic ability, I followed the video and was delighted with my finished Dylan. He was a black labrador and my friend had contacted Jo to see if she would put black paint in instead of bronze which she did. There was clay left over and I made a tiny food bowl to sit beside him as he was always hungry! He is now on my kitchen window ledge and we have a chat everytime I washup. Would recommend this kit very much even if you think you have no creative skill!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to place a review Paula ;-) So sorry to hear about your loss, but glad you were pleased with how your Dylan sculpture turned out - really like the little food bowl idea! Jo x"

19 Mar 21'

Angela reviewed: Family & Friends 4 x bronze clay sleeping cat - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"I was brought the family sleeping cat sculpture kit for my birthday. We completed them in stages over 4 weekends during lockdown and thoroughly enjoyed spending time together making them. I don't think my husband or son would have considered attending a craft course but enjoyed making them at home. The instructions were clear and comprehensive but the cats are very definitely individuals. A strange lockdown birthday but a lovely reminder of spending time together as a family. An excellent craft course and would highly recommend it."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Angela! You made my day when your review and the photo you sent came through on my email ;-) As you said, despite the same materials and instructions everyone made completely different cats (and little mice with the left over clay!). So glad you had some special time together as a family. Jo x"

14 Mar 21'

Maggie reviewed: Sculpt your own faithful dog!

"Just to say how much I’m enjoying using your kit to make a sculpt of my friend’s whippet as a surprise for her birthday. Your instructions are very clear though getting good photos of her dog without her knowing has been very challenging! I wondered if you could tell me where to buy the clay you include in the kit. I do some figurative sculpting with air drying clay but it’s more groggy and I like the finer texture of your clay, especially for smaller works. Many thanks, Maggie"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Maggie ;-) Yes, the clay is a good quality one - I have sent an email with all the product information. Jo x"

8 Mar 21'

Susan Vanner reviewed: Sculpt your own faithful dog!

"Have just completed the dog and all I can say is what a fabulous thing to do. You receive everything you need and the YouTube video is very clear and you can do it in real time. It’s fun and relaxing which is what we all need at this moment in time."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Susan! I'm loving your sculpture of Henry - thank you for letting me use the photo you sent. As you say, we are all needing some relaxation ;-)"

2 Mar 21'

Dawn reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"Really enjoyed this kit, my first attempt and very impressed with my finished creation. Will definitely do another one or two. Would be a great afternoon spent with friends or family and lots of fun in the process."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Dawn ;-) Messing with clay is so relaxing and I loved your finished hare with its enormouse ears!!!"

26 Feb 21'

Heidi reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"Another fantastic kit! Enjoyed doing this socially distanced with friends over zoom, great way to switch off and relax. Really pleased with the results too. Great, prompt service from Jo, everything you need is in the kit, instructions are very clear and easy to follow, as is the video tutorial. 5 *'s from us!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Wow Heidi & gang - thank you so much for the photos of the amazing cats you created! They are now featured as a collage on the Craft Course page for the 'Family & Friends' kit. Just gorgeous results - thank you again for sharing them with me ;-) Jo xx"

19 Feb 21'

Deborah reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"I really enjoyed making my hare (photo attached) and found the whole process very relaxing!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you for the photo Deborah! So glad you enjoyed the experience, Jo x"

18 Feb 21'

Carolyn reviewed: Bronze hare kit using air-drying clay - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"My daughter loved the hare kit which I gave her for Christmas!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you so much Carolyn for letting me know your gift was enjoyed! Jo x"

16 Feb 21'

Kitty reviewed: Family & Friends 4 x bronze clay sleeping cat - including on-line video with Jo Garden Art

"A mixed group of 9 family and friends got together virtually to make our hare and sleeping cat sculptures. The kits were fantastic, containing everything we needed. The instructions were extremely well written and the extra resource of the training video meant that everyone knew what to do. We all produced unique and pleasing sculptures, even the least experienced among us! We are delighted with the whole experience. Thank you Jo!"

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you and your family and friends for such a lovely review Kitty ;-) And also for the awesome photos! I never thought someone would make a hare standing on his hind legs from the clay kit!! 'Virtual' sculpting parties are such fun. Jo x"

15 Feb 21'

Becca Asquith reviewed: Bronze clay sculpture kit: sleeping cat

"I loved this sleeping cat kit. The kit was really well thought out, everything you need is included which made it super simple to get started. The accompanying youtube tutorial is very clear & really well paced, you can just let it run as you do your sculpture in real time -you don’t have to keep pausing and rewinding. And the results were great! I’m amazed at how well it turned out! It was loads of fun to make & really relaxing. I’m definitely going to buy some more kits from Jo."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Becca ;-) So happy you found the process relaxing - we need that at the moment! When I check the videos I play them at double speed and can still understand what I'm saying - I did not realise I spoke so slowly! Jo x"

15 Feb 21'

Cathy reviewed: Bronze clay duo 'Hare' & 'Sleeping Cat' sculpting kit

"We loved this kit so much ! We have never done anything like this before and thought it would end up a bit of a mess but this kit is so carefully thought out that it really helps you every step of the way . We had great fun doing our cats together (we asked for 2 cats instead of a hare and a cat) and found it extremely relaxing . I never usually take time out to do things like this and I decided I should do it more often . We are going to try a hare and a dog next . The kits are extremely organised and the instructions so clear with a really well paced and thought out video that you can play as you are working on it . I will get some more kits for us to use but I will also get some as gifts as I think they make a really sweet and fun present ."

Jo Garden Art responded:

"Thank you Cathy - really pleased you managed to find some 'zen' time doing something new. Sculpting in clay is very tactile and absorbing (and quite addictive!) Jo x"